Meeting summary
Quick recap
The group discussed various neighborhood construction projects and permitting processes, including building permits, temporary power poles, and geological considerations for foundations. They shared experiences with local service providers and discussed financial challenges facing the Las Flores water district, which is exploring options for merging or seeking grants. The conversation ended with discussions about neighborhood security concerns, water quality issues, and the introduction of a new community resource called the Collaboratory.
Next steps
- Darrell and Gary to create and share a Google Sheet for residents to voluntarily provide their contact information for neighborhood security purposes.
- Barbara to obtain and share Becky’s notes from the Las Flores Water Company meeting.
- Darrell to draft a question about the Las Flores Water Company situation for Supervisor Barger’s Monday meeting.
- Robin to share contact information for Pure Joy Pool Company with the group for posting on the Rubio Network.
- Adrienne to report the suspicious white car to the sheriff.
- Roger to confirm with his general contractor about building the Temporary Power Pole .
- All residents to visit the new Altadena Collaboratory at 540 West Woodbury for recovery assistance.
- All residents rebuilding to check if they need underground-compatible power panels based on their specific location.
Summary
Permitting Process and Home Reconstruction
The group discussed various personal matters, including Darrell’s efforts to manage storage space in his apartment and Angela’s concerns about chlorinated water in La Crescenta. Michael shared that Roger had obtained some permits for rebuilding a house, though there appeared to be some confusion about the number and type of permits required. Darrell explained that the first step in the permitting process is typically the site plan, and suggested that a temporary power pole permit might also be needed. The conversation ended with some confusion about the permitting process and the involvement of an architect.
Post-Fire Permitting and Reconstruction
The group discussed rebuilding and permitting processes after a fire, with dcfav sharing their experience of getting window permits and awaiting inspections. They learned about a new AI tool for plan review in LA County, which can help identify common errors before submission. The conversation touched on varying geological conditions affecting foundation requirements, with some homes requiring deep bedrock drilling. Angela shared gossip about a house being built without permits on Siegemont, which raised concerns about potential enforcement issues.
Newly Constructed House Discussion
The group discussed a newly constructed house located at the end of a cul-de-sac on Sage Money, which is nearly complete with a stucco exterior and recently roofed. Angela and others described the house’s location and access, noting a small driveway or walkway at the end of the cul-de-sac that leads to the property. The conversation also touched on another house under construction nearby, with Darrell and others attempting to identify its exact location on a map.
SBA Loan and Pool Services
The group discussed Michael’s recent success in obtaining an SBA loan and his selection of Maude Restoration for property repairs. Robin shared her experience with lead abatement requirements at her 1965 home and her positive experience with Pure Joy Pool Company, a local pool service provider who charges reasonable rates and provides thorough service. The group agreed to share Pure Joy’s contact information through the Rubio Network, as Angela also expressed interest in switching pool service providers due to poor service from her current provider.
Edison Permit Process Challenges
Darrell and Roger discussed the progress of their site plans, with Roger recently obtaining a permit for his project at 3521 Rubio Crest. Roger shared his experience with the bureaucratic process of setting up a Temporary Power Pole (TPP) with Edison, which could take 4-6 weeks due to various administrative steps and payment methods. Darrell expressed frustration with Edison’s procedures and mentioned their intention to sue the company, with Fox Law representing them.
Construction Progress and Settlement Updates
Roger discussed the progress of construction on his property, including soil filling and grading requirements by the Army Corps of Engineers. He noted encouraging signs of construction activity in the neighborhood. The group also talked about security measures for construction sites and ongoing patrols. David and Karen shared their experience with Edison’s settlement plan sessions, highlighting the lack of specific offers and the 10% attorney fee cap. Mendes added that some law firms might recommend the settlement due to separate payments to lawyers.
Las Flores Water District Challenges
The group discussed the financial challenges facing Las Flores water district, which has approximately 400 paying customers and may only have enough funds to last 12 months. Becky reported that the district is exploring options including merging with other water companies, seeking grants, or potentially going into receivership. The discussion also covered a separate issue regarding higher water bills for some residents, with Adrienne noting she had received duplicate charges. The conversation ended with Roger sharing information about upcoming power line undergrounding projects in the area, which could begin as early as the end of the year.
Rubio Highlands Underground Power Discussion
The group discussed underground power lines in Rubio Highlands, with some residents confirming their lines were underground while others, including Adrienne, discovered their electricity came from overhead poles despite previous assumptions of underground wiring. Roger shared information about temporary power poles (TPP) during construction, noting that while Edison would mark the location, the general contractor would install the TPP, and Edison would provide a generator at no additional cost if energizing the TPP proved challenging. The conversation concluded with an update about the Collaboratory, a new community resource located at 540 West Woodbury, which offers various recovery services including furniture, appliances, and first responder assistance.
Neighborhood Security and Water Concerns
The group discussed concerns about unauthorized vehicles and potential squatters in the neighborhood, with Adrienne and others reporting suspicious activity involving a white Toyota. They agreed to create a voluntary contact list for residents to share phone numbers and addresses, which will be hosted on the Rubio Action Network website. The group also addressed water quality issues, with Angela noting unusually high water pressure at her property, while others reported low pressure or poor water taste, attributed to the death of two out of three reservoirs.
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