First published in the July 21 print issue of the Outlook Valley Sun.
Along with a 3-year-old Sofia, Ellen and I moved to a cozy rental house on Verdugo Boulevard in 1994. It was the best decision we ever made.
Three years later, we were living in our own home, Sofia had started school at La Cañada Elementary and Isabella joined our family a few years later. Sofia and Bella completed K-12 in our public schools, played local youth sports, earned their Girl Scout Gold Awards and went on to local colleges.
Ellen did what many La Cañada Flintridge parents do; she became an avid and tireless volunteer for the PTA, Girl Scouts, Saint Bede the Venerable, La Cañada Sister Cities, La Cañada High School Band and Choir, and National Charity League. Anthony refereed AYSO, joined Kiwanis, helped with the PTA and the Girl Scout cookie sale, the Tournament of Roses and got bit by the political bug and ran for the City Council.
To say that the four of us had an amazing journey and positive experience in LCF is an understatement. La Cañada Flintridge has been wonderful for and to our family. We have so many positive memories and experiences that we will cherish for the rest of our lives.
Though we recently moved to Burbank, Anthony will continue to represent LCF in the state Senate and we will all continue to enjoy music in the park, Descanso Gardens and many other community events and experiences. Fiesta Days weekend was a powerful reminder of the unique and special community that welcomed us 28 years ago.
On behalf of the Portantino family, we wanted to thank everyone for being our neighbors and dear friends.
Anthony and Ellen Portantino
