Altadena Crest Trail Restoration Working Group (ACTRWG) Steering Committee

…from Arroyo Seco to Eaton Canyon

Tuesday, August 8, 2017 v DRAFT Minutes

7:04 PM meeting at Altadena Community Center (730 E Altadena Dr.)

1. Introductions for new attendees: Steve Messer, Rob Staahle, Lori Paul, Marietta Kruells, Zachary Likins (LA County), Kevin Singleton, Kathy Martin, Michell Zack, Linda World, Dennis Merkel (USFS), Dorothy Wong
2. Desired adjournment time for this meeting?  8:15  pm
3. Decision on meeting Secretary & Recorder of Action Items. Steve Messer
4. Review Minutes and Action Items from July meeting. Approved with corrections including spelling of Staehle, and Lauren Pluth.
5. County / City / U.S. Government Announcements of any items not covered later on agenda. No new items announced.
6. Any serious new trail conditions or problems requiring immediate attention (firsthand reports strongly preferred; photos much appreciated)? Homeless encampments at Millard and Gould Mesa, homeless are disturbing and threatening trail users. FS has a plan to deal with the problems (to be implemented).
7. Current Tasks
8. Responses to letter regarding recommended trail restoration, corrections & improvements (action from prior meeting and field visit).
   1. Lincoln Avenue Roadside route from Loma Alta Park South to Altadena drive and from there to Hahamongna Watershed Park; Enhance safety for trail users as well as Aveson Charter Schoolchildren on their daily group walks to and from Loma Alta Park adjacent to traffic on Lincoln. Zack talked to DPW, the easiest way to deal with it is to partner with DPW. DPW Doing feasibility study to place a sidewalk on the eastern side of Lincoln. Funding has not been identified. La Vina developer is asking for a zoning change, a possible source for mitigation funds to apply to this project.

1. Proposed Shady Lane connection to the ACT along Loma Alta under existing trees to improve safety for trail and park users, including crosswalk improvements at Sunset Ridge Road. Concept plan for Shady Lane trail was presented by Zack, developed in-house by County. Need to consider watering of trees in our comments, location of crosswalk, stop signs, tree removal.

B.       Restore full equestrian use and amenities to Loma Alta Equestrian Park, Trailhead and Staging Area.

a.       Remove signs excluding horses from south side of the Equestrian park where the bathroom and drinking fountains are located. Discuss re-opening of small restroom at Trailhead & Staging Area on north side of Loma Alta. Park Superintendent at Loma Alta put up signs so equestrians would be directed to Loma Alta, but this inhibits access to the bathrooms by equestrians and bicycles.

b.       Replace dead trees in the Loma Alta Park Trailhead & Staging Area, including the recently killed White Alder (only trunk stump remains). Require adequate care for new and existing shade trees. To be discussed on 9/5 site visit along with picnic tables.

c.        Move concrete picnic tables out of direct sun to shade under trees or provide shade armadas over the tables. To be discussed on 9/5 site visit along with picnic tables.

7. Other Old Business
   • Pinecrest Gate. Gate was removed last Thursday, and some of the chainlink and razorwire has been removed today. Gate was on County property, not on Pasadena property. Two Pasadena Water supervisors Norman Lara and Vince Zamavoa were there to take down the gate. Kevin cleaned up debris, while a second crew arrived to continue removing material. If any problems, need to report them. County needs to get a written statement from Chris Klippert relinquishing control of the gate.

8. Other New Business
   • This group needs to become engaged in the One Arroyo planning process.

9. Review of Task List for next meeting

• Organize site visit to determine where to move two picnic tables in Loma Alta Park. Site visit tentatively scheduled for 9/5/2017 at noon.
• Zack to determine if parking restrictions on Pinecrest are county-approved.
• Dennis to send a letter to County Parks supporting removal of Pinecrest Gate.
• Kevin to email Mitch to ask him to preserve list of people trapped by Pinecrest gate.
• Kevin to write a thank you letter to Phyllis Currie formerly of Pasadena Water & Power
• Select a date to celebrate Pinecrest opening at the trailhead
• Compile and submit comments on the proposed Shady Lane trail by August 22^nd.
• Zack to email a digital copy of the Shady Lane design proposal

10. Upcoming Events: The next ACTRWG meeting falls on Tuesday, September 12, 2017 (2nd Tuesday of each month, unless cancellation is announced, 7pm at the Altadena Community Center).
11. Adjourned at 8:21 p.m.

