Azusa News, CA Local News

A system of dams, percolating ponds, rubber barriers saved 95% of torrential rain

Sat, 17 Feb 2024 18:52:37 +0000

Do you ever wonder what happens to the stormwater that starts out as rain during a monster deluge in Southern California?

If you answered, “It all flushes down to the Pacific Ocean,” you would be wrong, according to flood control and water supply managers in Los Angeles County.

The San Gabriel Dam, between storms on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024. It is one of “The BIg 3” San Gabriel Mountain dams operated by LA County Public Works. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Morris Dam, between storms on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Morris Dam, between storms on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024. The release of water makes room for more rain water behind the dam. Water is released, flows into some of the county’s 27 spreading grounds. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
An overhead view of Morris Dam, between storms on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
With the Los Angeles skyline behind it, runoff water flows down the Los Angeles River through Vernon on Tuesday. Feb. 6, 2024. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
As a result of the recent storms, runoff water flows at the beginning of the Los Angeles River in Canoga Park on Tuesday. Feb. 6, 2024. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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About 90% to 95% of rainwater is captured behind 14 dams and then slowly released into the Los Angeles and San Gabriel rivers. The captured water pools in 27 permeable “spreading grounds” where it percolates into natural underground basins called aquifers, said Sterling Klippel, interim assistant deputy director of L.A. County Public Works.

From these below-ground reservoirs that contain groundwater, 200 local water agencies pump up the water from their wells and deliver potable water to millions of customers across L.A. County, he added.

It’s like dipping a straw into a tall drink.

“When it rains, and pours, that is our opportunity to get that rainwater and keep it from being wasted,” Klippel said.

Engineers and managers for L.A. County Public Works will be tested again Sunday and Monday, when a winter storm is expected to drop between 1.5 inches and 3.0 inches of rain on coastal and valley areas of Ventura and L.A. County, said Rich Thompson, National Weather Service meteorologist on Wednesday, Feb. 14.

Of course, between 5% and 10% of the rain doesn’t get stored and that’s mostly when rain is falling at high volumes and rushing down flood control channels at a fast clip. It also depends where the rain falls. If mostly on the lower elevations, the twin rivers can slow the flow. But that water has passed by the higher-elevation reservoirs in the San Gabriel Mountains and the San Fernando Valley.

Dams and water capture

Dams play a critical role in the capture of rainfall, including the water stored after the recent atmospheric river event on Feb. 4, Feb. 5 and Feb. 6 that dropped 10 inches on many residential areas. The rainfall totals are 24 inches to date this season in the San Gabriel Mountains, a few inches shy of the seasonal average.

Cogswell Dam, San Gabriel Dam and Morris Dam in the San Gabriel Mountains north of the San Gabriel Valley foothill communities held back 20,000 acre-feet of water from the recent winter storms, Klippel reported. An “acre-foot” is the amount of water, one foot deep, and stretched across an acre of land, or about 325,851 gallons. The increase in water storage at these dams equaled about 6.5 billion gallons of water.

The water stored behind the big three dams in San Gabriel Canyon on Feb. 12 totaled 42,000 acre-feet or approximately 14 billion gallons, Klippel reported. For comparison, the average Californian used 83 gallons of water per day in April 2022, according to a recent study. That amounts to 30,295 gallons per year.

Water was also captured behind Hansen Dam in the San Fernando Valley, and some was sent down the L.A. River, Klippel said. L.A. Mayor Karen Bass estimated that Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) in conjunction with county Public Works, captured 7 billion gallons of stormwater in Los Angeles alone from the storms earlier this month.

As of Feb. 9, Klippel estimated total stormwater captured at all the county dams and the spreading grounds equaled 87,000 acre-feet or about 28 billion gallons since Oct. 1, 2023.

“We were able to capture a lot of water immediately downstream of Hansen Dam,” Klippel said. “And also, farther downstream where we operate the Tujunga Spreading Grounds with LADWP.”

“I will say they do a good job. But I will always say we all can do more,” said Conner Everts, executive director of the Southern California Watershed Alliance, an environmental group that works on water conservation projects and water quality issues.

Last year, when downtown L.A.’s rain gauge topped at 33.4 inches, almost double the average rainfall year, the county conserved a total of 628,000 acre-feet of storm water or about 200 billion gallons, the second-highest amount ever stored in one year, the county reported.

How does this help water retailers? By raising the groundwater levels and allowing for more pumping, he said.

In the largest underground basin in the region, the Main San Gabriel Basin, as of Feb. 1, 2024, the key well measured 221 feet above the mean sea level, 40 feet higher than the previous year, the San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District reported.

To supplement local water, L.A. County on average imports about 65,000 acre-feet from Northern California through the State Water Project. Also, the county has been increasing its supply of highly-treated recycled water, which is now at about 45,000 acre-feet per year, Klippel said.

“That is not a bad start,” Everts said on the amount of recycled water produced. Usually, recycled water is wastewater that is treated in many stages, then injected into the ground where it undergoes natural filtration before reaching aquifers.

Rivers and rubber dams

The early February storms sent social media hounds scurrying to post pictures of water flowing down the L.A. River, from Studio City to Glendale to Long Beach. About 14.6 inches of rain has fallen in Downtown Los Angeles since Oct. 1, close to the 15.4 seasonal average. After this weekend’s rains, the amount should exceed the average.

But actually, the L.A. River at Wardlow Road near the Long Beach (710) Freeway during the peak of the storms earlier this month was running at 65,000 cubic feet per second, only one-third the maximum capacity for that section of the river of 182,000 cubic feet per second, Klippel said.

“We were capturing most of that water upstream,” he explained.

And despite social media posts, the L.A. River was nowhere near overflowing its banks.

Besides keeping water behind the dams, the county inflated seven rubber dams in the L.A. River near the Wardlow Road channel, he said, which pools water for percolation into underground aquifers.

During the storms, the county inflated the largest rubber dam in North America near Irwindale across the San Gabriel River. “Once that rubber dam is inflated, it is keeping water from going downstream and that water is going into the spreading grounds,” Klippel said.

Seven other rubber dams are used in the San Gabriel River below the Whittier Narrows Dam located between South El Monte and Whittier, he said. “It is a soft-bottom river so the water will percolate into the ground,” he said. This differs from many parts of the L.A. River which has a concrete bottom.

Whittier Narrows Dam on Friday, Jan. 18, 2019. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Everts mentioned a project at Jackson Elementary School in Altadena where asphalt was replaced with decomposed granite and gravel — water storage on a smaller level. This curbs the heat island effect and allows more water to seep into the ground, stopping runoff and preventing local flooding, he said.

“In areas where they put in just gravel and sand, a teacher poured out a jug of water and the water just disappears. It is amazing. And the kids love it,” Everts said. “We have more infrastructure in place for capturing storm water than we have had in the past.”

Reservoirs, snowpack and cisterns

The state’s major reservoirs are at 118% of average as of this week. “They are still in a good position thanks to carry-over storage (from last year’s storms) and efforts by the DWR (state Department of Water Resources) and our partner agencies to capture as much water as possible from this winter’s storms,” wrote Jason Ince, DWR spokesperson in an emailed response.

When the snowpack in the Sierra Nevada melts in the spring, it sends clean water down the aqueduct known as the State Water Project, which serves one-third of California’s water supply and is the source of imported water for Southern California water agencies.

The early February storms provided a significant boost to the snowpack, which was just 50 percent of average on Jan. 31 and is now 73 percent of average as of Feb. 14, Ince reported and DWR data shows. But the snowpack has not reached its April 1 average yet.

With some climatologists predicting a return to La Niña conditions next year, that could bring back drier, even drought conditions to Southern California. The cyclical nature of water and snowpack is a constant reminder not to get complacent, Everts said.

Homeowners can pursue rebates to replace thirsty front lawns with drought-tolerant landscaping, he said. Or buy cisterns to put underground to capture rain water.

Some new houses are being built with underground tanks, he said. A 200,000-gallon cistern under the Santa Monica Library holds and filters rainwater runoff from the roof, keeping the water from overburdening the storm system or flooding the streets. The stored water is used to irrigate the landscaping.

“We will never capture all of the runoff so we need to adapt,” Everts said.

Fodor’s puts San Gabriel Mountains National Monument on its 2024 ‘No List’

Fri, 24 Nov 2023 12:51:38 +0000

Fodor’s Travel magazine has some advice for Southern California nature lovers: Don’t go to the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument.

That’s right, the national travel publication placed the mountainous national monument — a natural place made up of rivers, canyons and lakes, unique species of flowers and animals and 600 archeological sites all within 90 minutes of 20 million residents — on its ‘don’t go’ list, saying the monument is overwhelmed with trash and graffiti and should be omitted from travel plans in 2024.

Trash and graffiti is seen along the San Gabriel River East Fork in the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument on Monday, November 20, 2023. Fodor’s travel magazine has the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument on their do not go list for 2024 because of trash and graffiti. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
A pile of trash left behind along the San Gabriel River East Fork in the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument is seen on Monday, November 20, 2023. Fodor’s travel magazine has the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument on their do not go list for 2024 because of trash and graffiti. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The San Gabriel River East Fork in the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument is seen on Monday, November 20, 2023. Fodor’s travel magazine has the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument on their do not go list for 2024 because of trash and graffiti. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Luis Peña, 69, and his brother Arnold, 64, search for recycling along the San Gabriel River East Fork in the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument on Monday, November 20, 2023. The brothers recycle for their national parks trips. Fodor’s travel magazine has the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument on their do not go list for 2024 because of trash and graffiti. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The San Gabriel River East Fork in the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument is seen on Monday, November 20, 2023. Visitors leave behind dams throughout the East Fork even though dams can harm the native fish. Fodor’s travel magazine has the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument on their do not go list for 2024 because of trash and graffiti. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
A pile of trash left behind along the San Gabriel River East Fork in the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument is seen on Monday, November 20, 2023. Fodor’s travel magazine has the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument on their do not go list for 2024 because of trash and graffiti. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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The 346,177-acre national monument, which includes 342,177 acres of the Angeles National Forest and 4,002 acres of neighboring San Bernardino National Forest, made Fodor’s “No List” along with Venice, Italy; Ha Long Bay, Vietnam; Mount Fuji, Japan; Athens, Greece; and Lake Superior — fantastic places that are being loved to death by too many visitors, too much trash and not enough environmental stewardship, the magazine’s November edition reported.

What was intended to be the “crown to the Valley of Angels,” the living monument of chaparral, oak and conifer trees as well as numerous picnic, camping and fishing sites, has become “covered in trash, tagged with graffiti, and (is) posing an increasing threat to nature,” according to the magazine.

Even after monument status was bestowed in 2014 by President Barak Obama, the area, along with the entire 700,000-acre Angeles National Forest, was left in the hands of the U.S. Forest Service to manage.

But the U.S. Forest Service, under the U.S. Department of Agriculture, did not get an allotment of dollars for the designation. Instead, the USFS must rely on corporate donations and the yeoman’s work of volunteer groups to maintain and manage the monument.

Recent publicity highlighted a portion of the monument at the East Fork of the San Gabriel River, which in the summer became inundated with people who left behind diapers, food wrappers and even mattresses. In a recent article in this newspaper, the USFS said it did not have enough money or resources to repair large portions devastated by storms and overuse, resulting in closure of more than 38% of the campgrounds.

This fall, the East Fork area, across from the Oaks Picnic Area, was in much better shape than in the summertime. That’s because the East Fork’s Golden Preservation group recently removed 800 pounds of trash in two hours. To date, they’ve taken out more than 8,000 pounds of trash, the magazine reported.

On Monday, Nov. 20, an independent, two-person team made up of Luis Peña and his brother, Arnold Peña, collected 1,000 empty beer and beverage cans in just two hours, said Arnold Peña, who lives in Duarte.

“Right now, it is all clean. But in the summer you will see all that trash down on the river,” said Arnold Peña, as he put the empty beer can in his hand into one of two nearly full, very large plastic bags in his car trunk. The two would soon take that trash down the hill to be recycled.

Luis Peña said the trashing of the East Fork area occurs from March through October. “Yeah, in the summer it is dirty. But in the winter it is usually clean.”

The East Fork river glistened in the November sun next to car turnouts on East Fork Road, about 10 miles north of Azusa. Authorities had placed three large trash bins there. But plastic bags, a woman’s sandal and other detritus were strewn on the berm adjacent to the river. Pizza boxes and other food containers were left on top of the empty bins — but not placed inside.

Down on the river, there were piles of beer bottles, empty soda bottles, paper cups, Styrofoam containers, clothes and a broken tent canopy frame. Many trees and rocks were tagged with blue, red and black graffiti, including a natural stone outcropping in the middle of the active stream bed.

Mini rock dams created by people who pool the river for swimming remained. These dams can kill the endangered Santa Ana sucker fish that live in the river, according to biologists. Signs posted along the river tell visitors to “Save the Santa Ana sucker fish.”

“It is a bummer to be on that (no go) list. It is not a list any place is aspiring to be on,” said Casey Schreiner, editor of the Modern Hiker online site, television writer, producer and author of “Day Hiking: Los Angeles (2016).” He said the Forest Service’s management practices are not working.

