ALL GAVE SOME - SOME GAVE ALL! See page ??
FREE
FRIDAY • MAY 16, 2014
INSIDE: Happy Caps Distributed .................
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THE PAPER WITH AN ATTITUDE!
VOLUME 10 • NUMBER 10
Memorial Day It’s Wildfire is Coming Time Again!
“Operation Cookie” for our Vets .................
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“Fill the Boot” Campaign .................
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Saddles for Soldiers .................
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“Entershamement” and “In My Corner” .................
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More than 100 people showed up at Sunland Park last Memorial Day for the Legions service.
By David “Doc” DeMulle
Memorial Day will be observed at Sunland Park on Monday, May 26 at 11 a.m. An honored tradition of the American Legion Post 377, the service will be held at the recently restored Veterans Memorial. Dan Kellgreen the Post Commander will officiate the ceremony and Kelly O’Brien-Calli-
from
gros will be singing patriotic songs. The Memorial Day service which usually has over 150 people in attendance, is Post 377’s largest annual gathering of residents and veterans in Sunland-Tujunga. see Memorial Day, page 8
Voters Prayers .................
6 A Little Bit
Wrecks of the Week .................
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Backdoor Bakery Fire .................
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DEPARTMENTS What Folks Are Doing........... 2 View from the Rock.............. 3 Letters and Perspectives........ 3 Chef Randy........................... 5 Artfully Speaking.................. 5 Take My Card....................... 9 Auntie Gail’s Pet Corner...... 10
of Nostalgia
“Liane E. Clark Named Miss Sunland-Tujunga” by Charles E. Miller, Correspondent After careful deliberation, a panel of five judges at the 1985 Sunland-Tujunga Beauty Pageant Saturday night awarded the coveted queen trophy with roses to Liane Clark, 20, of Tujunga. Asked to comment on her winning, the new queen said lightly that she hoped to “use this as a stepping stone into fame.” For the next two years, she will cut ribbons, mingle with politicians, and represent the Sunland-Tujunga Chamber of Commerce as an ambassador-at- quined outfit that was his tradelarge to the world. mark, she strummed the guitar in Clark won with her improvisa- mimic style while his record tion of Elvis Presley, dressed in “Where’s The Party?” boomed. A a simulated black and white sesee Nostalgia, page 10
with assistance
Capt. Phil Dominguez
Part 1 of 2 parts The risk of wildfire in Sunland-Tujunga is a reality. Fire Officials are particularly concerned about the rain that came just after the wildfires. As a result, “fire season” has begun early, as indicated by the recent brush fires in Griffith Park and Riverside County, as well as smaller fires in Los Feliz and Beverly Hills. Some firefighters, with many years of experience, have noted with concern that the hills are drier than they have ever seen. We can expect that conditions will worsen with extreme heat, low humidity and dry winds. It’s a given, we all must be prepared for the risk of fire. And we can’t depend on Stations 24, 74 and 77 being able to respond quickly enough. “Brush Clearance and weed abatement has made a huge difference in firefighters’ success in saving lives and property over the past years.” Said Dave Ellingford of Dave Ellingford Brush & Tree Service. “It was only less than 4 years ago that our mountainsides were ravaged by the Station Fire. In talking with US Forestry Station members, it was pointed out that the recent rains that posed flood and mudslide problems, also caused a greening of the hills
and mountains.” “Weed abatement and brush clearance must be planned,” said Dave, “it is important to both remove, or reduce the dense vegetation that has just sprung up. So in planning Brush Clearance and Vegetation Management, consideration must be given to both fire and flood risks. Remember that the same vegetation that must be cut-back for fire prevention also stabilizes the hillside, protecting your family and home from mudslides. Proper brush clearance requires moderation, to protect against slope instability.” Brush Clearance We are all subject to the special Brush Clearance Requirements for “Very High Fire Severity Zones.” Brush Clearance inspections usually begin in May. But it is critical to remember that Brush Clearance is a year-round responsibility. We have a duty to each other to maintain our properties in a fire-safe condition. The importance of Brush-Clearance vigilance has been well-illustrated during Sayre, Marek and Station fires in the last couple years, where firefighters have reported that many neighborhoods had been spared because of strict compliance with Brush Clearance Rules and wise Landscape/ Vegetation Management, preventing fires from destroying homes and taking lives. Vegetation Management as it see Wildfires, page 12
2 — FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER
Happy Caps Distributed
l to r: Sandra Satterwhite-Chairperson LCWC, Cecelia RoySenior Chemotherapy Nurse Kaiser, Jennifer Mavian-Clinical Research Associate Kaiser, Charlene Roske-Clinical Research Nurse Kaiser Hospital, Lucy Leach-LCWC volunteer. Some of the ladies from the hats and 10 shoulder shrugs La Crescenta Woman’s Club with Charlene Roske, Clinical made a trip to Glendale MeResearch Nurse at the facility. morial Breast Cancer Center Again, they were welcome to distribute some of their with open arms and bright handmade chemo caps. They smiles by the staff. The pawere met by Mary Ann Robtients look forward to the caps ertson, Associate Supervisor and always display a broad of the center. Ms. Robertson smile while trying them on. was delighted to meet the la Sandra Satterwhite is the dies personally and thank chairperson organizing the them for their generosity. The chemo cap project for the La facility provides diagnosis Crescenta Woman’s Club. and treatment to many people She collects the caps from the with breast and other forms of various volunteers, sorts them cancer. The ladies were given by size, packages them in a tour of the facility and had plastic and researches organithe opportunity to view some zations that need them. If you of the current methods of want to donate yarn to this treatment and diagnostics that project, please contact Marythe center provides. The laann at (818) 219-1702. dies left 40 handmade caps This is one of many worthand six handmade shoulder while projects that the La shrugs to keep patients warm Crescenta Woman’s Club and hopefully put a smile on does for the community. If their faces. you are interested in joining The following week the lathe club and helping the comdies made a trip to Kaiser Hos- munity while meeting wonpital in Panorama City to disderful woman of all ages, call tribute more happiness to the Dawna Berger for informapatients there. They left 50 tion at (818) 957-6939.
