The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at the gymnasium at Loma Alta Park, 3300 Lincoln Ave., on Thurs. July 16, from noon- 6 PM.
The public is invited to join employees of the Department of Parks and Recreation to donate blood at this County-sponsored Red Cross blood drive. Prospective donors can sign up for an appointment online at:
https://www.givelife.org/index.cfm?group=op&expand=615533&zc=01001
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
FireSafe Assessments Almost Complete
The Meadows FireSafe Council is nearing completion of its FireSafe assessments. This year, the council has assessed over 50 properties here in The Meadows. Next step will be to evaluate the findings and issue recommendations to the homeowners. These recommendations will include work that the FireSafe grant will complete and pay for and recommendations of other work homeowners can perform to make their properties more fire-safe.
It is expected that the grant work, which will mainly include tree and brush removal, will begin as early as August.
It is expected that the grant work, which will mainly include tree and brush removal, will begin as early as August.
Mulch Available
As brush clearance under The Meadows FireSafe Council nears its final stages, really great mulch is available to all at the top of Risinghill. Putting mulch around your gardens is a great way to conserve water as it keeps moisture from evaporating during these warm summer months.
Millard Canyon Arts Festival Proposal
Mike Hickman is proposing organizing a small arts event with The Altadena Arts Council (Gene and Mary Ann Stevenson):
"Considering the rich artistic history and heritage of the Arroyo Seco/Millard Canyon area, we thought it might be nice to have a "Millard Canyon Arts Festival" in Loma Alta Park in the area next to the community garden as a way of promoting the arts and artists in the surrounding community.
"We would like to have artists and craftspeople set up booths to sell their work, food vendors and perhaps live performances during a Spring or early Summer weekend (at this point we are looking at 2010, and hoping it might develop into an annual event).
"We think there is also room to include several other elements of the community who may wish to participate with informational booths or activities , such as conservation organizations, trail groups, equestrians, service groups, law enforcement/public safety, etc.
"We are just in the early formative stages so I thought I would tell a few friends and ask what you think about this idea and if you have any suggestions. If you would like to be involved or if you know anyone who would like to be involved, please let us know and pass this info along.
We hope to arrange a public meeting soon to discuss this proposal."
You can contact Mike at (626) 398-6471 or vht@att.net
"Considering the rich artistic history and heritage of the Arroyo Seco/Millard Canyon area, we thought it might be nice to have a "Millard Canyon Arts Festival" in Loma Alta Park in the area next to the community garden as a way of promoting the arts and artists in the surrounding community.
"We would like to have artists and craftspeople set up booths to sell their work, food vendors and perhaps live performances during a Spring or early Summer weekend (at this point we are looking at 2010, and hoping it might develop into an annual event).
"We think there is also room to include several other elements of the community who may wish to participate with informational booths or activities , such as conservation organizations, trail groups, equestrians, service groups, law enforcement/public safety, etc.
"We are just in the early formative stages so I thought I would tell a few friends and ask what you think about this idea and if you have any suggestions. If you would like to be involved or if you know anyone who would like to be involved, please let us know and pass this info along.
We hope to arrange a public meeting soon to discuss this proposal."
You can contact Mike at (626) 398-6471 or vht@att.net
Friday, June 19, 2009
L.A. County Alert System
This is different than the alert system THe Meadows FireSafe Council will introduce later this year. All of us should have received a test message from the County about a month ago. Here's the full press released yesterday. Long, but good info:
County Implements Mass Alert SystemLos Angeles County officials today announced the implementation of an emergency mass notification system to alert residents and businesses by phone, text, and e-mail of emergencies in their area.
Called Alert LA County, the system will allow the Sheriff’s Emergency Communications Center to activate local and regional alerts by drawing the boundaries of the area to be notified on a computer map. Recorded and written alerts will provide information on the nature of the emergency and necessary actions, such as evacuations. The system is so precise it will allow the exclusion of a single home, useful in situations involving hostages or crimes in progress. The County’s 7.1 million land-line phone numbers are programmed into the mass notification system, but the public must register Voice over IP lines, cell phones and e-mail addresses. Registration of this information can be done on the County’s Alert.lacounty.gov website. Each telephone number and e-mail can be associated with only one street address.
Board of Supervisors Chairman Don Knabe said the system was tested in areas of each of the five supervisorial districts on May 18, and the results were impressive. Tests were conducted in South Whittier (First District), Ladera Heights (Second), Topanga Canyon (Third), a portion of Lakewood (Fourth), and The Meadows and Chaney Trail (Fifth).
The test included approximately 15,000 phone numbers, and a review was conducted to determine the number of calls that were completed and the disposition of each call, whether there was a live answer, answering machine, or busy. The test results were validated by calling a small sampling of those receiving the calls and getting their feedback. If a call is picked up by an answering machine when an alert is being issued, a recorded message will be left. If the number is busy or does not answer, the number will be redialed twice. The system has the ability to detect and communicate with telecommunication devices for the deaf (TTY/TDD).
The Alert LA County system project, approved by the Board of Supervisors on Feb. 17 at a $1.97 million cost over five years, was developed by the Sheriff’s Department, Fire Department, Chief Information Office, and Chief Executive Office’s Office of Emergency Management. The cost includes the purchase of the 911 data from the local telephone companies.
Sheriff Lee Baca cautioned that while the notification system is considered effective and efficient, people should not wait for or rely exclusively on a call for evacuation directives if they believe they are in danger.
Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky said similar systems have worked well in other areas, including in San Diego County where more than 500,000 people were evacuated during the 2007 wildfires. “This alert system will be particularly valuable in areas of my district in the Santa Monica Mountains that are vulnerable to fast-moving fires during high-risk weather conditions,” he said, noting that in November 2007 a wildland fire threatened more than 2,000 homes and destroyed or damaged 98 dwellings and 45 outbuildings in Corral Canyon. The County presently has no consistent way to contact residents and businesses in case of regional or local emergencies, so the new system will assist in making the communities safer, said Supervisor Mark-Ridley Thomas.
The notification system, said Supervisor Gloria Molina, will improve the County’s ability to communicate faster, better and more reliably, providing the ability to target messages and follow-up information to residents in affected areas, and reduce the potential for miscommunication by distributing accurate and consistent messages. Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich said the new system will improve public safety for all residents and those in the more rural areas of the County in case of regional or local emergencies. Fire Chief P. Michael Freeman said wildfires have been increasingly threatening in the County, and the fire season is now a year-round reality instead of just several months, so he welcomes implementation of Alert LA County. “It will give us one more tool to keep the public safe,” he said.John Fernandes, director of the Office of Emergency Management, stressed that the new alert system is a component of the overall emergency notification plan and is not meant to replace existing systems. The County will coordinate its efforts with cities, and those having their own systems may continue issuing alerts in their area independent of the County. Alert LA County uses geographic information system maps and polygons that correlate geo-coded information into telephone numbers and addresses.
Acting Chief Information Officer Richard Sanchez said the land-line numbers will be refreshed on a monthly basis to ensure accuracy and numbers registered on the website will be added to the database on a nightly basis.
Knabe said the County will evaluate the notification system in four years to determine its value and usefulness and whether it should be continued.
-lacounty.gov-
County Implements Mass Alert SystemLos Angeles County officials today announced the implementation of an emergency mass notification system to alert residents and businesses by phone, text, and e-mail of emergencies in their area.
Called Alert LA County, the system will allow the Sheriff’s Emergency Communications Center to activate local and regional alerts by drawing the boundaries of the area to be notified on a computer map. Recorded and written alerts will provide information on the nature of the emergency and necessary actions, such as evacuations. The system is so precise it will allow the exclusion of a single home, useful in situations involving hostages or crimes in progress. The County’s 7.1 million land-line phone numbers are programmed into the mass notification system, but the public must register Voice over IP lines, cell phones and e-mail addresses. Registration of this information can be done on the County’s Alert.lacounty.gov website. Each telephone number and e-mail can be associated with only one street address.
Board of Supervisors Chairman Don Knabe said the system was tested in areas of each of the five supervisorial districts on May 18, and the results were impressive. Tests were conducted in South Whittier (First District), Ladera Heights (Second), Topanga Canyon (Third), a portion of Lakewood (Fourth), and The Meadows and Chaney Trail (Fifth).
The test included approximately 15,000 phone numbers, and a review was conducted to determine the number of calls that were completed and the disposition of each call, whether there was a live answer, answering machine, or busy. The test results were validated by calling a small sampling of those receiving the calls and getting their feedback. If a call is picked up by an answering machine when an alert is being issued, a recorded message will be left. If the number is busy or does not answer, the number will be redialed twice. The system has the ability to detect and communicate with telecommunication devices for the deaf (TTY/TDD).
The Alert LA County system project, approved by the Board of Supervisors on Feb. 17 at a $1.97 million cost over five years, was developed by the Sheriff’s Department, Fire Department, Chief Information Office, and Chief Executive Office’s Office of Emergency Management. The cost includes the purchase of the 911 data from the local telephone companies.
Sheriff Lee Baca cautioned that while the notification system is considered effective and efficient, people should not wait for or rely exclusively on a call for evacuation directives if they believe they are in danger.
Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky said similar systems have worked well in other areas, including in San Diego County where more than 500,000 people were evacuated during the 2007 wildfires. “This alert system will be particularly valuable in areas of my district in the Santa Monica Mountains that are vulnerable to fast-moving fires during high-risk weather conditions,” he said, noting that in November 2007 a wildland fire threatened more than 2,000 homes and destroyed or damaged 98 dwellings and 45 outbuildings in Corral Canyon. The County presently has no consistent way to contact residents and businesses in case of regional or local emergencies, so the new system will assist in making the communities safer, said Supervisor Mark-Ridley Thomas.
The notification system, said Supervisor Gloria Molina, will improve the County’s ability to communicate faster, better and more reliably, providing the ability to target messages and follow-up information to residents in affected areas, and reduce the potential for miscommunication by distributing accurate and consistent messages. Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich said the new system will improve public safety for all residents and those in the more rural areas of the County in case of regional or local emergencies. Fire Chief P. Michael Freeman said wildfires have been increasingly threatening in the County, and the fire season is now a year-round reality instead of just several months, so he welcomes implementation of Alert LA County. “It will give us one more tool to keep the public safe,” he said.John Fernandes, director of the Office of Emergency Management, stressed that the new alert system is a component of the overall emergency notification plan and is not meant to replace existing systems. The County will coordinate its efforts with cities, and those having their own systems may continue issuing alerts in their area independent of the County. Alert LA County uses geographic information system maps and polygons that correlate geo-coded information into telephone numbers and addresses.
Acting Chief Information Officer Richard Sanchez said the land-line numbers will be refreshed on a monthly basis to ensure accuracy and numbers registered on the website will be added to the database on a nightly basis.
Knabe said the County will evaluate the notification system in four years to determine its value and usefulness and whether it should be continued.
-lacounty.gov-
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
MFSC Assessments to be Scheduled
The Meadows FireSafe Council will make phone calls and send emails to all participating in this year's assessments tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon.
The dates of the assessments will be June 29, June 30, July 1 and July 2. We have approximately 52 residents participating this year. Calls and emails will be made to these residents to schedule the assessments on those dates.
Brush clearance continues on land above Risinghill, Canyon Crest and El Prieto with much success. Please check it out. It's making our neighborhood more fire-safe.
The dates of the assessments will be June 29, June 30, July 1 and July 2. We have approximately 52 residents participating this year. Calls and emails will be made to these residents to schedule the assessments on those dates.
Brush clearance continues on land above Risinghill, Canyon Crest and El Prieto with much success. Please check it out. It's making our neighborhood more fire-safe.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Humboldt Lilies
The Humboldt Lilies are blooming. The photo attached was taken in El Prieto Canyon, near the picnic tables.
