The Los Angeles County Dept. of Public Health (Public Health) has confirmed 56 new deaths and 1,225 new cases of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Thirty-eight people who died were over the age of 65, 15 people who died were between the ages of 41 and 65, and two people who died were between the ages of 18 and 40 years old. Forty-four people had underlying health conditions including 33 people over the age of 65, 10 people between the ages of 41 and 65 years old and one person between the ages of 18 and 40. One death was reported by the City of Long Beach. In the City of Glendale, there are 1,071 cases reported; in Sunland 166 cases reported; in Tujunga 135 cases reported. In the unincorporated portion of La Crescenta/Montrose, 34 cases were reported.

To date, Public Health has identified 65,822 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of LA County, and a total of 2,707 deaths. Ninety-three percent of people who died had underlying health conditions. Of those who died, information about race and ethnicity is available for 2,512 people (99 percent of the cases reported by Public Health).

Upon further investigation, 47 cases and four deaths reported earlier were not LA County residents. As of today, 6,998 people who tested positive for COVID-19 (11% of positive cases) have been hospitalized at some point during their illness. There are 1,453 people who are currently hospitalized, 29% of these people are in the ICU and 22% are on ventilators. Testing capacity continues to increase in LA County, with testing results available for over 720,000 individuals and 8% of people testing positive.

“Many families across our communities are experiencing the sorrow of losing someone they love to COVID-19. We are so sorry for your loss, and we think of you and pray for you every day,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, director of Public Health. “It is important for us to remember that 83% of people testing positive for COVID-19 are under the age of 66. People who are positive can spread the virus fairly easily to others, even if they don’t have any symptoms. Take care of each other by always wearing your face covering and keeping your distance when around others not in your household. “

Because more people being around one another can result in more transmission of COVID-19, everyone should always wear a face covering securely over their nose and mouth and keep six feet apart from others not in their household when out and about. Businesses must continue to implement their physical distancing and infection control protocols that protect both employees and customers. If anyone has been in a crowded setting where people are congregating who are not using face coverings or distancing, or if you had close contact (within six feet for greater than 15 minutes) with non-household members who were not wearing face coverings, please consider the following:

• If you live with persons who are elderly or have high-risk conditions, you should also maintain a six-foot distance and wear a face covering when you are with them at home, avoid preparing food for others, sharing utensils, bedding and towels, and increase cleaning and disinfecting of common surfaces.
• Consider getting tested for COVID-19 if you have been exposed to someone who is positive or likely positive.

Individuals who are tested too soon after being exposed are less likely to test positive because their viral load may be undetectable to the test. Testing negative for COVID-19 right after being exposed does not mean you can’t become infected later during the incubation period. If anyone was possibly exposed to someone with COVID-19, and the test result is negative, they should remain at home for 14 days to prevent spreading illness to others.

COVID-19 testing is prioritized for hospitalized patients, healthcare workers, and first responders with symptoms, as well as residents and employees, both symptomatic and asymptomatic, in longterm care facilities or other congregate living settings where there are outbreaks. Additionally, Public Health recommends testing for anyone who is older or has underlying health conditions with symptoms, as well as people who have been close contacts of people who are positive for COVID-19.  Anyone with symptoms should consider testing as well.

For more information on how to get tested, visit covid19.lacounty.gov/testing.

A Glendale man pleaded guilty today, Wednesday, to a federal fraud charge for opening more than a dozen bank accounts knowing that they would be used to launder fraudulently obtained tax refunds obtained by filing tax returns under stolen identities.

Armen Martirosyan, 62, pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud. After federal agents interviewed him in connection with this case, Martirosyan fled the United States before he was named in a federal grand jury indictment filed in November 2017. He ultimately was arrested in Colombia and was extradited to the United States in August 2018 to face the criminal charges in this case.

Martirosyan admitted in his plea agreement that in April 2009 he opened a bank account in his name at a Bank of America branch in Glendale, knowing that it would be used to deposit tax refunds that had been fraudulently obtained using stolen identities. The IRS deposited $189,000 in 24 fraudulently obtained tax refunds into that account. Martirosyan signed blank checks from that account, which he then gave to other schemers.

According to the plea agreement, Martirosyan opened 14 other bank accounts that were similarly used in the scheme. He also admitted to using some of the money in those accounts for personal expenditures, including credit card payments, rent and Amazon charges.

According to court records, the bank accounts that Martirosyan had opened were used to receive and launder more than $1,866,000 in stolen tax refund proceeds.

In addition, Martirosyan admitted to filing a false federal income tax return for himself for tax year 2012, which falsely reported that he had worked for a national retailer. The false tax return resulted in a fraudulent refund of $9,900.

United States District Judge John F. Walter scheduled an Aug. 24 sentencing hearing at which time Martirosyan will face a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison.

This case is related to an underlying stolen identity refund fraud (SIRF) scheme that involved conspirators who used false identities and fake Republic of Armenia passports to open hundreds of bank accounts used to launder funds fraudulently received from the IRS. Approximately 20 defendants, including ex-Wells Fargo Bank manager Hakop Zakaryan and Glendale lawyer Arthur S. Charchian, have been charged in that scheme, which involved approximately 7,000 fraudulent tax returns that cumulatively sought about $38 million in refunds. The IRS issued about $14 million in fraudulent refunds. The fraudulent tax returns were filed and the bank accounts were opened with personal identifying information that had been stolen from thousands of victims.

The federal investigation into the SIRF scheme has resulted in 12 convictions, and the seizure of at least five residential properties worth millions of dollars, and more than $700,000 from bank accounts. Four defendants remain fugitives from justice, and one defendant is scheduled to go to trial later this year.

This matter was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation, the FBI, and Homeland Security Investigations. IRS Criminal Investigation and HSI attachés in Bogota and Columbian law enforcement provided considerable assistance relating to the capture of Martirosyan. The United States Marshals Service assisted in the extradition of Martirosyan.

Los Angeles County is moving forward on the Roadmap to Recovery and reopening key economic and community sectors, including day camps, fitness centers, spectator-free professional sports, museums, campgrounds and entertainment production.

