Altadena Foothills www.altadenafoothills.org CONSERVATOR Newsletter of the Altadena Foothills Conservancy Number 11 June 2007

If we don’t protect A New Direction,

our foothills now, Same as the

Altadena’s glorious Old Direction

open space IN THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS, will disappear. the board members of the Conservancy have done some serious internal work to identify how we can best serve you in preserving land and trails. We believe that in order to do this, we need to hire staff. Project management, whether building a park or buying land, requires a level of commitment and expertise that goes beyond what our volunteers can give on a sustained level over time. We are not the first land trust to discover this, of course. I have read many times that the one characteristic that distinguishes a successful land trust from one that just gets by is full-time staff.

And it is urgent that we be successful. If we don’t protect the high priority lands in our conservation plan (http://www.alta denafoothills.org/af_conservationplan.html), within the next five to ten years the Altadena foothills will be built out. The time is now. With land values soaring, property owners are looking to cash in on their long term investments. Developers are in a better situation than they have ever been to pay high land prices and build mansions that will sell for over $1 million in the Altadena foothills. Glendale is pretty much built out, Sierra Madre is fighting over their last tracts of open land, and developers rightly are looking here for their next big project. How many mansions can be built in Altadena? And we know they will be gated— people who pay that much money for a house will want to differentiate their property from the lower value houses nearby. Developers sell security and fear when they gate new housing; that is the reality. In addition, new regulations and a national accreditation program for land trusts require ever increasing time be spent Continued on page 2

1 FROM THE PRESIDENT Continued from page 1 on accountability measures. We The Sunday Business section carries a column called Money have reviewed the requirements of the Land Trust Alliance’s Talk, in which Liz Pulliam Weston answers financial questions. One Sunday accreditation program and (2/11/2007), she carried a question from someone who had $1,000 “extra” cash each concluded that becoming month. This person detailed what they have done so far (maxing out their 401(k), accredited will have to wait paying off the mortgage, buying rental property), and asked what to do with this until we have staff to fill out and manage the immense paperwork extra income each month. required. In the not-to-distant future, land trusts will be required Ms. Weston said they should make sure all debt is paid off and their retirement plan to be accredited to obtain grant is in order and fully funded, and then maybe make more real estate investments. funding. Donors will want to know if you are accredited. Land I have to say I was so shocked by Ms. Weston’s answer that I sent her this e-mail: trusts that are not accredited will Dear Liz, probably have to merge or go out of business, leaving their lands I was surprised and disappointed that in your answer (2/11/2007) to the person to another land trust or the state. who has “extra” cash you said nothing about charitable giving. If someone asked This is the reality. me for advice about what to do with “extra” cash, I would ask them to think about their values and find a charity that expresses those values in its work. I would also The Conservancy is therefore asking you to increase your sup- ask them if they wanted to leave a legacy or do good works during their lifetime. port and investment in open Someone with surplus income is in an enviable position to make a difference for space preservation. We need to good, rather than thinking only of themselves. I consider charitable giving to be an hire staff and establish an office indispensable part of my financial plan. so that we can be more effective

at purchasing land for conserva- Liz got letters reacting to her answer, and printed one in her March 25th column. tion. We have some ongoing In her response she referred to her “glaring omission” and said that “taking care of expenses—such as insurance and others through financial donations” is important. She agreed with my comment that taxes—that will increase when we hire staff. We also have expenses (as she paraphrased) “charitable donations can be and are an indispensable part of every time we make an offer to many financial plans.” purchase land (which we have done more than once in the past As Liz says in this column, “you don’t have to be “swimming” in money to give some year). We need to have cash in the away.” I used to think that I wasn’t a philanthropist because I didn’t have millions bank to act quickly when a poten- to give away. Kay Sprinkel Grace, a non-profit consultant, defines philanthropy as tial deal comes up. Your support enables us to continue to work to “all voluntary action for the public good, which is based on your values.” I like this preserve these foothills. definition because it says that you don’t have to be wealthy to be a philanthropist. We welcome your questions and In this issue we thank all of our donors and volunteers. The many philanthropists participation. You can be a part of who have provided us the means to pay our bills; those who have donated materials this exciting work as we seek to for our pocket park; and those who have donated time and energy to clear brush, protect the Altadena foothills. staff the tables at events, and keep the books. If you don’t see your name on our list of donors at the end of the newsletter, please drop me an email or phone call so I can be sure to thank you next time. I want to especially thank Jay Brown and Mountain View Cemetery, which has donated heavy equipment and operators to dig and grade the pocket park site. To the guys who operate the equipment—Brian (on the left) and Willie Roberts (right), and John—Thank you! Without your help, we couldn’t build the park.

