ArroyoLover

Bike the Arroyo! Cleanup the Arroyo! This Weekend!

2011-09-15T12:28:00.000-07:00

Arroyo Lovers will find lots to do this September weekend!

First, join the 'Stream Team' of the Arroyo Seco Foundation as volunteers celebrate 'Coastal Clean-up Day' with trash removal at the Confluence of the Arroyo Seco and the Los Angeles Rivers, beginning at 9am on Saturday, September 17th. The Confluence is labelled as a 'code red' area because of the high level of trash build-up there, so this is a very important river cleanup! Park in the Home Depot parking lot at Figueroa Street and San Fernando Road. Then walk about 100 yards east on San Fernando to the confluence entrance. Wear long pants, socks, closed toed shoes that can get wet, sunscreen, and a hat. Gloves and trash bags will be provided. This is a zero waste event so bring water in a reusable container.

The fun continues on Sunday, September 18th with the Second 'Tour de Arroyo' bicycle ride from Pasadena to the Cornfields/Los Angeles Historic State Park just north of Downtown Los Angeles. Bicyclists of all ages will rally at 8:30am at Memorial Park in Pasadena for an easy 12-mile 'cruise' on surface streets and the in-channel bicycle path southward, in support and celebration of the upcoming construction of the first phase of the Arroyo Seco Bike Way. Cyclists have the option to join up with other riders at the Cornfields for the Southern California Cyclocross following the ride or group dining in Chinatown or a 'sag wagon' ride back up the Arroyo Seco to Pasadena on the Gold Line. This is a family-friendly event and children are welcome.

For more information and to register for these and other Arroyo Seco fall events, visit http://www.arroyoseco.org/.

Los Angeles River Revitalization Corporation Honors Reyes at Kick-Off Event

2011-09-13T14:46:00.000-07:00

More than 200 guests gathered on the afternoon of September 11th to help 'kick-off' the newly launched Los Angeles River Revitalization Corporation on the patio of Atwater Crossing near the Los Angeles River.

An independent organization created by the City of Los Angeles two years ago, the LARRC is a non-profit corporation charged with promoting responsible development, redevelopment, and revitalization along the Los Angeles River corridor, in accordance with the Los Angeles River Revitalization Master Plan, according to their website, http://thelariver.com/.

Sunday's event drew quite the 'Who's Who' of Los Angeles 'riverly' people. While guests mingled and noshed, facilitator Ron Milam got the 'riverly' energy going with his LA River wall mural where everyone was encouraged to draw their 'dream project' for the LA River.

Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti opened the formal festivities by welcoming the enthusiastic crowd, and introduced LARRC's first Executive Director, Omar Brownson, seen here offering his vision for the River, while LARRC Vice-Chairman and first Corporation Chair Harry Chandler looks on.

Omar, who has extensive experience in start-up organizations, spoke of how he's 'come home' to LA to help move LA River revitalization forward.

In the short few months since Omar's hiring in January 2011, LARRC has launched their website, moved to offices at the LA River Center, and hired two additional staff members to work on fund-raising and office operations.

Among the political dignitaries in the crowd were Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina, Los Angeles City Council Member Tom LeBonge, Los Angeles Public Works Director Paula Daniels, Los Angeles City Planning Commission President Bill Roschen, and LA Planning Commissioner Barbara Romero.

The highlight of the day's event was the presentation by LARRC Board Chairman Daniel Tellalian of the first 'Changing the Course of LA' Award to Los Angeles City Council Member and River Champion Ed Reyes. The award, a beautiful bas relief of a blue heron rising from the River, was a commissioned work created by Los Angeles artist Steve Appleton.

During his remarks, award recipient Reyes spoke passionately about his vision for the LA River, forged by more than a decade of river revitalization advocacy within the City, and spoke how immediate attention on river corridor revitalization would bring much needed new jobs to the City of Los Angeles.

Other 'riverly' leaders spotted in the crowd included: LARRC Board Members Bruce Saito and Daphne Zuniga; LA Mayor's Office Liaison Romel Pascual; LA River Committee Liaison Lupe Vela; US Army Corps of Engineers Planning Chief Josephine Axt; LA Bureau of Engineering's Deborah Weintraub; LA River Office Director Dr. Carol Armstrong with staffers Larry Hsu and Megan Whalen; CRA's Jason Neville; TreePeople's Andy Lipkis; Landscape Architect Mia Lehrer; Master Gardener Glen Dake; and the Trust for Public Land's Carolyn Ramsay.

Community Outreach Set for 'Devil's Gate Reservoir' Sediment Removal Project

2011-09-07T10:29:00.000-07:00

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works has announced that it will hold two public scoping meetings as part of its preparation for an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) relative to its plan for massive sediment removal and management in 'Devil's Gate Reservoir.' Pasadenans more commonly refer to this basin as the Hahamongna Watershed Park.

The EIR preparation, a result of the County Board of Supervisors' vote a few months ago to require County staff to conduct a full EIR on the sediment removal project, rather than move forward with construction under 'emergency' circumstances, requires public scoping meetings, an initial study preparation, a public comment period, and a draft EIR report. As a general rule, this process takes about two years to complete, unless expedited.

The first public scoping meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 5th at 6:30pm at Pasadena's Rose Bowl in the Stadium Locker Room, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive (Park in Lot F, Enter at Gate C). The second scoping meeting will be held on Saturday, October 15th, at 9:00am in the cafeteria at La Canada High School, 4463 Oak Grove Drive, La Canada.

LA County has created a website that discusses both the EIR process and the current Interim Measures Project (IMP) that is removing sediment directly behind Devil's Gate Dam with sediment storage on the former Johnson Field in the Hahamongna. Click this blog's headline to be taken directly to that site.

Tribute to an Arroyo Lover

2011-09-02T09:31:00.000-07:00

Pasadena's Arroyo Seco lost a dear Arroyo Lover a couple weeks ago when horse patrol 'guardian' Don Zimmerman died at age 99. Don was a long-time volunteer with the Pasadena Mounted Police Unit.

I did not personally know Don, but all of us who walk, hike, or horseback ride along the Arroyo Seco, especially in the Lower Arroyo Nature Park, knew who Don was.

Three days a week, there he was on his trusty steed, reminding walkers to keep their dogs on leash, admonishing park users not to throw trash on the ground, and cheerily giving directions and offering local color for those visitors who were lost or disoriented.

Even though Don and I only knew each other by the friendly wave that all Arroyo Lovers share, we were kindred spirits. In our own way, we each showed our love for the Arroyo by reminding visitors (and their dogs) all the time to respect our special natural area by picking up trash and doggie doo and staying on trails so that native plant life and endangered species would not be damaged.

While I don't know this for a fact because Don and I never shared our tales, I'm willing to bet that we both got 'yelled at' from time to time by people because we politely asked them to leash their dogs or pick up after their four legged friends. I can't recount all the times that snippy know-it-alls told me that their dogs could do 'whatever they want,' even though I had my Arroyo Seco volunteer shirt on and was very polite. Don had the advantage of being an elder statesman of the Arroyo, sitting above the crowd on the back of Maca, but I'm certain he occasionally got some attitude from these whippersnappers, too.

Of course, Don, I and all Arroyo Lovers only ask other users of the trails to be good stewards so that the Arroyo Seco's beautiful riverine parkland will be here in its natural condition for future generations to enjoy. It's too bad that some of our residents and visitors don't share that respect.

A special memorial service open to all will be held at 11 am on September 17th at the First United Methodist Church, 500 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. If Don Zimmerman ever waved to you on the trails or reminded you to put your dog on a leash, you might want to come by to pay your respects.

Don 'patrolled' the Arroyo Seco on horseback for 25 years. I've only been patrolling for 4 years. I think I still have a long way to go to fill his boots.

Happy Trails, Don.

And if you're out enjoying the Arroyo Seco this holiday weekend, please show some respect for Don by keeping your dog on its leash and bringing trash/doggie doo bags along with you to clean up after yourself.

August Happenings on the Los Angeles River & The Arroyo Seco

2011-08-16T14:12:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe it's August already with the summer quickly moving along. Here's some of the latest goings on with the Los Angeles River and the Arroyo Seco.

1. The big exciting news is that the US Army Corps of Engineers has issued permits to allow a 'Pilot Non-Motorized Boating Program' to take place on the Los Angeles River in the Sepulveda Basin area over a 6-week weekend test period.

Dignitaries from far and wide attended the August 8th 'kick-off' event, including USACE Colonel Mark Toy, LA Conservation Corps Executive Bruce Saito (whose organization is the lead agency for the pilot program), kayak activist George Wolfe, Melanie Winter of The River Project, Miguel Luna from Urban Semillas, and Lupe Vela, LA City Liaison to the Los Angeles River Committee. Political heavyweights included Joe Edminston of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, LA City Councilmember Tony Cardenas (in whose district the pilot program will take place) and LA City Councilmember Ed Reyes, whose vision and commitment over many years to revitalize the LA River was noted.

Once the official festivities ended, it was time to get the boats in the water! While this was a short ceremonial paddle in the LA River, it heralded the beginning of a new era of river access for the public.

The pilot program sold out within minutes of opening for reservations, so it won't be possible to participate in this month's paddling events if you are not already one of the lucky persons with reservations. Organizers are hopeful, though, that this initial pilot program's success will facilitate expanded boating access to the LA River soon.

2. If you are not a fortunate paddler, don't dismay. Friends of the Los Angeles River (http://www.folar.org/) is offering 90-minute docent led walks along the LA River in the Sepulveda Basin highlighting this historic non-motorized boating program beginning August 21st. Reservations are required - free to FoLAR members - $10 donation for non-members.

3. Feel like getting your hands dirty? River lovers have two opportunities this Saturday, August 20th:

The Arroyo Seco Foundation (http://www.arroyoseco.org/) is hosting a Central Arroyo Stream clean-up from 9:30am to 11:30am to remove trash and invasive species in the naturalized area of the Arroyo Seco just south of the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Park at the south end of Brookside Parking Lot I near the Aquatic Center and meet at the picnic tables in the south end of the Rose Bowl Aquatic Center. Wear sturdy shoes, working clothes, a hat, and sunscreen. Tools and trash bags will be provided. It's a fun way to enjoy and help nature at the same time.

Live on the other side of LA? Why not join the Village Gardeners from 9:00am to noon for some native plant landscape maintenance along the LA River in Studio City at the Richard Lillard Outdoor Classroom, 13236 Valleyheart Drive (south side of The River, 1/2 block east of Fulton)? Wear closed toed shoes and bring a hat and sunscreen. Tools and gloves will be provided. Refreshments, too! RVSP to rrabins@villagegardeners.org or 818-667-7605.

4. The Los Angeles River Revitalization Corporation (http://thelariver.com/) has two upcoming events as well: Their Board of Directors holds its quarterly meeting on Wednesday, August 17th, 5:30pm to 7:30pm, in the Mayor's Press Conference Room at Los Angeles City Hall. September 11 from 3:30pm to 5:30pm, marks LARRC's inaugural community event, Let's Talk River, honoring Los Angeles City Councilmember Ed Reyes.

Finally, if you just want to get out and enjoy urban nature this month, check out the recreational opportunities along the Arroyo Seco, including the Arroyo Seco Trail Guide here: http://www.ci.pasadena.ca.us/PublicWorks/arroyo_recreation_and_activities/

Riding Along the Arroyo Seco on the Back of a Horse

2011-08-05T17:58:00.000-07:00

Once in awhile, serendipity creates a great adventure.

Such was the case last week when I spotted a friend bathing one of his horses on a weekday afternoon. Surprisingly, we both had finished with work early that day and before I knew it, he said, "Let's go riding!"

For a horse lover like me, I jump at the chance to ride whenever I can, so we took off on our trusted steeds, him on Maya, me on Lobo (seen here) for what I thought would be an hour ride from the Altadena Crest Trail to the Loma Alta Equestrian Arena.

But you can't stop horse people when they are having a great ride on a beautiful summer's afternoon. Before I knew it, I was agreeing to ride all the way down to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena (a four hour round trip ride, I might add)!

And what a great ride it was! Entering the Hahamongna Basin eastside trail from Altadena Drive, we enjoyed a slow quiet ride through one of Pasadena's great urban nature corridors. The birds were singing, the air was fresh from a slight breeze and the Arroyo Seco was still full of water, unusual this late in the summer season. Except for the passing of an occasional walker and photographer, we had the trail all to ourselves.

Soon we were travelling through the Devil's Gate Bridge tunnel down the trail to the Central Arroyo. I especially loved riding this section - so natural and quiet with the unchannelized Arroyo Seco stream to our right, gurgling along.

Civilization in the form of Brookside golfers and Rose Bowl Loop bicyclists and joggers soon appeared as we turned onto Washington Blvd to Parkview towards the westside Arroyo Seco trail heading back northward.

This was my first time on the Central Arroyo Seco westside trail and what a delight! Most of this trail is shadowed by old age oak trees on one side with a bucolic view of Brookside Golf Course on the other. My unflappable horse, who calmly walked down city streets, past bicyclists, cars, and joggers, stopped and perked up his ears each time a golfer teed off and the 'whiff' sound filled the air.

I really loved being on the westside trail which brought us right next to the Arroyo Seco stream north of the golf course. In fact, we had to cross the stream, about ankle deep, to reconnect to the trail back into the Hahamongna and northward home. What fun!

Sir Winston Churchill once said that 'the outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man' (or woman!) and this adage was no more true than while on this ride along the Arroyo Seco. It's incredible that it's possible to ride (or walk!) streamside in an urbanized area of Southern California....yet feel totally in nature.

I can't wait to continue my horseback riding adventures along the Arroyo Seco and look forward to future trips both northward into the Angeles National Forest and southward into the Lower Arroyo Seco and South Pasadena Nature Parks.

Los Angeles River Chosen for New Urban Waters Federal Partnership

2011-08-03T14:11:00.000-07:00

The Los Angeles River has been chosen as one of seven river watersheds nationwide to participate in the new pilot program of the Urban Waters Federal Partnership. This pilot program aims to revitalize growing American cities and the natural resources that surround them.

This new national partnership aligns the programmatic goals of the White House's Great Outdoors Initiative and the Partnership for Sustainable Communities to link economic revitalization with environmental sustainability.

Designed to break down federal government agency 'silos,' while promoting collaboration among federal, state, local agencies and non-profit and community-based environmental organizations, the Urban Waters Federal Partnership selected the Los Angeles River Watershed in part because more than 70% of its residents live more than a quarter mile from a park or open space, resulting in a lack of access to such environmental resources as clean air and potable water. The LA River was also cited for its success record in current federal colloboration efforts along the river corridor, especially in working with disadvantaged communities.

The focus of this new partnership is on revitalizing local watershed efforts, including enhancing flood control, improving water quality through green infrastructure, enabling safe public river access, and restoring ecosystems.

Examples of ongoing work where local communities in the Los Angeles River Watershed are engaged in partnerships with federal agencies are the: Station Fire Restoration, Los Angeles River Ecosystem Restoration, South Los Angeles Wetlands Park, Hansen Dam Wetlands/Stormwater Treament/Park Expansion Project, the Elmer Street Neighborhood Retrofit, and Disadvantaged Community Outreach Education Program.

The Partnership's immediate focus is on facilitating more economic development, especially in the Clean Tech Corridor; more recreational river access opportunities; more outdoor education in partnership with the LA Unified School District; and enhanced focus on conservation of the region's scarce water supply.

Spearheaded by leadership from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), participating federal agencies include the US Department of Agriculture (USDA); Department of the Army - Army Corps of Engineers (USACE); US Department of Commerce - Economic Development Administration (EDA); US Department of Commerce - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS); US Department of Health and Human Services - US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP); US Department of Health and Human Services - National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS); US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); US Department of the Interior (DOI); and US Department of Transportation (DOT).

The six other American river watersheds selected for this federal pilot program include: Anacostia Watershed, District of Columbia/Maryland; Patapsco Watershed, Baltimore Region, Maryland; Bronx & Harlem River Watersheds, New York; South Platte River, Denver, Colorado; Lake Ponchartrain Area, New Orleans, Louisiana; and the Northwest Indiana Urban Corridor along the Lake Michigan Shoreline.

The Pasadena Open Space & Conservation Element Update Points to a Sustainable Future

2011-08-01T11:23:00.000-07:00

While local activists debate sediment removal in the Hahamongna at tonight's City Council meeting, another meeting will be taking place with a Pasadena City-appointed committee of citizens who have quietly been working for the past year and a half on the updating of the Open Space & Conservation Element to the City of Pasadena General Plan.

Under current State law, all California cities must periodically update their general plans, addressing such elements as housing, transportation, and health. The current committee has been working diligently with City staff and community stakeholders to both update the current Open Space & Conservation Element and integrate these general plan elements with the Green Space Element approved by the City in 2007 as well as the City's Green City Action Plan for sustainability (air quality, water quality/conservation and energy/greenhouse gas reductions).

After months of fact-finding, deliberation, community outreach meetings, walkabouts, and review of numerous plans and studies, the draft document for the Open Space & Conservation Element has been completed and will now be circulated to other City Commissions, including the Environmental Advisory Commission and the Recreation and Parks Commission, for review before reaching the Pasadena City Council for final approval.

The 63 page document, which can be accessed by clicking this blog's headline, provides a comprehensive overview of current City natural elements, conservation partners, sustainability issues, and urban nature needs within a framework to guide the City for future open space acquisitions and current open space stewardship. It was particularly gratifying to see in this report the extensive attention placed on the role that open space and conservation plays relative to water conservation and sustainable building practices.

The Open Space & Conservation Element Committee meets tonight at 6:45pm in the Grand Conference Room in the Basement of Pasadena City Hall. The meeting is open to the public and will be a fascinating update on a visionary future for Pasadena's urban nature culture with an eye towards an integrated approach to sustainability.

Arroyo Lover on the River Road

2011-07-14T08:59:00.000-07:00

Is this the La Loma Bridge in Pasadena? Of course not. The natural stream course under the bridge looks nothing like today's concrete channelized Arroyo Seco. But it could look like this in the future if we remain vigilant in restoring our historic Pasadena stream.

I haven't posted here recently because for the past few weeks, the Arroyo Lover has been on the road to her native Ohio and what a treasure trove of watershed restoration and revitalization activity it's been!

The photo above is actually of Mill Creek, a major tributary of the Mahoning (meaning Salt Licks) River, deemed by the USACE as one of America's five most polluted rivers due to a century of steel mill and manufacturing toxin dumping into its waterways.

Fortunately, Mill Creek is relatively pristine, thanks to the leadership of Volney Rogers, who created Mill Creek Park in 1891, the first park district in Ohio. Today, Mill Creek Metroparks manage 4800 acres of riverine parkland (more than double the Arroyo Seco parkland in Pasadena!) full of trails, athletic fields, golf courses, and historical landmarks, like the Lanterman Mill, seen here, one of the first grist mills on the creek which was completely restored in the 1980s. This historic restoration allows visitors to visit one of the finest riverside interpretative sites I've ever seen: you can walk four levels within the mill, including down to the water wheel itself. In addition, the viewing platform next to the falls is so close you can feel the spray! And what a great old wooden dam made of railroad ties, still functional after 100 years. Los Angeles County engineers could take a clue about how to use natural materials on area waterways from this project.

And what fun is a river if you can't play on it? So, one Sunday afternoon, I joined about 15 members of the Trumbull Council Trails Canoe Club (ranging in age from 3 years old to 75!) on a 5 mile 'float' down the Upper Mahoning River (the healthier part). Aside from an occasional railroad trestle or highway bridge overhead, we did not see much evidence of civilization but we did see a lot of nature's beauty: birds, flowers, and trees in full foliage. It was interesting to see how many tree branches were down in the river, creating a sort of 'mogul' run, and how little human trash was in the waterway. The Canoe Club members are the nicest people, too! They virtually let me crash their party, shared a canoe, and gave me a paddle and PFD (personal flotation device) to use. We had lots of water wars, too, with the youngsters in particular trying to spray us old folks with water from their Max Liquidators. But I got revenge when one of the boys accidentally dropped his water gun in the river, which I retrieved, then took aim and fired away!

Next it was off to the Cuyahoga ( meaning crooked) River, once famous for having caught on fire. But what a difference 40 years of restoration makes!

From listening to the Cleveland Orchestra perform at Blossom Music Center within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park to exploring the Upper Cuyahoga river towns of Aurora and Hudson, it was a delight to see the river so healthy.

Finally, it was time for a stop in my old college town, Kent, Ohio, where the city undertook a $5 million dam removal/river restoration project completed about 5 years ago. And look at what a terrific achievement it is - a free flowing river once again supported by a beautiful waterfall, riverwalk, and direct access to the river. Home to the Davey Tree Company, Kent is the original 'Tree City,' making the woodsy river stroll cool and breezy. The day of my visit, a few young fishermen were fly fishing along its shore.

This area of the river is also popular with kayakers and Kent State University students run a canoe livery on weekends based out of Tannery Park. Most exciting of all is Kent's planned natural whitewater park along this section of the river. Kent City Manager Dave Ruller graciously shared with me the conceptual design plan for the whitewater park. Yes, the river only reaches a maximum of 1100 cfs - not Class 3 or Class 4 rapids, but definitely a fast enough flow for some serious water fun. It's an exciting project that will create a terrific water trail through the middle of this college town. Wouldn't it be great to have something like that on the Los Angeles River, too?