“I have been really patient and I feel like I’m reaching my breaking point,” he said on Monday, Nov. 20. The problems with overuse and people leaving trash in the river instead of packing it out has been around for more than 10 years. He suggested authorities use timed permits for visiting the area, as is done in popular national parks.

Maria Hernandez, who was visiting the East Fork area on Monday, was saddened when she spoke about seeing trash on the river banks. “We need to take care of the environment,” said Hernandez, of Compton. “I think it is not the area, it is the people. They don’t take care of it,” she said.

Daniel Rossman, California deputy director of The Wilderness Society, said the Forest Service has worked on cleaning up Oaks Picnic Area and the East Fork river area. Homer Wilkes, under secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture for natural resources and environment, listened to people weighing in about the monument at a meeting on Nov. 7 in Azusa. Sen. Alex Padilla and Rep. Judy Chu have asked President Joe Biden to expand the boundaries to include areas that need more attention, such as Chantry Flat near Arcadia, and the Upper Tujunga area toward the San Fernando Valley. Wilkes even got a tour of the East Fork — after it had been cleaned up.

“Part of this is about educating visitors to foster that sense of shared responsibility,” Rossman said. “To teach the ‘leave no trace behind’ principle,” he said on Friday, Nov. 10.

A new outreach program starting this summer funded by the National Forest Foundation and the Hispanic Action Foundation will take the form of a junior field ranger program, instructing visitors to pack out their trash and not hurt the sucker fish. “Just handing out trash bags is a great way to affect behavior,” Rossman said.

As far as Fodor’s placing the monument on a “don’t go” list, Rossman said there are many places within the boundaries that are not crowded and not trash-filled. He said the magazine’s message is one of awareness, not condemnation.

“I can’t agree more with that message. It highlights the need for all of us to do more to care for this place,” Rossman said.

Biden official hears from packed audience on expanding San Gabriel Mountains monument

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 09:17:23 +0000

Inside a packed meeting hall in Azusa, a top Biden Administration official heard from dozens of speakers the night of Tuesday, Nov. 7, mostly in support of expanding the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument with additional protections of scenic rivers and sensitive mountain habitat.

More than 250 people attended the public hearing at the invitation of the president, who sent Homer Wilkes, under secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture for natural resources and environment, to listen, review transcripts of the meeting and report back to help President Joe Biden decide if he should expand the monument’s size by a third.

Homer Wilkes, USDA under secretary for natural resources and environment, gives introductory remarks at meeting on plans for the expansion of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument held at the California Army National Guard Building in Azusa on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. (photo by Steve Scauzillo/SCNG).
Maricela Rosales, a lifelong resident of LA County, speaks at the listening session in front of Homer Wilkes, USDA under secretary for natural resources and the environment. About 250 people attended the meeting held at the California Army National Guard Building in Azusa on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. (photo by Steve Scauzillo/SCNG).
State Sen. Anthony Portantino, D-Burbank, right, greets Homer Wilkes, left, USDA under secretary for natural resources and environment. Wilkes was sent by President Biden to hear from people in Southern California on plans to expand the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument at the California Army National Guard Building in Azusa on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. (photo by Steve Scauzillo/SCNG).

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“This monument is being worked through the legislative process and I see there is a lot of support for it,” said Wilkes, in an interview during a break in the 2 1/2-hour meeting. “My job is to come out here and listen to what concerns people have.”

Twin bills from Rep. Judy Chu, (D-Pasadena) and Sen. Alex Padilla, (D-Calif.) introduced in May propose adding 109,167 acres of Angeles National Forest land to the 346,179-acre San Gabriel Mountains National Monument with the hope that it will bring the monument more funding and resources. The monument includes 342,177 acres of the Angeles National Forest and 4,002 acres of the neighboring San Bernardino National Forest.

The bills also would designate more than 30,000 acres of protected wilderness and add 45.5 miles to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

A map of the proposed addition to the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. (graphic by Jeff Goertzen/SCNG)

Chu and Padilla have asked Biden to use his powers under the Antiquities Act of 1906 to add federal forest land already within the 700,000-acre Angeles National Forest to the monument, bypassing Congress and the legislative process. The original monument started with legislation 10 years ago, but was created by President Barack Obama with a stroke of the pen in October 2014 during his visit to the Angeles National Forest.

Wilkes said he will confer first with his boss, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, and Vilsack will then meet with Biden. “On behalf of Secretary Vilsack and President Biden, I’ll be able to share the concerns actually raised out here,” Wilkes said.

The addition would take in southwestern sections of the Angeles National Forest, including areas north of Sylmar and east of the Newhall Pass. It would include the Arroyo Seco, a historic tributary of the Los Angeles River running through Pasadena, as well as the Tujunga Wash.

A key addition is Chantry Flat, a popular hiking and picnic spot north of Arcadia and Sierra Madre that has attracted thousands of visitors on weekends but has been closed for several years due to damage from rainstorms and lack of resources from the U.S. Forest Service to make repairs.

Mount Lowe Railway packed with passengers during this day in 1909. This was the first public mass transit system into the Angeles National Forest. The site, still containing relics from the railway, is part of the proposed addition to the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, discussed at a meeting in Azusa on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2023. (photo courtesy of the Mount Lowe Preservation Society Collection)

Also included in the proposed expansion is the site of Thaddeus Lowe’s funicular, the Mount Lowe Railway, which from 1893 to 1938 took people on a roller-coaster of a ride high into the mountains above Pasadena; as well as historic trails that were created as part of the Great Hiking Era and sites containing ancient Native American relics.

The overwhelming majority of the public who spoke Tuesday favored expansion, preservation of forest lands and better community access. Many wanted to see a boomerang effect from a second monument land designation that could lead to more resources for trash pickup, outreach, transportation, interpretive programs and enforcement.

“I hope this expansion also comes with more resources, a lot more programing and an opportunity for more people to engage,” said Yvette Lopez-Ledesma, a member of The Wilderness Society who leads hiking groups into the Angeles National Forest.

Morgan Goodwin, senior director of the Sierra Club Angeles Chapter, said that on recent hikes he’s witnessed deterioration both in the monument and the Angeles National Forest, including poor signage and crumbling infrastructure. “We hope an expansion will lead directly to a better investment by the federal government,” he testified.

Monterey Park City Council member Thomas Wong was part of a roundtable discussion of invited city leaders and other stakeholders headed up by Wilkes. Wilkes held a private small group meeting on Saturday, Nov. 4 and three more on Tuesday, Wilkes said.

“Regarding the designation of a national monument — all that has been about bringing more resources to the mountains,” said Wong in an interview. Wong said the lack of Forest Service resources to properly manage the monument came up in the roundtable discussion.

While a monument designation doesn’t come with a budgetary line item, it adds prestige that can leverage dollars, supporters say.

Donations of about $3 million flowed to the National Forest Foundation for use in the monument shortly after its designation in 2014. A year later, Coca-Cola made a $900,000 donation. Recently, the Forest Service used private funds to improve the Castaic Lake campgrounds. And Chu has put in seed money of about $995,000 to start a public transit shuttle service into key monument recreation sites.

Nick Rosal, in a public comment, said there were too many unanswered questions about the expansion. “Is this a land grab? It is not clear. It is not specific. We have to look at the financial issues.”

Some said requiring more work to develop a management plan for the addition, and enforcing rules on a larger monument, amounted to an unfunded mandate.

Rob Pettersen, a volunteer who helps repair trails, said the expansion is putting the cart before the horse. “I feel a major influx of financial support for the Angeles is far more important,” he said.

Due to understaffing, the Forest Service, which is under the USDA, often uses nonprofit groups to supply volunteers to make trail repairs, pick up trash and clean restrooms. Even making major repairs of washed-out bridges and trails has become difficult, the Forest Service told this newspaper in July.

But Machiko Yasuda, who lives near a trailhead, said amenities are in short supply, including bathrooms and rangers.

“The Forest Service cannot continue to rely on volunteers to maintain trails that get trashed,” she commented. “We want to see full-time jobs for recreation and interpretation.” She’d also like to see the model used by the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, which is managed by the U.S. Park Service, to replace the Forest Service.

While managerial changes are not in the legislation and would not be part of a presidential declaration for expanding the monument land, Wilkes said he’s relying on the community to rally for funding if the monument addition is approved.

“This is an opportunity to have other public-private partnership engagements. The federal government can’t do everything,” he said.

One motorcycle went airborne and struck a man standing on a sidewalk with a woman, Bushey said. Debris from the collision hit three other vehicles.

Police didn’t know if the motorcyclists knew each other.

Police asked anyone with video or information on the crash to call them at 626-812-3200 and ask for Sgt. Keith Ascar in the Traffic Bureau.

Metro riders speak out about crime, drug use and homeless on transit system

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 10:36:23 +0000

Fed up with unsafe conditions, frustrated LA Metro riders told of encounters with passengers brandishing weapons, using illicit drugs, and taking up residence on the trains during a first-ever safety forum held online and in person at Union Station.

About 100 people participated virtually and another 25 attended in person at a “listening session” inside the old ticket hall at the downtown Los Angeles transit hub on Wednesday evening, Sept. 27, hosted by the agency’s Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC).

Luigi Osorio posts his comment at the LA Metro Public Safety Advisory Committee meeting at Union Station on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023. (photo by Steve Scauzillo)
Jeremy Oliver-Ronceros, chair of the Public Safety Advisory Committee, speaks at the listening session on crime and safety at Union Station in LA on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023. (photo by Steve Scauzillo)
Yvette Rapose, deputy chief customer experience officer, talks to the audience at the Public Safety Advisory Committee’s listening session on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023 at Union Station in LA. (photo by Steve Scauzillo)

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While Metro has seen similar concerns in past forums and surveys, this meeting was unprecedented because the advisory committee attended and hosted the meeting. Some committee members openly criticized Metro’s response to crime on its transit lines and advocated for changes.

Rafael Mastrangelo Jr., an ex-officio committee member and a Metro employee, said he takes the Red Line to work every day and regularly informs Metro officials about unlawful acts he sees on trains and station platforms.

“I’ve talked to MTA (Metro) about the problems. Unfortunately, things move too slow and more should be done,” he told the audience at Union Station, speaking from the dais alongside his fellow PSAC members. He said he has advised his adult son and daughter not to use the system unless things improve.

Jeremy Oliver-Ronceros, chair of the PSAC, said he grew up riding the Red Line (now B Line) and held fond memories. But recently he noticed problems. “I have seen the thing I loved and bragged about deteriorate,” he said.

Mastrangelo advocated Metro’s law enforcement partners, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, LAPD and Long Beach Police Department should team up with Metro’s Transit Security Officers and form mini, roving teams that ride the trains.

Others in the meeting asked that security and/or law enforcement be present aboard trains and buses and at all train stations. A common theme expressed on posted comment cards was support for increasing the visibility of transit security and law enforcement.

Alba Osorio, a Cal State Los Angeles student, was heading home from work at West L.A. College on the E (Expo) line Wednesday near the La Brea Station when men speaking loudly approached her. She heard a passenger yell that one of the men was carrying a weapon, which looked like a knife. When she got off the train and onto another train car, the men followed her, she said.

“I decided I needed to get out of there as soon as possible, so I ran out (at the Exposition and Crenshaw Station) to the Shell gas station and called an Uber home,” Osorio said. “I talked to my dad when I got home and broke down crying.”

John Kindred, a regular Metro train rider, told the committee he’d broken up fights four or five times and stopped people from doing drugs on the train. Recently he saw someone using cocaine and when he told them to stop, they told Kindred he could take another train car.

Caren Perez, who rides Metro trains to get to work every weekday, said the recent addition of 300 Metro Ambassadors who give directions and have intervened in some drug abuse situations don’t really help the everyday riders.

“I ride with my pepper spray and I don’t feel safe,” Perez said. She also said unhoused riders lay on the floor of the trains or across the seats.

Ilca Moskos, a Metro passenger from Santa Monica, said she wished the trains would be more like those she’s ridden in Europe, where she always felt safe. However, she said that after being out of town for two months, she noticed some improvements when she returned.

Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins reported on Thursday at a Metro board meeting that since April, crime systemwide dropped 54%. The statistics include May, June and July. August figures were not available, she said. “We are hopeful that overall crime reductions we are seeing will continue.”

A new emphasis on arresting drug users and those who commit violent crimes is working, reported Metro.

At the PSAC meeting, Jorge Martinez, with Metro’s service development and operations division, described changes made in the last few months at the Westlake/MacArthur Park train station in L.A. They include brighter lighting, more Metro Ambassadors, and more law enforcement. In addition, a mobile health clinic is set up once a week outside the Westlake/MacArthur Park station in response to six fatalities reported at the station in 2022, he said.

Metro has hardened the turnstile gates to prevent people from entering the platform without paying their fare and as a result, fares have increased. That is a work in progress because some emergency gates are designed to swing open and can’t be shuttered, said Robert Gummer, senior executive officer for system security and law enforcement.

People participating in Metro’s listening session were asked to answer a prompt from Gummer that seeked input on a working plan to develop Metro’s own police department instead of relying on a patchwork from three different law enforcement departments.

