[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6102617,"mediaKeyId","2803787-de4d0225b12cee64ad73cc14b7d1da9b","parentId",2803787,"title","Council approves consent items and routine measures; grants contracts for pickleball, museum work and capital equipment","audioSeconds",941,"startMs",6737000,"endMs",7678000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2803787-de4d0225b12cee64ad73cc14b7d1da9b&start=6737&end=7678","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2803787-de4d0225b12cee64ad73cc14b7d1da9b/thumbnail_6737000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6102617/Sierra-Madre-City/Los-Angeles-County/California/Council-approves-consent-items-and-routine-measures-grants-contracts-for-pickleball-museum-work-and-capital-equipment","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6102617-5d13c7dde5404b094143b852fff2db7d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166955&Signature=opPUhIkEeykbPkZQf3HRF1jJCdDl2erW4eXDjbLMtt5tYjRwdXDGNcx~2uWTlpMZayShcWCBdhBuVyQ0~KZp0wyJFLJKSVMA63-a~1S88twzmiquj6rEl76KSxWtHJY16QGGNZ4IR-d7WDhYgFcJs9sYnRSApKj46Pb84QRTcqymSvGZkbTODAb1fv8GRLWejp6C9sJ0SCrKWGq1XXedHcly44uGJkdwkl2QmnSrW8O9WZmKw5z~YtAwvzrXqd9m3SG~EKa6j2Es5XWK65J3isgHafrvWthw3lsbY6IlcDawMOJpOefoSe6GGGj~PP8DxLzjHijPI2zQMLg0EMAB6A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Sierra Madre CA","date","2025-03-26T05:21:12Z","article","The Sierra Madre City Council approved the consent calendar after a brief discussion and carried multiple routine motions by unanimous vote of those present.

Items approved included:
- Resolution 25‑19 approving the city’s demands (warrants) as presented.
- Award of a contract to Tailored Tennis Courts for the Sierra Vista tennis‑to‑pickleball conversion for an amount not to exceed $133,866. Staff confirmed layout adjustments will permit conversion of two existing tennis courts into eight pickleball courts.
- Contract award to TSK Architects for architectural and engineering services for restoration and renovation projects at Lizzie’s Trail Inn and the Richardson Historical Museum; the work will be funded in part through state grant funds identified by staff. Susan Gallagher, representing the library board and the Sierra Madre Historical and Preservation Society, spoke in support of contracting TSK.
- Acceptance and direction to file the General Plan and Housing Element Annual Progress Report with the California Department of Housing and Community Development and the Office of Planning and Research.
- Amendment to the FY 2024‑25 Capital Improvement Budget to reallocate $34,899.51 for Public Works equipment upgrades.

All items on the consent calendar were approved in a single vote. The motion to approve the amended agenda and move one consent item to discussion also passed unanimously among the three members present—Mayor Robert Parkhurst, Councilmember Edward Garcia and Councilmember Gene Goss.

Council members asked for follow‑up information on the museum scopes (particularly preservation of rear rooms at Richardson House) and confirmed the pickleball conversion will allow room for tournament play based on contractor analysis; staff said they coordinated with experienced conversion contractors and peer cities.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Sierra Madre City Council | March 25, 2025 | Regular Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Council approved the consent calendar, awarding contracts for court conversion and museum architectural work, accepting the annual housing progress report and amending the capital equipment budget.","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},6102620,"Police report: overall crime down in 2024; traffic enforcement and regional auto‑theft task force credited with declines",274,2624000,2898000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2803787-de4d0225b12cee64ad73cc14b7d1da9b&start=2624&end=2898","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2803787-de4d0225b12cee64ad73cc14b7d1da9b/thumbnail_2624000.jpg","/articles/6102620/Sierra-Madre-City/Los-Angeles-County/California/Police-report-overall-crime-down-in-2024-traffic-enforcement-and-regional-autotheft-task-force-credited-with-declines","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6102620-a08f5dc9d6593c1871188a6e79c732c8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166955&Signature=jYP6PGVoi-BlLlPI-e-holcKh1WSwDxXJqkZlrT7UF1xs3QEzJyzkv-Kyl11YDn-iKv1SiO-S2kARAwtu171OpJQ7Fwsb-NTMMVzwWP1B45st6wmeMlB9DMogWRRWH~klkdNzbbzbpwcs7vwyQLo5~jXFk9y2ASzF~K3BWY15unDAL9fQlmr5nBcxGM1UVyZXrJmTOQ88Us7f7g5-~NiPjB7Bns8LohYt930MqYm3EOVaPXMe4fqYL9~wpRSwDSEEta4XjUJuPBa0~sAzTfU1S~0W-9JBgyvUNGfC~eikyl47wCFSZXRDiEBjj8RG9Rv3NLZji-xz8sIlW9RfvTOxg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sierra Madre Police Chief (Barrientos) reported to council that overall serious property crimes (Group A) declined in 2024, while traffic enforcement increased and mental‑health calls rose.