In the most comprehensive reopening since strict public health guidelines were put in place in March, today, Wednesday, the Los Angeles Dept. of Public Health announced that the Health Officer Order will be modified tomorrow, Thursday, to include infection control and distancing requirements for re-opening the following sectors on June 12:

• Gyms and fitness facilities
• Professional sports without live audiences
• Day camps
• Museums, galleries, zoos and aquariums
• Campgrounds, RV parks and outdoor recreation
• Music, film and television production
• Hotels, lodging and short-term rentals for tourism and individual travel

The County continues to monitor the spread of the virus and the capacity of the healthcare system to provide residents with essential services.

With these reopenings, Los Angeles County will be in Phase 3 of the state’s Resilience Roadmap.

However, this major step forward does not mean the threat of COVID-19 is gone. Residents must continue to practice physical distancing, wear cloth face coverings and follow public health directives.

If at any time the County’s rate of infection and other key metrics demonstrate a rapid acceleration of new cases that threatens to overwhelm the healthcare system, the Dept. of Public Health and the Board of Supervisors may need to limit future re-openings or close reopened sectors.

Going to the gym, visiting a museum or going to camp will be very different than it was before the pandemic. Each sector reopening will have strict infection control directives in place.

Just as is required for all out-of-home activities, visitors and staff will have to practice physical distancing and wear cloth face coverings. There will be limited capacity and enhanced cleaning and disinfecting procedures. People feeling sick should stay home.

These additional re-openings follow other significant elements of the economy and community that have begun reopening and operating with limits and safeguards, including hair salons, barber shops, religious services, retail, restaurants, beaches and trails.

Still closed are nail salons, tattoo shops, bars and wineries, movie theaters, live performance theaters, entertainment centers, concert halls and venues, stadiums, arenas, gaming facilities, theme parks and festivals. Click here for a detailed list of what is open and closed in LA County.

Los Angeles County is still under a Safer At Work And In The Community Order and public and private gatherings of people outside of a single household unit are not permitted except for public protests and faith-based services.

Everyone must continue to follow physical distancing and infection control protocols and wear a cloth face covering when in contact with others not from your household.

The plans for reopening are part of a phased progression that provides residents, employees and customers with safety protections to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Los Angeles County Dept. of Public Health has confirmed 61 deaths due to COVID-19 bringing the total number of deaths in the County to 2,768, according to Public Health reported on June 10.

As of June 8, Glendale had reported 95 deaths, La Cañada Flintridge reported five deaths, Eagle Rock reported 16 deaths, Sunland reported 18 deaths and Tujunga reported 11 deaths. In the unincorporated areas of LA County, Altadena reported five deaths and La Crescenta/Montrose reported one death.

Public Health reported on June 10 1,275 new positive cases of COVID-19 bringing the total number of cases to 67,064 in LA County. The City of Glendale has reported 1,076 total cases, La Cañada Flintridge reported 55, Eagle Rock 205, Shadow Hills 11, Sunland reported 166 and Tujunga reported 135 cases. In the unincorporated areas of LA County Altadena has reported 174 cases and La Crescenta/Montrose 34 cases reported.

A modified Health Officer Order and directives for the reopening of additional businesses will be issued tomorrow with an effective date of June 12.  The Health Officer order will allow for the following sectors to reopen once they implement the required protocols for infection control and distancing:

• Gyms and fitness facilities
• Pro-league arenas without live audiences
• Day camps
• Museums, galleries, zoos and aquariums
• Campgrounds, RV parks and outdoor recreation
• Music, film and television production
• Hotels for leisure travel

As with all businesses that are permitted to reopen, the Health Officer Order contains protocols for reopening to ensure it is done as safely as possible for employees, customers and residents. Employees and visitors to these businesses will need to wear a cloth face covering when around other people and practice physical distancing of at least six feet at all times. It is so important for everyone to follow the directives and to do their part every day to keep everyone as safe as possible.

If anyone has been in a crowded setting, where people are congregating who are not using face coverings or distancing, or if you had close contact (within 6 feet for greater than 15 minutes) with non-household members who were not wearing face coverings please consider the following:

• Remain in your residence, away from others, in quarantine for 14 days.
• If you live with persons who are elderly or have high-risk conditions, you should also maintain a six-foot distance and wear a face covering when you are with them at home, avoid preparing food for others, sharing utensils, bedding and towels, and increase cleaning and disinfecting of common surfaces.
• Consider getting tested for COVID-19 if you have been exposed to someone that is positive or likely positive. Testing negative for COVID-19 right after being exposed does not mean you can’t become infected later during the incubation period.
• If anyone was possibly exposed to someone with COVID-19, and the test result is negative, they should remain at home for 14 days to prevent spreading illness to others.

For more information on how to get tested, visit: covid19.lacounty.gov/testing. The Health Officer Order, Reopening Protocols, COVID-19 Surveillance Interactive Dashboard, Roadmap to Recovery, Recovery Dashboard, and additional things you can do to protect yourself, your family and your community are on the Public Health website, www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond on Wednesday called on counseling groups across California to work together in a coordinated effort to expand services that can close gaps in mental health supports for students experiencing increased levels of trauma exacerbated by the pandemic.

During his weekly virtual media check-in, Thurmond called attention to emotional strains caused by the pandemic: Students are missing important, caring connections with their friends and teachers since school campus closures, and many are living in isolation and experiencing increased feelings of anxiety and depression. Youth across California are struggling to process their own grief and anger over issues of racial injustice while also under the strain of household circumstances such as food insecurity.

In the meantime, there are thousands of students across the state who have not checked in with their teachers since school campuses closed three months ago, Thurmond noted. And the California Dept. of Education (CDE) anticipates that the number of youths identifying as homeless could increase as the impacts of the pandemic continue.

Counseling and mental health groups that want to help are asked to email mentalhealth@cde.ca.gov.

“For months, students have experienced intense stress under the biggest challenges they may experience in a lifetime. Just as we are thinking about what academics look like for students in the weeks and months ahead, we must make sure that we prioritize the mental and emotional health of students who will likely be entering a very different school environment this fall,” said Thurmond. “I call on all of our leaders in the field of counseling, mental health, and social-emotional learning to join us in the effort to close gaps in these supports.”

To begin laying the groundwork for this effort, the State Superintendent has convened leaders from the California Association of School Counselors, the California Association of School Psychologists, and the California Alliance of Child and Family Services to begin sharing resources and ideas for creating a framework and securing resources for students in need.

