More Pics of Debris Flow

Thanks to Jane and Todd for these pics.

More Pics of Canyon Crest Flood and Debris

Canyon Crest Road Split at Bridge

More debris flow and water have caused a break in the pavement of Canyon Crest at the hairpin turn. It appears to be about a 12” drop.

Also, wood, rock and debris flow have bent the guard rail across the road. It also appears that a pick-up truck was caught in the debris flow on the south side of the hairpin.

Crews, including the large digger are on site, but not working yet as major amounts of water continue to flow out of Millard Canyon.

It’s my opinion that the road will not be open anytime today and that repairs will need to be made to the break in pavement before cars can cross. Larger trucks may be able to pass once the debris is cleared.

Canyon Crest Out Again

Just heard from neighbors that Canyon Crest is washed out again.  Heading down to take pics.

Neighborhood Watch Conference

New C.E.R.T. Opportunity

Another opportunity to be trained for C.E.R.T. (Community Emergency Response Team)

Great classes, offered for free. Best to be prepared for disasters to take care of our families and neighbors. There are only 2 fire departments for all of Altadena and no hospitals.

In Rosemead, 3 Saturdays, February 6, 13 and 20 from 8am to 4:30 (one hour for lunch)

For more information, go to: http://www.fire.lacounty.gov/ProgramsEvents/PDFs/cert_pdf_info/2010_2_6Rosemead.pdf



Sue

Meadows Senior Needs Paid Assistance

One of our Meadows seniors is looking for someone to assist her. This is a paid position.


She needs assistance with:
• showers and shampoo
• applying cream to her dry skin
• light housekeeping (laundry, dusting, change linens)
• occasional errands

She is approved for 19 hours per week, 79 per month. The position pays $9 per hour.

She would really like to have someone local in The Meadows. But if you know of anyone in or outside the Meadows, please email me or respond to this post with your email.

Thanks, Greg

Southern CA Edison Letter in Mail

Watch for a letter from SCE today in your mail announcing that they'll be in The Meadows next week to install new meters.

SCE may knock on your door prior to starting work.  You don't have to be home during the installation.  And they may briefly turn off your power.

Anyone operating life support medical equipment can call 1-800-973-2356

Great Pyrenees Rescue

From a Meadows Neighbor:

Friends,


I haven't seen many of you lately, so you may not know that I now have two Great Pyrenees dogs that I adopted from Great Pyrenees Rescue in Devore, CA . They are Luna, a two year old female and Willie, a one year old male. They are delightful and I am thankful every day that I am able to give them a home.

The Great Pyrenees of Southern California Rescue is a non-profit organization supported completely by donations. With the current condition of our economy, many Pyrs have lost their homes and have ended up at the Rescue. There they receive the care they need while they await their new, hopefully "forever" homes. Their increasing numbers are straining the resources of this Rescue.

I am coming to you to ask you to help me to raise money for the Rescue. We are conducting a raffle on Superbowl Sunday. Although we have sold many tickets we have not quite reached our goal and I am hoping you will help. The raffle prize is a gift certificate for two nights in a deluxe room at the Hotel Mar Monte in Santa Barbara. If you are not familiar with the hotel go to www.hotelmarmonte.com and take a look. It is fabulous. Tickets are $5 for one or $20 for five.

If you would like to purchase tickets to help the Rescue please send me a check made out to:

GPASC Rescue Inc.

Send the check to:
Barbara Jacoby
4020 Canyon Dell Drive
Altadena, CA 91001

Since Superbowl Sunday is right around the corner, I won't have time to mail you your tickets. But if you reply to this email and tell me how many tickets you would like to purchase, I will enter you in the drawing and email your ticket numbers to you.

I hope you don't mind my asking for your help. Please let me know if you would like to buy tickets.

Barb

Risinghill Land For Sale

I don't usually post real estate items, but thought this was important for residents on Risinghill and The Meadows in general.

Mr. Smiley placed his vacant land behind the homes on the western side of Risinghill on the market yesterday.  From the MLS:

"Lot to be sold as a package with adjoining parcel. Combining lots size is approx. 3.5 acres. City light views. Excellent opportunity for development."


Offer price of $2,500,000

If Title records are accurate, the smaller portion of the parcel was purchased in 1981 for $22,000 and the larger portion in 2005 for $250,000.

