Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Sierra Madre Windstorm Information - Update #14

The City of Sierra Madre would like to make residents, businesses, and visitors aware of the latest National Weather Forecast for increasing winds beginning tomorrow evening and continuing into Friday. Winds are forecasted to reach between 15 and 25mph, with gusts up to 30mph.

Residents are urged to be very careful when outside of their homes, and be aware of their surroundings, especially when walking or driving under trees in public or on their own property. City staff and City volunteers are working to identify and mitigate potential hazards such as broken limbs that remain in trees. Please continue to report any potential hazards that you may observe to City Hall at 626-355-7135 or the Police department at 626-355-1414. Be advised that all hazards on public property will be recorded and corrected as soon as staff and equipment are available.

Today is the final day that private property owners are allowed to place vegetative debris onto the parkway or street for Public Works crews to collect. Please understand that our crews have been working extended hours since December 1st, but have not finished the first pass at collecting this debris from every location, and that the full clean-up is still expected to take the remainder of the month.

Please do not use plastic bags for vegetative debris and be advised that you should always use your green barrels for smaller debris. After today, if you have other non-vegetation debris, excessive Palm tree fronds, or if you have large branches or stumps, you may schedule a ‘bulky item’ pickup with Athens at (888) 336-6100. Branches and stumps will need to be cut to a maximum of four feet in length for pickup.

All residents are urged to report private property damage from the severe windstorm event to the Los Angeles County’s telephone hotline 2-1-1. Residents may also report private property damage online at www.211la.org. This information is vital to efforts of on-going State and Federal disaster-relief funding.

City staff has also been contacted by a regional organization of volunteers that are willing to assist private residents with chain-saw assistance. Please contact the Sierra Madre Public Works Department at 626-355-7135 for more information if you are need this assistance.

Overnight parking restrictions have been lifted throughout the City for the remainder of the month of December. The City’s Public Parking lots are also available to all residents for overnight parking for the remainder of the month.

Please continue to be cautious of door-to-door offers of repair or debris removal which would include flyers or business cards that are deposited on your property or car. Ask friends, family and associates for recommendations about contractors that they have hired. Ask for proof of a valid City Business License and/or State Contractors license. Call City Hall to confirm Business Licenses and never pay cash in advance of work.

Again, City staff and City volunteers would like to express their sincerest appreciation to the residents and businesses of Sierra Madre for their continued patience and efforts to assist the City and their neighbors through this event.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Sierra Madre Windstorm Information - County Assessor's Office Information

Sierra Madre Windstorm Information – Information from Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office


The City of Sierra Madre would like to relay some important information from the Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office that may affect residents of Sierra Madre that have suffered wind damage to their property.

Los Angeles County Assessor John R. Noquez urges property owners who may have been affected by the recent high winds to contact his office as soon as possible to seek information about potential tax relief if wind related storm damage amounts to $10,000.00 or more. For more information about Misfortune/Calamity Reassessment Form and reporting please contact:

Office of the Assessor John R. Noquez
213.974.8658 or 626.258.6001
www.assessor.lacounty.gov

A representative from the Assessor’s Office has indicated that they will attend this evening’s City Council meeting and provide an overview of the program and what options residents of Sierra Madre may have. Tonight’s meeting begins at 6:30pm and is located in the City Council Chambers at 232 W. Sierra Madre Blvd.

The City would also like to you to know that all residents are urged to report private property damage from the severe windstorm event to the Los Angeles County’s telephone hotline 2-1-1. Residents may also report private property damage online at www.211la.org. This information is vital to efforts of on-going State and Federal disaster-relief funding.

Sierra Madre Windstorm Information - Update #13

Sierra Madre Windstorm Information – Update #13


The City is now in recovery mode as it works to clear all streets, identify and remove potential hazards, and inventory losses. We will continue to provide any specific and important information to our residents, businesses, and visitors as necessary.

All residents are urged to report private property damage from the severe windstorm event to the Los Angeles County’s telephone hotline 2-1-1. Residents may also report private property damage online at www.211la.org. This information is vital to efforts of on-going State and Federal disaster-relief funding.

