News of the Arroyo
Title: | Save the Altadena Trails Update |
Subtitle: | |
Date: | 2009-01-26 |
Summary: | January 26, 2009 - Hello Save the Altadena Trails (STAT) Supporters � We wish you a Happy 2009. We hope you have enjoyed the recent rains and have spent some time on our local trails. |
Author: | STAT |
Publication: | News Release |
Content: | Here is an update on STAT issues and events: LA COUNTY VS. LA VINA As you may recall, on April 22, 2008, the Honorable Joseph F. De Vanon ruled in the case of the County of Los Angeles v. La Vina Homeowners Association (HOA). In short, Judge De Vanon rejected each and every one of the HOA’s defenses to the County’s position that the trails were promised to the people in the development process and concluded that the promises must be fulfilled. The Court has ordered the HOA to dedicate trail easements in the locations indicated in the development documents; the County will be responsible for construction and maintenance of the trails. In addition, the County was awarded $40,000 to cover costs and $783,000 in fees. In December the La Vina HOA filed paperwork to appeal this decision. Whether they actually follow through with the appeal is yet to be seen. The appeal process will be expensive, and it appears there are many in the La Vina community who may not be willing to spend the money on a risky appeal. It is possible that both sides will agree to further mediation in attempt to avoid the appeal process. STAT vs. LA VINA STAT’s case against La Vina has yet again been postponed pending the outcome the La Vina appeal of the LA County case. We will keep you updated when we have more information. MICHAEL CICHY AND THE OWEN BROWN GRAVESITE. In November 2005 the Honorable C. Edward Simpson of Pasadena, in the case of Save the Altadena Trails, et al. v. Michael Cichy, found for plaintiffs, thereby re-establishing the public’s right to travel over that portion of the historic El Prieto Fire Road that runs across defendant’s property, and to visit the Owen Brown Grave Site which is located within his land. Judge Simpson stated from the bench “it is clear that there is a long-standing historic interest on the part of the public in the road and in the grave site and that there has been continuous public access to these locations since the 19th century.” While STAT was working with the court to restore access to this trail and historic site, Mr. Cichy was living on the fire road in a dilapidated van and had been storing a myriad of construction materials and debris on the property that was not zoned for either of those activities. Los Angeles County cited him for zoning violations and demanded that he remove the vehicle and materials from the property. The court ruling also mandated that he could not drive a vehicle on the El Prieto Fire Road. Mr. Cichy complied by removing his vehicle but unfortunately resorted to throwing much of the debris over the hillside – apparently to create the appearance that the debris had been removed. After an absence of over 2 years, Mr. Cichy has been seen back at the property and appears to be living in his pickup truck, parked on another landowner’s driveway. He has been hauling truck loads of materials up to the site – some of which has apparently been thrown over the hillside. He is storing more materials on the site, in clear violation of zoning regulations. He has also been observed smoking on the hillside and appears to be throwing cigarette butts into the dry brush. Members of STAT and residents of the Meadows community have contacted LA County and the court in attempt to put a stop to this activity. This situation has not been resolved, and we will keep you updated. The county is requesting proof of his actions, such as video or photos of him throwing debris of the hillside or smoking. If anyone is able to get this documentation, please let us know. STAT SUPPORTERS: Please forward this to anyone who is concerned about local trail access and would like to remain informed. If someone forwarded this email to you, please email STAT directly to be added to our list at savetrails@sbcglobal.net. STAT FUNDRAISING STAT had another successful year in 2008 – yet there is much more work to be done in 2009. Your donations help continue the work of STAT to preserve public trail access. Please send checks to: SAVE THE ALTADENA TRAILS P.O. BOX 1113 LA CANADA, CA 91012-5113 Please note that donations are not tax deductible. Thank you for your support. |
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