This trip certainly offered a different perspective to my usual work in the Greater Los Angeles area, where water shortage and channelized waterways are the norm. Strategically located at the heart of the top of two major watersheds, the Cuyahoga (which flows north) and the Mahoning (which flows southeast), Northeast Ohio has plenty of water and is one of the few non-water stressed regions in our country. The environmental ethic is very strong here as well, because intuitively the people who live in this region know that trash interferes with the food chain. (Agriculture is still the number one 'industry' in Ohio). Even the former Mayor of Struthers, now Youngstown State University's Urban Studies Professor and Mahoning River Restoration collaborator, lamented his inability while on city council to get the area designated a watershed district!

This eastern navigable rivers visit was definitely a Huck Finn type of adventure with my Ohio river brothers and sisters. What an inspiration for those days when achieving true integrated urban river restoration seems an impossible dream!

California State Water Project Inspection Trip Revealing

2011-06-20T08:04:00.000-07:00

Though I have been teaching California Water to Cal Poly/Pomona students for the past three years, I had not had the opportunity to visit the 'Holy Grail' of the California State Water Project until this past week.

Thanks to an invitation from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California through Pasadena Board Director Tim Brick, I was invited to join 36 others in a behind the scenes 'inspection tour' of the State Water Project (SWP).

The two day trip was a whirlwind visit to the Oroville Dam, the Feather River Fish Hatchery, the Oroville Dam Visitor Center, the Delta and levees, the Banks Pumping Plant and the Skinner Fish Facility, with a briefing on current Bay-Delta issues at MWD's Sacramento office.

Our inspection group included a dynamic mix of water agency, water contractor, environmental, governmental, and education representatitves, which facilitated lively discussions both on the bus and during group lunch and dinner sessions.

Highlighting our first day was a trek up to Oroville Dam on the mighty Feather River. The photo above was taken from below the Fish Hatchery and gives a pretty panoramic view of the watershed, dam and hatchery, where salmon and steelhead are raised, then released into the River or San Francisco Bay.

The water release from the Dam that day was an amazing 8,000 cubic feet per second (CFS), the fastest June flow on record in the 40+ year history of SWP.

The second day of the trip focused on visits to the southern delta of islands and levees with terrific commentary by Curt Schmatte on the complex environmental issues facing the region.

The State Water Project, initially conceived by State Engineer Edward Hyatt (the Oroville Pumping Station is named after him) in 1931, was approved by the voters for bond funding in the Burns-Porter Act of 1960, with the construction of the first phase completed in 1971. The second authorized phase, the Peripheral Canal was never built, since the bond measure to fund it, Proposition 8, was defeated in 1982.

The largest American publically financed water works project, SWP's main purpose is to provide reliable water supply to 80% of Californians: urban and agricultural users in the Bay Area, Central Valley, and Southern California. The Project is also operated to improve water quality in the Delta, control Feather River flood waters, provide recreation, and enhance fish and wildlife. The diversion gates at the Skinner Fish Facility (above photo) facilitate capture and relocation of fish downriver to prevent fish predation (death by predator, whether biological or human).

The key focus of this trip was on sustainability issues that will both ensure water reliability and ecological function, particularly relative to fish health. A half century of water pumping has taken its toll on the land along the delta levees, where subsidence has resulted in fields and groundwater storage areas now up to 30 feet below sea level. In addition, extensive pumping has negatively impacted fish spawning, especially the Delta smelt, resulting in court orders limiting pumping to protect fish habitat.

The 'Bay-Delta' portion of SWP covers over 700 miles of open canals and pipelines. The 'Bay' refers to San Francisco Bay while the 'Delta' refers to the confluence of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers. An interesting fact is that the Delta itself is actually inland from the Bay, connected by the Suisun Marsh, where the ocean salt water meets river fresh water.

The MWD briefing included mapping of the Bay-Delta affected areas, an overview of the challenges in meeting water supply due to ecological damage and pumping restrictions, and a discussion of the 2009 water bond act approved by the state legislature scheduled to be placed on the November 2012 ballot seeking voter-approved funding. The site visits, like the one in the photo above of our group taken on the bridge at the Skinner Fish Facility offered dramatic evidence of these challenges.

The size and scope of the SWP in the Bay-Delta area was mind-boggling and our group covered a lot of territory in two short days: Pasadena-Burbank-Sacramento-Oroville-Sacramento-Southern Delta Cross Channel-Twitchell Island-Sherman Island-Franks Tract-Oakland-Burbank-Pasadena.

Clearly, there is still no consensus among water contractors, agricultural users and environmentalists over the properr CALFED solution for the Bay-Delta area. Nonetheless, the tour dramatically showed how vulnerable all Californians are if an 8.1 or greater earthquake strikes the area, which would result in a total collapse of the levee system and significant damage to pumping and diversion infrastructure.

The Loss Of Open Space No One's Really Talking About...

2011-06-12T13:17:00.000-07:00

We seem to be bombarded almost daily with these frightening headlines: State Parks to Close...Irvine's Wild Rivers Water Park to relocate to make way for an apartment complex...LA River projects on hold due to lack of funding.

Yet the most disturbing 'closures' are the places where many of us hold our first memories of childhood exploration in nature: The Summer Camp.

Throughout the country, Girl and Boy Scout Councils, church organizations, private families and civic organizations are doing the once unthinkable: closing their camps and putting the properties up for sale to raise revenue to keep their operations alive. More and more we are seeing large swaths of open space becoming abandoned by long-time property owners and tenants (as is the case of several camps within our National Forest system).

This trend is troubling for a number of reasons:

1. the great likelihood that these parcels will be purchased by those who intend to develop the land
2. the fact that many of these camps have learning-oriented recreational improvements in place that will likely be destroyed
3. the loss of 'one tank trips' to get families into nature during a time of economic turmoil

While this movement is nationwide, the example of one camp: Camp Sugarbush, where I spent much of my childhood as a Girl Scout camper, is illustrative of this sad trend.

Camp Sugarbush embraces almost 200 scenic wooded acres in rural Northeast Ohio and its name connotes the large stand of sugar maple trees growing in the area. This camp is highly improved with a lodge/dining hall, infirmary, heated swimming pool, small canoe lake, archery range, game fields, and an observatory. Overnight camping amenities include cabins, a primitive cabin, covered wagons (yes, you can sleep in them just like the pioneers did!), and perma-tents with cotting and mattresses. The lodge and cabin include flush toilets and hot showers (yay!). All other units have their own pavilion, latrine, and running water. The camp offers day camping, overnight camping and primitive camping options.

For me, Camp Sugarbush was more than just a place to hang out at during the summer. Here I learned ritual and survival skills that still serve me well today. Among my 'firsts' at Camp Sugarbush: first archery lesson, first primitive camping experience, first canoeing, first campfire singalong, and first leather tanning. I hated the sound of the bugle at 6:30am waking us up and calling us to the flagpole for the morning camp opening ritual but loved making s'mores over the campfire. I hated repelling the nasty mosquitoes buzzing around but loved our hikes in the woods, learning the names of plants and trees, while in search of 'edible' berries. I learned the difference between poison oak and poison ivy. I learned how to watch out for snakes (by the way, this is a skill that applies to human snakes, too). I learned how to catch frogs. I hated latrine duty but learned the connection between human waste and our watershed at a young age. I loved the ride and commaderie on the camp bus and can still smell the hickory smoked campfire air.

A couple months ago, the Girl Scout Council of NE Ohio voted to close Camp Sugarbush and four others, with the plan to sell them to raise funds to keep the organization financially sustainable, while reorganizing camping activities around two 'leadership centers.' But what will the final fate of this and many other camp grounds nationwide mean?

Born of the 'garden movement' at the turn of the 20th Century and nurtured as church groups and youth organizations such as the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Campfire, and 4-H were founded and grew, the nature summer camp gave children and families the opportunity to leave the sooty, dirty industrial city where they lived and camp under the stars in nature. According to the American Camp Association, summer camps serve over 10 million Americans at 12,000 accredited campsites.

Only 10 million? No wonder these open spaces are quickly becoming endangered species. Despite the cries about nature deficient disorder in our children due to urban upbringing, fewer youth than ever are engaging in overnight camping away from home.

Several factors have led to this decline: the rapid urbanization of America where today more than half the population lives in cities, stressed out two-income and single parent families who are struggling just to financially survive, and computer-video game-virtual reality technology that entertains more and more of our children, just to name a few.

And here's the saddest part: unless you grew up in a camping family or attended camp as a child, you have probably forgotten how to camp and live outdoors. Anecdotally, I'm always surprised how, when I take visitors down to the Arroyo Seco in very civilized Pasadena, they quake in their shoes when I mention wild critters in the area, especially snakes.

While nature can be enjoyed just for nature's sake through hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding, natural camp grounds are critical playgrounds for learning skills of survival and skills of teamwork and leadership. Moreover, since most camp grounds are located on a freshwater river or stream, these natural playgrounds are a key source of watershed education, too

Whether it's state parks, public campgrounds or civic/church owned camp sites, we risk losing some of our most precious low impact recreational open space if we cannot develop new models of joint use, cross-organizational collaboration, and revenue enhancement. And where are the land conservancies? While conservancies focus on ranch, farm, and urban interface properties, I've yet to see an organized effort to acquire and conserve these precious camp lands.

This summer, take your loved ones camping before it's too late. Better yet, bring along a friend or two and introduce them to the joy and wonder of living, for at least a brief time, in nature.

Arroyo Property of the Week - Sleek Pasadena Townhome

2011-06-03T10:13:00.000-07:00

New to the market, this light and bright 2 bedroom plus den, 3 bath townhome on California Boulevard at Los Robles is priced under $450,000.

Boasting over 1500 square feet of living space, this front north-facing unit has spectacular views of the San Gabriel Mountains.

The spacious living room features hardwood floors, a fireplace, wet bar, and huge balcony for enjoying gorgeous sunsets.

The sleek Euro kitchen features an atrium style breakfast nook and the downstairs 'den' is perfect as a recreation room, office or third bedroom.

The townhome complex features a private community pool, lush landscaping and a huge courtyard with several fountains. HOA dues include earthquake insurance coverage. Yes, the unit includes two parking spaces and they are side by side!

Best of all is the perfect location of this townhome. Situated in the highly desired Madison Heights area of Pasadena, it has a terrific 72 walkability score. Bicyclists will love riding the 12 miles of bike lanes in Pasadena from this home, commutable to the Del Mar Gold Line station, Caltech, South Lake Shopping District, and my beloved Lower Arroyo Seco Nature Park.

This is a must see value in one of Pasadena's finest neighborhoods! Please call me at 323-230-9749 or email me at arroyolover@gmail.com if you'd like to take a look!

Where Should the Sediment Go? The Devil's Gate Dam Dilemma

2011-05-31T09:36:00.000-07:00

UPDATE 8/2/2011: The Pasadena City Council unanimously approves use of Johnson Field for sediment storage during LA County's interim project to remove sediment buildup behind Devil's Gate Dam.

-------------------------------------

To understand the current dynamics playing out in the Hahamongna about sediment removal behind Devil's Gate Dam, we must look at what got us to this point.

Here's a short recap:

.The 2009 Station Fire wildfire burns almost 70% of the upper Arroyo Seco watershed, depositing over 1,000,000 cubic yards of sediment into the Hahamongna Basin, much of which collects behind Devil's Date Dam
.LA County plans to remove all sediment in the Basin under 'emergency' maintenance procedures which do not require an Environmental Impact Report
.The local environmental community protests and the LA County Board of Supervisors approves a resolution requiring a complete EIR be done before sediment removal occurs, with the exception that County Public Works can remove 25,000 cubic yards this summer directly behind the Dam because of emergency maintenance conditions.
.LA County Dept of Public Works finalizes its interim sediment measures and starts conducting community outreach meetings to review truck transportation routes to haul the sediment out of the Basin for relocation to Scholl Canyon.
.The interim sediment removal plan must be completed by October 15, 2011, when the annual rainy season traditionally begins.

Yet the controversy seems to go on....

Why?

First, while LA County has put together a generally sound interim sediment plan, it has failed in its ability to properly communicate this plan to the public. Case in point: last Thursday night's outreach meeting at La Canada High School to discuss the 'truck haul' plans. What didn't go wrong? The powerpoint did not work. There were no handouts. A new alternative #4 to keep the sediment in the Basin was announced with little context as to why this option was now being offered. Presenters seemed to be at a loss to directly answer many questions posed by the attendees.

But the enviro community and residents are not blameless here, either. Numerous bloggers, local residents and environmental organizations continue to disseminate skewed information and promote 20th Century style scare tactics online and in whisper campaigns to rally their troops towards either stopping this sediment removal or warning of 'dire' consequences if it occurs. They aren't offering any proactive alternative solutions, either.

So let's look at the facts relevant to public safety. (All these documents are online and available to the public at the dpw.lacounty.gov site.)

If you click on the header to this blog, you will be taken to the LA County Staff Report to the Board of Supervisors which accurately discusses the issues. Then take a look at the powerpoint for the interim removal plan here:

tp://dpw.lacounty.gov/wrd/removal/DevilGate/CVAC_Interim_Measures_20110525.pdf

When we cut to the chase these facts remain:

1. The sediment directly behind Devil's Gate Dam has reached a level of 1,009 feet
2. This sediment is blocking at least two sluice gates, which are responsible for releasing water through the flood gates.
3. This sediment is also close to clogging the outlet valves at the top of these sluice gates.
4. This sediment, if not removed this summer, will likely clog outlet valves, including tunnel water outlets after the next rainy season.

Clogged sluice gates and tunnel water outlets mean that the Watermaster will be unable to discharge water through the dam.

Here's the unknown: how much precipitation the Arroyo Seco watershed will get this rainy season. It's especially difficult to predict because we are now experiencing chaotic weather patterns, witnessed by Mississippi River flooding, deadly Southern tornados and a West Texas drought and fire storm. As one local example, the experts at NOAA predicted a 'dry' La Nina last year and we got instead one of the wettest seasons in recent years. Should we have another wet rainy season, even more sediment will flow into the Hahamongna, resting behind the Dam.

Based upon these facts, can we really afford to take the risk of doing nothing about sediment removal behind the Dam this summer?

Let's review the sediment removal 'haul out' options (see the map on the powerpoint link). Unfortunately, projects of this scope and type always have short-term negative impacts on the local community. Truck traffic with attendant noise over the 4 week haul out time period will inevitably be a short term nuisance to affected residents and local commuters (JPL, La Canada High students, park users).

It's totally understandable that residents are concerned about the County's initial preference to use Alternative Route #1 down Windsor Boulevard. For the County, it is the fastest route out and will require the minimal infrastructure work to get this job done. For years, these residents have dealt with the noise and congestion of heavy trucking on this roadway due to the La Vina development, the City of Pasadena's water treatment plant construction, and regular deliveries to JPL.

That's why the recent agreement between the County and the City of Pasadena Water and Power which makes the availability of Johnson Field, located on the northeast side within the Hahagmongna Basin, as a sediment removal holding site welcome news. Use of Johnson Field will decrease truck hauling by 80% since only 20% of the organic materials will have to be hauled out of the Basin itself. The remainder will be hauled to and 'stored' on Johnson Field, which has not been used as a playing field for years.

The local in-basin haul to Johnson Field will also support the short timeline the County has to move this buildup because sediment needs to be 'dried out' first before it can be relocated due of its heavy weight when saturated by water.

Ultimately, there is no solution that will make everyone 100% happy, so it's important to keep our focus on the big picture. The Hahamongna is first and foremost a flood control basin and water conservation reservoir. We continue to face dire long-term local water reliability challenges. Unfortunately, this past winter's extremely wet season has blunted our awareness that we still need to conserve water. All three of Southern California's imported water sources remain in distress. Beyond immediate public safety concerns, sediment buildup behind Devil's Gate Dam significantly reduces the amount of groundwater that can be stored for local recharge in the Hahamongna Basin.

All rivers carry both water and sediment. There is ample opportunity for all of us to work towards a fully integrated long-term strategy for sediment removal as part of the full sediment removal plan and EIR for the Hahamongna. In the meantime, let's support the interim sediment removal measures, including Johnson field Alternative #4 transport, so that our focus can be on proactive solutions for the future rather than on emergency disaster cleanup and a real risk to public safety.

Jacarandas on Parade

2011-05-24T07:06:00.000-07:00

Spring in Southern California truly arrives when the stately jacaranda trees come into full bloom.

This array of flower splendor is no more evident than along a mile long arbor on Del Mar Boulevard in Pasadena, California. Pasadena may be the 'Rose City,' but in May of each year, it arrays itself in purplish blue flowers.

A South American native tree purportedly first imported by early leaders of the Los Angeles Arboretum to test flowering trees that could adapt to Southern California's climate, the jacarandas are found throughout the Los Angeles area and provide welcome bursts of color that announce spring has arrived.

As a transplant to Southern California myself, I quickly developed a strong affinity for the jacaranda, since my favorite flower is the purple lilac, which does not grow well in this climate. Yet every spring I can count on two weeks of purple color bursts, thanks to the majestic jacaranda tree.

Yes, I know it's not a native tree. Yes, I know that its flowers create a big mess when they drop.

But I don't care because more than any other plant or tree, the jacaranda truly announces that spring has arrived. And to see them at their best, there is no better place than along Del Mar Boulevard between Lake Avenue and the Arroyo Seco Parkway. Not a Pasadenan? Hop on the Gold Line, get off at the Del Mar station, and walk/bicycle a few short blocks to see these beauties. Hurry...take that stroll or drive before the flower show is over.

Arroyo Property of the Week - Highland Park View Home

2011-05-14T07:19:00.000-07:00

There's a phrase real estate agents use from time to time with their buyers. It goes something like this: Don't curb appraise the house when you drive by.

This sweet Highland Park view home built in 1911 is a great example of this adage. The exterior of this home is well-maintained but nothing to get excited about, which is why I haven't posted a photo here.

But once you get inside, it's a charming bungalow with upgraded kitchen with granite countertops, a bonus room, and flat, useable backyard.

Did I mention that this 1128 sq foot 2 bedroom, 1 bath home on a 5620 sq ft lot is located just south of Yosemite Drive and can be yours for $375,000?

A large front porch to enjoy those views, hardwood floors, full bath with tub, detached garage and a 100 sq ft studio at the rear of the property enhance this cozy home.

In addition, the steps up to the front door are lined with Arroyo rock from my beloved Arroyo Seco stream, which was commonly used in homes built just after the turn of the 20th Century.

Best of all, this is a standard sale - no lenders, REO departments or lawyers to deal with - just nice sellers who are looking for the right buyer.

Interested? This gem is shown by appointment only, so give me a call at 323-230-9749 and I'll be happy to arrange a showing.

The Real Hahamongna Dilemma

2011-05-09T16:24:00.000-07:00

At first glance, you may think this photo is the Arroyo Seco flowing through the Hahamongna.

But this is actually the Arroyo Seco flowing south of Devil's Gate Dam just above Brookside Golf Course and look at that sediment!

One of the saddest legacies of the devastating 2009 Station Fire is that the complete burn of the upper Arroyo Seco Watershed created massive sediment debris flows into the central and lower reaches.

While lots of public outcry is being played out in the media about LA County's plan to remove sediment in the Hahamonga and the impact of that operation on habitat in that basin, no one is talking about what will happen downstream if the dam fails due to sediment buildup overload.

Already, heavy sediment flows into the Central Arroyo Seco have damaged most river restoration enhancements completed in 2008, including complete mortality for the small, yet growing school of native Arroyo Chub fish that was successfully reintroduced. In fact, the backwater pool under the Colorado Street Bridge is so full of sediment, you wouldn't even know that a pool once existed there.

In addition to the habitat damage, the sediment buildup both above and below the Rose Bowl complex is such that, without sediment removal behind the Dam, this popular recreation area could experience a flood or near flood event within the next year or so if rainy seasons replicate last year's deluge. Moreover, LA County's effort to relieve stress on Devil's Gate Dam from sediment buildup has included extra water releases into the Central Arroyo, contributing to the sediment buildup there.

This flooding potentiality was driven home last week during a tour by flood program representatives of the California Department of Water Resources who expressed shock (their actual word) at the level of sediment buildup behind the dam and its growing buildup in the Central Arroyo, especially as it 'backs up' into the channelized area just before the softbed section south of the Parking Lot I picnic area.

What would it mean to Pasadenans and their neighbors if the Brookside Golf Course and the Rose Bowl areas flooded?

First, it would mean no access to highly used recreational amenities, including the Rose Bowl Loop, which draw almost 3,000,0000 people to Brookside Park every year. Secondly, it would mean a major financial and logistics emergency preparedness cleanup effort by the City of Pasadena and LA County which would cost in the tens of thousands of dollars at a time of stressed public agency funding. Finally, it would mean a direct loss of over $4,000,000 in annual revenues that the City of Pasadena relies upon to fund its operating budget.

Here are some sobering facts:

.the 1938 Arroyo Seco flood damaged 85% of Brookside Golf Course and filled the Rose Bowl to its first tier level of seating until the river changed course and spared further damage to the stadium
.the Arroyo Seco Concrete Channel is nearing the end of its useful life
.the lack of federal funding match to complete the US Army Corps of Engineers Arroyo Seco Feasibility Study, first approved in 2003, hampers federal financial support for channel realignment or relocation in the Central Arroyo
.there is a high risk of little federal support in the event of a flood event in Brookside Park because, in part, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) never created a flood inundation map for the area after the Arroyo Seco was channelized
.the Arroyo Seco Concrete Channel has never really been challenged with the type of heavy water/sediment flow now possible, so it is unknown whether it will actually 'hold' should a catastrophic spring flood event like the current Ohio and Mississippi River flooding test its strength

Let's hope that the newly created Sediment Removal Advisory Commitee will work with LA County Flood Control Management District leadership, state agencies, and federal officials to find sustainable solutions to Arroyo Seco sediment buildup that takes into account the larger context of impact that goes beyond the mere perimeter of the Hahamongna Basin.