City staff has also been contacted by a regional organization of volunteers that are willing to assist private residents with chain-saw assistance. Please contact the Sierra Madre Public Works Department at 626-355-7135 for more information if you are need this assistance.

Property owners are responsible for all tree and vegetation debris; City staff cannot enter private property to remove tree debris. Private property owners are allowed to deposit tree debris from their property onto the side of the street until Wednesday, December 14th to be collected by City crews. Please do not use plastic bags and be advised that you may always continue to use your green barrels as usual for smaller debris. After Wednesday, December 14th, the City will be unable to assist with debris removal. Under no circumstances can tree debris be deposited in the streets in such a way as to create a hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic. If you have other non-vegetation debris, you may schedule a ‘bulky item’ pickup with Athens at (888) 336-6100. Please do not place non-vegetation debris onto the side of the street until the evening before the scheduled bulky item pickup.

Residents are urged to be very careful when outside of their homes, and be aware of their surroundings, especially when walking or driving under trees. City staff and City volunteers are working to identify and mitigate potential hazards such as broken limbs that remain in trees. Please report any potential hazards that you may observe to City Hall at 626-355-7135 or the Police department at 626-355-1414. Be advised that all hazards will be recorded and corrected as soon as staff and equipment are available.

Public Works crews are currently working to clear streets working from east to west. They anticipate multiple passes on streets with heavy debris, and the total clean-up effort is expected to endure to the end of December.

Trash service will continue as normal, however Athens drivers have indicated that the route is taking much longer to complete. Please understand that your normal pickup times will be delayed for the next couple of weeks.

Overnight parking restrictions have been lifted throughout the City for the remainder of the month of December. The City’s Public Parking lots are also available to all residents for overnight parking for the remainder of the month.

Be cautious of door-to-door offers of repair or debris removal which would include flyers or business cards that are deposited on your property or car. Ask friends, family and associates for recommendations about contractors that they have hired. Ask for proof of a valid City Business License and/or State Contractors license. Call City Hall to confirm Business Licenses and never pay cash in advance of work.

Again, City staff and City volunteers would like to express their sincerest appreciation to the residents and businesses of Sierra Madre for their continued patience and efforts to assist the City and their neighbors through this event.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Sierra Madre Issues Green Flag Alert

The City of Sierra Madre has issued a Green Flag Alert for mudslides and debris flows in the hillside communities. The National Weather Service is forecasting an 80-90% chance of precipitation for this evening and tomorrow.

A Green Flag Alert is issued when there is an 80% chance or more of precipitation. Affected residents should get ready for potential evacuation and keep close watch on weather forecasts. This includes residents of the Upper and Lower Canyon as well as any resident whose property abuts the hillsides burned by the Santa Anita Fire.

As we are just entering the rain season, City Officials would like to remind residents of our mud and debris flow alert system.

A series of three different colored flags will be flown at four different locations in the City (City Hall, Search and Rescue Station, Mountain Trail at Churchill Road, and Mary’s Market). When possible, flags will be displayed indicating one of three stages of emergency. Be sure to check the website, Facebook/Twitter page, email alerts, SMTV3, AM 1630, or simply call City Hall or the Police Department to confirm the current stage of emergency and please understand the City may not always have the ability to change these flags the moment conditions or forecasts change.

The City has identified a number of streets that will need to be clear of all vehicles during a Yellow Flag or Red Flag alert. The affected streets are: Mount Wilson Trail, Churchill Road, Skyland Drive, Fern Glen, Fern Drive, Idlehour Lane, Canyon Crest Drive, Orange Drive, Woodland Drive, Brookside Lane, Sturtevant Drive, Sunnyside Lane, and Yucca Trail.
The Yellow and Red Flag Alerts will trigger vehicles being towed from these streets at the owners’ expense.

Stage One: GREEN FLAG - Activated under a prediction of 80% - 100% chance of precipitation. Affected residents should get “READY” for potential evacuation. This includes keeping a close watch on weather forecasts.

