FireSafe Council Receives First Check

Many from The Meadows attended the FireSafe meeting October 24 at Loma Alta Park. We had a great turnout. Our FireSafe Council Representatives Margaret Bridwell, Greg Stanton, Robert Ryan and Jean Crawford introduced California FireSafe Representative, Cathy Brooke; U.S. Forestry Division, Scott Lowdon; and Los Angeles County Fire Field Commander, J. Lopez.

Our first check was awarded by Ms. Brooke. The importance of this event is huge and a result of the grant writing talents of Bridwell and Stanton. The funds from this award will be used to help in the area of fire prevention in The Meadows.

Also present was Ms. Janice Woody who is providing the use of her non-profit organization to park the funds while we create our own Meadows 5013C organization.

Watch for more FireSafe news as we begin to implement the project.

Hunters Spotted

From the November Meadows Newsletter:

Hunters with bow and arrow were spotted heading into the canyon from Gravelia. The sheriffs were called and spoke to the hunters. The hunters claimed, according to maps, our surrounding area allowed hunting. The local sheriff pointed out that it was not allowed and enforceable under the law. Should you run into any hunters, first call the sheriff. If not available, call Linda at 626-794-3832. Please do not have any altercations with any of these hunters.

Happier Trails for Canyon Hikers

In today's Star News:

ALTADENA — Homeowners trying to block public access to El Prieto Fire Road agreed late last week to stop harassing hikers.
The homeowners, John and Melody Mitchell, Jerome and Verna Cooper, and Wayne and Mary Traylor, were facing a contempt of court hearing for violating the conditions of a 2004 ruling that allowed access to the road. Part of the fire road crosses their property.
The ruling is under appeal.

El Prieto Road connects the Meadows area of Altadena to other trails in Angeles National Forest, including those leading to the grave site of abolitionist Owen Brown, who died in 1889.
“They were getting front of people, yelling at people, taking photographs of people, calling the sheriffs,” said Paul Ayers, prosecutor for the case.

The Mitchells, Coopers and Traylors could not be reached for this story. Their attorney, Michaeline Re, had no comment.

“Apparently they were misinformed as to the effects of that [2004] judgment,” said resident Raymond Backes. “They felt that their appealing of the case staid the judgment of the court so that they wouldn’t have to honor the general public’s right to go through there.”
Backes said he was among those confronted by homeonwers when hiking the trail.
“We are legally entitled to go through there,” he said.

Under conditions of the settlement, the homeowners are prohibited from speaking to or interfering with any member of the public who is on the trail easement, photographing or videotaping them, or erecting any barriers on the trail (though “No Trespassing” signs will remain in place).

In exchange, they have asked that trail users do a better job of picking up after their dogs and carrying trash and cigarette butts out with them.
Ayers said he would encourage hikers to do so.
“People should recognize they have a responsibility to minimize their impact as trail users,” he said. “Trash generates trash just like graffiti generates graffiti.”

One More Animal Story

This story is a bit sad. Last night I found a small coyote laying near my pond. He was having a problem standing up and I thought his back legs might have been injured. After a couple of attempts, it was clear that his legs were okay, but he couldn't stay standing. I concluded that he may have fallen down the hill.

I had to call Animal Control to see if they could help. He curled up in a ball. I brought water to him, petted him and tried to create a safe environment. Animal Control came at 12:30 a.m. After checking him, the officer saw blood coming from his nose. By this time he was quite listless.

I've included this picture of him as he was a truly beautiful animal. And although tragic, the experience was peaceful and giving as only nature can demonstrate.

Bear Tracks

Last Tuesday, a bear was in my backyard! I got home at about 10:00 p.m. and let my dog, Boo, out for a run. He immediately started sniffing the front walkway and patio. I turned on the patio lights and saw HUGE bear paw prints coming from the pond to my front porch.

We've had a bear in the neighborhood for the past few years, but what worried me was that it must have been at my house prior to 10:00 p.m., not the usual middle-of-the-night sightings.

By the way, this is the second time the bear has been at my house. Last year, a neighbor spotted him on my front lawn at about 1:30 a.m.

I thought of nicknaming him Boo-Boo but thought my dog would get confused!

