Two Updates for Sunday Re: Trail Access

On Sunday, November 7th, the fire department will be conducting extensive training exercises at the top of Risinghill Road. They will have at least 4 fire trucks/pumpers and extensive personnel. Please do not be alarmed by the activity.

Additionally, the Forest Service, CORBA, and Friends of El Prieto will be conducting trail work on El Prieto at the same time with numerous volunteers. As it is going to be extremely busy, it would be appreciated if The Meadows neighbors refrained from entering the area at the top of Risinghill Road, and the fire road leading up. The trail crews will be parking on Risinghill and El Prieto.

Late Spring Blooms

Amish sent a link to pictures he's taken around The Meadows of late Spring blooms.  Beautiful!

Check out these great pics at:

  http://www.flickr.com/photos/amishtravel/sets/72157624243008064/

Winter Wonderland

Great pic from Canyon Crest.

Thanks Tina!

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.

Landowner Returns

A neighbor in The Meadows wanted everyone to know that the owner of land at Little Round Top has returned. In the past, hikers were confronted by the owner who did not want them crossing through his land. The confrontations were heated at times. A court order allows hikers access on the trail that crosses his land.

El Prieto Trail Changes

A huge brush pile cuts off the downstream side access to a trail
segment (visible at upper right) and also forms a dam across El
Prieto Creek. This segment bypassed "Boulder Water Canyon".

Three alternate-route segments of the El Prieto Trail were blocked off on Saturday, December 6, with barricades of dead wood, tree branches, brush and stone, by a volunteer work crew of 40 people organized by CORBA (Concerned Off-Road Bicyclists Association), citing illegality of the alternate segments and an unwillingness to maintain the segments in question. In addition, the brush pile now forms a dam across El Prieto creek.

One of the three segments was built in 2001 as a safer alternative to the existing segments, after a biker had tumbled down a cliff from the trail above, was injured and had to be airlifted out of the canyon.

A second segment was built to bypass a portion of the trail that is usually flooded with a shallow stream in winter, making the stretch difficult to negotiate by hikers, since steep sides and vegetation prevented walking alongside, and hikers would negotiate the stretch by hopping from one boulder to another. The stretch was aptly dubbed “Boulder Water Canyon” by the locals.

These two segments were constructed by volunteers without the NEPA (National Environmental Protection Agency) review demanded by the Forest Service. The builders were not aware that such a review was required.

A third segment is believed to be part of the original trail that was abandoned in favor of a route more challenging to the mountain-biking community. All three of the blocked-off segments provide a less strenuous hike or ride than the parts of the trail they bypass, and they have been adequately maintained by the individuals who built them.

An additional issue is that a huge brush pile cuts off the downstream side access to a trail segment (visible at upper right) and also forms a dam across El Prieto Creek. This segment bypassed "Boulder Water Canyon"

CORBA is an organization of mountain-bikers claiming to be operating with the blessing of the Forest Service. Its members regularly volunteer their services in maintaining or building the trails that are used in their sport.

Garden Funds Drying Up

I had posted a request a couple of months ago regarding the maintenance of the garden at the Welcome to The Meadows sign.

It costs approximately $35-50 per quarter for paying the water bill and hiring some helpers to maintain the garden. In the past, we had asked attendees of the monthly meetings for contributions. That worked well and we were able to reimburse the homeowner who oversees the maintenance.

Since we have not had meetings, there hasn't been any way to collect money.

When I posted earlier, two neighbors generously contributed money to the garden fund. While very much appreciated, those contributions won't pay for even one quarter.

Given the fact that there are 246 households in The Meadows, I'm hoping that more neighbors will contribute to the garden fund. Folks can mail or drop off a contribution in my mailbox. I'm at 4416 El Prieto. Checks can be made out to Greg Stanton. We don't have a separate account for The Meadows, so everyone will just need to trust that I keep these funds dedicated to the garden.

Thanks,
Greg

Sunset

Here's a beautiful pic of a sunset the other day from one of our neighbors. Granted, its beauty is due to all the smoke in the air. So, a little beauty from all the challenging events.

Measure TT

On Tuesday Nov. 4th the communities of Pasadena, Altadena, and Sierra Madre passed Measure TT by an overwhelming majority (74.5%). This is a public schools facilities improvement bond.

The district is required to establish an independent Citizens' Oversight Committee to scrutinize how bond funds are allocated and spent. The Oversight Committee must include representation from the business community, a taxpayers' organization, a senior citizens' organization, and parents; it may not include any District employees. The Oversight Committee will meet at least quarterly, publish an annual report, and alert the school board and community to any unauthorized use of funds.

An application for membership in the Citizen's Oversight Committee to monitor Measure TT is available online (http://www.pusd.us/docs/tt/COC_Application.pdf). Applications are due no later than December 31, 2008.

Millard Canyon Conservation Project

Next date for working with the Millard Canyon Conservation Project is as follows:

Next work day is Saturday, November 8 at 9am. Meet at Mike Hickman's 3617 Canyon Crest Rd. Altadena, 91001.