Stage Two: YELLOW FLAG - Activated with an LA County Phase 1 mudflow forecast. This is described as small, isolated debris and mudflows possible at specific locations. Affected residents should get “SET” to leave their homes and may choose to voluntarily evacuate. Please note that all vehicles must be off the streets in potential mudflow areas during Yellow Flag alerts.

Stage Three: RED FLAG - Activated with an LA County Phase 2 or 3 forecast. Phase 2 includes moderate debris and mudflows at more widespread locations. Phase 3 - the potential exists for significant debris and mudflows to be widespread. Affected residents should “GO”, meaning they should immediately evacuate, and vehicles should not be parked on the streets.

When evacuating, please plan to be as self-sufficient as possible with important paperwork, medications, and clothing for at least seven days. It is important anticipate a possible evacuation order, and make plans for your pets in advance.

Please note that Public Safety Officials do not take evacuation orders lightly and residents should heed these orders. Once mud begins to flow, Emergency Responders will NOT rescue those who failed to evacuate until the mud has stopped flowing and it is safe for responders to enter the mud flow areas.

Updates will also be issued on SMTV3 (Time Warner-channel 3), the City's website www.cityofsierramadre.com, the City’s Facebook and Twitter pages, the Sierra Madre Community Radio (AM 1630), eblasts, and the City’s emergency blog (http://sierramadrepio/blogspot.com).

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Sierra Madre Windstorm Information - Update 12

The City is now in recovery mode as it works to clear all streets, identify and remove potential hazards, and inventory losses. This is the final anticipated update that includes general information for the upcoming recovery efforts. We will continue to provide any specific and important information to our residents, businesses, and visitors as necessary.

City Hall’s main line (626-355-7135) is now operational and will be answered during City Hall business hours. Voicemail capability is still not functional, so staff will take messages and deliver to specific staff members or departments manually until voicemail is resumed.

Southern California Edison has informed staff that there are still 43 locations in Sierra Madre without power. These are primarily single properties that have experienced specific damages or situations that Edison will need to address individually. Please report existing or new outages to Edison directly at 800-611-1911.

All City facilities and services are now available.

Residents are urged to be very careful when outside of their homes, and be aware of their surroundings, especially when walking or driving under trees. City staff and City volunteers are working to identify and mitigate potential hazards such as broken limbs that remain in trees. Please report any potential hazards that you may observe to City Hall at 626-355-7135 or the Police department at 626-355-1414. Be advised that all hazards will be recorded and corrected as soon as staff and equipment are available.

Property owners are responsible for all tree and vegetation debris; City staff cannot enter private property to remove tree debris. Private property owners are allowed to deposit tree debris from their property onto the side of the street until Wednesday, December 14th to be collected by City crews. Please do not use plastic bags and be advised that you may always continue to use your green barrels as usual for smaller debris. After December 14th, the City will be unable to assist with debris removal. Under no circumstances can tree debris be deposited in the streets in such a way as to create a hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic. If you have other non-vegetation debris, you may schedule a ‘bulky item’ pickup with Athens at (888) 336-6100. Please do not place non-vegetation debris onto the side of the street until the evening before the scheduled bulky item pickup.

Public Works crews are currently working to clear streets working from east to west. They anticipate multiple passes on streets with heavy debris, and the total clean-up effort is expected to endure to the end of December.

Trash service will continue as normal, however Athens drivers have indicated that the route is taking much longer to complete. Please understand that your normal pickup times will be delayed for the next couple of weeks.

Overnight parking restrictions have been lifted throughout the City for the remainder of the month of December. The City’s Public Parking lots are also available to all residents for overnight parking for the remainder of the month.

Be cautious of door-to-door offers of repair or debris removal which would include flyers or business cards that are deposited on your property or car. Ask friends, family and associates for recommendations about contractors that they have hired. Ask for proof of a valid City Business License and/or State Contractors license. Call City Hall to confirm Business Licenses and never pay cash in advance of work.

At this time, there is no information on County, State, or Federal emergency assistance. The City has made all proper requests and is awaiting a response.

Again, City staff and City volunteers would like to express their sincerest appreciation to the residents and businesses of Sierra Madre for their continued patience and efforts to assist the City and their neighbors through this event.

