Attempted Car Break-in

Someone attempted to break in to a car early this morning on El Prieto.  The resident saw someone trying to break into his car at 5:00 a.m. on El Prieto.  He banged on the window of his house.  The person began to ran.  The resident tried to pursue but the person ran off.

A reminder to secure your car and son't leave anything inside.

The thefts from cars have been happening all over Altadena, but this is the first known here in The Meadows.

Messing with the Mailboxes

Update:  The same neighbor found El Prieto residents' mail tossed in the bushes.  She is going to deliver it to the houses.  Chances are this was someone taking mail looking for tax refunds.

A neighbor reported this morning that mailboxes were opened at some houses on El Prieto and Risinghill.  It most likely occurred last night or early this morning.

Please watch for any unusual activity.

Suspicious Fire on Hollygrove

Monday night at around 8:45 p.m., a neighbor on Hollygrove reported that aapparently someone threw a fire bomb of some sort through the front window of the vacant house for sale on Hollygrove.

Another neighbor spotted it out of her kitchen window.

The Fire Department was on top of it quickly and put it out.  Doesn't look like there was a lot of damage.

Sheriffs were taking reports of a "suspicious fire."

Break-in on Canyon Crest

A break-in occurred in the 4100 block of Canyon Crest yesterday.  It happened mid-day when the residents had left the house.  They typically are home during the day, so neighbors are speculating that the house was watched.  The burglars broke in by prying the back door in. Only small items were taken and larger, more expensive items were left behind.

One neighbor also heard that another neighbor's home alarm was set off last week when someone pried open his window and he was called by the police. 

Neighbors are encouraging everyone to be on the look out for people that you don't recognise and suspicious behavior.

Updated: Police Activity on Lincoln Blocks Access to The Meadows

Updated: La Vina gates at Sunset Ridge are being kept open, per a neighbor, to allow Meadows residents to get home.

For at least the past hour, sheriffs and police have blocked Lincoln Avenue north of Altadena Drive and South of Loma Alta where an alleged shooting has occurred. It also appears the shooter is hold up in one of the houses on the west side of the street.  I also saw what I think is a "door-buster" truck being escorted up to the site.

I left The Meadows around 3:30 p.m..  Lincoln had been blocked and police had guns drawn.

Trying to return at 4:30, I and other Meadows residents could not go past a police block on Loma Alta just west of Sunset Ridge Drive.  Thanks to a friend and another resident who live in La Vina,  they opened the Sunset Ridge gate for many of us who then could drive through La Vina and down Lincoln to Canyon Crest.

Police had Lincoln blocked just south of Canyon Crest, so right now, Meadows residents can't exit.

If anyone hears of updates, please let me know.

Activity at the Top of Risinghill

Theo sent  this email yesterday and wanted to share on the blog:

"I am freaked.  Three suspicious instances occurred since I last communicated with you: (1) I was sitting at my dining room table and saw a guy taking a photo of my house.  I ran out and confronted him.  He said he was just hiking.  He was there with another guy.  They said they had hiked over from Millard Canyon.  Two white guys.  They actually seemed innocent enough, but I don’t like people taking photos of my place.  (2) Yesteday I saw an SUV coming down my driveway as I was coming up.  He was in a hurry, avoided eye contact, and sped past.  Today I noticed that one of my ladders is missing from my backyard.  (3) Marina (my neighbor) said she saw a couple of guys taking photos yesterday of the trail near my house.  They said they were scoping out bike trails.  She said that routinely cars will come up here and drop off several bikers, then go back down.  When she engages them they are rude and express a sense of entitlement.  Holy cow!  What is going on?"

Theo-

Sherrif Talked to Solicitor

The Sheriff did talk to the young man who was knocking on doors last night.  He was trying to sell magazine or newspaper subscriptions. (That could be a scam too.) He was not scoping out houses for potential break-ins.

I described the experiences that many neighbors told me about to the Sheriff, including the young man asking for money, claiming he was from neighborhood Watch and that his mother lived on Canyon Dell.

