Sierra Madre News Net - For news and information about Sierra Madre Businesses, Events and People

www.sierramadrewineandjazzwalk.com

(6/28/08) Members of Wine and Jazz Walk Committee Tour City of Hope, 6/23/08

Members of the Sierra Madre Wine and Jazz Walk (SWJW) Committee received a mini-tour of the City of Hope facility on Monday, June 23^rd, and had an opportunity to be de-briefed by two of the doctors that oversee where funds donated by the SMWJW are spent. The Committee has donated $60,000 dollars to City of Hope in the two years it has been in operation. To read the rest of this story, click the headline above.

SierraMadreSue's "Music News"

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Glenn Lambdin's "On My Mind These Days"

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Random Observations by Pat Ostrye

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SM Fire Safe Council

Independence Day Op Ed

To The Editor:

This July will mark our 232^nd year as a nation and the 233^rd year of the American Soldier. As we celebrate the anniversary of our nation’s independence with family outings, picnics, baseball and fireworks, please take a moment to give thanks to the more than 43 million military personnel who have defended our freedoms through the years.

Soldiers in the Continental Army fought and died to ensure that our Declaration of Independence and the cause of democracy would thrive. Other soldiers followed the path they blazed, fighting to protect the rights of Americans and of all of the world’s citizens to live in peace and security. In every era, the brave men and women of our United States military forces stepped forward, knowing the risks and dangers they faced.

We also celebrate another anniversary this July: the 35^th anniversary of the All-Volunteer Force. Nearly everyone who wears the uniform today volunteered to do so. Almost 20 years ago, I raised my hand and took the same oath that thousands of young men and women across the country will take this year to serve in our nation’s Army. America’s Army – Soldiers, families and Army civilians – epitomize what is best about America. Their willingness to sacrifice selflessly to build a better future for others and to preserve our way of life embodies the strength of our nation.

After 233 years of defending our great nation, today’s Army remains committed to excellence. Our soldiers stand valiantly, bravely, and honorably, serving in nearly 80 countries across the world. And every soldier who serves at home and abroad is supported by our military families, whose service is marked by their unwavering support to their loved ones.

As we continue to recruit for our All-Volunteer Army, this Fourth of July, please consider what you can do to support our troops at home and abroad. They have answered the call at a time when the country truly needs them. If you are interested in helping, visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil, where you’ll have the opportunity to join a support group or a home-front group, or even send a thank-you letter to troops anywhere in the world.

Most importantly, if someone you know says they are considering Army service, support their decision and convey to them the value and honor in serving in the greatest military and defending the greatest country in the world.

The United States Army is our Army—it belongs to us, the people of the United States of America, and it exists to defend us. We need to stand proud behind it and support it. We all have a stake in its health and success.

Together, let us support the men and women who are Army Strong!

Lt. Col. Somport Jongwatana

Battalion Commander

U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion-Los Angeles

(6/28/08PR) The Bard Is Back for Third Season with Southern California Lyric Theater to Stage Free Performances at the Park for Four Saturday Nights Southern California Lyric Theater, in association with the City of Sierra Madre , once again presents its Summer Shakespeare in Memorial Park with its professional production of Much Ado About Nothing. This Comedy’s “merry war of the sexes,” practical jokes, mistaken identity and bumbling bureaucrats, set in 1936 rural Italy is directed by Alison Eliel Kalmus. Shakespeare’s song lyrics within the play, partnered with selections from the American Songbook, Disney and Mozart, are performed by the award winning SCLT Troubadours.

Picnic on the green in the cool of evening, under the summer stars and be entertained by one of Shakespeare’s most beloved and hilarious comedies. The production, which is free to the public, will be presented at 7:00 P.M. on Saturdays July 12, 19, 26 and August 2, a the Memorial Park “Bowl” 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd.

This year’s performances are proudly sponsored by the Sierra Madre Playhouse, Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Dept. and Crescenta Valley Arts Council.