Los Angeles River Cooperation Committee Approves Two New Projects

2011-04-14T16:45:00.000-07:00

It was a full house at the April 4th quarterly meeting of the Los Angeles River Cooperation Committee, composed of representatives of the City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and related agencies who have agreed to work cooperatively to implement the Los Angeles River Revitalization Master Plan.

After the call to order and a report from the High Speed Rail (HSR) team on new proposed alignments along the Los Angeles River, especially in the Cypress Park Area, the focus turned to two new projects, which the Committee unanimously approved.

The first, the Headwaters Project, was presented by Richard Gomez (seen in the photo above) of the Los Angeles County Flood Control District, which is spearheading the effort. This $7 million riverfront project, a LA County collaboration with the Los Angeles LA River Office, the City Department of Transportation and the LA County Bicycle Coalition, includes the creation of bioswales, native plants, interpretative signage and connectivity with the LA River Bicycle Path.

This project is in a key West San Fernando Valley location near De Soto and Browns Creek Bridge, and, when completed, will serve thousands of residents within its close proximity to 3 schools, Quinby Park, Topanga Plaza and other local business districts. The project anticipates completion by May 2013. It will have no channel capacity impact.

The second approved project, sponsored by the Los Angeles River Revitalization Corporation, is located in the North Atwater Park area of the LA River and entails the building of a new 'Atwater Park Multi-Modal Crossing,' a hybrid bridge over the LA River that will allow walkers, bicyclists and equestrians to 'share the crossing' as a safe connection from Atwater to Griffith Park.

This projected $3 million project, a collaboration with Buro Happold, Fuscoe Engineering, Mia Lehrer+Associates, Gardiner+Theobald and Tetra Tech, will be a 230-280 foot long span with a 27-30 foot width. The project managers are currently evaluating arch, cable truss, and cable suspension design options.

Most importantly, the Atwater Crossing will mark the first LA River project that will totally privately funded by an enthusiastic donor, according to LA River Revitalization Corporation Board Chair Daniel Tellalian.

Other announcements included:

.April 30th is the Annual Mayor's Day of Service and this year will focus exclusively on Los Angeles River clean-up projects and events, in cooperation with Friends of the LA River and the Los Angeles River Office. Attendees were encouraged to 'get out the volunteers' on April 30th, since the Cities of Los Angeles and Chicago are having a friendly competition to see who can get more volunteers involved in their respective river projects.

.Mark Pestrella, Los Angeles County Assistant Director of Public Works, noted that the Lake Alameda Greenway Project at Victory and Alameda in Burbank had just had its Groundbreaking. He also stated that there will be a June dedication for the retrofitting of Big Tujunga Dam, which will increase capacity by 4500 acre feet of stormwater capture. Finally, 40 acres in the Sun Valley Watershed have been purchased by the County to design and create an upper area wetland project in Sun Valley Park with LA City and LADWP partners.

The LA Zoo Parking Lot Stormwater demonstration project will be dedicated on April 7th at 9:30am.

The City of Glendale Riverwalk groundbreaking is scheduled for April 14th at noon.

The annual Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition LA River Bike Ride will be held this year on June 5th.

The next meeting of the River Cooperation Committee is scheduled for July 5, 2011.

South Pasadena Nature Park vs Golf Course Woes: More Complicated than it Looks

2011-04-05T08:38:00.000-07:00

This Wednesday night, the South Pasadena City Council will be considering a proposal to move the Arroyo Seco Golf Course inland and extend its current footprint southward into open space that is currently part of the South Pasadena Nature Park.

Nature Park lovers and local environmentals are understandably upset about this proposal but, as usual, there is more to the problem than casually meets the eye.

The Arroyo Seco Golf Course is a publically owned Par 3 course that was established in 1955. Its location next to the beautiful Arroyo Seco stream, its charming mid-century club house/grill, and its reasonable greens fees has made it popular over the years with golfers of all ages and skill levels. In fact, ASGC has been rated as one of the Top 10 Los Angeles Area Par 3 Golf Courses by Hemispheres Magazine. As a golfer, I agree with their assessment that the only thing it lacks are grass tee boxes.

For years, the City of South Pasadena has contracted out golf course and tennis facility management to a vendor who runs the operations. That contract is now out to bid...and here's where the trouble begins.

One potential operator has requested that the City allow them to extend the current driving range about 100 yards or so southward into currently natural land of grasses and Sycamore trees since, according to reliable sources, men now like to drive 200 yards or more off the driving range tee and the current range is too short for that.

Friends of the South Pasadena Nature Park are understandably alarmed with this encroachment into current open space with the seemingly sole goal of revenue enhancement for the City and course operator.

But here's where things get a little complicated. For a number of years, several arroyo lovers and City officials have been looking for ways to extend a riverfront greenway along the Arroyo Seco through South Pasadena to allow walkers, bicyclists and equestrians connectivity northward with trails along the river in Pasadena. Discussions called for a 20-foot setback from where the driving range currently is aligned next to the stream, which was deemed possible to achieve at the time the Golf Course management contract came up for renewal, which is now.

While Wednesday night's proposal does not directly tie the driving range relocation inland and extension southward with the establishment of the green trailway next to the Arroyo Seco, the greenway was definitely the impetus for initial discussions for moving the driving range inland to accommodate a trail linkage.

Now, a good intention is becoming linked with potential loss of open space.

But here's the curious part. The Arroyo Seco Golf Course is only 2,185 yards long. It also has a 9 hole mini-course (think putt-putt) that has attracted families for years. I play this course because I don't have a long drive swing, I can score well on this Par 54 course, and I love the natural brook that flows through the course. In addition, I can enjoy vistas to the York Blvd. bridge to the south and the San Gabriel Mountains to the north. Best of all, the wideness of the river channel contour next to the Golf Course makes it imminently feasible for major restoration, including access to the grassy island on the west bank.

Instead of lengthening the driving range, the South Pasadena City Council should be more concerned about preserving this historic gem, designed by William H. Johnson, American Society of Golf Course Architects. Johnson, who died in 1979, designed several golf courses in Southern California including De Bell Golf Course in Burbank, Alondra Park Golf Course in Lawndale, and South Gate Municipal Golf Course.

Rather than taking up more land for questionable revenue (a large bucket of balls costs $8 for the driving range), South Pasadena would be better served by contracting with an operator who 'gets' how to successfully market this special facility, seek Historic Landmark Status for the course, and lose 20 feet of the driving range so the Arroyo Seco Greenway can be completed.

Let the 'long drivers' go hit balls on full size course driving ranges. Let me still have a place where I can 'birdie' a hole. Let the community enjoy a round of golf in one of Southern California's prettiest settings.

Arroyo Seco - Los Angeles River Confluence Plaza Opens to the Public

2011-04-03T18:42:00.000-07:00

There's a new place where you can play in the water in Los Angeles. It's located right near the Arroyo Seco-Los Angeles River Confluence in Cypress Park at the intersection of San Fernando Road and Figueroa Street.

Last Wednesday, about 100 governmental, civic, and environmental leaders attended the official dedication of the Confluence Plaza, the first phase of a planned Confluence Park where the history of Los Angeles really began: the natural intersection of the Arroyo Seco with the Los Angeles River, close to where Avenue 19 and southbound Interstate 5 now meet.

Confluence Plaza, a project of the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA), was funded by California State Parks (Proposition 12), EEM Caltrans, and the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy (Proposition 84), to serve more than 1,000,000 Angelenos in the adjacent Northeast Los Angeles communities of Cypress Park, Lincoln Heights, Mount Washington, Elysian Valley and Silver Lake as well as commuters heading to work in downtown Los Angeles.

The Dedication Ceremony was hosted by Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy
Executive Director Joe Edmiston (seen on the left here), who spoke briefly about the work of SMMC and the MRCA is providing parks and open space within Los Angeles' dense urban neighborhoods.

He also introduced comments by a number of civic leaders, including Los Angeles City Councilmember Ed Reyes (seen below), who has championed the revitalization of the Los Angeles River for many years. Lewis MacAdams, Co-Founder of Friends of the Los Angeles River, read his latest poem with river imagery, 'To Lesley,' to the gathered crowd.

The Confluence Plaza is located on one of

Los Angeles' most historical sites: the Juan Baustista De Anza National Historic Trail, which marks the Anza expedition of 1776 which led to the founding of the settlement that would later become El Pueblo de la Reina de Los Angeles.

The open air plaza was designed by Mia Lehrer + Associates and features an interactive water feature designed by WET Designs, whose creations include water elements at the Los Angeles County Music Center, Universal CityWalk and the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas.

The plaza's water feature is designed to attract neighborhood children and residents while offering them the opportunity to learn more about Los Angeles history. Its location not far from the completed and proposed sections of the Los Angeles River Bicycle Path should make it a popular stopping point for cyclists, too.

Spearheading this innovative project was Barbara Romero, Chief of Urban Projects & Watershed Planning for MRCA, seen here center right with Los Angeles River Women Leaders, including CD 1 Environmental Deputy Jill Sourial, LA Chief Deputy City Engineer Deborah Weintraub, Project Architect Mia Lehrer, and Los Angeles City River Office Project Director Dr. Carol Armstrong.

Arroyo Lover's tips for visiting the Plaza, which is free and open to the public: Park in the south section of the Home Depot Parking Lot. The fountains are timed to 'splash' for 10 minutes every hour on the hour from 8 am to 8pm. And don't forget to be Riverly!

Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy Celebrates Rubio Canyon Acquisition

2011-03-28T11:29:00.000-07:00

The sky may have been overcast, but the mood was anything but gloomy as more than 200 nature lovers gathered on Sunday afternoon, March 27th, to help celebrate the Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy's acquisition of the final parcels in historic Rubio Canyon which now brings 41 acres under land conservation 'forever,' as AFC President Nancy Steele put it.

The festivities took place on the property of long-time AFC supporter Heinz Ellersieck on Camp Huntington Drive, directly adjacent to the eastside of Rubio Canyon.

AFC Executive Director John Howell served as ceremony emcee and spoke both about his personal passion for land conservation and how attendees could support AFC as docents and members of the Foothills Society, a multi-year financial support community dedicated to preserving the open space projects of the Conservancy.

The effort to purchase the final acreage to keep Rubio Canyon intact brought together AFC donors, the office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich, and the Mountains and Recreation Conservation Authority (MRCA).

Final major support from the California Wildlife Conservation Fund, championed by State Assemblymember Carol Liu (seen here with John Howell) and State Assemblymember Anthony Portantino, who was represented at the event by his environmental deputy, Bill Hackett, sealed the deal.

Also attending and addressing the crowd was Congressman Adam Schiff, whose district covers most of the Altadena area, including Rubio Canyon.

Congressman Schiff spoke of the importance of this conservation effort within the context of the current National Park Service's Rim of the Valley Study to assess and potentially expand recreational opportunties on federal lands adjacent to the San Gabriel Valley, which he described as 'our collective backyard.'

Why is the conservation of Rubio Canyon so important? Development encroachment in the Altadena Foothills remains a threat to
the area's unique biodiversity. In addition, these Rubio Canyon parcels contain historic trails and remnants of the Mount Lowe Railway Resort Area, including the very popular hiking trail to the Rubio Canyon waterfalls. Now, everyone will be able to enjoy this natural, pristine canyon, whose sounds of rushing water from Rubio Creek could be heard in the background during the afternoon event.

Before the festivities began, guests enjoyed a variety of refreshments, including micro-crafted ales and lagers from Mark Jilg's Pasadena-based Craftsman Brewing Company. Seen in the crowd were AFC board members Tim Wendler, Laura Garrett, Michelle Markman, Marc Stirdivant, and Lawren Markle. Altadenans attending included long-time hiker and AFC patron Ninarose Mayer, area historian and AFC docent Michele Zack, Mark Goldschmidt, Sue Dodd, James Griffith, and Debbie Heap. Other native lovers in attendance included Teresa Lamb Simpson, Tom Seifert, Dianne Philabosian, John Ronnette, Laurie Barlow, and Emily Stork.

For more information on the Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy, including how you can support their vital land conservation efforts, please visit http://www.arroyosfoothills.org/.

Arroyo Property of the Week - San Rafael Hills

2011-03-26T09:02:00.001-07:00

Here's a peek at a smashing Spanish Mission-Revival in the San Rafael Hills above the Arroyo Seco in Pasadena that will debut on the market for sale next week.

This 2 bedroom retreat boasts original charm with hardwood flooring throughout, coved ceilings, built-ins, and a wood-burning fireplace. The authentic tile detailing throughout the home is colorful and unique.

An updated kitchen features a cozy breakfast nook and there is a formal dining room as well to welcome guests for intimate dinner parties.

The den, which could be easily be used as a third bedroom, opens with French Doors to the private garden-like backyard with drought-tolerant native plants, a soothing saltwater pool and relaxing spa. The yard, with its picnic table alcove, offers both serene relaxation and a great outdoor party atmosphere.

The converted 2-car garage offers a finished bonus space perfect for use as an office or studio.

Offered at $849,000, this totally updated and upgraded treasure is minutes to Old Pasadena, Eagle Rock, Downtown Los Angeles, and the Lower Arroyo Seco Nature Park, home to the Roving Archers Archery Club, the Pasadena Casting Club, and walkable trails in nature along the Arroyo Seco stream.

Interested in seeing this beauty? Give me a call at 323-230-9749.

An Ode to Mr. Witkin

2011-03-23T15:50:00.000-07:00

One of the sad passages of life is losing a long-time companion. Three weeks ago, I lost my best buddy of 10 years (at the ripe age of 13 - he was a rescue dog): Mr. Witkin. (He finally earned the title 'Mr.' and as you read, you'll discover why.)

Why I am writing about him here? Because he was my adventure river dog...my main man during the transformative years when I came to focus upon water, rivers, and their effect on human beings.

Witkin and I had a special bond. He had been at the RR Rescue Ranch for almost a year when I fell in love with him (so did my now-deceased yellow lab Ophelia, who needed a companion dog). He was handsome, smart, athletic, and responded well on leash and to commands.

I was warned, though, that he was considered almost unadoptable, since two separate parties had taken him home and then brought him back. Unfazed, I took on the challenge.

Once we got home to my small bungalow near the Los Angeles River in Valley Village, I began to understand their warning. Within the first week of having Witkin (whose original name was T. Rex, so that should give you an idea right away what I was dealing with, especially those extra large jaws) home, he had bitten Ophelia in a fight over a bone (she had it, he wanted it), had pinched a nerve in his left rear leg trying to jump over my wall, and had killed two squirrels in my backyard.

Undaunted, I was determined to turn this hound dog into a gentleman. One reason I had gotten him was so I'd had a larger protection dog (he weighted about 70 puonds, all muscle), so I'd feel safe when I was out walking at night or home alone.

By the time I got Witkin (whom I named after Bernard Witkin, the father of California law, in homage to my law school experience), my husband had died and I was making monthly trips to the small hamlet of Kernville, California, to work on the family cabin there and take a break from the stress of big city living in Los Angeles.

Kernville was soon the place where Witkin and I were both happiest: he had 2 and 1/2 acres of fenced paradise to roam in and I had mountain air and the melody of the river's roar to calm me. Did I mention that he was the best car dog ever?

We had lots of fun during our mountain adventures (we moved there in 2002 and had the two best years playing in the water). We hiked miles of nature trails, stirred up the natives with new ideas, and drove on unbelievable adventures into the Sequoia National Monument where no cellphones or GPS devices worked. He and Ophelia were even 'officials' of the 2003 International Wildwater World Cup Championships along the Upper Kern River.

All good things must come to an end, so soon we were leaving the mountains for the ocean, settling into a beach house steps from the sand in Ventura, California. Witkin loved the beach as much as he loved the mountains. In fact, he became adept at unlatching my yard gate and toodling down the lane to the sand for a run, with Ophelia in tow. More than once, when my cellphone would ring, the voice on the other end would say, 'I've got your dog.' Once he escaped all the way to the Ventura Pier, 2 1/2 miles from home. Those were the good old days, when dogs could roam on the beach in Ventura. Sadly, that is no more. Witkin also loved to go bicycle running with me on the beach bike path - me on the bike, him running beside me. We took many road trips up the Ventura River and Matilija Creek to Ojai and once explored the entire length of the Santa Clara River, which flows over 84 miles from Acton to the sea. Ironically, even though Witkin loved being near the water he did not like being in the water!

Four years ago, dear Ophelia went to heaven and Witkin and I returned from our mountain-ocean adventures to Los Angeles. Now our river explorations turned urban, as we explored all along the Arroyo Seco, walked both the Arroyo Seco and Los Angeles River Bicycle Paths, and used our outings to remind fellow dog owners to pick up their poo and trash to help stop pollution in our natural waterways.

Once we returned to the Greater LA area and settled in Pasadena, it became evident that the tests of time were catching up with my once 'brat boy.' The dog who once was 100% hound dog had become 100% gentleman. He was loved and adored by my river friends, my landlord, and my real estate office colleagues. In fact, my landlord and I would joke that he ran the household - we were just the hired help.

A few months ago, Witkin began losing weight and slowing down significantly, especially for a once very athletic dog. No longer could he jump into and out of my Jeep as he had done for so many years. Often, I would come home and find him shivering. Blood tests revealed the dreaded: he had Cushing's Disease and a cancerous tumor.

All dog lovers sooner or later face that awful moment of decision to put down their pet. It was painful but easier that I thought because I knew Witkin hated not being able to run around and rule the roost the way he always had. On March 2nd, Mr. Witkin went to the Rainbow Bridge.

So why an ode to this dog? Because Witkin was more than just a river dog - he was my exploring companion and faithful pal during my early years of watershed protection and river restoration. We 'ran' rivers all over California, though I could never get him into whitewater rafting. We drove along beaches and lakeshores and once almost got my 4x4 Jeep stuck in the sand. We'd sit and watch the full moon reflection on the Kern River together, illuminating the night sky as though it were day.

What Witkin taught me more than anything else is that the only thing that matters in this world is love - for me, that love is about rivers and how they nourish us. For Witkin, it was the love of running free in nature, chasing birds and squirrels whenever he could and his love for me. I always knew that after a long day of work, he would be sitting by the gate, greeting me with a howl as I got home.

Thank you, Mr. Witkin, for your unconditoinal love and for leading me to the river.

Renewable Energy Along Rivers? Tell the USACE What You Think

2011-03-15T09:45:00.000-07:00

As all of us who work in river restoration know, we cannot complete our projects without obtaining a plethora of permits from various governmental agencies. On average, a typical project will require between 10 and 18 permits.

One of the most important permits is the ubiquitous US Army Corps of Engineers Section 404 of the Clean Water Act permit and, in some cases, the Section 10 Rivers and Harbor Act of 1899 permit.

According to the USACE press release of February 16, 2011 (which I've just read thanks to fellow blogger Trouthead at Club EcoBlue Blog), the Corps is seeking comments on its proposal to renew and revise nationwide permits for work in wetlands and other waters. In addition, AND THIS IS THE BIGGIE, USACE is proposing to issue two new nationwide permits that pertain to authorizing renewable energy generation projects.

These nationwide Section 404 and Section 10 permits authorize activities that are similar in nature and cause only minimal adverse environmental impacts to aquatic resources separately or on a cumulative basis. Activities range from work associated with aids to navigation and utility lines to residential developments and maintenance activities. Many of the nationwide permits being proposed remain unchanged from 2007, according to the USACE press release, the last time the nationwide permits were authorized.

USACE division engineers may add, after public review and consultation, regional conditions to nationwide permits in order to protect local aquatic ecosystems such as fens or bottomland hardwoods or to minimize adverse effects on fish or shellfish spawning, wildlife nesting or other ecologically critical areas.

A public notice to solicit comments on the proposed set of revised nationwide permits was published in the February 16, 2011 Federal Register at http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-02-16/pdf/2011-3371.pdf. USACE will accept written comments for a 60-day period that ends on April 18, 2011. Comments may be submitted by e-mail to NWP2012@usace.army.mil or through the Federal eRulemaking portal at www.regulations.gov at docket number COE-2010-0035. The current set of nationwide permits expires March 18, 2012. The nationwide permits being proposed will replace the existing set.

Additional information about the Corps’ regulatory program can be found at http://www.usace.army.mil/CECW/Pages/cecwo_reg.aspx.

April 18th is a hard deadline for comments, so don't delay in adding your voice.

The Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council Needs a Few Good Men & Women

2011-03-11T09:59:00.000-08:00

Now that the March 8th elections are over, it's time to get back to the hard work of making our local communities better and safer.

Ever thought about where a lot of the real decisions are made in Los Angeles?

If you answered the local neighborhood council, you are correct. With 81 NCs cerified by the City of Los Angeles Dept of Neigborhood Empowerment, virtually every community has its local governing board that reports community issues to LA City Councilmembers while disbursing funds for worthwhile local community projects.

Here in the Arroyo Seco area of Los Angeles, there are several NCs, including the Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Council, the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council, the Glassell Park Neighborhood Council, and the Cypress Park Neighborhood Council.

Today, though, I want to focus on the Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council which serves the communities of Hermon, Monterey Hills, Mount Washington, Sycamore Grove, and Montecito Heights. (Disclaimer: I serve as secretary on this board.) ASNC has a long history of community outreach (our amazing CERT and animal rescue programs), advocacy (strong resolve to end the bulky item fee for condo owners), and local grant making (Audubon @ Debs Park nature activities, Mount Washington trail repair, sponsorship of Lummis Day Festival and Hermon Christmas Tree Lighting).