Homes for Sale in The Meadows

We've had an active Summer and Fall with several homes for sale in The Meadows. Here's a current list of available properties. If you or your friends or family are interested in seeing any of these homes, please contact me and I'd be happy to take them on a tour! (Greg Stanton, Dilbeck Realtors. 626-431-2205 or greg.stanton@dilbeck.com)

• 4318 Canyon Crest Rd. An adorable 2 bedroom, 1 bath home at the corner of Canyon Crest and Risinghill. Hardwood floors, central air, copper plumbing, updated electrical, charming grounds and play yard. Offered for $605,000.
• 4216 Aralia Road. Post and beam modernist home with open floor plan, bamboo flooring and walls of glass. 1847 sq. ft. (per assessor) on a 7200 sq. ft. lot (per assessor). Offered for $849,000.
• 4543 El Prieto Road. At the end of El Prieto, a 4 bedroom, 4 bath home on the canyon, nearly every room opens onto a private courtyard or brick patio overlooking the Angeles Crest Mountains. 2768 sq. ft. (per assessor) on 15,410 sq. ft. lot (per assessor). Offered for $899,000.
• 4421 El Prieto Road. A 3 bedroom, 1.75 bath mid-century home on the canyon in need of TLC. Offered for $689,000.
• 4455 Risinghill Road. Custom remodeled interior updated for the modern lifestyle. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, integrated interior/exterior audio system. 1640 sq. ft. (per flyer), 6300 sq. ft. lot (per flyer). Offered at $789,000.

And a little further down the road:

• 3369 Canyon Crest Road. Major improvements underway for this 4 bedroom, 3 bath home. 2653 sq. ft. (per assessor) on a 22,220 sq. ft. lot (per assessor). Offered at $975,000.
• 3720 Canyon Crest Road. A gorgeous wood and rock home, 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2710 sq. ft. home ( per assessor) on a 67,680 sq. ft. lot (per assessor). Custom cabinets, granite and tile from Mission West, and terraced lot. In my opinion, this is a beautiful, woodsy home. Be sure to stop and see it at one if the open houses. Offered for $1,650,000.

“Information provided by seller or third-party sources. Information is not verified or guaranteed.”

Greg Stanton, Realtor

Dilbeck Realtors, GMAC

626-431-2205

Reminder for Meadows FireSafe Meeting

Please join us at Loma Alta Park Community Center on Tuesday, October 24 at 7:00 p.m. to hear about the exciting plans for brush clearance using our grant from the California FireSafe Council. Please see previous post for more details.

Proposed Trail Updates

Everyone should have received another mailer in the past two weeks with information about the proposed trail improvements. A few highlights:

• Even with the close of the scoping period, the community can provide further comments beyond October 30.
• 1,720 comments have been received.
• Numerous comments were received regarding the proposed parking on Canyon Crest Rd.
• The next public meeting regarding Millard Canyon will be in April 2007.
• Final Environmental Impact Report is scheduled for October 2007.

Loma Alta Park Happenings

Here's some fun events coming up at Loma Alta Park:

Grand Opening ceremony for the new gymnasium and community rooms, Monday, October 23rd at 5:00 p.m.

Community Celebration of Park Opening, Friday, October 27th from 5:00 - 9:00. Come for music, booths, kids activities and tours of the new buildings.

MFSC Grant Information Meeting

There's over 80,000 reasons you should attend the upcoming Meadows FireSafe Council Grant Information Meeting.

We'll discuss general information about the California FireSafe Council and more specific information about the plans the Meadows FireSafe Council has prepared for using our upcoming grant money.

It's all about brush clearance and protecting our neighborhood, so please come.

Tuesday, October 24th
7:00 p.m.
Loma Alta Park Community Center
(entrance and parking on Lincoln Avenue)

Monday Morning Trash Cruisers

A resident on El Prieto has noticed peopole in a black SUV routinely raiding the curbside recycle containers on Monday mornings. He doesn’t like the idea of someone cruising the neighborhood before the sun is up. The cruisers have seen him a couple of times. They acted suspiciously trying to hide themselves and their vehicle in driveways.

It is illegal for people to take materials out of recycling bins.

Brush Clearance on Canyon Crest Hillside

From the September Meadows Newsletter:

Some residents expressed concern about brush clearing on a hillside section of Canyon Crest. The owners of the property are the ones who have cleared the brush. They have been contacted and said that they are aware of the possibilities that this could pose. They did however take care in picking the proper trimmers that would not violate any root structure and are keeping an eye on the hillside. They are watering so that the existing good plants will grow fast and retain the hillside wall preventing a collapse of the mountain and at the same time eliminating fuel for a fire.

Calling Tree to Save Trees?