Sierra Madre Windstorm Information - City Hall Phone Line Down

City Hall’s phone line of (626) 355-7135 has been damaged as a result of the windstorm and recovery. As a result, in-bound calls to City Hall are not successfully connecting nor is the voicemail system functioning. However, direct phone lines are working and calls may be transferred as needed.

Below is a list of direct phone lines for your convenience.

Community Services 626-355-5278

Library 626-355-7186

Development Services 626-355-7138

City Manager’s Office 626-836-6756

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Sierra Madre Windstorm Information - Update #11

Sierra Madre, CA. December 6, 2011 -

Sierra Madre Windstorm Information – Update #11


As the City moves into a recovery mode following last week’s windstorms, we will continue to provide some important information to our residents, businesses, and visitors.

Southern California Edison has managed to return power to most sections of the City. The have indicated that 58 services are still out at the time of this release

All City facilities and services are now available. However, City Hall, the Police & Fire Department, Library, and Recreation Center will not have operable phone services from 3:00pm to 4:00pm this afternoon. Due to the County wide emergency, the 911 lines may be answered by an alternate agency, but your emergency will be handled in the appropriate manner.

Residents who are without power are welcome to charge phones and use the wi-fi service at City Hall, with the exception of between 3:00pm and 4:00pm today.

Residents are urged to be very careful when outside of their homes, and be aware of their surroundings, especially when walking or driving under trees. City staff and City volunteers are working to identify and mitigate potential hazards such as broken limbs that remain in trees. Please report any potential hazards that you may observe to City Hall at 626-355-7135 or the Police department at 626-355-1414. Be advised that all hazards will be recorded and corrected as soon as staff and equipment are available.

Property owners are responsible for all tree and vegetation debris; City staff cannot enter private property to remove tree debris. Private property owners are allowed to deposit tree debris from their property onto the side of the street until Wednesday, December 14th to be collected by City crews. Please do not use plastic bags and be advised that you may always continue to use your green barrels as usual for smaller debris. After December 14th, the City will be unable to assist with debris removal. Under no circumstances can tree debris be deposited in the streets in such a way as to create a hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic. If you have other non-vegetation debris, you may schedule a ‘bulky item’ pickup with Athens at (888) 336-6100. Please do not place non-vegetation debris onto the side of the street until the evening before the scheduled bulky item pickup.

Public Works crews are currently working to clear streets working from east to west. They anticipate multiple passes on streets with heavy debris, and the total clean-up effort is expected to endure to the end of December.

Trash service will continue as normal, however Athens drivers have indicated that the route is taking much longer to complete. Please understand that your normal pickup times will be delayed for the next couple of weeks.

Overnight parking restrictions have been lifted throughout the City for the remainder of the month of December. The City’s Public Parking lots are also available to all residents for overnight parking for the remainder of the month.

Be cautious of door-to-door offers of repair or debris removal which would include flyers or business cards that are deposited on your property or car. Ask friends, family and associates for recommendations about contractors that they have hired. Ask for proof of a valid City Business License and/or State Contractors license. Call City Hall to confirm Business Licenses and never pay cash in advance of work.

At this time, there is no information on County, State, or Federal emergency assistance. The City has made all proper requests and is awaiting a response.

Again, City staff and City volunteers would like to express their sincerest appreciation to the residents and businesses of Sierra Madre for their continued patience and efforts to assist the City and their neighbors through this event.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Sierra Madre Windstorm Information - Update #10

As the City moves into a recovery mode following last week’s windstorms, we would like to provide some important information to our residents, businesses, and visitors.

Southern California Edison has managed to return power to most sections of the City. Edison has indicated that they expect 99.9% of all customers to have their power restored by 8:00pm this evening. Edison has also indicated that they will be at Memorial Park today from 11:00am to 4:00pm to provide water, ice, and flashlights to residents in need.

All City facilities are open today, although they may not all have power and capability to resume all services. The Youth Activity Center will be open for normal hours, and the Senior Lunch program will take place in the Sierra Madre Room at the Recreation Center.