Despite a dedicated board, ASNC still needs a few good men (or women) to fill current vacancies, including:

Sycamore Grove Regional Representative
Montecito Heights Regional Representative
Faith-Based At Large Representative

The minimum qualification is to be an ASNC stakeholder, defined as "individuals who live, work, own property, or are parents or guardians of students attending school within ASNC boundaries, or who declare a stake in any one of its five communities and affirm the factual basis. . . ."

The ASNC board plans to fill these positions from the qualified candidates who come forward by the next scheduled monthly meeting, Monday, March 21 at Ramona Hall, 4580 North Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90065 starting at 7:00 p.m.

Isn't it time for you to be more active in local Arroyo Seco decision-making?

To apply, fill out and mail a candidate's form and provide a 100-word statement of interest to ASNC, PO Box 42254 Los Angeles, CA 90042.

For the form to apply to be the Sycamore Grove representative go here:http://www.asnc.us/ASNCCandidateForm2011SycamoreGrv.pdf

For the form to apply to be the Montecito Heights representative go here:http://www.asnc.us/ASNCCandidateForm2011MontecitoHts.pdf

For the form to apply to be the Faith-Based Organizations representative go here:http://www.asnc.us/ASNCCandidateForm2011Faith.pdf

For more details on all these openings, please contact ASNC Vice President Martha Benedict vicepresident@asnc.us.

Arroyo Property of the Week - Highland Park Exclusive!

2011-03-09T15:08:00.000-08:00

Nestled in the foothills of Highland Park, with amazing unobstructed views of the San Gabriel Mountains, this darling 3 bedroom, 1.75 bath home on a terraced lot makes it public debut on Thursday, March 10, 2011.

Built in 1923, the property heating, air conditioning, electrical, plumbing and foundation retrofitting were all updated within the past three years. The home features 1128 square feet of living space on a 5280 square foot lot with a detached two car garage.

The warm, cozy feel of this home is augmented with expansive views from both the living room picture windows and the upper terrace backyard.

The property also features a bonus space - basement under the house that could be finished for an office or rec room.

Best of all, this is a standard sale (meaning: not a lender owned property or short sale) at an amazing list price of $379,000.

Located just a few blocks south of York Blvd, this property boasts a 75 walkability score, close to all the trendy shops and galleries that NELA denizens love, including The York, MorYork Gallery, and Cafe de Leche with LA's first bicycle corral!

Come on by, check out this charmer, and say hello to me and Keller Williams co-agent James Pitcher on Thursday, March 10th, 10am to 2pm, 5106 Hub Street, Highland Park or call for a private showing at 323-230-9749.

Why Aren't LA River Advocates Screaming About CRA-LA's Demise?

2011-03-07T11:05:00.000-08:00

Why should river advocates care about whether or not the new state budget framework eliminates local community redevelopment agencies (CRAs)?

Take the CRA-LA scenario. There's always a lot of 'noise' about how CRA-LA takes 'poor' neighborhoods, calls them 'blighted' and then redevelops them, causing 'gentrification.' But the facts tell a different story:

.CRA-LA is the leader in providing affordable housing in the City of Los Angeles (homes!)
.CRA-LA provides financial assistance to small businesses with low cost loans and grants tied to employment generation (jobs!)
.CRA-LA's $1 investment leverages $3-5 in private investment (economic development!)

While it's true that all government monies need to be monitored and spent with greater care, the elimination of CRAs will have tremendous negative urban renewal impact because the CRA structure is the only tool cities in California have to 'jumpstart' local economic activity and construction projects.

Which brings me to the Los Angeles River. Currently, CRA-LA is involved in at least 3 key LA River-oriented activities:

1. CRA-LA has provided the 'seed' money and institutional support to move Los Angeles River Revitalization Corporation efforts forward, including the hiring of staff.

2. CRA-LA is working on a new redevelopment zone along the Los Angeles River at the Arroyo Seco Confluence southwards through the California State Historic Park using the Cornfields-Arroyo Seco Specific Plan (CASP) as its blueprint. CASP is an innovative plan to create a complete 'green' sustainable community just north of Downtown Los Angeles.

3. CRA-LA received federal funding to evaluate the Northeast Los Angeles River Study Zone (see photo above) as a potential redevelopment area. This area covers communities on both the east and west banks of the Los Angeles River, including the communities of Cypress Park, Atwater Village and Elysian Valley. The study will generate invaluable inventorying of community resources and stakeholder input within the River Zone Area.

If these projects are permanently suspended, Los Angeles River Revitalization efforts could be set back for years.

That's why tomorrow's CRA-LA/Los Angeles City Council Joint Meeting is so vital. Public comment is especially critical to persuade the Governor and State Legislature that Los Angeles River Revitalization through CRA-LA means jobs and a healthier community.

If you care about the Los Angeles River's future, come express yourself tomorrow, March 8th, 10:00am, Los Angeles City Hall Council Chambers. http://www.lacity.org/YourGovernment/CityCouncil/CouncilCalendar/index.htm

Arroyo Property of the Week - NEW Construction under $400,000

2011-03-05T17:34:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it?! Brand new construction with 3 bedrooms and 3 baths in view of the Arroyo Seco for under $400,000?

Believe it! This new listing, located in up and coming Montecito Heights, boasts 1880 square feet of living in a spacious and open floor plan. Located walking distance to Heritage Square Museum and bikeable to the Arroyo Gold Line Station, this terrific property is perfectly located so you can enjoy all that Arroyo Culture has to offer: Debs Park, Lummis House, Southwest Museum, and the Figueroa Business Corridor. In addition, it's freeway close and very commutable to Downtown Los Angeles, Pasadena, and Glendale.

This light and bright two-story Cape Cod, built in 2011, offers incredible value. In addition to a modern kitchen with granite counter tops, this home features a great second floor layout with sitting area. Just listed at $399,999, it's certain to find a new owner quickly.

So run, don't walk, to 3922 Homer Street before it's gone. Open this Sunday, March 6th from 1-4 pm. Tell them the Arroyo Lover sent you.

Walk About the Hahamongna This Saturday

2011-03-04T08:09:00.000-08:00

It's been quite a week for Pasadena's Hahamongna Watershed Park. Long a nature getaway for hikers, walkers, dog lovers, equestrians and birders far and wide, Hahamongna has recently been at the center of controversy relative to Los Angeles County's plan to remove 1.6 million cubic feet of sediment from behind Devil's Gate Dam at the south end of the natureland, which would cause irreparable damage to sensitive willow habitat.

Earlier this week, Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich sponsored a motion, approved by the Board of Supervisors, to conduct a full environmental impact report on the sediment management program at Devil's Gate Dam and Hahamongna in the Arroyo Seco. The motion included a provision that Public Works staff report back to the Supervisors within 30 days on short-term measures that might be needed to ensure the functioning and safety of the Devil's Gate Dam.

Now you can personally see what the fuss is all about.

Tomorrow, March 5th, The Save Hahamongna Coalition and the Arroyo Seco Foundation are hosting a FREE 3 hour 'walkabout' of the Hahamongna Watershed Park where visitors can stop at a number of 'learning stations' and discover more about the habitat, wildlife, birds and water resources in this unique flood basin at the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains.

You will also learn about new threats to the natural character of Hahamongna and what you can do to help protect this precious spot. Tours will leave each half hour from 9:00 am to 10:30 am, so reserve your place by going to http://www.savehahamongna.org/walkaboutrsvp.htm.

A President's Day Tribute to Nature

2011-02-21T08:24:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time not so long ago, Americans celebrated Abraham Lincoln's birthday on February 12th and George Washington's birthday on February 22nd. The creation of President's Day by Congress certainly added a 3-day weekend of relaxation for Americans but in the process we've lost an annual focus on the exceptional leadership of these two men and what inspired them during times of adversity.

What Washington and Lincoln had in common was they were both nature boys. While Lincoln grew up in a log cabin and Washington on a plantation, both were part of an agricultural society where interacting and being close to nature informed their upbringing and politics.

Mostly lost in modern holiday celebrations is how both the Age of Reason and direct observation of nature influenced our early leaders in molding and later preserving our democracy. While it is still debatable whether Washington and Lincoln were in fact deists, it is unmistakable that they believed in divine creation, man/woman's ability to reason, and the ability for humans to behave morally.

They looked to nature for models of how systems and animals integrated together to work in harmony. Washington sought to bring 'a more perfect union' and Lincoln to save 'a house divided against itself.'

Today, instead of shopping and 'hanging out,' let's take our children for a walk in nature and reflect on how our natural environment shaped both our presidents' lives and our national identity.

Arroyo Property of the Week - REAL Lofts in Pasadena

2011-02-19T11:50:00.000-08:00

When people think of lofts, they generally think of transit-oriented projects or Downtown Los Angeles pied a terres.

But the Eastside of Pasadena has been home to a terrific real loft community since 1992 when an innovative entrepreneur (way before lofts were hot stuff) stumbled upon a sad, badly bruised cluster of warehouses that even the bank did not want to own.

With vision and cooperation from the City of Pasadena, the Studios at Walnut became the first project of 13 units allocated by the City for live/work lofts.

Today, the Studios sit at the juncture of the growing renaissance of East Pasadena. Just a couple blocks from the Gold Line Station and Colorado Boulevard, the Studios boast a terrific walkability score of 72 and amazing bicycle commuting mobility.

This enclave of artists and creative professionals allows both privacy and community in one of the true urban settings in Pasadena.

Designed as rental units (yes, that's right, you don't need to buy one to live here), the Studios are almost always fully leased.

So that's why the current availability of two units for rent present such a terrific opportunity for the artistically minded, especially with the new home of the Noises Within Theatre Company Complex just a few blocks away.

Don't miss this rare chance to experience real loft living in Pasadena. Find out more at info@studiosatwalnut.com or 626-578-1696.

Arroyo Property of the Week - Open Super Bowl Sunday

2011-02-05T09:17:00.000-08:00

No other property lifestyle symbolizes Arroyo Culture more than the quintessential Bungalow Courtyard.

Now, a rare opportunity to own one of these adorable bungalows in Pasadena has arrived, blending the best of history recognized by a National Register of Historic Places Designation with the finest in modern amenities.

This new-to-the-market charmer was designed by renowned architect Cyril Bennett, AIA, circa 1915, during the era of the California Arts & Crafts Movement.

Totally restored, refreshed and updated with a modern kitchen and bath, 291 N. Garfield Avenue, Pasadena, is a two bedroom, one bath bungalow of 792 square feet on a 1792 square foot lot, with private back patio.

Listed at an affordable $344,500 (not a misprint!), this cozy retreat boasts an amazing 92 walkability score due to its proximity to Pasadena City Hall, the Central Library, Paseo Colorado and Old Pasadena. Ditch your car (although you can rent a monthly parking space behind the bungalows for $80 a month) and bicycle through one of California's prettiest cities the way that Albert Einstein once did. Pasadena's terrific bicycle culture means convenient bike racks and bicycle access to the nearby Memorial Park Gold Line Rail Station, whisking you to Downtown Los Angeles and other work and play destinations.

Can't wait to see this gem? No need to worry!

Stop by its first public viewing on Sunday, February 6th from 12 noon to 3:00pm. I'll be there to show this darling home to you. Yes, it's Super Bowl Sunday, so you can both house shop, then stroll down to the YardHouse in Paseo Colorado to watch the game at 3:30pm.

291 N. Garfield is the perfect place for a sustainable lifestyle: historical details+modern amenities+walkability+affordability in highly desirable Pasadena. Stop by and see for yourself!

Franklin High Arroyo Seco Academy Students Design Urban Trails

2011-01-30T22:40:00.000-08:00

Los Angeles City Council District Member Ed Reyes welcomed more than 50 community leaders to the recent open house at Franklin High School in Highland Park for a special presentation of student work highlighting more than 30 urban trails connecting the Los Angeles State Historic Park (the Cornfields) with surrounding communities.

A joint project of the City of Los Angeles, the National Park Service, and the Transportation Academy section of the Arroyo Seco Academy at Franklin High School, this senior high school student generated experential learning program used a 'learn by doing' approach whereby the students had to study the neighborhoods, then walk/bicycle them to finalize the creation of their trail.

The project, under the direction of Patrick Johnston of the National Park Service, (shown right here with some participating students), engaged Academy students in developing research, planning, visual design, and presentation skills.

The open house featured an opening welcome, followed by visits to 'stations' throughout the school cafeteria where students both presented their trail design and answered questions from participants.

Here, Los Angeles City Planner Claire Bowin asks questions of a trail team who have created a bicycle path leading from the State Park to Highland Park. The students used a wide variety of visual tools - from powerpoint presentations to table displays to multi-media trail layouts.

One of the highlights of the open house was learning more about the City of Los Angeles' heritage, culture, and history. Most trails had themes: foodie places to stop, historic buildings to see, natural resources to see, monuments to see, Little Tokyo sites, Downtown Civic sites, and so on. It was fascinating watching the students 'defend' their work and this sometimes jaded writer who has been in Southern California for over 30 years had to admit she learned something new!

My personal favorite: the skateboarding trail from Chinatown to the Cornfields. Based on the terrific work done here, I see a number of promising planners for our future.

Arroyo Property of the Week

2011-01-28T16:59:00.000-08:00

Highland Park along the Arroyo Seco seems to be the place to be these days for terrific rehabs of residential properties, adding upgrades and hip modern touches.

This week we get to look at a great 'pocket listing' nestled in the hills north of York Boulevard. That's right. It's not in the multiple listing service (MLS) but you can learn about it here!

This recently refurbished property features a terraced hillside footprint with unobstructed views.

The main house, located on the upper terrace, includes a wrap-around terrace for entertaining and to take in those fabulous views. The property is full of the lush urban nature ambiance so loved in the Arroyo Culture of Northeast Los Angeles.

The studio on the lower terrace is the perfect writer's retreat, quiet with bucolic views.

Both the main house and the studio boast open floor plans with sleek detailing. The kichen- dining area great room is perfect for both casual dining and parties.

Enticed so far? Check out lots of property photos here: http://www.1843upperton.com/

This adorable 3 bedroom, 2 bath property plus studio can be yours for $649,000.

And don't worry. Just because the property is not being promoted via the MLS doesn't mean that you can't see it, because it will be open this Sunday, January 30th, from 1-4pm.

Just remember when you stop by to mention that you found out about this terrific property from the Arroyo Lover!

Cal Poly Students Roam the LA River on Bicycles

2011-01-25T14:28:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday found the Cal Poly Pomona Urban & Regional Planning 487 class on the streets of Elysian Valley, doing a site visit as part of their conceptual design plan to create a Neighborhood Gateway Center in this neighborhood on the West Bank of the Los Angeles River.

But this was no typical planning site visit. It was a bicycle tour of the neighborhood and LA River by 40 enthusiastic planning students, searching for the clues that make each community, including Elysian Valley, unique.

The morning started with coffee and overview presentations by LA River, CRA-LA, and neighborhood leaders at the Frank Romero Frogtown Art Studio on Blake Avenue.

Speakers included LA River Office Director, Dr. Carol Armstrong, CRA-LA liaison to the LA River Revitalization Corporation, Jason Neville, Friends of the LA River Executive Director Shelly Backlar, Dorris Place Elementary Principal Susan Grant, and CRA-LA Northeast Los Angeles River Study Area Planner and Team Leader, Allison Becker. Also in attendance for CRA were Jessica Cowley of the Neighborhood Design Studio, Outreach Coordinator Michael Cortez, and Technical Services Coordinator Alex Holsheimer. Each short presentation helped orient the students to the neighborhood's history and character as well as opportunities and challenges for river restoration and community revitalization.

Then it was outside to the bicycles and a roving tour of the neighborhood and the river, via the newly opened LA River Bicycle Path, to visit landmarks, ask questions of the presenters who were posted at various stations throughout the community, and take pictures of buildings, green streets, and local color that will help them design an important new gateway community hub that will connect Frogtown, as it is affectionately called, with the LA River and beyond, including an imagined future bridge across the River to connect this neighborhood with Taylor Yard and the Rio de Los Angeles State Park on the East Bank.

Based upon the level of curiosity and energy at the site visit, expectations are high for a terrific final conceptual plan, which will be completed in March. Check back then to see the final product.

Special thanks to local businesses Antigua Cultural Coffee House for providing coffee and Flying Pigeon LA for providing bicycles.

How about exploring your neighborhood from the seat of a bicycle?

Arroyo Property of the Week

2011-01-21T23:34:00.000-08:00

How about this for a view?

One of the great reasons why so many people love to live along the Arroyo Seco in Los Angeles is the terrific viewshed from the rolling hills of the region.

Often I talk about historic properties and Arroyo Culture, but today I want to focus on the great new architectural styling that defines the Arroyo as well.

Sleek and modern yet well-designed for a hillside lot, this inspired architectural home from award-winning John Raymond Byram AIA exhibits a signature presence that exudes a stately confidence.

This 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath open floor plan's interior does not disappoint, either. From the cook's kitchen with state of the art appliances to the high end finishes and materials, including bamboo flooring and custom aluminum windows and doors, this elegant home will please anyone who appreciates modernist architecture.

Byram, a Pasadena-based architect who has designed a number of homes in Northeast Los Angeles, is also a professional watercolorist, and his eye for color and line are evident everywhere in this magnificent property.

Its perch on a quiet cul-de-sac with easy access to freeways and shopping blends the best of the city with an urban nature ambiance.

But why take my word for it? You can check out this amazing property yourself this Sunday, January 23rd, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Details here: http://www.3907verdugoview.com/

How About Some Geotourism along the Arroyo Seco?

2011-01-19T07:37:00.000-08:00

What is geotourism and how is it different from ecotourism?

According to the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, geotourism goes beyond ecotourism because its goal is to sustain and enhance the geographic character of a place - its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well being of its residents.

The Conservancy, in a public-private partnership with the National Geographic Society and the Sierra Business Council, has undertaken The Sierra Nevada Geotourism Project, which seeks to celebrate the Sierra Nevada as a world‐class destination, while contributing to the economic health of the region by promoting sustainable tourism.

History buffs and adventurers, backpackers and foodies, birders and sightseers can discover unique destinations based on recommendations from those who know best — residents of the Sierra Nevada.

Nominations for three regions have been completed and this week marks the kick-off for nominations for the Southern Sierra Nevada, which includes my beloved Kern River. This video tells more about the mapping nomination process:

Why am I blogging about the Siera Nevada when my focus is on the Arroyo Seco and Los Angeles Rivers? First, because many Southern Calfornians visit and enjoy the Sierra Nevadas regularly, so why not suggest your favorite places?

You can make your nominations here: http://www.sierranevadageotourism.org/participate.php

Just as importantly, I'm wondering why don't we have our own Arroyo Seco and Los Angeles River Watershed Geotourism Project? What do you think? How do we set one up? How do we let Southern California visitors know that we have terrific natural wonders and unique local character(s) to behold?

Important Upcoming Los Angeles River Meetings & Outreach

2011-01-17T10:59:00.000-08:00

Spring is in the air and there are lots of upcoming public events providing information and updates on the restoration and revitalization of the Los Angeles River.

1. Los Angeles has released a Notice of Intent to issue a Negative Declaration for the Albion Dairy and Remediation for the Albion Riverside Park Project. Comments can be submitted until February 4, 2011, to Maria.Martin@lacity.org.

The Initial Study is available for review at the Lincoln Heights Branch Library, 2530 Workman Street; Council District 1 - District Office, 163 South Avenue 24, Room 202, Lincoln Heights 90031; Bureau of Engineering, Environmental Management Group (EMG), 1149 S. Broadway (contact Maria Martin at (213) 485-5753); or online at http://eng.lacity.org/techdocs/emg.

2. CRA/LA is seeking community members for its Northeast Los Angeles (NELA) River Corridor Study Area Steering Committee. This one-year term volunteer board is open to residents and business owners in the communities of Atwater Village, Cypress Park, Elysian Valley and Glassell Park. The deadline for application is January 28, 2011. Detailed information and the application are available at http://www.crala.org/internet-site/Projects/NELA/News_Events.cfm

3. CRA/LA is also seeking members for its Cornfield Arroyo Seco Specific Plan & Redevelopment Project Area Community Advisory Committee.This one-year term volunteer board is open to residents and business owners in the communities covered by the CASP. The deadline for application is February 11, 2011. Detailed information on qualifications to sit on this committee and application are available at: http://www.crala.org/internetsite/Projects/Proposed_Cornfield_Arroyo_Seco/Plans_and_Work_Program.cfm

4. The 2011 Los Angeles River Update Meeting, A Confluence of Communities and Ideas, will be held on Thursday, February 10, 2011, from 6-8:30pm at the Office of City Councilmember Dennis Zine (District 3), 19040 Vanowen Street, Reseda, near the recently approved LA River - Aliso Creek Confluence Project. Current San Fernando Valley LA River Projects can be accessed here: http://ens.lacity.org/councilcmte/lariver/events/lariverevents265269847_01132011.pdf

5. SAVE THE DATE! Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's 2011 'Day of Service' will focus solely on LA River-related projects this year. The Day of Service will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2011, to coincide with the Friends of the Los Angeles River annual La Gran Limpieza River Cleanup. Details are forthcoming at http://www.lariver.org/ and http://www.folar.org/.

Arroyo Property of the Week

2011-01-13T23:19:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know that Eagle Rock is not within the Arroyo Seco watershed (it's in the Verdugo). But as someone who once lived in this community, I can fairly state that most Eagle Rock residents consider themselves Arroyo lovers, due to the community's close physical and emotional proximity to the Arroyo Seco and Pasadena.