Thanks to Ray for the pic.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Cheetah Presentation
Our resident Meadows wildlife expert, Mary Ellen Schoeman, is giving a presentation on her volunteer work with cheetahs in South Africa on Monday, June 15, 7:30 p.m. at Distant Lands Bookstore in Pasadena.
The bookstore is at 56 S. Raymond Ave. The presentation is free but reservations are recommended (not required!). She'd love for her fellow Meadows residents to come!
http://www.naturetoothandclaw.com
The bookstore is at 56 S. Raymond Ave. The presentation is free but reservations are recommended (not required!). She'd love for her fellow Meadows residents to come!
http://www.naturetoothandclaw.com
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Bear on Patio Again!
A friend was sitting on my patio last Saturday at 5:00 p.m. when the very large bear came from behind my house. ( I live on El Priet Rd.) It was within 15 feet of her. She was able to slowly walk away and get to safety in my house. She saw it sniffing the air as if it were tracking something.
I've been emailing a ranger in Yellowstone who has a great web site about bears and safety: http://www.yellowstone-bearman.com/B_housesafe.html His response to my email follows. One point he makes is that the bear is probably tracking a food source. I don't keep any food, bird seed, BBQ, etc. outside my house. Also, my garbage cans are down near the garage. I don't put any food items in them until the morning of trash day.
Whatever we can all do to deter the bear would be advisable. It's getting too close for my comfort. Here's his response to my asking what I could do to deter the bear:
"The bear must be making its rounds in the neighborhood. There must be something nearby that is attracting the bear if there are no potential food items in your yard. I don't think placing ammonia in an empty can will prevent the bear from returning. Someone near you is either feeding the bear, or has some sort of food item out that is attracting the bear. Find that location and food item and remove it and the bear will move on. The reason the bear is smelling or appears to be tracking something is just the way bears try and locate food. It may not actually be smelling anything but just trying to see what is out there. Coming up onto your patio is not a good sign. This bear, I am betting, has gotten dog or cat food that was left out on other porches in the area and has learned that this is an easy food source.
"I would call you local Fish and Game Dept and let them know of the situation as well. They may need to fire a few rubber bullets or cracker shells to encourage it to move on."
I've been emailing a ranger in Yellowstone who has a great web site about bears and safety: http://www.yellowstone-bearman.com/B_housesafe.html His response to my email follows. One point he makes is that the bear is probably tracking a food source. I don't keep any food, bird seed, BBQ, etc. outside my house. Also, my garbage cans are down near the garage. I don't put any food items in them until the morning of trash day.
Whatever we can all do to deter the bear would be advisable. It's getting too close for my comfort. Here's his response to my asking what I could do to deter the bear:
"The bear must be making its rounds in the neighborhood. There must be something nearby that is attracting the bear if there are no potential food items in your yard. I don't think placing ammonia in an empty can will prevent the bear from returning. Someone near you is either feeding the bear, or has some sort of food item out that is attracting the bear. Find that location and food item and remove it and the bear will move on. The reason the bear is smelling or appears to be tracking something is just the way bears try and locate food. It may not actually be smelling anything but just trying to see what is out there. Coming up onto your patio is not a good sign. This bear, I am betting, has gotten dog or cat food that was left out on other porches in the area and has learned that this is an easy food source.
"I would call you local Fish and Game Dept and let them know of the situation as well. They may need to fire a few rubber bullets or cracker shells to encourage it to move on."
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Meadows Resident Running for Town Council
Altadena Town Council will hold its elections this Saturday, June 6. Meadows resident and former Town Councilperson, Dennis Bridwell, is running unopposed for our census tract. Please support him at the election booth this Saturday.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Brush Clearance Continues
Just have to share this one, showing the excellent work Gothic is doing on the hillside. Today is Friday, and it appears that they have the north end of the project mostly covered, down to the township line that marks the northern extent of the Meadows subdivision.
Ray
Ray
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Fun Time!
From a Meadows neighbor:
At five minutes and six seconds after 4 AM on the 8th of July this year, the time and date will be 04:05:06 07/08/09.
At five minutes and six seconds after 4 AM on the 8th of July this year, the time and date will be 04:05:06 07/08/09.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Homegoing for Teola Davis
Charlie Davis let me know that his Mother, Teola Davis, passed at age 104. She was a Meadows resident at the Davis home on Risinghill Road.
Her Homegoing will be Friday, May 22 at 12:00
Simpson Family Mortuary
3443 W. Manchester Blvd.
Inglewood, CA 90305
For any further information, please call Charlie Davis at 626-529-3038
Her Homegoing will be Friday, May 22 at 12:00
Simpson Family Mortuary
3443 W. Manchester Blvd.
Inglewood, CA 90305
For any further information, please call Charlie Davis at 626-529-3038
Friday, May 15, 2009
MFSC Brush Clearance to Begin
Brush clearance funded by the 2009 meadows FireSafe Council grant will begin Wednesday, May 20.
The focus for brush clearance this year is maintenance of the land that was cleared last year at the top of Risinghill and careful fuel-reduction of the land that passes from Risinghill to El Prieto. The FireSafe Council is still in the process of contact homeowners in the latter area.
Margaret Bridwell and Ray Backes will coordinate with the vendor, Gothic (the same vendor as last year), over the next few weeks.
Assessments for homeowners who requested assessments are expected to begin in June.
The focus for brush clearance this year is maintenance of the land that was cleared last year at the top of Risinghill and careful fuel-reduction of the land that passes from Risinghill to El Prieto. The FireSafe Council is still in the process of contact homeowners in the latter area.
Margaret Bridwell and Ray Backes will coordinate with the vendor, Gothic (the same vendor as last year), over the next few weeks.
Assessments for homeowners who requested assessments are expected to begin in June.
Monday, May 11, 2009
HHW / E-Waste Collection May 16
Here's a convenient Household Hazardous Waste and E-Waste clean-up event hosted by L.A. County Sanitation:
Saturday, May 16th from 9-3.
Between Mountain View and Figueroa, west of Lincoln Ave.
Examples of E-Waste that WILL BE accepted:
computer monitors and televisions
computer cpu's and key boards
printers and copiers
cell phones
Examples of what WILL NOT be accepted:
refrigerators or white goods
ammunition
trash or tires
E-Waste from Businesses
What you CAN bring to a Household Hazardous Waste collection:
Motor oil, oil filters, brake fluid
Used antifreeze
Paint, paint thinner, turpentine
Cleaners with acid or lye
Pesticides or herbicides
Household batteries or car batteries
Pool chemicals
CRT's, old TV's, misc. electronics
Mercury thermometers or thermostats
Used Needles or Sharps (In a Sharps container or sturdy box labeled "SHARPS")
Unwanted or expired prescriptions
What you CANNOT bring to a HHW collection:
Explosives
Ammunition
Radioactive Materials
Trash
Tires
Business Waste
White Goods (stoves, fridges, etc.)
Controlled Substances
How should you prepare?
Bring the items you wish to dispose of in a sturdy box preferably in their original, labeled containers.
Do not EVER mix products together.
It is ILLEGAL to transport more than 15 gallons or 125 pounds of hazardous waste in your personal vehicle.
Be prepared to leave your containers. Because of permitting requirements, and the volume of people that utilize the program, items such as gasoline cans WILL NOT be returned.
Saturday, May 16th from 9-3.
Between Mountain View and Figueroa, west of Lincoln Ave.
Examples of E-Waste that WILL BE accepted:
computer monitors and televisions
computer cpu's and key boards
printers and copiers
cell phones
Examples of what WILL NOT be accepted:
refrigerators or white goods
ammunition
trash or tires
E-Waste from Businesses
What you CAN bring to a Household Hazardous Waste collection:
Motor oil, oil filters, brake fluid
Used antifreeze
Paint, paint thinner, turpentine
Cleaners with acid or lye
Pesticides or herbicides
Household batteries or car batteries
Pool chemicals
CRT's, old TV's, misc. electronics
Mercury thermometers or thermostats
Used Needles or Sharps (In a Sharps container or sturdy box labeled "SHARPS")
Unwanted or expired prescriptions
What you CANNOT bring to a HHW collection:
Explosives
Ammunition
Radioactive Materials
Trash
Tires
Business Waste
White Goods (stoves, fridges, etc.)
Controlled Substances
How should you prepare?
Bring the items you wish to dispose of in a sturdy box preferably in their original, labeled containers.
Do not EVER mix products together.
It is ILLEGAL to transport more than 15 gallons or 125 pounds of hazardous waste in your personal vehicle.
Be prepared to leave your containers. Because of permitting requirements, and the volume of people that utilize the program, items such as gasoline cans WILL NOT be returned.
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Lincoln and Altadena Construction Update
Here's an update on the construction project at Lincoln and Altadena:
The contractor failed to build the project in conformance with the approved plans and this resulted in a structural problem with the foundation of the building. Despite notices to remedy the problem, the contractor kept going with the construction. B&S issued a stop notice and suspended all inspections.
The developer then fired the original architect and engineer and hired a new design team. It took the new design team several submittals before they were able to develop a plan that mitigated the foundation problems. This resulted in about an 18 month delay in the project.
In addition, the contractor built the border walls on the north side of the development higher than approved by DRP, so a revised planning approval was also required.
The applicant has secured revised planning approval and the revised structural plans were approved about 3 weeks ago. We have re-commenced inspections and there should be no further delays.
The contractor failed to build the project in conformance with the approved plans and this resulted in a structural problem with the foundation of the building. Despite notices to remedy the problem, the contractor kept going with the construction. B&S issued a stop notice and suspended all inspections.
The developer then fired the original architect and engineer and hired a new design team. It took the new design team several submittals before they were able to develop a plan that mitigated the foundation problems. This resulted in about an 18 month delay in the project.
In addition, the contractor built the border walls on the north side of the development higher than approved by DRP, so a revised planning approval was also required.
The applicant has secured revised planning approval and the revised structural plans were approved about 3 weeks ago. We have re-commenced inspections and there should be no further delays.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Stamp Out Hunger Saturday
The National Association of Letter Carriers' "Stamp Out Hunger" food drive is this Saturday, May 9th. Just leave a bag of non perishable out by your mailbox that day. (But not the night before as the bear may get it first!)
Monday, May 04, 2009
L.A. Co. Fire Department Alerts
From our Town Councilperson:
"With what has been called one of the best on site alerts for emergencies/calls that involve the Los Angeles Co. Fire Dept, you may subscribe to LAFD alerts.
The alerts range from (forgive me, not to be morbid) car accidents, building fires, a recent jump from a cliff, chlorine spills-anything that will call the fire dept out may be sent out as a brief alert.
You will get an alert before the news hears and reports out.
Where I care is when fire happens. This is immediate, on site, and probably the best immediate source of emerging information for those who want it as it develops. Because this is so immediate, there is a note that the alerts are NOT meant to replace official instructions or calls for action. So far the amount of emails have not been overwhelming. I suspect that may change when a fire erupts...but for me, that is ok. In those situations, I want all the info I can get.Below are instructions should you want to sign up. You can also read their blog."
http://lafd.org/blog
For further information - or to join LAFD_ALERT: http://lafd.org/alert
"With what has been called one of the best on site alerts for emergencies/calls that involve the Los Angeles Co. Fire Dept, you may subscribe to LAFD alerts.
The alerts range from (forgive me, not to be morbid) car accidents, building fires, a recent jump from a cliff, chlorine spills-anything that will call the fire dept out may be sent out as a brief alert.
You will get an alert before the news hears and reports out.