Additionally, the CDE has numerous resources for educators, families, and students, including resources for students in crisis, students experiencing homelessness, and foster youth. CDE’s guidance for the safe reopening of schools also addresses ways to support the mental health and well-being of all.

July 5, 1926 – June 7, 2020

Regina “Jean” Marcella Russell, 93, of Tujunga passed away on June 7.

Jean was born to Joseph and Regina Monahan on July 5, 1926 in Providence, Rhode Island. Jean met her husband, William Russell, in Los Angeles. They married on April 18, 1953 and went on to have three children, Bill, Debbie and Pat. In 1963, they moved their family to Tujunga where Jean lived the remainder of her life.

Jean was a dedicated wife, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She had a love for traveling, camping, working in her garden, knitting, sewing, staying active and spending time with her family and her well-loved dog, Shao Bao. Throughout her entire life, she loved and cared for her family and friends, which shone through everyone who knew her.

Jean joins her husband and daughter in heaven. She is survived by her children Bill (wife Kathleen) and Pat (fiancé Leah); granddaughter Kimberley Roy (husband Craig); and great granddaughter Bailey Roy.

Funeral directors: www.CrippenMortuary.com

1981 – 2020

Alex was born on March 28, 1981 in Los Angeles. From the moment he was born, he was a spark of light for all those around him. 

Alex lived life to the fullest. His laughter and wit were contagious. He loved music and was a talented dancer. 

Since he was a young boy he was passionate about cars. In his last years he had discovered the game of golf, which he enjoyed playing with his compadre and his sons.

Alejandro had three loves in this world: his children Isaac, Victoria and Ethan. They were his pride and joy. Alex made sure that he did everything he could for his children and he always looked forward to the time spent with them.

Alejandro “Alex” Madrid leaves behind three children: Isaac, Victoria and Ethan; his brother Kristian; sister Marion; and mother Maria.

On Friday, May 22, Alex was laid to rest at Glen Haven Cemetery.

Directed by Crippenmortuary.com

The ballots are in! The Kiwanis Club of La Cañada announced Harriet Hammons as the La Cañadan of the Year for her outstanding volunteer work spanning over 50 years. 

Many Kiwanians have witnessed first-hand as Hammons demonstrated her dedication to helping others and igniting positivity throughout the foothills community. Hammons hit all the high marks as the nomination criteria embodied what she has been doing for decades: serving the youth/schools, church or house of worship, assisting clubs, performing civic activities and providing leadership while bringing high praise to La Cañada Flintridge and the surrounding neighborhoods. 

Since 1970, Hammons has been a member of La Cañada United Methodist Church serving in many capacities including as a past president of the United Methodist Women. She earned numerous distinctions, among them the United Methodist, California-Pacific Conference, Distinguished Service Award in 2011 and she received the United Methodist Women National Special Mission Award in 2014. She also lends her convivial spirit as a head usher, a position she has held for the past six years.

Since 2004, Hammons has been a member and ambassador of the La Cañada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce and Community Association, earning her the coveted Ambassador of the Year Award in 2013 and 2017 for being the most active volunteer among her peers. She was also recognized with the Spirit Award in 2019.

She has served as a director on the Montrose/Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce from 2008-12 and was the honored with the President’s Award in 2012, and the Endearment Award in both 2011 and 2004.

An avid Boy Scouts of America enthusiast, Hammons has logged in 34 years of volunteer service and recently received the Verdugo Hills Council’s 2020 Wall of Excellence Award. She began her volunteer work in 1986 as a cubmaster and parent in the Boy Scouts of America.  That same year, she took on a leadership role in the Verdugo Hills Council, a post she serves on to this day. Presently she is a unit commissioner and merit badge counselor, a role she has thrived in since 1999. Among her many volunteer highlights, Hammons was an executive staff member at five World Scout Jamborees in 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 & 1995. Since the beginning, Hammons has been the recipient of many awards and distinctions from the Boy Scouts, including the 2001 International Scouter Award. In addition, she has enjoyed working double-duty by being an active parent in the Girl Scouts of America from 1980 to 1992, and then as an assistant leader from 1981 to 1996.

Other organizations have also recognized Hammons’ contributions including La Cañada Flintridge Coordinating Council, which presented her with the 2014 Les Tupper Community Volunteer Service Award. In addition, for the past 41 years Hammons has been an active member of the La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses, participating in various activities, including the Under the Bridge team week since 1988. Additionally, for the past 15 years she has lent her support to the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station, National Crime Prevention Night Out.

Hammons is an active member of the Kiwanis Club of La Cañada, helping to make a difference in the community since 2004. Right away the Club acknowledged her keen contributions by naming her the Rookie of the Year in 2005. She was on the board from 2007 to 2009, and chaired the Children’s Literacy Project from 2004-17. She also chaired the Kiwanis International Division 3, Children’s Literacy Program from 2005-09; and was heralded in 2012 when she received the Distinguished Service Award and the Walter Zeller Project Eliminate International Award. 

Hammons is an inspiration to others as she continually looks for ways to give back to the community she dearly loves.

The presentation ceremony of 2019 La Cañadan of the Year Award to Harriet Hammons will be announced at a later date.

This Week at LCIF

Lutheran Church in the Foothills continues to offer “Couch Church” for the foreseeable future. This week’s service will be live streamed on Sunday at 10 a.m. on the church’s Facebook page –facebook.com/Lcifoothills/videos. After the live stream, the service can be found at www.lcifoothills.org. This week, Pastor Scott Peterson will lead the service with a sermon on “Living in the Reuleaux Triangle.”

All are invited on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. for an interactive time of prayer and Scripture via Zoom. Details are available by contacting the church office.

Bulletins for children and adults (along with games for children and a Bible quiz for adults) are also available on the website. For more information on these and other activities, please email the church at office@lcifoothills.org or call (818) 790-1951. The church building is located at 1700 Foothill Blvd. in La Canada Flintridge.

Lutheran Church in the Foothills, the “touchdown church,” is located at 1700 Foothill Blvd. For more information, call (818) 790-1951 or visit www.lcifoothills.org.

La Crescenta Presbyterian Opens Doors for Public Worship

La Crescenta Presbyterian Church will open its doors for public worship beginning Sunday, June 14. Three in-person worship opportunities will be offered, all following social distancing and sanitation guidelines set forth by the state and county.