Altadena Crest Trail Restoration Working Group (ACTRWG) Steering Committee

…from Arroyo Seco to Eaton Canyon

Tuesday 2017 May 9 v DRAFT Minutes

7:00 PM meeting at Altadena Community Center (730 E Altadena Dr.)

Introductions for new attendees. Steve Messer, Rob Staahle, Lori Paul, Marietta Kruells, Jeremiah Small, Rudy Valenzuela (LA County), Zachary Likins (LA County), Kevin Singleton.

1. Desired adjournment time for this meeting?  8 pm
2. Decision on meeting Secretary & Recorder of Action Items. Steve Messer
3. Review Minutes and Action Items from March meeting. Approved unanimously.
4. County / City / U.S. Government Announcements of any items not covered later on agenda. County is rolling out a new trail sign program county-wide, starting in the fifth district. Will be reaching out to communities impacted by trail signs going forward. Rudy graded ACT from Chaney Trail to Loma Alta in March. He is trying to prioritize maintenance on trails in close proximity to residential areas.
5. Any serious new trail conditions or problems requiring immediate attention (firsthand reports strongly preferred; photos much appreciated)?
   • Between Eaton Canyon and Zane Gray there are some large washouts, scree, slides, and erosion, as well as invasive mustard encroaching on the trail. (reported by Jeremiah). Zach and Mitch hiked that section two weeks ago to assess maintenance needs. Nancy reported issues from Alzada road to Chaney Trail. LAWC pipeline trail remains a safety issue.
6. Current Tasks

A. Letter regarding Crib Trail (action from prior meeting). Motion made and approved to send Lori’s draft letter. Explained the Crib trail situation to Zach. We’d like to see the historic Kiwani’s water trough restored, and other water amenities along the trail.

B. New (and inaccurate) signage posted by County.  Letter in 6A covers inaccurate signage.

C. eBikes: do we have concerns and/or a recommendation to County?  Steve Messer  

• Letter written to John Wicker, Norma Garcia, Hayden Sohm, and Michelle O’connor
• Motion made to write a letter on behalf of ACTRWG

D.     Pinecrest Gate. Kevin gave a report on issues of the Pinecrest gate to Zach.  Pinecrest fire in 1979 burned the foothills of Altadena. Gate was installed to keep partiers out, rather than enforcement. Kevin reports that the gate is on County property, not on Pasadena property. Zach will research the status of the gate from the County perspective.

E.     Shady Lane Trail. Explained to Zach the need for a new trail along the SPS on Loma Alta, for safety and for a better pedestrian or equestrian experience.

7. Other Old Business
8. Other New Business
9. Cobb Estate Rumors:  Is the USFS attempting to divest its interest in Cobb Estate? If so, what’s the plan?
10. Develop agenda for meeting with Sussy Nemer
11. Review of Task List for next meeting

• Lori to find Graeme Breakwell’s contact info, LAWC pipe permit for chaney trail, and forward to Zach.
• Set up a meeting with Sussy Nemer/Zach Likens to cover Crib Trail, trail map inconsistencies and omissions, proposed shady trail.
• Steve will write a letter regarding e-mtbs to County BOS regarding e-mtbs.
• Zach to research the status of the gate, and what information we could supply to support removal of the gate.
• Zach to ask Robert Ettleman for an update on Rubio gap easements for next meeting.

10. Upcoming Events: The next ACTRWG meeting falls on Tuesday, 2017 June 12 (2nd Tuesday of each month, unless cancellation is announced, 7pm at the Altadena Community Center).

11. Adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

Altadena Crest Trail Restoration Working Group (ACTRWG) Steering Committee
…from Arroyo Seco to Eaton Canyon
Tuesday 2017 April 11 – DRAFT Minutes
7:00 PM meeting at Altadena Community Center (730 E Altadena Dr.)

