Happy Trails in LCF

“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” - John Muir

With 23 miles of trails in the City, it takes the support and collaboration of volunteers, citizens and City and County staff to keep the trails in tip-top shape for residents and visitors to enjoy. Some of the trails in the City are owned by Los Angeles County, while others, such as Cherry Canyon, are City-owned. Paddy Taber, Senior Management Analyst in the LCF Public Works Department, works to maintain the trails in collaboration with LA County Parks and Recreation, the Trails Council and contractors.“Maintenance on the trails is done on a quarterly basis,” Taber explained. “This can include addressing erosion, cleaning the trails and trimming the canopy. We take a natural approach to maintenance.”Other ways that the City maintains and improves the trails is by removing fallen trees, weed abatement and if certain areas become too steep, the City can intervene and make them a bit easier for hikers to traverse. The City also works in conjunction with the Trails Council, a nonprofit, 500-600 member volunteer organization that meets once a month, to help improve the trails. “One of the Trails Council’s initiatives is to promote the trails. We built a GPS-enabled website, LCFTrails.org, so that people can see the trails and hikes that are available. It also provides a means for people to report feedback on the trail conditions,” said Tom Reynolds, President of the Trails Council.

The City is committed to trail protection, improvement and development. Recent improvements include Owl Trail in April 2018, new trailhead signage in Cherry Canyon and an Eagle Scout project that installed destination posts along the trails. This year, the City will begin upgrading a section of Cherry Canyon, which will be called the Seco Creek Trail, to connect Owl Trail with the 5 Points Trail. This renovation will consist of approximately 1200-1500 linear feet of improvement. The trails are an asset to the community and have been an important amenity of the City since its founding. “The trails belong to the residents and looking after them is a shared responsibility to ensure that they are protected and available for generations to come,” said Taber.

Some important reminders when using the trails:

• Do not litter• Stay on the trails; Unmarked trails are unsafe,

not built for people to use and lead to erosion and deterioration of the trail system

• All dogs must be on a leash• No fires, no smoking• Be conscientious that you’re sharing the trails

with others and use proper trail etiquette

For more information on trails within the City, visit: www.lcftrails.org

SPRING 2019

LCF Secures Grant Funding for Bicycle Racks and EV Charging StationsThe City has secured funds to install four electric charging stations and 17 bicycle racks throughout the City. During the July 17, 2018 meeting, the City Council approved participation in the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC) Local Government Partnership Program (LGPP) and the City’s application to seek grant funding for clean air projects. Since that meeting, the City has been awarded a $50,000 grant by the South Coast Air Quality Management District for the installation of electric vehicle charging stations and bicycle racks.

Securing funds through the grant process helps improve air quality and congestion in the City without draining resources. It creates a win-win situation for the residents, the City and the state as a whole.

The new bicycle racks and charging stations will be placed throughout the City, including on-site at the new City Hall.

La Cañada Flintridge

3

24

6

7

3158

Bike Racks & EV Charging Stations Map

EV Chargers

Site LocationNumber of Stations

1 Town CenterCity Hall public parking lot(One Civic Center Dr.)

1

2 Foothill Blvd.South side between Commonwealth Ave. & Hobbs Dr.

1

3 City HallSubterranean parking garage (One Civic Center Dr.)

2

Bicycle Racks

Site LocationNumber of Racks

4 Gould Canyon TrailheadFoothill Blvd. & Oak Grove Dr.

1

5 Trails Council LinkOn Descanso Dr. between Fairlawn Dr. & Leycross Dr.

1

6 Winery Channel Trailhead Foothill Blvd. & Indiana Blvd.

1

7 City HallOne Civic Center Dr.

2

8 Descanso Gardens Visitor Center (1418 Descanso Dr.)

12

After signed contracts are in place, the charging stations and bicycle racks will be installed within one year.

