All I can say is "Niceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Anytime you can prove that radar doesn't work the way they claim it does and get out of a ticket is Niceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Re: Misc. News (Archive)
Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 12:50 pm
by Tim
From that article California Legislators Prepare to Unleash Speed Traps in Pasadena."
With a tightening budget, Pasadena officials hope to be the first jurisdiction to permit police officers to wield radar guns on roads with radically lowered speed limits. According to the Senate's own analysis, Pasadena's primary purpose is increasing the number of traffic tickets issued, not safety.
"When asked if there were a safety issue associated with speed on these streets, the city of Pasadena was not able to provide evidence that there was a higher collision rate, or any other type of incident that would indicate a safety problem," the Senate Transportation Committee's bill analysis explained. "Posting a lower speed limit, however, is not likely to slow traffic down. The 85th percentile has long been used as the standard for setting speed limits because experience has shown that the majority of people drive at a speed that feels safe for the conditions. If the conditions do not change on the roadway, drivers will continue to drive at their current speed. Because this bill allows for radar enforcement on segments that were not justified on the grounds of an engineering and traffic survey, this situation will likely cause more motorists to be cited for speeding."
I can't believe people aren't up in arms about this! These criminal bastards are robbing us! Just like how some cities have reduced the yellow signal time on red light camera controlled intersections to get more tickets!!
And people wonder why I hate governments so much.
Btw, I have a GPS data logger and now I'm thinking I ought to have that thing with me in my car at all times.
Re: Misc. News (Archive)
Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 1:33 pm
by AlanK
Tim wrote:I have a GPS data logger and now I'm thinking I ought to have that thing with me in my car at all times.
These things are sounding better and better.
Re: Misc. News (Archive)
Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 2:30 pm
by Hikin_Jim
AB 564: Special speed traps to increase revenue. What a happy thought.
Suspected hit-run driver hits three cyclists, killing one http://blogs.pe.com/news/digest/2009/07 ... -hits.html
"A man has been arrested after his pickup truck allegedly hit three bicyclists -- killing one -- while driving on a forested road in northern Los Angeles County."...this was listed as Boquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita
Armed Robbery on Mount Baldy Rd http://claremontca.blogspot.com/2009/07 ... eport.html
"On Tuesday, June 23 at about 11:00 pm, two victims in a parked vehicle were robbed at gunpoint on the Evey Canyon Rd. turnout of Mount Baldy Rd. (near the north-east City limits)"
Budget cuts force reduced hours at County swim beaches, nature centers http://mayorsampressrelease.blogspot.co ... rs-at.html
"The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation will modify its summer hours for public lake swim beaches and close three of its public lakes for swimming on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays beginning July 6, 2009 until September 7, 2009.....The closure of these County Regional lakes and Nature Centers on certain days is due to the reduction in staffing hours because of County budget curtailments"
The USA is still yielding lots of new extant tetrapod species http://scienceblogs.com/tetrapodzoology ... anders.php
"However, the USA has revealed a pretty impressive list of new plethodontids too. A plethodontid from the San Gabriel Mountains of southern California was named in 1996 (the San Gabriel slender salamander Batrachoseps gabrieli Wake, 1996)"
San Gabriels goes New York! http://www.nyartbeat.com/event/2009/0020
"X presents "Dome Colony X in the San Gabriels,....The installation, which covers nearly 8,000 Sq feet of exhibition space, invites visitors to become active participants within a “mountain colony” comprised of intimate dome tents that have been arranged around a centrally placed circular stage. A continuous graphically painted silhouette of Los Angeles’ San Gabriel Mountains covers the walls..."
Historical: Firestarters(with pictures) http://www.verticalmag.com/control/news ... s/?a=11241
"...The first comprehensive use of helicopters on forest fire control also took place in the Angeles National Forest, during the Bryant Fire in the Big Tujunga Canyon in 1947. Forestry officials were still uncertain of the capabilities of the helicopter, due to results of earlier experimental tests, but decided to contract with the Armstrong-Flint Helicopter Company in Los Angeles to supply two production Bell 47Bs for fire fighting duties on Aug. 6, 1947...."