0. Attendees: Steve Messer, Rob Staahle, Kevin Singleton, Lori Paul

1. Desired adjournment time for this meeting? 8 pm

2. Decision on meeting Secretary & Recorder of Action Items. Steve Messer

3. Review Minutes and Action Items from March meeting (thank you Steve Messer!). Approved unanimously.

4. County / City / U.S. Government Announcements of any items not covered later on agenda. No report. There is talk of the Forest Service divesting itself of Cobb Estate, and negotiations are apparently underway with the County and other potential partners.

5. Any serious new trail conditions or problems requiring immediate attention (firsthand reports strongly preferred; photos much appreciated)?

1) Mitch Marich: Canon to Cobb Estate trail conditions report submitted in March; no response from Zachary Likins/LA Co. Park & Rec.

2) Mitch Marich notes there are many slides and some cross trail ruts on segment from Eaton Canyon to Zane Grey but have not had time to write a formal report.

3) Chaney Trail to end has been graded.

6. Current Tasks
A. Letter regarding Crib Trail (action from prior meeting). Draft letter was reviewed. Recommendation to submit letter and follow up with a meeting.

B. New (and inaccurate) signage posted by County. Letter in 6A covers inaccurate signage.

C. eBikes: do we have concerns and/or a recommendation to County? Steve Messer
Increased use of e-mountain bikes on local trails (USFS and County). The USFS considers all e-bike classes to be “motorized;” therefore, e-mountain bikes are permitted only on motorized OHV (Off Highway Vehicle) trails on Federal land, not on multi-use nonmotorized trails. See USFS determination letter. We need to request clarification for County trails. California AB1146 made e-bikes legal for use on roads, and also on trails if the land manager has not taken action to prohibit them.

D. Major Objectives for 2017
i. Construct La Vina Trails.
ii. Construct Rubio Canyon Gateway trails.
iii. Re-Grading to new County standards on vulnerable trail segments
iv. Restore Crib Trail Segment N. of Gymnasium (see 6.A. above) – Trailhead has been placed in the wrong place, draft letter written to County outlining the problems with the trail and associated signage; draft letter approved.
v. Restore driveable-in-emergency fire road from Millard Campground to the top of Lincoln Ave.
vi. Remove encroachment at 3636 Skylane Drive on Canon. Update: the trail is being blocked by sweepings from the property owner’s stable.
vii. Get 200’ fence in compliance from segment of ACT above Windfall Ave. No update.
viii. Create well-marked and publicized trail hub/junction in Hahamongna Watershed Park.

E. Ongoing Projects:
i. Acquire Easement to close Skylane Gap from Penny’s barn to Fair Oaks Ave (through Zorthian property)
ii. Restore driveable-in-emergency Brown Mountain fire road from top of Lincoln to Arroyo Seco ranger residence
iii. Remove “dropped” (abandoned) pipe on Chaney Trail, from Coulter reservoir to Chaney Trail. Does
not have a County easement, unknown if it is a FS trail: LAWC Board meeting coming up. Suggestion to attend the board meeting.
iv. Replace dying Coulter Pines at the Loma Alta staging area. Proposed “shady lane” connection for the ACT along Loma Alta under existing trees to improve safety for trail and park users.
v. Sign trails for “no hunting”
vi. Open Pinecrest gate to the public 24/7
vii. Restore water amenities and trough at West Coulter Reservoir

7. Other Old Business

8. Other New Business

i. Cobb Estate Rumors: Is the USFS attempting to divest its interest in Cobb Estate? If so, what’s the plan?
ii. Develop agenda for meeting with Sussy Nemer

9. Review of Task List for next meeting
1) Set up a meeting with Sussy Nemer/Zach Likens to cover Crib Trail, trail map inconsistencies and omissions, proposed shady trail.
2) Enquire about County policies on E-bikes. (Steve)

10. Upcoming Events: The next ACTRWG meeting falls on Tuesday, 2017 May 9 (2nd Tuesday of each month, unless cancellation is announced, 7pm at the Altadena Community Center).
11. Adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

Altadena Crest Trail Restoration Working Group (ACTRWG) Steering Committee

Tuesday, December 13, 2016 DRAFT Minutes

Altadena Community Center

1. In attendance:  Robert Staehle, Lori Paul, Robert Ettleman (Los Angeles County), Steve Messer, Marietta Kruells, Aron Tschida (Boy Scouts).