Regardless, there are no doubts about why Hill Drive (originally Hill Avenue) is one of the prettiest streets in all of Los Angeles. Even residents who do not live on Hill Drive love to make the trip up the hill to walk their dog or take a romantic stroll with their loved one.

Among the stately homes that grace this tucked-away street is this newly listed 1925 Mediterranean Revival which has recently undergone a complete interior make-over, resulting in a beautiful mix of elegant grandeur with all the modern luxury one could want, including an inspired cook's kitchen, spa-like master bath, and playful backyard with dramatic pool and treetop views.

The main house features almost 2500 square feet of living space, including an exquisite master suite, two additional bedrooms and a total of 2.5 baths. The 800 square foot guest house boasts both a loft-style game room and a bedroom and bath.

The multi-tiered backyard with pool and spa is perfect for entertaining and the property also includes a 2-car garage on a 10,000 square foot lot.

Of course, there is multi-zone central heat and air conditioning, too.

What would you pay to live in this beauty on the best street in Eagle Rock?

Come check out this terrific property on Thursday, January 27th from 10am to 2 pm and Sunday, January 30th from 1-4pm. More details at: http://www.redfin.com/CA/Los-Angeles/1651-Hill-Dr-90041/home/7171237

Los Angeles River Cooperation Committee Chooses First Project

2011-01-12T09:16:00.000-08:00

Monday January 10th marked the first meeting of the newly reorganized Los Angeles River Cooperation Committee, comprised of representatives from the City of Los Angeles Engineering Office/LA River Office, Bureau of Sanitation, Recreation & Parks Dept as well as the Watershed Management and Water Resources Divisions of the LA County Flood Control District. The US Army Corps of Engineers participates as a non-voting member.

Committee Co-Chair Gary Lee Moore, of the LA Engineering Office, presided over a full agenda and a packed house, including community representatives from Friends of the Los Angeles River, Northeast Trees, Silver Lake Conservancy, Native Plant Society, and the LA Fire Department Search and Rescue Division.

Two major topics dominated this meeting: First, regional representatives of the California High Speed Rail Authority (HSR) gave an informative update on HSR alignment crossing the Los Angeles River along three vital segments: Los Angeles Union Station to Palmdale (which also affects the Los Angeles River-Arroyo Seco Confluence), Los Angeles Union Station to Anaheim, and Los Angeles Union Station to San Diego. The southern route designs currently look at trestle bridging over the LA River, but of the 4 designs proposed through downtown northward through the Taylor Yard right of way, three now are tunneling options, where the trains would run 70 feet under the Los Angeles River. Design 4 which tunnels under the River and exits at the surface near the 2 Freeway and Fletcher Drive was a new proposal and finally one from HSR that seeks to complement rather than compete with LA River restoration activities in Cypress Park near the Rio de Los Angeles State Park and the new LAUSD high school.

The second top item was the presentation by Tori Kjer of the Trust for Public Land (TPL) on the LA River and Aliso Creek Confluence Project in the west San Fernando Valley, which creates a riverside greenway on a Los Angeles Department of Water & Power easement and a portion of a vacated street east of Wilbur Avenue and Kittridge Street. This project, which has already received partial grant funding, was unanimously approved by the Committee as its first project. This project also includes the Rivers & Mountain Conservation Authority (RMCA) as a partner.

Other river projects underway incudes the Headwaters Project on Owensmouth Avenue in the West San Fernando Valley and the North Valleyheart Riverwalk in Studio City.

Committee member activity reports included the following:

USACE - There will be a federal site visit within the next couple weeks along the Ecosystem Restoration Study area of the LA River. The Corps will also be having a 'sweet spot' workshop with High Speed Rail in the new few weeks to work out final alignments along the River.

LA River Office - North Atwater Park and the Elysian Valley Bikeway both had successful groundbreaking and dedication ceremonies, respectively. Omar Brownson has been named as new Executive Director of the Los Angeles River Revitalization Corporation. There will be a public River Update meeting at 6:30pm on February 10th in Reseda, location to be announced. This year's Mayor's Day of Service on March 12th will focus solely on the LA River and project ideas should be sent to Carol Armstrong.

Bureau of Sanitation - The Low Impact Development Ordinance was approved by the LA City Council and is now at the City Attorney's office for review. The groundbreaking occurred for a new green alley at Vineland Avenue and Burbank Boulevard, which will recapture enough groundwater to serve 60 homes annually. The Avenue 19/Humboldt Pocket Park Stormwater Capture project is underway. A blighted alley in South LA at Manchester and Figueroa is being converted to a green groundwater project in cooperation with Caltrans. All these projects are efforts to comply with the TMDL Implementation Program.

Other updates included:

The proposed LA-Rio (Los Angeles River Improvement Overlay) Ordinance is now out of the City Attorney's office and back in Planning, where significant revisions are likely to comply with other recent ordinances including the Green Streets and LID Ordinances.

There will be no LA River federal advocacy trip to Washington this year. However, the Committee is hoping to hold meetings with local Congressional leaders and perhaps State legislators in March.

Proposed topics for the next meeting, scheduled for Monday, April 4th at 1:00pm include an update from the County on the Sediment Removal Plan and a request from FOLAR on River access. This meeting will be held at the LA County Dept of Public Works, 900 S. Fremont Avenue, Alhambra, in the conference center there.

Who Needs an Alarm Clock in Pasadena?

2011-01-10T08:25:00.000-08:00

Who needs an alarm clock in Pasadena with wild parrots visiting in the early morning hours? Yes, they swooped down onto my neighbor's tree at 7:00am this morning in full grandeur. So much for my beauty sleep!

If you don't live in the Pasadena-Altadena-South Pasadena-Sierra Madre areas, you probably don't know that residents here have a natural alarm clock. The Parrots of Pasadena. as they are generally called, are a flock of hundreds of feral parrots, who migrate along the Arroyo Seco corridor in search of food and adventure. The Parrots are so notorious that they are even mentioned on the City of Pasadena's Wikipedia page as local icons!

According to the Los Angeles Parrot Project (http://www.californiaparrotproject.org/), there are at least five species represented in the flock, although the red lored Amazon Parrot seems to be the most common. Many theories abound as to how this large flock has come to circle the city on a regular basis. Some say they were brought to the area years ago from Mexico and set loose; the most popular explanation suggests they were set free for their own survival from a large pet emporium on East Colorado Boulevard when the building caught on fire in 1959.

Regardless of their origin, the Parrots of Pasadena are a common sight - welcomed by some as 'local color' - hated by others as a nuisance.

In case you've never seen them in action, take a look and a listen here:

Arroyo Property of the Week

2011-01-07T11:53:00.000-08:00

What a difference a few months make along the Arroyo Seco in Northeast Los Angeles!

On the left, a 1911 Highland Park Craftsman style home, modified and neglected somewhat over the years. On the right, the same home after ModOp Design's restoration and modern finishes.

This property, a 2 bedroom, 1 bath listed at $479,000, is new to the market and boasts all the features that Arroyo Culture lovers adore: careful attention to historic architectural details including restoration of the original porch, a rainwater friendly landscape, and decorator touches that feature adaptive reuse of original window sill and wood planking, including the custom made picnic table in the Retro Cool backyard entertainment area.

Best of all, while the exterior reclaims its classic 1911 charm, the interior makes the 100 year leap to 2011 upgrades, including double paned wood windows, custom cabinetry, sold walnut floors, new electrical and plumbing systems, and Carrara Marble and Heath Ceramic accents. In addition to the backyard covered entertainment area, the property also boasts an oversized two car garage perfect for a workshop.

Even if you are not in the market to buy a new home, you owe it to yourself to wander over to 1701 N. Avenue 56, north of York Blvd., this Sunday, January 9th, from 1-4pm to see how modern rehab touches that include restoration are done right. Details here: http://www.1701ave56.com/.

Trouble at the Lower Arroyo Seco Corral

2011-01-03T08:57:00.000-08:00

The 'new business' item on the January 4, 2011, agenda of the Pasadena Recreation and Parks Commission looks simple enough: 'Reconfiguration of Trails and Introduction of Fencing in the Southern Archery Range Area of the Lower Arroyo Seco.'

Beneath the surface, though, conflict has been brewing between two groups - recreational hikers/runners/dog walkers and the Pasadena Roving Archers Club - who essentially want the same thing: better safety conditions that will stop hikers/runners/dog walkers from wandering into the active use archery range where bow and arrow aficionados have been taking target practice and hosting competitions since 1935.

The cause of this dispute? A recommendation by Pasadena City staff to erect split natural rail fencing on a temporary basis to establish two separate areas within the archery area of the always popular Lower Arroyo Seco Nature Park.

To understand the current seemingly hikers/runners/dog walkers vs archers situation, it's necessary to start with the Lower Arroyo Seco Master Plan, which was adopted in 2003 by the Pasadena City Council. That plan includes provisions to address potential conflicts between archery and other uses by calling for improvements to signage, trails, shooting lanes and habitat restoration.

In 2005, a new hiking trail was established between the archery range and the multi-use trail immediately adjacent to the channelized Arroyo Seco stream. Per the City's staff report, boulders, native plantings, and natural wooden posts were used to delineate the new trail and discourage trail users from leaving the new path.

But here's the rub: many hikers/runners/dog walkers still continue to use the OLD 'abandoned' trail segments, which traverses the archery shooting line. Obviously, everyone is concerned about human (and hopefully dog) safety with pedestrians in that area during archery events.

To provide a temporary solution because it does not currently have the funding necessary to complete its original trail plan, the City is proposing the construction of fencing that will divide the archery area into two sections: Targets 1 through 14, which will be dedicated solely to archery on a full-time basis, and Targets 15-28 which will be used for archery only on designated days and by special permit. The City will also construct temporary signage.

It appears that the archers are not too happy with the City's plan, judging by their website and Facebook postings. They are concerned that a new requirement to obtain permits for archery events, coupled with reduce usage on Targets 15-28 will negatively impact their long-standing archery program (see my blog of December 27th on the popularity of Lower Arroyo Seco Nature Park).

Some hikers/runners/dog walkers, on the other hand, either mistakenly take the old trail or do so intentionally because they 'like this hike better' than the new trail segment. My personal observation is that there is not nearly enough signage to alert hikers/runners/dog walkers of the archery range's location and possible imminent danger. Since so many hikers/runners/dog walkers traverse the Lower Arroyo Seco from connecting trails, it is possible that they are not aware of archery activity without such signage. (Thankfully, no hikers or dogs have been injured by arrows yet but that risk is always apparent.)

Can hikers/runners/dog walkers and archers get along in an area where the classic film, The Adventures of Robin Hood with Errol Flynn was filmed? Will temporary fencing really solve this safety issue? And what about the dogs that run around off-leash in that area, even though their owners should know better? Will the dogs understand to stop at the fencing? If you use the Lower Arroyo Seco Nature Park as part of your outdoor recreation/nature activities, you might want to voice your opinion at the January 4th R&P meeting, starting at 6:00pm at the Pasadena Senior Center.

Visioning the Future: The Arroyo Seco-Highland Park LA-RIO Design Plan

2011-01-02T12:12:00.000-08:00

Imagine what is possible if the Arroyo Seco became a designated

LA-RIO (Los Angeles River Improvement Overlay)

Special District under the City of Los Angeles proposed ordinance.

That's just what a team of Cal Poly Pomona Urban & Regional Planning graduate students did, under the direction of my humble tutelage in the fall of 2009, when they created the Arroyo Seco Highland Park LA-RIO Conceptual Design Plan.

The LA-RIO Ordinance is designed to bring watershed principles to real estate development and redevelopment along one-half mile on each side of the Los Angeles River Corridor. Here's the LA-RIO Ordinance factsheet: http://planning.lacity.org/Code_Studies/Rioproject/factsheet.pdf.

The Ordinance also provides the major tributaries, including the Arroyo Seco, the opportunity to participate as an LA-RIO district. The Ordinance was approved in principle by the LA City Council last year and is currently under legal review and amendment to comply with municipal law. River lovers hope that this ordinance, along with the recently passed Low Impact Development (LID) Ordinance, will be formally enacted in 2011.

Follow this link to view the entire Arroyo Seco Highland Park LA-RIO Conceptual Design Plan: http://www.arroyoseco.org/asrio.htm

What do YOU think? Should the Arroyo Seco become an LA-RIO District?

Here's to a Happy New Year Along the Arroyo Seco

2011-01-01T14:42:00.000-08:00

As we enter a new year and a new decade, I want to take a moment to focus on why I write this blog: to teach us all how to love, respect and restore our fresh river waterways.

Since the 97th Rose Bowl Game is being played today, it seems appropriate to spend a moment talking about the historic Arroyo Seco whose waters flow through Brookside Golf Course and just to the west of the 'granddaddy of them all' football stadium. Pictures speak louder than words, so here's the video I produced and directed which showcases the important urban river restoration work that the City of Pasadena and Arroyo Seco Foundation project team completed along the Arroyo Seco in 2008. The next time you visit the Rose Bowl/Brookside Park, take a walk along the Arroyo just south of Parking Lot I and discover nature in the city.

Our work is never done, so please make one of your New Year's Resolutions the commitment to come join us for the 22nd Great River Cleanup on Saturday, April 30, 2011. Details here: http://folar.org/?page_id=5

Enjoy...and may all your dreams come true!

The Cal Poly Float: A Rose Parade Tradition

2010-12-31T10:39:00.000-08:00

For the past 63 years, the California State Polytechnic Universities (San Luis Obispo and Pomona) have joined engineering and design forces to create an annual animated Rose Parade float.

This year is no different. Based upon this year's year's parade theme: Building Dreams, Friendships and Memories, the Cal Poly Rose Float takes us out of this world with 'Galactic Expedition.'

As a Cal Poly professor, I was able to access the float's workshop at the Rose Bowl and am happy to share this behind the scenes look at how the finishing touches are placed on a Rose Parade float.

Controlled chaos would be the best description. Here's what the float looked like at 1:00pm on December 30th, with judging due at 2:30pm on December 31st.

It's true that most of the flowers are put on the float at the last minute, so judging is done with the 'final' touches of arrays of flowers in place, but clearly the float had a long way to go to completion. (But it will get done!)

The Cal Poly float effort is really symbolic of most of the float making in the parade. Despite recent
'corporate' floats that can cost up to a $1 million to create and build, many of the most popular and long standing floats come from schools like Cal Poly and local cities like La Canada-Flintridge and South Pasadena. These community floats are all created by volunteer work with donation support.

The Cal Poly float is an interesting example of cooperation between two Cal Poly campuses (the San Luis Obispo engineering students design the technology - the Pomona students construct the float) involving an integrated array of volunteers that include students, staff, faculty, parents, grandparents, spouses, siblings, and friends. The Cal Poly float team even has an alumni group for those who have worked on the float over the years!

The volunteers come and work in shifts, while taking periodic 'lunch breaks' with a food tent and porta potties handy so that valuable work time is not lost.

What was just as amazing as watching this float constructed was observing the tremendous sense of community among all the workers and visitors, a community that all float volunteers share, regardless of sponsor. This is what helps make the Rose Parade so magical - it's long tradition of floral floats and multi-generational, multi-cultural bringing together of families and friends during the holiday season with only one goal in mind: build a prize-winning float. One of the most touching moments of my visit was watching an elderly couple showing their grandchildren toddlers the float and proudly exclaiming: We used to work on this float and someday you will too.

Last year, the Cal Poly float won the Bob Hope Humor Award, but the campuses are most proud of earning the 'Viewers Choice Award' for the past 2 years. This award is given annually to the most popular float based on viewer votes from those watching the Parade with Bob Eubanks and Stephanie Edwards on KTLA, Los Angeles oldest independent television station.

So here's my unabashed promotion to ask you to vote for Cal Poly's Rose Float as this year's Viewer's Choice Award' to give the Cal Poly Broncos a 'three-peat.' Here are the rules: you can vote a maximum of five times and voting takes place on Saturday, January 1, 2010 between 8:00am and 2:10pm.

Whether you are watching the parade live on TV or in person, text FLOAT14 to 50649 from your mobile phone to cast your vote for Float #14, Galactic Expedition. You can also vote online at www.tournamentofroses.com/viewers-choice-award. Don't forget to note you are voting for Float #14! Vote early, vote often (up to 5 times!)

Happy wishes to all participants for a smooth travel down Colorado Boulevard in the 2011 Tournament of Roses Parade, the 'granddaddy of them all!'

Archers & Casters & Horses....Oh My!

2010-12-27T19:34:00.000-08:00

It was the day after Christmas and I was expecting a crowd and parking challenges...but not at the Lower Arroyo Seco Nature Park in Pasadena!

Maybe it was the week of rain; maybe it was the desire to walk off Christmas dinner; maybe it was the Rose Bowl/Parade visitors; regardless, the Lower Arroyo was so busy with walkers, dogs, fly fishermen and equestrians that it was almost impossible to find parking in the park's lot!

Though this bucolic spot is a favorite with joggers and dog walkers, the Lower Arroyo, as we fondly call it, is also the home to some of Pasadena's oldest outdoor recreation groups.

First, there are the Pasadena Roving Archers (PRA), "dedicated to the art of the bow and arrow in the Lower Arroyo Seco since 1935." Men, women, young adults and children are all members of this long-standing non-profit group. All are bound together by the sport of archery, or the bow and arrow, my dad would call it. PRA is home to beginners, weekend enthusiasts, regional, state and international archers.

Did you know archery in the Arroyo Seco has a long history with organized competition starting in the early nineteen thirties? The Pasadena Roving Archers has been a part of that history and is charged with operating and maintaining the Lower Arroyo's archery range.

PRA members provide hundreds of hours of volunteer service to maintain these facilities and provide archery instruction to archers from 8 to 80. All of the PRA archery instructors have been certified by the National Archery Association. Archery classes with the PRA are a good way to learn the sport and this club is always looking for new enthusiastic members. Check them out at http://www.rovingarchers.com/.

Another terrific group that has been calling the Lower Arroyo home since 1947 is the Pasadena Casting Club, where current and future fly fishermen can practice the scientific art of angling and casting. This Club, a charter member of the Federation of Fly Fishers, also supports fish, habitat and natural resource conservation. The park's large casting pond is the ideal spot for fishermen young and old to take casting lessons or just hang around and tell fish tales at the PCC Clubhouse. You can find out how to join this club at www.pasadenacastingclub.org.

Curious how the Arroyo Seco would look and act if it was not covered in concrete? Look no further than the Lower Arroyo because, thanks to the City of Pasadena and BFI, a naturalized diversion of the stream wends its way through the area, reminding visitors of both the river's past and its hopeful future to once again flow free.

It appears that the Lower Arroyo is no longer a Pasadena Best-Kept Secret but that shouldn't stop you and your family from coming down for a little river fun in the city.

A River Lover's 12 Days of Christmas

2010-12-23T13:02:00.000-08:00

As the traditional 12 days of Christmas arrive, here's my wish for the 12 things we could all do to love our rivers:

1. We will start each day by asking, 'where' is the water' and 'how do I protect it?'

2. We will re-connect with nature and enjoy the powerful joy of being present in the outdoors.

3. We will learn about and employ a watershed approach to resource management, including changing our approach to land use and real estate development to integrate healthy rivers into our urban designs.

4. We will stop tossing our trash out our car windows, onto our sidewalks, and among our nature trails because we know that everything that touches the ground ends up in our rivers and oceans.

5. We will honor our natural water systems by supporting a healthy habitat first, followed by reliable safety and flood control systems.

6. We will help injured animals and people in distress, coming from love, not ego, whenever we see them in pain or danger.

7. We will wonder at the birds that fly, the fish that swim, the animals that forage, and the peace that is known along a bucolic riverway, whether an urban, suburban, or rural stream.

8. We will be grateful for the safe. clean drinking water we have while we work to conserve water and improve secure potable water delivery in harmony with natural cycles.

9. We will revitalize our neighborhoods using 'green' principles that will protect our earth, water and sky.

10. We will practice individual and collective stewardship, to always leave our rivers, seashores, and wildlands in better condition than how we found them.

11. We will teach our children and grandchildren how to play in nature and be self-reliant, so they will know how to protect our rivers when we are gone.

12. We will remember that our bodies are comprised mostly of water and as such, we are the river. We will come to understand that restoring our rivers is also healing our own personal health.

Lake Hahamongna Appears in Pasadena

2010-12-21T20:37:00.000-08:00

If you were a casual observer, you might think that the above photo features a bucolic lake in the Midwest or South.

When the camera pulls back, though, it's evident that Lake Hahamongna is right here in Pasadena just above Devil's Gate Dam, where the Arroyo Seco flows through the Hahaongna Watershed Park, one of the last intact allevial fans in urbanized Southern California. (That's NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory in the far distance.)

The recent Los Angeles area rainstorms have dropped about 9 inches of rain in this foothills area, as of noon on December 21st, with another major storm entering the region tonight. Even though the flow of the Arroyo Seco is clearer than after last year's rains, this shot just above the Dam shows significant sediment build-up, possibly a result of last year's Station Fire.

By my estimation, Lake Hahamongna appears to be about two to four feet deep. The red buoys in the photos are to hold back debris flows from the Upper Arroyo Seco Canyon. If you look closely, you'll see branch and log debris in addition to the sediment above the buoys.

This beautiful lake is reminiscent of the Arroyo Seco and the Los Angeles River in days of yore when both riverways ran free - a place where earth, water, vegetation, and animals lived in harmony among our Native Americans fishing for trout while floating along their waters in canoes. And as we all know, the Arroyo Seco is one of the main tributaries of the Los Angeles River, where fish movement once reached over 50 miles from the mountains to the sea.

Does this look like the place where soccer fields should be?