Pasadena Unified Passes Parcel Tax

Thought this was important information for all in Altadena.  Pasadena Unified School District unanimously approved a measure to put a parcel tax on the ballot in May.  Each homeowner would be assessed $120 to close a PUSD budget gap.  Here's a link to the Pasadena Star News article.
Star News Article
http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_14275207

This Morning in The Meadows

A beautiful, brisk morning here in The Meadows.  Some pics from my walk this morning.

Reminder - Linda Quay Memorial Service

For those interested, a reminder of Linda Quay's memorial service this Sunday.

Sunday, January 24, 2010 at 3:00 p.m.
Church of Scientology, American Saint Hill Organization (ASHO)
Chapel at ASHO (Lebanon Hall)

1413 L. Ron Hubbard Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Phone is 323-953-3250

Parking: The parking lot on Sunset Blvd. is under construction so you can park on Catalina or other streets.

The Meadows Ski Season

The Meadows Ski Season is officialy open!  A couple of pics from El Prieto and Cloverhill.

Another Loose Dog

A neighbor reported:

A Golden Lab wearing a collar was spotted at approximately 10:30 AM, Friday, January 22nd, going up the end of Risinghill Road. When approached, s/he darted into the canyon on the left. From all appearances, the dog was not accompanied by a human. We at the top of Risinghill will do our best to keep an eye out for this dog and attempt to catch him/her. Would appreciate her/his owners joining the search. Thank you!

Thanks to County Public Works

Public Works has been doing a great job in keeping Canyon Crest open.  One could argue that the work should have been done prior to the storm.  But, if you'd like to send a note of thanks, here's the contact:


Ms. Gail Farber, Director

Los Angeles County Department of Public Works

900 South Fremont Avenue

Alhambra, CA 91803

Pics of our "River" This Morning

From a neighbor this morning:

"I just thought I'd pass this morning's pics to you. Those guys down there are doing a good job. Good enough to elecit cookies from one our residents as she drove down the road to work. They've been doing an all night shift for us."

Loose Dog Missing

An update to the last post: 

"Our dog Luna is missing. He is a medium size white lab mix. Please call 626-798-0702 if you see him." Thanks, Don and Natalie 1020 Sunmore Ln.

Loose Dog on Risinghill

The thunder scared a whitish gold smallish retriever-looking dog that ran wild on Risinghill. (Kara, it's not Loki.) He/she ran up Risinghill Rd at about 11:35 and has not returned.

Charter Services

I've heard from several neighbors that Charter Services has been down since 2:00 p.m. on Monday.  If anyone hears an update, please let me know.

Canyon Crest Open

Just heard from a neighbor on Risinghill.  They've been watching crews clear Canyon Crest and are seeing cars heading in and out of The Meadows on Canyon Crest.

Canyon Crest Access Update

I spoke with the Sherriff this evening and received this update:


Car traffic will not be allowed in or out until an engineer inspects the bridge for stability. That will happen first thing in the morning (Tuesday).

Foot traffic is being allowed on Canyon Crest.

A link to more pics from a neighbor:
http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af197/SoCalSis/Flooding%20in%20Millard%20Canyon%20Ja%2010/

Canyon Crest Hairpin Pics

More pics from Meadows side on Canyon Crest.  Quite the gathering of neighbors checking it out. What I heard is that a large truck carrying several cars out of The Meadows attempted to get past the debris and got stuck.  I haven't heard how soon they may be able to clear the debris.

Canyon Crest Flooded

Thanks to a neighbor on lower Canyon Crest before the hairpin turn. This is looking north on Canyon Crest.  The truck apparently is stuck wih a log underneath it.

Lower Canyon Crest Impassible

These pics just in from a neighbor.  I confirmed with the Sherriff that lower Canyon Crest is impassible.  Emergency crews appear to be on site.

If anyone has updates, please let me know.

Thanks,
Greg

greg.stanton@dilbeck.com or comment here.

