Millard Canyon Conservation Project Needs Volunteers

Here's information about a conservation effort that is being led by our neighbors on lower Canyon Crest. They're in need of volunteers to help with the effort:

"We are doing more than picking up trash; at this point we are removing infestations of several weeds that are choking the stream and completely covering the terrain in the lower canyon. We remove trash in the project area also, but the weeds are the primary objective as they severely alter the habitat opportunities for wildlife and crowd out the native plant growth.

Our intention is to restore the project area to a healthy native ecosystem and maintain it as such. Our hope is to eventually restore the entire area from the hairpin turn to the Arroyo Seco, which will require coordination with both city and county agencies, so at this time we are concentrating on an area about 1000 feet in length midway between those points where we hope to set an example for others to follow.

We supply gloves and tools, snacks and water. The work is difficult but rewarding, and you couldn't ask for a more beautiful place to be.

We meet at my driveway at 9am and take a short (but steep) hike into the canyon and work for 3 1/2 to 4 hours. Volunteers should contact me prior to a work day so I can be sure we have enough gloves and equipment for all.

Long pants and hiking boots are a must. I recommend bringing a long sleeve shirt also.

Mike Hickman

vht@att.net, or by phone at
626.398.6471

More Caution Regarding the Hunters

From a neighbor:

"[Two hikers], who are not Meadows residents but are here 6 days a week, usually between 6 and 6:30 AM with their 2 dogs and who walk the trail up towards the saddle, came across a fresh batch (shopping bag full) of dog food that was purposely placed next to where the bear comes down onto the trail and where many deer reside.

[These folks] are usually the first to spot something new/out of place/wrong and always let [The Meadows neighbor] know.

Considering the method in which the food was placed, it appears that this food was being used to lure the bear and/or deer. This is not only highly illegal (using food to entrap AND on the trail) but extremely dangerous. I have not seen the hunters since the ugly incident last week with the police, and suspect that hunters are now coming in through Millard.

As I have the license plates of the hunters, I am going to speak to the camp host at Millard and make them and the residents aware. I believe that we owe the residents of the Meadows a word of warning. I fear for their safety should they run across these hunters. [Another neighbor] was spot-on when she said that these aren't 'hunters' in the true sense of the word. These are dangerous men with guns who have no respect for the sport of hunting, and even less for hikers or anyone that they may encounter on the trail. We need to be extra aware and vigilant when on the trails until something can be done."

Internet Connection Door-to-Door

Several of us have had a person cme to our door to solicit Internet upgrades and we're trying to determine if this is a legitimate AT&T employee or a scam.

In my case, the man appeared to be a legit AT&T employee who told me that the recent upgrades in the neighborhood would require me to change from my AT&T DLS service to fiber optic. He had been walking door-to-door on El Prieto prior to coming to my house.

In another case, a person came to a neighbor's house three times this week. She wasn't sure of the purpose of the solicitation as someone else at the house was home at the time. This neighbor did contact the Sheriff who did not think that AT&T was here in the neighborhood soliciting. The Sheriff said he would send additional patrol cars to our neighborhood.

Looking for any other insight from others who have had a similar experience. The Sheriff asked that we call them if the person(s) are in the neighborhood again so that they can question him/her.

Only $1 Left

The garden at The Meadows sign is maintained by one of our neighbors who pays for water and general clean-up. We've reimbursed her for the costs out of money that was collected at our monthly meetings. Since we've not had those meetings, we haven't collected any additional money. After reimbursing her the other day, we have one dollar left.

Please consider donating some money to this fund. We don't have a "Meadows" account, so you'll need to trust that I'll be responsible with the money. Anyone interested can write a check to me (Greg Stanton) and drop it off at my house or mail it to me. I'm at 4416 El Prieto Rd., Altadena, CA 91001.

Thanks,
Greg

Hunting Increases

Reported from our neighbors on Risinghill:

"Meadows residents on Risinghill have noticed the rapidly increasing presence of hunters in the area, especially up towards the end and on the private property of our neighbor at the very end of Risinghill.

These hunters have a documented history of animosity (and in one instance, physical threats) towards hikers and dog walkers they encounter. "

AT&T Box Quieted

Thanks to a neighbor who is in management at AT&T, the terminal at the Welcome to the Meadows garden was retro-fitted and quieted. The neighbor escalated the issue in AT&T and got it resolved! The affected neighbors are quite pleased with the improvement.

Thanks for great networking!

Key Found on Canyon Crest

This key was found on Canyon Crest. If it's yours, please email me and I'll connect you with the neighbor who found it.