[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6307343,"mediaKeyId","2433634-edfb66898a7913a5cb8df55219054885","parentId",2433634,"title","Sierra Madre declares debris-flow emergency after mid‑February storm; city outlines response, evacuation steps","audioSeconds",2236,"startMs",2222000,"endMs",4458000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2433634-edfb66898a7913a5cb8df55219054885&start=2222&end=4458","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2433634-edfb66898a7913a5cb8df55219054885/thumbnail_2222000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6307343/Sierra-Madre-City/Los-Angeles-County/California/Sierra-Madre-declares-debris-flow-emergency-after-midFebruary-storm-city-outlines-response-evacuation-steps","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6307343-333376f07f32fb12396da4978dbcd3df/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195662&Signature=eD3JPwJUt~OmfInLwoZKNEgx-FhWIr6ZajCF8LjJw4KbssPl8La3fcu86BHvqfexzUNcD-cPQsfoiQKB3R67HW8lConbI2XQV48a8VLd4aBOqCeup7R-Iaww7czMSOnbZvON2KKwNH7IlyS4vc18--~KfHgsUhpPrxovczchqedXWilKVK9QFOoODuDqNH-wEO7jC1oh1mMQFMOGl6JgXG1zhj5RJdG3QPDItTvX1XueX66BVsX2DwKjQiKerKEir03vLKLsV2~RbMbLobqaPqaIAjiY~V~tnD9Oqk6PgwaGsc3dAsJFhBBk6zil9rTj~15u9LE4hf0ol0gFLfnFFQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Sierra Madre CA","date","2025-02-27T20:49:24.557Z","article","Sierra Madre City Council on Feb. 13 adopted a declaration of local emergency tied to the mid‑February storm and mudflows that followed the Eaton Fire, after staff described pre‑storm protective measures, evacuation outreach and ongoing debris removal.

City Public Works Director Yanez told the council that crews and regional partners began protective preparations while the Eaton Fire was still active, cleared county debris basins and removed roughly 2,500 truckloads of material from the Sierra Madre Dam debris basin before the large rainfall. Staff said crews installed more than 500 feet of k‑rail in high‑risk locations, distributed thousands of sandbags to residents and prioritized clearing storm drains in burn zones to reduce blockage risk.

The council was given a run‑through of the county’s debris‑flow forecasting maps and of the city’s online resource page consolidating mudflow information, evacuation guidance, and links to Genesis, Nixle and county phase maps. Senior analyst James Carlson and management analyst Eric Lovick directed residents to the city’s website for the “one‑stop” mudflow page with time‑stamped updates and links to county maps and cameras.

Police Chief Barrientos described evacuation operations. The city and region issued an evacuation warning the day before the main storm; a mandatory evacuation was issued that evening to take effect the following morning. Chief Barrientos said area d and the county Office of Emergency Management were pre‑positioned and that the city’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and staff contacted more than 620 potentially impacted residents. Residents who declined to evacuate were asked to sign liability waivers; officers said some of those who declined later requested rescue or assistance after being trapped or buried by mud.

Council members and residents raised issues about neighborhood flows and bridge overtopping. Staff and presenters said the county and state modeling produce phase 1–3 maps; Sierra Madre adjusted its Genesis zones and compared the county maps to its on‑the‑ground placements of sandbags and k‑rail. Staff said some cross‑parcel flows and localized flooding reached parts of Grandview, Camilo and Acacia, and that topographic details meant some flows exceeded earlier expectations in specific locations.

Several residents and property owners spoke during public comment about damage to backyards and homes on Acacia, Grandview and Camilo and about insurance denials for mud damage. A resident identified Senate Bill 917 (2018) as a statute they believe could apply to fire‑caused mud damage and said an insurer had denied their claim; council members pointed to an item later in the agenda to declare a related emergency, which could be used by residents in claims processes.

The council approved two emergency‑related items at the city manager’s recommendation: a continuation of the Eaton Fire local emergency (original declaration) and a separate declaration of emergency tied specifically to the mid‑February debris‑flow event, a step requested by Los Angeles County OEM and Cal OES for recovery and cost‑tracking purposes. Council directed staff to continue coordination with county, state and federal partners, and staff said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will perform nondisposal debris removal in a later phase.

Staff emphasized evacuation compliance, noting that vehicles left in roadways or people attempting to access flooded intersections can create new flow obstructions and increase damage. Council members asked staff to press county engineers on dam capacity and bridge clearance, and the public works director said he would contact county dam engineers to explore short‑term options and longer‑term measures.

