Altadena outdoors: Horses, lumberjacks, and earthquakes

Up close & personal with the mountains on the Rubio trail

A writer should never ask to be excused for not writing. But I have been writing! Just not on Bluehouseviews. Below is the list of articles I've written for Altadena Patch and Altadenablog since the first of the year. Other than that, my Examiner columns, and the writing group at Monte Vista Grove, I've been enjoying my first grandson.

Patch got a three-parter out of the Altadena Crest Trail Restoration Working Group, which met with a representative from L.A. County to share ideas of what needs to be done to ensure trail access for residents. The first part, "Concerns Over Altadena Crest Trail Conveyed to County Consultant" addresses the trail. Part 2, "Altadena's Equestrian Future", talks about equestrian concerns, and Part 3 about bicycling.

What does one do with all those downed trees after a windstorm? Read "Altadena Heritage hosts urban lumberjacks (and they're OK)" on Altadenablog to find out. And check back next week for a follow up, "Managing the Urban Forest".

I wrote about my experiences getting Community Emergency Response Team training in "What Is CERT and Why Is It Important" for Patch. CERT teaches regular folks to be prepared for emergencies from simple first aid to massive earthquakes.

Of course, my Examiner columns (listed at right) have lots of interesting goings-on with Altadena, the San Gabriel Foothills, and the Tournament of Roses.

The Golden Poppy awards were given out by Altadena Heritage on Sunday, and I covered the story for Altadena Patch. It was a lovely afternoon for a garden tea at a historic 1909 home. Read "Celebrating Altadena Gardens with Golden Poppy Awards" for all the details.  The flower at the right is not a California golden poppy, which is our state flower, but a red oriental poppy.  Or perhaps Icelandic.  I only take pictures, I don't garden!

What a beautiful day it was on Sunday, when Old Marengo Park was dedicated!  Taking a deserted, sandy triangle and turning it into a verdant garden that demonstrates the use of California native plants was an effort involving the entire community--Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy, Altadena Heritage, in-kind donations from local businesses, and hundreds of volunteer hours. 

The land is owned by Los Angeles County, but the park is maintained by the neighbors and other volunteers.  For more on the story, read about it in Altadena Patch.