And without you, the Conservancy doesn’t exist. Thank you.

Nancy L. C. Steele

2 Eaton’s Water a Success

WE WISH TO THANK EVERYONE for helping us get the movie Eaton’s Water off the ground as a gift to our local schools to supplement environmental and history education. As an organization, we are primar- ily focused on buying land in the foothills to keep it wild and open in perpetuity. Education initiatives are equally important because our kids will be the next stewards of

these beautiful foothills. Pasadena Unified School District E A R T H D AY teachers are using the film already in their classrooms.

On October 7, 2006, about 200 people attended our AFC Board members Nancy Steele (right) and Lawren premiere at Art Center College of Design, enjoying the Markle (center), and volunteer Tim Callahan (left) staff film showing, panel presentations by Tim Brick, Arroyo Seco Foundation; Michele Zack, author; Sally Levi, film the Conservancy’s booth at the City of Pasadena’s director; and Felicity Swerdlow, Pasadena Unified School Earth Day celebration in Memorial Park. Community District. Afterwards, we mingled with the actors, producers, cast, and member Emina Darakjy stopped by to take our photo. other volunteers in the café, where we were treated to a display of Julie Klima’s still photography from the movie. All who attended received a gift bag containing the DVD, commemorative program with Conservancy Receives Arroyo Verde Award Michele Zack’s short story, poppy On December 19, 2006, the Arroyo Seco Foundation (ASF) seeds, and information on water and the Council of Arroyo Seco Organizations awarded the conservation. Altadena Foothills Conservancy as the winner of the 2006 Arroyo Verde Award in the organization category. Our award Since the premiere, the film recognized our work in developing the filmEaton’s Water has been seen by hundreds more adults and and providing this story as a gift to the community. Mark youth. We have also distributed over 100 copies, most of Goldschmidt, former President of Altadena Heritage (a them for free to teachers. In November 2006, Michele major donor to the film) made the presentation. We also Zack and Nancy Steele showed the film at a lunchtime received certificates of recognition from Assemblyman Pasadena Rotary meeting. Michele showed the film to Anthony Portantino and Los Angeles City the Water and Power Associates in January. On January Councilman Jose Huizar. 22, 2007, we reprised our film showing and panel discus- sion (minus Tim Brick, but with Nancy Steele standing in to discuss water and the environment) before a stand- ing room only crowd at the Altadena Community Center for the Altadena Historical Society quarterly meeting. In March, Nancy showed the film at the Arcadia Pres- byterian Sparks Club meeting and Michele moderated a showing before the Los Angeles Corral of Western- ers. The film has been used by Pasadena Unified School District in teaching local history, and copies have been distributed to teachers through the Teaching American History program. Your support is still needed to ensure we can continue getting copies of this DVD out and in use for watershed education. We will donate a free copy of the DVD to any teacher who requests one; otherwise copies are available for a donation of $20. For as long as supplies last, we will also include a free copy of the commemorative pro- gram with Michele Zack’s short story. Contact Nancy at AFC President Nancy Steele (center) receives GOETZ WOLFF [email protected] if you would like a copy or to award from Paula Sirola (left), ASF Watershed schedule a showing the film. Coordinator, and Mark Goldschmidt, ASF board member.

