by Timothy Rutt
As of about 7 PM: the Altadena Sheriff's Station reports that an LA County Fire helicopter is causing that noise on the east side. Per scanner, they've plucked four people off the hillside and will take them to Farnsworth Park.
UPDATE: The Altadena Sheriff Station issued this press release tonight:
On November 15, 2012, the Altadena Search and Rescue Team were called out to 2200 Pinecrest Drive, Altadena in Eaton Canyon regarding four adults who were lost on the trail. Los Angeles County Fire Engine #66 with Captain Gonzalez were assisted by the Altadena Search and Rescue Team who located the hikers and escorted them out of the canyon safely and uninjured.
Sheriff's Search and Rescue Team personnel are reserve sheriff’s deputies who volunteer their time to help others for $1 a year, and who partner with sheriff’s civilian volunteers who volunteer for free. There are over 150 members of the eight Search and Rescue teams of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, who were activated for over 450 search and rescue missions last year, making it one of the most active counties for search and rescue missions in the nation. Reserve deputies and civilian volunteers are supervised by full-time sheriff’s deputies. http://lasdreserve.org/