Misc:
pictures of San Gabriel Mountain Orb Weaver Spider http://www.bugshutterbug.com/?p=792
Swept Away
"Last rays of sun filtering through the canyon walls catch this Broom blossom (Spanish or Sweet, I'm not sure). Still plenty of flowers, especially these yellow beauties, Buckwheat and a lovely red Penstemon, possibly Scarlet Bugler, hanging out in Big Tujunga Canyon"
Re: Misc. News (Archive)
Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2009 10:51 pm
by AW~
07/18/2009 18:48 Skateboarders in the road AFH S/O the tunnels near mm 18.29
07/18/2009 19:42 Injured Skateboarder Medical Aid Switzers PA
07/18/2009 14:32 Heat Exposure Bear Cyn. Trail/San Gabrielino Trail access through Switzers P.A http://tcnnorth.wordpress.com/2009/07/2 ... r-weekend/
"A Glendale man in his early twenties on Saturday had to be airlifted to a hospital after breaking his ankle near a waterfall in the Angeles National Forest, officials said"
07/19/2009 13:43 Assault on a Peace Officer HWY 39 AT WEST FORK BRIDGE
07/19/2009 17:16 Injured Hiker/Heat Exhaustion Heaton Flat Trailhead/Steep Mtn. Trail/Wilderness Trail
07/19/2009 17:53 Overdue Hikers Search & Rescue ACH/Vincent Gap to Mt. Badden Powell
US Forest Service offers "Old West" tour of San Gabriel Mountains July 25 http://mickieszoo.blogspot.com/2009/07/ ... -tour.html
" This month we will explore " The Real Old West of the San Gabriel Mountains." Gabrielinos, Vaqueros, and the Argonauts". We will be discussing, and visiting areas where the early Native Americans inhabited, the life of the Vaqueros, our first cowboys, and the rich and colorful history of past Gold Miners"
BIG TUJUNGA CANYON 7 19 09 http://losangelesswimmin.com/?p=1035
From Camp Colby down the graffiti infested river to "Monkey" Canyon...talk about carrying a camera along.
A Summer Animal Story http://kamalignitony.blogspot.com/2009/ ... story.html
"I was ready to release the trapped opossum inside a forest preserve some distance from our home but Ampy thought we should consult with the forest ranger to make sure that we do the proper procedure in humanely getting rid of the animal. So we went to Lytle Creek Ranger station about 10 miles away. The ranger said: "It's not our jurisdiction, sir. You should talk to the Fish and Wildlife Department. They will tell you what to do. She then handed me the phone number that she quickly scribbled on a piece of paper.
The person at the F&WD said I should get permission from the owners of the land where I intend to let the opossum loose before doing it or else that will be considered littering. She then added: "Or why don't you just kill it?"
Re: Misc. News (Archive)
Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2009 12:36 am
by Taco
Assault against a peace officer... wow...
Re: Misc. News (Archive)
Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2009 8:53 am
by mattmaxon
TacoDelRio wrote:Assault against a peace officer... wow...
So wonder how the assailant is feeling now that they've woke up?
video:Conan and Andy canoe the Los Angeles River http://aquafornia.com/archives/9756
Although the Army core of engineers was none too pleased apparently.
Altadena’s Weirdly Mysterious “Gravity Hill” http://mimlay.com/blog/2009/07/16/altad ... vity-hill/
"Debate rages among believers and skeptics about the phenomenon of ‘gravity hills’ — where cars placed in neutral seemingly roll up the slope… ....Ever the skeptic and having a little time to kill, your humble blogger decided to check into this stretch of anti-grav highway (left) in the vicinity of East Loma Alta Drive and Rubio Canyon. Thankfully, Weird California supplied precise instructions"
Info regarding MtBike riding at Mt.Waterman http://www.unitedadobo.com/index.cfm?ac ... ent_id=765
"Mountain Bike Tickets All Day - $25.00
Single Scenic Ride or Hiking Access - $10.00
Child under 7 FREE with paying adult
Operating Days: Saturdays and Sundays
Operating Hours: 9am - 4pm
Rest Rooms Located Up Top
The Lodge: Open
Food Service is available"
LA-based LGBT volunteer group does straight-up good http://www.edgechicago.com/?94170
"Tree People, an environmental non-profit, was among the first to make an alliance with Gay for Good. Their first collaboration was a mountain restoration project at the Malibu Creek Park, where the groups removed invasive weeds that easily burn during fires and planted native plants that are drought tolerant. Roughly 50 Gay for Good volunteers participated. And roughly 75 of the 200 people who attended a second event in the Angeles National Forest were Gay for Good contributors"
Re: Misc. News (Archive)
Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2009 3:22 pm
by AW~
Video:Wood Rats (Angeles Nat'l Forest 6/2009)
Deputy shoots and kills bear near SoCal forest http://www.sandiego6.com/news/state/sto ... ZT2sw.cspx
entire text:"SAN BERNARDINO (AP) — Authorities say a sheriff's deputy shot and killed a bear in a residential neighborhood near the Angeles National Forest.The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said in a release Thursday that the deputy encountered the bear as it was trying to get into a yard in the San Antonio Heights area.
