ACONA speakers take it to the streets and neighborhoods

by Laura B. Monteros

Traffic engineer Paul Barbe tells ACONA attendees about handling traffic issues in Altadena. Photos by Elliot Gold.

"Pay attention and call the authorities" was the message of both the speakers at the March 26 ACONA meeting at the Altadena Library.  Paul Barbe, civil engineer with the Traffic and Lighting Division of L.A. County and a team of officers from the Sheriff’s Department and California Highway Patrol addressed residents’ concerns about street conditions and crime.

Altadena traffic

Barbe listed 14 locations throughout Altadena where residents had reported issues with speeding cars, and “calming” measures taken such as speed humps and radar signs that flash a car’s speed.  Illegal parking and other unsafe traffic conditions were discussed, such as drivers failing to stop at the sign at Wapello and Marengo.  These concerns are forwarded to the CHP.

Officer Tom Miller of the CHP said that they are working to address the issues, but an officer must see it before they can ticket, even if a resident gets the license plate number.  He has sat at the Marengo/Wapello intersection but have not caught anyone breaking the law.  He does invite those who file complaints to ride along with him.

Parking is handled by the Sheriff’s Station, but Altadena has only one parking control officer.

 

Barbe also addressed issues with sidewalks, curbs, street maintenance, lighting, and traffic signs.  Traffic studies are done to determine the need for curbing or designating red areas, and for new traffic signs, and Off. Miller said he and Barbe are going out together to check on locations for signs.

Sidewalks and street lighting a bit more complicated.  “There is no funding for sidewalks,” Barbe stated, but if neighbors want them, the process typically starts with a petition.  

As for lighting, Altadena is divided into two districts with two types of lighting.  An audience member said that below Mendocino is LS2, which is owned and maintained by the County.  Some lighting is being added and upgraded in that section.  LS1, roughly above Mendocino, is owned and maintained by Southern California Edison, news which caused several in the room to groan.

Barbe can be reached at (626) 300-4709 for traffic and lighting requests.  For maintenance, such as curbs and potholes, call (818) 249-3094 to reach the local office or (626) 337-1277 to reach the district office.  For 24-hour emergency service, cal (800) 675-HELP (4357).

Altadena Sheriff Capt. John S. Benedict talks about neighborhood watch.

Capt. Benedict communicates about Neighborhood Watch

 

Capt. John Benedict of the Altadena Sheriff’s Station has a mission to improve and expand Neighborhood Watch in Altadena by improving communication among the various groups, and communication with the Sheriff’s Department.

“About six months ago, by the end of the summer, I had gone to a lot of Neighborhood Watch meetings,” he said.  “Come to find out, a lot of these Neighborhood Watch groups weren’t talking to each other.”

The captain introduced a team that is working to redevelop Neighborhood Watch: Lt. Eric Lasko, detective, and Sgt. Matthew Bossier and Dep. Michael Spina of the Community Relations unit.  “They are also part of our Crime Prevention unit,” Capt. Benedict said, “but oh! That’s you guys.”  

“We can’t do it without you guys,” Sgt. Bossier affirmed.  

Volunteer Jeff Sedlik created a Neighborhood Watch map a couple years ago and is working to contact the block captains to see if the groups are still active, and the Sheriff’s Station plans on calling a meeting for block captains to help them organize their neighborhoods and assist others in getting off the ground.

From the CHP, Capt. Steve Strull and Lt. Dave Moeller were also on hand to answer questions about traffic infractions and crime in Altadena.

In short, the Neighborhood Watch is a way for people in a community to get to know each other, share information, report suspicious activity to law enforcement, and develop a positive relationship with law enforcement personnel. It is not a vigilante program.  

 

Jeff Sedlik has compiled a map of all known Neighborhood Watch and neighorhood associations in Altadena to improve intergroup communications.

A group can be formed around a geographic area, a business, an apartment complex, or other unit that makes sense to participants.  Some groups may find it easier to begin with online groups and electronic communication, as Sedlik did with his neighborhood.  Each group should have a block captain, who communicates with the Sheriff’s Station and brings back reports to the group, and a coordinator who assists with communication and meetings.  

 

To find out if there is an existing group in your neighborhood, look on the map at http://www.altadenalert.org, and click on your area for information.  [NOTE These are not necessarily Neighborhood Watch organizations.]  If there isn’t, contact the Community Relations officers at (626) 798-1131, ext. 2105 or 2106 to find out how to start one.  News about the station is available online at http://shq.lasdnews.net/pages/patrolstation.aspx?id=ALD

“You see law enforcement standing up here with community members,” Capt. Benedict said.  “That’s what it’s about.”

UPDATE:  If you attended the meeting, please fill out the survey here:http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/7KV7PSD