Friday, January 4, 2006 Advice for using the newly reopened El Prieto Access to hike in the forest. (forwarded from the act email forum)... Hello Altadena Neighbors - I was asked by several neighbors to serve as a liaison with the Altadena Sheriff Station to discuss the ongoing confrontations many have experienced while accessing easements that lead to hiking trails in the Altadena Foothills. As you know, recent court victories have guaranteed the legal right to access trails from the top of El Prieto Road, up the El Prieto Fire Road to the area know as Little Round Top (the burial site of Owen Brown) and the continuing extension of the fire road trail towards Risinghill Road. Several of the property owners whose land contains these easements have verbally assaulted hikers, told them to get off their private property, and have been very intimidating in their behaviors. Please be aware that Mr. Mike Cichy has been seen with a shot gun on his property and a pellet gun on El Prieto. I spoke with Sgt. Marsha Williams today who was aware of the situation, and had many helpful insights and suggestions that I will share here. * The property owners in questions appear to be very aware of the limits of the law and while their actions may violate the civil court ruling, are not necessarily in violation of CRIMINAL law. The Sheriff will assist in keeping the peace and may help mediate when problems arise - but if the homeowner's are not violating the law, they may not be able to do much more. If physical threats are made, or a physical assault takes place, they will enforce the law. * At this time, it is pretty clear that if you are seen on the trail, the homeowners will verbally assault you and tell you to get off their land. You do not have to engage in a conversation with them - but I suggest you be polite and cordial at all times. You may opt to take a video or tape recorder to record any incident that may take place. Knowing they are being filmed may help clean up their behavior. Also, it could serve to protect you if they make false claims that you made threatening remarks or actions. Granted, it is not fun to have to drag a video camera on a hike - but this may be helpful for the beginning months of reclaiming access. * Record any incidents that do take place. Make a note of date / time / people involved and what occurred. If the homeowner's continue to impede access to the easements, contempt of court proceedings may follow, and a record of the interactions (especially on video) will help bolster our case. * Report confrontations to the Sheriff. Realize that they may not be able to respond immediately - but will follow up with you as soon as they can. Give them a home phone # where they can reach you. * Most importantly, BE SAFE. Hike with a partner or a group. Carry a cel phone. Have the Altadena Sheriff direct phone number programmed into your phone: (626) 798-1131. PLEASE FORWARD THIS INFORMATION TO ANYONE WHO MAY BE INTERESTED IN TRAIL ACCESS / SAFETY IN THE ALTADENA MEADOWS.