Ring Program Extends to Local BusinessesThe City Council approved the continuation of the Ring.com Rebate Program with a new round of rebates designed specifically for businesses located within La Cañada Flintridge. The City is offering a $50 subsidy per commercial property/business space, which will be matched by Ring.com for a total rebate to businesses of $100. Additional discounts are also available courtesy of Ring.com. The program is provided as an incentive for area businesses to make security enhancements to commercial properties and business spaces. This, in turn, makes neighborhoods more secure and less attractive to criminals. Additionally, the program assists law enforcement with investigations.

This fourth phase of the program, which began on January 28, is offered on a first-come, first-served basis and includes a priority period of 60 days during which only La Cañada Flintridge businesses are able to participate. Beginning March 29, 2019, the program will open to all

residents (if the subsidy limit has not been reached) or until the end of the 120-day promotional period.

Criteria for participation includes:

• The property or business space must be located within a commercial zone of La Cañada Flintridge;

• The business must have a valid business license with the City; and

• A maximum of one rebate can be applied per business address.

For more information and to submit an application, visit: http://bit.ly/LCFRing

Summer in the City Get ready for upcoming events this summer in La Cañada Flintridge. The LCF Chamber of Commerce will host the 46th Annual Memorial Weekend Fiesta Days beginning on Friday, May 24, and lasting through Monday, May 27. The four-day event honors and commemorates the fallen men and women of the armed forces. More information and schedules of each days’ events can be found on the City’s or Chamber’s website as the event approaches.

On Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, the Music-in-the-Park summer concert series kicks off at 4:00 p.m. in Memorial Park. Be sure to stop by and hear the first band of the season, Captain Cardiac and the Coronaries. The series runs every Sunday through Labor Day from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Bring a picnic basket, blankets and chairs and enjoy these Summer evenings of free music.

City Hall Relocation After nearly 40 years at its location on Foothill Boulevard, City Hall has officially moved to its new location at One Civic Center Drive in the Town Center. The former Sports Chalet headquarters building went through nearly a year of renovation before the new City Hall opened for business on February 20. The current location includes enhanced public access and provides efficient working spaces for City departments. The new City Hall dedication ceremony and first City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 19, with tours starting at 3:00 p.m., dedication ceremony commencing at 5:15 p.m. and first official meeting of the City Council at 6:00 p.m.

Please come by and see your new City Hall.

New Solicitation HoursPrompted by resident concerns regarding nighttime door-to-door soliciting, the City Council reviewed and approved an ordinance to modify the City’s solicitation hours. New solicitation hours will be based on two distinct solicitation zones: “residential” and “nonresidential”. Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for residential zones and 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for nonresidential zones.

If someone approaches your door and you feel uneasy, please adhere to the following safety guidelines:

• Ask the visitor to identify themselves before opening the door

• Ask to see their credentials to prove their identity• Call the company the visitor says they represent to

ensure it is a valid visit• Don’t answer the door unless you are confident the

person on the other side is who they say they are• If knocking persists and you feel that you are in danger,

call the Sheriff’s Department at (818) 248-3464

The City provides free “No Solicitation” signs for citizens. If this sign is displayed at your home, it is illegal for solicitors to approach. Residents can also verify active solicitors by visiting the City’s business licensing webpage.

New RV OrdinanceThe City’s new RV ordinance went into effect March 7, 2019. The ordinance prohibits RVs from being parked in a publicly visible area for more than 14 days during a calendar year. To park in a publicly visible area, residents will need to obtain a free permit. Permits are associated with the vehicle license number. After an RV is parked 14 days in a publicly visible area during the calendar year, that RV will no longer be able to park in a publicly visible area within the entire City. “Publicly visible area” includes both on street AND on private property.

Captain Christopher Blasnek Bids Farewell to the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station

Captain Christopher Blasnek has served at the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station since the spring of 2017. A promotion in January took him into his next role where he oversees the six stations that make up the South Patrol Division. With a 35-year history in law enforcement, “Commander” Blasnek has worked in many communities throughout southern California.

We spoke with Commander Blasnek and asked him to reflect on his career and time spent as Captain of the CV Station.

Vista: What are some of your fondest memories during your time at the CV Station?