Chief Barrientos said residential and commercial burglaries and thefts declined compared with 2023, while aggravated assaults rose slightly and were primarily associated with domestic incidents. Detective work showed more felony arrests (15 in 2024 vs. 10 in 2023) and more felony filings. The department credited participation in a regional auto‑theft prevention task force (TRAP) with helping recover stolen vehicles — four of seven vehicle thefts listed to date were recovered with TRAP assistance.

Traffic enforcement was a major focus; citations rose from 582 in 2023 to 891 in 2024. Non‑injury collisions fell but non‑injury hit‑and‑runs increased (11 to 25). The department said higher enforcement typically reduces collisions but noted the hit‑and‑run trend remains a concern.

Barrientos also outlined regional partnerships and specialized units: TRAP (San Gabriel Valley auto‐theft task force) recovered vehicles and executed search warrants; the Foothill Special Enforcement Team (FSET/SWAT) answered 20 activations in 2024 and could be deployed to Sierra Madre when needed; and air support is contracted through the Pasadena Police aviation service. The department also reported ongoing bear‑related calls and said monthly data are submitted to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

“We are a very, very, very safe city,” Barrientos said, adding the department will continue community outreach, traffic safety and interagency collaboration.

Councilmembers praised the department’s outreach, traffic enforcement and work with regional partners and asked staff to continue public education and refine bicycle and scooter safety enforcement.","Police Chief Barrientos reported overall decreases in serious property crimes in 2024 but an uptick in traffic enforcement and mental‑health calls, highlighting regional task‑force partnerships for auto‑theft and special‑response support.",{"_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},6102625,"Sierra Madre Fire Department reports staffing increases, expanded ALS capacity and new subscription plan",1367,1910000,3277000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2803787-de4d0225b12cee64ad73cc14b7d1da9b&start=1910&end=3277","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2803787-de4d0225b12cee64ad73cc14b7d1da9b/thumbnail_1910000.jpg","/articles/6102625/Sierra-Madre-City/Los-Angeles-County/California/Sierra-Madre-Fire-Department-reports-staffing-increases-expanded-ALS-capacity-and-new-subscription-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6102625-60beb50c4dc3c16dbda959bd2044e9c0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166955&Signature=MzkGAIMEBm1G3ndfVPXH9YLWDKqirqzfrb7EvFqMYUKmUmfeJDuSPw4goJ6xaDUko1sdA8PNUc7ftg2Grn3CiwqDMIoSU5G81Q81lL2RBI32LQqw0mKNP58F6I1tGjxJkKotbiNnNXBS0hXZ9N03Jddbu9Bexp4gJeiK2RX85GwIqKZlqHYfjTRhqAmTCwz79yD1T-KH~syDMiGzxC8-VeIF6DI7127h5Ylq~zvDXw7iBuq2tbMwR-lHxuvLNcACnrzgekgU1n95DAJQM5IhCIZ0qEC3yoRD0BMAk8NvcUSo4iTBIB3SkF6cfIyYUaFcES5B4E7BwmRH8wNzFMvVGg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Fire Chief James Bartlett told the Sierra Madre City Council that the Fire Department closed 2024 with expanded capabilities, higher call volume and a focus on training and preparedness.

The department, Bartlett said, currently operates with 18 full‑time personnel: 1 chief, three captains, three engineers, nine firefighter‑paramedics and two administrative staff. In 2024 the department responded to roughly 1,550 incidents, up from 1,454 the prior year, and medical calls made up about 65% of the workload.

Bartlett highlighted budget and cost‑recovery figures. Fiscal year 2024‑25 spending for the department totaled about $3.8 million; staff reported EMS transport and related recoveries of roughly $634,000 — about 21% of the department’s budget. Bartlett and council discussed continuing efforts to increase cost recovery while protecting access to care.

The department recently converted Engine 41 from an assessment engine to a fully equipped advanced life support (ALS) medic engine, Bartlett said, which increases on‑scene ALS capacity and can provide interventions while an ambulance is engaged elsewhere. Bartlett described an updated tiered community paramedic subscription program that will begin in the new fiscal year with individual, couples, family, low‑income and business tiers designed to lower or eliminate out‑of‑pocket transport costs for enrolled residents and businesses.

On training, Bartlett said firefighters nearly doubled the department’s ISO‑required training hours and expanded interagency drills, live burn training at regional facilities and regional arson investigations with a dedicated investigator. Prevention work in 2024 included nearly 1,942 inspections covering apartments, defensible‑space checks and AB‑38 inspections required for certain home sales in very‑high fire hazard zones.

Bartlett thanked staff and mutual‑aid partners for their work during recent wind, wildfire and debris‑flow events and told council the department will use post‑incident reviews and a department master plan to target upgrades and training in 2025.