The National Weather Service has indicated that there may be an increase of gusty winds today and this evening. Residents are urged to be very careful when outside of their homes, and be aware of their surroundings, especially when walking or driving under trees. City staff is working to identify and mitigate potential hazards such as broken limbs that remain in trees. Please report any potential hazards that you may observe to City Hall at 626-355-7135 or the Police department at 626-355-1414. Be advised that all hazards will be recorded and corrected as soon as staff and equipment are available.

Property owners are responsible for all tree and vegetation debris; City staff cannot enter private property to remove tree debris. Private property owners are allowed to deposit tree debris from their property onto the side of the street until Wednesday, December 14th to be collected by City crews. Please do not use plastic bags and be advised that you may always continue to use your green barrels as usual for smaller debris. After December 14th, the City will be unable to assist with debris removal. Under no circumstances can tree debris be deposited in the streets in such a way as to create a hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic. If you have other non-vegetation debris, you may schedule a ‘bulky item’ pickup with Athens at (888) 336-6100. Please do not place non-vegetation debris onto the side of the street until the evening before the scheduled bulky item pickup.

Be cautious of door-to-door offers of repair or debris removal which would include flyers or business cards that are deposited on your property or car. Ask friends, family and associates for recommendations about contractors that they have hired. Ask for proof of a valid City Business License and/or State Contractors license. Call City Hall to confirm Business Licenses and never pay cash in advance of work.

Again, City staff and City volunteers would like to express their sincerest appreciation to the residents and businesses of Sierra Madre for their continued patience and efforts to assist the City and their neighbors through this event.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Sierra Madre Windstorm Information - Update #9

Sierra Madre, CA. December 3, 2011 -

Sierra Madre Windstorm Information – Update #9


With the recent windstorm, the City of Sierra Madre has experienced many uprooted trees, snapped branches, and tree debris throughout the City. City crews and contractors have been working to clear roads and will continue through the weekend. All roads are now passable.

Southern California Edison has managed to return power to some sections of the City. However, they are estimating another 24 to 36 hours to restore power to all areas.

Due to the County wide emergency, the 911 lines may be answered by an alternate agency, but your emergency will be handled in the appropriate manner. City Hall will close this evening at 6:00pm. After City Hall closes, for non-emergency calls, please call 626-355-1414. Only call 911 for life-threatening emergencies, downed utility lines, or damaged buildings.

All City facilities will be open on Monday, December 5th, although they may not all have power and capability to resume all services.

Property owners are responsible for all tree and vegetation debris; City staff cannot enter private property to remove tree debris. Private property owners are allowed to deposit tree debris from their property onto the side of the street through next weekend to be collected by City crews. Under no circumstances can tree debris be deposited in the streets in such a way as to create a hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic. If you have other non-vegetation debris, you may schedule a ‘bulky item’ pickup with Athens at (888) 336-6100. Please do not place non-vegetation debris onto the side of the street until the evening before the scheduled pickup.

Again, City staff and City volunteers would like to express their sincerest appreciation to the residents and businesses of Sierra Madre for their continued patience and efforts to assist the City and their neighbors through this event.

This is our last anticipated update for the weekend.

Sierra Madre Windstorm Information - Update #8

Sierra Madre, CA. December 3, 2011 -

Sierra Madre Windstorm Information


With the recent windstorm, the City of Sierra Madre has experienced many uprooted trees, snapped branches, and tree debris throughout the City. City crews and contractors have been working to clear roads and will continue through the weekend. Currently, the 500 block of Manzanita Ave. and the northernmost section of Jameson Ct remain impassable.

Southern California Edison has managed to return power to some sections of the City. However, they are estimating another 24 to 36 hours to restore power to all areas.

SCE will be at Memorial Park today at 11:00am to distribute ice, flashlights, and batteries to residents in need.

City staff will be available today at City Hall to answer questions and take non-emergency reports. You can call City Hall at 626-355-7135 until 6:00pm today, December 3rd, or come into City Hall at 232 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. Please continue to use 911 to report any emergencies.