The deputy found the adult bear trying to climb a fence Wednesday and opened fire when the animal started toward him.Sheriff's officials say San Antonio Heights residents have spotted several bears in the neighborhood in recent weeks. Some homes have been damaged by bears breaking through doors and windows to get to food and water."
Could flood swallow Valley? http://www.whittierdailynews.com/california/ci_12920381
".....To help prepare for such a 200-to-500-year flood, 10 teams of experts are studying everything from weather, forecasting, flooding, debris flows, coastal erosion, engineering, cost and the impact to the environment and public health.
The $3 million ARk Storm scenario, expected in summer 2010, includes 100 scientists measuring the flood disaster preparedness of the nation's most populous state"
So. California Water Stops http://www.cvcbike.org/?p=1040
Listing of water faucets in the forest and elsewhere. Note: report of MtWilson faucet being capped recently.
Forest ranger will discuss river recreational issues
"L'Tanga Watson, a district ranger for the Angeles National Forest, will present "Recreational and Resource Management Issues in the San Gabriel River Ranger District" at the 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Eaton Canyon Nature Center, 1750 N. Altadena Drive.
Watson will speak at the Pasadena Sierra Club's meeting, which is free and open to the public.
For more information, call (626) 791-7660."
San Antonio Heights family recollects their bear experience http://www.insidesocal.com/uplandnow/20 ... ily-r.html
"A San Antonio Heights family is expressing their concern over the death of the San Antonio Heights bear......The consensus appears to be that the neighbors are no happy with it," Cantero said. "There are a few neighbors that didn't like the bear, but most appear that they like the bear."
Cantero also sent photos of the bear when it was playing in the family's swimming pool"
Its about that time for the media & mountain lions... http://seesdifferent.wordpress.com/2009 ... alifornia/
Chose this one for the link to the video of one jumping over a fence.
Note: Once incident in NorCal(over 6 cops with helicopter) turned out to be a Maine Coon cat.
Conflict between Azusa council, commission gets personal http://www.sgvtribune.com/ci_12985090
"Since 2006, nine residents have held seats at various times on the five-member board. Late last month the City Council voted 4-1 to institute a review of the remaining four members - and possibly dismiss all of them.....City officials said the review stems from a perceived conflict of interest two planning commission members may have with Vulcan Materials Co.'s plan to mine in Fish Canyon-
-basically that members who oppose Vulcan Materials are being tossed for pro-mining proponents.
Historical:Mission San Gabriel http://cannundrum.blogspot.com/2009/08/ ... briel.html
"On Monday, January 14, 1850, the Hunt company, which had merged with the Rich company, and included George Q. Cannon, “struck tents” at their campsite near the San Gabriel River, about 9:00 a.m., on a “clear and frosty” morning......Harvested grapes were brought into the winery and the Gabrieleno Indians stomped the grapes until the juice seeped through the four holes in the winery wall and into outer troughs. "
addntl: 1850? how about 1542 ?! http://www.searchmagazine.org/Archives/ ... odies.html
"In 1542, the Portuguese explorer Juan Cabrillo dropped anchor off the Palos Verdes Peninsula at the southern tip of what is now Los Angeles County. The Native Americans who rowed out to greet Cabrillo and his crew in redwood-plank canoes called themselves the Tongva, which in their language means “the people of the earth.”
"
even more addntl: an ancient Indian village along the shores of a Southern California beach and the secret behind its disappearance over five hundred years ago http://puvungna.blogspot.com/
Council members voted down an Indian tribe's proposal to build a Las Vegas-style casino near Disneyland, citing likely difficulties in getting the project approved.