The Sheriff also said that door-to-door solicitation is not unlawful.

The Sheriff encourages us to continue calling them if we see unusual activity in the neighborhood.

Graffiti Clean-UP

Neighbors are extending a big "THANK YOU" to a neighbor on Canyon Crest, Miche, who cleaned the graffiti that was on the AT&T cable box near the Meadows sign.

The graffiti showed up some time in the last day or so.

Scammers in The Meadows Thursday Evening

I received two calls from neighbors on Risinghill and El Prieto that the "Neighborhood Watch" scammers were knocking on doors again this evening.

(See the earlier post for advice on how NOT to answer the door.)

Again, it is potentially a team of people with one person trying to distract you at the front door while another is breaking into your house from the back.

Tonight, the scammer claimed to live on Canyon Dell with his Mother.  He was estimated to be between 14 and 16 years old.

Both parties called the Sheriff who did come up into The Meadows.

A Meadows alert was generated at around 7:00 p.m.  For those who signed up, you should have gotten a text, call, or email.  If you haven't signed up and live in The Meadows, send me your contact information and I'll add you to the alert system.

Follow Up: Solicitor = Possible Break-In

Please share this with your neighbors as not everyone reads this blog.

I followed up with our Sherrif's liaison regarding the reports last night about a young man knocking on a neighbor's door to talk about Neighborhood Watch.  This has been happening around other parts of Altadena.  Please be cautious.  Chances are this is someone scoping out your house.  Here's Carolyn's comments:



The teens or young adults who've been knocking on doors around several neighborhoods have no connection to anyone we can think of in Altadena and their story changes slightly from one house to another.  They'll try to tell you that they're working on an Eagle Scout program and are organizing a neighborhood watch, or that "my grandmother Marsha is the block captain and she asked me to come talk to you about neighborhood watch".

Their stories are bogus, and in neighborhoods where they are organized, they all know the guy standing on the porch is lying. 

Chances are they're just trying to find out if you're home and their companions may be just out of sight or are already headed up your driveway to look for a way to gain entry through a door or window on the rear of your house. 

Two different scenarios seem to repeat.  Sometimes the person at the door is looking to distract you while their companions do attempt to break in - and some have been successful at that, or they're knocking insistently and when no one answers the door, they're in your home in a matter of seconds.

Don't trust any of it.  Please thank everyone who calls the Sheriff's Station at 626 798 1131 and ask them to keep doing that, and when info is available, please gather as much descriptive info as possible - male/female, approx age, height, kind of clothing, color or pattern on their clothing, that sort of thing, but do it safely.

When that insistent knocking on your door starts, just holler "sorry, I can't come to the door right now".  If the person at the door actually knows you, they'll holler back at you.  The criminals won't.  They'll just look for the quickest way in.

Any help getting the info out to others is greatly appreciated.

Stay safe and thanks again very much for asking the question!

Carolyn

Neighborhood Watch Solicitor

Just received a call from a neighbor that a young man knocked on their door, asking to enter their house to talk about Neighborhood Watch programs.

Please, don't let this person in your home.  Call the Sheriff.  They have been called to come up to The Meadows to investigate.

Not sure what this person's intent is, but better to be safe than sorry. This is not something organized by the neighborhood that we're aware of.

Speeding and Driving Concern

Concerns over speeding and safety are not new to The Meadows.  Here's a post from a neighbor expressing concerns over recent experiences had in coming in and going out of The Meadows:

"I am EXHAUSTED of people driving erratically, dangerously, entirely too fast etc. not ONLY up in our neighborhood; but all the way down to Canyon Crest & Lincoln.

Today on a power walk down Canyon Crest (a little past the "hunting lodge" house") I was nearly rammed down by a neighbor whom I believe resides at the top of Canyon Crest (north of Rising Hill/Clover Hill).