www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 10 • NUMBER 10
Memorial Day Observance at Two Strike Park A Memorial Day observance will be sponsored by the American Legion Post 288 and VFW Post 1614. The event will take place on May 26 starting at 8:00 a.m. Thank a vet at this Memorial Day Observance. There will be a presentation of colors, a presentation of wreaths and flowers, a reading of fallen heroes, a POW/MIA ceremony, and a walk of honor. The event will take place at Two Strike Park, 5107 Rosemont Ave., La Crescenta, CA 91214 •••
toral degrees. Its curriculum, founded in the liberal arts, has expanded to include selected professional and graduate programs. •••
Montrose African Violet Society’s May Meeting The Montrose African Violet Society is having their next monthly meeting on Wednesday morning, May 28, 2014 @ 10:00 A.M. The location is Descanso Gardens (Maple Room), 1418 Descanso Drive , La Canada Flintridge, CA. Guests are always welcome to attend our meetings. For more information please telephone our Club President, Luis @ (323) 236-0104. www.montroseafricanviolets.weebly. com. •••
Tujunga’s Katharine Erin Crowder on Binghamton U Area Students Dean’s List Graduate Azusa BINGHAMTON, NY— Katharine Erin Crowder of Tu- Pacific University junga, CA, received academic honors from the School of Management at Binghamton University by making the University’s Dean’s List for the Fall 2013 semester. Binghamton University is one of the four university centers of the State University of New York. Known for the excellence of its students, faculty, staff and programs, Binghamton enrolls close to 15,000 students in programs leading to bachelor’s, master’s and doc-
AZUSA, CA—The following students graduated from Azusa Pacific University on Sat., May 3. They joined nearly 1,500 graduates at the spring commencement ceremonies. Samuel Cowell of Sunland Christina Lim of Tujunga Dustin Roskilly of Shadow Hills Erin Ventura of Tujunga Azusa Pacific University is an evangelical Christian uni-
versity committed to God First and excellence in higher education. With 61 bachelor’s degrees, 40 master’s degrees, 17 certificates, 11 credentials, 8 doctoral programs, and 2 associate degrees, the university offers its more than 10,000 students a quality education on campus, online, and at seven regional centers throughout Southern California. •••
Sunland Student Inducted to Phi Kappa Phi Society BATON ROUGE, LA—The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is pleased to announce that Stacy McKenna of Sunland, Calif., was recently initiated into Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. McKenna was initiated at San Jose State University. McKenna is among approximately 32,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors, having at least 72 semester hours, are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff, and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.
“Operation Cookie” to Honor Hospitalized and DAVE HALL Homeless Veterans April 5, 1952 We would be most grateful if you would consider contributing cookies for hospitalized and homeless veterans as part of this year’s “Operation Cookie,” a joint project: Woman’s Club of South Pasadena and the La Crescenta Woman’s Club. The veterans really enjoy home-made cookies, but donations of quality pre-packaged cookies and especially sugar-free cookies are welcomed. This year we will again deliver decorative containers of cookies to hospitalized veterans at local Veteran’s Hospitals and to homeless veterans
served by the VA. This will include patients in Spinal Cord Injury facilities; General and post surgery facilities; Nursing, Convalescent and Hospice Care facilities; and the Psychological/PTSD care units. We also provide cookies to the Wounded Warriors Battalion at Camp Pendleton. Last year, we provided cookies to nearly 2,000 hospitalized and homeless veterans in time for Memorial Day. You may deliver your cookies (minimum of two dozen) to the South Pasadena Clubhouse at 1424 Fremont
see Cookies, page 11
to
May 7, 2014 Realtor at Century 21, Santa Claus each year, Member of Sunland Neighborhood Church. He Leaves behind a son, Jimmy, his dog Dandy and Wife Sally Hall.
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VOLUME 10 • NUMBER 10 • www.thefoothillspaper.com
The Very Rev. John da Costa said: “I have nothing but amazement at the silence of so many of the political leaders of the world. I have nothing but sadness that our churches have failed so badly to practice what we preach. May God forgive us all, and may he bring all those who died so suddenly and unprepared into the light of His glorious presence…The Silence is Deafening.” And I look at what we are doing, anywhere and now. Our political leaders for the past fifty years, have slowly let us down. From President Kennedy denying air support to the Cuban “Returnadados” to Obama downplaying and understating our commitment to the worsening situation in Afghanistan and Iraq. For all of you out there that have forgotten, WE are the last bastion of
the free world. Growing up, our parents, our churches and our government, taught us that the strong help the weak. But it appears to me that if there isn’t something in it for our elected leaders (including our Chamber of Commerce), we don’t help anyone. And it doesn’t matter who is the current Supreme Commander when you’re dead or wounded. Ten days from now is Memorial Day, a day of reflecting on those who gave their all to defend the policies of the U.S.. Over the past years, our government has taken this solemn day, and made it into a three day holiday, when all that was necessary, was a moment of silence. I am not an “anti-war” advocate or a “peacenik”. I am one who has been there-done that. Without question. This Memorial Day, I would
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like all of you, to think about what death and dying are about. Not just for our heroes, but for those caught in the quagmire of warfare. Those who were caught up in Vietnam, Bosnia, Somalia, Darfur, Iraq, Afghanistan and those countries that most of you have never heard of. It is time for us all to look back at what made our country great. It wasn’t our great lands, our abundance of foods or our industrial might, it was those warriors who responded to our governments call that made us free. Those souls that without question, did our countries bidding. Right or wrong, they did their duty and died to keep us free. Twice a year, we honor those warriors, those who died, and those who were lucky enough to return
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This Memorial Day, as you surround yourselves with friends, food and parties, give a moment of silence, for those who can’t be with us. Remember for just a moment that “All gave some – Some gave all!” And it has nothing to do with...The Water!