The Council decided instead Tuesday to offer most of the 40-acre parcel for development as a hotel, retail and entertainment complex......But since the Gabrielinos have no land of their own, the tribe would have had to have a statewide ballot measure passed allowing state-recognized tribes to build casinos on the property of others. "
general websites o' de misc news: http://museumsanfernandovalley.blogspot.com/
general LA Area historical website picking up steam...only has one historical photo of Big Tujunga canyon so far though.
Anyone know how to email Gary Valle (the bear cubs on the South Fork trail caught my eye - I was just there setting a camera the day after he saw them). I try clicking on the "email" button on his page, but my Mail system isn't set up right, and it won't let me do it.
Also, thanks again AW - I like these updates a lot. Love the maine coon bit...LOL
Re: Misc. News (Archive)
Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2009 1:12 pm
by HikeUp
cougarmagic wrote:Anyone know how to email Gary Valle (the bear cubs on the South Fork trail caught my eye - I was just there setting a camera the day after he saw them). I try clicking on the "email" button on his page, but my Mail system isn't set up right, and it won't let me do it.
I've emailed him before - nice guy.
gvalle at photographyontherun.com
Re: Misc. News (Archive)
Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2009 1:22 pm
by cougarmagic
Thank you!
Re: Misc. News (Archive)
Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2009 1:30 pm
by AW~
Hikeup beat me to it....thanks for viewing misc news 8) LOL....I was trying to snag a picture of a maine coon cat that looks like a mountain lion but was unsuccessful in really finding one...now I noticed there was a photo all along in the article LOL.... http://www.contracostatimes.com/animals/ci_12950825
Re: Misc. News (Archive)
Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2009 11:28 am
by AW~
Incidents:
Angeles National Forest mile marker 18.87: The front passenger window was shattered, a door lock cover was damaged, and several items were stolen from a vehicle parked at Monkey Canyon on Saturday. http://www.glendalenewspress.com/articl ... logs23.txt
08/09/2009 16:25 Jumped off rocks - can't feel legs Medical Aid Monkey Cyn
08/09/2009 15:54 Head Injury - Medical Aid Buckhorn CG site 14
08/09/2009 10:52 RAVE PARTY Miscellaneous FS R5N25
08/06/2009 16:12 Injured Hiker Search & Rescue Chantry Flats at Lower Winter Creek Trail TB 537D3
Rescuers free trapped owl at the Eaton Canyon Golf Course http://www.whittierdailynews.com/ci_13009421
"While Eaton Canyon is "alive with wildlife," animal rescues at the golf course are rare, Whitman said, adding it was the first owl rescue there that she could recall in her 10 years at PHS"
Missed this bear sighting photset by treklightly for the misc news a few months back.....
Waterfalls drying up fast-
Trail Canyon Falls video
L.A. Times: Doubling of water fees in largely blue-collar L.A. County area stirs uproar http://www.lynwood90262.com/?p=20
"A water district’s decision to double water fees has sparked outcry from largely working-class and impoverished areas of Los Angeles County.....Jim Odling, chairman of the Friends of the Whittier Narrows Natural Area, which opposes the center, said the environmental impact report on the project “indicates the real purpose of the center will be to serve as a fancy meeting place for water and government agencies"
El Nino still on track http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci ... source=rss
"The phenomenon known as El Niño — where Pacific Ocean waters warm up, often bringing wet winters for California — is intensifying, according to a new report Thursday by federal climate experts.
As California struggles with its third year of drought, the report predicts moderate-to-strong El Niño conditions for this winter, with water temperatures rising to levels not seen since 2002, and perhaps approaching those of 1997-98."
Big Rigs Banned from Angeles Crest Highway After Fatal Crash http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-b ... 0,34.story
"Governor Schwarzenegger signed a bill that permanently bans big rigs from a stretch of the Angeles Crest Highway"
Note: Just a few days before the bills signing a couple of rigs were caught by CHP just before the steepest grades.
Also:08/06/2009 19:39 Big Rig with brake fire Vehicle Fire EB 210 at Arroyo Blvd
Re: Misc. News (Archive)
Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2009 12:41 pm
by cougarmagic
That bear is AMAZING!! He looks so fat and healthy. How cool!
