Mailbag: Praise for fire responders

As a resident of the immediate area of the brush fire of Sept. 26, I want to commend the various units that responded and strategized to contain the blaze. They also kept watch into the wee hours of the night setting up a command center on Parkdale Place. Additionally, several neighbors beyond our little cul de sac offered to help in any way they could.

Of all the faces and names that were a blur that evening, I wanted to acknowledge and thank the resident who pounded on our door to alert us there was a fire behind us. We had no idea what was going on and at that time of evening were probably not the most friendly or receptive initially. This alert gave us a chance to spring into our emergency mode sooner than later, finding out first hand what of our plan worked and what needed improving.

Dr. Gloria Cotten

La Cañada Flintridge

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Expressing support for Portantino

I had the pleasure of working with Anthony Portantino during our time on the La Cañada Flintridge City Council and I have continued to work with him in my professional capacity as a government affairs director for several Realtor associations in our area. I was very pleased that the California Assn. of REALTORS voted to support his campaign for the state Senate.

Our 25th Senate District would be well-served by electing Anthony. Frankly, I don’t always agree with him — but 100% agreement isn’t the point when electing a representative. What counts most are the integrity and priorities of our elected leaders. In Anthony’s case, he has a record of fighting for the types of reforms we need and he puts public education at the top of his list.

Anthony understands our Foothills cities and our desire to have our children excel in outstanding public schools. He and his wife, Ellen, are active public school parents and PTA members. Please join me in supporting Anthony Portantino as our next state senator.

Laura Olhasso

La Cañada Flintridge