Blasnek: I have so many, it’s hard to choose. One that comes to mind is the Sheriff’s Department Memorial Run. I remember taking the torch down Highway 2 and I just thought to myself, how blessed am I to have the opportunity to work at the CV Station. The personnel at the station are second to none. I’ve also enjoyed working with the members of the City Council and City staff to implement positive changes in our community.

Vista: What was your proudest accomplishment during your time as Captain?

Blasnek: A proud achievement for me was when I put a plan in place to fight burglaries in the area. We implemented quick response times, high visibility and zero tolerance on paper plates. When I got a call from the Station telling me that they had five burglars in custody, I knew things were looking up.

Vista: What message would you like to impart to residents of LCF?

Blasnek: Deputies who work in the City are dedicated to improving the quality of life of residents and are personally invested in the community. We are all in the fight together to keep our neighborhoods safe. The Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station is always here to help.

Vista: What piece of advice would you give to the next person who takes this role?

Blasnek: I would tell them to engage with the community, see what the problems are and always try to find a new solution. It’s also important to keep the lines of communication open with other nearby stations; they may have the same problem and a good solution already. Another relevant piece of advice that I always tell my deputies is, ‘If you treat everybody as you would treat your family members and you patrol the area as if you live here, you’ll be okay.’

Vista: Can you tell us about your promotion and new role?

Blasnek: My new role is Commander over the South Patrol Division, which covers Lakewood Station, Cerritos Station, Norwalk Station, Pico Rivera Station, Carson Station and Lomita Station. Each of these stations has several cities under them. My main duty is to support the six Station Captains and give them what they need to successfully fight crime. I’m leaving on a good note, which is always good. I wasn’t looking to leave, but a promotion is something you never want to turn down.

End of the Road for the 710 Extension Project After six decades of debate, the 710 Freeway extension project, which would have connected the Long Beach (710) Freeway and the Foothill (210) Freeway, is finally officially terminated.

Opposition to the project held it in limbo for years. In 2017, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority rejected the project; Caltrans put the final nail in the 710 tunnel coffin when they agreed with the Transportation Authority’s decision. Instead, the $700 million ear-marked for the extension will be available for local projects in surrounding cities on street and transit improvements to connect communities and relieve traffic congestion.

CITY INFORMATIONThe City Council meets the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of each month at 6:00 PM in theCity Hall Council Chambers, One Civic Center Drive, La Cañada Flintridge.

City Hall will be closed on Monday, May 27, for Memorial Day.

City CouncilTerry Walker – Mayor Leonard Pieroni – Mayor Pro Tem Gregory C. Brown Jonathan C. Curtis Michael T. Davitt

City StaffMark R. Alexander - City ManagerAdrian R. Guerra - Interim City AttorneyJeffrey Wang - City TreasurerCarl Alameda - Director of Admin. ServicesPatrick DeChellis - Director of Public WorksSusan Koleda - Director of Comm. DevelopmentRebekka Hosken - Director of FinanceTania Moreno - City Clerk

City HallOne Civic Center Drive,La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011Administration: (818) 790-8880 Finance: (818) 790-8880Community Development: (818) 790-8881Public Works: (818) 790-8882Building and Safety: (818) 790-8651City Hall Hours: Mon – Thurs: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Fri: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMBuilding & Safety Hours: Mon – Thurs: 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM, Fri: 8:00 AM to 11:00 AMWebsite: www.lcf.ca.gov

WAYS TO STAY CONNECTED ON

SOCIAL MEDIAStay current on news and events by “Liking” and “Following” the City of La Cañada Flintridge on Facebook.

facebook.com/cityoflacanadaflintridge

twitter: @thecityofLCF

youtube.com/thecityofLCF

Contact Your City CouncilGregory C. Brown – gbrown@lcf.ca.govJonathan C. Curtis – jcurtis@lcf.ca.gov Michael T. Davitt – mdavitt@lcf.ca.govLeonard Pieroni – lpieroni@lcf.ca.govTerry Walker – twalker@lcf.ca.gov

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