Even the Ducks Won't Get in the LA River

2010-12-20T17:42:00.000-08:00

It was time to get out and survey the Arroyo Seco and LA Rivers today and check on water flows caused by our current heavy rainstorms.

To no surprise, both riverways were flowing heavily without obstruction and I did not note any obvious debris flows coming down the Arroyo Seco from the Station Fire burn areas.

As usual, it was interesting to note how the flow of the Arroyo Seco increases as it moves into the Northeast Los Angeles neighborhoods, mostly due to small stream and tributary flow from the North Branch in Highland Park at Sycamore Grove Park.

While I'm thrilled to see our local rivers actually filled with water, I'm sad that only 11% of this water will be captured by groundwater percolation, meaning that the rest will rush through the concrete channels to the ocean.

On a happier note, the LA City Council's approval of the Low Impact Development (LID) Ordinance this past week is a step in the right direction towards improving groundwater percolation and decreasing storm water run off into our riverways. As the photo above taken at Eads Avenue and the Los Angeles River attests, stormwater running along our streets ultimately finds its way, along with lots of trash and toxins, into our rivers.

While I'm still awaiting LA County Flood Control data, anecdotally, it's safe to say that when the ducks won't get into the LA River, the flow is pretty strong. This should be a guide for humans who are talking, tweeting and blogging about how they're going to kayak or coast down the LA River in this rain. I hope they'll take a clue from the ducks and stay safe.

The Station Fire, One Year Later: Post-Fire Habitat Restoration & Recovery Symposium

2010-12-18T20:16:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe that more than a year has passed since the devastating Station Fire in the Angeles National Forest and adjacent lands destroyed more than 160,000 acres of watershed.

This past week, the Los Angeles & San Gabriel Rivers Watershed Council and the US Forest Service hosted a one-day symposium at Descanso Gardens that looked in-depth at both the challenges of the fire's aftermath and the encouraging signs of rehabilitation and restoration.

More than 200 professionals crowded into Van de Camp Hall to hear from a number of experts and stakesholders, including Jody Noiron, US Forest Service Supervisor for Angeles National Forest at the time of the Station Fire, and Dr. Sabrina Drill of the University of California Cooperative Extension, who opened the program with an overview of the fire area and its impact.

The morning program, with presentations by Katie VinZant of the US Forest Service and CJ Fotheringham of the US Geological Survey, focused on post-fire invasive species control and the role of the built environment in wildland interface zones on impacted burn areas.

A number of presentations focused on the impact of the Station Fire upon vegetation, aquatic species and ecological succession after fire incidents. Especially fascinating was US Geologist Survey ecologist Adam Backlin's presentation on how post-fire toxins in waterways affected fish and amphibians. The Arroyo Chub was a strong survivor but the Trout did not fare as well. The video of debris flows included in his presentation was breathtaking.

Long time California Native Plant Society board members, Cliff and Gabi McLean, shared an interesting photo presentation during lunch on how ecological succession occurs in post-fire recovery among native plants in a chaparral wildlands environment. Especially interesting was the role of annuals as the first indicators of vegetative life after a high intensity fire, which in this case reached temperatures about 7000 degrees (not a typo).

From a policy perspective, LA County Department of Public Works Dan Sharp outlined how the County plans to move forward with a new Flood Control District Sediment Management Strategic Plan to address all sediment issues, but particularly those created by the millions of cubic yards of sediment that have flowed down the Big Tujunga and Arroyo Seco into debris basins and other surface water capture areas. Dan's comments were of particular interest to this writer since LA County is planning to move ahead to remove over 1.2 million cubic yards of sediment from Pasadena's Hahamongna Watershed Park alone. (See my related blogs on the Hahamongna.)

Andy Lipkis of TreePeople gave the audience hope for the future, speaking of the tremendous partnerships with the US Forest Service that will facilitate tree planting in Angeles National Forest as the long-term recovery continues.

All speakers participated in an audience Q&A panel discussion, with a focus on how recovery could lead to more sustainable practices and fire safe landscapes.

Dr. Nancy L. C. Steele, Executive Director of the Los Angeles & San Gabriel Rivers Watershed Council, reminded participants that the full scope of the symposium program will be the single-issue focus of LASGRWC's Spring 2011 edition of WatershedWise Magazine.

The Arroyo Seco River Song

2010-12-18T11:52:00.000-08:00

LA River Revitalization Corp Names First Executive Director

2010-12-14T20:15:00.000-08:00

Omar Brownson, Chairman of the Board of the Liberty Hill Foundation and Associate Principal of Seslia and Company, was named today as the first Executive Director of the Los Angeles River Revitalization Corporation (LARRC), a non-profit organization created to improve the quality of Los Angeles by revitalizing the LA River Corridor with sustainable land development projects.

Brownson, a graduate of the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government and UC Davis, is a Coro Fellow with a background in real estate development and financing in the public and non-profit sectors.

Details of his specific role and duties will be announced shortly.

What If We Cut The Fence? Highland Park Leader Honored as Arroyo Seco Icon

2010-12-13T10:22:00.000-08:00

She once shouted 'what if we cut the fence' to passing motorists racing along her beloved Arroyo Seco Parkway (don't dare call it the Pasadena or 110 Freeway). Over the years, she's worked with such diverse organizations and projects as the Audubon Society, the Arroyo Seco Scenic Trust, the Friends of the Southwest Museum Coalition, the Lummis Day Festival, ArroyoFest, and the Arroyo Seco Foundation, to just name a few.

Last Thursday night, Highland Park resident Nicole Possert was honored with the 2010 Arroyo Verde Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by the Council of Arroyo Seco Organizations (CASO) to honor an icon whose impact has promoted and protected 'Arroyo Culture' for a decade or longer.

For the past twenty years, Nicole has been a fixture at just about any Arroyo Seco corridor activity and event of significance. She cut her teeth on Arroyo Culture as a volunteer and Board President of the Highland Park Heritage Trust, which received the California Governor's Award for Historic Preservation and the Los Angeles Conservancy Preservation Award in 2002. From that civic starting point, there has been no stopping her. Nicole's community contribution and outreach efforts are so tremendous that even local politicos know to 'take her temperature' before announcing new initiatives and programs that may affect 'the Arroyo,' as she fondly calls it.

Congratulations, Nicole Possert, on your achievement as the 2010 Lifetime Achievement Arroyo Verde Award Winner. We look forward to another 20 years of service to the Arroyo Seco community.

It's Time to Cruise Along Christmas Tree Lane

2010-12-12T09:44:00.000-08:00

ENJOY THIS REPOST FROM MY DECEMBER 2009 BLOG

The road sign post reads 'Santa Rosa Avenue' but everyone in Altadena and nearby Pasadena knows it as 'Christmas Tree Lane.'

Every year, since 1930, automobiles and walkers have journeyed up this street after dark to experience one of Southern California's most emotionally satisfying array of holiday light shows, with colorful globes hanging on the elongated branch arms of spectacular deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara) trees.

How to describe this magical experience? Think Christmas tree illustrations from Dr. Seuss' How theGrinch Stole Christmas' or Bing Crosby singing 'White Christmas' with a stand of towering snow-laden cedars in the background.

Though Christmas Tree Lane's deodars are rarely snow-laden due to the mild Southern California climate, they do come alive every year with extensive strands of 10,000 colored lights that draw visitors to the mile-long 'lane' from around the world.

What makes Christmas Tree Lane, an official California Landmark listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, special is that since 1956, Altadena's Christmas Tree Lane Community Association (CTLA) has continued this tradition on a purely volunteer basis, seeking donations to cover the electricity utility costs, and stringing and maintaining the light show through hundreds of hours of service from the efforts of local homeowners and renters, senior citizens and schoolchildren, Altadena veterans and newcomers to the community.

If you've visited Christmas Tree Lane before, why not drive by this year and recapture the magic of this "Mile of Christmas Trees?" If you've never visited, come on by and start a new family holiday tradition. The show runs nightly from dusk to midnight, now through January 7, 2011. Come see what happens when nature, technology and love converge along a foothills lane.

It's the Second Saturday of the Month...and You Know What That Means

2010-12-11T12:12:00.000-08:00

There are many fun and FREE things to do in Northeast Los Angeles (NELA) along the Arroyo Seco but few are more imaginative and interesting than the monthly NELA Second Saturday Gallery Night Art Crawl.

What I love about Second Saturday is that it's easy to 'pick and choose' from over 30 galleries which open their doors monthly from 7-10pm. During the summer months with late daylight, bicycling from gallery to gallery is fabulous. During the holiday season, it's a great night of art and shopping rolled into one excursion.

And then there are the nearby eateries. Here are some of my favorite nosheries while travelling between galleries:

Chico's (mariscos. ole') at Figueroa & Avenue 50 walking distance to the Avenue 50 Studio.

The York (also the local hangout for many NELA artists) & Cafe de Leche on York Blvd at Ave 50 near a cluster of galleries in walking distance

Taco Spot & The Coffee Table on Colorado Blvd in Eagle Rock walking distance to Jose Vera Fine Art & Toros Pottery

Of course, you'll find numerous food truck sightings, too. If you are one of THOSE foodies, go to http://www.findlafoodtrucks.com/ for truck locations.

Here are my 'stealth' recommendations for great gallery stops:

1. The MorYork Gallery at York & Avenue 50. The only public time you can get into this gallery is during Gallery Night and it's worth the visit. An amazing space created by the inimitable Clare Graham.
http://www.moryork.blogspot.com/

2. New Puppy Gallery in Cypress Park. A little out of the way but worth the trip for this adventuresome art spot with friendly hosts and a happy vibe. http://www.newpuppyla.com/

Since today is the Second Saturday, here's your chance to come out tonight and visit some of the most fascinating galleries in all of Los Angeles.

Here's the map: http://www.nelaart.com/images/maps/SecSatMap.pdf

A Greene & Greene Adventure at Pasadena's Bolton House

2010-12-09T00:43:00.000-08:00

While much of my life revolves around the natural environment of the Arroyo Seco River corridor, the region's built environment, especially the Arts & Crafts Movement architecture so prevalent here, drives much of what we often refer to as 'Arroyo Culture.'

The Cultural Heritage Committee of the Pasadena-Foothills Association of Realtors just hosted its Winter Home Tour, and I was able to join other Greene & Greene architectural enthusiasts for an intimate tour of Pasadena's Bolton House.

Built in 1906 by Henry Greene and Charles Greene for Dr. William T. Bolton, this grand example of both early Craftsman architecture and furniture was restored by Architect Tim Andersen and was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

Current owner Tom Reitze led a lively discussion of Greene & Greene character details found in the home, followed by a personal tour of the public rooms and master suite. He pointed out a number of unique features, including the sliding doors on the china cabinets to keep glassware and china from falling out during an earthquake.

Thank you, Katie Adams Barnett, who spent many youthful years at the Bolton House, for arranging this informative and delightful tour.

Hahamongna Bloggers to be Honored with Arroyo Verde Award

2010-12-07T11:04:00.000-08:00

Who knew that the small effort of 23 Pasadena area bloggers who collectively spoke out on our blogs last July about the City of Pasadena's plan to put soccer fields in the Hahamongna Watershed Park would have such an impact?

In recognition of the outreach, debate, and conversations generated from all our posts, the Arroyo Seco Foundation is honoring the "Hahamongna Bloggers" with the 2010 Best Advocacy Arroyo Verde Award.

This and all 2010 Arroyo Verde Awards will be presented on Thursday, December 8th, in a celebration from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at Kidspace Museum, Brookside Park, Pasadena.

The event is free and open to the public.

Special thanks to Petrea Burchard for organizing this blogging effort!

To read my Hahamongna Blog on the soccer field controversy, scroll down to the July 2010 archive and click, An Open Letter to the Pasadena City Council on the Hahamongna Athletic Fields.

Beginnings and Endings Along the Arroyo Seco

2010-12-06T09:07:00.000-08:00

This past weekend was a poignant mix of beginnings and endings along the Arroyo Seco and adjacent Los Angeles River Elysian Valley region.

We celebrated a terrific new beginning with the Official Opening and Dedication of the Los Angeles River Bicycle Path which now offers walkers and bicylists a riverfront alternate transportation corridor with vistas of the LA River, White Heron, ducks, and local mountains. Many years in the making, this Bicycle Path (or as I'd prefer to call it, the River Path), now starts just northwest of the Arroyo Seco-Los Angeles River Confluence, winds its way through Elysian Valley/Frogtown and connects with the existing River Bike Path section to allow total connectivity to Griffith Park. At a more subtle level, this path facilitates wildlife migration between Griffith Park and the LA River. The Dedication Ceremony, attended by approximately 300 people, included words of praise from Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti and other public officials.

Another beginning at the other end of the watershed is the new Ale House on North Fair Oaks Avenue in Altadena, at the site of the old Pub. More living room than pub, the Ale House features a relaxed, non-hip, neighborhood hangout serving excellent British Ales, a variety of wines, and a yummy cheese plate to nosh on. Gail behind the bar keeps the atmosphere warm and friendly. It's a little stealth adventure to find it, since the old neon Pub sign is the only clue to its location, which probably is part of its charm. Think 'Cheers,' Altadena style.

On the endings side of the equation, this weekend saw final 'ArtBenders' for two landmark art studio/galleries at either end of the Arroyo Seco watershed. On the northmost end, Ben McGinty held his final 'show' and public gathering at his eclectic Gallery at the End of the World on Upper Lake in Altadena. While Ben will continue to be a fixture at flea markets and art shows with his wares, the Gallery's closing marks his 15+ year journey to try to re-create the type of Altadena business neighborhood community that first brought artists to Altadena 100 years ago. The bittersweet farewell party brought together artists, locals and Arroyo art lovers for one final toast to Ben.

Down at the south end of the watershed just north of the confluence, Los Angeles Artist Icon Frank Romero and his wife Sharon geared up for their 29th Annual Xmas Art Sale, the last time the sale will be held at the Romero Frogtown Art Studio where Frank has held court for the past 30 years. The Romeros have recently sold the studio to a promising young artist and will be relocating their studio to a new location soon. While the new location is not yet finalized, reliable sources indicate the Arroyo Seco region is the studio's likely new home.

LA County Dumps on Oaks and Sycamores in Arcadia

2010-12-02T22:39:00.000-08:00

In the latest version of 'your tax dollars at work,' the Los Angeles County Flood Control District intends to start to clear 11.3 acres of old-growth oak and sycamore trees in Arcadia to create a dumping area for tons of debris dredged from the Santa Anita Dam.

This planned action should alarm Southern California nature lovers for two reasons:

First, this effort destroys a historic plantation of trees whose growth has taken decades to achieve in an area quickly losing tree canopies.

Secondly, this plan sets a precedent that could lead to similar old growth tree destruction in the Hahamongna Watershed Park in Pasadena next year when the County uses 'emergency funds' from FEMA to remove 1.2 million cubic feet of sediment from behind Devils Gate Dam.

Fortunately, open space activist Christle Balvin and the Sierra Club 'got wind' of the County's plan and have requested a meeting with the County to discuss alternatives to this tree removal.

And they need your help, to prove to the County that these trees matter. They've arranged an 'inspection tour' of the sediment disposal site for Saturday, December 4th at 9:30am at the end of Elkins Avenue in Arcadia. This is a case where body count may be the difference in protecting tree count. For more information, call 626-476-7324.

Los Angeles River December Celebrations

2010-12-02T09:59:00.000-08:00

Saturday, December 4th is a day of celebation
along the Los Angeles River in Elysian Valley/Frogtown, just north of Downtown Los Angeles.

First, the long-awaited Los Angeles River Bicycle Path officially opens with a family festival from 10am to 2pm at Crystal Park by Fletcher Drive, with dedication ceremony at noon. This new Class I bikeway connects the Griffith Park bike path along The River through historic Elysian Valley at a comfortable grade for cyclists of all ages and skills. This new path is one of the few riverfront public spaces where the residents can enjoy the softbed section of the Los Angeles River, including sightings of Blue Heron, ducks, and bucolic vistas.

The second event is the 29th Annual Frank Romero Art Gallery Xmas Art Sale from 7pm to midnight, at Frank's iconic studio at 1625 Blake Avenue. This year's event is bittersweet, as it will be the last time it will be held in Frogtown, since Frank has recently sold this landmark to a promising young artist.

Both events are FREE and family friendly, so come down to the Los Angeles River and discover the heart of Los Angeles.

Arroyo Seco Watershed Assessment

2010-10-10T23:23:00.000-07:00

It's been a few years since there has been a comprehensive watershed assessment on the Arroyo Seco. Now, thanks to the teamwork of the Arroyo Seco Foundation and its consultant, Camp Dresser McKee, Inc (CDM), a new assessment is available for review and comment by all stakeholders and other persons interested in the environmental health of the Arroyo Seco, Southern California's most treasured river canyon.

You can view at the assessment at http://www.arroyoseco.org/aswa.htm. Please leave your thoughts and comments. Your input is vital as this information is shared with the City of Los Angeles, the City of Pasadena, Los Angeles County Public Works, and the US Army Corps of Engineers in support of the Corps' current work on its Arroyo Seco Feasibility Study for Habitat Restoration.

The Meaning of Quail

2010-08-27T09:17:00.000-07:00

The recent sighting of a quail in Debs Park along the Arroyo Seco is exciting news for those who understand the process, both natural and human-assisted, of ecosystem restoration.

Quail are terrestrial birds, which means they live and forage at ground level. Members of the pheasant family, quail are an indicator species for the Arroyo Seco habitat corridor, because they are a sensitive species whose presence or absence 'indicates' the environmental health of the region.

For urban nature enthusiasts, the appearance of quail is usually an indicator that a habitat is approximately 90% restored to a natural functioning ecosystem. This sighting in Debs, along the lower corridor of the Arroyo Seco, is especially exciting given the urban density of the area.

Quail are common in the Upper Arroyo Seco Watershed, including headwaters in Angeles National Forest, although last year's Station Fire has devastated all natural habitats and has resulted in animal migration southward. Sightings of quail 'families' are common in the Hahamongna Watershed Park in Pasadena. The Debs Park quail sighting adds new hope for continued ecosystem health in Los Angeles' historic Arroyo corridor.

A word of caution: quail lay eggs in ground nests that are easily disturbed and destroyed. That's one reason why we want you, your children, your bicycles, your dogs, and your horses to stay on established trails when enjoying an outdoor excursion. This is how YOU can help the quail live and thrive.

For more information on enjoying nature in Debs Park, visit http://ca.audubon.org/debs_park.php.

How a River Makes You Free

2010-07-19T10:45:00.000-07:00

I imagine that since time immortal curious people who have come upon a riverway have asked, 'I wonder where it goes.' This certainly has been a question that has led to lot of my personal explorations.

Americans love to talk about freedom, and nothing is freer than a natural river course flowing through the countryside or urban landscape. It's also usually free (no cost) to wander along its river banks while observing nature, creating art (music, plein air painting, photography, video), recreating (bicycling, golfing, horseback riding), meditating (yoga, tai chi) or picnicking with friends.

Rivers teach us so much about the flow of life, if we stop by their shores and contemplate enough about the ecosystem of which they are the centerpiece. Lessons like the power of gravity, the tremendous change achieved over a long period of time (tree growth, worn rock, eggs to tadpoles to frogs), and the 'moods' of water (angry, raging flows ~ bubbling brooks ~ languid glassy weirs).

In fact, much of America was 'discovered' as explorers followed riverways to see where they led. The Lewis & Clark Expedition to the Northwest Passage is a great example.

In modern times, though, we've put down roots and harnessed the power of the rivers for our drinking water, transportation corridor, and sanitation needs.

Often lost in our attempts to be 'civilized' is giving ourselves permission to be free. Because virtually all communities are established next to rivers, accessing river trails, bridges, and river parks is usually pretty easy.

And that is one of the great joys of the Arroyo Seco in Southern California. For much of its 26+ mile journey from the Angeles National Forest to its confluence with the Los Angeles River, the Arroyo Seco is free and accessible by foot, horseback or bicycle.

Its northernmost shores are natural riparian habitat, with plenty of shade trees, song birds, and small wildlife, creating a bucolic idyll in the midst of the City of Pasadena and surrounding areas.

Its central shores focus on recreation with the Rose Bowl, soccer fields, and three golf courses providing outdoor fun within view of the river's edge, often overlooked because of the concrete channel in which it now flows. Yes, The Arroyo Seco, which flows through Brookside Golf Course, is even a water hazard and intrepid 'fishermen' are often seen retrieving golf balls from its stream.

Along the lower channelized Arroyo Seco in Los Angeles, there's the chance to walk/bicycle right next to the streambed along the approxinmately 2 mile Arroyo Seco Bikeway that connects York Blvd. to Avenue 43 via the river. (See my July 12, 2009 post on the Bikeway)

Yes, the river truly opens us to our free-est selves when we meander its shores. Yet none of us will truly be free until all our rivers flow free as well. And that's why I work so hard to restore our urban riverways to their natural states.

Have you visited your river recently?

A Tale of Two Rivers ~ A Tale of Two Cities

2010-07-16T16:54:00.000-07:00

It was a week of big decisions for the Los Angeles and Arroyo Seco Rivers.

First, the City of Los Angeles, which has encased its beautiful Los Angeles River in concrete for decades, received word from US EPA that the River and its tributaries have been declared 'traditionally navigable' waterways. This means both federal funds for restoration and revitalization under the Clean Water Act, as well as regulatory support to improving ecosystem and drinking water quality.