As part of our FireSafe Council prevention steps, Greg Stanton has offered to build a calling tree for anyone interested. (He received a few phone calls from folks away from their homes who were worried that the fire might be in The Meadows.) A calling tree will allow residents to keep each other informed in the event of an emergency, such as a brush fire. Depending on the size of the calling tree, a small number of individual residents will be assigned to groups of other residents for notification or check status on the emergency. If interested, please email or call Greg with your home, work, and/or cell phones. Greg's contact information is: 626-791-1011 or greg.stanton@dilbeck.com. All phone numbers will be kept confidential.

Proposed Trailhead Update

From September 2006 Meadows Newsletter:

Many from the Meadows turned up at the meeting on the 14th at Loma Alta Park as well as some from lower Canyon Crest Road. The purpose was to get any voices down on paper either for or against any or all of the proposed projects. We are not yet done with this situation by far. The consensus of the Meadows has only two people wanting the trailhead. It is extremely important that each and every one of us tells the proper department what we think. There is a deadline for getting these comments in (Sept. 20th) but they said they would extend the deadline if you send it in. To make your voice heard, you must write now.

Send comments to:
County of Los Angeles Chief
Administrative Office
Attn: Mr. Adrian Garcia
500 West Temple St Room 754
Los Angeles CA 90012
213 974-4266

Send a copy to:
Mike Antonovich
Office of the Fifth District
215 N. Marengo Ave. Suite 120
Pasadena, CA 91101
626 356-5407

Be at this months meeting to learn what to do next about the ongoing prevention of the trailhead on Canyon Crest.

Got Brush Clearance?

A reader of this blog is asking for any referrals to brush clearance companies. Please post a reply if you have one. Thanks.

Land Owner's Meeintg

The first informational meeting regarding the trailhead was held on 8-31-06. It was well attended by area landowners and residents. All in attendance opposed the placement of the Milliard Canyon trailhead on Canyon Crest. The project is in the initial stages. The feasibility study has been completed. Project completion is set for 2007. All county easements have not yet been secured. If, however, the landowner refuses (as is happening at the hairpin turn) the land may be taken through eminent domain. Many issues were raised -environmental, safety, fire hazards, crime-all of which the project team are still addressing.

Proposed Trailhead

All Meadows residents should have received an information pamphlet and notice from L.A. County regarding the establishment of a continuous east-west trail from Hahamonga Watershed Park eastward to Eaton Canyon. Part of this proposal is a trail through Millard Canyon and a trailhead at the hairpin turn on Canyon Crest. Included with the trailhead would be parking spaces at the hairpin turn on Canyon Crest, pedestrian crossing controls, low-level lighting and possibly a restroom facility. (For complete descriptions, you can read the Notice of Preparation and Initial Study available for public review at the Altadena Main Library and Bob Lucas Memorial Library.) Adrian Garcia, L.A. County analyst, is the project contact. The notice also requests responses be sent to Mr. Garcia no later than September 20. Please see the notice for complete contact information.

Four scoping meetings have been planned with the most convenient on September 14 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. in the multipurpose room at Loma Alta Park.

Residents have already voiced concerns including increased traffic and impact to our emergency evacuation plan. Other residents may well be in favor of the continuous trail.

The Meadows has had great success in collectively responding to other issues and proposals that would have impact to us. In the past, these have been the restriction of filming on Canyon Crest, the formation of the FireSafe Council, and the ban on hunting. It is suggested that we gather the opinion of Meadows residents to communicate a collective response to the County. Please come to this month's meeting, as we need to hear the opinion from all interested parties in the Meadows.

Attached to this month's newsletter is a form that we would like you to complete and sign. Drop it in Linda’s mailbox at 4199 Canyon Crest Road. Or better yet, come to the meeting for a great discussion on the proposal. Our collective opinions will then be delivered to the County. There truly is strength in numbers as we continue to establish The Meadows as an active voice in Altadena.

FireSafe Council Update

The Meadows FireSafe Council will present the proposed treatment plan for brush clearance either the last week in September or first week in October. Please watch for further details.

Public Works

A good number to have on hand or program into your cell phone: County of Los Angeles Public Works at 800 675-4357. Please call them to report road, traffic, sewer, flood and graffiti issues. They've been very responsive. One neighbor called to report trash that was dumped on Canyon Crest and they cleaned it up within two business days.

Strip Club in Pasadena?

A strip club is approved and slated to open on Walnut Ave, in Pasadena, soon. It is one door down from Foothill Vet, where the Shaky’s Pizza place once was, all of the proceedings are being handled without so much as a vote, by the City Planning Office.To learn more please visit the web site:http://www.nostrippers.com/If you don’t want it, please sign the online petition and let your voice be heard. (Posted by a resident in The Meadows)