At the 9 a.m. contemporary service, worshipers may gather in the LCPC sanctuary or in the outdoor courtyard. The outdoor location offers a friendly, worshipful setting for those seeking a higher level of precaution: temperatures will be taken, distancing will be greater and masks will be mandatory.

Worshipers at the 9 a.m. services will enjoy music by The Blessed, the same band featured in LCPC services posted at lcpc.net every Sunday. At 11 a.m., worshipers will enjoy classical music in the LCPC sanctuary.

At all in-person services, families with children or youth are invited to worship together. Separate rooms adjacent to the services will be available for young children and parents.

For those who wish to worship online, La Crescenta Presbyterian will continue to post services at lcpc.net.

For more information about LCPC policies to protect the health and safety of our congregation, visit lcpc.net. La Crescenta Presbyterian Church, located at 2902 Montrose Ave. in La Crescenta, can be reached by phone at (818) 249-6137.

Walk and Word

Walk and Word on Sunday mornings, a time to discover Scripture while hiking Deukmejian Park, is on hiatus until further notice.

For more information, contact Jean Lavieri at (818) 383-3137 or email jnlavieri@earthlink.net.

Catholics Invited

ICF, the Italian Catholic Federation, is looking for members. ICF is a family-oriented, non-profit fraternal organization dedicated to promoting activities that build faith and family spirit and bring men, women and children of all ages together. The branch members extend an invitation to La Crescenta, Tujunga and Sunland Catholics to join the local ICF branch and share your culture, heritage and religious beliefs. The only prerequisite for joining is being Catholic. Our members are from many ethnics groups.

ICF is active in various cultural events throughout the state, supports local parishes, and provides various charities with financial and other support. ICF members believe in proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ through community and spiritual actions, activities and camaraderie.

Members do not need to be Italian to join or participate in ICF’s evangelical and charitable work, but must be Catholic. Call (818) 952-1969 for more information.

QUESTIONS: I’m 19 and in my second year of college. My parents never took my sister and me to church, although both were raised Christian. After searching, I finally found a church whose teachings are helpful to me and I eventually plan to join that church. My parents are against me joining the church and tell me things like I have to tithe, help out at the church, etc.

None of their reasons concern me. I’m happy to tithe once I’m out of college and have a job. I love my parents. They have provided a nice home and support for my sister and me, but I don’t feel I owe it to them to give up a spiritual home I’ve finally found. Is there a caring, loving way I can ask them to please stop the nagging? ~New Believer

Hello, New Believer,

A growing spirituality is an important piece of learning to live in today’s world. There is so much going on that makes us ask the “big” questions about meaning and worth that it is always helpful to have someone to walk along with on that path. I wonder why your parents are advising against joining this new community. Maybe they had a negative experience in the past with a community of faith they belonged to. You could ask them about it and see why they are concerned with your situation.

The church I belong to never “requires” someone to tithe or to help out. We do ask that a person contribute and attend once at least every two years in order to fulfill the governing documents requirements for membership. Participation is encouraged as it gives an opportunity for engaging in acts of service and conversations of caring and we discuss the spiritual aspects of financial generosity, but it is always so that our lives of faith may grow and flourish.

I encourage you to invite them to this new community of faith you have found, if that is possible. Let them meet the people there, let them see how it makes you feel, let them see how it makes you engage even more in the wider community. Their judgment about what churches “require” may be something that can be changed by seeing this new family of faith you have found. Remind them that you are not giving up one family for another (the new church), but rather let them know that your family is expanding and you are now getting to meet your distant “cousins in Christ” and you hope that they can find the joy that you have found in being part of a community of faith.

Blessings on finding a community of faith!

Pastor Scott Peterson

pastor@lcifoothills.org

Dear New Believer,

I’m happy to learn you found a place where you feel comfortable and have the spiritual support you desire. Attending to your spiritual needs is a beautiful way to promote overall wellbeing and live in balance and positivity. Sadly, not everyone shares that sentiment and may even mistrust faith-based organizations.

Your parents may believe as Christians but take exception to affiliations with groups, churches and organizations due to past hurts of their own. Some believe our freedoms are compromised when the “church” asks for tithes and help. Scripture is very clear about the meaning and execution of both as something we do because of our love for God. Malachi 3:10 shows us the blessings from tithe: “Bring all the tithes (the tenth) into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you [so great] a blessing until there is no more room to receive it.” (AMP)

It sounds like you love and honor your parents and appreciate the way they’ve supported you throughout your lifetime. As an adult, you have the responsibility to make your own choices and feel empowered in the process. Sometimes it’s tough for parents to accept the fact that they did a great job raising healthy, sensitive and discerning children. Letting go seems to be counterintuitive to their efforts in the protecting role that they’ve come to appreciate as their own. Change can be challenging. Change that involves releasing our children to make their own decisions can be terrifying, particularly in this volatile time in our nation’s history.

My thoughts draw me to communication. You might consider having an honest and transparent conversation with them thanking them for all they’ve done for you, and for loving and supporting you throughout your lifetime. These statements may be followed by sharing your desire for a more fulfilling spiritual life and the great blessing you have in finding a church family where you can grow and experience God’s love in a safe and nurturing environment. 

Maybe you would then consider assuring them that you’re still the same wonderful person they raised as you continue developing a rich and robust character based on the values they instilled in you. Words shared honestly in love and acceptance have power and the potential to promote understanding.

“But instead we will remain strong and always sincere in our love as we express the truth. All our direction and ministries will flow from Christ and lead us deeper into Him, the anointed Head of his body, the church.” Ephesians 4:15 (TPT)

You may want to reassure them that you haven’t made the decision lightly and that you’d appreciate it if they would trust your ability to make appropriate choices in your life based on the values with which they raised you.

You’ve got this!

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

Be Well & Be Blessed!

Lucinda Guarino

lucindaguarino1@gmail.com

QUESTIONS: Since the shelter-in-place orders, I’ve been working at home, home schooling our two children, ages 10 and 12, doing the housework – our housekeeper won’t go into others’ homes because of the virus – cooking and trying to stay positive. My husband helps as much as he can and is also working from home; however, his job is more demanding. He works at least 12 hours a day. I am really stressed and do my best to not let our children nor my husband know how I’m feeling.