In contrast, the City of Pasadena, which has prided itself on its 'Arroyo Culture' and 'Arroyo Seco Master Plan,' saw its City Council refuse to reconsider its 7-year-old decision to construct new athletic fields in the sensitive Hahamongna riparian basin, groundwater source of drinking water to hundreds of thousands in the region and home to one of Southern California's most sensitive urban interface ecosystems. (In fairness, the Council did reject one of two proposed 'soccer' fields which would be located in a part of the Basin currently inundated as a small lake with ducks swimming in it.)

The irony? While Los Angeles continues to move forward in removing concrete and debris from the Los Angeles River, Pasadena moves forward with building an artificial turf athletic field and parking lot within its natural Arroyo Seco riverine corridor.

These actions beg the question: which city is truly more committed to natural resource sustainability and local water supply reliability?

An Open Letter to the Pasadena City Council on Hahamongna Athletic Fields

2010-07-06T22:46:00.000-07:00

Dear Mr. Mayor and City Council Members:

Please support the Hahamongna Advisory Committee's request to reconsider current city plans to build an athletic field and parking lot in the Hahamonga Watershed Park.

As a resident and constituent, I am voicing support for this reconsideration in light of numerous changed conditions since the Council's initial approval of plans in 2003.

These include:

1. environmental, climate, and political factors that have negatively affected the security of our local water supply and water quality.

Pasadena's current heavy reliance on imported water at a time of protracted water shortage creates tremendous vulnerability for our City's ability to provide reliable domestic water for local businesses and residents. The recent Station Fire, which devastated the upper Arroyo Seco watershed, has caused increased run-off and groundwater toxins into this already vulnerable water basin. A healthy natural habitat is essential to supporting a clean local water supply, and the building of any new infrastructure, including those planned, will destroy key elements of one of Southern California's last remaining allevial canyons where five habitat zones intersect. The City's inability to provide for local long-term water storage, treatment, and distribution will have a wide ranging effect, including negative consequences for the City's very important tourism economic engine.

2. mobility barriers that make it difficult to reach the proposed fields.

The Hahamongna Watershed Park currently has access from a two-lane street which is already experiencing heavy traffic congestion. Further, the Park itself has narrow lanes for vehicular traffic. Because of the park's location and current natural/passive recreation atmosphere, it is not easily accessible by bicycle, walking, or bus/shuttle transit. This Council is already on record stating that there will be no new roads in the Hahamongna without direct Council approval. This means that in addition to the cost of building parking lots in the Hahamongna, which will both disturb rare and sensitive natural habitat as well as prevent vital groundwater percolation, it is highly likely that 'overflow' of cars and vans will end up creating their own 'roads' and parking on non-parking surfaces, as I have witnessed at other sports recreation complexes. As a soccer mom, I can personally attest to the amount of equipment, water, first aid, chairs, umbrellas and other 'entourage' materials that regularly are part of organized youth athletic activities. I fear that the end result of any field/parking lot construction will overburden already taxed mobility access and available surface parking.

3. lack of consistency between the Hahamongna Master Plan and Pasadena's Green City Action Plan.

Since City Council passed the Green City Action Plan in 2006, almost three years after the Hahamongna Master Plan was approved, there has been no formal effort to reconcile the Green City elements with the Hahamongna Plan. Given Pasadena's leadership within the US Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement and the 2006 United Nations Green Cities Declaration and Urban Environmental Accords, any final plans for the Hahamongna, including but not limited to athletic fields, would be flawed without coordination and reconcilitation of differences between these two important initiatives of the City, which prides itself as a sustainable community.

Your vote on July 12th to support reconsideration of the current city plan for athletic field construction in the Hahamongna will give our community and city staff a full opportunity to review and weigh the merits of current plans in light of the critical factors set forth above.

Thank you very much for your serious reflection on this request for reconsideration of plans for Hahamongna athletic fields. I look forward to your affirmative vote to support the reconsideration process.

Sincerely,

Meredith McKenzie
The Arroyo Lover

Swinging a Club along the Arroyo Seco

2010-01-12T11:29:00.000-08:00

Walking along the Arroyo Seco the other day, I heard the 'whiff' sound that is music to those of us who are avid golfers.

While I often talk about restoring the Arroyo Seco, playing golf near the stream is one of many outdoor recreational reasons why I want this urban nature paradise to remain open and bucolic.

There are actually 2 golf courses along the Arroyo Seco: Brookside Golf Course in Pasadena next to the Rose Bowl, which is actually comprised of two courses (http://www.brookside.americangolf.com/) ; and the Arroyo Seco Golf Course (http://www.arroyoseco.com/), one of LA's top 10 par 3 courses, in South Pasadena.

What makes each of these courses special is that the Arroyo Seco runs through Brookside Golf Course, albeit in channelized form, while the Arroyo Seco Golf Course has a bubbling brook, a diversion of the nearby Arroyo Seco stream, running through it. What also makes them special is that both courses are public, open and accessible to everyone. In this post, we'll focus on the Arroyo Seco Golf Course.

One of the pleasures of the Arroyo Seco Golf Course is that since it is a Par 3 course, rank amateur golfers can play it without totally embarrassing themselves while more seasoned players can get in a quick game before or after work. In addition, the course features a miniature golf section for family fun, a large driving range and putting green.

Even if you are not a golfer, you will enjoy bringing your family to the 1950s era clubhouse and grill, where the kids can enjoy a burger and mom and dad can have an ice cold beer.

A short walk across the golf course's parking lot offers visitors a panoramic view of the Arroyo Seco, at one of its widest points south of Pasadena. Here the arroyo rock-lined stream offers southward vistas to and beyond the historic York Blvd. bridge, and northward vistas of the San Gabriel Mountains.

The Arroyo Seco Golf Course is part of South Pasadena's Arroyo Seco Park, which also includes equestrian trails, baseball diamonds, lighted tennis courts, and trails to the bucolic South Pasadena nature park along the Arroyo.

Directions: From the north: Arroyo Seco Parkway (Highway 110) south to York exit. Left at stop sign. Left onto York. Cross the bridge (stop and see the sights ~ see York Blvd. Bridge post). Left onto Arroyo Blvd. Look for Arroyo Seco Park sign on left. Left turn down into the park.

From the south: Arroyo Seco Parkways (Highway 110) north to Marmion Way/Avenue 64 exit. Take Avenue 64 to York Blvd.. Right on York. Cross the bridge and follow the remainder of the directions noted above.

Arroyo Seco's Rose Bowl Stadium: The Granddaddy of Them All

2010-01-06T23:16:00.000-08:00

With the 2010 Rose Bowl Game now history and the BCS National Championship game just hours away, it seems fitting to spend a few minutes lauding the amazing Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena's Brookside Park, adjacent to the Arroyo Seco.

As an attendee at this year's Rose Bowl Game, I was reminded of the amazing sightlines from virtually any seat in the stadium (except the first 10 rows which are disappearing as part of a major stadium upgrade over the next few years).

While the Rose Bowl Operating Company, under the able leadership of Darryl Dunn, keeps a multitude of sports and entertainment events running smoothly year round, it is the stadium itself that fascinates me.

Most people don't realize that the Rose Bowl is both owned and operated by the City of Pasadena, a rarity in today's modern sports world. According to the Tournament of Roses history, Pasadena purchsed the 10 acre Arroyo Seco site where the stadium currents sits in 1897. Building of the stadium commenced in 1921 and the stadium, designed to be the 'official' home of the Rose Bowl Game, was dedicated on January 1, 1923.

Do you know which teams played in the first football game in the stadium? It was the University of California Bears versus the University of Southern California Trojans on October 22, 1922, the first of many north-south California college games.

Here are some more fun facts, courtesy of the Tournament of Roses organization:

The official seating capacity is 92,542.

The stadium is a National Historic Landmark and its design was based on the Yale Bowl in New Haven, Connecticut.

It sits at an elevation of 825 feet above sea level.

Its playing surface is natural turf comprised Bullseye Bermuda grass with rye, cut to 1/2 to 5/8 inch on game day.

There are 357 Musco light fixtures of high intensity, metal lark halide.

The stadium has an elliptical shape with a north-south configuration.

Legendary Architect Myron Hunt designed the stadium, which was built at a cost of $272,198.

Official Address: 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, California 91103

You don't have to be a sports fan to love the Rose Bowl. It's worth a trip to Pasadena to just experience this magnificent work of living history. Be sure to wear your walking shoes so you can enjoy all that Brookside Park has to offer, including the public Brookside Golf Course and bucolic walking and equestrian trails along the beautiful Arroyo Seco stream.

The Bridges of the Arroyo Seco ~ One in a Series: York Blvd. Bridge

2010-01-03T20:22:00.000-08:00

Thousands of people drive over it each day, yet few know and appreciate the history and grandeur of Los Angeles' York Blvd. Bridge, which traverses the Arroyo Seco River between South Pasadena and the community of Highland Park/Garvanza.

Built in 1890 initially as a wooden trolley bridge, the York Blvd. Bridge received its concrete arch structure in 1912.

With a total length of 683.1 feet, the York Blvd. Bridge welcomes walkers on its sidewalk and heavy bicycle and motorized traffic along its two opposing lanes.

Eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, the York Blvd. Bridge's largest span reaches 96.1 feet in a closed spandrel arch design.

Much of the bridge's charm, however, is not merely its majestic clean design line span but rather its spectacular vistas of the natural beauty of the original home of Arroyo Culture.

Stand on the bridge looking northward and one is rewarded with panoramic views of the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains, snow-capped in winter months.

Stand on the bridge facing southward and it's easy to imagine how idyllic the beautiful Arroyo Seco looked before its concrete channelization in the 1930s.

Like all older spans in Los Angeles, however, the York Blvd. Bridge faces an uncertain future. While its substructure condition rating is good, its superstructure rating and deck condition are poor and the bridge itself is considered 'functionally obsolete' under current state transportation construction rules.

Yet, comparing the historic turn of the 20th Century photo (below) showing the original trolley bridge facing southward (Photo Courtesy of Los Angeles Library) surprisingly indicates how the Arroyo Seco meanders today just as it did a century ago.

The bridge in the upper right of this old photo is the historic train trestle which today still carries passengers across it on the Gold Line light rail system.

Of course, the York Blvd. Bridge offers a different view at the Arroyo Seco Parkway level; yet, even while whizzing down the freeway, it is easy to be captivated by its grand archways and elegant, yet simple design.

Built for another era, the York Blvd. Bridge has passed the test of time to offer Angelinos and visitors a free sweeping view of the Arroyo Seco river canyon, if they would just get out of their cars for a few minutes and walk along its magnificent open span.

Christmas Tree Lane ~ An 80 Year Altadena, California Tradition

2009-12-18T11:34:00.000-08:00

The road sign post reads 'Santa Rosa Avenue' but everyone in Altadena and nearby Pasadena knows it as 'Christmas Tree Lane.'

Every year, since 1930, automobiles and walkers have journeyed up this street after dark to experience one of Southern California's most emotionally satisfying array of holiday light shows, with colorful globes hanging on the elongated branch arms of spectacular deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara) trees.

How to describe this magical experience? Think Christmas tree illustrations from Dr. Seuss' How theGrinch Stole Christmas' or Bing Crosby singing 'White Christmas' with a stand of towering snow-laden cedars in the background.

Though Christmas Tree Lane's deodars are rarely snow-laden due to the mild Southern California climate, they do come alive every year with extensive strands of 10,000 colored lights that draw visitors to the mile-long 'lane' from around the world.

What makes Christmas Tree Lane, an official California Landmark listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, special is that since 1956, Altadena's Christmas Tree Lane Community Association (CTLA) has continued this tradition on a purely volunteer basis, seeking donations to cover the electricity utility costs, and stringing and maintaining the light show through hundreds of hours of service from the efforts of local homeowners and renters, senior citizens and schoolchildren, Altadena veterans and newcomers to the community.

If you've visited Christmas Tree Lane before, why not drive by this year and recapture the magic of this "Mile of Christmas Trees?" If you've never visited, come on by and start a new family holiday tradition. The show runs nightly from dusk to midnight, now through January 6, 2010. Come see what happens when nature, technology and love converge along a foothills lane.

For directions and more details: http://bit.ly/8BtyZr.

The Mom & Pop Shop Lives on at Galco's Soda Pop Stop

2009-12-08T19:52:00.000-08:00

When I first stepped through the doors of the building that houses Galco's Old World Grocery on York Boulevard at Avenue 57 in the Highland Park neighborhood of Northeast Los Angeles, I felt that I was walking back in history. The interior is reminiscent of 1950s grocery stores, complete with checkout stations with the old-style conveyor belts and the meat counter deli case along the back wall where sandwiches are made to order.

But instead of groceries lining the food aisles, patrons find the most amazing collection of soda pop bottles and beers imaginable!

The only Los Angeles business to be profiled in the recently released book, The Mom & Pop Store, http://www.robertspector.com/momandpop.cfm, Galco's Soda Pop Stop is more than just a David v. Goliath story of small grocer v. big food chain. Rather, owner John Nese, son of the grocery's founder, has transformed this market with a 53 year history in the neighborhood into a bastion for small, independent bottling plants around the country whose product has been pushed off the shelves of the 'chains' by the Coca-Cola and Pepsi empires.

According to Nese, there were once over 3,500 bottlers in the country. Now, just a handful remain, and thanks to Galco's, there is shelf life for their product ~ everything from Dad's to Grape NEHI ~ from Nesbitt's Orange to Route 66 Root Beer (the famous route passes by less than a mile away).

I also found it interesting that virtually all these sodas (as we West Coasters call them) or pops (as the East Coast-Midwesterners say) are made with cane sugar, not corn syrup, and I must admit, you immediately notice the difference in the smooth, clean taste.
In addition to almost 350 varieties of soda pop, Galco's also carries almost 500 varieties of artisan beers from around the world, which I'll return to sample another day.

Best of all, Galco's offers the warm feeling of a family business where John immediately comes over to help and introduce himself while his grandsons help stock product on the 'low' shelves. John and I even shared a couple tall tales about the nearby Arroyo Seco River, where he caught crawfish when he was a child, before the City channelized the stream in concrete.

Heading to a music jam at York Studios? Joining the hipsters at Johnny's? Looking for a great beverage to go with that taco truck meal? Galco's Soda Pop Shop has the perfect drink for you, available either in a six-pack or individual bottle.

Don't live in LA? No worries, because Galco's will ship their soda pop to you anywhere (sorry, no beer online orders). http://www.sodapopstop.com/home.cfm.

Fun Finds Along the Arroyo Seco

2009-11-23T22:58:00.000-08:00

One of the great pleasures of living along the Arroyo Seco Corridor are the fun finds ~ usually inexpensive ~ that make urban adventures worth having. Here are a few of my recent favorite things, each of which I enjoyed for less than 5!

1. The 'Mayan Mocha' at Antigua Coffee House, 3400 No Figueroa St., Cypress Park: A sweet, smooth concoction that will make you forget the stresses of the day. Great little coffee spot with wi-fi and sandwiches, too! (http://www.antiguacoffeehouse.com/)

2. New Puppy LA Gallery at 2808 Elm Street #1, Cypress Park: This is my new favorite art gallery find...and best of all, I discovered that my pal Alex owns it. Beautiful space (you must see the bathrooms....really) with interesting shows and interesting people. (http://www.newpuppyla.com/)

3. Huarache Azteca Restaurante: I love this place for....what else...the huaraches! You will get an amazing authentic meal here. A small family restaurant at 5225 York Blvd in Highland Park, this local eatery attracts everyone from hipsters to bohemes to construction workers to latinos/as who know the real thing when they taste it. No website but you can call them at 323-478-9572.

4. Travel Town in Griffith Park: OK, I know this is along the LA River, not the Arroyo Seco, but have you been to this long-time attraction lately? It's now a wonderful family museum with FREE admission and FREE parking that will touch the hearts of anyone who loves trains (and early autos, too). For a mere $2.50, you can ride the miniature train with your child (or grandchild or significant other!) and during the holidays, they have special evening 'Santa' rides, too! (http://traveltown.org/)

5. Bulgarini Gelato Artigiande: What can you say about the most amazing little gelato shop tucked away in the most ugly shopping center in Altadena? Only that you'll NEVER taste better, more authentic gelato than you will here, at a price that will lure you back several times a week. (http://www.bulgarinigelato.com/)

Happy Exploring!

Heroes of the Hahamongna - One in a Series

2009-11-21T09:06:00.000-08:00

Growing up in the Adirondacks of Upstate New York gave Mary Barrie a natural affinity for the mountains and nature. Perhaps that's one reason why when she and her family moved to Southern Califoronia, they settled in the San Gabriel Mountains foothills of La Canada-Flintridge.

An avid hiker, dog walker and equestrian, Mary began exploring this natural wonderland on its many varied trails and byways. These walks brought her to a meeting of the La Canada-Flintridge Trails Council, where she quickly became involved with numerous trail clearance and restoration projects.

Shortly thereafter, Mary's family became involved with Rose Bowl Riders, which for years has been a tenant of the City of Pasadena with stables, riding ring and clubhouse in the Hahamongna Watershed Park.

Many people may not know this, but the Hahamongna is almost a grand hub for hiking and horse trails that wind northward into the Angeles National Forest and southward along the scenic Arroyo Seco River into South Pasadena.

Throughout the past 21 years, Mary has watched the changes happening in the Hahamongna Basin: the closing of the gravel pit operation and the creation of the Hahamongna Watershed Park, along with the adoption of the Hahamongna Master Plan, an element of Pasadena's Arroyo Seco Specific Plan. http://bit.ly/8wwmVp

As meetings and discussions grew about the future uses of the Hahamongna and the Hahamongna Annex, Mary quickly moved into activist mode, using her skills as a law librarian to research both the history of this natural basin and the myriad of planning and legal documents its potential future has engendered.

Why such vigilance? Because Mary believes that the Hahamongna Watershed Park is a special rustic expanse that should not be developed and that every little 'modification,' whether a new road here or the cutting of major trees there, can easily lead to the 'slippery slope' of massive real estate development. She also wants the City to implement the Master Plan that's been officially approved and is concerned about how plan elements are being nibbled around the edges by proposed staff modifications not formally adopted within the Master Plan approved by the Pasadena City Council in 2003. When discussing her passion for Hahamongna, Mary notes the many efforts over the past century to construct everything from amphitheatres to museums on this unique parcel, which also plays a key role in the City of Pasadena's water future due to its storage capacity behind Devil's Gate Dam and its spreading fields.

Even if you haven't met Mary, you probably already know her if you attend any community or city commission/council open space, environmental, or recreation meetings in Pasadena and La Canada-Flintridge. Yes, she is relentless. Yes, she sometimes irritates people because she can be seen as an obstructionist to 'progress.'

But Mary is passionate about the Hahamongna and this passion keeps her vigilant even after 10 long years of activism. For Mary is not looking at just the Hahamongna of today ~ she sees herself as a just another person in a long continuum of community leaders who have helped Hahamongna beat the odds for over a century and remain a beautiful expanse of natural, biodiverse open space where people can enjoy passive recreation through hiking, picnicking, horseback riding, disc golf, and just sitting and meditating among the beautiful, mature grove of oak trees.

Mary's forward vision and activism to keep the Hahamongna rustic for future generations is why she is a Hero of the Hahamongna.

California Water Week in Review

2009-11-09T09:39:00.000-08:00

The first week of November 2009 was quite a week for water in California.

First, the Chino Basin Water District decided to postpone its massive surplus water auction, which had gained international attention and a projected auction bidding of up to $1000 per acre foot! http://bit.ly/3HC9XQ

More importantly, the California State Assembly and Senate passed a series of bills to create an $11 billion bond package for voters to consider in November 2010 to revamp the state's aging and overstrained water delivery system.

The new water bill's approval came just as UCLA Law's Emmett Center on Climate Change and the Environment was holding its symposium, "Adapting to a Parched Future: Cities, Development, and the War for Water."

While the initial focus of this seminar was on water/development issues, the newly approved water legislation quickly took center stage among the esteemed panel, which included Ellen Hanak, Director of Research and Senior Fellow, Public Policy Institute of California; Peter Hsiao, Head of the Los Angeles Land Use and Environmental Law Group, Morrison & Foerster LLP; Brandon Goshi from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California - ably pitch-hitting for CEO Jeff Kightlinger; and Mark Gold, President, Heal the Bay. Cara Horowitz, Sabin Family Fdn Executive Director, Emmett Center on Climate Change and the Environment, served as moderator.

Ellen Hanak presented the opening overview of California's current water situation, which is well-known to those of us who follow this issue. She was followed by comments from Brandon Goshi on the importance of water conveyance during normal seasons to replenish the massive storage instructures that MWD has built in Southern California, notably Diamond Valley Lake. He added that MWD supported the water bill package because it serves the dual goal of ecosystem restoration and reliable water supply delivery.

Peter Hsiao veered the topic back towards water solutions through a thoughtful presentation on how new solar energy panel transmission in the Owens Valley can generate both important non-hydroelectric energy to Southern California as well as mitigate the tremendous windstorms and environmental damage created by the overdrafting of the Owens River for so many years.

Mark Gold explained why Heal the Bay opposed the legislative water package, noting that it tended to nibble around the edges of the problem, rather than promise true water reform. He also stated his misgivings about whether the $11 billion package would pass voter muster next November, adding that even if it did pass, the current inability of the State of California to sell bonds for already enacted Proposition 84, (a water bond act passed two years ago), did not bode well for future bond sales of any type. Asked if HTB would oppose the bond ballot measure itself, Mark stated that it was too early to tell, since that would be a decision of his board of directors. He opined that HTB might stay neutral on the issue.

On a positive note, Mark did state that he felt that several local efforts in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties were bearing fruit in developing with groundwater cleanup and low impact development.