Where I care is when fire happens. This is immediate, on site, and probably the best immediate source of emerging information for those who want it as it develops. Because this is so immediate, there is a note that the alerts are NOT meant to replace official instructions or calls for action. So far the amount of emails have not been overwhelming. I suspect that may change when a fire erupts...but for me, that is ok. In those situations, I want all the info I can get.Below are instructions should you want to sign up. You can also read their blog."
http://lafd.org/blog
For further information - or to join LAFD_ALERT: http://lafd.org/alert
Open Mic at Farnsworth Park
From a neighbor:
"Last night I had a wonderful experience at Farnsworth Park. I wanted to tell the community that every Friday night at 7:00 there is an OPEN MIC gathering for all to join in. There were very few people since the word has not been out about this incredible experience. The poets, story telling, and percussionist, who is also a poet, was very enlightening. I encourage any one who wants to do something or share your writings, stories, music, to show up and enjoy the talented people I saw last night.
Fansworth Park, 568 E Mount Curve at the top of Lake Ave. 798-63335. On cool nights in the beautiful auditorium and on warm nights in the amphitheater. Hope to see you there.
"Last night I had a wonderful experience at Farnsworth Park. I wanted to tell the community that every Friday night at 7:00 there is an OPEN MIC gathering for all to join in. There were very few people since the word has not been out about this incredible experience. The poets, story telling, and percussionist, who is also a poet, was very enlightening. I encourage any one who wants to do something or share your writings, stories, music, to show up and enjoy the talented people I saw last night.
Fansworth Park, 568 E Mount Curve at the top of Lake Ave. 798-63335. On cool nights in the beautiful auditorium and on warm nights in the amphitheater. Hope to see you there.
More Bear Stories
From a neighbor in The Meadows:
"I went for a hike Friday night about 6:30. I headed up El Prieto Rd and was nearing the intersection were you can go right to Millard campground or left to Brown Mtn Rd (where there are lots of bees buzzing). There was a BIG bear that had just crossed the trail and was in the brush on the right about 30 feet from me. I heard the noise and saw him at the same time. He was huge! My eyes got as big as saucers. I watched him as I slowly backed away, he watched me but didn’t make a move. After about 30 seconds he turned and looked toward the canyon and then headed off. I decided it was a good time to turn back for home. He wasn’t scared of me but I was a bit unnerved by him!"
"I went for a hike Friday night about 6:30. I headed up El Prieto Rd and was nearing the intersection were you can go right to Millard campground or left to Brown Mtn Rd (where there are lots of bees buzzing). There was a BIG bear that had just crossed the trail and was in the brush on the right about 30 feet from me. I heard the noise and saw him at the same time. He was huge! My eyes got as big as saucers. I watched him as I slowly backed away, he watched me but didn’t make a move. After about 30 seconds he turned and looked toward the canyon and then headed off. I decided it was a good time to turn back for home. He wasn’t scared of me but I was a bit unnerved by him!"
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Big Bear in my Back Yard!
At 9:00 p.m. last night, Friday, my security lights turned on at the walkway behind my house and the brush. I looked out my windows to the patio and expected to see the typical raccoon or cat. Instead, a very large shadow appeared and then a beautiful and very large bear. It was literally 10 feet from my patio doors and had to weigh over 400 pounds.
I grabbed my camera and turned on the patio lights, but it was gone. I assumed it went into the brush, but the neighbor to the South of me on El Prieto said that it turned over his trash cans at around 9:30 p.m.
While it was thrilling to see, it's also a bit unnerving that it was so close to my house and also that it was early in the evening.
A little while later, I could hear neighbors' voices in the area. For anyone reading this, please let folks know that it is out and about and to take precautions.
I grabbed my camera and turned on the patio lights, but it was gone. I assumed it went into the brush, but the neighbor to the South of me on El Prieto said that it turned over his trash cans at around 9:30 p.m.
While it was thrilling to see, it's also a bit unnerving that it was so close to my house and also that it was early in the evening.
A little while later, I could hear neighbors' voices in the area. For anyone reading this, please let folks know that it is out and about and to take precautions.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Acting Workshop for Youth
Led by one of our Meadows Residents:
The Altadena Arts Council (TAAC), in conjunction with the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, will be sponsoring an "Acting Workshop for Youth", which will be held at Farnsworth Park, corner of North Lake Avenue and East Mountain Curve. The workshop will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays, 3:00 pm - 5:00 p.m. The first six-week session begins on Monday, May 11th and ends on Wednesday, June 17th. The workshop is open to all youth 9-14 years of age and costs $10.00 per class. Advanced registration is advised. For further information, please contact Mary Ann Stevenson at 626.797.5798 or via E-mail at maswrites@att.net .
The Altadena Arts Council (TAAC), in conjunction with the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, will be sponsoring an "Acting Workshop for Youth", which will be held at Farnsworth Park, corner of North Lake Avenue and East Mountain Curve. The workshop will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays, 3:00 pm - 5:00 p.m. The first six-week session begins on Monday, May 11th and ends on Wednesday, June 17th. The workshop is open to all youth 9-14 years of age and costs $10.00 per class. Advanced registration is advised. For further information, please contact Mary Ann Stevenson at 626.797.5798 or via E-mail at maswrites@att.net .
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Census Update
Sheriff's Headquarters has been told that census takers will be in neighborhoods for 2 separate reasons.
The first is that they will be walking through neighborhoods in an effort to develop a good address list and to look for multiple units so the actual census taking effort is more effective.
They will be carrying hand-held computers with gps devices. The first round - those out identifying addresses will be in our neighborhoods from April 6, 2009 through June 19, 2009.
The Census takers will have a red, white and blue identification badge that will also say CENSUS ENUMERATOR, and will include the name of the person on the front, as well as their picture.
These actual census takers, or census enumerators, will be walking the neighborhoods between April 1, 2010 and some time in July, 2010. They will be out making an effort to contact households that did not return the questionnaires that will be mailed in February, 2010.
The Sheriff's Department is urging all people concerned about whether they are seeing actual census takers should call the Altadena Sheriff's Station at 626 798 1131 and let the person answering the phone know that there are strangers going door to door. It may be better to let the Sheriff's deputies determine that the people in their neighborhoods are the actual census takers.
The phone number for the Regional Census Office in Van Nuys is 818 267 1700.
The first is that they will be walking through neighborhoods in an effort to develop a good address list and to look for multiple units so the actual census taking effort is more effective.
They will be carrying hand-held computers with gps devices. The first round - those out identifying addresses will be in our neighborhoods from April 6, 2009 through June 19, 2009.
The Census takers will have a red, white and blue identification badge that will also say CENSUS ENUMERATOR, and will include the name of the person on the front, as well as their picture.
These actual census takers, or census enumerators, will be walking the neighborhoods between April 1, 2010 and some time in July, 2010. They will be out making an effort to contact households that did not return the questionnaires that will be mailed in February, 2010.
The Sheriff's Department is urging all people concerned about whether they are seeing actual census takers should call the Altadena Sheriff's Station at 626 798 1131 and let the person answering the phone know that there are strangers going door to door. It may be better to let the Sheriff's deputies determine that the people in their neighborhoods are the actual census takers.
The phone number for the Regional Census Office in Van Nuys is 818 267 1700.
JPL Open House May 2 & 3
JPL Open House
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/events/open-house.cfm
The 2009 JPL Open House will take place on Saturday and Sunday, May 2nd and 3rd, 2009, 9am-5pm both days.
This popular event celebrates JPL's accomplishments with exhibits and demonstrations about the Laboratory's ongoing research and space exploration. Many of the Lab's scientists and engineers are on hand to answer questions about how spacecraft are sent to other planets, how scientists utilize space technologies to explore Earth and how researchers are searching for planets beyond the solar system.
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/events/open-house.cfm
More info:
Admission and parking is free. Please be advised that we will not have buses to and from the parking lots. There are also no internal bus tours this year. JPL will provide special needs vans for guests with mobility challenges throughout the day.
The following items are not permitted at this NASA/JPL Event: weapons, explosives, incendiary devices, dangerous instruments, alcohol, illegal drugs, pets, all types of skates including skateboards, segways and bicycles. No bags, backpacks or ice chests are allowed, with the exception of small purses and diaper bags.
Your entry on NASA/JPL property constitutes your agreement that you, your vehicles and your personal belongings are subject to inspection.
+ Accommodations for Individuals with Disabilities
JPL is located at 4800 Oak Grove Drive in Pasadena, off the 210 (Foothill) Freeway at the Berkshire Avenue/Oak Grove Drive exit. Parking is available near the Oak Grove main gate and the eastern boundary of JPL, accessible from Windsor Avenue via the Arroyo Boulevard exit off the 210 Freeway.
For more information, please contact:
Public Services Office
4800 Oak Grove Drive
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Mail Stop 186-113
Pasadena, CA 91109
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/events/open-house.cfm
The 2009 JPL Open House will take place on Saturday and Sunday, May 2nd and 3rd, 2009, 9am-5pm both days.
This popular event celebrates JPL's accomplishments with exhibits and demonstrations about the Laboratory's ongoing research and space exploration. Many of the Lab's scientists and engineers are on hand to answer questions about how spacecraft are sent to other planets, how scientists utilize space technologies to explore Earth and how researchers are searching for planets beyond the solar system.
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/events/open-house.cfm
More info:
Admission and parking is free. Please be advised that we will not have buses to and from the parking lots. There are also no internal bus tours this year. JPL will provide special needs vans for guests with mobility challenges throughout the day.
The following items are not permitted at this NASA/JPL Event: weapons, explosives, incendiary devices, dangerous instruments, alcohol, illegal drugs, pets, all types of skates including skateboards, segways and bicycles. No bags, backpacks or ice chests are allowed, with the exception of small purses and diaper bags.
Your entry on NASA/JPL property constitutes your agreement that you, your vehicles and your personal belongings are subject to inspection.
+ Accommodations for Individuals with Disabilities
JPL is located at 4800 Oak Grove Drive in Pasadena, off the 210 (Foothill) Freeway at the Berkshire Avenue/Oak Grove Drive exit. Parking is available near the Oak Grove main gate and the eastern boundary of JPL, accessible from Windsor Avenue via the Arroyo Boulevard exit off the 210 Freeway.
For more information, please contact:
Public Services Office
4800 Oak Grove Drive
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Mail Stop 186-113
Pasadena, CA 91109
Altadena Business Open House May 15
Mark your calendar for Fri., May 15, as the North Lake Ave.
> Business District holds its first Open House, 4-9 PM.
>
> Businesses on and around Lake Ave. in Altadena will be open, and there
> will be food, music, art, and other activities available for the
> family.
>
> The open house is the brainchild of the newly-formed Altadena Arts
> Coalition, a local arts and business group spearheaded by Ben McGinty
> (Gallery at the End of the World), Lance Anderson (Altadena Junction),
> Molly Tierney (Photography by Walt) and "Jeff the Chef" Klein (Coffee
> Gallery).
>
> McGinty said that the idea for the open house "morphed out of" a map
> he found of Altadena businesses in the 50's-60's, published by the
> Altadena Chamber of Commerce. To mark the open house, the coalition
> will also release a map of today's local Lake Ave.-area businesses.
>
> McGinty, who has operated his gallery in Altadena since 1994, said
> that the whole point of the evening was "about awareness. It's not
> about sales, it's about people getting excited about what we've got
> here." McGinty said he has walked up and down Lake Ave. from Altadena
> Dr. to New York Dr., talking to each business to try to get some
> buy-in.
>
> Among the activities already booked include an art opening at the
> Coffee Gallery, an antique car show at Ronnie's Automotive, "Spring
> Fever" at the Gallery at the End of the World," 20-minute portrait
> painting at Altadena Junction, and an exhibit of emerging
> photographers at Walt's.
>
> McGinty said that the vision was an evening with "hundreds of people
> walking the street, meeting their business neighbors, realizing that
> (Altadenans) don't have to leave their back yard -- just a chance to
> come out and find what's in the community."
>
> Anderson said that future Open Houses were being planned, including
> one to coincide with the annual lighting of Christmas Tree Lane.
> Business District holds its first Open House, 4-9 PM.