Re: Misc. News (Archive)
Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2009 4:57 pm
by Hikin_Jim
cougarmagic wrote:That bear is AMAZING!! He looks so fat and healthy. How cool!
I wonder how many hikers it took for him to get that big. (buuuurp)
Re: Misc. News (Archive)
Posted: Wed Aug 12, 2009 12:42 pm
by AW~
08/09/2009 20:34 Tick Cyn Smoke Check N Grandifloras Rd / Abelia Rd
--what a name for a canyon I dont think Im interested in visiting
Title:today was going to be a great day, or so I thought http://mydogparty.blogspot.com/2009/08/ ... -so-i.html
Deer hits a cyclist along Angeles Crest Hwy leading to rescue
"Lisa let forth a scream I will never forget and hope to never hear again. It was fear, shock, and complete denial. She didn't expect a full-grown male deer in front of her while traveling close to 30 mph. I never saw the second deer"
Forum coverage was http://www.socalbikeforums.com/showthread.php?t=6041
08/10/2009 08:10 Injured Deer Valyermo Road Just West of Valyermo Station
08/12/2009 09:51 Deer blocking Rd 1/2 mile up from station
Placerita Nature Center August 15th
Monthly animal presentation:Talk and Slideshow about Mountain Lions
The time on this is uncertain...either 8:30am or 1pm depending on the website used. http://www.meetup.com/Santa-Clarita-Com ... /11092846/
A Regional Trail System in the SGV? http://laist.com/2009/08/07/a_25000_donation_to_the.php
"A $25,000 donation to the Altadena Foothills Conservancy will enable the non-profit to study a trail from Eaton Canyon to the Rio Hondo River in Rosemead, ultimately enabling a large trail system in the San Gabriel Valley"
Water dispensaries keep mountain bighorn sheep alive
"There are 72 “drinkers” built and maintained across the desert from Interstate 10 north to Death Valley by volunteers with the Society for the Conservation of Bighorn Sheep"
Editorial: A pause, at least, for suction mining
"....Even before the governor signed Senate Bill 670, a state court had ordered the Department of Fish and Game to stop issuing new suction dredge mining permits" http://aquafornia.com/category/water-environment/
Speaking of mining along the East Fork SG river(now only available by panning), 7 videos of an exhaustive history of the river and mining
Mostly covers San Gabriel Canyon through Heaton Flats(although past there is mentioned)
San Bernadino -river recreating-1919 style (source:Ebay listing of historical postcard)
Meet the Newest Mountain Lion of the Santa Monica Mountains http://laist.com/2009/08/12/meet_the_ne ... _of_th.php
"P-13 (they are named in the order they are caught) was captured on July 31st in the Hidden Valley region, which is the northwest sector of the mountains south of Newbury Park. She is now the third active GPS collar being tracked....There are other lions in the mountains still without collars. Remote cameras that monitor areas have captured a pair of lions walking together near Brentwood and two lions have recently been killed attempting to cross freeways. One lion was found on the 405 in the Sepulveda Pass. Another was found in the Newhall Pass between the Santa Ana and San Gabriel Mountains"
Crashes:
One Killed, Several Injured in Two-Car Crash Saturday in San Bernardino Mountains http://losangeles.esteybomberger.com/bl ... mountains/
"The California Highway Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle accident that killed a 23-year-old woman and injured eight others near Wrightwood...Witnesses told the CHP that the Dodge sedan was attempting to pass another vehicle when the crash occurred"
Man Killed in 100 Ft Plunge Off Road in Castaic http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-m ... 4297.story
"Dias was driving west on Lake Hughes Road east of Ridge Route road in the Angeles National Forest about 10:50 a.m. Friday when he lost control of his Chevy Astro van"
Money thrown onto freeway jams traffic as people stop to collect cash http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2 ... bills.html
"California Highway Patrol officers arrived at the westbound 210 Freeway near Grand Avenue just after noon and found about 10 people outside their cars attempting to pick up the bills, CHP Officer Anthony Martin said.
A short time later, the man who tossed the money walked into the nearby Azusa Police Department headquarters and told officers that he wanted to commit suicide, Lt. Steve Hunt said..."
"One of the most charming grottos of the world" http://eastofallen.blogspot.com/2009/08 ... world.html
"Let's turn the clock back to 1876 and say you wanted to move from the cold snowy east to sunny southern California. Well, there was no California Aqueduct, no Colorado River water and no Pasadena Water and Power. You'd have to find water yourself before you could live here....."