“We are forward‑thinking organization committed to safety, education, and community well‑being,” Bartlett said in his presentation, and he asked the council to maintain the department’s strategic focus while staff carry out the new work plans.","Fire Chief James Bartlett presented the department’s 2024 annual report: the department is staffed with 18 full‑time professionals, responded to 1,550 calls (65% medical), added an ALS‑equipped engine and rolled out a tiered paramedic subscription program to reduce out‑of‑pocket transport costs for residents.",{"_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},6102629,"Sierra Madre council adopts urgency ordinance to speed rebuilding for Eaton Fire–damaged homes",918,8333000,9251000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2803787-de4d0225b12cee64ad73cc14b7d1da9b&start=8333&end=9251","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2803787-de4d0225b12cee64ad73cc14b7d1da9b/thumbnail_8333000.jpg","/articles/6102629/Sierra-Madre-City/Los-Angeles-County/California/Sierra-Madre-council-adopts-urgency-ordinance-to-speed-rebuilding-for-Eaton-Firedamaged-homes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6102629-db0ee79454574a9a4a03a4306dc2d794/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166955&Signature=PHN7WEnnkTOPDbAyIeNrdsOgYgWDD~T6w1Wp8oB~leuQFU-HGr0NwngQeAJntmVyv5~n-j5eIjVxFkS1D0I8eYP1dvsFvFMWwvRTQ9sPIm7WcXkfbuU3Q4RQB~f4RrOxu8eBuzgSAaOFfNsfwEN3CInrUbj1fZNKDbRd1g1YUvbWTE6DT90gcktPguM081mLpQojSwLBvJO1r1Pfi59Pn4VGMdHnsqglwCFbwV2grqud8vb3EFsr89d0TlqGl7TEhNKhYOsf0DEPeOMX9O70lJA3c2xU5ajWJ~4FmUFl4O3wj6cNmaJi50hzwaH9JELNyokir430shCns5nYd-bSFw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sierra Madre’s City Council on an immediate vote adopted an urgency ordinance designed to shorten timelines and reduce some costs for property owners whose homes were red- or yellow-tagged after the Eaton Fire and follow-on debris flows.

The ordinance, labeled 1480‑U and described by city attorneys as “not your usual ordinance,” takes effect immediately if approved and is written to remain in force for five years. City staff said the measure is intended to align local procedures with state debris‑removal and emergency orders and to provide an alternative streamlined path for owners who choose not to participate in county‑run Army Corps debris removal.

Council and staff said the package suspends several discretionary review steps for qualifying properties, allows limited variances for rebuilding, permits accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to be constructed before a replaced primary dwelling, and authorizes temporary on‑site living units under an agreement with the city. Planning staff will use ministerial checklists in many cases rather than full design‑review hearings, but staff retain discretion to refer unusual projects to the Planning Commission.

City Attorney Gargosian summarized the ordinance’s effect: “This is not your usual ordinance. This is an urgency ordinance… it requires unanimous approval of the members present and it takes effect immediately.” Senior Analyst Carlson told council the intent is to allow debris removal, demolition and reconstruction to occur more quickly and to reduce fees for many applicants compared with standard discretionary demolition and design‑review processes.

Key elements: applicants with red or yellow tags must apply for demolition authority within six months of the ordinance and complete debris removal within six months of demolition approval; the city will allow more limited flexibility in development standards (a standard 10% allowance or a minimum of 250 square feet of additional floor area where applicable); the low‑impact development (LID) drainage requirements may be suspended for qualifying rebuilds while basic grading and drainage safety remains required; building permits and vested entitlements may receive extended expiration dates; and staff will offer an expedited plan‑check pathway with a target turnaround.

Several speakers at public comment urged further relief and broader action. Katrina Hidstuck, who lives in the Upper Canyon, thanked council and urged the city to adopt an explicit five‑year plan for managing natural lands, vegetation and post‑fire restoration. Resident Sanders (Sanders Reagan in the record) urged the city to adopt policies beyond the ordinance to protect homes across the city given newly released state wildfire hazard maps.

Councilmembers said they intend to follow the ordinance with additional outreach and future discussions around home hardening, vegetation management and related relief programs. The council also asked staff to recommend, rather than require, that property owners pursue a historical‑resource evaluation before rebuilding; staff will report back on cost estimates and the scope of any neighborhood‑level documentation.

The ordinance passed unanimously by the three members present—Mayor Robert Parkhurst, Councilmember Edward Garcia and Councilmember Gene Goss—and takes effect immediately. The ordinance text and implementing administrative procedures will be published by the city clerk and shared with affected property owners and with Los Angeles County and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers where coordination is needed.","The City Council voted unanimously to adopt an urgency ordinance that streamlines demolition, permitting and rebuilding for privately owned properties red- or yellow-tagged after the Eaton Fire and subsequent debris flows. The ordinance takes immediate effect and remains in place for five years.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves consent items and routine measures; grants contracts for pickleball, museum work and capital equipment

Police report: overall crime down in 2024; traffic enforcement and regional auto‑theft task force credited with declines

Sierra Madre Fire Department reports staffing increases, expanded ALS capacity and new subscription plan

Sierra Madre council adopts urgency ordinance to speed rebuilding for Eaton Fire–damaged homes