>
> Businesses on and around Lake Ave. in Altadena will be open, and there
> will be food, music, art, and other activities available for the
> family.
>
> The open house is the brainchild of the newly-formed Altadena Arts
> Coalition, a local arts and business group spearheaded by Ben McGinty
> (Gallery at the End of the World), Lance Anderson (Altadena Junction),
> Molly Tierney (Photography by Walt) and "Jeff the Chef" Klein (Coffee
> Gallery).
>
> McGinty said that the idea for the open house "morphed out of" a map
> he found of Altadena businesses in the 50's-60's, published by the
> Altadena Chamber of Commerce. To mark the open house, the coalition
> will also release a map of today's local Lake Ave.-area businesses.
>
> McGinty, who has operated his gallery in Altadena since 1994, said
> that the whole point of the evening was "about awareness. It's not
> about sales, it's about people getting excited about what we've got
> here." McGinty said he has walked up and down Lake Ave. from Altadena
> Dr. to New York Dr., talking to each business to try to get some
> buy-in.
>
> Among the activities already booked include an art opening at the
> Coffee Gallery, an antique car show at Ronnie's Automotive, "Spring
> Fever" at the Gallery at the End of the World," 20-minute portrait
> painting at Altadena Junction, and an exhibit of emerging
> photographers at Walt's.
>
> McGinty said that the vision was an evening with "hundreds of people
> walking the street, meeting their business neighbors, realizing that
> (Altadenans) don't have to leave their back yard -- just a chance to
> come out and find what's in the community."
>
> Anderson said that future Open Houses were being planned, including
> one to coincide with the annual lighting of Christmas Tree Lane.
Found Turtle
Hey Neighbors....
Some friends in the Meadows found a turtle and we are now taking care of it. We are happy to give this turtle a new home - but if someone out there is missing a beloved pet, we want to put the word out that we have it.
If you know of someone here in the Meadows missing a turtle, you can give them our phone #, so they can call to describe the turtle they are missing.
Right now s/he seems pretty darn happy at our zoo.
;)
Jane & Todd Szabo
(626) 797-7792
Some friends in the Meadows found a turtle and we are now taking care of it. We are happy to give this turtle a new home - but if someone out there is missing a beloved pet, we want to put the word out that we have it.
If you know of someone here in the Meadows missing a turtle, you can give them our phone #, so they can call to describe the turtle they are missing.
Right now s/he seems pretty darn happy at our zoo.
;)
Jane & Todd Szabo
(626) 797-7792
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Census Counting on You
2010 is the year of the Census. Census representatives will be knocking on doors from now until next month for the 2010 Census. They should be wearing red, white and blue ID tags and carrying computers and GPS systems if they come to your residence. Still, if neighbors feel unsure of a representative or uncomfortable answering the door, they should call the Sheriff.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Tombstone Rock Vandalized
Unknown parties did some excavation around and under Tombstone Rock, on the Owen Brown Trail near the slide area, on or about March 30, for purposes unknown.
A large boulder that used to lie in front of "Tombstone Rock" was removed, and extensive digging, with tools, was done as if in an effort to undermine the huge monolith.
The stone, estimated to weigh nearly two tons, has been dubbed "Tombstone Rock" because it looks like an almost perfectly symmetrical tombstone with a gable-like top. It tumbled down onto the trail during the Northridge Earthquake fifteen years ago. It is located on unpatented National Forest land.
On or about the weekend of March 28-29, two young men were seen hiking up the trail with shovels. When asked "what was up," they replied, "snake protection!" That may sound suspicious, but there's no hard evidence to link them to the vandalism.
Ray Backes
A large boulder that used to lie in front of "Tombstone Rock" was removed, and extensive digging, with tools, was done as if in an effort to undermine the huge monolith.
The stone, estimated to weigh nearly two tons, has been dubbed "Tombstone Rock" because it looks like an almost perfectly symmetrical tombstone with a gable-like top. It tumbled down onto the trail during the Northridge Earthquake fifteen years ago. It is located on unpatented National Forest land.
On or about the weekend of March 28-29, two young men were seen hiking up the trail with shovels. When asked "what was up," they replied, "snake protection!" That may sound suspicious, but there's no hard evidence to link them to the vandalism.
Ray Backes
Friday, March 27, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Need MFSC Assessment Brochure?
If you need a new Meadows FireSafe Council 2009 Assessment Request, please email me at:
greg.stanton@dilbeck.com
If you post a comment to a blog posting but haven't registered, it comes through as an Anonymous post and I can't tell who needs a copy.
Thanks,
Greg
greg.stanton@dilbeck.com
If you post a comment to a blog posting but haven't registered, it comes through as an Anonymous post and I can't tell who needs a copy.
Thanks,
Greg
Monday, March 16, 2009
FireSafe Assessments Deadline
Today was the deadline for returning requests for assessments to be performed by the FireSafe Council. We only had 16 returned requests and have to think that there are more properties in need of fire-prone tree removal. Also, the assessments are a great way to learn how you can further reduce the propensity for fire.
So, if that Meadows FireSafe Council mailer that was sent a few weeks ago is sitting in the "to-do" pile, grab it, complete it and return it to be included in this year's grant work.
And please tell your neighbors to do the same. A group effort will continue to make us fire safe.
So, if that Meadows FireSafe Council mailer that was sent a few weeks ago is sitting in the "to-do" pile, grab it, complete it and return it to be included in this year's grant work.
And please tell your neighbors to do the same. A group effort will continue to make us fire safe.
Hunter / Bear Baiting Update
An update from a neighbor on on the bear baiting:
Hello all....
I just got this info from someone who lives in Millard Canyon responding to our reports of possible bear bait near the water tower off the fire road above Risinghill Road.
"I don't know about the donuts, but don't worry about the kibble and avocados placed there two weeks ago. They were placed there by a well-meaning man who released three raccoons there who had been caught in a trap in town. He hiked them all the way up there in order to give them a chance at freedom well away from the Angeles Crest Highway."
So, maybe what we have seen is not bear bait at all....though it does leave me wondering about the camo sleeping bag and padding, etc. that was found on the water tower itself. Is it possible that the other stuff had been there for some time and nobody noticed it until now????
Hello all....
I just got this info from someone who lives in Millard Canyon responding to our reports of possible bear bait near the water tower off the fire road above Risinghill Road.
"I don't know about the donuts, but don't worry about the kibble and avocados placed there two weeks ago. They were placed there by a well-meaning man who released three raccoons there who had been caught in a trap in town. He hiked them all the way up there in order to give them a chance at freedom well away from the Angeles Crest Highway."
So, maybe what we have seen is not bear bait at all....though it does leave me wondering about the camo sleeping bag and padding, etc. that was found on the water tower itself. Is it possible that the other stuff had been there for some time and nobody noticed it until now????
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Hunter Update
From our TownCouncil Rep:
Dear Neighbors:
Please know that there have been sightings where the Millard Canyon water tank is and at the end of Risinghill road in the Meadows area of illegal hunting/poaching activities. Call the sheriffs immediately at 626-798-1131.
Watch for: camouflage hunting blinds, snares, traps, bait piles (with animal kibble, donuts, and ripe avocados and/or apples), camping gear such as foam and sleeping bags left nearby. The pattern is to place bait repeatedly in the same location for a period of weeks until local wildlife becomes accustomed to it, then lay in wait for the animal(s) one wishes to kill.
Because of prior activity from Joe Clay, who describes himself as "Black Rambo" watch for vehicles, especially a white Bronco (CA lic# 1FEC322) or any truck / van with blacked out windows parked in or near the Forest that do not appear to be hikers or that are left parked at odd hours of the night or early AM.
Use extreme caution. Clay is armed and has been known to set fires as a way to divert attention from those who might try and chase him. He has a record of game violations and a conviction. Document what you see, but do not approach him.
If you see such activity, call the sheriffs ASAP at 626-798-1131. They are aware of the recent sightings and will contact the DF&G warden as well as alert the Forest Service.
Thanks to alert neighbors in the Meadows area for working together with others in the foothill regions of Altadena.
Dear Neighbors:
Please know that there have been sightings where the Millard Canyon water tank is and at the end of Risinghill road in the Meadows area of illegal hunting/poaching activities. Call the sheriffs immediately at 626-798-1131.
Watch for: camouflage hunting blinds, snares, traps, bait piles (with animal kibble, donuts, and ripe avocados and/or apples), camping gear such as foam and sleeping bags left nearby. The pattern is to place bait repeatedly in the same location for a period of weeks until local wildlife becomes accustomed to it, then lay in wait for the animal(s) one wishes to kill.
Because of prior activity from Joe Clay, who describes himself as "Black Rambo" watch for vehicles, especially a white Bronco (CA lic# 1FEC322) or any truck / van with blacked out windows parked in or near the Forest that do not appear to be hikers or that are left parked at odd hours of the night or early AM.
Use extreme caution. Clay is armed and has been known to set fires as a way to divert attention from those who might try and chase him. He has a record of game violations and a conviction. Document what you see, but do not approach him.
If you see such activity, call the sheriffs ASAP at 626-798-1131. They are aware of the recent sightings and will contact the DF&G warden as well as alert the Forest Service.
Thanks to alert neighbors in the Meadows area for working together with others in the foothill regions of Altadena.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Home Invasions
From the Star News:
Home invasion robbers disguised as cops make off with cash
ALTADENA - Several men barged into a home and stole about $2,000 in cash and other items after tricking their victim into believing they were police officers.
Several men knocked on a a 42-year-old man's door in the 3400 block of Fair Oaks Avenue at about 8:50 p.m. Thursday, wearing dark-colored police officer-type uniforms, gun belts and armed with handguns, authorities said.
One man was wearing a baseball cap with the word "Police" on the front.
Authorities said the victim believed the men were police officers at first but became concerned when he did not see a marked police are in front of his home and noticed the men were wearing tennis shoes.
The men then forced the victim into a bedroom, handcuffed him at gunpoint, demanding to know where the victim's safe was. The victim's arms and legs were tied up and socks were placed in his mouth.
The victim was not injured and no one else was home at the time of the robbery, authorities said.
Anyone with any information is asked to call Altadena Sheriff's
station at (626)798-1131.
Home invasion robbers disguised as cops make off with cash
ALTADENA - Several men barged into a home and stole about $2,000 in cash and other items after tricking their victim into believing they were police officers.
Several men knocked on a a 42-year-old man's door in the 3400 block of Fair Oaks Avenue at about 8:50 p.m. Thursday, wearing dark-colored police officer-type uniforms, gun belts and armed with handguns, authorities said.
One man was wearing a baseball cap with the word "Police" on the front.
Authorities said the victim believed the men were police officers at first but became concerned when he did not see a marked police are in front of his home and noticed the men were wearing tennis shoes.
The men then forced the victim into a bedroom, handcuffed him at gunpoint, demanding to know where the victim's safe was. The victim's arms and legs were tied up and socks were placed in his mouth.
The victim was not injured and no one else was home at the time of the robbery, authorities said.
Anyone with any information is asked to call Altadena Sheriff's
station at (626)798-1131.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Bear Baiting at Top of Risinghill
Please be aware that evidence of illegal baiting has been documented at the top of Rising Hill.
The concern is that Joe Clay is back hunting. Please use extreme caution and call the sheriffs immediately if you find any further evidence.
The concern is that Joe Clay is back hunting. Please use extreme caution and call the sheriffs immediately if you find any further evidence.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Oiseau Design
From PasadenaNow.com, an online article about Meadows resident Jonatan Damian!
Oiseau Design is a full service landscape design company located in Altadena, California. Almost a decade of experience working with and meeting the demands of discerning clients makes Jonatan Damian particularly qualified to see projects from concept to completion. He is committed to working with the client to achieve his or her landscape vision while paying particular attention to the necessities of the site and a home’s architectural style.
