by Timothy Rutt
Again, this will be at the top of the page so we can give you more wind/recovery related information and you have a place in the comments to report what you're seeing. Thanks to all who have reported about what's going on -- you're what makes this community news service so valuable!
Four things we're looking for this morning that you can help with:
- Debris cleanup: What do you see Athens and/or county public works doing in your neighborhood to clear up tree debris? We seem to be getting contradictory information from what officials tell us and what you're seeing on the ground, and we're going to try to pin it down today.
- Power: We also want to know what neighborhoods are still without power, and what you see Edison doing.
- Crime: it seems that there are some opportunistic criminals who are using the wind/power situation to their advantage. Have you or your neighbors suffered a break-in or other kind of theft?
- Crime or capitalism? Who's going door-to-door offering products/services in relation to wind damage? Some of them are no doubt entrepreneurs who see an opportunity, and God bless 'em, but we know this draws scam artists, too, so let us know what's going on if you see it.
UPDATES 8:30 AM
Farnsworth Park debris roundup this weekend: The county and Athens will have another tree debris roundup at the lower parking lot of Farnsworth Park on Sat. -Sun., Dec. 10 and 11, from 7 AM-4 PM for residents of Altadena and Kinneloa Mesa. A press release from the county says that "Unacceptable items for green waste bins include palm tree branches, bamboo, soil, painted or treated wood. The removal and clearing of tree waste or green debris that is not in the public right of way is the responsibility of private property owners. Waste and debris should not be dumped in public rights of way or flood control channels." Which, again, contradicts what we heard from the county on Sunday. And so far, a lot of debris seems to have fallen in the public right of way, leaving private yards clear!
Edison to meet with supervisors: Supv. Michael D. Antonovich says that he has requested officials of Southern California Edison to meet with the board of supervisors at this week's meeting, which starts at 9:30 this morning in downtown Los Angeles. "Since the windstorm, my office has received dozens of phone calls and e-mails from residents who have been without power since last Thursday -- many of whom are elderly or infirm - expressing frustration with the lack of information being provided by Edison with regard to power restoration," he says in a release. Edison officials have been requested to provide an update of their efforts and answer questions. County residents who have incurred damages are encouraged to call 2-1-1 (or 800-980-4990) to report damages as a result of the windstorm.
UPDATES 10:00 AM
Edison passing out flashlights, ice, and water: As long as they last, at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr. from 10 AM-4 PM today.
Damage assessment: Public safety maven Carolyn Seitz says that the County of Los Angeles is preparing a comprehensive damage assessment and is requesting that you call 211 to report the damage to your property and/or vehicle if your homes, accessory structures, walls, fences or vehicles have sustained damage.
UPDATES 11:00 AM
Blankets at the Community Center: Landy Johnson of the Altadena Community Center staff, 730 E. Altadena Dr., says that they are passing out blankets until they are gone.
UPDATES 3:30 PM
Debris pickp: We were out and about and saw county crews with loaders and dump trucks clearing up Mendocino in front of the Balian Mansion at about 2 PM. So some curbside county cleanup is going on -- maybe just in the mansiony area of town!