Proposed Altadena Farmer's Market Needs Response

From L.A. County Parks and Rec:

The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation (Altadena District) will be proposing to start a farmer's market at our Charles White Park. Charles White was chosen because it is the most vendor friendly area out of the three Altadena Parks. We initially intended to start the market in February, however due to time and weather . . . we may push it back to March or April. This would actually give our staff time to address any issues, ideas, and concerns from the community


We would like to invite the community of Altadena to express any issues, ideas, and concerns that they may have. Among issues that have been brought up are:

1) The best time/day of the week to have the market. It was deemed that for both Saturday and Sunday, we would be hard pressed to get vendors. Those days are the busiest for them. There are no vendors that work Mondays. The normal farmer's market is four (4)hours and are usually run from either 10am to 2pm or 4pm to 7pm. But the hours can change.

2) Traffic and parking issues along Ventura and Mountain View. This is an issue that would should be of interest to residents that live along these streets (between N.Lincoln and Fair Oaks).

3) Security issues. During the time that the market is run, we are proposing to have a park police/Altadena sheriff's prescence.
4) Keeping it local. We intend to have vendors that sell mostly fresh and/or organic produce. The second group would be prepared foods (somewhat like S.Pasadenas) and then the vendors that may sell non-edibles (jewelry, oils/soaps, clothing, etc.). We will look at local vendors first and give them priority consideration.

These are just a few of the items that the county would like to address with the community. However, we would like to hear from the community any additonal opinions, issues, ideas, and concerns by e-mailing us at wkawano@parks.lacounty.gov.

We thank you for your time, consideration, assistance, input and continued community support.

Altadena Meadows Sunset

Just wanted to share - A Meadows, Altadena pleasure - watching the sunset from my front porch.

Danny's Farm Open HOuse

This should be a fun event:

Danny's Farm Open House for the Altadena Community


PLEASE JOIN US FOR AN OPEN HOUSE, TO LEARN MORE ABOUT DANNY’S FARM AND ITS ROLE IN OUR COMMUNITY

Saturday, March 13th • 10:00 – Noon

 

Located at the Altadena Stables • 3064 Ridgeview Drive• Altadena

 

• Building Friendships  
• Learning about Animals 
• Accessibility & Empowerment

 Danny’s Farm employs adults with disabilities, and provides a safe, nurturing environment to work and learn.

  

Our highly skilled, compassionate staff serves our most vulnerable populations while pairing loving farm animals with special needs children.

 

 WE HOPE YOU CAN JOIN US! FAMILIES WELCOME!!!

 

KINDLY RSVP: (626) 797-FARM (3276)

 

 

 

Linda Quay

Sad news in The Meadows today as we learned that Linda Quay died last night. 

Linda was a true leader here in The Meadows.  She hosted monthly neighborhood meetings, an annual potluck and used to publish a monthly Meadows Newsletter.  She also championed filming restrictions on lower Canyon Crest, enforcement of no hunting laws in the canyons or hills, the addition of reflective markers identifying fire hydrants among other initiatives.  She also started meetings with a few neighbors that eventually became the Meadows FireSafe Council.

Linda was known for her ever-positive, enthusiastic attitude and her giving nature.  She bravely fought cancer in these past two years.

Linda is survived by her husband Harold, two daughters Meagan and Jenny and her mother, Lee.

Any news on services or assistance to her family will be shared on this blog.

House Rental Available

There is a home for rent on Aralia if you know of anyone who is interested:
From the owner:

HOME FOR RENT ~$2100

-3 bedrooms, 2 baths. One full, one with a shower
-Loads of windows, hardwood floors and a brick fireplace
-Has a dining room, breakfast nook, and a small office or TV room -Fenced in backyard, pet friendly
-Detached garage
-Central air and heat
-Washer, Dryer, dishwasher, stove, oven and fridge included
-Property is surrounded by nature, hiking and bike trails. Front yard has large redwood tree
-Water, garbage, weekly lawn service and alarm is INCLUDED in the rent.

I am looking for someone who will treat this home as their own...

Please email Karen at kkiefaber[at]roadrunner.com if you have any questions!

Motion-capture Game Cameras

From Mary Ellen:

"Hi neighbors! Just wanted to give you all a heads-up that you may see some motion-capture game cameras in and around the (unburned) areas behind Risinghill. They are small boxes, about six inches square and maybe two inches deep with a camoflauge patterned front. These are not poacher cameras!

I got them for Christmas and have put them up near game trails in the hopes of getting photos of our local wildlife. (If I get anything good, I'll send it in to the blog.)