Random Observations... by Pat Ostrye Pat Ostrye is a Sierra Madre resident with a long history of service to the San Gabriel Valley, including serving as one of Southern California's first female City Council members, and as Monrovia's first elected mayor.

From Spring Fever to Summer Fun!

Spring parties are winding down as summer vacations get started, and, isn't it great not to do much thinking for at least two more months?! However, for parents of young school children, that thinking may start a little sooner, say maybe in one month, as the kids get "bored"?

In the meantime, Charlotte Schamadan, editor of Quota's monthly newsletter and also Past International President of Quota, reports on several recent events ending the season more or less, in this month's edition of Monrovia/Duarte's Quota Tid-Bitz. One of the most recent events was the fund-raising dinner for the San Gabriel Valley's Habitat for Humanity, held on the grounds of Ambassador Auditorium in Pasadena. Among the Quotarians present were: Charlotte and Lee Schamadan, June and Norm Shafer, Kris and Don Mariconda, Donna and Dave Baker, Betty Sandford and her daughter Randy with husband David Smith. The City of Monrovia was a major sponsor of the evening and is providing the Sherman Ave. property on which the Monrovia homes will be built. Donna Baker heads the Monrovia Women's Build team which also includes Monrovia Quotarians, Charlotte and Monrovia Librarian Monica Greening.

Other Monrovians attending were Marlene and Clyde Stelling, Mary Ann and Corey Lutz, Sharon Mullenix, Francie and Dave Cash and Mayor Rob Hammond.

The Monrovia/Duarte Quota Club lucks out this summer with International holding its Annual Quota Convention, not only in the U.S. but right in San Jose, California. The dates are July 10-14 at the Fairmont Hotel in downtown San Jose. Among the 150 already registered from the West Area of Quota are aforementioned PIP Charlotte, June Shafer, Governor of the 25th District, Ferne Petrie, new President of Monrovia/ Duarte club and Emilie Kendrick, a past president of Monrovia.

The West Area Quotarians are also busy making preparations for the Annual West Area Meeting to be held in Reno at the Circus Circus Hotel, October 24-26. It speaks for itself that this is a traditionally well-attended fun (could be profitable?) trip as well conducting Quota business.

One more item - 'tis the time of year to announce Quota's Volunteer of the Year. This year, happily, it is Joan Bonholtzer, the prime benefactor for Monrovia's annual Salute to Staff fund-raiser, every year generously donating sponsorship funds and the famous FIDM tote bags for 200 guests. Joan and husband Jack are investors and partners in the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM). Joan is also a hard worker, contributing much time, energy and encouragement to other members of Monrovia's group. Congrats to you, Joan!!

From the Library

The Library will be closed for Independence Day on Friday, July 4th

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In conjunction with “Catch the Reading Bug,” the 2008 Children’s Summer Reading Program, the Sierra Madre Firefighters Association is sponsoring two free, family-friendly programs in July, to be held in the Sierra Madre Library’s main reading room. On Thursday, July 10, at 10:30 a.m., Flights of Fantasy Story Theatre will present “Getting the Bugs Out,” and on Thursday, July 31, at 10:30 a.m., Swazzle will present a puppet show, “Space Bugs.”

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The Sierra Madre Library’s Adult Summer Reading Club, “Catch the Reading Bug,” will start Monday, June 23, and run through Saturday, August 16. Adults from all communities are invited to stop by the Library Service Desk any time on or before June 21 to register for this free activity. Participants will receive program guidelines and a starter set of reading log slips, to record the print or audio books they have read. Each week there will be three drawings for prizes, which include theater and movie tickets, and gift cards and baskets, all donated by local business. All reading slips will be entered in a Grand Prize Drawing on August 16. “Catch the Reading Bug” is sponsored by The Friends of the Sierra Madre Library.