Jonatan Damian was born and raised in Mexico and Southern California, where a home’s garden is considered as critical an element as its interior spaces. After graduating with a degree in Environmental Design from Art Center College in 2000, he performed freelance design work for a number of clients creating everything from graphics and company logos to furniture. In 2001 he was invited to participate in the Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan, a home furnishing design showcase in Italy, where he presented and received high praise for a chair molded from Kevlar and aluminum.
In 2003, he joined the prestigious landscape design firm, Christine London Ltd. in Beverly Hills, where he was Lead Designer for five years. It was here that Jonatan honed his considerable design skills and applied them to a wide variety of landscape projects, which included everything from English to minimalist gardens, playhouse and outdoor furniture design, and lighting.
Altadena Hazardous Waste Roundup
There will be Hazardous Household Waste Roundup on May 16 in Altadena.
LA County DPW Maintenance Yard
Figueroa Drive and Grandeur Ave.
(Between Mountain View and Figueroa, west of Lincoln Ave.) 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sponsored jointly by the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts and the Department of Public Works. The Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Program gives Los Angeles County residents a legal and cost free way to dispose of unwanted household chemicals that cannot be disposed of in the regular trash.
THINGS WE WANT YOU TO BRING...
* Motor Oil, Antifreeze, Paint, Paint Thinner.
* Turpentine, Cleaners with Acids or Lye.
* Pesticides and Herbicides.
* Household and Car Batteries.
* Old Computers and Television Sets.
* Sharps or Used Needles.
* Expired Pharmaceuticals and Mercury Thermometers.
THINGS WE DON'T WANT YOU TO BRING...
* Explosives, Ammunition or Radioactive materials.
* Waste from Businesses will NOT be accepted.
* Trash or Old Tires.
* White Goods such as Washers, Stoves, Refrigerators or Air Conditioners.
* Controlled Substances.
HOW TO PREPARE...
* In general there is a limit of 15 gallons or 125 lbs. per vehicle.
* Bring items in a sturdy box, preferably in their original labeled containers.
* Be prepared to leave your containers.
* Do not mix products together.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL:
* THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICTS - (800) 238-0172
LA County DPW Maintenance Yard
Figueroa Drive and Grandeur Ave.
(Between Mountain View and Figueroa, west of Lincoln Ave.) 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sponsored jointly by the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts and the Department of Public Works. The Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Program gives Los Angeles County residents a legal and cost free way to dispose of unwanted household chemicals that cannot be disposed of in the regular trash.
THINGS WE WANT YOU TO BRING...
* Motor Oil, Antifreeze, Paint, Paint Thinner.
* Turpentine, Cleaners with Acids or Lye.
* Pesticides and Herbicides.
* Household and Car Batteries.
* Old Computers and Television Sets.
* Sharps or Used Needles.
* Expired Pharmaceuticals and Mercury Thermometers.
THINGS WE DON'T WANT YOU TO BRING...
* Explosives, Ammunition or Radioactive materials.
* Waste from Businesses will NOT be accepted.
* Trash or Old Tires.
* White Goods such as Washers, Stoves, Refrigerators or Air Conditioners.
* Controlled Substances.
HOW TO PREPARE...
* In general there is a limit of 15 gallons or 125 lbs. per vehicle.
* Bring items in a sturdy box, preferably in their original labeled containers.
* Be prepared to leave your containers.
* Do not mix products together.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL:
* THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICTS - (800) 238-0172
The Bear(s) are Really Active in The Meadows
Neighbors are still to be cautious as numerous bear sightings are being reported.
Here's one account:
"A neighbor on Sunmore came face to face with a big ass bear on our trash night (sic: assuming Monday night). He heard a noise and went down driveway. The bear was in a neighbor's trash cans. He put the flashlight on him and saw how big he was. The bear went over fence between his and and another neighbor's fence. "
From Greg: I do think he (they) go from Risinghill to Sunmore, through the brush to El Prieto behind my house. I found bear prints a second time on my patio and leading past my front door.
Here's one account:
"A neighbor on Sunmore came face to face with a big ass bear on our trash night (sic: assuming Monday night). He heard a noise and went down driveway. The bear was in a neighbor's trash cans. He put the flashlight on him and saw how big he was. The bear went over fence between his and and another neighbor's fence. "
From Greg: I do think he (they) go from Risinghill to Sunmore, through the brush to El Prieto behind my house. I found bear prints a second time on my patio and leading past my front door.
Sunday, March 08, 2009
2009 MFSC New Assessments
Brochures were mailed out this weekend to all Meadows residents announcing the plans for the 2009 Meadows FireSafe Council grant project. Please watch you mail this week for the brochure and respond as needed.
The new grant will again tackle brush clearance in and around The Meadows along with continued tree removal of fire-prone trees and bushes.
We will be conducting assessments again in the coming months. If all the work on your property was completed with the last 2008 effort, there's no need to reply. If these is new work or you didn't participate in the 2008 assessments, please complete the form and return it to the council.
Any questions, please email the blog. And please talk to your neighbors about participation. We want to do everything we can to make The Meadows fire-safe.
The new grant will again tackle brush clearance in and around The Meadows along with continued tree removal of fire-prone trees and bushes.
We will be conducting assessments again in the coming months. If all the work on your property was completed with the last 2008 effort, there's no need to reply. If these is new work or you didn't participate in the 2008 assessments, please complete the form and return it to the council.
Any questions, please email the blog. And please talk to your neighbors about participation. We want to do everything we can to make The Meadows fire-safe.
Street Number Curb Painting Help!
From a neighbor: Does anyone know how to contact these folks?
I was wondering if either of you knew how to get a hold of the outfit that just came through the Meadows recently offering to paint the address numbers on the curb. This particular outfit called themselves Curb Appeal & actually painted the numbers on our curb incorrectly, which I noticed too late (they painted 4345 instead of 4354), after I'd already given them the check for $15.
I didn't keep the flier they left & have not been able to find them through directory assistance or on the Internet. Just trying to get them to come back & correct their mistake
Any help you can lend me, or perhaps in finding another outfit to correct their error, would be greatly appreciated
I was wondering if either of you knew how to get a hold of the outfit that just came through the Meadows recently offering to paint the address numbers on the curb. This particular outfit called themselves Curb Appeal & actually painted the numbers on our curb incorrectly, which I noticed too late (they painted 4345 instead of 4354), after I'd already given them the check for $15.
I didn't keep the flier they left & have not been able to find them through directory assistance or on the Internet. Just trying to get them to come back & correct their mistake
Any help you can lend me, or perhaps in finding another outfit to correct their error, would be greatly appreciated
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Bear in Backyard
The bear is making its way to El Prieto. I awoke to huge bear paw prints on my side and front patios this morning. My guess is that it is coming through the brush from Risinghill over to El Prieto. This happened about a year ago too. Seems the bear comes through the brush, checks out my pond at my patio, then makes its way past my front door to the street. Sorry I wasn't awake to take pictures!
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Bear Back in The Meadows
Here's a series of emails that have been posting today regarding the return of a bear to The Meadows. The headline is that a large bear is appearing at the top of Risinghill as early as the afternoon. Please be safe and that includes your pets as well.
Here is the string of emails, all very interesting conversation:
FIRST EMAIL: Hi Meadowans!
Who else would it be? It is Day Ryan...again. This time to inform you of the above.
We who live at the top of Rising Hill, Canyon Crest and El Prieto usually see the proof of the bear on Sunday and Monday evenings...the nights before our trash pick up...and view it as no big deal.
Well now the bear has been hanging around a little more frequently and what concerns me and my parents is that it has been much earlier in the evening.
This past Monday evening my dad spotted the bear while coming home at approximately 9:30P. It ran from our neighbors driveway across the street and down towards the canyon. Last night at 9:00P, my dad heard our trash can fall over and could hear the bear rummaging though the trash. My dad banged on the door in our garage and the bear moved to the end of our driveway. eating something it found. I ran to the window and could see this BEAUTIFUL beast and I must say it is a WHOPPER in size! It then waddled across the street to Lacy's yard and walked towards the back and I'm sure up the hillside.
Now, I am no Jack Hannah nor work for the National Geographic however, I strongly believe that it is a pregnant female. When I say that it was waddling...it was waddling like it was carrying a heavy load!
I wanted to sound the alarm to you to just PLEASE be careful when you come home after dark, take the garbage out or go to your car no matter what time it is. Again, I have been accustomed to knowing that the bear would come down the mountain during the hours of 11:00P until 4:00 or 5:00A.
Thanks for your time!!!
Day
SECOND EMAIL:
The bear was also spotted at the top of Risinghill on Sunday afternoon at about 4:30 by some hikers, and I saw it on Monday night at about 11:00 pm, standing in front of my house (4595 Risinghill). It went across the road and down into the canyon.This is the larger of the two bears that we see around. The smaller one is the one we usually see (small and large being relative - I would say that the smaller one is about 300 lbs, the bigger one is about 450), but the bigger bear has been around lately. It is much slower-moving than the smaller one, holds its head a little lower, and is not as willing to move away when it sees people. It was dark when I saw it, of course, but from what I could see it did not look pregnant. It would be an odd time of year for a bear to be in an advanced pregnancy - they usually give birth in January then disappear for a few months nursing the cubs in a den. Although, with global warming and generally messed-up weather, nothing would surprise me anymore. (But wouldn't it be incredibly exciting if we got to see baby bears being raised in our neighborhood?! that would be so great!)The bear in front of my house was very busy eating something, but I couldn't see what it was. I went to look the next morning, and it had dug up some of the ground above the retaining wall and disrupted things a little, but I still couldn't tell for sure. There are a lot of snails around this time of year, and snails and slugs are yummy yummy bear treats, so maybe it was that.Both of 'our' bears are quite chubby - and that's a good thing. That means that they are getting plenty of their natural food supply and that they are healthy. A healthy, full-bellied black bear is not generally a threat to people. Remember that almost all the scary 'person-eaten-by-bear' stories are about encounters with brown bears (grizzlies), not our black bears, which are generally harmless unless you provoke them, scare them (in such a way that they feel cornered) or get between a mother and cubs. Because of where we live, pretty much any time we leave our houses there is the chance of encountering our native wildlife. As Day says, we just need to be alert to our surroundings, keep our pets and children under control and where we can see them, and when we do encounter wildlife, stay calm and enjoy the experience.
THIRD EMAIL:
Thanks for the information regarding the bears. A possible explanation for their return is that someone appears to be putting out food (pellets and ripe avocados) by the water crossing on the fire road, just East of the El Prieto trailhead. Don't know what the intentions are for this, but just wanted everyone to be aware of it -- especially those walking dogs.
FOURTH EMAIL:
I have a strong suspicion that the person(s) who are putting any type of food out is the deer hunter. Unfortunately, he is also known (by the Dept of Fis & Game) to illegally trap and hunt bears.
A couple of months ago there was a mound of dog food foing by the water tank when you cross the small creek in the fire road.
FIFTH EMAIL:
I'm willing to go pick up any food (bait) that anyone sees left out on the trails. I'm home during the day so I can do it in daylight. The only problem is, I don't know our trails well at all (not a big hiker), but if someone can maybe email me a map with the trails marked, so I can figure out where I need to go, I can make it my responsibility to get stuff like that off the trails whenever anyone sees it. Plus I can use the fruit for any baby animals that I am rehabbing at the time.
Here is the string of emails, all very interesting conversation:
FIRST EMAIL: Hi Meadowans!
Who else would it be? It is Day Ryan...again. This time to inform you of the above.
We who live at the top of Rising Hill, Canyon Crest and El Prieto usually see the proof of the bear on Sunday and Monday evenings...the nights before our trash pick up...and view it as no big deal.
Well now the bear has been hanging around a little more frequently and what concerns me and my parents is that it has been much earlier in the evening.
