Council Recap: JPL Fire Update, National Big Brother Award and Descanso Gardens’ Banners

FIRE UPDATE

Chief Niccum gave City Council above earlier Monday afternoon. According to Chief Niccum, a contractor using a weedwacker started the fire.

“We go out our arms around the fire quickly,” said Chief Niccum. “It’s still pretty early into fire season. The dead fuel components traveled pretty well.”

Contrary to an earlier report, Niccum said the burn area was approximately 5 acres. The fire is now contained.

Chief Niccum encouraged residents to join community emergency response teams. Described as “neighbors helping neighbors,” the teams are trained in first aid, light rescue work and triage. Chief Niccum recently concluded his first training class and is looking forward to continuing the program.

LA CAÑADA RESIDENT NAMED "2011 NATIONAL BIG BROTHER OF THE YEAR”

Mayor David Spence presented Vance “Mike” Trueblood with a proclamation recognizing the La Cañada Flintridge resident as the 2011 National “Big Brother of the Year.”

Trueblood, who served as a volunteer board member and Board of Directors’ President for the Catholic Big Brothers, is currently a big brother to 13-year-old Joseph through the federally funded Mentoring Children of Prisoners Program.

“Mike has been a positive influence on Joseph’s life by teaching him how to play tennis and how to save for college,” Mayor Spence told the crowd.

Next month Trueblood and his little brother Joseph will travel to Dallas, Texas to be honored at the 2011 National Big Brother – Big Sister Conference.

“I have been matched with Mike for three years,” said the seventh grader. “I’m glad that he’s my big brother because he’s energetic, smart, he treats me good and he’s a special guy.”

CITY TO CONSIDER CO-SPONSORING EVENT AT DESCANSO GARDENS

City Council upheld city staff’s denial of application to hang banners on Southern California Edison poles along Foothill Boulevard.

City staff denied Descanso Gardens’ application because the banners promoting the Sturt Haaga gallery opening in September did not meet any of the city’s three criteria for display. Under the agreement, any banner hung on the Southern California Edison poles must be a city event, city co-sponsored event or the city must contribute $2,500 towards the event.

“Our desire to hang banners is purely inspirational and celebratory,” said David Brown, Descanso Gardens Executive Director.

Since the neighboring city of Pasadena will hang banners promoting the gallery, City Council felt it was important that they also support the local organization.

“It would be a bad thing if Pasadena had banners up and we didn’t,” said Councilmember Michael Davitt.

The Sturt Haaga Gallery is currently under construction. The green building will be composed of environmentally responsible materials and building techniques.

“This new gallery would bring visitors to the city,” said Councilmember Donald Voss. “This is a real opportunity for the city to work with the gardens in a positive way.”

City Council directed city staff to explore ways for the city to co-sponsor the gallery opening. Mayor Pro Tem Stephen Del Guercio strongly advised the council to not be a co-sponsor in name only and contribute financially to the gallery opening. The city will discuss a sponsorship agreement at an upcoming City Council meeting in June. 

RICK GUNTER FILLS PLANNING COMMISSION VACANCY

City Council unanimously selected Rick Gunter to fill the vacancy on the city’s planning commission.

During closed session, City Council interviewed eight of the nine applicants for the planning commission vacancy. Councilmember Davitt left his position on the planning commission after he was elected to City Council earlier this year.

“I was looking for someone with experience in land use planning as well as  someone who didn’t work La Cañada,” said Councilmember Laura Olhasso. “This 5-0 vote came with no discussion.”

The next Planning Commision meeting is Tuesday, May 24 at 6 p.m.

Editor's Note: This story has been revised. An earlier version said the City Council will sign a sponsorship agreement with Descanso Gardens at the next council meeting. The Council will discuss a sponsorship agreement at an upcoming meeting.