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The Sierra Madre Public Library is located at 440 West Sierra Madre Boulevard in Sierra Madre. For further information, please visit the Library’s web site at www.sierramadre.lib.ca.us, or call (626) 355-7186

Joke of the Day

A man bought several acres of wasteland and within a year, turned it into a thriving produce farm. The local pastor stopped by and complimented the man on his vast progress. Then he added, "Wondrous things can surely happen when man and God work together." "Amen," said the man, "but you

should've seen the place when God was running it alone."

Quote of the Day

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." - Thomas Jefferson and Friends - For a complete transcript of the Declaration of Independence, click here

California Lottery

Winners - Includes the most recent winning results / numbers for all games

Games - Includes links to each game individually, as well as current estimated jackpot amounts

Sierra Madre 4th of July Coverage - Includes Parade Line-up and just added video and photos of Aluminum Marshmallow and Nightblooming Jazzmen in 2007, plus video and photos of Civic Club Games in the Park

(6/28/08PR/BC) Sierra Madre To Celebrate July 3^rd and 4^th with Traditional Parade, Concert, and Family Events in the Park Sierra Madre will celebrate July 3rd and 4th in its usual hometown way with the traditional Parade (they say half the town marches in the parade, and the other half watches) and performances by four great bands. On Thursday, July 3, at 6 p.m. the Aluminum Marshmallow, a local group led by Tom Behrens, will play '60s and 70’s classic hits in Memorial Park. Aluminum Marshmallow headlines an evening of musical performances, starting at 5:00 with Hear2Play, which plays until 5:30. At 5:30, the brother band The Sheds will perform, but since their last Sierra Madre performance the band has undergone a transition from a three member rock and roll cover band to a five member ska band. After the Sheds will be Aluminum Marshmallow, a group of local musicians which first performed together in a 1967 Saint Rita School Talent Show.

Carrying on a long-standing tradition, the Sierra Madre Volunteer Firefighters' Association will open the Beer Garden on the 3^rd, and non-profit organizations will have booths selling food and other merchandise to raise money to fund their organizations and the Sierra Madre beneficiaries of their philanthropic donations throughout the year.

On Friday July 4^th, after a flyover of “Vintage Warbirds” (vintage military aircraft including a WWII trainer twin-engine C-45), Sierra Madre Girl Scouts, part of the Mt. Wilson Vista Council, will open the Parade, which features seventy entries, including this year’s Parade Grand Marshals, the Sierra Madre Fire Department.

The Sierra Madre Woman's Club, as it has for many years, will hold an open house provide complimentary breakfast starting at 8 a.m., at their historic Essick House location at the corner of Sunnyside and Sierra Madre Blvd., which is also the location of the start of the parade. The parade will start at 10 a.m., and continue down Sierra Madre Blvd. to Sierra Vista Park.

Following the Grand Marshals, Sierra Madre Mayor Kurt Zimmerman, Mayor Pro Tem Maryann MacGillivray, and Council members John Buchanan, Joe Mosca and Don Watts will represent the City. Next comes Citizen of the Year Pete Siberell and Older American Eph Konigsberg.

Congressman David Dreier, State Senator Bob Margett, and County Supervisor Mike Antonovich are participating in the Parade.

Representing the Sierra Madre Rose Float Association, which is riding a streak of three consecutive major awards in the Tournament of Roses Parade, are Princess Hanna Storlie, Princess Alexandra Flores, and their Escorts Andrew Pirrone and Timothy Crilly. This year, for the first time in recent memory, the float is nearly 30 percent complete structurally at the time of the parade, so parade goers will be treated to a partial preview of the 2009 entry in the T of R parade.

After the Parade, at about 11:30 a.m., activities continue in Memorial Park where several local nonprofits will provide food and patriotic trinkets for sale. The Sierra Madre Volunteer Firefighters' Association will again open the Beer Garden, which this year funds not only the SMVFA, but the Sierra Madre Little League, which will provide manpower at the booth. SMLL just completed its fiftieth season. Kids games in the park (wheelbarrow racing, sack race, three legged race, etc.) will be staged shortly after the parade ends.

