Happier Trails for Canyon Hikers

In today's Star News:

ALTADENA — Homeowners trying to block public access to El Prieto Fire Road agreed late last week to stop harassing hikers.
The homeowners, John and Melody Mitchell, Jerome and Verna Cooper, and Wayne and Mary Traylor, were facing a contempt of court hearing for violating the conditions of a 2004 ruling that allowed access to the road. Part of the fire road crosses their property.
The ruling is under appeal.

El Prieto Road connects the Meadows area of Altadena to other trails in Angeles National Forest, including those leading to the grave site of abolitionist Owen Brown, who died in 1889.
“They were getting front of people, yelling at people, taking photographs of people, calling the sheriffs,” said Paul Ayers, prosecutor for the case.

The Mitchells, Coopers and Traylors could not be reached for this story. Their attorney, Michaeline Re, had no comment.

“Apparently they were misinformed as to the effects of that [2004] judgment,” said resident Raymond Backes. “They felt that their appealing of the case staid the judgment of the court so that they wouldn’t have to honor the general public’s right to go through there.”
Backes said he was among those confronted by homeonwers when hiking the trail.
“We are legally entitled to go through there,” he said.

Under conditions of the settlement, the homeowners are prohibited from speaking to or interfering with any member of the public who is on the trail easement, photographing or videotaping them, or erecting any barriers on the trail (though “No Trespassing” signs will remain in place).

In exchange, they have asked that trail users do a better job of picking up after their dogs and carrying trash and cigarette butts out with them.
Ayers said he would encourage hikers to do so.
“People should recognize they have a responsibility to minimize their impact as trail users,” he said. “Trash generates trash just like graffiti generates graffiti.”

One More Animal Story

This story is a bit sad. Last night I found a small coyote laying near my pond. He was having a problem standing up and I thought his back legs might have been injured. After a couple of attempts, it was clear that his legs were okay, but he couldn't stay standing. I concluded that he may have fallen down the hill.

I had to call Animal Control to see if they could help. He curled up in a ball. I brought water to him, petted him and tried to create a safe environment. Animal Control came at 12:30 a.m. After checking him, the officer saw blood coming from his nose. By this time he was quite listless.

I've included this picture of him as he was a truly beautiful animal. And although tragic, the experience was peaceful and giving as only nature can demonstrate.

Bear Tracks

Last Tuesday, a bear was in my backyard! I got home at about 10:00 p.m. and let my dog, Boo, out for a run. He immediately started sniffing the front walkway and patio. I turned on the patio lights and saw HUGE bear paw prints coming from the pond to my front porch.

We've had a bear in the neighborhood for the past few years, but what worried me was that it must have been at my house prior to 10:00 p.m., not the usual middle-of-the-night sightings.

By the way, this is the second time the bear has been at my house. Last year, a neighbor spotted him on my front lawn at about 1:30 a.m.

I thought of nicknaming him Boo-Boo but thought my dog would get confused!

Homes for Sale in The Meadows

We've had an active Summer and Fall with several homes for sale in The Meadows. Here's a current list of available properties. If you or your friends or family are interested in seeing any of these homes, please contact me and I'd be happy to take them on a tour! (Greg Stanton, Dilbeck Realtors. 626-431-2205 or greg.stanton@dilbeck.com)

• 4318 Canyon Crest Rd. An adorable 2 bedroom, 1 bath home at the corner of Canyon Crest and Risinghill. Hardwood floors, central air, copper plumbing, updated electrical, charming grounds and play yard. Offered for $605,000.
• 4216 Aralia Road. Post and beam modernist home with open floor plan, bamboo flooring and walls of glass. 1847 sq. ft. (per assessor) on a 7200 sq. ft. lot (per assessor). Offered for $849,000.
• 4543 El Prieto Road. At the end of El Prieto, a 4 bedroom, 4 bath home on the canyon, nearly every room opens onto a private courtyard or brick patio overlooking the Angeles Crest Mountains. 2768 sq. ft. (per assessor) on 15,410 sq. ft. lot (per assessor). Offered for $899,000.
• 4421 El Prieto Road. A 3 bedroom, 1.75 bath mid-century home on the canyon in need of TLC. Offered for $689,000.
• 4455 Risinghill Road. Custom remodeled interior updated for the modern lifestyle. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, integrated interior/exterior audio system. 1640 sq. ft. (per flyer), 6300 sq. ft. lot (per flyer). Offered at $789,000.

And a little further down the road:

• 3369 Canyon Crest Road. Major improvements underway for this 4 bedroom, 3 bath home. 2653 sq. ft. (per assessor) on a 22,220 sq. ft. lot (per assessor). Offered at $975,000.
• 3720 Canyon Crest Road. A gorgeous wood and rock home, 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2710 sq. ft. home ( per assessor) on a 67,680 sq. ft. lot (per assessor). Custom cabinets, granite and tile from Mission West, and terraced lot. In my opinion, this is a beautiful, woodsy home. Be sure to stop and see it at one if the open houses. Offered for $1,650,000.

“Information provided by seller or third-party sources. Information is not verified or guaranteed.”

Greg Stanton, Realtor

Dilbeck Realtors, GMAC

626-431-2205

Reminder for Meadows FireSafe Meeting

Please join us at Loma Alta Park Community Center on Tuesday, October 24 at 7:00 p.m. to hear about the exciting plans for brush clearance using our grant from the California FireSafe Council. Please see previous post for more details.

Proposed Trail Updates

Everyone should have received another mailer in the past two weeks with information about the proposed trail improvements. A few highlights:

• Even with the close of the scoping period, the community can provide further comments beyond October 30.
• 1,720 comments have been received.
• Numerous comments were received regarding the proposed parking on Canyon Crest Rd.
• The next public meeting regarding Millard Canyon will be in April 2007.
• Final Environmental Impact Report is scheduled for October 2007.

Loma Alta Park Happenings

Here's some fun events coming up at Loma Alta Park:

Grand Opening ceremony for the new gymnasium and community rooms, Monday, October 23rd at 5:00 p.m.

Community Celebration of Park Opening, Friday, October 27th from 5:00 - 9:00. Come for music, booths, kids activities and tours of the new buildings.

MFSC Grant Information Meeting

There's over 80,000 reasons you should attend the upcoming Meadows FireSafe Council Grant Information Meeting.

We'll discuss general information about the California FireSafe Council and more specific information about the plans the Meadows FireSafe Council has prepared for using our upcoming grant money.

It's all about brush clearance and protecting our neighborhood, so please come.

Tuesday, October 24th
7:00 p.m.
Loma Alta Park Community Center
(entrance and parking on Lincoln Avenue)