Fill the Boot Campaign a Success By David “Doc” DeMulle
THE FOOTHILLS PAPER
is published bi-weekly. All contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. All submissions to this newspaper become property of THE FOOTHILLS PAPER and may not be republished in whole or in part. The opinions expressed by contributing writers do not necessarily express the views of the publisher nor staff of this newspaper. TFP is available free of charge. No person may, without prior written permission from TFP, take more than one copy of each edition (stated value: $1). Only authorized TFP distributors may distribute THE FOOTHILLS PAPER. THE FOOTHILLS PAPER has terminated its Non-Profit status so that it can more effectively address political and social problems within our community! EXECUTIVE EDITOR/PUBLISHER Dr. David DeMullé editor@thefoothillspaper.com PRODUCTION and DESIGN Randall Fleming ftp@thepaper.ws WITH THANKS TO The ILS Foundation for Their Support
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On May 7, 8 and 9, the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) participated in the annual “FillThe-Boot” fund-raising campaign to support the fight against Muscular Dystrophy. Throughout Los Angeles, Firefighters and their families showed their support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) which they have done for decades, this is the eighth year that LAFD personnel in uniform were allowed to fund-raise for this established charity. Thanks to an agreement with United Firefighters of Los Angeles City (UFLAC)-IAFF Local 112, the LAFD allowed a
handful of uniformed firefighters to join logo-clad MDA volunteers at 20 specific locations across our city for three days only. LAFD Station 74 firefighters were at Von’s on Foothill Blvd. in Tujunga and next to the Chase Bank at Tujunga Canyon Blvd. Even though they were participating in the fundraiser, they were still available for immediate dispatch if an emergency call came in. Joining the firefighters, were off-duty colleagues wearing MDA ‘FillThe-Boot’ logo-attire, as well as MDA staff and volunteers. Our firefighters want to thank the Sunland-Tujunga residents for their generous donations, which were collected in authentic firefighter turnout
LAFD Capt. Phil Dominguez, the “C” shift crew and MDA representative outside of Von’s in Tujunga. boots. MDA personnel were on hand to manage the donations and answer questions.
Once again, Sunland-Tujunga residents made this a successful event.
Saddles for Soldiers Gets Volunteers This Friday, May 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., nearly 800 Paramount Pictures employees will give back to Los Angeles neighborhoods by volunteering at local schools and community nonprofit organizations throughout the city. The 19th Annual Viacommunity Day, named after Paramount’s parent company Viacom, brings together Paramount Pictures employees volunteering worldwide in a day of community service. Across Los Angeles, volunteers will engage in a wide range of philanthropic activities including cooking and serving lunch at the Downtown Women’s Center, kicking off Armed Forces Day with Saddles for Soldiers by building a wheelchair accessible pathway and creating an outdoor garden. It is estimated that at least 22 war veterans, returned from du-
ty, are killing themselves each day in the U.S. according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. As more veterans begin returning home from combat zones overseas, the crucial necessity for rehabilitation programs, both psychological and spiritual in nature, becomes ever more pressing. In large numbers, troops coming home face the daunting, and often painful, task of re-acclimating themselves into every-day life. Often times, this is an insurmountable challenge. Those men and women who find themselves emotionally or psychologically scarred from the trials of war widely find difficulty in locating the proper services owed them by society. In some cases, talking with a professional is not enough to teach these veterans how to cope with their experiences.
A service disabled veteran finds comfort with his horse. Peace, therefore, can sometimes only be found where it is least expected. Tucked away in the foothills of the Shadow Hills community in Sunland is an equestrian center that offers veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
a path to emotional stability through working with horses. The 12-step “Saddles for Soldiers” program is designed specifically for veterans who have experienced problems in their attempts to reintegrate see Saddles, page 7
4 — FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER
Judge Fred Rotenberg to be Honored on Memorial Day As the child of two Holocaust survivors and a sitting Burbank Superior Court Judge, Fred Rotenberg presides over his courtroom with empathy and understanding. Recently, his dedication to the community was honored by Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles) on the floor of the California State Assembly. At Gatto’s invitation, Judge Rotenberg’s family’s story of survival and success was a highlight of the State Capitol’s Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony. The ceremony honors Holocaust survivors, liberators, and the children of survivors. During the ceremony, Assemblyman Gatto spoke of the courage of Rotenberg’s parents in their flight from the Nazis. In 1942, as hostilities towards the Jews escalated, some of members of Judge Rotenberg’s parent’s families (his father had seven siblings, his mother had eight siblings) headed to the forests of Poland with little more than the clothes on their backs. Rotenberg’s father was in his late teens, his mother was barely twelve. Within days of leaving, the family members who did not flee were killed by their Nazisympathizing Polish neighbors and friends. His parents foraged for food to survive. His father was captured twice, but managed to escape both times while en route to detention camps, sustaining bullet wounds to his wrist and knee. Judge Rotenberg’s parents married in 1945, and ultimately moved to the United States of
www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 10 • NUMBER 10
“Entershamement” and “In My Corner” at Pasadena Playhouse
Amy G stars in “Entershamement” at the Pasadena Playhouse.
Burbank Superior Court Judge Fred Rotenberg America. They purchased a chicken ranch in Petaluma, California where they raised their two sons. In 1966 they ventured into the ice cream business until retirement in 1979. Harry passed away in 1988. Judge Rotenberg’s mother remarried in 1992, and now resides in Sierra Madre, California, to be close to her son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren. “It is an honor to share the story and the struggle of the Rotenberg family, and all the victims of the Holocaust,” said Gatto. “Often, those seeking to perpetuate the memories of a most difficult time for all humanity need to look no further than their own communities. I am so honored that Judge Rotenberg could participate in the ceremony, and hope his story will inspire others to pursue success, even in the face of oppression.”
The Pasadena Playhouse has updated the performance schedule for two unusual oneperson shows – Amy G in Entershamement and Joe Orrach in In My Corner–to reopen the newly re-designed Carrie Hamilton Theatre. Entershamement has a limited run of five performances, while In My Corner runs for one night only. With these shows, that perform May 22 to May 31, The Playhouse is relighting the refur-
bished Carrie Hamilton Theatre, which has been changed from a proscenium theatre to a black box, and can be configured to accommodate many different kinds of productions. Amy G is a masterful entertainer (singer/comedian/rollerskater) fresh off the grill from starring in NYC’s hit OffBroadway show, La Soirée. She tours the world constantly, including wowing audiences at last years’ Playhouse “Cirque-
If Doc likes it, it’s great!
A-Palooza” Variety Arts Festival. Her unique style of physical, musical, stand-up and improvisational comedy is inspired by and reminiscent of Carol Burnett, Liza Minnelli, Buster Keaton, Julie Andrews and the Muppet Show; but she is very much one of a kind. Orrach, an internationally renowned tap dancer, actor, singer, storyteller and United States Air Force welterweight see Theatre, page 11
THE FOOTHILLS PAPER • FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014 — 5
VOLUME 10 • NUMBER 10 • www.thefoothillspaper.com
Ploughman’s Lunch
Artfully
By Chef Randy A ploughman is a farmhand. You may already know that a ploughman’s lunch is a cold meal originating in the United Kingdom, commonly served in pubs. Its core components are cheese, pickle and bread. It is traditionally eaten with beer. The dish can also include such items as boiled eggs, ham and pickled onions. As its name suggests, it is more commonly consumed during the lunchtime period. What you probably do not know is that the Ploughman’s Lunch was invented as a marketing ploy by the English Cheese and the Milk Marketing Board to promote the sale of cheese in pubs! A Ploughman’s Sandwich was served at lunchtime (or at supper) and was is an open-faced sandwich containing Cheddar cheese, pickle and salad. Here is my springtime version of the perfect Ploughman’s Sandwich suitable for my ploughman friends.