At noon, the Night Blooming Jazzmen will entertain under the shade trees on the east side of the park. There will be traditional Dixieland jazz until 4 p.m. when the 4^th of July activities will conclude.

Matt Bosse, chairman of the Fourth of July Committee reminds everyone that these events, enjoyed by all, don’t happen without a lot of effort and substantial cost, so please help carry on our town’s 4th of July traditions by making a generous donation! The Sierra Madre Community Foundation will accept donations for the Committee at P.O. Box 716, Sierra Madre, CA 91025.

(6/20/08 Posted 6/28) Local Fire Safe Councils Receive Grants from State Council By Bill Coburn After receiving a $150,000 grant from Farmer’s Insurance last week, the California Fire Safe Council (CFSC) shared the wealth with two local Fire Safe Councils (FSC), the Sierra Madre Fire Safe Council and the Big Santa Anita Canyon Fire Safe Council, honoring them for their work during the Santa Anita Fire which started April 26^th and was declared contained on May 2^nd. The fire burned more than 500 acres in the San Gabriel mountains behind Sierra Madre.

Caroline Brown accepted a check in the amount of $1,000 on behalf of the Sierra Madre FSC and Jackie Gibson accepted a similar check on behalf of the Big Santa Anita Canyon FSC. The bulk of the larger donation by Farmer’s will be used to fund the development and implementation of a series of workshops titled “Together is Better.”

The California Fire Safe Council is California's leading community-based statewide wildfire prevention organization. Its mission is to mobilize Californians to protect their homes, communities and environment from wildfires, through public education programs and by funding community fire safety projects. There are approximately 130 independently operated local Fire Safe Councils in California. More information about the California Fire Safe Council can be found online at www.firesafecouncil.orq.

On hand for the presentation were Bruce Turbeville, chairman, founder and CEO of the CFSC, Brown and Gibson of the local FSCs, Mark Toohey, Senior VP of media relations for Farmer’s, Farmer’s Director of Media Relations (and CFSC Board Member) Jerry Davies, and more than a dozen local Farmer’s agents, as well as Sierra Madre Fire Marshal Rich Snyder.

“It’s a sad truth that wildfire seasons is now year-round,” said Turbeville in a prepared statement. “Wildfires take a tremendous toll on people, neighborhoods, and the environment. Yet, effective prevention projects have made a huge impact in eliminating or reducing losses in numerous communities, and we want to find new ways to expand and improve these kinds of community-wide endeavors. For every dime you spend to prevent a fire, you’d spend more than a dollar to fight that fire. It makes good business sense to prevent losses before they happen.”

After receiving the check, Brown discussed the origins of the Sierra Madre Fire Safe Council, noting that she had known very little about what they are and what they do when she first heard about them, but adding that she had brought the information about the council to Mike Kinney, chairman of the SM FSC, “…we worked very hard, and it’s taken us quite a while, but we’ve got the City of Sierra Madre behind us, our Fire Marshal works very hard with us and the Red Flag patrol the last year, and it’s been a pleasure.”

“I just wanted to say thank you,” added Gibson. “I’d just like to repeat how important Fire Safe Councils and Partnerships are,” said Turbeville. “You just can’t beat it when a community takes it upon itself to do something to protect itself. The state Fire Safe Council does whatever it can to get funding and seed money down to the local level, and with the support of the insurance industry and other entities supporting it, we just can’t thank them enough.”

(6/18/08) Webb-Martin Realtors Merges Into Dickson-Podley - By Bill Coburn Judy Webb-Martin announced to her sales staff recently that the company she has run for twenty-one years was now merging with Dickson-Podley Realtors, a real estate company with five other existing offices.

