by Lori Paul,
Altadena Crest Trail Restoration Working Group
The US Forest Service and a few of us continue to receive e-mails of concern about the Cobb Estate gateway restoration underway courtesy of local Eagle Scouts. It is clear that there is still some misunderstanding out there about this wonderful project.
I want to re-emphasize that the gateway restoration is in no way a covert effort to install a locked gate at the entrance of the Cobb Estate at the top of Lake Avenue. The Scouts are restoring the decorative gateway, stone bench covered by the shade ramada, old ornamental iron work and, eventually, landscaping the site. South of the historic gateway structures, the pathway into Cobb Estate bordering Southern California Edison land will remain completely open (24/7) under the tall ornamental arch for pedestrians, bicyclists and equestrians. (Cobb Estate has always been closed to unauthorized motor vehicles.) In fact, the old ornamental arch is being raised a bit higher so that riders on horses can pass through more easily. When finished, the entrance pathway will have better slope and footing for both people and horses.
Altadena needs to give credit where it is due. The Eagle Scouts in question, along with their parents and advisors, have come from as far as Long Beach to provide the USFS and Altadena with a beautiful, virtually no-cost restoration of the historic Cobb Estate site. These young volunteers have provided their own time, physical labor, special skills and interest in wrought iron, stone work and so forth, as a part of their Eagle Scout project. They are restoring a site that has long been neglected, damaged by vehicles crashing into it, or poorly modified. They have researched original photos and are restoring or replacing elements of the gateway with period-accurate ornate iron and finials, cement and natural stone cladding.
The Eagle Scouts are also involved in planting tough, drought resistant, beautiful native plant landscaping to this long-neglected trail entrance. They have been very responsive to suggestions (such as assuring that the open entrance is tall enough for riders on horses... or adding native species that produce flowers, but resist trampling).
It is time to express gratitude instead of criticism for this generosity. These are fine young folks with supportive, involved parents who are saving the Forest Service and County money and restoring a grand, historic public entrance to our local trails and parkland. I doubt any of these improvements would've occurred without this youth project.
It is gratifying that so many local residents value the Cobb Estate and its trails to the extent they keep an eye on what is happening and question any changes. I think the current project will make everyone very proud.
