Saturday, April 20, 2013

Encampment in the Canyon

From a neighbor:

"We havve discovered a homeless encampment, in the canyon below Canyon Crest Rd. When I investigated it, there were 2 collapsed tents, a lot of trash, books, clothes hanging over trees and such.

While I did not see evidence of a camp fire, this likens to the Eaton canyon fire, started by a homeless person's campfire, years ago that burned over to Cheney trail and burned down several homes in the ridge areas.

I called the Sheriff, they said I would get faster response if I called the forrest service, with no avail by either agency. The forrest personelle who answered took my phone number and said an investigator will call me back. I have called again and told to do the same thing.

Any one else want to try?"


12 comments:

Kim Aasland said...

I've seen a homeless man hanging around the canyon, too, with his dog and shopping cart.

Can you pass along the numbers to call?

Thanks!

Timothy Snyder said...

the sheriff phone is 626 798 1131
the forest service number is 661 948 6082

Thank you for any calls you can make.

Anonymous said...

We also have seen this campsite while hiking and also from the road. I believe the man may be mentally ill. He was shouting and yelling to himself. I heard him off and on for about 30 minutes. I called the sheriff and he referred me, like you, to the forest service. Again, like you, I am waiting for a return call. I will continue to call because my fear is fire.

Anonymous said...

We also have seen this campsite while hiking and also from the road. I believe the man may be mentally ill. He was shouting and yelling to himself. I heard him off and on for about 30 minutes. I called the sheriff and he referred me, like you, to the forest service. Again, like you, I am waiting for a return call. I will continue to call because my fear is fire.

Anonymous said...

This man has lived in the meadows for years. He is one of our neighbors.He lost his home recently due to his mental illness and addiction. If he had another disease like cancer we would probably be thinking of ways to help him and not just worrying about ourselves.

Timothy Snyder said...

I talked to the forrest service personel sent to investigate if this is on forest land or in county, they told me that if it is county they will refer it to the proper agency.

I know that the homeless and mentally ill have their needs and there are places they can go to to live and have shelter. Many choose to live out in the environment and that is their choice. I have no problem with that.

but the concern here is similar to a fire that was caused in Eaton Canyon years ago that worked its way across the foot hills burning homes in its wake. The current state of our forrest is extreme fire danger, and if their smoking, or a campfire or drug use causes a brush fire, many of our homes will be lost to such a conflagration.

I would think that many up here would agree to err on the side of caution and move them to a less volatile area!

Anonymous said...

I agree this is not a good place for him to be living especially with the trash and human waste so close to the stream. that being said there are no shelters that accept dogs and that dog is the only friend he has. he walks down to George's liquor every day and appears to have open wounds on his legs and feet.He has lived in the meadows all his life. It is the only place he knows.The sheriff's have carted him off countless times and he always comes back. Unless he gets treatment he will die in the canyon just like the man in Loma alta park a couple years ago and no one will care. PS. More fires get started every year by mow and blow gardner's doing brush clearance without any training.like the one last week in Monrovia if you see see your neighbors hiring "non professionals". Report them to the state contractors board

Timothy Snyder said...

I would also like to mention, that they have trash piled up of wine bottles and beer cans. more than likely they have food products in their camp, that would attract bears and other creatures. there are other vermin that would go after the food, and those would attract rattlers. I would hazard to guess that if left alone, their well being woud be in jeopardy! I would not want to hear of someone finding a dead body down there.

Anonymous said...

The sheriff and forest service were down in the canyon yesterday afternoon. They said they were checking out the situation since they had received multiple calls. I dont know the result but at least we know law enforcement is aware and taking action.

Anonymous said...

Hope someone does something to help Jim and his dog instead of just chasing him off again. This whole thing has been so cruel

Anonymous said...

Those who feel for Jim should take him into their home. My daughter is terrified by him and his screaming. Mentally Ill or not, I have a right to reasonable enjoyment of my property for my family. What he does need not be displayed in public. There are multiple charities and government agencies that can help Jim. I had a discussion with Jim and he is now quiet while passing my home. A good neighbor would seek him out and help him. As for the land below the hairpin turn (past where the stream runs under Canyon Crest), that land is owned by the County of Los Angeles. I suggest elevating your issues to Supervisor Antonovich if any encampments are there.

Welcome to The Meadows said...

Is this still an issue? I haven't seen Jim coming in or out of the canyon for the last couple of weeks.