Gummer is working on what q Metro security force would look like and what traits and characteristics each officer should possess. A presentation is expected to come before the Metro board in January.

Osorio said she would like to see Metro have its own law enforcement department but she wants more presence on the trains and buses.

“I feel an in-house police service should be the way Metro is going,” said PSAC member Florence Annang, She said coordinating three law enforcement agencies through varied communities is not working.

If Metro decides to hire its own peace officers, they should be trained in how to interact with someone having a mental health crisis, said Marissa Ayala, a regular Metro transit rider. She said armed police don’t always solve the problem.

Sara R., 21, who only gave her last initial, said in-house Metro officers should take classes similar to those she’s taking in college including ethnic studies, child development and oral communications. “A couple classes like that would be helpful,” she said.

On National Public Lands Day, San Gabriel Mountains need a little love

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 16:26:33 +0000

When most hear about an organized cleanup day in Southern California, they usually flock to the beaches or the banks of the L.A. River and fill up garbage bags with trash they’ve collected.

But on Sept. 23, the mountains will get a little love during National Public Lands Day.

Hikers take in a picturesque view of the snow-capped San Gabriel Mountains from the Summitridge Park Trail in Diamond Bar on Friday, February 22, 2019. Southern Californian enjoyed a rare sunny day after experiencing one of the wettest months of February, according to the National Weather Service. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
A bighorn sheep atop a mountain cliff in the Angeles National Forest near the “Bridge To Nowhere” and near the East Fork of the San Gabriel River. This is most likely an adult ewe. (photo by Steve Scauzillo/SCNG)
People play in the San Gabriel River along the East Fork in the Angeles National Forest Saturday, July 20, 2013. The Urban Conservation Corps educates people visiting the East Fork of the San Gabriel River in the Angeles National Forest about the damage to the river from trash. Once one of the most polluted areas of the San Gabriel River, the East Fork has received a 100% Green rating in May 2019. (Staff Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz)

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In particular, the Angeles National Forest is in need of volunteers to rid its mountain canyons, wild rivers and overused picnic and camping grounds of trash — and to spruce up facilities that are showing their age.

The U.S. Forest Service is organizing cleanups at three locations above Azusa, Glendora and near Santa Clarita, roughly from 8 a.m. to 12 noon and snacks and lunch will be provided. Each site has a separate link for volunteer sign-ups and detailed directions:

• East Fork of the San Gabriel River, north of Azusa and Glendora. Take Highway 39 into the 700,000-acre forest and turn right onto East Fork Road. Meet up with organizers at the Oaks Picnic Area, east of Camp Williams. The area, part of the 700,000-acre Angeles National Forest and the smaller San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, is one of the most heavily visited spots. Visitors are known for leaving behind mountains of trash and making rock dams in the river that can kill the Santa Ana sucker fish. To register and for more information, go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebrate-national-public-lands-day-in-the-east-fork-tickets-713994164767

• North Fork of the San Gabriel River, off Highway 39 but north of the East Fork turnoff near Mile Marker 27. Volunteers will pick up litter and paint over graffiti. To register, go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebrate-national-public-lands-day-in-the-north-fork-tickets-714035057077

• Saint Francis Dam Disaster National Memorial & National Monument in the Santa Clarita Valley at 35622 San Francisquito Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, 91390. Event runs from 8:30 a.m.-12:00 noon. Volunteers will pick up micro-trash, paint over graffiti and clear weeds. To register, go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebrate-national-public-lands-day-and-volunteer-in-your-backyard-tickets-690488057367

Volunteers must sign up.

National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest single day of volunteering that is focused on parks and public lands, with 70,000 volunteers expected at federal sites such as national forests and monuments, as well as state and local parks, according to the organizers, the National Environmental Education Foundation.

The “Facelift at Yosemite National Park” is expected to attract around 2,000 volunteers. Conservation is key in Arizona where volunteers will improve the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument condor release viewing site.

Speaking of condors, the giant California condor (Gymnogyps californianus), the largest bird in North America, is making a comeback after being on the critically endangered species list in Southern California.

At the Saint Francis Dam area, site of the worst dam disaster in California history when the dam collapsed in 1928 and killed 500 people, volunteers will be picking up trash and helping out the condors who use the area for foraging, said Dianne Hellrigel, executive director and vice president of the Saint Francis Dam Disaster National Memorial Foundation.

Hellrigel will help those who show up, picking up shards of glass, nails and other construction materials dumped at the site. When the sun reflects off the nails, bolts and glass, it attracts the condors who mistake the items for food, she said.

“They will pick it up with their beaks, eat it, swallow it and regurgitate it to their chicks. Both the chicks and the adult birds can die. This is what we are trying to prevent,” said the Santa Clarita environmental activist and historian.

At San Gabriel River cleanup sites the nonprofit group San Gabriel Mountain Trailbuilders will be guiding the volunteers. They will paint the restrooms and trash bins, said Ben White, chairperson of the group. The Fisheries Resource Volunteer Corps will work on repairing the river.

Last year only a few volunteers showed up, White said. This year, Hellrigel is hoping for a large turnout.

“We definitely could use more volunteers for all three locations,” said Dana Dierkes, spokesperson for the U.S. Forest Service. Dierkes said the Forest Service expanded from one cleanup site to three this year.

To learn more, call: 626-574-5226 or email: sm.fs.anfvolunteers@usda.gov.

Top Gascón aide receives $10,000 settlement for Azusa public intoxication arrest

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 09:09:57 +0000

The city of Azusa has paid a $10,000 settlement to Joseph Iniguez, the top aide of Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón, who in July dropped his federal civil rights lawsuit against the municipality stemming from his 2021 arrest for public intoxication.

The seven-page settlement agreement finalized last month states that Iniguez and the city of Azusa are each responsible for their own attorney fees and costs.

In an email Tuesday, Sept. 12, Azusa City Manager Sergio Gonzalez said the settlement is “purely a business decision” to resolve litigation at a “minimal cost.”

“The settlement in no way represents any admission of liability or wrongdoing on the part of the City of Azusa or any of our officers,” Gonzalez said. “The City of Azusa and Chief (Rocky) Wenrick fully support the actions of our dedicated officers and are happy to have this matter come to a mutually acceptable resolution.”

Iniguez did not immediately respond to requests for comment. He has previously stated that he will donate the entire settlement amount to the nonprofit Law Enforcement Action Partnership in support of “good cops and modern policing strategies.”

Iniguez, 37, questioned police and advised his husband not to cooperate with an officer who pulled over his black Tesla just after 11:30 p.m. Dec. 11, 2021, in the 900 block East Alosta Avenue in Azusa, according to an eight-page police report obtained by the Southern California News Group.

Iniguez, who was a passenger in the car, “exited the vehicle and began telling (the driver) that he did not have to answer any questions nor did he have to conduct any field sobriety tests,” says the report submitted by Azusa police Cpl. R. Martinez. “I could see that his (Iniguez) eyes were bloodshot and watery, he had slurred speech, a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his breath and person, he admitted to consuming alcoholic beverages and he was not listening to commands from officers.

“He also was pointing out the fact that we (officers) did not have body cameras and told (the driver) not to believe everything the police were saying.”

Iniguez also purportedly shot video of the encounter with Azusa police, but has refused to release the footage.

Police eventually put Iniguez in handcuffs, placed him in a patrol car, and drove him to the Azusa jail, where he was booked on suspicion of misdemeanor public intoxication. However, there are no records on file with Los Angeles County Superior Court showing that Iniguez was charged in connection with the arrest.

About three hours later when he was released from jail, Iniguez told Martinez he would see him again and called him “Brady,” the report says. Law enforcement officers who have a record of knowingly lying in an official capacity are placed on a so-called Brady list under a 1963 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Brady v. Maryland. Prosecutors then must notify defendants and their attorneys whenever an officer on that list is involved in their case.

Iniguez filed a lawsuit in January 2021 in U.S. District Court against the city of Azusa and Martinez, alleging his civil rights were violated during his unjust arrest. He sought unspecified damages.

“The extent and falsity of this reporting caused plaintiff extraordinary shame and embarrassment, emotional and psychological distress and the physical manifestations of such distress and embarrassment,” the lawsuit states. It also alleges the incident caused Iniguez to suffer “sleeplessness and debilitating anxiety.”

Iniguez, a former defense attorney who joined the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office in 2015, had planned to challenge former District Attorney Jackie Lacey in 2020, but later threw his political support behind Gascón. He was named chief of staff in 2021.

Angeles National Forest plagued by closures from storms, fires, funding gaps

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 22:36:06 +0000

The heavily-visited Angeles National Forest is reeling due to damage from past wildfires, heavy snowpack and torrential rainstorms that have closed visitor centers, day use areas, access roads, campgrounds and hiking trails, according to data obtained during a monthlong investigation by this news group.

The forest’s second most visited area, Chantry Flat in the forest’s southwest section north of Arcadia, Monrovia and Sierra Madre, has been closed since the start of the pandemic in March 2020. Last month, Angeles National Forest (ANF) Supervisor Ramon “Ray” Torres extended its closure through May 2024.

Chantry Flat Road remains closed after the 2020 Bobcat Fire, and more recently, the Chantry Fire, shown here in Arcadia on Friday, July 7, 2023. Road signs and closed access gates mark the area north of Santa Anita Avenue where people are prohibited from entering the road that leads to Chantry Flat recreation zone. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)
Chantry Flat Road remains closed after the 2020 Bobcat Fire, and more recently, the Chantry Fire, shown here in Arcadia on Friday, July 7, 2023. Road signs and closed access gates mark the area north of Santa Anita Avenue where people are prohibited from entering the road that leads to Chantry Flat recreation zone. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)
Chantry Flat Road remains closed after the 2020 Bobcat Fire, and more recently, the Chantry Fire, shown here in Arcadia on Friday, July 7, 2023. Road signs and closed access gates mark the area north of Santa Anita Avenue where people are prohibited from entering the road that leads to Chantry Flat recreation zone. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)
Crystal Lake at the Angeles National Forest on Friday, April 1, 2011. Caltrans crews are working on Highway 39 and there will be intermittent closures through Labor Day 2023. (SGVN/Staff photo by Watchara Phomicinda/SVCity)
A couple hike along Gabrielino Trail at the Switzer Picnic area on Friday, June 2, 2023. More visitors are making the Angeles National Forest their destination. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Josh Baldwin, from Irvine hikes the Gabrielino Trail at the Switzer Picnic area on Friday, June 2, 2023. More visitors are making the Angeles National Forest their destination. A 2021 count (the last one available) found 4.6 million visitors, the most in 16 years. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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In the high country, Caltrans repair work along miles of Angeles Crest Highway (Highway 2) — the only east-west roadway in the Angeles National Forest — has cut off access to most of the hiking, picnicking and campgrounds. Highway 2 is closed easterly, from the Mt. Wilson Road/Red Box marker near La Cañada Flintridge to the junction at Highway 39 north of Azusa, cutting off access to Wrightwood.

Repair work by the U.S. Forest Service, responsible for managing the 700,000-acre urban forest within an hour or so of 20 million Southern Californians, has been stalled by a two-year delay in funding that held up projects and extended closures to would-be hikers, often with no reopening timelines.

An analysis from data supplied by the U.S. Forest Service as of July 13 shows that more than 38% of the campgrounds are closed. With recent brush fires, including the Dry Fire at Castaic Lake that was 90% contained as of July 13, more recreation closures could be coming.

The one-two punch from the destructive Bobcat Fire of 2020 that burned for more than three months, and from record rain and snowfall in 2022-2023, makes repair plans tougher to complete. But that hasn’t stopped some from scrutinizing the Forest Service’s response.

“They are supposed to manage the forest, not close the forest,” said Glen Owens, founder of the Big Santa Anita Historical Society and a former Monrovia planning commissioner who served for 30 years.

The historical society produced books on the Great Hiking Area, focusing on the front-facing, accessible canyons, trails and waterfalls in Chantry Flat including Sturtevant Falls and Hermit Falls, and Owens is the author of the book, “The Heritage of the Big Santa Anita.”

Chantry Flat area closed

The closure stretches from the Chantry Flat parking lot on the south, just east of the Mt. Wilson Observatory, to the closed 2N24 fire road on the north, to the Spring Camp and Clamshell Peak above Monrovia on the east.

Closed trails include the historical Gabrielino Trail, Rim Trail, Sturtevant Trail, Sturtevant Loop Trail, Winter Creek Trail and Zion Trail. The closures have blocked access to extremely popular waterfalls including Hermit Falls and Sturtevant Falls.

Twenty-five miles of the Gabrielino Trail are closed and only a small section near Pasadena and La Cañada Flintridge remains walkable, the Forest Service reported.

Before the closure in March 2020, cars lined up on Chantry Flat Road at 7 a.m. for a parking spot. Those that couldn’t find one parked illegally on the roadside. Chantry is also the site of the Adams Pack Station, the last remaining donkey-assisted delivery business in Southern California which is now only used by a handful of cabin owners — the only people allowed access to the canyon.

The Bobcat Fire that started on the West Fork of the San Gabriel River on Sept. 6, 2020 became one of the biggest wildfires in California, leaving 115,796 acres blackened. Heavy rains that followed in October 2022 and March 2023, washed away trees, mud and debris, undermined fire roads and swept away the Winter Creek Trail Bridge.

