Town Council Recap: New Members, Traffic Collisions Increase

California Assemblyman Anthony Portantino attended the Tuesday night Altadena Town Council meeting to swear in two new council members. Ed Meyers of Tract 4601 and Richard Moon of Tract 4611 were appointed to serve at the September ATC meeting. Both men have been involved in the community, whether it may be advocating education issues or supporting governmental agencies.

As well, Portantino took some time to thank the ATC and members of the community for their support. Elected in November 2006, Portantino’s last day of service will be December 1. Notable legislation by Portantino includes bills outlawing the practice of carrying unloaded guns in public places and increasing early detection of breast cancer.

“I tell everyone I have the best district, but it’s true,” Portantino said. “I will be back.”

Traffic Collisions Increase

Officer Kevin Denmon, a member of the California Highway Patrol, reported that traffic collisions in August and September 2012 were lower than the rates in August and September 2011. In particular, there were 35 collisions last September as compared to 26 collisions this September. However, the total number of accidents this year so far has surpassed the numbers from last September; while the number of accidents year-to-date was at 195 last September, this September the number of accidents year-to-date is at 235.

Denmon noted that collisions are up as a whole, but that individuals are taking precautions.

“People are paying attention and not drinking and driving in the area–that’s a good thing,” Denmon said.

Residents are recommended to leave earlier as to not be in a hurry, to stay focused on the road, and to limit use of cell phones while driving.

“Collision factors always seem to be the same thing,” Denmon said. “We want people to try to break their habits.”