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.