“Mother Nature pushed it out of its abutment,” said Ricardo Lopez, a forest engineer who has worked 25 years in the Angeles. On July 12, he recalled that the closure order stated, “The forest trails have sustained significant damage and cannot be easily or quickly repaired.”

While the L.A. County Department of Public Works continues making repairs on the road leading to the site, most work has been completed according to Owens, who says picnickers should be allowed to access the main area.

Lopez said rock falls are still possible on the road, and he feared opening it to picnickers who might wander onto unsafe trails. Also, some projects that got backed up are stalling the road’s reopening, such as a construction project under the Federal Land Access Program. The project has been six years in the works, Lopez said, and the Forest Service will start rehabbing the parking lot next year.

Funding slow in coming

The Forest Service applied in 2020 for funds from the Greater American Outdoors Act passed by Congress but the funds weren’t received until 2022, he said.

He was asked, why do repairs take years?

“It is not having adequate staffing and funding,” Lopez said.

Along Highway 2 off the 210 Freeway in La Cañada Flintridge, visitors are kept away from some of the most popular campgrounds, mountain vistas and creeks. Reopening these areas depends on when Caltrans finishes road work.

“Buckhorn Campground is a beloved place. Many people want to get up there because it is really pretty,” said Bryan Matsumoto, program manager for Nature For All, an organization that takes underprivileged youth into the Angeles, performs service projects and advocates for forest amenities.

The nearby Chilao Visitors Center is closed. Snowfall brought “snow loading,” which collapsed parts of the center’s roof and wooden walkways, said Lopez.

“We are working on a project to purchase materials to repair the damage in front of the visitor center,” Lopez said, but it has no reopening date. “All is contingent on getting the materials necessary to make those repairs.”

‘High Country,’ other area closures

Chilao, Coulter and Manzanita campgrounds are closed, as is the Chilao Picnic Area and the Charlton Flats Picnic Area, according to Forest Service documents.

Storm damage has also limited access to a nearby fire station, leaving it half-populated when many of its crew members and fire-drenching equipment were moved out of the area to the Monte Cristo Fire Station north of Clear Creek on the road to Palmdale, he said.

The Vetter Mountain Lookout, where volunteer fire-spotters peer down into the canyons for puffs of smoke, is not accessible and is not being used, he said.

Also closed is one of the only spots in the Angeles National Forest that is connected to the national Pacific Crest Trail. More closures in that area include the Burkhardt Trail and the Little Jimmy Trail and Campground, which are popular spots for Pacific Crest Trail hikers.

In the West Fork area of the San Gabriel River, where the Bobcat Fire burned hot, the scenic road used by pedestrians and bicyclers is open on weekends but the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible fishing ramps are buried in mud and debris. It will take up to 10 years to restore the fishing ramps, according to a Forest Service ranger who answered questions by phone on Friday, July 14, and asked not to be named.

Access to the San Gabriel Canyon section of the Angeles National Forest from Azusa takes visitors on a winding, mountain road known as state Highway 39. Due to repairs underway on the road, access is spotty. Caltrans is making progress in firming up the road damaged by rockslides, but work will continue through the summer and possibly beyond Labor Day, said Marc Bischoff, Caltrans spokesman.

Highway 39 will be closed in sections on Tuesday, July 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Wednesday, July 19 and Thursday, July 20, the mountain road will be closed north of East Fork Road from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Motorists can drive past the local county dams and turn right onto East Fork Road, where many visitors park and swim in the San Gabriel River, and picnic at Oaks Picnic Area. But visitors are prevented from going north to other popular forest recreation spots.

On weekends, Highway 39 will be open to its dead-end at Islip Saddle, where in 1978 closure of a 4.4-mile stretch disconnected it from Highway 2. At the dead-end, cars must U-turn to return to Azusa. The turnoff to Crystal Lake will be open on non-closure days, but sometimes Caltrans uses flagmen to stop traffic for 10 minutes at a time on Highway 39, Bischoff said.

Intermittent access up the mountain to Crystal Lake has denied many who want to escape the heat from venturing a short ride into the San Gabriel Mountains. At 5,539 feet elevation, cooler temperatures prevail. The high on Wednesday, July 12 was 79 degrees.

“People are happy to find me here, to find a spot. And Crystal Lake has a lot of water. The level is almost to the steps and it hasn’t been like that since 2005,” said Adam Samrah, owner of Crystal Lake Cafe and Cabins.

Crystal Lake Recreation Area has 36 campsites that cost $12 a night. Day use cost is $5 per vehicle. Or you can rent a cabin. For more information call 626-910-1029.

Samrah’s business suffers when the upper portion of Highway 39 is closed for repairs, an ongoing project during the past six months, or when traffic is stopped due to one-lane pass-throughs.

He estimated that he loses about $2,500 a week in sales when the road is closed on weekdays. Also, the CHP cuts off access to the Angeles National Forest at the entrance north of Azusa, or at East Fork Road, when it determines that the area has reached its capacity.

On Sunday, July 1 afternoon and Tuesday, July 4 afternoon, the authorities stopped cars from entering. Samrah said he doesn’t get any notice and often has prepared food for the day that goes to waste. “When they close it early, they don’t notify us. The only way I know is when I see no more traffic,” he said.

Down the mountain, off of East Fork Road, Kathy Settle, manager of Camp Williams, which has mobile homes, campers and a cafe, said she was glad the access to the forest was being regulated. She also appreciated the repairs as workers shore up the roadway’s crumbling sides with boulders and mesh netting.

“Yeah, it’s inconvenient but we deal with it,” she said on July 13.

Public left out?

Owens wants more transparency from the Forest Service in determining what gets closed — and for how long.

“There should be some kind of a commission to oversee the forest,” Owens said. “They can always say they close it for public safety, but there are no public hearings.”

Daniel Rossman, California deputy director of The Wilderness Society, said his group has continually lobbied Congress for an increase in federal funding for the Angeles. “It is important for communities to have access. I would like to see those projects completed as soon as possible,” he said.

He disagreed that a forest commission would help expedite the repairs to damaged roads, trails and facilities. “I don’t know if you want to add more bureaucracy to a project,” he added.

For decades, critics have blamed Congress for short-funding the management of the Angeles National Forest, which in 2021 had more visitors than the Grand Canyon or Yosemite National Park. Damage from drought, fires and torrential rains may have exposed the lack of funding.

To check on the status of recreational sites, go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/angeles/recreation.

report obtained by the Southern California News Group.

“He also was pointing out the fact that we (officers) did not have body cameras and told (the driver) not to believe everything the police were saying.”

Iniguez filed a lawsuit in January 2021 in U.S. District Court against the city of Azusa and Martinez, alleging his civil rights were violated during his unjust arrest. He sought unspecified damages.

“The extent and falsity of this reporting caused plaintiff extraordinary shame and embarrassment, emotional and psychological distress and the physical manifestations of such distress and embarrassment,” the lawsuit states. Iniguez, it claims, now suffers from “sleeplessness and debilitating anxiety.”

Iniguez was aware Azusa police do not use body-worn cameras or dashboard recording devices in patrol vehicles, according to the lawsuit. As a result, he got out of the Tesla and began to record the interaction with Martinez with his cellphone to ensure it was documented.

Iniguez has refused to release the video.

“On the video you can hear my voice but the footage is exclusively of the officers and of my husband,” he said. “I don’t feel comfortable publicly releasing footage of him being harassed and unfairly arrested by police. This was a scary and traumatic experience for him and he understandably wants to move past it.”

The lawsuit alleges Martinez never warned Iniguez to get back in the Tesla before he was arrested and appeared frustrated that Iniguez informed the driver of his constitutional rights, the complaint alleges. Azusa officials have denied that allegation.

LA County supervisors ask Biden, Congress to expand San Gabriel Mountains monument

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 16:12:38 +0000

The expansion of a national monument in the rugged San Gabriel Mountains to include front-facing canyons with accessible trails and picnic sites while protecting natural rivers received an injection of support on Tuesday, July 12.

By unanimous vote, the Los Angles County Board of Supervisors backed legislation by Rep. Judy Chu, D-Pasadena, to expand the 346,177-acre San Gabriel Mountains National Monument established by then-President Barack Obama in 2014.

Chu’s bill, H.R. 3681, would broaden the monument boundaries by adding about 109,000 acres of federal land carved out from the Angeles National Forest. Much of the additional forest land was left out of Obama’s declaration. It includes the Chantry Flat area, made up of close-in picnic, hiking, and camping areas just north of Arcadia, Sierra Madre and Monrovia as well as Placerita Canyon near Santa Clarita.

Hikers make their way along the Fish Canyon Falls Trail in the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument above Duarte on Friday, 13, 2016.

Chu’s San Gabriel Mountains Protection Act would expand the monument to the west, designate 31,000 acres as new or expanded wilderness areas, and add 45.5 miles to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

The board directed its Chief Executive Officer Fesia Davenport to move ahead to support the bill by sending a letter to Chu, the Los Angeles County congressional delegation and the chair of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands to advocate for passage.

In addition, the supervisors made a point of saying they will ask President Joe Biden to use the power of the Antiquities Act and declare the added section as part of the monument lands. In short, finishing what Obama started nine years ago.

“I want us to collectively urge President Joe Biden to expand that national monument using the Antiquities Act of 1906 to protect nearly 110,000 acres of the San Gabriel Mountains,” said First District Supervisor Hilda Solis, a former labor secretary in the Obama administration when Biden was vice president.

“These lands are a gateway to our forest and should be included in our national monument legislation,” Solis added. “They are part of the backyard to open space for L.A. County.”

The motion to send letters of support to Congress and to the White House was put forth by Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger, whose district includes the forest areas in question, as well as the foothill cities of the San Gabriel Valley and Santa Clarita.

“This is protecting a unique and beautiful landscape,” she said of Chu’s bill. “We urge President Biden to issue a proclamation to expand the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. We need to keep the momentum going.”

Azusa Officer Recuperating After Fatal Police Shooting; Suspect IDed

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 20:16:12 +0000

AZUSA (CBSLA) – An Azusa police officer wounded in a shootout that left a suspect dead was recuperating Thursday while an investigation continued into the deadly confrontation.

The shooting occurred about 4 p.m. Wednesday in the 1000 block of West Gladstone Street, where officers responded to a call regarding a stolen vehicle.

The wounded officer was struck in the lower body and was taken to a hospital, where he was treated for a non-life threatening gunshot wound, according to Deputy Miguel Meza of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

The officer, whose name was not released, was expected to recover, according to reports from the scene.

Authorities said officers who went to the Gladstone Street address saw a man and a woman near the allegedly stolen vehicle. The man fled on foot and the officers chased him.

Mathew Cook, 32, died at the scene, the Los Angeles County coroner’s office reported. His city of residence was not known.

The wounded officer was struck in the lower body and was taken to a hospital, where he was treated for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound, according to Deputy Miguel Meza of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Authorities said officers who went to the Gladstone Street address saw a man and a woman near the allegedly stolen vehicle. The man fled on foot and the officers chased him.

As the officers attempted to detain the man, a struggle ensued and at some point, the suspect produced a handgun and fired at the officers, at which time one officer returned gunfire, Meza said.

It was unclear what charges if any, the woman, who was detained, would face. The sheriff’s department was assisting Azusa police with the investigation.

Anyone with information about the shooting was asked to call the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Anonymous tips can be called into Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or submitted online.

Fire Crews, Helicopters Combat Azusa Brush Fire

Sun, 13 Feb 2022 05:00:09 +0000

AZUSA (CBSLA) — Los Angeles County Fire Department crews were engaged with a brush fire in the hills of North Azusa on Saturday.

The fire was first reported just before 7 p.m. in the area near East Camellia Way and Sproul Avenue, and had spread to nearly 2 acres as of 9 p.m., when crews reported that they had contained the advancement, and the burn was under control.

Firefighters requested assistance from water-dropping helicopters to assist them in battling the flames that had spread up the hillside.

Crews alerted neighbors in the surrounding area that they should be ready in case of evacuation, though no structures were considered to be threatened.

Azusa Police Department officials disclosed that Camellia Way, Sproul Avenue, and Orange Blossom Way were closed due to the ongoing situation.

Arson investigators were on scene to determine a cause for the fire.

Azusa Motorcycle Officer Involved In Fatal Collision With Bicyclist

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 00:00:41 +0000

AZUSA (CBSLA) – An Azusa Police motorcycle officer was involved in a deadly crash with a bicyclist Monday evening.

Jan. 31, 2022 (CBSLA)

The incident occurred at around 9:10 p.m. near the intersection of Cienega Avenue and Sunflower Avenue.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department were shutting the intersection down, while California Highway Patrol was blocking traffic on nearby freeways, so that ambulances could access the scene faster.

According to authorities, both the officer and the cyclist were transported to local trauma centers where the bicyclist was later pronounced dead. The motorcycle officer is expected to be okay.

Police remained at the scene while the cause of the deadly collision was under investigation.

Rockslide Shuts Down State Route 39 Above Azusa, Glendora

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 21:56:48 +0000

AZUSA (CBSLA) — Caltrans has shut down a stretch of State Route 39 above Azusa and Glendora due to a rockslide.