The council also asked for follow‑up items: additional public outreach on Nixle/Genesis sign‑up and a county contact for the community, a future briefing from the state insurance commissioner’s office (Mayor Pro Tem Christine Lowe requested an agendized presentation) and continued updates on debris‑basin clearing and mapping.

Ending: Staff asked residents to register for Nixle and Genesis and to treat evacuation warnings seriously. The council thanked public works crews, police, fire, CERT and neighboring cities for rapid response and coordination during the event.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Sierra Madre City Council | February 25, 2025 | Regular Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Sierra Madre City Council on Feb. 13 adopted a declaration of local emergency tied to the mid‑February storm and mudflows that followed the Eaton Fire, after staff described pre‑storm protective measures, evacuation outreach and ongoing debris removal.","taxTitle","Sierra Madre City, Los Angeles County, California","taxId",72183,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6307324,"Votes at a glance — Sierra Madre City Council meeting (Feb. 13)",8195,130000,8325000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2433634-edfb66898a7913a5cb8df55219054885&start=130&end=8325","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2433634-edfb66898a7913a5cb8df55219054885/thumbnail_130000.jpg","/articles/6307324/Sierra-Madre-City/Los-Angeles-County/California/Votes-at-a-glance-Sierra-Madre-City-Council-meeting-Feb-13","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6307324-e33bd023348e3b23baa3808bc76899e0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195662&Signature=GwYXTZVpR~lEXSIwgY6EIA65gaCPzvHND035BwCdBIO~g1iu-FYmVzgb4~vP62QnlYgp86KOtBjrSL8layJt43m3lx8HPI09o9QFkCa9cYCzpfmL4Oa09~bli4M1Kd-KSu9NpaH7~gEGfJTEKFw302E6cFr-t-BjzmJ~2MrCMBKDgVz9YYTomcNRMgMFjvPxRJcD1VTf0Zq04iYqT1E4eKfkd5~uy6TV-cvxpiBF36-NUj6rOKKoOV25KRpZDc3LjSe4130xeXMPdl04xInio8cfckLI~VgmYbDeXuSnZBM~MfIKBTTU1ACUl3wdUFkQO6gTUtaGJAIpY9ezTr~DFA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The following is a concise listing of formal actions recorded during the Sierra Madre City Council meeting on Feb. 13. Vote totals are municipal counts reported during the meeting; where a recusal was recorded, that is noted.

• Agenda approval (amendment): Council approved removing item D from the consent calendar and moving it to the discussion calendar. Outcome: approved (voice vote).

• Reading of resolutions and ordinances by title only: Council approved reading by title only. Outcome: approved (voice vote).

• Minutes — Feb. 11 meeting: Council approved minutes with a minor correction (added missing word “trail” in public comment). Outcome: approved (voice vote).

• Consent calendar — three items: (A) Resolution 25‑14 approving certain demands; (B) Ordinance 1478 designating the city manager as director of emergency services (second reading/adoption); (C) Resolution 25‑06 establishing a legislative advocacy policy and authorizing the city manager or designee to take policy positions. Staff amended language to require reporting out to council; council approved the consent calendar (including the added reporting language). Outcome: approved (voice vote).

• Emergency declarations: Council approved (a) continuation of the Eaton Fire local emergency and (b) a separate local emergency for the mid‑February debris flow requested by county/state OEM for cost tracking. Outcome: both approved (voice vote; unanimous of members present).

• Code enforcement body‑worn camera policy: Council approved adopting the code enforcement body‑worn camera policy and directed staff to provide a 90‑day implementation report. Outcome: approved (voice vote).

• Professional services agreements for wildfire litigation: Council approved contingency agreements with Baron & Budd, PC and D.F. Chambers LLP to pursue litigation related to the Eaton Fire; contingency fee stated at 15% of recoveries. Council Member Kelly Krieps recused from the litigation vote due to a potential conflict; remaining members approved. Outcome: approved (recusal noted).