A spirited question and answer period followed, with panelists answering questions from whether the bond will pass (Ellen Hanak predicted yes, since it won't raise taxes and there's something for everyone in it, like a Christmas tree) to the absence of an agriculture representative on the panel.

It's important to note that the approved bond legislation does not include the construction of a new statewide water conveyance (a la the Peripheral Canal), along insiders tell me that the major water users are seeking ways they can fund it in partnership with federal stimulus money.

So what does the juxtaposition of a massive multi-billion dollar water bond with the potential sale to private parties of over 240,000 acre feet of privately managed water mean?

My crystal ball indicates that we will continue to see the powerful disconnect between water politics and reality for at least the next 24 months. Even in a best case scenario for the water bond, its passage next November means that those bonds won't even be floated until spring of 2011 and funding won't flow until fall of that year at the earliest.

How, then, will this affect the small, average water user in the meantime? I don't think it's a stretch to predict continued water rationing with greater fines, more water pipe bursts, and continued ecosystem damage in the delta, coupled with sporadic environmental damage throughout the state in such areas as the Station Fire burn area, where massive water run-off in the Arroyo Seco watershed and possible mudslides, regardless of the amount of rainfall, is inevitable.

Arroyo Seco USACE Study & Station Fire Update

2009-10-30T11:14:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that it's been over a month since I've blogged on the Arroyo Seco, so I hope you have been following my regular tweets (@ArroyoLover) and Facebook (Meredith McKenzie) updates.

A lot has been going on along the Arroyo Seco Watershed ~ some good news, some not so good news ~ which is why I chose to post a bucolic picture of the Arroyo Seco in happier days, courtesy of the Arroyo Seco Foundation (http://www.arroyoseco.org/)

Let's start with the good news (and it IS good news)! The United States Army Corps of Engineers has announced that it will be a receiving approximately $224,000 in federal funding to move forward with the assessment phase of the Arroyo Seco Restoration Feasbility Study, which has been languishing since 2002 due to lack of funding. In addition to this direct funding, the Corps is obtaining another $125,000 in stimulus and carry-over funds that will give it a total of $350,000 to use for the study this fiscal year. This means that by September 2010, the F3/Assessment of Existing Conditions portion of the Study should be complete. This will lead the way for the F4 study phase delineating Potential Opportunity Sites/Proposed Design Components for habitat restoration. The 2002 Arroyo Seco Feasability Study, a joint project of the Arroyo Seco Foundation and Northeast Trees, offers a great foundation for the current Corps Study: http://www.arroyoseco.org/Watershedstudy.htm

The not so good news is that now that the dust is settling (and sadly, blowing around) from the Station Fire, the largest in Los Angeles County history, the damage to the Arroyo Seco watershed is daunting: over 90% of the watershed burned and the healing of natural habitat and water quality may take up to 10 years to return to some semblence of pre-fire conditions. In the short term, the danger is the prospect of extensive mudslides, high ph factor in the water, and fast-moving debris flows rushing down the canyon into heavily populated neighborhoods along the river's perimeter. Fire emergency officials have identified and met with residents of over 40 homes whose properties are in extreme danger of impact from possible canyon mudflows.

In a worst case scenario, it's been projected that 1.9 cubic yards of sediment could reach the Hahamongna Basin just south of NASA's JPL facility. If this occurred, sediment capture in the basin would completely fill the spillway area of Devil's Gate Dam. While no one is predicting that this dire situation will occur, these numbers are instructive of the total potential sediment load coming off the mountain because of the fire aftermath 'scorched earth' condition.

The Angeles National Forest is closed indefinitely and USFS continue to ask hikers and others to refrain from curiosity walks along the perimeter. The extremely 'soft' footing due to erosion and ash build-up has already led to one rescue of one experienced hiker who slide deeply down a canyon when the trail unfoot literally gave way due to the post-fire conditions.

With the rainy season approaching, a special communications effort has been created by the Coordinated Agency Recovery Effort (CARE) which includes Los Angeles County Public Works, the US Forest Service, the US Geological Survey, the National Weather Service, Caltrans, LA County Fire, and LA County Sheriffs Departments. CARE operates out of the Public Works headquarters in Alhambra.

The role of CARE is two-fold: to keep communities informed about the County and Caltrans road system through the burn area and to continue to educate residents about what they can and should do to protect themselves and their property against mudflows.

The CARE website: http://www.dpwcare.org/ features dozens of links with information and resources on fire recovery and debris flow preparation. CARE is also hosting 24 council/community meetings throughout the fire-affected and at-risk neighborhoods.

In addition, CARE will be establishing Facebook and Twitter accounts to provide real time updates to communities and residents during critical storm conditions. CARE also is distributing the Homeowner's Guide for Flood, Debris and Erosion Control to those living in designed at-risk areas.

For all of us Arroyo lovers, this winter will be one of helping the Arroyo by staying out of the Arroyo, assisting our neighbors and friends with emergency evacuations, and cooperating with police and fire personnel as directed.

Together, we can help the Arroyo Seco heal by respecting nature's process and leaving it alone, including limiting our outdoor recreational activities to safe, unburned sections along this beautiful canyon stream.

Arroyo Property of the Week

2009-09-18T11:30:00.000-07:00

Once in awhile a true value home comes on the market in the Arroyo Seco watershed and this is one of them!

If you are a nature lover, you will adore this home within walking distance of Farnsworth and Mt Lowe Parks, and close to hiking trails at the Cobb Estate and Rubio Canyon.

Boasting a great view of city lights, immaculately updated, and located on one of the best streets in Altadena, this 1937 beauty has come on the market for less than $750,000.

This gorgeous home features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths (including a spacious master suite) in almost 1900 square feet, with hardwood floors and period details throughout. The 7100 square foot lot features a lush private yard designed for entertaining. The kitchen is a chef's delight and the property includes a currently rented one bedroom studio apartment with separate entrance.

This is not my personal listing but one of many I can show you as a member in good standing of the Pasadena Foothills Association of Realtors. It qualifies for the first time homebuyer federal tax credit, too! Contact me if you'd like to see this special property: Phone: 323-230-9749 or
http://www.meredithmckenzie.com/.

The High Speed Rail is Coming....Right at the Los Angeles River

2009-09-07T22:27:00.000-07:00

Can California's High Speed Rail and the Los Angeles River Revitalization Master Plan live in peaceful co-existence?

That was the burning question in many minds at last week's High Speed Rail (HSR) presentations to the Board of Friends of the LA River and to the Land Use Committee of the Cypress Park Neighborhood Council.

There's good news: the consulting team insists they want to be involved with the Cypress Park - LA River crowd to ensure an effective rail alignment through this Elysian Valley neighborhood.

The bad news: HSR sees this location connecting Union Station with Burbank's Rail Station as the most feasible due to land flatness and existing right of ways. That means the rail will impact the Los Angeles River right at the point where the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers is conducting its initial feasibility study for river restoration. Moreover, the HSR's route will directly impact the Rio de los Angeles State Park and soon-to-open new neighborhood high school.

Worst of all, current renderings show the HSR crossing the Los Angeles River-Arroyo Seco Confluence at grade, closing in an important water connection that many have worked years to open up to allow for both better water flow and a greenway/bikeway for members of the community.

The HSR plan is more than a pipedream. With more than $8 billion from last year's voter approved bond and an additional $9 billion coming from the federal stimulus package, this project is moving forward very quickly.

For Los Angeles River and Arroyo Seco lovers, the time for input is NOW. HSR will be holding a number of community outreach meetings, beginning later this fall. They have lots of interactive information on their website, where you can register for their mailing list: http://www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/

Memo to Arroyo Seco Canyon Area Fire Watchers: The McNally Fire Offers Lessons Learned

2009-09-01T17:09:00.000-07:00

How quickly a beautiful August turned into a September nightmare along Southern California's historic Arroyo Seco Canyon.

The true extent of the devastating effects of the Station Fire (seen here entering the Arroyo Seco Canyon on August 29th) will not be known for several days, but it is almost certain, based upon eye-witness accounts of the flames, that the Arroyo Seco ecosystem will suffer devegetation that won't bode well for water quality or animal/plant life, and will be vulnerable to potential further damage from rainfall run-off in the upcoming winter season.

As someone who lived in Kernville in the Southern Sierra Nevada during the 2002 150,000+ acre McNally Fire (http://bit.ly/RQmTt), I share what I learned from that experience in the hopes that it will help my Southern California neighbors deal with our current firestorm.

1. The smoke after-effect of the McNally Fire lasted for several weeks once the fire was under control (it blazed for more than 30 days) and there was a sharp increase in cases of Valley Fever and respiratory infections for those who stayed in smoky areas for an extended period of time. Please stay inside and breathe filtered/air-conditioned air whenever possible to avoid breathing difficulties and lung infections. Avoid physical overexertion and especially protect children and the aged from bad air quality.

2. Once the burn is over and the smoke lifts, many of us will discover for the first time what scorched land really looks like. There will be an immediate desire to run into the forest and re-seed. There will be a lot of concern about mudslides. Many will cry when they first drive up Angeles Crest Highway after the road is re-opened, the same way I cried when I drove up Mountain Highway 99 and saw my beloved Sequoia Forest resembling a war zone. This will be the time for all of us to use restraint, allow trained personnel take protective landslide prevention measures, and wait for nature to heal. Supervised field trips to survey damage and make notes is fine, but let's not be overzealous in trying to help Mother Nature recover too quickly. Our good intentions could actually make the restoration process more difficult. The happy lesson from the McNally Fire: within two seasons, the Sequoia bounced back to life, with new groundcover growth and beautiful wildflowers, though it will be years before old growth trees will be seen again in some areas of the forest. Please ~ don't be zealous about sowing seeds or planting trees. You might be inadvertently sowing 'invasive' and non-native plants.

3. Those animals who could flee the flames, including deer, bear, coyote, and cougars will not only migrate into human neighborhoods but will be more aggressive in searching for food and shelter. Many will be injured or diseased. Residents ~ please balance your desire to help with your need to be safe by contacting Fish & Game personnel for assistance when wildlife is sighted on your property. Please especially protect your children and pets from potentially unfortunate encounters.

As we wait hopefully for the end of this devastating firestorm, let's begin to prepare for the restorative work that awaits us, especially in helping those who have lost their homes or loved ones.

A Wonderful August in the Arroyo Seco Watershed

2009-08-24T14:42:00.000-07:00

It's been nothing but happy news this month in Southern California's Arroyo Seco Watershed for those of us who care about the ecosystem of this important Los Angeles area bioregion.

First, the Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy (formerly Altadena Foothills Conservancy) is finalizing the acquisition of 20 pristine and historically significant acres in Rubio Canyon. A portion of the historic Pacific Electric Railway bed, part of the Mt. Lowe Railway, lies on the property. This key parcel will secure trail access and ensure that the creek and surrounding chaparral and oak woodland right up to the Angeles National Forest boundary is preserved for all time. (Unabashed financial plug ~ they urgently still need donations for their land acquisition & stewardship fund: http://www.arroyosfoothills.org/support.html.)

Secondly, a follow-up study of the Central Arroyo Steam Restoration Project (CASRP)(http://www.arroyoseco.org) confirms that the native Arroyo Chub, reintroduced last summer into the stream adjacent to Brookside Park, are still alive and reproducing! This success is due, in part, both to the City of Pasadena's installation of stormwater drain capture basins and the good work of the City's Environmental Service Manager, Gabriel Silva and his team, who collect tons of trash to recycle after UCLA Football Games and other special events at the Rose Bowl: http://bit.ly/14y75H

Thirdly, the historic Mt. Wilson Toll Road is re-opening! This 100 year old 'trail' is 3.75 miles long on a steep incline that rewards walkers and hikers with a spectacular view of the San Gabriel Valley. Originally built as a road to haul the 100 inch Mt. Wilson telescope to the Observatory, the Toll Road's restoration required $1.48 million and 5 years to complete: http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/ci_13131224

Finally, how about the great weather we've had this month? It's the most pleasant August I recall enjoying during my almost 30 years in Southern California, making it a wonderful month for outdoor fun.

Now, with Labor Day Weekend fast approaching, there is no better time to get out in nature with your family and celebrate both the great restoration efforts in the Arroyo Seco Watershed and Smokey Bear's 65th Birthday! http://bit.ly/4cxBCt

Gold Line Adventures Along The Arroyo Seco

2009-08-03T08:46:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite ways of seeing the Arroyo Seco is through the window of the Gold Line light rail, which connects Pasadena with Downtown Los Angeles and runs parallel to the Arroyo for most of its distance.

Even though it's a short 20 minute ride from the Del Mar Station to Union Station, I find myself always seeing something new as I gaze out the window. One day, it's the purple lupin wildflowers at Los Angeles Historic Park. Another day, it's a falcon, dive bombing at its prey. Sometimes I even daydream that the beautiful hillsides with their 'stacked' homes are part of Tuscany, not Northeast Los Angeles.

The people watching on the train is fun, too. In the early mornings, commuters can be found reading the paper, covertly sipping coffee (open containers are not permitted on the train), napping, listening to an iPod or talking on their cellphone.

The Gold Line attracts a lot of 'tourists,' too. On my excursions, I've met British Airway employees on a quick getaway to Pasadena before their next international flight schedule ~ German students making films about Los Angeles architecture ~ Big Ten fans seeing the 'big city' after absorbing their alma mater's loss in the Rose Bowl Game.

Some of my favorite fellow travellers are the bicyclists. It's always fascinating engaging these urban street bipeds. Sometimes, they are just using their bicycle as a commuting connection between the train and work, but more often, they are off to an adventure: beach bicycling in Long Beach; street exploring in search of the new taco truck find; hooking up with friends in Hollywood. More often than not, they are students on their way to a charter or local university campus.
It's always interesting to note the people 'energy' on the train too ~ commuters going to and fro work catching 20 minutes of peace in contrast to bicyclists and tourists animated about their rail adventure.

And then, there is the special moment that strikes you unaware.

Such a moment happened last Friday when I was returning home from downtown. It was late afternoon and the train was filling up fast. An older couple boarded the train with seats still available, but not side-by-side. The gentleman took the aisle seat in front of me and the woman sat down next to me. All was quiet for a few minutes as we left the station until the gentleman turned to the young woman next to him and excitedly proclaimed in an accent that sounded Eastern European: 'My wife just became an American citizen!'

The woman in front of me turned around and the very happy, yet shy new American showed us her 'certificate.' It was a joyous but quiet moment ~ the train car did not break out in applause, because only the woman in front of me and myself could hear the old man's comments above the afternoon rider din.

We congratulated her, smiled and then each returned to watching the scenery fly by as the train headed northeast to our destination.

It was all I could do to hold back tears of happiness for her.

Arroyo Seco Real Estate Trends

2009-07-31T12:17:00.000-07:00

While my passion is river restoration, my professional expertise includes almost 20 years of property acquisition, management and real estate sales & marketing for individuals, corporate clients and non-profit organizations.

Since this was not a pretty week for those who understand the real estate business (9.9% residential mortgage default rate in LA County, commercial real estate now feeling deflation pain, HVCC rules & new loan origination requirements that will lengthen the escrow process, to name a few), I thought it was a good time to pause and share with readers the real estate reasons behind why I live and work in the Arroyo Seco watershed, which includes the communities of Northeast Los Angeles (Highland Park, Garvanza, Hermon, Monterey Hills, Mt Washington, Cypress Park, Montecito Heights, Lincoln Heights), South Pasadena, Pasadena, Altadena and La Canada-Flintridge. (Although Eagle Rock is not technically in the watershed, its adjacent proximity and neighborhood personality reflect Arroyo Culture, so I consider it part of the Arroyo Seco Corridor).

Here are the reasons why I think the Arroyo Lifestyle is terrific:

1. A River Runs Through It. Nationally, almost half our population lives within 125 miles of a coastline. There is something about water that we humans crave. The Arroyo Seco, with its expansive parkland along the upper portion of the watershed and dedicated civic and community support for restoration on the lower watershed, remains one of the oldest and most accessible fresh waterways in urban Southern California.

2. Trees. This riparian corridor has been able to avoid the massive de-foliation that has plagued other revitalized and redeveloped neighborhoods, especially on Los Angeles' Westside. The heat island that encompasses most of LA only touches the southernmost portion of the Arroyo Seco, which is currently being revitalized into a 'green' neighborhood with the innovative Cornfields-Arroyo Seco Specific Plan. Tree canopy also supports ecosystem vitality and wildlife corridor movement.

3. The Gold Line & Multi-Modal Transit. From Pasadena southward within the watershed, it is very easy to commute into downtown and all points on the way via the Gold Line light rail and bicycle. This offers residents transportation options not totally dependent on automobile travel, although the very efficient Arroyo Seco Parkway/Pasadena Freeway will get you downtown pretty quickly, too. Not only are light rail and bicycle commuting a great way to see the neighborhood, but it saves a lot of money and helps us get physical exercise in the process. The region's planning is focused on continuing healthy neighborhood sustainability through an Arroyo Seco Greenway and transit oriented housing.

4. Great Schools. La Canada Flintridge, South Pasadena and Eagle Rock public schools are excellent and offer affordable education for families. The Arroyo Seco also boasts several new charter schools, a Pasadena Unified School District that it reinventing itself, and top higher education academies including the California Institute of Technology, Occidental College, and Pasadena City College.

5. Arts & Culture. The Arroyo Seco watershed is home to Los Angeles' oldest museum, The Southwest Museum, as well as such cultural institutions as the Lummis House, Heritage Square Museum, the Huntington Museum & Gardens, Norton Simon Museum, Descanso Gardens and the Eagle Rock Community Arts Center. Among other organizations, the Arroyo Arts Cooperative sponsors numerous gallery events and Vromans Bookstore in Pasadena hosts book signings, classes, and poetry readings.

6. Jobs. Even in this recessionary environment, the Arroyo Seco is surrounded by important employment centers in downtown Los Angeles, Glendale, Burbank, and Pasadena. In fact, US News & World Report just included Pasadena in its national list of the 15 Government Heavy aand Recession Resistent Cities in the US because of the high employment base of both CalTech and NASA/JPL. Unlike much of Southern California, the Arroyo Seco offers a high quality of life that allows employees to live close to their work center, rather than spending hours on local freeways commuting.

I daily see the positive impact of these factors when I'm listing and showing property for clients in Arroyo Seco neighborhoods. Today, for example, I experienced a frenzy of buyer activity at the Dalton Lofts in Pasadena, new construction adjacent to the Gold Line Del Mar stations whose units will be auctioned off next week. Multiple offers on well-priced properties in all price categories are not uncommon. While the real estate market is definitely still in transition, well-qualified buyers are clearly acting on the current low interest rates, value pricing and long-term upside of the Arroyo Seco corridor.

To paraphrase that old adage, great real estate is all about location, location, location. In my opinion, the communities within the Arroyo Seco watershed provide the best location in the Greater Los Angeles area for high quality California living.

Central Arroyo Stream Restoration Project Featured at NCER

2009-07-20T08:23:00.001-07:00

The National Conference on Ecosystem Restoration is holding its third conference in Los Angeles this week at the downtown Westin Bonaventure. With a theme of 'The Spirit of Cooperation,' NCER expects more than 200 attendees from around the world who seek collaboration opportunities and want to learn the latest techniques on how to best restore our country's natural habitats and ecosystems.

One of the highlights of the conference will be a presentation by Arroyo Seco Foundation Managing Director Tim Brick on how the design-build concept worked in the Central Arroyo Seco Restoration Project, which returned native fish to Southern California's primary urban waterway tributary of the Los Angeles River. In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to personally tour the restoration site.

Attendees include a wide range of experts who design and build large scale ecosystem restoration projects, including representatives from federal agencies, private contractors, non-profit organizations, and academics.

This conference provides a forum to discuss pressing challenges to restoration planning and implementation such as:

Effective partnering to integrate planning, policy, science and engineering to provide effective, relevant and timely solutions

Combining state-of-the-art approaches, technology, tools and information to solve problems and achieve environmental sustainability

Ensuring the continuity and completion of large-scale, multiple year projects that involve multiple government agencies, non-government organizations, tribal governments and other partners

Setting goals and objectives

The full schedule of conference events may be accessed here: http://bit.ly/oLOj4

Arroyo Property of the Week

2009-07-16T15:46:00.001-07:00

If you don't know where to look, it is easy to miss this 'original treasure' of Altadena, newly on the market for the first time in many, many years.

This one-acre secluded property at 2044 Mendocino Lane really doesn't have a driveway ~ it's more of a tree-canopied lane that leads you into an enchanted forest where a stately Spanish-style estate built in 1917 awaits with extensive original period detailing.

Often referred to as "La Quinta," this almost 4000 square foot home features a library with floor to ceiling bookcases and gold leaf ceiling, exposed etched beams, original sconces, corbels, and fireplace with a massive hand-hewn mantle. The main home boasts a formal living room, formal dining room, office, family room, master suite, 2 additional bedrooms and baths plus a maid's bedroom and bath. The separate guest house has a bath, and the lush, bucolic grounds include a natural rock fish pond. There is also a garage and large walk-in basement.

The gardens includes many rare trees, winding paths and was reputed to have once held one of the largest wisteria vines in the world. It was at this elegant estate that the late Dr. Lecomte du Nouy, noted French scientist, completed his book, "Human Destiny," in 1946.

This grand and historic property has now reached the real estate market as a 'trust sale' with a very attractive price of $1,250,000 due to the extensive restoration and renovation necessary to return this impressive property to it original splendor.

What a rare opportunity for an architectural preservationist to re-create a true legacy estate!

Thanks to Listing Agent Nancy Valentine of Dickson Podley Realtors for making my preview of this wonderful property possible. Property details here: http://bit.ly/18VgGS