The rockslide occurred at Post Mile 30, according to Caltrans, which has shut down the road, also known as San Gabriel Canyon Road, from East Fork Road at Post Mile 25.7 to Crystal Lake Road.

Azusa Canyon: State Route 39 (San Gabriel Canyon Rd) closed from East Fork Rd. (Post Mile 25.7) to Crystal Lake Rd. due to rock slide at Post Mile 30. Updates at https://t.co/cxZ0jVPIRf #slide #azusacanyon #SR39 pic.twitter.com/4yS16eBjZO

— Caltrans District 7 (@CaltransDist7) December 16, 2021

Caltrans did not give a cause for the rockslide, but a likely culprit was Tuesday’s storm. As much as three inches of rain fell on some areas of the San Gabriel Valley foothills, many of which were recently burned by the Bobcat Fire.

Tuesday’s storm caused a number of mud and debris flows across Southern California. A slide was reported Thursday near the McClure tunnel along Pacific Coast Highway in Santa Monica and residents in Orange County’s Silverado Canyon had to be rescued after being trapped by two mudslides.

It’s not known when State Route 39 will reopen to traffic.

LA County Public Works: Storm Could Bring Mudflows To Bobcat, Ranch, Lake Fire Burn Areas

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 20:17:56 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — Authorities are bracing for possible mudflows in areas were recently scorched by wildfire, including the Bobcat Fire, the Ranch Fire, and the Lake Fire.

Los Angeles County Public Works has issued debris and mudflow forecasts ahead of the storm that is expected to reach Southern California by Monday night. As much as three inches of rain could fall on the coasts and valleys, while the mountains could get as much as five inches of rain.

Streets in could be flooded or blocked by debris, and some structures could be threatened, in Glendale, Granada Hills, Santa Clarita, and Brentwood due to the rainfall. But the threat of flooded or blocked streets is more widespread in Agua Dulce, the Castaic area, Sunland-Tujunga, Lake Hughes, Monrovia, Azusa, and in Glendale, where the Grandview Fire burned. LA County Public

Works says residents in these areas should be prepared to evacuate. The 24-hour period for potential mudflows begins at 11 p.m. Monday.

Evacuation warnings have already been issued in some parts of San Bernardino County. Santa Barbara County, where the Alisal Fire burned in October, issued an evacuation order for residents in the Alisal Fire burn scar Monday afternoon. Neighborhoods west of Las Flores Canyon, east of Mariposa Reina, south of West Camino Cielo, and down to the ocean, were warned to be ready to get out at a moment’s notice due to the potential for flooding, mud, and debris.

The impending storm is particularly nerve-wracking for residents in Santa Barbara County, which was devastated by a major debris flow in 2018, not even a month after the Thomas Fire. That debris flow killed 20 people and destroyed 100 homes.

Officer-Involved Shooting With Azusa Police Ends In Short Pursuit, Crash

Sat, 23 Oct 2021 04:26:59 +0000

AZUSA (CBSLA) — A suspect was shot during an officer-involved shooting in Azusa on Friday night.

The suspect, who was driving an SUV, crashed near the Little Dalton Wash, a stream just eat of Azusa Boulevard.

It also appears there was a short pursuit leading up to the crash. After the shooting at a nearby hotel, the suspect drove the vehicle near the wash.

L.A. County Sheriff’s Deputies have taken over the investigation from the Azusa Police Department.

The suspect was transported to the hospital in unknown condition.

It’s unclear exactly what led up to the incident.

Conchita Villarta, 75, Missing In Azusa Found Safe

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 20:23:49 +0000

AZUSA (CBSLA) — Authorities Wednesday were able to locate a 75-year-old woman who was missing in Azusa.

Conchita Villarta was last seen at approximately 9 p.m. on Tuesday near South Citrus Avenue and Arrow Highway, according to the California Highway Patrol.

SILVER ALERT – Los Angeles County
Last Seen: South Citrus Avenue at Arrow Highway@AzusaPD IF SEEN, CALL 9-1-1 pic.twitter.com/IyNPSDjbFq

— CHP – Alerts (@CHPAlerts) October 20, 2021

The CHP announced just before 3 p.m. that Villarta had been found. No further details were released.

21-Year-Old Dylan Harmer, Of Glendora, Identified As Man Shot And Killed Wednesday By Azusa Police

Sat, 07 Aug 2021 16:36:10 +0000

GLENDORA (CBSLA) – On Saturday, the Coroner’s Office released the name of a 21-year-old man shot and killed by Azusa police in nearby Glendora after he allegedly pointed a handgun at officers.

The suspect was identified as Dylan Harmer, of Glendora, according to the coroner’s office.

Over the scene of where a man was shot and killed by Azusa police in Glendale, Calif., on Aug. 4, 2021. (CBSLA)

Deputy Eva Jimenez of the Sheriff’s Information Bureau said the shooting occurred at around 1:10 a.m. Wednesday near Glendora Avenue and Route 66. The 21-year-old later died at the hospital.

“Detectives have learned that officers from the Glendora Police Department received a domestic violence call at a residence on Myrtle Street in the city of Glendora,” sheriff’s Deputy Trina Schrader said in a statement. “The caller advised that her boyfriend assaulted her and was armed with a handgun,” Schrader said. “Glendora Police Department officers arrived
at the residence and the suspect exited the home, pointed a firearm at officers and then fled on foot.”

At the request of the Azusa Police Department, Glendora officers contained the area, Schrader said.

“While Azusa Police Department officers were responding, they encountered the suspect … in the intersection of Glendora Avenue and Route 66,” Schrader said. “The suspect was attempting to carjack vehicles in the intersection when officers attempted to detain him. The suspect turned and pointed the handgun at officers, at which time an officer-involved shooting occurred.”

No officers or civilians were injured. A firearm was recovered at the scene.

Anyone with information on the case was urged to call the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500, or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.

Domestic Violence Suspect Killed After Pointing Gun At Police In Glendora

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 15:40:41 +0000

GLENDORA (CBSLA) – An armed domestic violence suspect was shot and killed by Azusa police early Wednesday morning in neighboring Glendora after attempting to carjack several vehicles and then pointing a gun at officers, authorities said.

Aug. 4, 2021. (CBSLA)

The shooting occurred at 1:09 a.m. at Glendora Avenue and Route 66, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

The incident began when Glendora police responded to a 911 call on Myrtle Street from a woman who claimed her boyfriend, a man between 20 and 25 years of age, had assaulted her. She said he was armed with a handgun.

When they arrived on scene, the suspect pointed a gun at the officers and then ran away, the sheriff’s department said.

Responding Azusa police then located the suspect in the intersection of Glendora Avenue and Route 66, where he was trying to carjack vehicles, LASD reports.

When he pointed a handgun at the Azusa officers, they opened fire on him, the sheriff’s department said.

The suspect was rushed to a hospital, where he died. He was not identified. A gun was recovered at the scene.

No officers were hurt. The sheriff’s department is assisting in the investigation.

Homeless Encampment Cleanup Underway In Azusa Riverbed

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 23:18:56 +0000

AZUSA (CBSLA) – A large homeless encampment cleanup was taking place Tuesday along the San Gabriel Riverbed between Duarte and Azusa.

Aug. 3, 2021. (CBSLA)

The cleanup by Los Angeles County crews was happening along the Lario Staging Area, just north of the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area.

Residents were given a deadline of Tuesday morning to move out. Wildfire risk was a major reason for the cleanup, officials said.

“There’s been 70 fires here over the last two years, burned over 200 acres,” said Kevin Reagan, spokesperson for the L.A. County Department of Parks and Recreation. “Just this year alone there’s been nine fires. And all of those fires have been ignited by homeless encampments.”

Officials said about 200 people were identified in the area and approximately 50 have accepted shelter.

On Dec. 6, an early morning brush fire broke out inside a homeless encampment in Lario Park. No one was hurt. Firefighters were able to keep the flames from spreading to nearby homes.

The Irwindale Police Department reported on Facebook Monday evening that it was not involved in the cleanup efforts.

2 Arrested In Azusa After High Speed Chase Linked To Murder Case

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 15:45:50 +0000

AZUSA (CBSLA) – Two people were arrested in connection with a murder investigation following a high-speed pursuit from Fountain Valley to Azusa Tuesday morning.

A male passenger is arrested in Azusa, Calif., following a police chase. Aug. 3, 2021. (CBSLA)

A female driver and male passenger were taken into custody at gunpoint in Azusa following a pursuit involving a gold-colored Kia sedan that began sometime before 5:45 a.m. in the Fountain Valley area.

With Los Angeles and Fountain Valley police giving chase, the vehicle jumped onto the northbound 57 Freeway, transitioned to the eastbound 60 Freeway and then the northbound 71 Freeway.

The female driver hit speeds above 100 miles per hour.

The car then made its way onto the westbound 210 Freeway before exiting onto surface streets in Glendora and Azusa.

The car eventually came to a stop on Foothill Boulevard near Azusa Avenue.

Aug. 3, 2021. (CBSLA)

With guns drawn, the female driver surrendered and was arrested, followed by the male passenger. No names were released.

California Highway Patrol confirmed to CBSLA that at least one of the occupants of the car was a suspect in a murder. No further details were confirmed.

Officer Involved Shooting That Started As Domestic Dispute Call Ends In Fatality

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 05:30:17 +0000

LA County Sheriff Department’s Homicide Bureau assists Azusa police in a deadly officer involved shooting on June 27, 2021. One man was pronounced dead at the scene. (CBSLA)

AZUSA (CBSLA) – The Los Angeles County Sheriff Department’s Homicide Bureau is assisting Azusa Police with a fatal officer involved shooting in the 900 block of West Sierra Madre.

Officials said the incident was reported around 12:50 p.m. and came in as a domestic dispute, in which both the now deceased male suspect and his wife called police separately.

According to Lt. Hugo Reynaga of LASD, the suspect, whose name has not yet been released, claimed his wife sprayed him with pepper spray.

When police responded, Lt. Reynaga said, the man exited his apartment three times, each time holding a kitchen knife. The fourth time he exited the apartment, rushing down the stairs toward police.

Officers initially deployed a “stun bag” on the man, though it failed to stop him. When he continued charging officers, they shot him.

Police then attempted to revive the man. However, he died at the scene.

There are reports of one possible witness, though there will be no video of the incident as Azusa police officers do not wear body-cams.

Suspect Detained After Azusa Pacific University Issues Shelter-In-Place Order For Man With Gun

Sun, 06 Jun 2021 22:00:29 +0000

AZUSA (CBSLA) — A gunman broke into the home of an 88-year-old woman Sunday around 1:30 p.m. in the Foothills Vista Mobile Home Park on Foothill Boulevard, near the campus of Azusa Pacific University.

The incident was reported just after 1 p.m. and spurred a shelter-in-place order for all on campus. “There is active gunshot activity near the Azusa Pacific University campus,” the school wrote. “Please shelter in place, stay indoors, and away from windows.”

The daughter of the 88-year-old told CBSLA that the suspect broken and threatened her mother with the gun before she was able to escape out the backdoor. The suspect then barricaded himself in the home. The victim’s daughter, Audrey Schmedes was surprised when she called her mother’s phone and the gunman answered.

“After he said hello a couple of times and I said hello back, I’m like, ‘Can I speak to the lady who lives there?’ and he’s like, ‘She’s outside,’ and then he hung up on me,” Schmedes said.

Authorities say a suspect was taken into custody Sunday after a report of gunshot activity on or near the main Azusa Pacific University.

As of 2 p.m., authorities said the suspect had been taken into custody. No details were immediately released.

Report: Ransomware Attack On Azusa Police Department Exposed Criminal Investigative Files, Payroll Information

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 16:55:29 +0000

AZUSA (CBSLA) — Critical personal information was exposed after Azusa Police Department was hit with a ransomware attack earlier this year.

(credit: Azusa Police Department)

Azusa police officials last week said they discovered some of its computer systems were inaccessible on March 9, and determined it was a ransomware attack, and some of its information was accessed by an unauthorized person. That information included Social Security, driver’s license, California ID, passport, and military ID numbers; financial account, medical, and health insurance information; and data collected from an automated license plate recognition system.

It wasn’t clear whether the information of members of the public, arrestees, or employees was among the data exposed, and Azusa police did not say how many people may have been impacted.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the exposure may be more dire than Azusa police divulged. The newspaper reviewed documents posted on a dark web site by a ransomeware gang going by the name of DoppelPaymer, and found payroll files, a spreadsheet of gang member contacts, crime scene and booking photos, and investigative reports citing confidential informants.

The FBI and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are still working to determine the full scope of the data in the hands of hackers.

Ransomware and cyber attacks are on the rise across the country. An cyberattack on a pipeline last month sent gas prices skyrocketing on the East Coast, and another shut down nearly all of the nation’s biggest meat producers’ plants on Tuesday. Closer to home, the University of California and Kroger were among more than 100 organizations impacted by a cyberattack on firewall software that’s being retired.