3 New Hillside Ordinance Proposed In February, a new Altadena Hillside Ordinance was approved by the Al- Sightings tadena Town Council. The ordinance was drafted by an ad hoc committee of Local Bobcat safety, we should guy hunting Owls and your friends and neighbors, including Prowls let you know ground-squir- Hawks Conservancy president Nancy Steele. that bobcats are rels success- There have been The Town Council submitted the pro- The foothills of Altadena have only slightly fully behind her a lot of owl and posed ordinance to the Los Angeles larger than house house, which hawk sightings in County Board of Supervisors, with long been a wildlife corridor, cats, and they are was a pleasant the Altadena area the request that it be adopted into law primarily inter- surprise. The lately, which is a under Altadena’s Community Stan- and recently several residents ested in hunting bobcat species is good sign, and dards District. The ordinance would rodents. considered “vul- helps keep rodent protect our foothills by increasing per- near Chaney Trail have seen AFC president nerable” due to populations mit requirements on development in loss of habitat. down. One of hillside areas. It doesn’t guarantee that a bobcat on the Nancy Steele prowl. Before spotted the little the goals of the foothills will remain wild and sce- Altadena Foothills nic, but it’s a good start. We have also you get too concerned about Conservancy is heard reasonably positive feedback to protect wild from some land owners who would be habitat and affected. ecosystems in the We encourage you to show your sup- foothills so that port today, by writing to Supervisor native animals Michael D. Antonovich at his Pasade- don’t become na District office: 215 North Marengo endangered. Avenue, Suite 120, Pasadena, CA 91101. You might also want to send a

copy to your census tract representa- SLONSKI JOHN tive on the Altadena Town Council. You can find your representative at http://www.altadenatowncouncil.org/.

Astrid Ellersieck be Wa Ho You ter- Memorial Fund w Can W ise? By Heinz Ellersieck, PhD or many years, Los Angeles You can make immediate changes, When Astrid Ellersieck died four years has lined our creeks and rivers however, to conserve water: ago a significant number of her friends F with concrete to funnel rainwater • Help rain soak into the ground made donations to the Conservancy to the sea as quickly as possible. by building a berm or swale to in her memory, for a total of $3,370. Now we are learning that it is im- retain water. And you haven’t heard of it since. portant to let the water soak into Be assured, however, that neither • If you are going to install a new the ground to replenish aquifers the money nor the donors have been driveway, patio, or walkway, use for our well water. As awareness forgotten. The money has been neither permeable concrete or pavers. is raised, the Army Corp of Engi- lost, mingled, spent on administration, • Convert some or all of your land- neers is studying removal of some nor otherwise dissipated. It awaits scape to native and drought tolerant of the concrete in riverbeds, application to some project that will plants to use less landscape water. where it makes sense. both remind us of Astrid and promote • If you have a large landscape with The City of Los Ange- the conservation that we believe in. automatic sprinklers, change to a les has released the Los “smart” controller that only turns Angeles River Revitaliza- Undoubtedly, in any single project on the water when the plants need tion Master Plan to bring back the the memorial fund must be joined by to be watered. larger resources. But like Astrid in most river. These are long term plans of her endeavors, it will mark in the that will cost billions to undo the For more information, a good site is van—rallying the troops to the cause. damage of the past 70 years. http://www.bewaterwise.com. Fear not!

4 Pocket Park Project Update

YOU’RE LIKELY TO NOTICE some changes this month at the corner of Woodbury and Marengo, as the new pocket park is constructed. AFC has sponsored the development of this park, which is largely funded by Metropolitan Water District and the County of Los Angeles, Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich and several corporate sponsors, local businesses and individuals. Mountain View Cemetery in Altadena is a major donor, providing earth work, irrigation installation and assistance with planting trees (see list of donors in this newsletter).

The goal of the park is to help people learn about the watershed, and how our native plants and our geography help absorb rain- water into the watershed. The park project is part of the Conservancy’s educational out- reach. Thanks to those who have helped this project along and we look forward to seeing the park open later this year.

In March we were awarded at $15,000 grant from the Los Angeles County Regional Parks and Open Space District from Pro- position A to complete construction. We thank Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich and his deputy, Sussy Nemer, for making this grant possible.

Mountain View Cemetery provided labor and heavy equipment (top) to dig the holes for the sumps. Gravel delivered (second from top) back- filled the holes. Project Manager Rick Carron (third from top and bottom) installed the sumps.