My question is: Is God really watching over us? If He is, then, what’s the reason this is all happening? I pray for some relief and it seems my prayers are not being answered. I have friends who are in similar situations.

~ Overwhelmed Mom

Dear Overwhelmed Mom,

This recent season has been very difficult for pretty much everyone. COVID-19, and its resulting quarantine, has changed everyone’s world. Your question is on the hearts of many: “Is God really watching over us?” Yes, He is! His love is constant and unfailing. His Word says, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies (compassion) never come to an end. They are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)

We need to draw on His heart and strength daily.
Why is this happening? The truth is we live in a very broken world that continues to break down more every day, and things do not always go as well as we would like. Stress levels are at an all-time high with most of us having to adapt to new situations, responsibilities and challenges. Rather than getting more and more overwhelmed and frustrated, speak up and take some practical steps to address the situation. You, your husband and children are a family. A family pulls together, strategizes and works through challenges, especially in times like these. This is an opportunity for family unification and bonding rather than division and frustration.
Have a family meeting. After praying together, each of you share his/her stresses and feelings about your situation. You may be surprised that they feel the same way. Make a list of tasks to be done and divvy them up. Your children are old enough to take on some extra responsibilities. Among other things you all come up with, they could help you clean house and prepare meals. In fact, meal prep can become part of their home school training (it uses math and science).

Daily, I would encourage you to take some [time] with God yourself. Let Him embrace you into His loving heart. His Word says, “Let us not grow weary in doing good for in due season we will reap, if we don’t lose heart.” (Gal. 6:9). Let His grace, mercy and reassurance that you and all your family are precious to Him help you navigate this season as you depend on His strength.

Praying for strength and unity for your family,

Pastor Tim Beck

snoopytpb@gmail.com

Dear Overwhelmed Mom,

First: breathe in, breathe out; you are not alone! Yes, God is really watching over us. In fact, God is not watching from a million miles away but from right here where we are – right there where you are. God is
in this with us, and God knows every thought, every feeling, every wish, every dream, every prayer in our hearts. When we pray, God hears and answers, immediately. The challenge is that we humans are so connected to instant gratification, instant relief, instant comfort that we have lost our capacity for patience. 

While God never answers, “No,” God often answers, “Not yet” or “Not now” and we feel abandoned or rejected. The important
detail we humans often miss is that God is not wearing a wristwatch – God only experiences one moment of time, and it is infinite, so “Hurry!” has no meaning in spirit. 

Every moment is now to God. The good news is that when we pray for strength, we get challenges that build our strength; when we ask for patience (I am still laughing at myself for this one), we get delays that teach us patience; when we ask for love, we get opportunities to give love so that we can really feel it.

In this current situation, we are being given the opportunity to rest in faith, to stop doing and take time to just be. The moms among us are finding new ways to take care of ourselves as we care for our homes and families by doing a couple of things: cutting ourselves some slack (if the house looks lived-in, it’s because that’s exactly what’s happening) and cutting the rest of the world some slack (we are all in this together, we all need help and understanding, and we can ask for it). When your prayer seems unanswered, perhaps it’s time to call time-out for the family, sit down together for a moment or two, breathe in
and breathe out quietly and peacefully for just a few minutes, and then smile, stand up, hug one another; remember, family is made by love, not just by DNA. We don’t know the why of COVID, but we do know that there is a blessin’ in every lesson, and that’s a Divine guarantee. We will get through this, we will grow through this. So, keep breathing, keep loving, keep praying and know that God is always right where you are – God’s got your back!

Love and blessings,

Rev. Sharri Johnson

revsharri@oneheartretreatcenter.org

June 7

1200 block of Green Lane in La Cañada Flintridge, a man stated he received an alarm notification early in the morning. He reviewed the surveillance footage and saw an unknown male suspect walk down his driveway and past one of the vehicles. The suspect manipulated the door handle for a few seconds and somehow gained entry into the locked vehicle. The suspect searched the interior of the vehicle for several minutes then exited. He then walked over to three other vehicles in the driveway and peered into the windows.

The incident occurred at 12:13 a.m.

June 6

2900 block of Frances Avenue in La Crescenta, a man reported receiving a text message on his work phone that stated because he had harassed several girls money needed to be sent to an address in Redondo Beach or he, along with his family, would be killed. The text message also contained photos of dismembered body parts and stated the sender knew where the victim lived. The victim stated the text message was not addressed to him but he was concerned he was in danger and did not send any money to the location listed.

The call was reported at 7:27 a.m.

June 2

100 block of Berkshire Place in La Cañada, deputies responded to a burglary alarm at a church. Surveillance video showed a suspect, described as a male Hispanic, between the ages of 18 and 22, 5’9” to 5’10” tall, weighing about 200 lbs. on the church campus. He hopped a wall, walked to a window on the side of the building and entered the church. That is when the alarm appeared to have been activated. He was then seen coming out of the building without apparently stealing anything and ran through the church campus and out of view.

The incident occurred at 4:26 p.m.

2600 block of Foothill Boulevard in La Crescenta, the rear passenger window was broken and a laptop computer and computer bag were stolen from a vehicle between 3:45 p.m. and 3:55 p.m.

On June 3, 2020, at approximately 8:30 PM, officers assigned to the Special Enforcement Detail conducted a traffic stop in the area of Central Ave and Wilson Ave on a vehicle with no front license plate.  The driver, identified as 27-year-old Javier Ramirez of Los Angeles, was found to be driving on a suspended license.  Subsequent investigation revealed that Ramirez was in possession of a loaded revolver along with a large quantity of marijuana, over $8,000 in cash, individually bagged quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine and illegally possessed prescription drugs.  Ramirez was arrested and booked for being in possession of a firearm with a controlled substance along with transportation and sales of illegal drugs amongst other charges.

Just over an hour later, on a separate investigation, Special Enforcement Detail officers contacted a group near a retaining wall on the 1300-block of E Harvard St that were out past the ordered curfew and had open alcoholic containers around them.  As they did so, one male who the officers recognized as an admitted gang member from previous contacts, identified as 18-year-old Brandon Legaspi of Glendale, took off running.  Legaspi went in between two parked vehicles and officers heard the sound of a heavy object striking the concrete.  Legaspi continued running as an officer chased him on foot and detained him.  Another officer recovered a loaded handgun from in between the parked vehicles mentioned above.  Legaspi was arrested for carrying a loaded firearm in public and was booked into custody.