- a trip report to Pasadena Glen canyon(and nice photo of the last waterfall)
Volunteer news report August 2009: Chantry Flats http://arcadiasbest.com/2009/08/forest- ... okey-bear/
"Chantry Flat has been very busy of late and with the crowds come various challenges that we have either witnessed first hand or heard through one of our colleagues reports. May and June have had attendance numbers of 1600+ people on a weekly basis. That’s 536 rolls of toilet paper (single ply of course), 280 bags of trash and 48 bags of recyclable materials collected.
With the crowds, comes the need for patience and perseverance. All of the volunteers at chantry
contribute in many ways. In just the last two months, the team has worked 557 hours. There have been numerous public assists, 13 rescues, over 250 noncompliance notices written..."
Re: Misc. News (Archive)
Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2009 10:34 am
by Rumpled
AW wrote:
Another was found in the Newhall Pass between the Santa Ana and San Gabriel Mountains"
Someone needs to check their geography skills. The article it linked to mentions it being between Santa Clarita and the SG's; not the Santa Ana's.
Re: Misc. News (Archive)
Posted: Thu Aug 20, 2009 5:43 pm
by AW~
Rumpled wrote:
Someone needs to check their geography skills. The article it linked to mentions it being between Santa Clarita and the SG's; not the Santa Ana's.
I got the map! 8) This one goes wayyyy back in time.
MtWilson toll road update: Modern hiker reports(source:Pasadena Star-News) that the gate at Pinecrest is either open or set to open. The Toll Road Informer blog says the entire road is not fixed however, they are still working on a slide in the upper portion of the road below Henninger Flats.
flashback: nothing new in Asuza canyon
tow truck gets car:
car almost off the side of the road:
best(nighttime drive along Hwy39):
Wildfire Injures 5 Firefighters, Los Angeles http://zimmermanmedia.blogspot.com/2009 ... s-los.html
"On Tuesday, August 18, 2009 at 11:29 AM, 33 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 6 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 Arson Units, 1 Rehab Unit, 4 LAFD Helicopters, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 4 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 202 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel, joined by 4 Hand Crews, a Crew Supervisor and Helicopter from the Los Angeles County Fire Department as well as five Engine Companies, 1 Hand Crew, 2 Patrols, a Water Tender, Helicopter and Supervisor from the U.S. Forest Service, each under the Command of Los Angeles Fire Department Assistant Chief Jeffrey S. Mottram, responded to a Major Emergency Brush Fire in the Wildland Fire Mutual Threat Zone of Oliver Canyon near Foothill Boulevard and Conover Place in the Los Angeles community of Sunland"
08/20/2009 08:50 Injury from Horse Fall Search & Rescue Mt Badin Powell Parking Lot, up trail from parking lot
"RT @csmjr91090: *Vincent IC* LASD Air 5 has picked up three USAR members and is formulating a plan to extract horse.
about 1 hour ago from txt Miss tweet do not call number thanks(jeez, now SAR is getting non-essential tweets/calls about tweets?)
about 1 hour ago from txt RT @csmjr91090: *Equestrian Rescue* Angeles Crest Highway "Vincent IC" 89's area. Comm Plan Admin Blue 12/ Comm Blue 10/ TAC 17/ SEC TAC ...
Pot farm found in Angeles forest http://www.the-signal.com/news/article/16999/
"Federal agents have seized more than 14,000 marijuana plants growing outdoors in a remote area of the Angeles National Forest, officials said.
....which was located near Bear Divide."
Also: Pot farm fire reveals a troubling trend http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me ... rint.story
"Investigators found 30,000 top-grade cannabis plants ranging in height from 2 feet to 6 feet. Stacks of propane tanks, melted irrigation tubing, empty fertilizer canisters, mounds of trash, a torched cooking stove and a semiautomatic rifle were also found at the Los Padres National Forest location, the sheriff and other agents said.....It's been a record year of pot seizures for the state and federal agents who work with the Santa Barbara County narcotics unit each summer to eradicate illicit farms. So far they have pulled 225,058 plants with an estimated street value of $675 million."