Azusa police say they refused to pay any ransom, and have taken steps to review its network security policies and enhance its security. The department say they are urging people to regularly review and monitor their credit reports. Anyone with questions or information about credit monitoring services can call (855) 535-1860 on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Two Firefighters Injured While Battling Apartment Complex In Azusa

Sat, 20 Mar 2021 15:55:56 +0000

AZUSA (CBSLA/CNS) – Two firefighters sustained injuries today while battling a fire at a two-story apartment complex in Azusa.

According to a Los Angeles County Fire Department. firefighters were dispatched at 7:34 a.m. to the 1100 block of West Calle De Las Estrellas. Through a coordinated effort, 27 firefighters worked to get the blaze out at 8:21 a.m.

#CalleIC cont. 1 FF sustained non-life threatening burn injuries and has been transported to a local burn center for further evaluation. 1 FF sustained minor lower extremity injuries and has been transported to a local hospital for further evaluation. pic.twitter.com/QG2SQcGKBE

— L.A. County Fire Department (@LACoFDPIO) March 20, 2021

A firefighter suffered non-life-threatening burn injuries and was rushed to a local burn center for further evaluation, the department reported.

Another firefighter suffered minor injuries to his lower body and was taken to an area hospital.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Officials: 6 In Critical Condition After Stolen Vehicle Pursuit Ends In Multi-Vehicle Crash

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 04:12:32 +0000

GLENDORA (CBSLA) — Several cars were left mangled and six people critically injured after a stolen vehicle suspect led police on a pursuit that ended in a crash, officials said.

At least five vehicles were involved in the collision, which happened around 6 p.m. at Arrow Highway and Barranca Avenue.

The pursuit began in Azusa and ended in the Glendora area.

According to Los Angeles County Fire Department officials, six people were taken to hospitals in critical condition.

No further details were immediately available about the conditions of those involved in the crash.

This is a developing story. Check back for details.

Azusa Pacific University Campuses Cleared After Bomb Threat

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 06:30:24 +0000

AZUSA (CBSLA) — All Azusa Pacific University campuses were evacuated Wednesday evening after a bomb threat was made.

(2 of 2) If you are at or near the Azusa campuses, please follow all directions provided by APD and Campus Safety. Thank you for your cooperation.

We will continue to communicate as appropriate, as information becomes available.

— APU Campus Safety (@APUCampusSafety) February 18, 2021

According to the Azusa Police Department, the university received an email threat at about 4 p.m. regarding several explosives being placed on campus.

“I was actually in class and I started hearing sirens and then they were repeating on the intercom to evacuate,” one student said.

But by 10 p.m., police had started to open up the streets surrounding the main campus in Azusa stating that no suspicious items had been found.

“At this point we have not located any explosive devices or suspicious devices, but we are systematically going through all the buildings on campus,” Capt. Robert Landeros, with Azusa PD said.

Students living on campus were still being asked to shelter in place and those not on campus were being told to remain away from campus until officers had completed their search.

Campus safety also said evacuation orders were also in place for all regional campuses including Monrovia, Orange County, Los Angeles, Inland Empire, High Desert, Murrieta and San Diego. According to Azusa police, this was done because the threat was not specific to any single campus.

Shortly after 10:30 p.m., law enforcement had cleared all campuses, residential living areas and other buildings and students and staff were told they could resume normal business.

***Emergency Update***
Law enforcement officials have cleared both Azusa campuses, residential living areas, and other APU buildings. There is no longer a threat to the community. Business may resume as normal. Thank you all for your cooperation.

— APU Campus Safety (@APUCampusSafety) February 18, 2021

Azusa police said they were investigating who sent the threats and what the intent was.

Mudslide Shuts Down Azusa Highway During Storm, Monrovia Escapes Serious Damage

Sat, 30 Jan 2021 02:00:39 +0000

AZUSA (CBSLA) – A powerful storm that hit the Southland region caused a mudslide that shut down a highway in the Angeles National Forest in Azusa Friday morning.

A mudslide shuts down Highway 39 in Azusa, Calif. Jan. 29, 2021. (CBSLA)

The mudslide occurred just after 6 a.m. on Highway 39 near mile marker 18 in the San Gabriel Mountains.

Aerial footage from SKY2 appeared to show a Honda Civic trapped in the mud waters. A few other vehicles later got trapped as well, but everyone inside the car was able to exit the vehicle and there were no reports of any injuries.

“Due to the ongoing rains, we’re probably going to have continual mudslides in this area due to the last fires that weakened the hillside,” CHP Officer Jacob Moniz told CBSLA.

Moniz said CHP was working with residents who live in Camp Williams and other parts of the San Gabriel Mountains to ensure they aren’t trapped in and can access other roadways out.

Officials were concerned the storm would cause debris flows in the Bobcat Fire and Ranch 2 burn scars in the San Gabriel Mountain foothills in Monrovia and Azusa.

As of Friday morning, there were no major mudslides in residential neighborhoods.

In Monrovia, a drainage pipe was added to help divert high waters in the Bobcat Fire burn scar. Tractors and other debris removal equipment were pre-deployed before the storm, with patrols watching for anything that could start to slide.

“We made sure that all of our catch basins in the street were clear, that the debris basins at the top of the hill were clear and had capacity to take on any mud and debris movement that would arise from this rain storm,” Sean Sullivan, public works director for the city of Monrovia, said.

That work allowed the rain to come and go without issue, but residents said they were not going to let their guard down just yet.

“I am assuming that if we get more rain, we will get some flooding,” Mick Lukan, a Monrovia resident, said. “I mean, there is no choice about it, because we are in a flood area.”

Monrovia’s Canyon Park and the Hillside Wilderness Preserve did take a hit from the storm, however.

“Some preliminary photos we saw this morning show some erosion and some mud and debris coming onto our roads and in some of the areas there within our hillside reserve and the canyon park,” Sullivan said. “So we’ll be going up there today to assess what’s going on in the park and make sure that we start to clean it up and make sure we get that under control.”

Sullivan said the department would be installing K-rails Monday to protect the homes on Oakglade Drive from future debris flow threats.

The Ranch 2 Fire burn scar, meanwhile, hangs directly above the Mountain Cove community in Azusa. City leaders told CBSLA that the storm was the first real test of how much damage they suffered since the arson-sparked fire burned more than 3,050 acres back in August.

Local and federal officials worked with the private hillside community to install protective K-Rails. For months, L.A. County Public Works crews have focused on clearing catch basins and making other improvements based on map studies of how debris might flow during heavy rains.

Heavy Rain Soaks Southland, Causes Dozens Of Crashes, Mudslides

Sat, 30 Jan 2021 00:30:10 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) – The strong storm which brought heavy rainfall to Los Angeles County Thursday night and Friday morning created hazardous conditions for drivers and brought mudslides to some recent burn scars, while other burn areas appeared to escape any major damage.

The storm delivered a staggering 3 inches of rain to East Pasadena and 2 inches to Culver City over the past three days.

Bel Air, Woodland Hills and La Canada Flintridge each received more than 1.5 inches of rain, and more than 1.25 inches fell in downtown Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Burbank and Northridge over the same period.

There were at least 50 crashes reported late Thursday night, according to Sky2’s Desmond Shaw.

Here’s one of those 50 plus crashes on our freeways…CHP had to stop all lanes on the 5 South at Roxford to sort this out. Looks like everyone is OK but almost certainly rain related. Coming down hard here in Sylmar @CBSLA @KCBSKCALDesk pic.twitter.com/5ps9cQo0QO

— Desmond Shaw (@RoadSageLA) January 29, 2021

Early Friday morning, a big rig overturned on the 10 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles and caught fire, while its cab went off the road and was left hanging precariously off the side of the freeway, before it fell to the ground below.

The driver was able to escape unharmed.

Cherry Valley in Riverside County. Jan. 29, 2021. (CBSLA)

Officials were concerned about the possibility of mudslides, specifically in the El Dorado Fire burn scar in Yucaipa, the Apple Fire burn scar in Cherry Valley, the Bobcat Fire burn scar in the San Gabriel foothills above Monrovia and the Ranch 2 Fire burn scar in Azusa.

Highway 39 in the San Gabriel Mountain foothills in Azusa was shut down because of a mudslide Friday morning that left one car trapped in muddy water.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office Thursday morning issued mandatory evacuations for the El Dorado Fire burn area communities of Mountain Home Village, northeast Yucaipa and Oak Glen. Those were downgraded to evacuation warnings just after 8 a.m. Friday.

While in Monrovia, a drainage pipe was added to help divert high waters in the Bobcat Fire burn scar. Tractors and other debris removal equipment were pre-deployed before the storm, with patrols watching for anything that could start to slide.

As of Friday morning, no residential neighborhoods in either Monrovia, Azusa, Yucaipa or Cherry Valley had experienced any dangerous debris flows, despite the heavy rain.

Silverado Canyon in Orange County was a different story. The area, which was hit by both the Silverado and Bond fires late last year, experienced several mudslides late Thursday night. There were no reported injuries, however.

The winter storm brought heavy snow to the Cajon Pass. Snow plows were out in force clearing the roadway Friday morning. Visibility was low and the freeway was slick, but the 15 Freeway remained opened. California Highway Patrol officers were escorting drivers through some rougher patches.

The 5 Freeway through the Grapevine, which was closed earlier in the week, was back open. However, snow was falling and starting to stick Friday morning, and CHP officers were escorting drivers through the 12-mile stretch, leading to the possibility that the freeway may be shut down yet again.

A winter storm warning remains in effect through 3 p.m. Friday for the mountains, with 1 to 3 feet of snow potentially accumulating at elevations above 6,000 feet, along with winds gusting up to 55 miles per hour.

A flash flood watch will be in effect for most of Orange County through 4 p.m. Friday. Forecasters said heavy rain was expected Friday morning and included a chance of thunderstorms and rain rates topping a half-inch per hour.

“On Friday, numerous showers, mountain snow showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms can be expected as a cold upper-level low pressure system affects the region,” according to the National Weather Service. “Dry weather will prevail Saturday through Monday as high pressure builds in over the region.”

Extremist With SoCal Ties Arrested After Rioting At Capitol

Sat, 16 Jan 2021 18:28:34 +0000

AZUSA (CBSLA) — Federal authorities have made another arrest related to the riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.

Anthime Joseph Gionet, also known as “Baked Alaska” was arrested in Texas Saturday on charges of knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority, and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.

Gionet has well-known connections to extremist groups.

Gionet, who streamed himself hyping up the crowd inside of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi’s office, has ties to Southern California — including reportedly attending school at Azusa Pacific University and previously interning at Warner Records.

His social media accounts show him posing for photos with guns by the iconic Hollywood sign.

“He’s a noted Nazi miscreant,” Brian Levin, the director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at Cal State San Bernardino. “It is a disgrace that someone like him was able to invade the sacred Capitol of the United States.”

One day after the riot at the Capitol, it was found that among the group of rioters who breached the doors and sent lawmakers scrambling to the floor were several well-known members of extremist groups — including Jake Angeli of QAnon, self-proclaimed white nationalist Richard Barnett, and Nick Ochs of the Proud Boys.

‘A Noted Nazi Miscreant’: Extremist With SoCal Ties Identified In Riot At Capitol

Fri, 08 Jan 2021 07:02:02 +0000

AZUSA (CBSLA) — Chaos at the nation’s Capitol Wednesday left the country and the world stunned.

Rioters clash with police trying to enter Capitol building through the front doors. (Photo by Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)

One day later, it’s been found that among the group of rioters who breached the doors and sent lawmakers scrambling to the floor were several well-known members of extremist groups — including Jake Angeli of QAnon, self-proclaimed white nationalist Richard Barnett, Nick Ochs of the Proud Boys and Tom Gionet, also known as Baked Alaska.

His social media accounts show him posing for photos with guns by the iconic Hollywood sign.

Levin said the invasion was likely methodically organized underground by the different groups whose ideologies intertwine.

“What they all share in common is a great affinity, almost a cultish affinity, for the president, a love of conspiracy theories and the promotion of the notion that we should engage in a civil war,” Levin said.

The professor said he expects to see another dangerous uprising, but the questions remain of who will lead it and what future event will be the catalyst.

“We’re seeing these people and we know who they are, being so blatant in showing their faces at the Capitol, I think that says something,” Levin said. “They’re taking a victory lap right now, and I think the federal government should prosecute them to the full extent of the law.”

From Parade Floats To Tiny Homes: Azusa Business Finds New Purpose During Pandemic

Sat, 02 Jan 2021 01:55:25 +0000

AZUSA (CBSLA) — A number of businesses took a financial hit this year with the Rose Parade canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, including the owner of an artistic entertainment business in Azusa who had to think outside the box to keep his business afloat.

The 120-square-foot mini houses come equipped with electrical hookups, air conditioning and heating. (CBSLA)

“These are typical Rose Parade chassis we would use to the Tournament of Roses parade, obviously it was canceled this year,” Craig Beugajski said as he walked past the metal frames sitting unused in his business’ construction yard.

“Disney, ESPN, Dodgers, Honda last year,” he said, recalling some of his largest clients. “Jack-in-the-Box, China Airlines.”

But it’s not just the annual Pasadena parade that was canceled.

“We were doing a lot of show sets for the upcoming festivals, Coachella and Stagecoach,” Beugajski said. “Those got canceled, and then, of course, slowly the Rose Parade got canceled.”