On June 3, 2020, at approximately 4:30 PM, officers assigned to the Downtown Policing Unit conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle in the area of Central Ave and Wilson Ave.  The driver, identified as 47-year-old John Godosis of Culver City, was found to be in possession of over $4,000 in cash, along with several access cards belonging to other people and a receipt from a grocery store showing that one of those cards had been used to purchase items earlier in the day. 

The passenger, identified as 48-year-old Panagiotis Godosis, admitted to just being released from County Jail a few hours prior to this stop and was found to be on probation.  A search of the vehicle revealed a bag containing a digital scale along with 28 individually packaged baggies of suspected cocaine.  John and Panagiotis Godosis were subsequently arrested for transportation and possession of illegal drugs for sales and were booked into custody.  John Godosis was additionally booked on a felony identity theft charge.  Both males were later released from custody with a notice to appear in court due to the State of California’s emergency “Zero Dollar” bail schedule.

By Julie BUTCHER

Following the June 2 meeting of the Glendale City Council, the police department issued a comprehensive policy statement detailing its use of force and other policies compared to recommendations from Campaign Zero, a national police reform advocacy organization.

“The City of Glendale and the Glendale Police Department (GPD) have received many inquiries about our police department’s policies and how they may or may not meet some of the guidelines being advocated for by police reform organizations. We have re-examined our polices and feel that most, if not all, directly align with what is being asked for in the recommendations,” the statement read. Also referenced was a document titled Guiding Principles.

“The Glendale Police Department has and continues to work very hard to build relationships between those we serve, law enforcement and community leaders, yet we recognize that maintaining this trust is an ongoing effort,” states the Guiding Principles in part. “That is why Glendale regularly trains its police officers in responding to hate crimes, tactical communications, cultural diversity, and racial profiling, with the practice of de-escalation representing a critical component of the department’s arrest control and defensive tactics training for the last two decades.”

The department responded point-by-point to the report cited. The 2016 report (https://tinyurl.com/yda2xmwz) analyzed policies and outcomes of police departments and recommended actions to reduce police violence.

The organization rated every California police department. In 2016, Glendale received an ‘F’ grade (https://policescorecard.org/?city=glendale) as did the cities of Los Angeles and Pasadena and the LA County Sheriff Dept.; Burbank received a ‘D.’

In response, the Glendale police department shared its policies in detail (https://tinyurl.com/y9pk9f3f) that include current training outlines and policy manual.

By Robin Goldsworthy and Brandon Hensley

Protests and demonstrations continued in the nation and in the Crescenta Valley following the May 25 death of George Floyd. On Thursday at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital personnel participated in the nationwide “White Coats for Black Lives” movement. According to a statement from the hospital, medical staff was invited to come out and stand or take a knee for eight minutes and 46 seconds in solidarity for the black community demanding change.

In La Cañada on Sunday afternoon, the intersection of Angeles Crest and Foothill Boulevard was crowded with protestors waving signs and chanting in support of social justice. Most of the vocal protestors were teenagers and the event was peaceful. Most drivers appeared supportive by honking car horns – a sound that was heard for most of the protest.

During a march in Montrose last week, reportedly organized by high school and college students, there was an incident between protestors and Glendale police motor officers. According to witnesses, when the protestors were in the intersection of Verdugo Road and Honolulu Avenue they began asking the police to take a knee in solidarity and approached the motorcycle officers, who revved their engines. There were other actions taken by officers that witnesses at the protest said they felt were aggressive.

“We are aware of the incident and I have ordered an investigation,” said GPD Chief Carl Povilaitis. 

Students, teachers, parents and school staff join forces to create lifetime memories for this year’s graduates.

By Mary O’KEEFE

June is traditionally the time for promotion ceremonies for those moving from eighth grade to high school and commencements for students graduating from high school. The time frame is the same but this year’s events are anything but traditional.

Since spring break in March, the students of Glendale Unified School District have been practicing some form of virtual learning in observance of the Safer-at-Home Order due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At first there was hope students would be back at school by mid-May then it was the end of May and then it would certainly be by the end of the 2019-20 academic year. But the school year ended on a virtual note.

It seemed each day brought new challenges and new questions from how to take SAT [Scholastic Aptitude Test] and AP [Advanced Placement] tests to how students were to clean out their lockers in a social distancing responsible way. During this time parents, students and school staff were imagining how they would have promotion and commencement ceremonies. From early on there was talk of car parades but Los Angeles County prohibited any type of vehicle parade, so that was out. It wasn’t until May 25 when Public Health announced they would allow them … with restrictions.

Planning began in earnest throughout GUSD and on June 10 district high schools conducted their new mobile version of graduation. Crescenta Valley High School Principal Linda Junge had originally been talking to parents and students about a car parade prior to the County’s announcement; once the okay was given, plans were pulled together for her school’s graduates.

“The Friday that car parades and drive-through graduations were announced as allowable by LA County, I already knew that [a] critical mass of parents and students wanted this,” Junge said of when she and her staff began planning the parade. “Increasingly, over the weeks of quarantine, the tide of public opinion was clearly shifting. While a survey of the senior class in early April voiced a clear preference for a traditional in-person graduation it became increasingly clear that gathering 6,000 people in one space was not going to be possible for some time. Emails and calls continued to come in with greater numbers pleading for a celebration and for [distribution of] diplomas. This also came up repeatedly with parent and student leaders. Having less than two weeks to make it happen, I pulled plans together based on what surrounding school districts had done and based on specific asks in the many emails sent to me by parents and students in the proceeding weeks.”

The CVHS plan was brought together by several partnering organizations that provided feedback and refinement including the PTSA executive board, the Associated Student Body advisor, GUSD leaders, LA Sheriff’s Dept., Glendale police, the City of Glendale, CV Town Council and many other leaders including those from multiple chambers of commerce.

For Clark Magnet High School staff, it was a lot of work to pull something meaningful together in a short amount of time.

“The District gave us the ‘green light’ early last week and we have been rapidly deploying our team to make sure this is a memorable and classy event for our seniors,” said Assistant Principal Brian Landisi.

The schools are not only having a car parade but a virtual graduation as well.