Weeks ago when I was driving down the Canyon Crest hill (let me add I was going a little over the speed limit) I was being DANGEROUSLY tailgated by a neighbor. When I gestured for him to back off of me he continued and even attempted to pass me while an oncoming car was coming. I then got to the stop sign of Canyon Crest & Lincoln and put my head out of the window calmly asking if he realized that he was "riding me too closely" and I was then called EVERY foul name possible. Are you kidding me?

I know that even with a blog post there is a possibility that neighbors will continue to drive as if they are on at the Indy 500, the Autobahn, Worlds Wildest Police Chase Videos or being on the lam from the "law"...but MY life, my parents' lives (I have been in the car with my dad when some nut has passed him swerving an oncoming car...and this was by the cliff of Canyon Crest) my dog's life and the lives of everyone else who live up here should not be at risk; as well as the risk of the many wildlife that cross or linger on the roads.

Maybe we can suggest that people should wake a little earlier, leave on time so that they don't have to drive like bats out of hell OR rent a helicopter to get to their destination; as opposed to almost killing someone to do so. Also, cursing out a neighbor because they aren't driving as fast as they would like...really??? That is absolutely ridiculous, appalling, unacceptable and simply put IGNORANT!

I would hate to be "that one" who calls out the wrongs of other neighbors because I consider myself a "love thy neighbor" beleiver. I also really don't want to start naming names or posting car models and plate numbers...but if it continues I will! So could you PLEASE post something imploring the neighbors to cease being impatient "speed demons"."

Car Window Smashed

This morning, a neighbor reported that a car window was smashed on Canyon Crest and a laptop was stolen from the vehicle.

As a side note, Altadena Sheriffs have been encouraging everyone to not leave valuables in your car and to make sure the car is locked even if you're at home.  There was a string of car break-ins earlier in the year in Altadena where valuable items were being stolen.

Attempted Break-In

A Meadows neighbor reported an attempted break-in. Luckily, it wasn't successful.

Good for all of us to be alert.

Rambro Update

From a Meadows neighbor:

This morning, Sunday, October 17th, at 10:15 AM, Joe Clay/Rambro was up at the top of Risinghill Road in full camo gear inside his maroon van. Neighbor at the top of Risinghill immediately spotted him, got into a car and followed him. It is uncertain if he realized he was being followed, as he immediately drove out of The Meadows back towards Lincoln on Canyon Crest. Obviously, he wasn't just out for a nice Sunday drive. Please be aware of his presence in the area and don't hesitate to call Sheriff, Forest Service, and/or Bureau of Land Management.

Missing Person?

This comment was sent anonymously to the blog, so the information is not verified.  If anyone has confirmed information, please let me know.

"We were woken very early (before 7am) by a woman whose 15 year old daughter (African-American named Jalani) is missing. Last seen on canyon crest with a mixed-blood Hawaiian looking 19 year old man. It is rumored he is staying in an empty house for sale or perhaps even the canyon. The sheriffs have been notified but we are asked to keep our eyes open!"

Rambro Update

A cross-posting from other blogs and emails:

Dear Neighbors & Trail Users,


At the risk of invoking "déjà vu," be aware that Joe Clay (aka "Rambro") the hunter / poacher is back... again.

In addition to Clay being up here in the Chaney Trail Neighborhood this morning in his usual camo fatigues and armed with a bow on his motorbike, residents over on El Prieto report that "Rambro" was seen at ~2:30pm yesterday (21 Sept.), dressed in full camo and military style boots, with a "Castro cap" (military style cap), backpack, bow, arrows and knife. He was entering the Forest at the top of El Prieto via the trail to Owen Brown's Grave and the Lincoln Avenue Water Co. tank, adjacent to Angeles Forest.

As most of you know, El Prieto Canyon and vicinity burned in the Station Fire, as did the north slope and ridges above Millard Canyon, which means that Clay was hunting in the USFS Closure Area... or, too close to residences on the edge of the Forest.

Clay has also been exploring up N. Fair Oaks in recent weeks, trying to access the Forest via private property up there near Summer Kids and Zorthian Ranch.