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Dressing Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped) 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 clove garlic (chopped) A wee pinch of sugar (optional) Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
Sandwich Ingredients: 6 slices multigrain bread 6 tomato slices 7 ounces Kerrygold Dubliner cheese (sliced thin) 1 12-ounce bag European greens ½ cup pitted large black olives (sliced on half) 6 kosher dill pickles (Bubbies see Ploughman, below
See Chef Randy’s food blog for more recipes at
http://valley-vegetarian.com
Get Rid of The Ratty Signs!
There are still 5 ratty Verdugo Hills High School Anniversary signs left over from 2012. Isn’t it time to take them down?
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I wanted to address an idea that has germinated from my watching a video on an interview with Susan Jacoby. She is an author of many books and I recommend those who read this column look her up. Though the discussion wasn’t about art it got me thinking and initiated the subject of this column. There have been many times, since deciding to be a full time artist and devoting my life to creating worthy art, that I felt I may never realize my dreams of becoming either well known or famous and having my efforts recognized by the public at large or by future generations of art lovers still to come. In researching art history and artists throughout history, I found many, many worthy artists who created masterful works of art and yet in this day and age, are not known or recognized for their efforts. Prompting me to think about not only those artists, but all artists, of all levels, who spend long hours; suffer great hardship; creating worthy art that possibly may never get any recognition either local, national or world recognition. I started to wonder about what it means to the world of art; to the idea of art in general. What is the difference to art as a concept if hundreds or even thousands of would-be artists never get noticed for their efforts? What effect does that have on us as a society;
or the world at large? I understand that not everyone will be recognized as a great artist. But does this so called idea of greatness matter? On a larger scale, what role do all these unsung artists play in the grand design? I have come to believe that no matter what level of ability you achieve or how great your skill to create art, every contribution has value toward a greater cause. Every artwork created moves art forward. Every contribution has an impact. Even if you are never recognized as an artist, it still doesn’t deny the role played by every person who is creating art. I feel I am not alone in wondering how my work will affect those who see it. Or if in fact, it will be noticed and appreciated at all. Yes, I want approval and of course while I do this to make money so I can continue to do this, I want to have some measure of influence on the world of art and those who view and buy my work. I paint because it is what I do. It has become who I am and the expression of me. I speak through my work. If anyone is listening is another matter. Maybe one I should not concern myself with. The conclusions for me seem to be not so much that I be recognized. This is out of my control. What I need to control is the quality and spirit of my output. To realize that what I create matters whether recognized or not.
Ploughman, from pg 5
aside. Place salad greens in a large bowl, add dressing and toss to coat. Place sandwiches on 6 plates. Pile greens on top and garnish with olive halves. Serve with dill pickles on the side and a pint of your favorite beer. I serve this with Guinness. Tip: Substitute ½-inch slices of fresh sourdough French bread for the multigrain bread and this is an altogether different sandwich.
pickles are good) Directions: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Puree all dressing ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside. Place bread slices on a baking sheet and top with tomatoes and then the cheese. Bake for 5 minutes to lightly melt cheese. Remove from oven. Set
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6 — FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER
www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 10 • NUMBER 10
Cresenta-Cañada Rotary Helps Teachers
Several years ago their Rotary Club learned that teachers in our community were using their personal money for books, materials, supplies, etc. needed in their classroom, but for which no other funds were available. The Crescenta-Canada Rotary Club established the Helping Hand to Teachers program from which mini-awards of up to $200 each could be awarded to teachers who applied for such awards for an approved purpose for which no other funds were available to them. For years they have continued this program, which has been
well-received by teachers in our local schools to whom dozens of awards have been made since in inception of the program. Last year, the Crescenta Canada Rotary Foundation awarded grants to Anna Berver, Amy Besoli, Sylvia Call, Suzanne Cronon, Catherine Donoghue, Allison Jaroroski, Kristina Kalb, Michael Kaufmann, Serafina Kenwood, Patricia MejiaLopez, Gayle Nicholls-Ali, Mary Ohms, Karen Stattler, Stacey Stover, Mike Upton, Sierra Vasquez and Wendy Watts at Crescenta Valley High School and La Canada High School.
A F oothills Opinion
Voters’ Prayers Unanswered
Well, you got what you voted for. Two more years of empty buildings, crazy drivers, STNC officers that are liars and cheats, more homeless and insider dealings. I guess you were too busy to vote?
Moving Tips 40,000 Volts Will Kill You for Your Pets Moving to a new home can be just as stressful on the family pet as it is on you. Below are some tips to keep your pet happy and safe when moving. They include pre-move preparation as well as tips for moving day and arriving at your new home. In addition, please be sure to review specific Pet Travel Tips for the Car and Pet Travel Tips for Flying. Pre-Move Preparation Pet Laws and Regulations: Become familiar with the state/province leash laws, pet ordinances, and pet licensing requirements. For state/province laws, contact the State Department of Agriculture or State Veterinarian’s office. For local ordinances, contact the City Clerks’ office, local humane organization, or animal control facility in the area in which you’ll be relocating. If you are planning to rent a house or apartment, be sure to carefully review the lease to ensure that pets are allowed before you move in. Talk To Your Pet’s Vet: Talk to your veterinarian about traveling with a pet who doesn’t like to travel. They can recommend behavior modification tactics or medication that might lessen the stress of travel. Depending on your new address, your pet may also need additional vaccinations, medications, and health certificates. In addition, be sure to get a copy of all your pet’s medical records for
your pet’s new vet. Secure a New Vet: It’s important to have a new veterinarian lined up before you move. Ask your current vet for a referral or research new veterinarian online. New Identification Tag: Get a new pet ID tag that includes your pet’s name, your name, new address and telephone number. An up-todate ID tag is a lost pet’s ticket home. Maintain Normal Routine: Pack over a period of time and try to maintain your pet’s normal routine. Advance planning will make your move less stressful. Pet Restraint for Car Travel: Have a plan for how you’re going to properly restrain your pet in your vehicle. This is a crucial element of pet travel that is not taken seriously enough. The reality is that hundreds of pets are injured or even killed each year because they are allowed free reign in cars, trucks, RVs, and SUVs. Even more real is the toll in human life and property damage caused when an “enthusiastic” animal distracts a driver, leading to an accident. Vehicle pet barriers, pet seat belts, pet car seats, and pet travel crates are all excellent ways to keep your pet (and you) safe when traveling in your vehicle. It’s important to familiarize your pet with see Pet Trips, page 11
A high-voltage line started arcing next to a neighbors house on Valaho. The fire department couldn’t do anything, so they waited for DWP to come shut it down.