“Our whole staff has been involved. We are particularly grateful to our clerical staff, custodians, counselors and Activities Director Shari Scott-Sawyer,” Landisi added.

There are 244 graduating seniors in the Class of 2020 at Clark Magnet High School. The seniors have performed 23,000 service hours. This year’s valedictorian is Edgar Sahakian.

There are 629 graduating seniors in the Class of 2020 at CVHS. The seniors have received over $1.3 million in scholarships and awards and, as of late April, have performed over 23,000 community service hours. That number is expected to change as the community service hours have yet to be updated.

Glendale High School valedictorian is David Chibukhchyan. He had a GPA of 4.48 and is attending UCLA in the fall.

“Congratulations to the Class of 2020. This class helped Glendale High School become a top Newsweek High School three years in a row, is sending more graduates than ever to prestigious universities and tackled tough issues like the Me Too movement and school violence,” said GHS Principal Benjamin Wolf. “I’m very proud of their achievements.”

When asked to share their perspective of the Class of 2020, Junge said, “I believe that Class of 2020 is resilient and uniquely positioned to contribute to our world in meaningful ways. They have experienced much already in their lives. They were born in the shadow of 9/11, and have experienced multiple wars and dramatic downturns in the economy, as well as locally losing their traditional homecoming last year, and now the pandemic and civil unrest related to outrage over George Floyd’s death. I have seen that these students are intelligent, articulate, compassionate, cause-oriented and believe they will be agents for positive change and progress in our community, our nation and the world.”

“Our seniors have persevered. This year has been filled with ups and downs, new memories, new events and many changes. Each senior will leave with a Clark Panthers alumni shirt to sport as they go out into the community and on to their next adventure,” Landis said. “All of the accolades we have received this year – U.S. News and World Report Best High Schools, Niche #2 High School in Los Angeles, California Green Achiever, U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School, Newsweek Top STEM High School – are a testament to their hard work and efforts. We are proud of these remarkable students and excited to see what they do next.”

Rosemont Middle School did not have a traditional promotion either. Instead, certificates were presented on Tuesday to students driven to the school by their parents. Entering from Los Olivos, they continued on the road following the cheers of teachers and staff. Driving onto the upper field, their certificates were given to them and then they made their way to the exit onto Raymond Avenue. Principal Scott Anderle felt that putting certificates, pins, awards and plaques in the mail for students may be problematic and he didn’t want anything to get delivered to the wrong address or be damaged.

Anderle said that many parents wanted their children to get out of their cars to pick up the certificates and promotion items.

“We have gone to great lengths so far to keep everyone healthy. We want to continue that with the certificate hand-out, maintaining maximum social distancing,” he said. “The Rosemont staff has spent a lot of time working on the virtual [promotion], which went live to the public on Wednesday.”

When asked to share his thoughts of the eighth grade 2020 class Anderle said, “If there is one word that I would use to describe Rosemont’s Class of 2020 it would be resilient. The Rosemont students have risen to every challenge that has been presented to them this year, and this resilience will serve the students well as they move into high school and beyond.”

To view the virtual graduations for CVHS, Clark Magnet High School, Glendale High School, Hoover High School and Daily High School, visit www.gusd.net.

Los Angeles County Dept. of Public Health on June 11confirmed 46 new deaths due to COVID-19 bringing the total in the County to 2,813.

As of June 9 the City of Glendale has reported 95 deaths due to COVID-19, La Cañada Flintridge continues to report five deaths, Eagle Rock reported 16 deaths, Sunland reported 18 deaths and Tujunga reported 11 deaths. In the unincorporated areas of LA County, Altadena has reported five deaths and La Crescenta Montrose has reported one death.

As of June 9, 8% of the 732,503 people who have been tested for COVID-19 have tested positive. This does not include those tested in Long Beach or Pasadena; each city has its individual public health offices.

There are an additional 1,857 new cases that tested positive for COVID-19 reported by LA County Public Health on June 11. This number includes Pasadena and Long Beach. The total number of those who have tested positive for COVID-19 across LA County is 68,875. This number includes 1,093 cases in Glendale, 56 in La Cañada Flintridge, 213 in Eagle Rock, 11 in Shadow Hills, 171 in Sunland and 137 in Tujunga. In the unincorporated areas of LA County, Altadena has reported a total of 178 positive cases of COVID-19 and Montrose-La Crescenta has reported 35 cases.

A modified Health Officer Order and directives for the reopening of additional businesses is being issued today with an effective date of June 12.  The Health Officer Order will allow for the following sectors to reopen once they implement the required protocols for infection control and distancing:

• Gyms and fitness facilities
• Pro-league arenas without live audiences
• Day camps
• Museums, galleries, zoos and aquariums
• Campgrounds, RV parks and outdoor recreation
• Music, film and television production
• Hotels for leisure travel

As with all businesses that are permitted to reopen, the Health Officer Order contains protocols for reopening to ensure it is done as safely as possible for employees, customers and residents. Employees and visitors to these businesses will need to wear a cloth face covering when around other people and practice physical distancing of at least six feet at all times. It is important for everyone to follow the directives and to do their part every day to keep everyone as safe as possible.

“Each day, we are thinking of the many people across LA County who have lost loved ones to COVID-19. You are in our prayers, and we hope you find healing during this difficult time,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, director of Public Health. “Reopening businesses and public spaces safely requires everyone to continue to make physical distancing, wearing cloth face coverings and other infection control practices a part of day-to-day life. We have shown that we can work together on slowing the spread of COVID-19, and we need to continue to do so through our recovery journey to prevent huge increases in cases, hospitalizations and deaths.”

USC Verdugo Hills Hospital released information concerning COVID-19 cases: As of June 11 there were seven patients confirmed with COVID-19 currently in the hospital, 120 patients have been sent home and 35 have been transferred. There are 57 patients who have tested negative for COVID-19 that are currently in the hospital, 1,376 have been sent home and 11 have been transferred. For patients with pending COVID-19 test results, 20 are currently hospitalized and five have been sent home.

On June 12, Los Angeles County Dept. of Public Health has confirmed 20 new deaths due to COVID-19 in the County. This brings the total to 2,832 deaths in all areas of LA County.

As of June 10 Glendale has reported 96 deaths due to COVID-19, La Cañada Flintridge reported six, Eagle Rock reported 16 deaths, Sunland has reported 18 deaths and Tujunga has reported 11 deaths. In the unincorporated areas of LA County, Altadena has reported six deaths and one death in La Crescenta/Montrose.