Meeting actions recorded as approved above were implemented or assigned to staff for follow up. Where specific resolution or contract numbers were not shown in the public portion of the record, staff noted they will finalize contract numbering when executed.","A compact list of formal actions and outcomes recorded in the Feb. 13 meeting, including consent approvals, emergency declarations, policy adoptions and professional services agreements.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6307330,"Sierra Madre hires wildfire litigation counsel on contingency to pursue Southern California Edison claims",383,9017000,9400000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2433634-edfb66898a7913a5cb8df55219054885&start=9017&end=9400","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2433634-edfb66898a7913a5cb8df55219054885/thumbnail_9017000.jpg","/articles/6307330/Sierra-Madre-City/Los-Angeles-County/California/Sierra-Madre-hires-wildfire-litigation-counsel-on-contingency-to-pursue-Southern-California-Edison-claims","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6307330-e6a1aa12117893aa75968b491f21d541/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195662&Signature=Y3HVrrXsqrkPGa7cOHYL7jb4DMfMF4j0qOPLp7pXtDVfCRnpanU6f9CpRkvgHNU34TFB4HQ~m0aCTiEzi6xM69Ab84Las3yqqGsEwrXMU2DhAvDE78lhwgrjkRXhZnlmYEsiw4iQzndc4OmyHuRs5i-HElR0wEx9qBA6BlDBdWHHy1WfXFUT3e6AwDV6RXNDfCwWvXLVja8yqTyda2~uIBFalPE8ExyeJmFSZNsN8W6RzVu6f7~cOnQ8Gp5cMEl3GgAGEkpBHz6EeYQk1QliT0qWGNw7zKFvNI0pGG-FOkg1xQ4PDbkVO9f8KOnldWiLHbaQZho9Fw6X3kDyMhzAcw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sierra Madre City Council approved professional services agreements with Baron & Budd, PC and D.F. Chambers LLP to pursue litigation connected to the Eaton Fire and related impacts, the city attorney said.

City Attorney Gregosian explained the firms specialize in wildfire litigation; Baron & Budd told council members it has represented more than 100 public entities in fire investigations. The firms proposed contingency arrangements: they will not bill the city for attorneys’ fees unless a recovery is secured, and the stated contingency percentage for recovery was 15 percent — noted in staff materials as below the typical average contingency for similar matters.

Councilmembers asked about firm reputations and fee terms; Gregosian said staff negotiated the contingency and that the firms bring specialized experience in utility‑related wildfire litigation. Councilmember Kelly Krieps disclosed her firm represents Edison on unrelated matters and recused herself from the discussion and vote on litigation matters; council voted on the contracts while Krieps was recused.

Ending: The council directed staff to finalize and execute professional services agreements with the named firms and continue coordination for any necessary investigative and recovery actions.","The council approved professional services agreements with Baron & Budd PC and D.F. Chambers LLP to join or pursue wildfire litigation related to the Eaton Fire; the firms will work on contingency (15% of recoveries) and the council approved the contracts in public session after previous closed‑session direction.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6307334,"Council adopts body‑worn camera policy for code enforcement; council asks for 90‑day trial report",1688,7252000,8940000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2433634-edfb66898a7913a5cb8df55219054885&start=7252&end=8940","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2433634-edfb66898a7913a5cb8df55219054885/thumbnail_7252000.jpg","/articles/6307334/Sierra-Madre-City/Los-Angeles-County/California/Council-adopts-bodyworn-camera-policy-for-code-enforcement-council-asks-for-90day-trial-report","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6307334-697c009c73d660d20d5b4c9b69a0f369/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195662&Signature=aWgPsoKbyNCEg6z7QGpZTKAVaFFPkG8bTa-fgm4PjudvQGVrbw0Hd2SV3EPTmmPCdBPdClVEisj9o2eCanCxI7cCsPFIVVnSbT1Lhj-r7nq5vCQHFIbdgs94tu9bsTpfTyjhBqA~0cZMd-9xll9NjVUv5WpJY1Y9jRKFDHoUn4wQZ1gMjZiYirIOMAD6rtOlZEOi1DSO0vWA5JNBn8xAZKLlRgSHqtiD-roT3jAB98zslUpL9RCn9-szs-soj-MBiVtBPGZuSBv~XHcd25dssijDtWPJa7jVECykauqDBnvpjJ4T1I1Go4z39uP6~fMt4lzr--JMaTkP7sw2t~A9RA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sierra Madre City Council voted to adopt a policy authorizing the use of body‑worn cameras by code enforcement staff and to receive a staff report on the policy’s implementation in 90 days.

City Attorney Gregosian said the draft policy is modeled on the police department’s body‑camera policy and on a comparable policy from another city. He told the council the policy sets retention schedules, limits on access, and circumstances under which recording is allowed or prohibited. Staff presented five scenarios that guide use: non‑code activities, code enforcement on public property, code enforcement on private property fully visible from public view, commercial property visible from public view, and code enforcement on private property not in public view.