THE FOOTHILLS PAPER • FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014 — 7
VOLUME 10 • NUMBER 10 • www.thefoothillspaper.com
WreckS O Ff T H E W E E K Slow down and live...
Two cars racing up Foothill Blvd: One made the turn, one didn’t.
Saddles, from pg 3 back into society. According to http:// saddlesforsoldiers.org program’s Web site, “Saddles for Soldiers” is committed to assisting combat veterans deal with their traumas and helping them reestablish life skills by work with horses. Iraq War veteran and Lancaster native Blade Anthony, who suffers from PTSD after serving as a combat medic with the United States Marine Corps for six years, recalls first joining the program. “The first time I came, my first session, I was actually over there, in an arena, and you do these things [to get] the horse to bond, and I started thinking of things. I couldn’t handle it,” Anthony said. “So I threw down the rope and I said ‘I don’t want to do this, this is BS’. So I walked over to the fence, and the horse came up behind me, followed me, and put his big, giant muzzle, his head, on my shoulder. And I instantly said ‘Get away from me’, and smacked the horse. And, after I stopped crying, the horse just stood by me, the whole time, and took his head off [my shoulder]. So that was just one of so many experiences that are very positive — that have helped me.” According to Mental Health and Operations Manager Susan Kelejian, it was estimated between 2007 and 2009 that 25-40 percent of the 1.64 million service men and women deployed for Operation: Enduring Freedom and Op-
eration: Iraqi Freedom suffered from PTSD or major depression. The theory behind the program is that equine therapy creates a human/ animal bond, which, according to Kelejian, is a common first step in reintegration to social norms. Anthony says that, once he started regularly attending the program, he began to feel better. The nightmares that he had previously experienced on a nightly basis reportedly decreased by 75%. “They have this spiritual, psychic ability,” Anthony said of the horses. “And I don’t normally talk like that, but I strongly feel that it pretty much saved my life.” “A good day is when veterans show up and accept the service that we provide for them, and really that’s it. That’s the good day,” Kelejian said. “The non-good day is, providing the service and having the population not show up. I have to address that. This is an epidemic, and it doesn’t start with the service providers. It starts with the stigma and the trauma that this population has gone through to even be able to get out of the house to return phone calls to go through the multitude of spider-webbed bureaucracy that’s in the government to get them to fill out paperwork to come here. So with all that weighing on their head, on top of what they are diagnosed with and what they are living with, is really sporadic at best. So honestly, a good day is having veterans show up, because we know what we are doing, and we know that this treatment helps.”
Two cars hit a discarded tire on the 210 E and suffered major damage.
When a drunk driver tried to run over his neighbor, he was peacefully subdued and handcuffed to his vehicle until the police arrived. Valaho, Tujunga
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8 — FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER
Back Door Bakery Destroyed by Fire
Sunday morning about 4 a.m., an attic fire destroyed the Back Door Bakery in Sunland. Although the fire was knocked down by 55 firefighters within 30 minutes, it re-ignited around 7:30 a.m. and the fire crews had to return. High gusty winds hampered the firefighters, but the fire was confined to the Back Door Bakery and did not spread to other buildings.
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Water Conservation Bill Clears First Committee as Drought Looms A key water-conservation bill introduced by Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles) passed the Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee today by a vote of 13-0. AB 2636 establishes CalConserve, a revolvingloan program to provide loans to home owners and businesses to help finance water-efficiency projects. The program will reduce urban, per-capita water use and help cities and counties reach their water-use reduction goals. Conserving water has long been a goal of California policymakers, but with the state in the midst of a disastrous drought, conserving precious water resources has never been more important. For the first time in history, water exports to Central Valley farms and Southern California homes have fallen to zero. Crops are dying, cities are running out of drinking water, and streams are running dry. The drought is even forcing children in the Central Valley to leave school, as their parents are forced to abandon droughtscorched crops in search of work else-
where. “The technology already exists to save millions of gallons of water, but the infrastructure of our homes and businesses needs to be updated,” said Gatto. Gatto’s bill authorizes the Department of Water Resources to administer a state revolving-fund program that will be a self-renewing source of funding for water-use efficiency. By helping private entities pay the upfront infrastructure costs of installing water-efficiency technology, CalConserve will allow more homeowners and business to save water. As they begin seeing savings on their water bill, these private entities will pay the infrastructure loan back to CalConserve. “California can save water without asking taxpayers to spend a single dime,” noted Gatto. “Instead of giving away limited state resources in grants to pay for retrofits, we can help people pay the upfront costs and let them pay us back slowly from their water-bill savings.”
If You Love Your Freedom… Thank a Vet!
MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE Monday—May 26th 8:00am* Two Strike Park War Memorial
5107 Rosemont Avenue. La Crescenta, CA
REACH 7,000 viewers per week.
Presentation of Colors Presentation of Wreaths and Flowers Reading of Fallen Heroes POW/MIA Ceremony Walk of Honor
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editor@thefoothillspaper.com
Carol Welsman at the Alex
Walk of Honor features names of fallen heroes
Sponsored By American Legion Post 288 & VFW Post 1614 www.twostrikememorial.org *Rain or Shine
Memorial Day, from pg 1 The names of service personnel who gave their lives for our country are called out and a bell rung. As the bugler sounds taps, the ceremony is closed, and everyone is invited to the Legion
Last Saturday night found me at the wonderful Alex Theater to hear the Glendale POPs and renowned vocalist Carol Welsman. Her low sultry voice that was reminiscent of Aretha Franklin spread over the theater like a soft blanket of flowers. She swung through her repertoire of songs that made up her “Hidden Treasures”play-list. Her versatility at the piano as well as her swing accompaniments with the Glendale POPs award wining Matt Catingub drew applause from everyone there. As the evening wound down, she sang the old favorites of “Cheek to Cheek,” “Fever” and “What are you doing for the rest of your life?” A portion of the evenings receipts were donated to the San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity.