On June 12 the Public Health also released the numbers of new cases that had tested positive for COVID-19. There were 1,633 new cases across all areas of LA County being the total number of positive tests for COVID-19 to 70,476. This number includes 1,101 positive cases reported in Glendale, 56 cases reported in La Cañada Flintridge, 218 in Eagle Rock, 11 in Shadow Hills, 171 in Sunland and 137 cases in Tujunga. In the unincorporated areas of LA County, Altadena has reported 178 positive cases and La Crescenta/Montrose has reported 35 cases.

As of today [June 12], 7,250 people who tested positive for COVID-19 (11% of positive cases) have been hospitalized at some point during their illness. There are 1,389 people who are currently hospitalized, 29% of these people are in the ICU and 20% are on ventilators. Testing capacity continues to increase in LA County, with testing results available for over 761,000 individuals and 8% of people testing positive, according to Public Health.

Public Health has reported deaths and cases, for both residents and staff, with Residential Congregate settings in LA County. In the local areas as of June 12:

Eagle Rock
Ararat Convalescent Hospital has reported 16 staff members confirmed positive for COVID-19, six number of residents have tested positive and there have been three deaths.

Glendale
Autumn Hills Health Care Center has 24 staff members who tested positive for COVID-19, 53 residents have tested positive and there have been 14 deaths due to COVID-19.

Broadway Manor Care Center has three staff members and four residents who tested positive.

Chandler Convalescent Hospital has 12 staff members and 33 residents who tested positive and there have been eight deaths.

Glendale Healthcare Center has 11 staff members and 10 residents who tested positive and there have been three deaths.

Glenhaven Healthcare has 17 staff members and 18 residents who tested positive and there have been five deaths.

Glenoaks Convalescent Hospital has nine staff members and 52 residents who tested COVID-19 and there have been 13 deaths.

Griffith Park Health Care Center has one staff member and two residents who tested positive for COVID-19.

Leisure Glen Post Acute Care Center has 32 staff members and 67 residents who tested positive and there have been six deaths.

Leisure Vale Retirement Home has three staff members and three residents who tested positive.

Park Paseo Independent Living has zero staff members and four residents who tested positive and there has been one death.

Royal Palms Post Acute has 14 staff members and three residents who tested positive.

La Crescenta
La Crescenta Healthcare Center has reported 15 staff members that have been tested for COVID-19, 19 residents and four deaths due to COVID-19.

Montrose
Montrose Healthcare and Wellness Centre, LP has reported 21 staff members and 35 residents who have tested positive for COVID-19, and there has been 13 deaths.

Montrose Springs Skilled Nursing and Wellness Center has 16 staff members and 15 residents who tested positive for COVID-19 and three deaths.

Sunland
High Valley Lodge has four staff members and 26 residents who have tested positive for COVID-19, and three deaths due to COVID-19.

New Vista Nursing and Rehabilitation Center has 38 staff members and 45 residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 and 12 deaths.

Shadow Hills Convalescent Hospital has 13 staff members and 14 residents who tested positive and five deaths.

Tujunga
North Valley Nursing Center has reported one resident who has tested positive for COVID-19.

Oakpark Healthcare Center has 16 staff members and 17 residents who tested positive and eight deaths.

UPDATE
 June 13

On June 13 the Los Angeles County Dept. of Public Health (Public Health) has confirmed 58 new deaths and 1,568 new cases of 2019 novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Thirty-six people who died were over the age of 65 years, 16 people who died were between the ages of 41 and 65 and four people who died were between the ages of 18 and 40. Forty-one people had underlying health conditions including 27 people over the age of 65 years old, 11 people between the ages of 41 and 65 years old and three people between the ages of 18 to 40.

To date, Public Health has identified 72,023 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of LA County, and a total of 2,890 deaths. Ninety-three percent of people who died had underlying health conditions. Of those who died, information about race and ethnicity is available for 2,688 people (99%  of the cases reported by Public Health).

Upon further investigation, 21 cases reported earlier were not LA County residents. There are 1,397 people who are currently hospitalized, 30% of these people are in the ICU and 21% are on ventilators. Testing capacity continues to increase in LA County, with testing results available for over 768,000 individuals and 9% of people testing positive.

Included in the total of 72,023 positive cases of COVID-19 are 1,117 cases reported in Glendale, 56 in La Cañada Flintridge, 219 in Eagle Rock, 11 in Shadow Hills, 172 in Sunland and 138 in Tujunga. In the unincorporated areas of LA County, Altadena reported 180 cases and 35 in La Crescenta/Montrose.

“For the many people across our communities who are experiencing the sadness of losing a loved one to COVID-19, we are deeply sorry for your loss,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, director of Public Health.“If you are out this weekend visiting businesses that have reopened, please remember to follow all of the directives for protecting one another from the spread of COVID-19, including keeping physical distance of at least 6 feet whenever possible, wearing a cloth face covering when around others, and washing hands frequently.”

Public Health is tracking key indicators and metrics through the recovery journey. Los Angeles County is currently seeing average daily deaths declining. On May 8, average daily deaths were 46; today the average daily deaths are 18. The average daily number of hospitalizations has decreased 3% over the past 14 days and has now plateaued. Capacity in intensive care units and the supply of ventilators have remained stable; the 3-day average number of available ICU beds (38%  of total ICU bed capacity) and ventilators (67% of total ventilator capacity) has not decreased over the past 14 days. The county also has retained the capacity to test 15,000 people each day.

In a letter/email to its members, the YMCA of the Foothills announced its re-opening plans for the Crescenta-Cañada and Verdugo Hills branches of their facilities on June 22. When arriving at the Crescenta-Cañada branch members will first enter the welcome center and multi-purpose room, which has recently been renovated. The locker rooms are still under renovation so they will not be opened to the public, and the pool will also be closed at the Crescenta-Cañada facility. The pool at the Verdugo Hills branch will be open for lap swim. In addition the new strength and cardio room will be open at Verdugo Hills branch.

There will be a few new protocols that are based on CDC, Los Angeles Dept. of Health and local governing agency guidelines.

For more information and to print and sign the waiver prior to coming to the gym visit www.ymcafoothills.org.