Portantino To Host Bear Safety Forum

Black bears roaming the hillsides have presented a dangerous hazard locally for decades.

Many forums have been held over the years to address the public safety risks posed by bears in the foothills, and Assemblyman Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge) will host another Thursday, May 19 at the at 7:30 p.m.

The message from the California Department of Fish and Game, which will send representatives to the forum, is : take care of your trash, or bears will come down and try to eat it.

Recent bear sightings in the La Cañada/La Crescenta area prompted the meeting, according to a news release issued by Portantino's office.

"Many people do not realize that by simply altering their behavior they can minimize the chance of property damage, close encounters with bears and the death of bears," the release reads.

The topics on the agenda include:

•  Bears around your home
•  Bear-proofing your property
•  What to do if there is a bear in your yard
•  Who to call for help

Editor's note: This story has changed. The original version contained the wrong date for the forum.