Hall for hot dogs and hamburgers hosted by the local Boy Scouts. Everyone is welcome and is located at 10039 Pinewood Ave. Tujunga. For more information, please call the Legion Hall at 818-353-9856.
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Marge Burleson and Mary Jo Gehrke were hostesses to the few of the typical screams came pageant this year, held in the Elks Club. Not just the contesfrom the audience. tants but the sponsorships as When she had won, the bluewell lock the event into commueyed blonde was all smiles. She nity life. Business people, famiand her tearful friends hugged lies, friends, schoolmates all enand congratulated each other at joyed watching, while musician the stage’s edge. Elvyn Chancy “emulated” a Locally well-known Gene “one-man-band” on his electronBear, a radio personality and host of a country music show on ic synthesizer. Behind the stage, the many direction cards kept KCSN, announced Clark as the the show going smoothly. winner before an Elks Club au Kimberly Long, 15, a junior at dience of 200 fans. They whisCrescenta Valley High, won rectled and cheered as runners-up ognition for her friendly and No. 2 Michelle Peschl and first helpful ways, when Kris Hagerrunner-up Lisa Harry answered ty, the present queen, pinned her the questions put by Bear to the with the “Miss Congeniality” contestants as their final test. Peschl, dressed in a white chif- banner for the show. fon gown with tiered ruffles, an- In the pageant role of queen for two years, Hagerty, 19, gave swered the question – What ada review of her winning show vice would you give the next Pageant queen? With “Have fun!” performance for the audience. She also helped Bear in the fi Clark, a student at Cal State nalist scene when her crown beNorthridge, said she attributed her maturity most to her sorority came Miss Clark’s. Michelle Brenk, pianist and sisters at CSUN. Miss Clark algymnast, performed a monoso works as a hostess at VHTV. logue and danced. Dana But other tests threw the 11 beauties into competition as they Chadwell, her career goal medical technologist, presented an inperformed a specialty number, did the traditional walk-about in terpretive dance using her hands in a way suggestive of Siamese bathing suits and appeared in theater. Mona Hoites, who later gowns that set off the unique beauty of each. “There’s a lot of appeared in tiered blue-ruffled organdy, also danced. So too did talent,” Bear said, “and I feel Kimberly Long, who looks forsorry for the judges who have to ward toward fashion merchandecide. It’s tough job.”
Nostalgia, from pg 1
A River of Love Has your life ever been turned upside down in a blink of an eye? In 2007 my career and my lifestyle as I knew it was shattered. The large corporation that I had worked for more than 10 years eliminated the position that I and many others held in the company. Like a bad divorce, the pain was like lancing a boil. I had to start my life over, picking up all the scalpel sharp pieces. Like many people in crisis mode I prayed and prayed for an answer. I asked God to help me help myself to accept what I could not change and the courage to change the things in my life that I could. I needed a lifeline. The answer from God came that year through caring for my friend’s two adorable West Highland terrier puppies, Isabelle and Wyatt, while she and her husband left town for a second honeymoon. They told the pups “Auntie Gail” would be taking care of all their needs: walks, special diets, tucking them into bed (so to speak) at night, and giving them arms full of nurturing affection. I thought, “Is this my new lifeline?” Since that first pet sitting job I have risen from the broken pieces of my former life and expanded my education, experience and client base. With all small businesses there are ebbs and flows, but such is the daily challenge self employed people have. I like feeling as though I make a difference in people’s lives in some indirect way. Making them feel comfortable that their pets are safe in my care is one of the ways. I seek to help people with their precious furry family members, help educate based on my medical and veterinary knowledge, and protect and nurture all the dogs and cats I am in charge of, and then some. I really have enough love for all of them. Part of my personal healing is being among animals. They help us all decrease our heart rate, lower blood pressure, relieve stress, and ease depression. We are on a two way street with our animals or pets. They help us and we help them. Whether you have a retired race horse, which nuzzles your face when you feed him his carrots, or have a cat who likes to be held like a baby, we smile when we think of them. They make us feel good. I know that with my brother, fighting cancer, his pets contribute to his healing. It is a different healing energy that our pets give us than the love and positive energy our human friends and family give. Both help us get up and keep on keeping on. Often the catalyst for a person suffering with depression or disease like cancer is their pet. Many hospitals now have animal therapy pets to help us feel better, to help us to heal. A well-known Oncologist at the Mayo Clinic in MN, Dr. Edward Creagan, sees the benefits of animal therapy daily with his cancer patients. As he writes “A pet is a medication without side effects that has so many benefits. I can’t always explain it myself, but for years now I’ve seen how instances of having a pet are like an effective drug. It really does help people.” The pet or pets in our life provide a much needed opportunity to give affection as well as receive it. I get to give a flowing river of love and affection to the pets I care for that gently washes over them, and comes back to me to the power of three. It is all very much like a circle of life, and for me perhaps it is my lifeline. ••• Auntie Gail has a B.A. in Philosophy, is a certified veterinarian assistant and has a pet-sitting and dog-walking service in the area. She can be reached for appointments at 818-6059675 or her Web site: www.auntiegailspetsitting.com.
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dising. Music and dance as art forms seemed to dominate the show. The Pashkova Dance Studios of Tujunga performed several numbers. And Kris Hagerty sang “Out Here on My Own” and “Please Mister, Please.” Lisa McCutcheon, whose career goal is to be a pediatric nurse, sang a ballad, “Lover’s Road.” Her gown was a togastyle of white silk, drape shoulder. She said “I felt the pageant would be a great experience.” Lysza Maier, involved in Victims for Victims, is a former Girl Scout, a member of Job’s Daughters and “hopes to retire comfortably before I’m 21.” While looking toward a modeling career, Lori Nugent wants “to help the less fortunate than myself” and maybe work in Childrens Hospital. She performed an acrobatic-type dance similar to break dancing. Bronwyn Rubin plans to enter the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Pasadena. She performed “Bye Bye Birdie.” In the dress competition she wore a beautiful white-lace, off-shoulder gown. Bear introduced Councilman Howard Finn to the crowd. “There’s two things a politician has to do,” said Bear: have a pretty girl with him and kiss the babies.