Rambro seems to be conducting "reconnaissance" in this area on his bike, in an attempt to get around local residences and into the Forest.

Steve L. recently asked if it is illegal for Clay to ride his motorbike on local trails. Perhaps the USFS and County Sheriffs can answer that question for us.

At least one El Prieto resident called the Sheriffs yesterday. The Sheriffs responded to the call with two patrol cars, but those vehicles only cruised slowly around the culdesac at the top of El Prieto, then left, without deputies ever getting out or talking to the resident who called. The Sheriffs are not going to catch Clay in the Closure Area, see him setting illegal traps, or firing weapons too close to homes that way.

Altadena Sheriffs tend to arrive after Clay has driven off, or they decline to look for Clay, however briefly, in order to question him. Obviously, Clay is not going to stand around waiting for deputies. Worse, Sheriffs Dispatch up in La Crescenta may not respond at all because they don't know anything about "Rambro." It would be helpful if the Sheriffs worked closer with USFS law enforcement to intercept Clay. Once detained, the USFS and/or CA Dept. of Fish & Game could be called to issue a citation or to arrest Clay, depending upon circumstances.

For those not familiar with Rambro's history that involves poaching, using arson to evade arrest, and a concealed handgun... read the archived article copied last below. Caution is appropriate, take photos of Joe Clay and his vehicles only if you can do so without confrontation.

All we can do is remain vigilant and keep calling the Sheriffs, USFS Dispatch and the CA Dept. of Fish & Game "Cal Tip" hotline every time we spot "Rambro" in our neighborhood or the Forest. (See phone numbers highlighted in red below.) I have been told that he may be driving a newer SUV instead of the old maroon van with black-out windows (CA license #4AGU605).

If you call and get the La Crescenta Sheriffs Station... and they don't know who "Rambro" is... politely ask to be connected with someone at the Altadena Station. Generally, the Altadena Sheriffs know who Clay and about his illegal and dangerous hunting.

As Robert C. said, letting Clay know he is being watched may encourage him to leave our area. If we are lucky, authorities will catch him "in the act" again and we won't see "Rambro" back... ever. Clay gives responsible hunters a bad name.

Thanks to all those who reported Clay's presence to authorities.

Trash Dumping

We've had several instances lately of trash and furniture being dumped on lower Canyon Crest.

Over the weekend, one Meadows resident witnessed two men starting to dump trash bags.  He was able to get their license plate number, description of the truck, and called the Sheriff.

As a reminder, if you witness someone trashing the canyon, call the Sheriff.  If after the fact, call L.A. County Public Works.  They've been great about responding quickly.

National Night Out August 3

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

August 3, 2010

What is National Night Out? It is America’s night out against crime!

National Night Out, a unique crime/drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, is scheduled for Tuesday, August 3, 2010. We cordially invite the Altadena Community to be a part of Altadena Sheriff Station’s 2010 National Night Out.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT is designed to:
• Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness
• Generate support for, and participation in, Altadena anti-crime programs
• Strengthen neighborhood and law enforcement-community partnerships in Altadena
• Send a strong message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized

Join Altadena Station, California Highway Patrol and Fire Department for BBQ - hot dogs

Sheriff’s Department Displays:
Altadena Station Search and Rescue
Altadena Station Posse
Altadena Station Youth Activities League
Altadena Station Volunteer Groups

WHEN: TUESDAY AUGUST 3, 2010
WHERE: LOMA ALTA PARK EQUESTRIAN CENTER
HOURS: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
For Further Contact Deputy Mike Prince (626) 798-1131 X-2105

Bear Sighting

A Meadows neighbor reported a mid-sized bear galloping across lower Canyon Crest, just south of the hairpin turn on Monday morning.  Seems the bear was enjoying the trash can buffet! It then took off into the brush below Canyon Ridge.

She tried to get a picture, but her camera had been stolen from her unlocked car which was on Canyon Ridge.

So watch out for the bear and lock your car doors!