This past Monday evening my dad spotted the bear while coming home at approximately 9:30P. It ran from our neighbors driveway across the street and down towards the canyon. Last night at 9:00P, my dad heard our trash can fall over and could hear the bear rummaging though the trash. My dad banged on the door in our garage and the bear moved to the end of our driveway. eating something it found. I ran to the window and could see this BEAUTIFUL beast and I must say it is a WHOPPER in size! It then waddled across the street to Lacy's yard and walked towards the back and I'm sure up the hillside.
Now, I am no Jack Hannah nor work for the National Geographic however, I strongly believe that it is a pregnant female. When I say that it was waddling...it was waddling like it was carrying a heavy load!
I wanted to sound the alarm to you to just PLEASE be careful when you come home after dark, take the garbage out or go to your car no matter what time it is. Again, I have been accustomed to knowing that the bear would come down the mountain during the hours of 11:00P until 4:00 or 5:00A.
Thanks for your time!!!
Day
SECOND EMAIL:
The bear was also spotted at the top of Risinghill on Sunday afternoon at about 4:30 by some hikers, and I saw it on Monday night at about 11:00 pm, standing in front of my house (4595 Risinghill). It went across the road and down into the canyon.This is the larger of the two bears that we see around. The smaller one is the one we usually see (small and large being relative - I would say that the smaller one is about 300 lbs, the bigger one is about 450), but the bigger bear has been around lately. It is much slower-moving than the smaller one, holds its head a little lower, and is not as willing to move away when it sees people. It was dark when I saw it, of course, but from what I could see it did not look pregnant. It would be an odd time of year for a bear to be in an advanced pregnancy - they usually give birth in January then disappear for a few months nursing the cubs in a den. Although, with global warming and generally messed-up weather, nothing would surprise me anymore. (But wouldn't it be incredibly exciting if we got to see baby bears being raised in our neighborhood?! that would be so great!)The bear in front of my house was very busy eating something, but I couldn't see what it was. I went to look the next morning, and it had dug up some of the ground above the retaining wall and disrupted things a little, but I still couldn't tell for sure. There are a lot of snails around this time of year, and snails and slugs are yummy yummy bear treats, so maybe it was that.Both of 'our' bears are quite chubby - and that's a good thing. That means that they are getting plenty of their natural food supply and that they are healthy. A healthy, full-bellied black bear is not generally a threat to people. Remember that almost all the scary 'person-eaten-by-bear' stories are about encounters with brown bears (grizzlies), not our black bears, which are generally harmless unless you provoke them, scare them (in such a way that they feel cornered) or get between a mother and cubs. Because of where we live, pretty much any time we leave our houses there is the chance of encountering our native wildlife. As Day says, we just need to be alert to our surroundings, keep our pets and children under control and where we can see them, and when we do encounter wildlife, stay calm and enjoy the experience.
THIRD EMAIL:
Thanks for the information regarding the bears. A possible explanation for their return is that someone appears to be putting out food (pellets and ripe avocados) by the water crossing on the fire road, just East of the El Prieto trailhead. Don't know what the intentions are for this, but just wanted everyone to be aware of it -- especially those walking dogs.
FOURTH EMAIL:
I have a strong suspicion that the person(s) who are putting any type of food out is the deer hunter. Unfortunately, he is also known (by the Dept of Fis & Game) to illegally trap and hunt bears.
A couple of months ago there was a mound of dog food foing by the water tank when you cross the small creek in the fire road.
FIFTH EMAIL:
I'm willing to go pick up any food (bait) that anyone sees left out on the trails. I'm home during the day so I can do it in daylight. The only problem is, I don't know our trails well at all (not a big hiker), but if someone can maybe email me a map with the trails marked, so I can figure out where I need to go, I can make it my responsibility to get stuff like that off the trails whenever anyone sees it. Plus I can use the fruit for any baby animals that I am rehabbing at the time.
Flood Maintenance on Loma Alta
From L.A. County Public Works - Flood Maintenance (this is the area between Lincoln and Chaney Trail, just north of Loma Alta - often referred to as the wash.)
I want to give you a heads-up for our upcoming maintenance at Lincoln SPS. Other than the routine minor grounds keeping, we really haven't done any serious maintenance at the SPS for the 2 yrs take I have been assigned here.
But, the SPS, especially the big pile of dirt at the southern end (visible from Loma Alta Dr.), has been scarred by deep erosion during the last two storm seasons. We want to go in and do maybe 1-1/2 week's work dressing up the hill slopes. All work is confined on site. We will have no hauling of material in or out. Other than a single piece of rental earth work construction equipment operating, there will be a water truck for dust control, small PU's for the supervisors checking on the job, and a fuel tender for occasional re-fueling of the equipment.
The work is necessary. We plan to begin 2 week from now. Hours of operations is from 7:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., M-F. Pls notify on our behalves the HOA, and any other concerned citizens.
I want to give you a heads-up for our upcoming maintenance at Lincoln SPS. Other than the routine minor grounds keeping, we really haven't done any serious maintenance at the SPS for the 2 yrs take I have been assigned here.
But, the SPS, especially the big pile of dirt at the southern end (visible from Loma Alta Dr.), has been scarred by deep erosion during the last two storm seasons. We want to go in and do maybe 1-1/2 week's work dressing up the hill slopes. All work is confined on site. We will have no hauling of material in or out. Other than a single piece of rental earth work construction equipment operating, there will be a water truck for dust control, small PU's for the supervisors checking on the job, and a fuel tender for occasional re-fueling of the equipment.
The work is necessary. We plan to begin 2 week from now. Hours of operations is from 7:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., M-F. Pls notify on our behalves the HOA, and any other concerned citizens.
LAFD Fire Alerts
From our TownCouncilperson:
With what has been called one of the best on site alerts for emergencies/calls that involve the Los Angeles Co. Fire Dept, you may subscribe to LAFD alerts.
The alerts range from (forgive me, not to be morbid) car accidents, building fires, a recent jump from a cliff, chlorine spills-anything that will call the fire dept out may be sent out as a brief alert. You will get an alert before the news hears and reports out.
Where I care is when fire happens. This is immediate, on site, and probably the best immediate source of emerging information for those who want it as it develops. Because this is so immediate, there is a note that the alerts are NOT meant to replace official instructions or calls for action. So far the amount of emails have not been overwhelming. I suspect that may change when a fire erupts...but for me, that is ok. In those situations, I want all the info I can get.
Below are instructions should you want to sign up. You can also read their blog.--Alice Wessen, Altadena Town Council
LAFD_ALERT messages are *not* official instructions or authorization to take action. We do not guarantee the timeliness or accuracy of LAFD_ALERTs. Do not reply to this message. After-action reports of significant incidents can be found at: http://lafd.org/blog For further information - or to join LAFD_ALERT: http://lafd.org/alertTo unsubscribe from LAFD_ALERT, send email to:LAFD_ALERT-unsubscribe@googlegroups.com
With what has been called one of the best on site alerts for emergencies/calls that involve the Los Angeles Co. Fire Dept, you may subscribe to LAFD alerts.
The alerts range from (forgive me, not to be morbid) car accidents, building fires, a recent jump from a cliff, chlorine spills-anything that will call the fire dept out may be sent out as a brief alert. You will get an alert before the news hears and reports out.
Where I care is when fire happens. This is immediate, on site, and probably the best immediate source of emerging information for those who want it as it develops. Because this is so immediate, there is a note that the alerts are NOT meant to replace official instructions or calls for action. So far the amount of emails have not been overwhelming. I suspect that may change when a fire erupts...but for me, that is ok. In those situations, I want all the info I can get.
Below are instructions should you want to sign up. You can also read their blog.--Alice Wessen, Altadena Town Council
LAFD_ALERT messages are *not* official instructions or authorization to take action. We do not guarantee the timeliness or accuracy of LAFD_ALERTs. Do not reply to this message. After-action reports of significant incidents can be found at: http://lafd.org/blog For further information - or to join LAFD_ALERT: http://lafd.org/alertTo unsubscribe from LAFD_ALERT, send email to:LAFD_ALERT-unsubscribe@googlegroups.com
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Living with Native Wildlife Presentation
Hi, it's MaryEllen, your friendly local wildlife rehabilitator.
I've had some people ask me about the possibility of me doing a presentation on living successfully with our native wildlife, which I would be pleased to do, if there is enough interest. It would probably be held at the park or the community center.
Could anyone who would be interested in attending please drop me an email (the link is on the right side of this blog) and let me know? That way I can gauge if there is enough interest and what size venue I might need. Thanks very much!
I've had some people ask me about the possibility of me doing a presentation on living successfully with our native wildlife, which I would be pleased to do, if there is enough interest. It would probably be held at the park or the community center.
Could anyone who would be interested in attending please drop me an email (the link is on the right side of this blog) and let me know? That way I can gauge if there is enough interest and what size venue I might need. Thanks very much!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Education Forum
ALTADENA NAACP And ALTADENA TOWN COUNCIL SPONSOR Education Forum
• Meet candidates for PUSD (Board of Education Seats)
• Hear the presentations of candidates
• Ask questions
• Be informed
When: February 28, 2009
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: Altadena Community Center 730 East Altadena Drive
For additional information, please contact:“Tony” Stewart – (626) 798-2033 or Gino Sund – (626) 794-9609
• Meet candidates for PUSD (Board of Education Seats)
• Hear the presentations of candidates
• Ask questions
• Be informed
When: February 28, 2009
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: Altadena Community Center 730 East Altadena Drive
For additional information, please contact:“Tony” Stewart – (626) 798-2033 or Gino Sund – (626) 794-9609
Millard Canyon Conservation
Hi Gang!
Well it's that time again--time for another Volunteer Canyon Clean-up Day! This coming Saturday, February 28.
As usual, we will meet at my driveway (3617 Canyon Crest Rd. Altadena, 91001) at 9am sharp, take a short hike into the canyon, uproot as many of those nasty invasive, non-native plants as we can in 4 hours, then hike back out of the canyon feeling satisfied that we have done something positive for the environment.
At the risk of being redundant, I'll mention again that you will need sturdy hiking shoes/boots, long pants (and bring a long sleeve shirt). Tools, gloves, water and snacks will be provided--we just want your bodies.
Please come and help.
If you have any questions or discussion, contact me at (626) 398-6471 or email: vht@att.net.
Thanks,
Mike Hickman
Well it's that time again--time for another Volunteer Canyon Clean-up Day! This coming Saturday, February 28.
As usual, we will meet at my driveway (3617 Canyon Crest Rd. Altadena, 91001) at 9am sharp, take a short hike into the canyon, uproot as many of those nasty invasive, non-native plants as we can in 4 hours, then hike back out of the canyon feeling satisfied that we have done something positive for the environment.
At the risk of being redundant, I'll mention again that you will need sturdy hiking shoes/boots, long pants (and bring a long sleeve shirt). Tools, gloves, water and snacks will be provided--we just want your bodies.
Please come and help.
If you have any questions or discussion, contact me at (626) 398-6471 or email: vht@att.net.
Thanks,
Mike Hickman
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Abandoned, Missing Dogs?
Hi my fellow Neighbors,
It's Day Ryan from the top of Rising Hill Road. This morning as I was walking my dog on the upper El Prieto Trail, I saw three...yes THREE dogs off leash however, no human in site. They were roaming back and forth on the trail as well as deep in the brush and still no human/owner was around.
I am sending this not as a warning, yet as a plea for assistance. I am extremely worried...not only for the dogs however, I am worried that they DO have an owner who may have hiked and could be missing/injured. Maybe I watch too much tv however, it is possible.
I called the Sheriff's department and unfortunately there was nothing that could be done. Marina (who resides near Theo) called Animal Control and they informed her that they couldn't come due to the location and suggested that the dogs be caught and they would then come. The dogs are extremely fearful so I don't know how that is going to work.