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boxing champ, came to fame as one of the stars of San Francisco’s long running Teatro ZinZanni from 2000 to 2006. Elizabeth Doran, the Executive Director of The Pasadena Playhouse said, “We have been looking for the ideal way to re-open the Carrie Hamilton Theatre after renovating it into a new and intimate black box theatre, and we think we found the ideal way with two extraordinary and unique performers, who will both enter-
tain and dazzle us with their shows, but allow us to show how versatile and welcoming the re-design of the theatre can be. We are very happy to be showcasing Amy G who came to prominence in last years ‘Cirque-A-Palooza’ festival and Joe Orrach – how many tap dancing welterweights are there?–in repertory.” Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director of The Pasadena Playhouse, said, “Like these two dynamic artists, Carrie Hamilton was a real maverick. She was known for her cutting
edge artistic style and her celebration of the human spirit. We are now re-opening the Carrie Hamilton Theatre as a flexible space based on its original “Playbox” construction. We do so in order to best produce the kind of artistic work our visionary founder, Gilmor Brown, and the theater’s namesake, Carrie Hamilton, would have loved. The new Carrie Hamilton Theatre will support new play development, thrilling artistic work, the work of our community partners, and programming for youth.”
Pet Trips, from pg 6
Tips for Flying.
the vehicle restraint of choice weeks or months before traveling so that they are comfortable. See more Pet Travel Tips for the Car.
MOVING DAY Keep Your Pet Secure: Place your pet in a safe, quiet place, such as the bathroom or pet carrier on moving day so that he or she cannot escape. If you place your pet in a room, place a large sign on the door that says “Do Not Enter.” Containing your pet in a pet carrier on moving day will keep them safely confined as well. Gradually get them used to the carrier ahead of time by having your pet spend time in it prior to moving day. Another option is to have your pet stay at a friend’s house or their favorite doggy day care on moving day.
need from day one in your new home.
Theatre, from pg 4
Secure Pet Friendly Accommodations in advance: If your move is such that you’ll need to make overnight stops along the way, be sure to secure to secure these accommodations before you hit the road. Our Search By Route option will allow you to find pet friendly lodging along your route by plugging in your origination location and final destination. Pet policies do change some times without notice and accommodations may be limited so it’s recommended that you book your pet friendly lodging in advance. Plan Ahead for Air Travel: Check with your veterinarian and the airline if your pet will be flying. Visit our Airline Pet Policies page to familiarize yourself with the rules specific to the airline you are flying. For more on safe air travel, see Pet Travel
10
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Check on them Regularly: Check on your pet throughout the day. Be sure to maintain their regular feeding, walking, and potty break schedule. Your New Home Prepare Your New Home: Pets love familiar surroundings so be sure to take with you all the familiar and necessary things your pet will
Keep them Leashed: Even pets that are excellent under voice control can be easily distracted in a new environment. Therefore, make sure that your pet is leashed when not in the house or yard until they become comfortable with their new surroundings. Secure Pet During Move-In: It would be ideal to have your belongings moved in to your new home before your pet arrives, however, this isn’t always realistic. If this not doable, follow the same procedures employed on move-out day - Place your pet in a safe, quiet place, such as the bathroom or pet carrier on moving day so that he or she cannot escape. If you place your pet in a room, place a large sign on the door that says “Do Not Enter.” Containing your pet in a pet carrier on moving day will keep them safely confined as well. And again, be sure to maintain their regular feeding, walking and potty break schedule.
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S-T Crime Stats
Burglary 04/25/14 02:30 AM 6300 BLOCK OF FOOTHILL BL Theft 04/25/14 07:00 AM 5200 BLOCK OF JESSEN AVE
Theft 04/27/14 07:00 PM 8600 BLOCK OF JAYSEEL ST Assault 04/29/14 01:00 AM 00 BLOCK OF FOOTHILL BL AND HAINES CANYON RD
Robbery 04/30/14 10:30 PM 00 BLOCK OF VALMONT AND TUJUNGA CANYON Theft 04/30/14 07:30 PM 10400 BLOCK OF IRMA AV Assault 05/01/14 12:30 AM 10000 BLOCK OF FAIRGROVE AV Assault 05/04/14 10:15 AM 00 BLOCK OF FERNGLEN AND SUMMITROSE
Theft 04/29/14 11:30 PM 10600 BLOCK OF MATHER AV
Theft 05/05/14 01:45 PM 6600 BLOCK OF FOOTHILL BL
Theft 04/29/14 09:30 PM 8600 BLOCK OF WYNGATE ST
Theft 05/07/14 04:30 PM 11000 BLOCK OF WOODWARD AV
Theft 04/29/14 12:21 PM 2600 BLOCK OF FOOTHILL BLVD
Theft 05/08/14 08:30 PM 10500 BLOCK OF SHERMAN GROVE AV
Theft 04/29/14 08:45 PM 8600 BLOCK OF FOOTHILL BL
Theft 05/09/14 04:00 PM 12300 BLOCK OF BIG TUJUNGA CANYON RD
Theft 04/30/14 02:00 PM 9600 BLOCK OF GREEN VERDUGO DR
Theft 05/09/14 07:00 PM 10400 BLOCK OF ORO VISTA AV
Theft 04/30/14 02:45 PM 10400 BLOCK OF SUNLAND BL
Burglary 05/09/14 09:00 PM 8100 BLOCK OF FOOTHILL BL
Cookies, from pg 2
Operation Cookie can be mailed to L.C.W.Club, P O Box 8494, La Crescenta, and CA 91214. Thank you in advance for supporting “Operation Cookie” and contributing cookies for our hospitalized and homeless veterans. For additional information, please call Carol Stein at (818) 636-8854.