So, in order to keep his company from going under as a result of the pandemic, Beugajski had to think outside of the box.

“We’ve built these different what I call living spaces,” he said. “So, there’s these little living spaces that we can put in people’s backyards for schooling or for offices or maybe yoga workouts.”

The 120-square-foot mini houses come equipped with electrical hookups, air conditioning and heating.

“We just thought that, you know, with people being crowded at home and families living on top of each other through this whole thing, having some extra space is something that is needed,” Beugajski said.

Before the pandemic, Beugajski had about 250 employees working out of his Azusa workshop. That number dropped down to a low of 14, though he has since been able to hire back a few more due to demand for the living spaces.

“Obviously looking forward to the vaccine and getting back to work and entertainment starting back up and hopefully getting to some sort of normal,” he said.

Mayor Of Azusa Remains Hospitalized Week After Testing Positive For COVID-19

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 20:14:08 +0000

AZUSA (CBSLA) — The mayor of Azusa remains hospitalized a week after testing positive for COVID-19.

Mayor Robert Gonzales tested positive for COVID-19 last week, the City of Azusa announced last Tuesday. The city’s news release said he was currently seeking treatment and asking for privacy.

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A post shared by Andrew Mendez (@andrewforazusa)

“While I am feeling better day by day, I am closely monitoring my health and consulting with my physicians,” Gonzales said in a statement released by the city. “As we head into the holiday season, we continue to ask everyone to remain vigilant and prioritize the health and safety of our community by following CDC guidelines, including most importantly wearing a mask and social distancing.”

Gonzales remains hospitalized as of Monday night, according to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, but Deputy City Manager Nico De Anda-Scaia said no further information about his condition was available.

Homes Burned As Bobcat Fire Spreads, Mount Wilson Still Threatened

Sat, 19 Sep 2020 05:13:56 +0000

BOBCAT FIRE EVACUATION UPDATES

ARCADIA (CBSLA) – Several structures were threatened Friday in a massive wildfire in the foothills of the Angeles National Forest.

The Bobcat Fire pushed deeper into the Juniper Hills area by late afternoon, where an unknown number of homes have burned on the northeast side of the fire.

Residents east of Highway 39, south of East Fork Road, west of Glendora Mountain Road and north of Glendora Ridge Road were the latest to be ordered to evacuate due to the 72,757-acre Bobcat Fire.

Other evacuation orders remain in effect in the Antelope Valley, while containment widened Friday afternoon from 9% to 15%, officials said.

Wind gusts peaked at 44 mph in the Angeles National Forest near the border of Los Angeles County and San Bernardino County, according to the National Weather Service, causing issues for crews.

“Biggest challenge is weather, right? A lot of it revolves around weather visibility, so for about 3 to 5 days we couldn’t get any aviation assets up here to help,” said Oscar Vargas, Division Chief of the U.S. Forest Service. “This is old growth brush and big trees with not so much fire in the last 100 years so the buildup was there, a lot of steep terrain that caused the fire to run up hill a lot faster, so were were seeing the extreme ends of fuel conditions, weather, and topography.”

Just a day earlier, mandatory evacuations were issued for the communities of Juniper Hills, the Devils Punchbowl and Paradise Springs, along with the area north of North of Angeles Crest North, and between Clear Creek Station and Highway 39.

On Friday, plumes of smoke could be seen in Glendale and other surrounding communities as crews continued to work toward containment of the growing blaze. Despite the smoky air, officials in Glendale said there was no imminent fire threat to the city.

“It’s on a whole different level the year. It’s been on-going for several weeks and seems like we’ve had more than one fire and the smoke is just completely out of control, air quality is horrible,” said Azusa resident Joe Casas, who has been concerned about the fire activity this summer.

To the west, firefighters continued to protect the historic Mount Wilson Observatory and several radio and television broadcaster towers valued at about $1 billion.

“Mt. Wilson is still safe and we will continue to focus on the north end of the fire,” USFS tweeted Friday.

To the south, an evacuation warning remains in effect for the San Gabriel foothill communities of Wrightwood, Monrovia, Bradbury, Sierra Madre, Arcadia, Altadena, Duarte and Pasadena.

The Bobcat Fire broke out a little after noon on Sept. 6 amid triple-digit temperatures near the Cogswell Dam and the West Fork Day Use area. The fire is churning through thick vegetation and dry brush in steep terrain, some of which has not burned in more 60 years.

The cause is under investigation. More than 1,300 firefighters are battling the blaze.

A Red Cross temporary evacuation point has been set up at Palmdale High School. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, evacuees are being given vouchers to hotels.

All 18 National Forests in California will remain closed through at least Monday, Sept. 21, due to the historic number of wildfires burning up and down the state. All 18 forests have been closed since Sept. 9.

Mandatory evacuations:

North of Avenue X, South of Pearblossom Hwy, East of 155Th St. East, West of 165Th St. East
South of Avenue V, North of Fort Tejon Rd, West of 121st East, East of 87th St, East
South of Pearblossom Hwy, North of Weber Ranch Rd, West of 87Th Street East, East of Cheseboro Rd.
North of Angeles Crest North and between Clear Creek Station and Hwy 39.
Juniper Hills
Devils Punchbowl
Paradise Springs
Including the area east of Devils Punch Bowl Road, south of the Big Pines Highway, north of the Big Rock Creek, and west of Jackson Lake.

Evacuation warnings:

Wrightwood
Monrovia
Bradbury
Sierra Madre
Arcadia
Altadena
Duarte
Pasadena
Residents north of Foothill Blvd. and east of Santa Anita Ave.

Road closures:

Highway 2 closed from east of Angeles Forest Highway to Big Pines.
Highway 39 closed from San Gabriel River Bridge to Highway 2.
Upper Big Tujunga Canyon Road closed Angeles Forest Highway to Highway 2.

For updated information on evacuations, look out from alerts from local officials, including the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department and the national incident management website.

Firefighters Battle Quick-Moving Bobcat Fire In Angeles National Forest

Mon, 07 Sep 2020 06:22:23 +0000

BOBCAT FIRE REAL-TIME UPDATES

DUARTE (CBSLA) — Firefighters battled a fast-moving brush fire burning in the Angeles National Forest.

The Bobcat Fire erupted at West Fork Road at Cogswell Reservoir around 12:20 p.m. on Sunday, and according to fire officials, has a rapid rate of spread.

The California Highway Patrol evacuated campers quickly as the plume of smoke crept closer and grew bigger.

By 6 p.m., it reached 1,800 acres and no progress had been made on containment.

Firefighters were battling the blaze in record-heat and rough terrains.

“It’s extremely difficult because they have to manage their energy levels and make sure they’re not overexerting themselves, not just with the heat but with the long duration we’ve had, said Seneca Smith, Angeles National Forest’s Public Information Officer.

San Gabriel Canyon Road (Highway 39) is closed at Old San Gabriel Canyon Road to allow emergency vehicle access.

A temporary flight restriction was in place over the fire area. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. For more information visit Know Before You Fly, http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Fire crews said they were experiencing erratic fire behavior, and about 100 crew members remained at the scene.

No injuries or property damage have been reported, and the cause of the fire remains unknown.

Car Riddled With Bullet Holes In Possible Road Rage Shooting On 210 Freeway; Man Hospitalized

Sat, 29 Aug 2020 20:00:22 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — A man remained hospitalized on Saturday after a possible road rage shooting on the 210 Freeway in Azusa overnight.

The incident unfolded just after 1:50 a.m. on the eastbound lanes of the thoroughfare near Irwindale Avenue when a person inside another car opened fire. A motive for the shooting is not clear.

After the shooting, the victim managed to pull over at a 7-Eleven convenience store to flag down help. He was taken to the hospital with a gunshot wound to his leg. His current condition was unknown.

Back at the scene, his vehicle remained and was riddled with numerous bullet holes all over the side of the driver’s side.

“It must have been very terrifying for the driver,” said Officer Rodrigo Jimenez. “We don’t have any information on the other vehicle or the other suspect or suspects. Right now, we’re asking for the public’s help in this. With all the bullet holes that are on the side of this vehicle, someone must have seen something.”

Police said the incident marked the third in the area within the last month and asked that anyone with more information call the CHP.

1 Dead After SUV Hits Tree, Catches Fire Off 210 Freeway In Azusa

Fri, 21 Aug 2020 15:11:56 +0000

AZUSA (CBSLA) — At least one person was killed Friday after an SUV went off a freeway embankment, crashed into a tree and caught fire.

(credit: CBS)

The crash was reported at about 2:15 a.m. on the Azusa Avenue on-ramp to the eastbound 210 Freeway in Azusa.

One person was declared dead at the scene. A passenger was found on the on-ramp with injuries, according to the California Highway Patrol, but that person’s condition was not disclosed.

A Sigalert was issued for the on-ramp, which reopened at about 5:25 a.m. Lanes of the freeway remained open.

The cause of the cash was under investigation.

Crews Battling Ranch Fire North Of Azusa Facing Scorching Heat, Rugged Terrain

Mon, 17 Aug 2020 19:17:31 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) – The arson-sparked Ranch 2 Fire burning in the Angeles National Forest north of Azusa grew to over 3,000-acres, officials reported Monday morning, with the ongoing heat wave expected to continue to pose challenges to firefighters.

A plume of smoke rises from the Ranch 2 Fire on Aug. 15, 2020, as seen from Azusa, Calif. (Getty Images)

As of 10 a.m., the fire had burned 3,050 acres and was only 19% contained. The fire spread to the Pine Mountain Peak Sunday, the U.S. Forest Service reported.

The more than 450 firefighters assigned to the blaze were facing triple-digit temperatures and possible thunderstorms Monday. Making the firefight more difficult was the rugged terrain the blaze was burning in.

All evacuation orders were lifted Friday for the Mountain Cove community. No homes have been destroyed in the fire.

“Firefighters continue to mop up and backhaul trash and equipment on the southern boundary near the Mountain Cove community and there is little heat in this area,” USFS said in a news release Monday.

The heat wave that has enveloped the region is expected to last into Wednesday at the earliest.

On Sunday, a homeless man suspected of sparking the fire was arrested on arson charges. A suspect in the Ranch 2 Fire in Azusa was taken into custody on Sunday afternoon. 36-year-old Osmin Palencia was known to camp in the Azusa Canyon Riverbed.

The Ranch 2 Fire was reported about 2:45 p.m. Thursday near North San Gabriel Canyon Road and North Ranch Road.

Highway 39 remains shut down in the area.

Azusa Police: Ranch Fire Started By Arson, Search For Suspect Continues

Sat, 15 Aug 2020 04:11:12 +0000

AZUSA (CBSLA) — The Azusa Police Department Friday said it was searching for a man wanted in connection connection with the Ranch Fire, which has burned roughly 1,500 acres since it started Thursday afternoon.

Azusa Police along with @LACoFDPIO Arson Investigators have been conducting a joint investigation of yesterday's #ranchfire.

A suspect has been identified and is being sought for questioning. Please see press release for details.#azusa #CityofAzusa #AzusaPD pic.twitter.com/io2DPi9qMU

— Azusa Police (@AzusaPD) August 15, 2020

According to police, 36-year-old Osmin Palencia is wanted in connection with starting the fire. His last known residence was an encampment in the Azusa Canyon Riverbed near the origin of the blaze.

Police said Palencia was believed to be violent and encouraged the public to use caution if they see him.

Anyone with information was asked to call the Azusa Police Department at 626-812-3200.

Residents Allowed To Return To Their Homes As Firefighters Make Progress On Ranch Fire Near Azusa

Fri, 14 Aug 2020 23:10:59 +0000

AZUSA (CBSLA) – Evacuation orders were lifted late Thursday night for the 1,500-acre Ranch Fire burning in the San Gabriel Mountains in the Angeles National Forest north of Azusa, but a hot spell forecast for the weekend was creating challenges for firefighters Friday.

The Ranch Fire burning in the Angeles National Forest north of Azusa, Calif. Aug. 14, 2020. (CBSLA)

“The priority today with what resources we have is to establish good control and knock out all the heat along the community,” Seneca Smith, spokesperson for the Angeles National Forest, said.

The Ranch Fire broke out a little before 3 p.m. Thursday near North San Gabriel Canyon Road and North Ranch Road and spread quickly.

Within about 30 minutes, Azusa police issued evacuation orders for Mountain Cove residents living south of Highwood Court. About 15 minutes later, they were extended to all residents living north and west of Turning Leaf and Boulder Ridge.

By 4:30 p.m. Thursday, the fire had grown to more than 600 acres, and just before 8 p.m. it was reported to have spread to 3,000 acres, with no containment, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

However, on Friday morning, USFS spokesman Andrew Mitchell told CBSLA that the fire’s size had been revised down to 2,500 acres. And, on Friday afternoon, the fire was downgraded to 1,500 acres after firefighters were able to more accurately assess the fire’s size after some of the smoke cleared.

About 200 Angeles National Forest and L.A. County Fire Department personnel responded and battled the blaze, successfully protecting homes. As the main body of the fire began moving away from homes towards the Angeles National Forest, mandatory evacuation orders were lifted at 11 p.m.

Aug. 14, 2020. (CBSLA)

“We owe our homes to our firemen that protected us,” one grateful woman told CBSLA.

