S.A.F.E. Landscapes Calendars

As a New Year's present, the Meadows Fire Safe Council is distributing calendars this weekend to all The Meadows homes. Enjoy!

Garden Contributions

A HUGE thanks to all of you who contributed to maintaining the gardens at the Meadows sign. Thirteen households have contributed and have put us in a good position to pay the bills. Additional contributions are welcome.

Again, thanks.

Good Numbers to Keep on Hand

From the recent Altadena Connection magazine that came in the mail the other day:

Graffiti Removal
To report neighborhood graffiti and request removal. call (800) 675-HELP or online at http://ladpw.org/go/graffiti

Code Enforcement
For code enforcement issues and much more, call 2-1-1, 24 hours, 7 days a week

Large Commercial Vehicle Restrictions
The L.A. County Board of Supervisors approved an amendment to the Altadena Community Standards District restricting the parking of commercial vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds or more. The restriction applies on all roadways and alleys in Altadena between the house of 10:00 p.m. and 6 a.m. seven days a week. To report a violation, call the Altadena Station at (626) 798-1131.

Wildlife Rehabilitator in The Meadows

Hi, my name is MaryEllen Schoeman and I live on Risinghill Road. I am a licensed wildlife rehabilitator and would like to let you all know what I do and how we can help each other. A wildlife rehabilitator is a person who is licensed by the Fish and Game Department to take in injured or orphaned local wild animals and rehabilitate them to be returned to the wild. My license is for mammals only, bobcats or smaller. However, I can help you get any animal or bird in need to the appropriate place for care.

Sometimes people fear that the presence of a rehabber means that there will be a flood of animals from other parts of the city released in the area – this will not happen, and is actually illegal to do. Rehabbers must release animals in the same general area that they were found, per Fish and Game guidelines. It is also not legal for us to trap or relocate animals, although I can give you advice if you have a problem with nuisance wildlife. If you have any concerns about having a wildlife rehabilitator in the area, please contact me so that we can talk about it. If there is enough interest I will be happy to host a community meeting at my home to discuss the issues.

Should you find an injured or orphaned animal, the first thing to do is observe the animal for a while to see if it really is injured or orphaned. Many animals may leave their babies alone for various amounts of time (deer especially), so an 'abandoned' baby may just be waiting for mama to return. If the mother does not return or the animal is clearly injured, the next thing to do is call me. I can be reached at 626-354-4105. I will need to ask you some questions about the animal to make a determination of what to do. If the animal is in need of care, I will come to your house to pick it up, or you can arrange to bring it to me. I can also be reached via email at maryellenks@gmail.com. Please do not bring me an animal without contacting me first.

Last but not least, we do not get paid for our efforts and all our expenses come out of our own pockets. I am always looking for cages, so if you have any unused animal cages (birdcages, aquariums, pet crates, etc.) I would appreciate it if you would consider donating them to me. Tupperware-type containers (WITH lids) from shoe box size up to large size, are also useful for caging. I also need pretty much any fabric – blankets, sheets, towels, comforters, t-shirts, etc. Stuffed toys are always welcome, for the baby animals to snuggle against, and heating pads to keep them warm and cozy.


Thanks for your time!
-- MaryEllen SchoemanEditor/Writer
http://animallife.bellaonline.com/

Sunset from El Prieto Road

A gorgeous shot of the sunset last Saturday night from the backyard of a home on El Prieto Road. Thanks to the El Prieto neighbor for this beautiful pic.

Meadows Quarterly Update Launched this Weekend

Hopefully, you've noticed the relaunch of the Meadows Newsletter, now known as "Meadows Quarterly Update". The paper quarterly is being headed by Latrell Moore and is being left on your mailboxes this weekend.

Latrell felt it was important that all neighbors receive updates about the neighborhood, especially those who do not read email or this blog.

If you have any information that will make an impact to our community, you're welcome to call Latrell at (626) 399-5779 or comment to this blog and I'll pass to Latrell.

Thanks Latrell for the work you're doing!

Kitchen Fire at Apartments

On Saturday at around 4:00 p.m., there was, what appeared to be, a kitchen fire in one of the apartments on Aralia. Smoke could be seen coming from the unit. The Fire Department responded in force. I counted three engines and a paramedic team at the site. No doubt that the current red flag status spurred such a big response.

Everyone seemed to be fine at the site.

Anyone Know About It?

From a neighbor:

"At approximately 10:00am on Tuesday January 23, 2009 while on my way to an appointment, I and my spouse saw about 4 sheriff's vehicles rounding Canyon Crest Road at high speeds with emergency lights going and sirens blaring.

Does anyone know what happened that day? I am just wondering.... it seemed like a big deal. "

On the Look-out

From a neighbor:

"The owner of the vacant lot at the top of Risinghill Road, which includes the Owen Brown grave site, has returned to the area recently and is believed to be sleeping in his truck most evenings at the top of the driveway.

Of utmost concern are the numerous reports that not only has he been seen smoking among the dry brush, but he is also dropping cigarette butts in the brush. We are working with the county to resolve this issue - but in the meantime, we all need to be on alert for the worst case scenario.

If anyone is able to photograph or video tape him smoking in the hills (and / or throwing trash over the hillside which he is also apparently doing) we are trying to compile evidence of his activities.

BE SAFE, and alert your neighbors!"

Solicitation in The Meadows

From a neighbor:

"A young man identifying himself as a neighbor (that lived on Loma Alta), and as a student from San Diego State University, came to my house today selling books (a version of the magazine scam) that would be donated to Children's Hospital, Orange County as a fundraiser for him to attend a college trip to London. He is part of a nationwide scam. If you come across him (gave the name Craig Trautman) or anyone with a similar MO, please report their whereabouts immediately to the Altadena Sheriff's station. These type of individuals have been involved in burglaries and other crimes, and are currently roaming our neighborhood."

Also know that solicitation is not allowed in Altadena.

Millard Canyon Conservation Project Update

From our neighbor on Canyon Crest:

I'm scheduling our first Volunteer Day 2009 for this coming Saturday, January 10 for more weed removal in Millard Canyon. As usual, Volunteers will meet at my driveway at 9am sharp for a short hike into the canyon where we will remove invasive plant species (weeds) for about 4 hours, after which we will hike back out, go home and feel good in the knowledge that we have actually done something to help improve the environment!

This is a great way to start putting those New Year resolutions to work (and deal with any excess holiday poundage that may have accumulated).

For those of you who aren't familiar with the program, I'll reiterate:
wear hiking boots and long pants, and bring a long sleeve shirt.
Gloves, tools, water and snacks will be provided--we just want your bodies!

Meet 9am at:
3617 Canyon Crest Road
Altadena, 91001

Any questions? Call me at 626-398-6471 or email vht@att.net

Hope I see you there! Thanks,
Mike Hickman