“This is something I’ve been thinking about for the last couple of years. I’ve loved being the owner of the company, it’s been a wonderful experience, but my husband and I love traveling, and we love going up to June Lake, and it just seemed like the right time to make the decision to merge with Dickson-Podley, a well-respected company. They have the same mental set, the same feelings that I have created with Webb-Martin Realtors, and so it’s a wonderful marriage.”

Webb-Martin said that she will continue working, along with her partner Katie Orth. “We’re looking forward to using all the new technology and all the resources that Dickson-Podley are going to be able to give a small company such as Webb-Martin. And the Webb-Martin name will be a part of the Dickson-Podley name here in Sierra Madre…they’re joining our firm and our community and we really do look forward to many years of successful partnership. Dickson-Podley will go forward with the community involvement that we at Webb-Martin have been a part of, as Webb-Martin has been a big part of this community for years.”

Webb-Martin emphasized that she is not retiring, but that with administrative aspects of the business being taken over by Dickson-Podley, “that will free me to take care of my clients, in listing and in selling.” She added that the Hotel Shirley building has nothing to do with the transaction, it’s strictly the business. “We’re going to be moving more agents into our office, they’re going to be expanding the office and bringing more technology into the office…and we’re going to be bigger and better and stronger than ever.”

Webb-Martin also stated that all the Webb-Martin agents are staying on, “and they’re very excited about the opportunities that the Dickson-Podley office will be bringing to us and our joint effort in serving Sierra Madre and the outlying communities better.”

According to Bill Podley, CEO of Dickson-Podley Realtors, he worked with Jim Dickson back in the 1970s. Jim Dickson Realty was started in 1957. After leaving for a time to run his own company, Podley, Caughey, & Doan Realtors, Podley teamed up five years ago with Dickson’s son, Chris Dickson to form Dickson-Podley Realtors, which currently has more than 150 sales associates and thirty support staff members. “We are delighted to have the opportunity to join with Judy and her team. It’s a natural addition to our coverage of the San Gabriel Valley, in terms of culture, philosophy and local ownership,” said Podley. “Sierra Madre is a wonderful community.”

Podley added that the actual terms of the deal won’t be official until August 1, but this seemed like a good time to inform the community of the upcoming changes.

(6/13/08 PR) “Surf’s Up!” at Vacation Bible School at Good Shepherd Church

It’s time to sign up to go “Surfin’ Through the Scriptures” during the July 28-Aug.1 Vacation Bible School (VBS) at Church of the Good Shepherd, Arcadia. A beach and ocean theme will prevail, as children learn the “Beach Be-Attitudes.” They will enjoy stories at “Surf’s Up Assembly,” “Beachcomber Crafts,” music at “Sound Waves,” and “Surf ‘n’ Sand Science Lab,” among other interactive activities.

A chance to meet live sea creatures and to learn about them will be offered Wednesday morning, July 30.

Culminating the “Surfin’” week, the “campers” and their families will have a special dinner and program Friday evening, with songs and a slide show of the week’s program.

Youngsters who are finishing 5^th and 6^th grades can volunteer to assist “Junior Lifeguards” (5^th to12th graders) and “Lifeguards” (adult staff.)

The pre-registration fee is $20; enrollment after July 6 will cost $30. The fee includes a VBS T-shirt, snacks and a child’s dinner Friday.

Vacation Bible School will be held from 3 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, July 28-Aug. 1. Church of the Good Shepherd, United Methodist, is at 400 W. Duarte Road (corner of Holly) in Arcadia. Phone the church office from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays at (626) 447-2181 for more registration and information.

Bruce Inman's Presentation to Fire Safe Council re: Preparation for Rain Following Santa Anita Fire - PowerPoint Presentation (Internet Explorer Only, does not work in Netscape or Firefox)

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Video of Fire Safe Council Meeting Presentation by Bruce Inman

City Stuff

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Official City Website

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City Council Agenda for 6/24/08 meeting

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Public hearing to consider adoption of Ordinance 1277, amending Title 15 of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code.

FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE 1277, ADDING CHAPTER 15.55 (ADOPTING FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT MEASURES AS REQUIRED UNDER 44 CFR 60.3) TO TITLE 15 (BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION)

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(5/29/08) City Asks Residents to Reuse Sandbags, Sandbag Instructions

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(5/29/08) Sandbag Volunteer Crew Members Needed

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This summer, ENCOMPASS will be working in collaboration with the City of Sierra Madre to offer a powerful youth art program for teens called BRIDGE.

Here's the APPLICATION to participate in the BRIDGE program

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The Wistaria Vine Online

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Pool Schedule/Aquatics

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Farmer's Market Every Wednesday Behind the Bottle Shop, 3 - 7pm

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4th of July Parade Applications

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Fund Established to Help Pay for Firefighting Efforts

A Santa Anita Fire Fund has been set up with the Sierra Madre Community Foundation to help the City pay for the cost of fighting the Santa Anita Fire. If you would like to donate, you can download the attached form and mail it with your donation to:

SIERRA MADRE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

PO Box 716, Sierra Madre, CA 91025

Checks should be made out to SMCF/CCF with "Santa Anita Fire Fund" in the memo.

City of Sierra Madre Official Calendar (click on the flag)

(6/14/08PR) What's New at Creative Arts Group? Spring and early summer have brought many changes to the Jameson Gallery at Creative Arts Group. The gallery is showcasing many new works such as the Huntington Series by artist BJ Lane (example, above left) based on scenes from the historic Huntington Library and Gardens. Ulla Anobile’s “Four Sisters Masks Series” features colorful wall masks crafted of Papier Mache with cross-stitching and beading (example, below right). Artist Kathleen Swaydon’s intricate still life’s are all the more complex and evocative as they are rendered in monochromatic pencil. In addition, the Faculty Show featuring the work of our talented instructors is currently on display in the Back Room Gallery. All this and much more including enameled landscapes, watercolors, ceramics, textile art and jewelry. The gallery is located at Creative Arts Group at 108 N. Baldwin Ave. in the village of Sierra Madre. Hours are Monday through Friday 9-5 pm and Saturdays 10-2 pm. For information or directions call (626) 355.8350.

(6/20/08, posted 6/28) On My Mind These Days

By Glenn Lambdin

Past Glenn Lambdin Columns

Graffiti Rant

Last Friday, as I walked out my front door to leave for work, I was outraged when I noticed that some low-life decided that they would spray paint their way from my house on Sturtevant, along Woodland Dr, and up to the bridge across from Mary’s Market; not unlike some mange infested mongrel cur marking its territory.

I hate graffiti. And even more, I hate the mentality of those that think it’s alright to do it. I have zero tolerance for graffiti and less for those that do it. I hate it so much that I keep a can of “Goof-Off” in my truck so when I am driving in Sierra Madre and notice graffiti on a sign or other public property, I pull over, grab my trusty can of Goof-Off and a rag and remove it. I’ve done this for years. Now don’t get me wrong, I am not out to rid the country of graffiti with my obsessive anti-graffiti behavior, just Sierra Madre. I envision heinous punishments for taggers; cruel and unusual punishments that inflict unbearable pain and high levels of public humiliation….. or, well, maybe just your garden variety public flogging or Singapore style canings in Kersting Court.

So there it was, Friday morning, glaring at me as if to taunt me. Its letters were illegible to me but I just knew it was saying something foul. It was a trail of some stylized cryptic signage that somehow was saying, “Follow me, and catch me if you can….and besides, you ain’t even cool enough to read me!” And the more I stared at it, the more I could feel it reach its vile hands across the street and pierce them straight through my chest grabbing hold of the very life that sustains me. I was infuriated beyond reason. Graffiti in my neighborhood, on my neighbor’s properties, and within view of my front door!