Residents offer staunch opposition to Carrari Ranch proposal http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci ... source=rss
"(Congressman) Miller's property, in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains north of Beryl Street, is in unincorporated territory. The project would require the annexation of more than 670 acres into the city."
LA County items passed -
"Implement new fees for facilities/services provided at Marina del Rey and other County beaches, including parking fees, to offset operating costs and raise $2.3 million in revenue annually"
"Acceptance of additional $9.5 million grant proposed as part of the Big Tujunga Dam Seismic Rehabilitation and Spillway Modification Project, upping total to $16.8 million"
I am more than tired of seeing gold mining news or blogs on the SanGabriel river, but this one at least has some purported historical information on life in the 1500s...
http://nandugreen.typepad.com/chasing_t ... rivia.html
"Baths consisted of a big tub filled with hot water. The “man of the house” had the privilege of the nice clean water, then all the other sons and men, then the women and finally the children. Last of all the babies. By then the water was so dirty you could actually lose someone in it.Hence the saying, "Don't throw the baby out with the bath water!"
Speaking of the San Gabriel River east fork-current conditions
source:http://hikingit.wordpress.com/2009/08/1 ... lip-again/
"Once again the road(Hwy39 just north of the West Fork) was blocked. I need to call the ranger and figure out what is going on. It seems like a pretty permanent road block, but I still see new reviews on localhikes.com for this trail(MtIslip via Islip Saddle). Maybe there is a different way to get to the trailhead? We will hike Islip . . . one day. And it better be worth it. Ha." 8)
AW wrote:
Another was found in the Newhall Pass between the Santa Ana and San Gabriel Mountains"
Someone needs to check their geography skills. The article it linked to mentions it being between Santa Clarita and the SG's; not the Santa Ana's.
I know they made a mistake, but the correct info should read between the SANTA SUSANA'S and the San Gabriel mountains. That's where Newhall Pass is located, although the lion was killed on the 5 near the Calgrove exit.
Re: Misc. News (Archive)
Posted: Fri Aug 21, 2009 9:46 am
by outwhere
Thanks AW !! Some fun stuff, especially that wildcad link ---- WTF, someone's got a bonfire [bone head fire?] going in Rubio Canyon
And really, these SELFISH, don't even know if can call them people, that drive their silly cars so dangerously on a PUBLIC road.
I'm sorry but they need to be shot just as badly as the people that break into cars.
How can anyone justify driving like this on, again, let's call it what it is, a PUBLIC road.
Total f*ckheads
Re: Misc. News (Archive)
Posted: Fri Aug 21, 2009 11:36 am
by simonov
outwhere wrote:And really, these SELFISH, don't even know if can call them people, that drive their silly cars so dangerously on a PUBLIC road.
I'm sorry but they need to be shot just as badly as the people that break into cars.
Are you trying to get yourself banned?
Re: Misc. News (Archive)
Posted: Fri Aug 21, 2009 1:15 pm
by Taco
Generalizations always end up causing problems.
I "drive recklessly" in the mountains multiple times a week as a hobby. Difference being, I'm not reckless. I am very controlled and rather good at what I do. The same can't always be said about everyone who drives up there for sport, but the same can't always be said about anyone in any group anywhere.
People who do NOT know how to drive on mountain roads will see my driving as reckless, because they themselves haven't put in the research, work, and years of constant driving on difficult roads in order to be able to drive that road quickly and also safely. There are people who constantly spin out on snow and ice on Baldy Road, for example. I wonder if they hate us dedicated mountain drivers?
One thing that stands out in that video is "double laning", or using both lanes. Obviously you don't want to be in the opposing lane around a blind corner, or anywhere you cannot see far enough to know that there isn't another car, vehicle, bike, etc coming down that lane towards you. I have nearly been hit multiple times as a result of people double-laning. Chances are, the other driver stiffened up in the turn (common), and did not simply turn the steering wheel enough to let the car do its' job. Double laning is generally dangerous.
I know a guy who drives up there in a certain Japanese car with AWD (not a Subie) who drives very fast, but ignores the second part, that whole thing about being safe and stuff. He flies through the rest stops at around 85mph. This is where people are hanging out, walking around and talking, and just relaxing. That kind of driving pisses me off FAR more than it pisses you off, because that gives us mountain drivers a very bad image and reputation. That, is reckless.