Avenue between the hours of 9 a.m. and 12-noon, Wednesday, May 21. There will be a popular curbside “cookie drop off” service beginning at 8 a.m. Alternate drop-off time will be the evening before from 4 until 7 p.m. In lieu of cookies, checks to La Crescenta Woman’s Club-
12 — FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER
Wildfires, from pg 1 relates to wildland fire refers to the total or partial removal of high fire hazard grasses, shrubs, or trees. Wildfire behavior is strongly influenced by vegetation type, terrain and weather. Castor Bean and Sumac are vegetation that are ready to explode when lit because of the high concentration of oils contained in their leaves.
clearly painted on the curb for identification purposes • Make sure that your address can be seen on your house or mailbox from the street, using numbers of at least 4 inches high and in a color that contrasts with the background • Park your vehicles in your driveway or garage, not on the street
Basic Requirements for Brush Clearance within 200 feet of structures:
• Maintain 3 feet of brush clearance around fire hydrants on or near your property
• Remove all dead materials from live plants, such as needles, leaves, and branches
• NEVER, NEVER, NEVER park in front of a fire hydrant ( It is unsafe and illegal to park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant)
• Remove all dead trees, plants, and shrubs, but leave the lowest 3 inches and root structure to help prevent erosion
www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 10 • NUMBER 10
vegetation create high fire hazards, while others are fire resistant. An essential aspect of landscaping in the Canyon is therefore fire protection, with a vigilant eye towards flood control. Now is the right time to consider making changes to maximize your safety. In terms of vegetation planning, the most critical space is the 100 feet surrounding structures on your property. On flat areas surrounding your home, you will help reduce fire hazards by planting and maintaining nonflammable soft-scape lawns, border plantings, flower gardens, and vegetation beds, along with hard-scapes, such as pools, concrete, brick, or stone decks. The most dangerous plants to
• All grass, brush and weeds must be cut to 3 inches or less in height, unless it is well-maintained and irrigated landscaping (single trees, landscape shrubbery or cultivated ground cover, however, may be permitted) • Reduce fuel load by pruning the lower 1/3 of native brush, plants, and shrubs • Give special consideration to problem trees such as Eucalyptus and Palms. Remove all leaves, limbs, litter and loose bark from the ground and from the trunk of the trees to a height of 20 feet • For trees taller than 18 feet, remove lower branches within 6
• Make sure that those working for you comply with all firesafety rules including contractors and construction workers • Protect the Community by reporting any vehicle parked in front of a fire hydrant. Call Parking Enforcement 24-Hours (213) 485-4184 or 3-1-1 —
maintain near structures are Acacia, Cedar, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Fir, Juniper, Pine, and Pampas Grass. And all forms of vegetation within 200 feet of your house should be properly maintained and not mass planted in a manner that makes it easy to transmit fire. In general, to properly maintain the areas surrounding your home, these rules should be followed: • Choose landscaping plants that are fire-resistant • Remove any foliage within 10 feet of a chimney outlet • Stack firewood at least 30 feet from structures • Remove flammable vegetation within 10 feet of any woodpile
feet of the ground • For trees and shrubs less than 18 feet, remove lower branches to 1/3 of their height Roadways and Private Streets • Clear all flammable vegetation within 10 feet of roads and driveways • Cut all brush, weeds and grass to 3 inches in height for a distance of 10 feet from all highways, streets, alleys, and driveways • Cut back overhanging tree branches above roads to provide at least 14 feet of vertical clearance • Make sure your address is
“One Call To City Hall” — from any land line in Los Angeles Landscaping For Fire Protection The plants, trees, shrubs and ground cover that beautify your property are also fuel for fire. That, of course, is no reason to strip your land of vegetation. Indeed, it is also critical that the hillsides remain stable, and vegetation is essential to maintaining such stability. Plants and trees that have rooted on the hillsides provide this stability, without which the community would be washed away in floods. But it is nevertheless important to remember that plants are fuel for fire. Some forms of
• Remove accumulation of leaves, needles, twigs, and all other combustible materials from the roof and rain gutters • Regularly clean the roof and rain gutters • Prune tree branches to create a 5-foot vertical space between roof surfaces and foliage • If a tree overhangs within 5 feet of a neighbor’s roof, trim it so that it never gets any closer than 5 feet at a minimum • Remove unnecessary construction materials, pine needles, and debris • Locate fixed butane/propane tanks at least 10 feet from any
• Clear flammable vegetation within 10 feet of liquefied petroleum gas storage
staying inside your home during a fire emergency, instead of getting stranded on the road, and impairing access for firefighting vehicles.
• Clear all flammable vegetation from combustible fence lines
LAFD’s New Wildfire Planning & Strategies
• Cut all brush, weeds and grass to 3 inches in height for a distance of 10 feet from all combustible fences
LAFD also re-evaluated its operational resources and decided to “Take it to the people!” Evacuation routes have now been mapped. “No Parking” priority enforcement was established to keep roads open on high-risk “red flag” fire days. “Red flag” fire condition criteria were established based on (1) Weather — temperature, wind, humidity; (2) Topography — steep slopes (because fire burns uphill most quickly); and (3) Fuels — trees, brush, grasses. The most fundamental change in wildfire-defense strategy has now involved the decision to protect residential spaces by employing containment strategies, instead of trying to put out brush fires. Experience had shown that wind-driven wildfires cannot be stopped. But they can be directed around structures. Hence the containment strategy. To be effective, the containment strategy required changes in various codes and enforcement policies that would create defensible space for residential communities. Building codes were changed to require non-flammable Class-A roofs (wood shakes and shingles are prohibited). Brush Clearance Programs, which were rarely enforced in the past, became a priority — as we know. And dangerous building practices have been discouraged. Among those dangerous building practices are wood siding, flammable accessory structures like wooden patios and roofs built with wooden eaves, where wind driven embers may embed, which should be fire-protected with stucco or similar coatings.
structure
• Remove cut vegetation and debris in a safe and legal manner How To Survive A Brush Fire In Sunland-Tujunga The LAFD has drastically changed the way it prepares for and responds to wildfires over the past 5 years. These changes have radically increased the LAFD’s success in fighting wildfires. The key changes include the following: • Brush Clearance – The LAFD Brush Clearance Program is the most significant change. Brush Clearance has been responsible for the LAFD’s recent successes in minimizing loss of life and property due to wildfires in areas like ours. • Air Power Resources – New firefighting equipment — particularly airborne water-dropping equipment — has increased the LAFD’s ability to fight wildfires. • Preparing for Action – New strategic and tactical planning for fighting wildfires in residential areas has resulted in far better, safer and more efficient methods. • Protection Policies – LAFD has decided that evacuation is not always the best method for protecting individuals in areas like ours, where there is limited ingress and egress during emergencies. In many instances, “sheltering in place” is the safest, most effective way to save lives. Sheltering in place means
To be continued next edition.