After calling the police to report it, and getting their permission, my son William and I grabbed our trusty can of Goof-Off and some wire brushes and set out to remove all of the graffiti. We were met by Canyon Jeff who offered his help. (I don’t know Jeff’s last name although I have known him for several years. To many of us, he’s Canyon Jeff.) Anyways, while the three of us were scrubbing the graffiti off of the bridge’s guardrail and discussing a tagger’s mentality, (or gross lack of) William made the comment, “…you gotta admit Dad, graffiti is an art-form.”

Boy, that’s the wrong thing to say and the point of my entire rant. There is nothing artistic about graffiti. It’s not art, it’s vandalism. Taggers are not artists, they are criminals. And I don’t buy the, “it’s just youthful indiscretion” nonsense. It’s criminal behavior! It’s not some legitimate social or cultural expression. It’s illegal, it’s wrong, it’s ugly, it’s destructive, and it should be punished. There’s nothing artful about it. Picasso, Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Djibril N’Doye; that’s art. Graffiti is trash and it is criminal. It violates property, violates individuals, and violates the law. It terrorizes neighborhoods and devalues the hard work of homeowners who spend the majority of their income for the majority of their life paying for their homes. It steals time and money from the citizens that have to remove it and from the taxpayers who pay to have it removed. No son, its not art….did I mention public floggings and canings?

Oh, and by the way, for anyone who is interested, Goof-Off is sold at Arnold’s (Frontier) Hardware for about 3 bucks a can.

(5/21/08) Community Arts Commission Issues Call for Artists For Upcoming Local Shows

Click here for details

(6/6/08) Straight Talk on Expected Debris Flow at Fire Safe Council Meeting by Bill Coburn

Video of the meeting, part 1 Video of the meeting, part 2

In front of a much smaller crowd than May’s post-fire meeting (though still with a much larger turnout than any pre-fire meeting), the Fire Safe Council’s featured speaker, Director of Public Works Bruce Inman, presented a slide show and some sobering figures about the anticipated debris flow from the recently burned hillsides, and the City’s ability to prepare for and deal with that debris.

Inman gave a fairly comprehensive presentation discussing each of the burn areas, their size, the percentage of the area that burned, the amount of debris that is anticipated from each area, the capacity of the debris basins into which they will flow, and in some cases, the lack of a basin or under-capacity of the basins into which the debris will slide in the event of a storm.

Estimates for debris were based on a ten-year storm, which is defined as a storm that the City is likely to see on average every ten years. No figures were provided as to the debris should the City experience a twenty-five year, fifty years, or longer storm.

Inman has been working closely with the Los Angeles County Dept. of Public Works (LACDPW), the California Conservation Corps, the US Forest Service and the Angeles National Forest Service, and the Natural Resources Conservation service, and other agencies to assess the damage and prepare for the future. According to Inman, the County Preliminary map defines 16 areas that are likely to discharge mud and debris into Sierra Madre. Five of the areas drain into debris basins, with one of those five debris basins considered to very likely be inadequate for the anticipated debris flow. Eleven of the areas drain into public and private property.

Inman pointed out that his department consists of a staff of twelve, and that during emergencies, the staff goes into twelve hour shifts, meaning that at any given time, there are a total of six public works employees to deal with emergencies. Unspoken by Inman was the fact that he is currently not fully staffed, having only nine employees, meaning if an emergency were to occur right now, there would be five staffers or four, depending on what time of the day it is. Alex Jarvie, of LACDPW’s flood control maintenance division, noted that he has double Sierra Madre’s staff, or twenty-four employees, to deal with the entire county.

According to Inman, the County’s map defines Area 3a, on private property at the top of Auburn Ave., as being 6 acres, with 83% burned, and an estimated 2,100 cubic yards of potential debris. To provide some perspective, Inman noted that each of the large 3-axles dump trucks seen hauling mud during the last emergency holds 10 cubic yards of debris. Read the rest of this story...

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