Property owners are responsible for all tree and vegetation debris; City staff cannot enter private property to remove tree debris. Private property owners are allowed to deposit tree debris from their property onto the side of the street through next weekend to be collected by City crews. Under no circumstances can tree debris be deposited in the streets in such a way as to create a hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic. If you have other non-vegetation debris, you may schedule a ‘bulky item’ pickup with Athens at (888) 336-6100. Please do not place non-vegetation debris onto the side of the street until the evening before the scheduled pickup.

City staff would like to express their sincerest appreciation to the residents and businesses of Sierra Madre for their continued patience and efforts to assist the City and their neighbors through this event.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Sierra Madre Windstorm Blog Update #3

The City of Sierra Madre City Council held an emergency meeting today to declare a state of emergency as a result of the severe windstorm. The declaration of the state of emergency is necessary because the response will exceed the availability of City resources, and it will be necessary to request resources from outside the City. In addition, the proclamation is the first step in responding to and recovering from emergencies and will assist in accessing state or federal disaster relief programs or funds, if they become available.

Sierra Madre continues to have downed trees, damaged public and private properties, damaged utility infrastructure, and mass debris resulting from the windstorm. Electrical power remains out for much of the City. In addition, approximately 28 structures were reported to have possible damage. The City’s Building and Safety staff have inspected all of these structures, 7 structures were red tagged; 6 structures were yellow tagged as restricted. The remaining 15 structures have minor building damages. Many of these reported structures were reported due to fallen trees.

City crews have been working through the night and within 24 hours it is anticipated that all roads will be reopened, unless severe winds resume this evening. At this time, the City’s main east/west arterial, Sierra Madre Boulevard is open to traffic. It is anticipated that it will take three to four weeks to completely remove all debris from the public right-of-way. The City’s main priority is life safety, inspecting damaged structures, and reopening roads.

Residents are urged to remain home if possible, for their safety and to keep roads open to emergency and repair crews. While temporary power has been restored to the City’s water system, residents are asked to continue to conserve water.

Southern California Edison continues to work to restore services to affected residents. Customers are asked to stay away from any downed or dangling lines. A downed line or dangling wire is dangerous-even if it appears not to be live.

Please call the City’s main line at (626) 355-7135 for non-emergency calls. Only call 911 for life-threatening emergencies, downed electrical lines, or damaged buildings.

Sierra Madre Windstorm Information - Update #2

Sierra Madre Windstorm Information- Update # 2

At 7:00 am, the Sierra Madre City Manager declared a local emergency due to damage throughout the city from last night’s windstorm. There are approximately 20 structures that have been damaged, in addition there are numerous blocked streets, and many roads are impassible. There are also downed power lines and power outages continue.

Residents are urged to remain home if possible. In addition, due to the power outage to the City’s water pumping facilities, residents are strongly urged to conserve water.

The City’s main priority is life safety, inspecting damaged structures, and reopening roads. City crews have been working through the night, but it will take some time to clear the streets.

Please call the City’s main line at (626) 355-7135 for non-emergency calls. Only call 911 for life-threatening emergencies, downed electrical lines, or damaged buildings.

The next update will be at 10:00 am.

Sierra Madre Windstorm Information

December 1, 2011 at 3:00am

At 12:45 am on December 1, 2011, the City of Sierra Madre has activated its Emergency Operations Center in order to monitor and respond to the numerous situations arising from the current wind storm. At this time, there are no reports of injuries. However, there are extensive power outages, numerous downed trees, downed wires, and debris on City streets. Many City streets are not passable because of downed trees and electrical wires. At this time Orange Grove Ave, E. Sierra Madre Blvd, north bound Santa Anita Ave. and Grand View Ave. at Michillinda Ave. are completely blocked.

The City requests your patience as we respond to numerous situations as it could take days before the streets are cleared. Additional information will be provided in the morning, as it is difficult to fully assess the damage overnight.

Residents are asked to use extreme caution as they begin their commutes to work. Please be on the lookout for downed trees, electrical wires and debris on the roads. Do not touch and downed wires; please call 911 to report any downed wires.

The next update will be provided at 7:00am