On the note of selfishness, everything is selfish. Climbing mountains is said to be selfish, though I could never quite wrap my head around that. Having children is rather selfish, as folks deem it to be their birthright, which ends up consuming further resources from an already delicate situation. The only non-selfish activity one could possibly partake in is being a Buddhist Monk, perhaps. Then again, seeking enlightenment is for YOU, believe it or not, which makes that selfish. Death? You get to rest, while your family misses you dearly and pays the emotional price.
Here is an excellent video by Youtube user 'Nutnfancy' regarding "dangerous things":
No offense or attack on you, Outwhere, just trying to open some eyes. I don't talk about driving very often, as this is mostly a hiking board, and I know plenty of outdoorsy folks who are not familiar with it, and I'm sure plenty of people would hate me over it out of their own pure ignorance.
If anyone doubts my safety, ethics, whatever, I welcome you to go for a drive with me.
Re: Misc. News (Archive)
Posted: Sun Aug 23, 2009 11:30 am
by outwhere
Ok, that's what Simonov meant
Hi Taco, although we may not totally agree on the semantics of the word selfish - it was interesting to read your thoughts on this subject.
I guess that footage of the 'double laning' got my heart racing faster than you going around a SGM curve
To me, that person going around the blind curve, not on THEIR side of the road was the catalyst for my use of the word 'selfish.'
I just don't see how someone could do that - no matter the reason. Might not fit the definition of 'selfish' but one thing we know, they sure aren't thinking about the possibility of another person coming around the corner.
Driving in the mountains shouldn't be a stressful event. And to be honest, having to watch out for stuff like 'double laners' can make it just that...
My friends and I have almost been wiped out on the Glendora Ridge Road, as well as on the ACH, more than once - and I just don't think that is very cool. Hoping to come off a mountain road alive ---- I guess that could be defined as selfish depending on who is holding which dictionary.
After reading many of your posts about the climbing you do - I am quite sure your attention and skills translate to your driving abilities. But certain amount of folks might not know that when we see you coming around the corner. It's tough to sort out who has skills and who doesn't in real time, on real roads.
The reason I say that, we have a friend that gets quite startled when he encounters fast cars on mountain roads - now he's never lost full control of his car but he has been known to almost become a hazard himself as a result. He doesn't have this problem when he encounters cars going the speed limit on mountain roads/corners. Of course, we took over the driving duties once we realized it was stressing him out too much to drive on mountain roads.... but was that really the answer to the problem?
Like you to me, I'm not trying to be a jerk... just telling you a perspective from the other side of the road...
And speaking of banning - I did watch some of that NutnFancy - gonna go back and watch the rest - and I agree with the personal responsibility he speaks of vs. just banning anything dangerous, outright. But unlike yourself, it seems like there are a few folks out there that are practicing personal acts on the road without being perfectly responsible.
Then again, if it was up to me, we'd have Mt Lowe trolly cars carrying us up and down the gorgeous SGM - at a slooooooow coach pace 8)
Re: Misc. News (Archive)
Posted: Sun Aug 23, 2009 3:13 pm
by Taco
I agree with you on everything you just said.
It's tough to sort out who has skills and who doesn't in real time, on real roads.
It is nearly impossible to tell who does and who doesn't. One would have to be familiar with the special skillsets that dictate fast driving on a mountain road (single-lane lines, controlling under and oversteer in a single lane with certain chassis, maximizing traction on varied road surfaces), and they'd either have to follow the individual, or be with them, riding shotgun. Since people might see a car going quickly on a road, they may not agree with it, and have an emotional response, without having a logical response (or the knowledge in that area to back one up), that of "well, he was clean, and he left room for other drivers, and driver error or rocks on the road, etc etc on and on".
Just figured I'd put my stance out there in general to anyone, as I know plenty of folks have negative experiences in regard to this subject (I am one of them, probably more than anyone else).
If anyone needs a taxi...
Re: Misc. News (Archive)
Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2009 12:06 pm
by Hikin_Jim
TacoDelRio wrote:If anyone doubts my safety, ethics, whatever, I welcome you to go for a drive with me.
Seriously though, I've got a friend who drives track and actually does know what he's doing. What would definitely be an unsafe speed for me really isn't for him, although it does make it harder to read a topo map looking for a trailhead when he's driving.
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