The Year in Review - 2008

Local wildfires, the highly anticipated completion of the Americana on Brand and the La Cañada Town Center and a murder at the interchange of the Glendale (2) and Foothill (210) freeways were just some of the notable moments that made up 2008 and were reported in the pages of the Crescenta Valley Sun.

Not surprising were the ongoing budget battles regarding funding for public schools, an issue that will most likely not be put to rest in ’09.

Proposed development along Foothill Boulevard and the demolition of one of the oldest homes in Montrose caused concern if not downright uproar by local residents. New members being voted onto the Crescenta Valley Town Council will no doubt be watched carefully by those living in the unincorporated portion of the area as the former regime was often criticized for not having enough of a voice regarding these types of land use issues.

The Crescenta Valley Sun Year in Review offers a snapshot of these and many other events that marked 2008 and, whether happy or sad, we were proud to tell our readers what was happening in their town.

January

• The Glendale Rose Float Association earned the 2008 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade Mayor’s Trophy for the “Most outstanding city entry, national or international” for the city’s float entry, “Bon Voyage.”

• Unruly behavior at Glendale City Council meetings prompted the possible adoption of a code of conduct for its members. The proposal, urged by then-Mayor Ara Najarian, was declined by council members.

• The launch of Drugs in the Foothills series gave voice to the mother of teenage overdose victim Benjamin “Vince” Valesquez who died in 2007. The series raised awareness of teenage drug and alcohol abuse in the Crescenta Valley.

• Ten Crescenta Valley Girl Scouts moved to the next level in the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Lego League Robot Competition.

• The owner of the historic May-Lane Motel reapplied for a conditional use permit after his original one expired. If granted, the owner has said that he plans to replace the structure with a strip mall.

February

• The Howard home, a former hunting lodge on El Caminito, and the Vega home, a former castle on Orange Cove, were recognized by the Crescenta Valley Town Council as a Homes of Historical Significance.