Week In Review

The Glendale Community College Board of Trustees Monday, approved of implementing the new state community college enrollment fee of $26 to $20 — originally slated to begin for the spring semester — for the winter semester, resulting in about an $18 in tuition fees per course.

Board member Vahe Peroomian said that the approximately 23% enrollment reduction was built into the statewide community college budget, which the state legislature passed on June 27.

The college received a $10.5 million or 14.8% increase over the $71 million budget for the 2005-06 fiscal year.

Steve White, the college's vice president of instructional services said that cutbacks in the state's community college budget — causing almost yearly enrollment fee increases — drove 175,000 students out of the state college system over the past few years.

The new fee represents a $90 reduction in tuition per semester for a five-course load from $390 at the previous cost, to $300.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Residents in one La Crescenta neighborhood formed a watch group Monday in response to series of break-ins.

About 35 residents and members of the Crescenta Valley Sheriff's Station joined Roger and Carol Young at their home on Hopeton Road to organize a Neighborhood Watch, part of a nationwide program that relies on neighbors being eyes and ears for each other to deter crime.

Neighborhood Watches happen when someone — like the Youngs — takes the lead, said Sgt. Randy Solstrom of the sheriff's station

"It takes getting to know your neighbors and their habits and calling when something doesn't conform," Solstrom said.

He also encouraged residents not to hesitate to call the sheriff's station if something seems amiss in the neighborhood.

Roger Young — who called himself the self-appointed captain of the neighborhood watch — and Carol Young organized the group after a series of break-ins and burglaries in the neighborhood, including one at their own home over this past summer.

The perpetrators have smashed through front doors, side doors and windows to grab loot.

Electronics have been popular with the thieves, Young said.

Solstrom said that no one has been caught in connection with the robberies.

Town Council alternate Steve Pierce said that just holding the meeting was progress toward getting to know each other's habits.