From Mike:
"As usual, we will meet in my driveway at 9am sharp, take a short hike into the canyon and work for 3 1/2 to 4 hours. Gloves, tools, water and snacks will be provided. Long pants and hiking boots are a must and I recommend bringing a long sleeve shirt. If you have any questions, you can contact me at (626) 398-6471 or vht@att.net.

Thanks again for your support and I look forward to seeing you soon!"

Mike Hickman

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

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

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.

Keys Found

A neighbor found a set of keys laying in the street on Canyon Crest near the noisy AT&T box. It is 2 rings. One has what looks like a house key and another smaller key. The other ring has a Chrysler key and car remote control. If you know who these belong to or they are yours, call Patrick Coleman at 626-354-1601.

Noisy AT&T Boxes

A note from a neighbor at the corner of Canyon Crest, near the "Welcome to The Meadows" sign.

"As you have probably noticed there were 2 AT&T boxes installed in the Meadows garden near the sign. While I think they are ugly, they appeared harmless. About 2 weeks ago, one of those boxes was activated and our property and home is now plagued by an incessant fan and noise. (The other neighbors around us have expressed concern as well.)

We have contacted the Altadena Towncouncilman, Sarge Gibbs, but the resolution is not very quick. We would appreciate any suggestions on how to battle a corporate giant from others in the neighborhood.

I also want you to know that we are placing our trash cans (just leaves / grass) in front of the box to calm the noise. I don't want the neighborhood to think these were left by accident - it is intentional to help us get some peace at night. I am also hoping that by informing the neighborhood that these are our trash cans we can avoid them being stolen as well."

Hit and Run on Canyon Crest

From a neighbor in the 4100 block of Canyon Crest: "Last night (Sunday night) we had company over until about midnight. Two of our guests cars and our daughters car, 3 total, were hit by a hit and run driver. Two of the vehicles were on the East side of the street and the 3rd was parked on the West side across from our driveway. It happened sometime between 8:30pm and midnight. There are pieces of brake lights and mirrors we believe to belong to the hit and run driver. We did not hear anything unusual and noticed the damage this morning. When we phoned the guest that left at midnight, he checked his car and noticed damage."

From Greg - I know there were a few parties here in The Meadows last night. Any chance this is a guest of one of our neighbors? Please ask your family and friends if they have any information.

Thanks.

Food Co-op Now Forming in Altadena

An item of interest from one of our Meadows neighbors:

A group has been meeting to explore the possibility of forming a food co-op in Altadena. If you'd like to learn more or perhaps get involved, please come to this informative session on Sept. 3:

"Why and How to Start A Cooperative Grocery Store in Our Area"An Informative Presentation by Patrick Reagan, Chairman, AAFCSC September 3, 2008, at 7:30 p.m.
The Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake Avenue

Greetings All,

Thanks for your previous interest in the Altadena Area Food Co-op Steering Committee. Here's just a quick note to keep everyone updated on what's been happening with the effort to bring a consumer cooperative food store to Altadena and to invite you to join us for an upcoming organizer presentation.

We've been holding monthly meetings since March and weekly meetings all this month. Three of us have been doing most of the work so far. Fifteen others have joined our Yahoo group - they've been attending/helping as they can. We've had a field trip to Co-opportunity in Santa Monica (the only consumer co-op in LA county) where the manager was very helpful in answering questions about their operations. We've also had a fun potluck dinner with tasty local/organic food to try and lots of great people to get to know.I've been making the most of my normally quiet summer schedule by learning as much as I can about co-ops and meeting as many "co-op people" as possible.

Highlights include... - attending the Consumer Cooperative Manager's Association convention in Portland, OR, last June, - attending the Co-opportunity board of director's meeting in July, - visiting the Natural Foods Co-op in San Luis Obispo and the Isla Vista Food Co-op outside of Santa Barbara, - finding many useful books and websites that relate to co-op formation.We've found a lot of interest in our area and a lot of resources available for our effort.

Our next task is to start writing bylaws as a precursor to incorporating. In the bylaws will be details on how our co-op will operate - how memberships will be handled, how many board members will be needed, etc. We can handle this with our existing group but it would be nice to hear from more Altadena voices during this process. To help bring in these newcomers, and to better inform our existing group about co-ops, we're going to hold a presentation on Sept. 3rd

A happy coincidence is that the leading cooperative consulting group, Cooperative Development Services, is starting a free webinar series the following week. This series covers topics important to getting one of these wonderful stores started. It looks like our presentation will act as a nice orientation "springboard" into their more detailed weekly series of webinars. More information can be found at: http://cdsfood.centraldesktop.com/fc500registration/So please attend if you can. Feel free to cross-post this announcement to other blogs or message boards in our area.

We'll probably continue to meet weekly to dig into the details of co-op formation. If you're interested in joining our effort, please check out our Yahoo group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/aafcsc/

Thanks for your interest!Patrick Reagan

Lilies of the Canyon

Here's some pics of lovely Humboldt lilies growing in El Prieto canyon sent in from a neighbor.

Canyon Crest Road Clearance

The LA County Agricultural Commissioners Office, Weed Abatement is having the County Road Department do the road clearance on Canyon Crest Road. They're doing a great job.