I am just asking that those of you who take your usual hikes up there, just look out for them, notice their activity and if you are able to catch them please call the Animal Control Department immediately.
The dogs are definitely not strays, two of them (Golden Lab mixes) have on a purple collar and the other a shepherd mix (brindle in color with a white tip on its tail) has no collar. They appear clean and healthy so again they are not strays and did/do belong to someone.
Thank you so much for whatever assistance you can offer!
DAY
It's Day Ryan from the top of Rising Hill Road. This morning as I was walking my dog on the upper El Prieto Trail, I saw three...yes THREE dogs off leash however, no human in site. They were roaming back and forth on the trail as well as deep in the brush and still no human/owner was around.
I am sending this not as a warning, yet as a plea for assistance. I am extremely worried...not only for the dogs however, I am worried that they DO have an owner who may have hiked and could be missing/injured. Maybe I watch too much tv however, it is possible.
I called the Sheriff's department and unfortunately there was nothing that could be done. Marina (who resides near Theo) called Animal Control and they informed her that they couldn't come due to the location and suggested that the dogs be caught and they would then come. The dogs are extremely fearful so I don't know how that is going to work.
I am just asking that those of you who take your usual hikes up there, just look out for them, notice their activity and if you are able to catch them please call the Animal Control Department immediately.
The dogs are definitely not strays, two of them (Golden Lab mixes) have on a purple collar and the other a shepherd mix (brindle in color with a white tip on its tail) has no collar. They appear clean and healthy so again they are not strays and did/do belong to someone.
Thank you so much for whatever assistance you can offer!
DAY
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Attention All Meadows Artists
A quick note to "Tim". We need an email for you for neighbors to respond.
Tim wrote the following:
"I have noticed that there are a number of people with artistic talent in The Meadows. There is a sale called "Art on Palm" which has enjoyed a lot of success over the years and I believe we can get together a group who are able to put on a sale of our own.
My question is: Are there other Meadows artists or friends of The Meadows residents who have an interest in starting a "Meadows Artist's Sale"? Let me know in an email.
Tim
Tim wrote the following:
"I have noticed that there are a number of people with artistic talent in The Meadows. There is a sale called "Art on Palm" which has enjoyed a lot of success over the years and I believe we can get together a group who are able to put on a sale of our own.
My question is: Are there other Meadows artists or friends of The Meadows residents who have an interest in starting a "Meadows Artist's Sale"? Let me know in an email.
Tim
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Resources in The Meadows
With so much talent in The Meadows and times as they are, I've added a "Resources in The Meadows" category in the right hand margin. I'll list services provided by our residents that may be of interest to others.
If you'd like to be listed, please send me a short blurb about the service you provide and contact info. I'll post an article to the blog and then add to the Resources column.
My only criteria is that you live in The Meadows and the service is legitimate.
If you'd like to be listed, please send me a short blurb about the service you provide and contact info. I'll post an article to the blog and then add to the Resources column.
My only criteria is that you live in The Meadows and the service is legitimate.
PC Tech & Consultant in The Meadows
Lots of talent in The Meadows. Here's a notice from one of our residents regarding PC services he provides:
"My name is Christopher Williams, I live on El Prieto Road, and I wanted to let the neighborhood know that competent computer support is nearby if they need it.
Most of the support work that I do includes making recommendations about hardware and/or software upgrades, installing and configuring hardware and software, removing spyware and viruses, setting up wired and wireless networks, etc.
I also providing tutoring services for Word, Excel, Powerpoint, e-mail, web browsing and research techniques, multi-media file creation and management, and a wide variety of other applications.
The majority of my clients are residential and small business customers. I'm qualified to manage larger corporate networks also.
I believe in providing excellent customer service with an absolute guarantee of satisfaction and I have great local references for anyone who needs them.
Also, having managed teams of DSL and cable high speed Internet installers in the past, I am very respectful of people's personal space and sensibilities when working in homes and offices.
My primary service area includes the San Gabriel Valley, San Fernando Valley, and Los Angeles, but I'm available to work anywhere in the greater Los Angeles area as needed. I operate on a very flexible schedule, and am willing to provide 24/7 tech support with reasonable notice."
Thanks,
Christopher Williams
cell (510) 773-2786
cwcompost@gmail.com
"My name is Christopher Williams, I live on El Prieto Road, and I wanted to let the neighborhood know that competent computer support is nearby if they need it.
Most of the support work that I do includes making recommendations about hardware and/or software upgrades, installing and configuring hardware and software, removing spyware and viruses, setting up wired and wireless networks, etc.
I also providing tutoring services for Word, Excel, Powerpoint, e-mail, web browsing and research techniques, multi-media file creation and management, and a wide variety of other applications.
The majority of my clients are residential and small business customers. I'm qualified to manage larger corporate networks also.
I believe in providing excellent customer service with an absolute guarantee of satisfaction and I have great local references for anyone who needs them.
Also, having managed teams of DSL and cable high speed Internet installers in the past, I am very respectful of people's personal space and sensibilities when working in homes and offices.
My primary service area includes the San Gabriel Valley, San Fernando Valley, and Los Angeles, but I'm available to work anywhere in the greater Los Angeles area as needed. I operate on a very flexible schedule, and am willing to provide 24/7 tech support with reasonable notice."
Thanks,
Christopher Williams
cell (510) 773-2786
cwcompost@gmail.com
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Slow Down on Canyon Crest
This comment came into the blog. I'm assuming the writer is referring to the stop signs at Risinghill/Cloverhill and Canyon Crest:
"I live up in the cul-de-sac on Canyon Crest. I have had some problems with people turning on to Canyon Crest without stopping at the stop sign and looking up the road to see if cars are coming down the street. This morning a navy-blue VW did this and also sped down the road at speed greater than 50 MPH. This has happened many times before by many others and I fear this is an accident ready to happen. There are children on this street and their lives are more precious than the need to run a stop sign or speed to some important location. Please stop at stop signs, please look both ways at the intersections, and please SLOW DOWN. "
"I live up in the cul-de-sac on Canyon Crest. I have had some problems with people turning on to Canyon Crest without stopping at the stop sign and looking up the road to see if cars are coming down the street. This morning a navy-blue VW did this and also sped down the road at speed greater than 50 MPH. This has happened many times before by many others and I fear this is an accident ready to happen. There are children on this street and their lives are more precious than the need to run a stop sign or speed to some important location. Please stop at stop signs, please look both ways at the intersections, and please SLOW DOWN. "
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Inside Information
I haven't published this info on the blog before, but thought that many of you may be interested in a new listing here in The Meadows. An exceptional property on Canyon Dell with incredible view of both the West exposure and the an Gabriel Mountains.
This 3 bedroom , 3 bath home has an incredible layout and overlooks the Upper Arroyo and El Prieto Canyons. And, it's about 1900 sq. ft. with a pool and wonderful decks overlooking the canyon.
We're going to be on the market at the end of this week, but wanted all of you to see it first.
It's offered at $725,000.
Let me know if you want to see this house.
Thanks,
Greg
This 3 bedroom , 3 bath home has an incredible layout and overlooks the Upper Arroyo and El Prieto Canyons. And, it's about 1900 sq. ft. with a pool and wonderful decks overlooking the canyon.
We're going to be on the market at the end of this week, but wanted all of you to see it first.
It's offered at $725,000.
Let me know if you want to see this house.
Thanks,
Greg
Monday, February 09, 2009
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Saturday, February 07, 2009
Draft Altadena Hillside Ordinance
Everyone should have received a notice from the County this past week regarding a meeting to review a draft of the Altadena Hillside Ordinance that is being proposed. It outlines efforts to protect the view of the San Gabriel Mountains and balance any new hillside construction in Altadena.
The meeting is on Wednesday, February 18, 7 p.m. at the Altadena Community Center.
A link to the proposed draft is here: http://planning.lacounty.gov/ord/draft
The meeting is on Wednesday, February 18, 7 p.m. at the Altadena Community Center.
A link to the proposed draft is here: http://planning.lacounty.gov/ord/draft
Sad News for Meadows Residents
Our neighbor, Henry C. Porter, recently died. His family asked that we notify residents in The Meadows. Henry Porter had been a resident of the Meadows for over 30 years. He lived on Gravelia. He loved to travel and stayed fit by walking and riding his bike.
Henry C. Porter's Homegoing Service ---viewing will be held on Friday, 02/13/09 from 6pm-8pm at Hillside Chapel.
Funeral service and location: Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009 at 1:00pm
Rose Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary
Hillside Chapel (enter through Gate 17)
3888 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601
(562) 699-0921
Repast: TBA
Any questions or concern, please contact Daughters Shelly Clark (562)375-5483 and Shontia Porter-Scott (213) 200-3003
Henry C. Porter's Homegoing Service ---viewing will be held on Friday, 02/13/09 from 6pm-8pm at Hillside Chapel.
Funeral service and location: Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009 at 1:00pm
Rose Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary
Hillside Chapel (enter through Gate 17)
3888 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601
(562) 699-0921
Repast: TBA
Any questions or concern, please contact Daughters Shelly Clark (562)375-5483 and Shontia Porter-Scott (213) 200-3003
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Altadena Connection
The "Altadena Connection 2009" (Community Resource Guide from L.A. County) was recently delivered to residents in The Meadows via US Mail.
A pdf version has been posted on the Altadena TownCouncil website. There is a link from the Home Page to download the pdf. Its a big file (4MB) but a very nice publication.
http://altadenatowncouncil.org/index.html
A pdf version has been posted on the Altadena TownCouncil website. There is a link from the Home Page to download the pdf. Its a big file (4MB) but a very nice publication.
http://altadenatowncouncil.org/index.html
Monday, February 02, 2009
Food Co-Op
In other parts of the country, food cooperative stores are quite common but they’re rare in Southern California.
Co-op benefits include greater access to local, organic and sustainable products; less driving to distant health food stores; more information about the food we eat; a greater sense of community.
A group of interested people is researching what it will take to open such a community grocery business in the Altadena area. They can use your help in shaping how such a store would operate here.
They’ve just launched a web site to bring others into the process.
Please visit it at:
http://www.altadenawantsacoop.com/
Co-op benefits include greater access to local, organic and sustainable products; less driving to distant health food stores; more information about the food we eat; a greater sense of community.
A group of interested people is researching what it will take to open such a community grocery business in the Altadena area. They can use your help in shaping how such a store would operate here.
They’ve just launched a web site to bring others into the process.
Please visit it at:
http://www.altadenawantsacoop.com/
More Trash Talk
Neighbors,
Sorry to bother you with more trash talk, but we are still tweaking the list of service to be offered in the proposed trash hauling contract. There is some confusion over the issue of back yard pick up and scooter service. We will be getting clarification of what that service will be and what the proposed surcharge should be for that service. However, Public Works needs some help in determining what the proposed cost should be.
To help in that process Public Works has asked for some information from us on what we are now paying for back yard scooter service. It is not a simple question of asking the current haulers since there seems not to be a single answer. When Council was investigating the trash issue, residents reported to us many differing monthly prices, in one case two residents next door to each other with identical service from the same company reported different monthly prices.
If you currently get back yard pick up service, would you help us and let me know your current monthly or quarterly cost for that service. Also, we are particularly interested in where you live. We are trying to see if there is a price difference between the narrow foothill streets like Stonehill and Zane Grey and other areas with less challenging streets.
I, for example, currently get back yard scooter service from Allied, live on Morslay Rd. (a regular street) and my last invoice was for $156.74 for the quarter.
If you don't want to respond in public you can email me directly at esund@charter. net or 794-9609.
Thanks for your help
Gino
Sorry to bother you with more trash talk, but we are still tweaking the list of service to be offered in the proposed trash hauling contract. There is some confusion over the issue of back yard pick up and scooter service. We will be getting clarification of what that service will be and what the proposed surcharge should be for that service. However, Public Works needs some help in determining what the proposed cost should be.