I'd appreciate it if you did not disturb them, and if you see one, please do not publicize where you saw it - I want to keep the exact locations secret, to prevent theft.

Thanks and happy 2010!"




--

MaryEllen Schoeman

New Growth for the New Year?

Sent in from one of our neighbors.


"Here are two photos taken along the El Prieto Trail from approximately the same vantage point. The first was taken on January 18, 2006. The copious fruition of the toyons gives an appearance of flowered trees!


The second photo was snapped on December 24, 2009, to contrast the former beauty of the scene with the stark landscape left by the Station Fire.

It'll be quite a while before the scene returns to its former glory. Meanwhile, Happy New Year!"

Power Outage (Again)

From www.sce.com:

City : ALTADENA
Zip Code : 91001
Start Date & Time : Tuesday, December 22, 2009 12:13 PM
Issue : There is currently a power outage in this area.This outage is due to an equipment problem.
Status : Repair crews are looking for the cause of the power problem.
Currently, we do not have an estimated time when service will be fully restored. We will update this message as information is known. Please check back again later.

Sheriff's Annual Toy Drive Dec 19

Altadena Sheriff's Annual Holiday Toy Drive Sgt Bartlett, Community Relations
626-798-1131

If you would like to help with this annual event to help others have a better Christmas, see below:

Saturday Dec 19th.

Would like folks there at the station by 6AM to help. The event starts at 7AM and goes to 11AM on Saturday December 19th, 2009.

For teens above the age of 12, the sheriffs will sign slips for earning community volunteer hours

Volunteers on Patrol Seeking Volunteers

The LA County Sheriffs are looking for service minded volunteers to apply for their "Volunteers on Patrol Program".

It is a short training period. You will get driving courses in a squad car and learn radio codes and much more. The program needs you about 20 hours a month. If anyone out in the community is interested contact Sgt Bartlett and he can assist you (626-798-1131), or you can go online and fill out an application.

http://www.lasd.org/aboutlasd/volunteer/volunteer_info.html
http://www.lasd.org/online_form/volunteer/volunteer_application.html

Voltage Tower Footing Erosion

fyi - a neighbor has reported the erosion at the base of this high voltage tower footing that's located way up on Risinghill to Edison.

Careful Coming Up Canyon Crest

Be careful driving up Canyon Crest. There are many large rocks that have come down into the street from the hillside. County has already been up here at least one day to clear. On my way home at 4:00 p.m., I had to drive on the outside curve to avoid the many rocks.

MFSC Tree Update

The Meadows FireSafe Council is winding down on the last phase of the grant. Tree vendors will be in the neighborhood for about five more days.

We've reached approximately 55 properties with varying degrees of tree or bush removal. To give you an idea, a day's work with one tree vendor is approximately $2000 paid for by the grant money. So, besides making ourselves more fire safe, the grant is bringing great value and savings to homeowners.

The FireSafe Council has heard many, many compliments for the volunteer work they've performed and the excellence of the tree vendors. We've heard two concerns from neighbors about the removal of trees and its impact to their specific property or the look of The Meadows in general. Overall, the positives have well outweighed the negatives.

Besides making us more fire-safe, the removal of the trees is helping indigenous trees thrive as they were fighting for sunlight or space. Several diseased trees were removed which will help to curb further infestation. And, many wonderful views of the mountains, canyons and city lights have been restored.

Postings on Craigslist.com for free firewood has benefit ted many in the Antelope Valley. These folks have driven in to get the firewood as it is sometimes their only source of heat during the Winter. They, too, have expressed much gratitude.

Many thanks to the FireSafe Council volunteers who have put in countless hours in meetings, planning, working with the brush and tree vendors, addressing neighbors questions and coordinating all of the work.

Holiday Theft Prevention

From our Sheriff Liaison:

"I have been asked by the Sheriff's Department to remind all of us that this time of year generally law enforcement agencies generally see highest reports of vehicle break-ins.

Not only are thieves out looking for gifts in your car, but they're looking for anything else they can steal - laptops, cell phones, GPS devices, Bluetooth devices, iPods, Mp3 players, expensive/designer sun glasses, cash.

Don't be a victim.Protect yourself and your belongings by hiding the things in your car - out of sight.
Lock your car.
Remember - Lock It, Hide It or Lose It!"