2. Desired Adjournment Time:  8:15. Steve Messer will serve as secretary.

3. Review minutes: October 2016 minutes approved with a note to differentiate Robert E. and Robert S. when referenced in the minutes.

4. Los Angeles County:  Robert E. has composed a letter to property owner at 3636 Skylane drive stating County is aware of their encroachments, and they must be removed within 30 days. Letter will be sent next week. Robert E. knows about the Crib Trail. Rubio-ACT relocation project will move trail alignment off the roadway shoulder in Rubio canyon. Have easement from MRCA, working on easement from AFC; have an agreement with Rubio Water, and from four property owners. ACTRWG will approach Sameer to get clarification of the property sale agreement specifying that there will be easements. Furniture dumped at the end of Canon drive, has been picked up.

5. Serious New Trail conditions. Trees down on Sunset Ridge and Gabrielino were removed by volunteers. Encroachment at 3636 Skylane Drive; homeowner has been contacted by LA County.

6. Current Tasks.   Objectives for 2017 were prioritised by the group as follows:

High priority, expensive/complicated projects:

• Construct La Vina Trails
• Construct Rubio Canyon Gateway trails
• Re-Grading to new County standards on vulnerable trail segments

High priority, inexpensive/easier projects:

• Restore Crib Trail Segment N. of Gymnasium
• Restore driveable-in-emergency fire road from Millard Campground to the top of Lincoln Ave.
• Remove encroachment at 3636 Skylane Drive on Canon
• Get 200’ fence removed from segment of ACT above Windfall Ave
• Create well-marked and publicized trail hub/junction in Hahamongna Watershed Park. Possibility of doing it as an Eagle Scout project.

Lower Priority and ongoing projects:

• Acquire Easement to close Skylane Gap from Penny’s barn to Fair Oaks Ave (through Zorthian property)
• Restore driveable-in-emergency Brown Mountain fire road from top of Lincoln to Arroyo Seco ranger residence
• Remove “dropped” (abandoned) pipe on Chaney Trail, from Coulter reservoir to Chaney Trail. Does not have a County easement, unknown if it is a FS trail.
• Dying Coulter Pines at the Loma Alta staging area.
• Sign trails for “no hunting”
• Open Pinecrest gate to the public 24/7
• Restore water amenities and trough at West Coulter Reservoir

7. Other Old Business:  Los Angeles Conservation Corps has completed another short section of the Gabrielino trail above Oakwilde. Work to resume next year.

8. New Business: Prioritisation of ACT-related tasks and projects

9. Task List:  Lori will call Graham about LAWC pipeline. Robert E. to look for Skylane gap easement in Sapphos report. Marietta will connect Aron and Rosa to discuss Hahamonga Hub. Suggest attending Hahamonga Watershed Park Advisory Council meeting.

Upcoming Events: Next ACTRWG meeting will be Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at the Altadena Community Center. Festival of Lights Hike from Cobb Estate on Sunday, Dec 18 (subsequently cancelled).

Meeting adjourned at: 8:12 p.m.

Altadena Crest Trail Restoration Working Group (ACTRWG) Steering Committee

…from Arroyo Seco to Eaton Canyon  

7:00 PM, Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Altadena Community Center, 730 E Altadena Drive

Meeting Minutes – Draft

1. Introductions for new attendees.

Mitch Marich, Robert Staehle, Lori Paul, Steve Messer, Dennis Merkel (USFS), Marietta Kruells.

2. Desired adjournment time for this meeting? 7:45

3. Decision on meeting Secretary & Recorder of Action Items.  Steve Messer

4. Review Minutes and Action Items from June meeting (thank you Steve Messer!). Approved unanimously.

5. County / City / U.S. Government Announcements of any items not covered later on agenda. USFS: Dennis reported that: court settlement is finalized, so adventure passes are being reinstated according to the terms of the settlement. Fee areas include toilets, trash, parking, signs, picnic tables, information kiosk, patrols, and/or trailheads. Fee areas are within a half mile of these amenities. Identified by yellow and blue “US Fee Area” signs.

National Public Lands Day is on September 24, but a volunteer service event will be held on September 20 at Chantry Flat.