Residents in several surrounding neighborhoods awoke Friday to find large amounts of ash on the ground.

“We usually get a smoke column build up, and as we’ve seen in the past, with large smoke columns you’ll get what we call fallout,” Smith said. “And essentially, you can get ash fall like we saw last night around this community. And that can potentially put spot fires out.”

No homes have been damaged so far and there were no reported injuries. A federal incident management team was being brought in Friday to provide both air support and elite hot shot crews to scale steep terrain.

Highway 39 remains shut down in both directions in the area.

Although flames flared up along a hillside just above Highwood Court and Mountain Laurel Way overnight Thursday, no new evacuation orders were issued.

Neighbors told CBSLA there were unconfirmed reports the fire may have sparked during a fight between two men at a homeless encampment. However, officials say the cause remains unknown and is under investigation.

Ranch Fire Burns Thousands Of Acres, Threatens Homes In Azusa Foothills

Fri, 14 Aug 2020 06:05:33 +0000

LATEST INCIDENT INFORMATION

AZUSA (CBSLA) – A fast-moving brush fire in the San Gabriel mountains above Azusa burned thousands of acres Thursday afternoon.

The Ranch Fire was reported just before 3 p.m. near North San Gabriel Canyon Road and North Ranch Road, according to officials.

Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for areas including Mountain Cove and west of Turning Leaf and Boulder Ridge, according to the Azusa Police Department.

About 100 homes were located near the base of the fire. (credit: CBS)

By 4:30 p.m., the Los Angeles County Fire Department said the fire had grown to 600 acres but was “burning away from Foothill cities and into the forest.”

By 10 p.m., the fire had grown much larger, spreading to around 2,500 acres.

Fire officials said the fire is still at 0% containment, as of 10 p.m.

There were about 100 homes at the base of the mountain where the fire was burning.

Structure protection was in place, officials said. However, there is a large homeless encampment in the area that officials and neighbors said may be threatened.

The Ranch Fire was just one of three wildfires in Southern California fire crews were battling Thursday.

Free Indoor COVID-19 Testing Site Opening In Azusa Next Week

Thu, 06 Aug 2020 18:19:23 +0000

AZUSA (CBSLA) — Azusa City Council has approved an agreement between the City and County of Los Angeles to open a free indoor COVID-19 testing site.

Starting Tuesday, August 11, people can receive free testing from 7 am to 7 p.m. at the North Recreation Center (NRC) at Memorial Park located at 340 N. Orange Place.

The testing will be available to anyone who believes they need one, regardless of insurance, ability to pay or whether they have symptoms or not.

Tests are free and County residents do not need medical insurance to get tested.

The increased access to community testing will help the County meet an intended goal of expanding COVID-19 testing capacity by over 65% in targeted communities.

“We need to test as many residents as possible to get an accurate sense of how widespread COVID-19 is in our community,” said Azusa Mayor, Robert Gonzales. “Testing is crucial to help treat, trace, isolate or hospitalize people who are infected. Testing also is important in the bigger public health picture, helping public health experts characterize the prevalence, spread and contagiousness of the disease.”

“We are deeply grateful for this partnership with First District Supervisor, Hilda Solis,” added Mayor Gonzales. “It is a testament to a long-standing commitment that she has with the City and residents of Azusa. A great number of our hardest-working families are essential workers and are either uninsured or underinsured and don’t normally seek access to health care, which is why increasing access to COVID-19 testing sites is a major priority.”

Testing will be available by appointment only and can be made by visiting lhi.care/covidtesting or by calling 888-634-1123.

Dam Fire Burns Hundreds Of Acres In Angeles National Forest Area North Of Azusa

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 17:00:17 +0000

ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST (CBSLA) — Firefighters Friday were continuing to battle a brush fire which broke out in heavy brush in the Angeles National Forest Thursday afternoon, prompting evacuations of the area.

The Dam Fire erupted around 2 p.m. near the 9500 block of North San Gabriel Canyon Road, north of Azusa, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department, which was assisting Angeles National Forest fire crews.

The Dam Fire burning north of Azusa, Calif., on July 30, 2020. (CBSLA)

Within two hours, the fire doubled in size. As of 9 a.m. Friday, the fire was at 217 acres and 40% contained, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Crews continued to battle flare-ups overnight.

USFS officials said they could see more danger Friday with temperatures expected to reach triple-digits.

“Tomorrow it’s going to be hot, it’s going to be dry, low humidities and we could see this fire kind of poke its head back up,” said Marc Peebles with USFS. “It could start to ramp up a little bit.”

The Los Angeles County Fire Department provided about 100 firefighters and two water-dropping helicopters to assist Angeles National Forest fire crews with the blaze.

“A very robust air and ground attack is holding back further spread. But tough days ahead in some of the steepest terrain in the Angeles, combined with a heatwave of 100-degrees-plus. Please give thanks to your firefighters,” said Angeles National Forest Fire Chief Robert Garcia.

Mandatory evacuations were ordered north of Morris Dam to Crystal Lake.

“This evacuation is not in a developed residential area but it’s in some of the recreation areas in the forest,” Peebles said. “Essentially the evacuation area is on Highway 39, north here of Old San Gabriel Canyon Road.”

“The Crystal Lake recreation area has been evacuated, the West Fork and East Fork recreation area has been evacuated, and it’s mainly visitors recreating in the forest. There’s some … special use cabins up there, as well at the Coldbrook Campground and the San Gabriel off-highway vehicle staging area.”

Authorities were evacuating campers in the West Fork area of Angeles National Forest.

No structures were immediately threatened, though Highway 39 was closed north of Glendora. Highway 39 was expected to remain closed through at least Sunday.

VIVA Rescue, a nonprofit organization specializing in rescuing horses, offered in a Twitter post to help evacuate animals — “equines, livestock and domestic pets” — from the forest. Anyone needing its help was encouraged to send a text to 310-808-5943.

Car Goes Off Mountain Road, Plummets Into Reservoir Near Azusa

Fri, 03 Jul 2020 13:30:38 +0000

AZUSA (CBSLA) – One man escaped and a second person was possibly missing after a car went off a mountain road, careened through a fence and sank into the San Gabriel Reservoir near Azusa in the Angeles National Forest late Thursday night.

July 3, 2020. (CBSLA)

The car drove through a fence and plummeted down a canyon and into the reservoir near the San Gabriel Dam a little before 10:30 p.m. along San Gabriel Canyon Road, near mile marker 22, according to California Highway Patrol.

By the time Los Angeles County Fire Department crews arrived on scene, the car was partially submerged in the reservoir.

Arriving firefighters found a man who had allegedly made it out of the car and swam to shore, a fire department official said. However, a second person was possibly trapped in the vehicle.

A dive team was brought in to retrieve the car and the possible second victim, the fire department said. As of 5 a.m. Friday, the car was still submerged in the water.

The man who made it out of the car was taken to Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center for treatment.

The cause and circumstances of the crash were unknown.

Man’s Body Found At Last Stop Of Metro Gold Line In Azusa

Fri, 26 Jun 2020 18:22:14 +0000

AZUSA (CBSLA) — Authorities say a man’s body was found Friday on the platform of the Metro Gold Line station in Azusa.

The man’s body was discovered at about 5 a.m. at the APU/Citrus College Station near Citrus Avenue and Foothill Boulevard.

Foul play was not suspected.

The station is the last stop on the Gold Line route, and trains were turned back at the downtown Azusa Station, according to Rick Jager of Metro. Buses were brought in to accommodate rail passengers between the Citrus College Station and the Downtown Azusa Station. Commuters were also advised to consider taking Foothill Transit 188 between the two stations.

Rail service between the stations resumed at about 7:20 a.m.

Chase Out Of Azusa Ends With Crash In San Dimas; 5 Arrested

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 15:14:31 +0000

SAN DIMAS (CBSLA) — Five shooting suspects have been taken into custody following a car chase that ended with a crash in San Dimas.

The chase began in Azusa about 8 p.m. Monday after a report of a shooting in the 600 block of East Lee Place, north of Azusa High School, Sgt. Nick Covarrubias said. No one was injured in the shooting.

The chase started in Azusa and got on to the 210 and 605 Freeways, making its way to Irwindale, back to Azusa, passing through Baldwin Park and El Monte. The driver led police at high speeds and did not stop at stop signs or red lights, which led to a crash on Arrow Highway, near West Cienega Avenue.

Three suspects jumped from the car and were caught a short time later. Two other stayed in the car after the crash and were arrested.

The suspects were identified only as three men, a woman and a male juvenile. Their names and ages were not released.

A child in the vehicle that was struck was taken to a hospital as a precaution, Covarrubias said.

Azusa Man Beaten To Death With Baseball Bat, Suspect Captured

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 13:46:04 +0000

AZUSA (CBSLA) – A Pasadena man is under arrest, accused of beating a man to death with a baseball bat Wednesday afternoon in Azusa.

Manual Banuelos, 23, is being held on murder charges.

The attack occurred at about 2:15 p.m. in the 800 block of North Azusa Avenue.

According to Azusa police, officers were called out to a report of a man being beaten with a baseball bat to find the victim wounded and bleeding from his head. He was rushed by ambulance to a nearby hospital where he died, police said.

He was not identified.

Meanwhile, witnesses pointed out the fleeing suspect to arriving officers as they got on scene. Officers chased Banuelos down and took him into custody.

There was no immediate word on a motive in the attack or information. Its unclear whether the suspect and victim knew each other.

Manuela is being held without bail.

‘He Wanted To Come Home’: Azusa Family Grieving Loss Of Husband, Father Due To COVID-19 Asks People To Stay Home A Little Longer

Wed, 06 May 2020 06:04:25 +0000

AZUSA (CBSLA) — Luciana Ramirez stood outside her home Tuesday with daughters Beatriz and Alexia, who stood on the other side of a chainlink fence.

That little bit of distance likely kept Alexia healthy, even after 10 of her family members contracted the novel coronavirus — including Luciana, Beatriz and her father, Guillermo Ramirez.

Despite the aggressive precautions taken by Guillermo, such as wearing a mask and gloves and washing his groceries and shoes after returning home, the virus still found its way into the Azusa home — eventually sending three to the hospital.

“I was like, ‘Dad, just let me go in there, and I can take care of you guys,” Alexia said.

But her father, in an effort to keep her healthy, would not let her near the front door.

Luciana said her husband was sick at home for nine days before going to the hospital.

“He wanted to come home,” she said.

And everyone thought Guillermo would come home, but just as doctors prepared to place him on a ventilator, he died.

“I know I have to go on, but I feel like I don’t want to go on without him,” Luciana said.

It’s been one week since Luciana lost her husband, and best friend of 30 years, and his seven children lost their father.

“I would trade anything to have my dad back,” Beatriz said. “Anything.”

And the family said they could not believe that people were staging protests to get back to business.

“They’re protesting,” Luciana said. “They’re standing next to each other.”

The family said the most considerate thing people could do to honor the lives of those who have died from COVID-19, and save the lives of their own loved ones, would be to stay home for a little while longer.

“People don’t want to take this serious,” Alexia said. “That hurts. I hate it.”

The family has set up a GoFundMe page to help cover Guillermo’s funeral costs.

2 Brothers Sought In Man’s Slaying In Azusa

Fri, 13 Dec 2019 21:55:32 +0000

AZUSA (CBSLA) – Authorities are searching for two brothers in connection with the shooting death of a 22-year-old man in Azusa last month.

23-year-old Rene Garcia (left) and his brother 20-year-old Ronaldo Garcia. (L.A. County Sheriff’s Department)

23-year-old Rene Garica and his brother 20-year-old Ronaldo Garcia are both wanted in the Nov. 1 slaying of Alex Garcia, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reported Friday.

Garcia was shot dead while sitting in his car just before 6 p.m. in the 170 block of East Payson Street.

The suspects are not related to the victim, the sheriff’s department said. They are wanted for questioning.

There was no word on a motive in Alex’s murder.

Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to call detectives at 323-890-5500.

Father, 2 Sons Rescued After Getting Lost In Angeles National Forest

Mon, 25 Nov 2019 16:00:45 +0000

AZUSA (CBSLA) — A father and his two sons are home safe Monday after being rescued from the Angeles National Forest.

The trio got lost Sunday morning while hiking in Sunday in the Allison Mine area, near Glendora Mountain and East Fork roads. They were missing for about three hours before they were tracked down near East Fork Azusa.

Teams from Montrose, Santa Clarita and @SierraMadreSAR assisted San Dimas on this search. Air 5 located a missing father and his 2 sons this morning near East Fork Azusa. Hoisted them on board and landed near our CP for a reunion with family. @LASDHQ @SEBLASD @CVLASD @LasdSar pic.twitter.com/nVTpRk81Tf

— Montrose Search & Rescue Team (Ca.) (@MontroseSAR) November 24, 2019

The man and his two sons were hoisted on board an LA County sheriff’s helicopter and taken to an area where they reunited with their family.

Hoist Rescue: #LASD Air Rescue 5 hoists 3 missing hikers to safety after they were located lost in the Allison Mine area of Angeles Forest. pic.twitter.com/r90vYevZkD

— SEB (@SEBLASD) November 24, 2019