To help in that process Public Works has asked for some information from us on what we are now paying for back yard scooter service. It is not a simple question of asking the current haulers since there seems not to be a single answer. When Council was investigating the trash issue, residents reported to us many differing monthly prices, in one case two residents next door to each other with identical service from the same company reported different monthly prices.
If you currently get back yard pick up service, would you help us and let me know your current monthly or quarterly cost for that service. Also, we are particularly interested in where you live. We are trying to see if there is a price difference between the narrow foothill streets like Stonehill and Zane Grey and other areas with less challenging streets.
I, for example, currently get back yard scooter service from Allied, live on Morslay Rd. (a regular street) and my last invoice was for $156.74 for the quarter.
If you don't want to respond in public you can email me directly at esund@charter. net or 794-9609.
Thanks for your help
Gino
Saturday, January 31, 2009
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.
Again, thanks.
Friday, January 30, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
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/
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/
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
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.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
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!
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!
Monday, January 19, 2009
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.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
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. "
"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!"
"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!"
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
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.
"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.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
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
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
Saturday, December 27, 2008
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.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
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".
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.
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.
Monday, December 08, 2008
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
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
Trash Contract Update
This is rather long, but a good update on the L.A. County process of awarding new trash pick-up contracts in Altadena.
From Gino Sund, Chair of Town Council:Treatise on Trashhttp://www.altadenablog.com/2008/12/a-treatise-on-trash-or-where-were-at-now.html
Based on the comments I have heard and seen, there are some misconceptions about the upcoming trash hauling contract for Altadena. So, please let me offer my perspective on the issue and perhaps clear up some questions that have been raised.
The current situation in Altadena
Currently, Altadena operates under an open market system. That means there is no County control or oversight over who offers hauling services, what those services are, how they operate or how they are priced. Thus anyone who wants to be in the business can collect your trash. This can range from the major haulers like Allied and Athens to some guy with a pickup truck. Currently there are around seven haulers in Altadena, including a guy with a pickup truck. These haulers offer a variety of services and charge what the market will bear. There is not adequate control of such things as collection days, services offered, billing practices or recycling performance.
How things have changed
In September of 2004, the County Board of Supervisors passed a law changing the unincorporated portion of the County to a franchise trash hauling system. With this law, in order to collect residential trash, a hauler must now be franchised by the County and all non franchise haulers will be barred from this business. To date, the County has franchised haulers in thirteen different communities in LA County and is about to do so in Altadena. When a franchise is established, a detailed contract is awarded, a hauler is selected by the County through a bidding process and the County oversees the performance of that hauler. Typically the contract period is seven years.
Why Town Council is involved
About two years ago, the County sent out a questionnaire to residents of Altadena asking such things as how many trash cans they used, what kind of trash is offered for collection, and how many haulers the residents wanted. This questionnaire was a small yellow post card. Do you remember getting it? Most people don’t. It could easily have been mistaken for junk mail and it gave little explanation of what the issues really were. Then, about two months ago, the County was about to request bids on the contract for Altadena that would define our trash hauling for the next seven years. Several of us on Council were concerned that the community input on this was inadequate, so we stopped the process to allow us to review the contract and to gather more input from the residents. Thus, we are now asking for your input on the two important issues that we can affect at this point; what should be in the service provisions of the contract and should we have a single hauler or two haulers.
The conditions of the contract
Whoever is the franchise hauler or haulers will operate under a single contract that is offered by the County. That contract will spell out such things as the scope of services i.e. the number, type and amount of pick ups, the type of containers, the provisions for price increases, the recycling requirements, and the conditions under which the contract can be terminated.
While many of the contract provisions are fairly standard for all communities, it is important that the scope of services of our contract meet the needs of Altadena. This is the area of the contract that will most influence our weekly interface with the hauler. Attached is a schedule of the service provisions of the contract. Council has worked with the Department of Public Works to beef up several areas, especially the collection of green waste since we have large, leafy lots in Altadena. However, we are still looking for input from you to help us decide on what is best for most residents.
A single hauler or two haulers
This may be the most controversial and confusing issue. When the County sent out its post card survey, it asked if residents wanted an exclusive, semi exclusive or multi hauler program. The majority of respondents requested semi exclusive or two haulers. However, there was no explanation of what this really meant. Most of us thought that having two haulers would, through the mechanism of competition, give us more options, better service and lower prices. However, this may not be the case. The contract will be the same for a single hauler or two haulers so there will be no differences in the services provided. And as for price, the competition will come at the front end of the process when the haulers bid for the contract. In fact, experience has indicated that a lower price is attained when the provider has a larger customer guarantee, since among other factors, there is a capital outlay required to service the area. As for the weekly performance by the providers, the County will oversee the compliance with the contract for one or two haulers.
Of the thirteen contracts already awarded by the County, all have been exclusive contracts. The average price for service has been around 10% less that the previous price of the open market, with generally more services provided. The County reports that the customer satisfaction has been high with few resident complaints to date.
Arguments for the single hauler are:
• More bidders for the contract thus lower prices.
• Fewer trucks on the streets,
• Fewer pickup dates. (this is big issue in many neighborhoods especially those who border Pasadena who collects trash on shared streets adding yet another day)
• Reduced pollution and road wear.
• More community involvement by the provider. (in other communities the provider is a regular at the Town Council meetings to hear from the residents)
Arguments for two haulers are:
• Two haulers may compete by being more helpful to the residents
• Two haulers may compete by adding services not covered by the contract. (however, this has happened in the bidding process by providers who wish to enhance their chance of getting the contract, again the competition up front)
What happens now
We need your input on the scope of services provided in the contract, in particular green waste pick up. We would also like your thoughts on the single provider approach.Town Council will debate and recommend contract conditions at the December 16th meeting. The County will then make a request for bids to the industry, select the winner based on a formula that includes price, financial capacity, past history etc. Depending on the winner, as determined by the County, implementation could be from 4 to 6 months after the franchise is awarded.
Who will get the bid
Of course we don’t know. It is expected that both Allied and Athens will bid for the Altadena franchise. However, I find it most interesting that of the thirteen franchises awarded so far, those two large haulers were only awarded three. Most of the franchises were awarded to medium sized haulers. The feedback from those managing the bidding process is that those medium sized haulers are more likely to bid on an exclusive franchise than if a semi exclusive franchise is offered.
What you need to do
If you have input to give Town Council please contact you Census Tract Representative. The contact information is on the Town Council web site. As an alternative you may want to come to our next meeting at the Community Center starting at 7:00 p.m. on December 16th.
Thank you for your time and interest.
Gino Sund
Altadena Town Council
From Gino Sund, Chair of Town Council:Treatise on Trashhttp://www.altadenablog.com/2008/12/a-treatise-on-trash-or-where-were-at-now.html
Based on the comments I have heard and seen, there are some misconceptions about the upcoming trash hauling contract for Altadena. So, please let me offer my perspective on the issue and perhaps clear up some questions that have been raised.
The current situation in Altadena
Currently, Altadena operates under an open market system. That means there is no County control or oversight over who offers hauling services, what those services are, how they operate or how they are priced. Thus anyone who wants to be in the business can collect your trash. This can range from the major haulers like Allied and Athens to some guy with a pickup truck. Currently there are around seven haulers in Altadena, including a guy with a pickup truck. These haulers offer a variety of services and charge what the market will bear. There is not adequate control of such things as collection days, services offered, billing practices or recycling performance.
How things have changed
In September of 2004, the County Board of Supervisors passed a law changing the unincorporated portion of the County to a franchise trash hauling system. With this law, in order to collect residential trash, a hauler must now be franchised by the County and all non franchise haulers will be barred from this business. To date, the County has franchised haulers in thirteen different communities in LA County and is about to do so in Altadena. When a franchise is established, a detailed contract is awarded, a hauler is selected by the County through a bidding process and the County oversees the performance of that hauler. Typically the contract period is seven years.
Why Town Council is involved
About two years ago, the County sent out a questionnaire to residents of Altadena asking such things as how many trash cans they used, what kind of trash is offered for collection, and how many haulers the residents wanted. This questionnaire was a small yellow post card. Do you remember getting it? Most people don’t. It could easily have been mistaken for junk mail and it gave little explanation of what the issues really were. Then, about two months ago, the County was about to request bids on the contract for Altadena that would define our trash hauling for the next seven years. Several of us on Council were concerned that the community input on this was inadequate, so we stopped the process to allow us to review the contract and to gather more input from the residents. Thus, we are now asking for your input on the two important issues that we can affect at this point; what should be in the service provisions of the contract and should we have a single hauler or two haulers.
The conditions of the contract
Whoever is the franchise hauler or haulers will operate under a single contract that is offered by the County. That contract will spell out such things as the scope of services i.e. the number, type and amount of pick ups, the type of containers, the provisions for price increases, the recycling requirements, and the conditions under which the contract can be terminated.
While many of the contract provisions are fairly standard for all communities, it is important that the scope of services of our contract meet the needs of Altadena. This is the area of the contract that will most influence our weekly interface with the hauler. Attached is a schedule of the service provisions of the contract. Council has worked with the Department of Public Works to beef up several areas, especially the collection of green waste since we have large, leafy lots in Altadena. However, we are still looking for input from you to help us decide on what is best for most residents.
A single hauler or two haulers
This may be the most controversial and confusing issue. When the County sent out its post card survey, it asked if residents wanted an exclusive, semi exclusive or multi hauler program. The majority of respondents requested semi exclusive or two haulers. However, there was no explanation of what this really meant. Most of us thought that having two haulers would, through the mechanism of competition, give us more options, better service and lower prices. However, this may not be the case. The contract will be the same for a single hauler or two haulers so there will be no differences in the services provided. And as for price, the competition will come at the front end of the process when the haulers bid for the contract. In fact, experience has indicated that a lower price is attained when the provider has a larger customer guarantee, since among other factors, there is a capital outlay required to service the area. As for the weekly performance by the providers, the County will oversee the compliance with the contract for one or two haulers.
Of the thirteen contracts already awarded by the County, all have been exclusive contracts. The average price for service has been around 10% less that the previous price of the open market, with generally more services provided. The County reports that the customer satisfaction has been high with few resident complaints to date.
Arguments for the single hauler are:
• More bidders for the contract thus lower prices.
• Fewer trucks on the streets,
• Fewer pickup dates. (this is big issue in many neighborhoods especially those who border Pasadena who collects trash on shared streets adding yet another day)
• Reduced pollution and road wear.
• More community involvement by the provider. (in other communities the provider is a regular at the Town Council meetings to hear from the residents)
Arguments for two haulers are:
• Two haulers may compete by being more helpful to the residents
• Two haulers may compete by adding services not covered by the contract. (however, this has happened in the bidding process by providers who wish to enhance their chance of getting the contract, again the competition up front)
What happens now
We need your input on the scope of services provided in the contract, in particular green waste pick up. We would also like your thoughts on the single provider approach.Town Council will debate and recommend contract conditions at the December 16th meeting. The County will then make a request for bids to the industry, select the winner based on a formula that includes price, financial capacity, past history etc. Depending on the winner, as determined by the County, implementation could be from 4 to 6 months after the franchise is awarded.
Who will get the bid
Of course we don’t know. It is expected that both Allied and Athens will bid for the Altadena franchise. However, I find it most interesting that of the thirteen franchises awarded so far, those two large haulers were only awarded three. Most of the franchises were awarded to medium sized haulers. The feedback from those managing the bidding process is that those medium sized haulers are more likely to bid on an exclusive franchise than if a semi exclusive franchise is offered.
What you need to do
If you have input to give Town Council please contact you Census Tract Representative. The contact information is on the Town Council web site. As an alternative you may want to come to our next meeting at the Community Center starting at 7:00 p.m. on December 16th.
Thank you for your time and interest.
Gino Sund
Altadena Town Council
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