The council asked for additional protections and clarity. Several members emphasized that officers should disclose when they are recording. The council discussed whether recordings captured from a public vantage (for example, from the sidewalk or other public right‑of‑way) could proceed without permission while recordings inside private areas would require the property owner’s permission; the item passed with council direction for staff to monitor how the policy functions and return in 90 days with a brief implementation report.

Staff noted equipment costs are manageable: the city will reassign a spare Axon camera from the police inventory; subscription and evidence‑hosting service costs were estimated at roughly $700–$850 per year for the code‑enforcement camera’s account, and a new camera (if purchased) was estimated at about $6,000 with service through 2028. Staff said audits of recordings will continue to follow existing evidence‑management practices.

Ending: Council asked staff to present a succinct 90‑day implementation report on usage patterns, access requests and any privacy or cost issues.","The City Council approved a policy allowing body‑worn cameras for code enforcement personnel, modeled on the police policy and a template used by other cities. Council members pressed for privacy safeguards, disclosure requirements and a 90‑day report back on usage and costs.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6307338,"Library construction behind schedule by about a month, city staff says; plan proposed to make up time",452,1791000,2243000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2433634-edfb66898a7913a5cb8df55219054885&start=1791&end=2243","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2433634-edfb66898a7913a5cb8df55219054885/thumbnail_1791000.jpg","/articles/6307338/Sierra-Madre-City/Los-Angeles-County/California/Library-construction-behind-schedule-by-about-a-month-city-staff-says-plan-proposed-to-make-up-time","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6307338-ab7127f647f3a2d918ae3c8c10923e85/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195662&Signature=hvmRvh2WPLlyaSfSijjOlXDef-0kUXc2x~nOY0Opm6cRcE6g0NFYzeGk8kMc5kvHBh92F9DouMZr1SDl-azHMljTAtsNo9XjXzWYCBc3X6g1dGfEOKfaLeOKa75iDnAJz2MRbVs~ZOc8TCtt-zwzfdh7WEMjeD5aH6DKyranFGPnnJDZjYhN7EeLRIb3fcwwaKcReIX7guAKtzSyA1DsW1tkFTdCMC4Ewnm2iIMFuHo8DIkIhFQQGPOW6TZmNrYn0wQcyCL0yRq~WG74ZQj2v~sAQqVgvHF2NmqU7~GU5u20UULRZVrQKT5hIsFGjl4gqdRcvASYgGE4ARgU8qIYlg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Public Works Director Yanez told the City Council that the Sierra Madre library construction project is delayed by an estimated 32 to 38 calendar days, and staff outlined measures to recoup time while keeping the project within the existing footprint.

Yanez said crews have completed topography and new sewer installation and are preparing water‑line work. He said project teams are discovering multiple inconsistencies between original 1955 as‑built plans and existing conditions behind walls, in foundations and on the roof; decades of additions and buried materials have required on‑the‑spot reconfiguration by TSK Architects and the contractor.

To regain the schedule — staff said the target completion remains January 2026 but is now less certain — Yanez recommended overlapping trades (having electricians, plumbers and carpenters work simultaneously in different work areas), extending daily work hours by about 90–120 minutes, and limited Saturday morning shifts focused on interior, low‑noise tasks. Staff also proposed simultaneous inspections to avoid sequential delays. Yanez said the contractors had included padding for weather and unforeseen conditions in the original schedule and that the suggested approaches should not produce a material contract cost increase; any modest costs are within the project agreement.

Council members pressed staff on whether the new estimate jeopardizes the January 2026 target. A council member noted assurances from the project manager that the timeline had contingency days; Yanez replied that new findings and recent storms have created additional uncertainty. Council asked staff to invite a Vertex construction representative and the project manager to a future meeting for a detailed briefing; Yanez said he would coordinate that meeting.

Ending: Council requested a Vertex representative be asked to present at a future council meeting and directed staff to return with status updates; staff will also explore schedule‑recovery steps and report any material cost impacts back to council.","Public Works told the council the city’s library renovation is about 32–38 days behind because historic as‑built drawings differ from conditions found in the field; staff proposed overlapping trades, extended hours and weekend work to regain schedule and said cost impacts would be small and accounted for in the contract.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Sierra Madre declares debris-flow emergency after mid‑February storm; city outlines response, evacuation steps

Votes at a glance — Sierra Madre City Council meeting (Feb. 13)

Sierra Madre hires wildfire litigation counsel on contingency to pursue Southern California Edison claims

Council adopts body‑worn camera policy for code enforcement; council asks for 90‑day trial report

Library construction behind schedule by about a month, city staff says; plan proposed to make up time