A pilot shuttle program will be run from Arcadia Gold Line Station to Chantry Flat on September 24 (National Public Lands Day), and 25, then October 1 and 2, and October 8 and 9. The shuttle is free, no reservations are required.

6. Any serious new trail conditions or problems requiring immediate attention (first-hand reports strongly preferred; photos much appreciated)?  No new emergencies, but Mitch reports that somebody put in a bypass on Sunset Ridge trail, just above the cabins, that avoids the steep steps. The new route seems to be preferred by the public, but is unofficial. Keith, the former campground host at Millard has moved on, and a new host is now there, Steve Sims, transferred from Gould Mesa..

7. Current Tasks

a) Fire Season Road Maintenenace:  Maintenance budgets are being cut, and fewer roads will be maintained in the coming fiscal year.  Contact the Forest Service Engineer to request a road be maintained.

b) Re-grading to new County standards for erosion control on vulnerable ACT segments.  Mitch is putting together a report including where maintenance is needed along the ACT.

c) Update re: New fence erected along ~200-foot segment of ACT above Windfall Ave (E. of Rubio Gap and Stonehill).  No new reports. Still need to determine whether the fence is on the easement or on the private property.

d) DPW Devil’s Gate Reservoir (Hahamongna Watershed Park) / ACT Trailhead / Recreation impacts?  There is a Fifth District Supervisor’s Candidate Debate on the issue, Thursday, September 15, 7 pm, Creveling Lounge – Pasadena City College, 1570 East Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

e) La Vina litigation resolved:  One of Marietta’s attorneys in the case has since retired. No new reports.

f) Rubio Cyn Gateway trail planning status. No new updates.

g) Update on locked Pinecrest Gate. No changes to report.

h) Old Crib Trail, now disappeared from County ACT maps and web site.  At a previous meeting we found that the historic Crib trail between Sunset Ridge and Lincoln has been removed from maps and the County trails web site, though it still exists on the ground. Motion made and approved: Send a written request to the County, to reinstate the Crib Trail into the County’s trail inventory, and bring it back up to County trail standards. Include that we were promised a route around what is now the site of the Gymnasium on the west side of Sunset Ridge Road.  

i) Loma Alta Trailhead & Staging Area.  Drinking fountain needs to be repaired. Horse trough has been replaced, but not with the optimal design. Coulter pines and walnut in the staging area and catch basin are dying. They need larger basins. Irrigation tubing has been replaced, but the basins around the trees are not large enough. There is a bathroom in the parking lot that is not functional, and would serve the trailhead and the equestrian community.

8. Other Old Business: Motion made to Draft a letter regarding the Lincoln Ave Water Company pipe on Chaney trail to Ranger Blount.

9. Other New Business:  San Gabriel Mountains National Monument Management Plan public meetings are being held this week.  Public comments are due by October 17.

10. Review of Task List for next meeting

• Mitch to complete maintenance needs report for Olga.
• Marietta: Send a written request to reinstate the Crib Trail into the County’s trail inventory, and bring it back up to County trail standards. Include that we were promised a route around what is now the site of the Gymnasium on the west side of Sunset Ridge Road.  
• Steve: Draft a letter regarding the Lincoln Ave Water Company pipe on Chaney trail to Ranger Blount.
• For future reference, need to give at least 24 hours to the County notice if a meeting will be cancelled.
• Dennis to write a report outlining the status of item 7C, the chainlink fence along ACT.

Carried over from last month:

• Lori and Marietta to write a letter about Loma Alta Park.
• Lori will update fire education brochures and signs out for 4th of July.
• Design a sign to be used to educate the public on fire safety for 4th of July.
• Olga to ask Rudy Valenzuela, head of trails crew, when he is planning to come back to the ACT, to help coordinate repairs with this group.
• Mitch will compile a report of trail conditions for Olga to pass on to the maintenance crew.
• Olga was to supply a map of the Loma Alta Park.
• Rob will look for a copy of the sale agreement between Sameer Etman and AFC, including conditions of the sale requiring a trail easement be granted.
• Olga to check with DPW about the Pinecrest gate and the road right-of-way.

11. Upcoming Events: The Next ACTRWG meeting will be Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at the Altadena Community Center.

12. Adjourned at: 7:58 pm.