Because the pocket park is designed to keep all rainfall on site, the purpose of the sumps is to collect and store rainwater underground while it slowly percolates into the underlying groundwater. PHOTOS:RICK CARRON AND GEORGE WIDMAN 5 JULY 1, 2006 to THE CONSERVANCY THANKS ALL OF OUR DONORS AND VOLUNTEERS APRIL 30, 2007

The best way to protect Donors Mrs. Steve and Lisa Haussler Ned Racine and Lee Brainerd Contributions of Goods and Services for our local foothills is Phil and Barbara Auzenne Lynn Hodge and Associates Gloria Reynolds the Pocket Park for the land or an Jane Baggott Michelle Huneven and Jim Marianna Rivinus Potter Mark Goldschmidt Design easement to be owned Ron and Lucy Baker Walter and Linda Roberts Terry and Bev Huntsberger Mountain View Cemetery by a land conservancy. Mary Barrie and Ted Stork Robin Robinson Rosa Johnson City of Pasadena, By donating to the Anthony Portantino Pamela Rogers Joan Kaplan and Rex Mayreis Department of Water Conservancy, you Dennis Bridwell Joanne Rolle and Power Kim Kenne and Richard Preston and Patricia Rose allow us to work Norman and Frederika Brooks Webster Lincoln Avenue Water Ed Rounds and Company towards our mission Robert and Antoinette Robert Kneisel Buckner Callae Walcott-Rounds Rain Bird Corporation of keeping natural Margaret Kochevar Charlotte Cantrell Carolyn Ingram Seitz J. Harold Mitchell Co. lands open and wild in Susan Kochevar and Associates Ray Carlisle Mr. and Mrs. Jim Oesterling perpetuity. Protecting Charles Kohlhase Teresa Lamb Simpson Mary Carroll (pledged) our foothills also Carol Kopf Robert Staehle and Lori Paul Rick Carron and George protects the trails and Widman Marietta Kruells Thomas Stahl and Debra Cohen Volunteers scenic views. Jeff Chapman Steven Kyle Bruce and Nancy Steele Ronnie Ballister Robert Chave Gregory La Borde and Kristan As always, we are Evans Jill and Melvin Swift Jocelyn Borys David Chin very thankful for your Edward and Lois Labahn Melanie Symonds and Tim Callahan Michael Choban donations and support, Bill and Maribell Leflang Michael Gurnis Mary Cross Gerald Cichlar and William Jane and Todd Szabo Susan Dimotakis as are the many people Peer David and Lisa Lewis C. Dale Trader Sameer Etman who enjoy the views, Chris and Cathi Considine Mike and Barb Lutz Eugene and Judith Tuch Joe Futerman trails, and nature Mary Copperud Linda Machida and Geoffey Grundy Jennifer Van Hyning and Jeffrey George (webmaster in these special hills. William Cox Brad MacNeil Rajeev Joshi through October 2006) Without you, our M.J. Crunk Else Mandoe Bruce and Lisa Wasson Michelle Markman work to preserve the David Curkendall Lawren Markle and Mary Tiona Wierman Nami Olgin Dave Doody Altadena foothills for Cross Phillip Wolf Kris Topaz Anne Dove all to enjoy would not Margaret Marsh Linda Zinn Carlos Uribe Harold Eaton be possible. Peter and Doreen Mason John Zoraster Suzanne Uribe Annmarie Eldering Peter Maunu and George Widman Dr. Heinz Ellersieck Irmi Maunu-Kocian Anza-Borrego Desert Natural Michael Eschger Ninarose Mayer History Association Jacqueline Fennessy Matthew McQueen California Wildlands Sylvia Ford Herb and Karin Meiselman Grassroots Fund Steve and Mei Frautschi Kenneth Meyer Foothill Municipal Water District Sid Gally Ralph Miles Land Trust Alliance Jeffrey George Susana Miller Metropolitan Water District Mark Goldschmidt and Adolfo and Maria Miralles Pasadena Museum of History Michele Zack Mario and Brenda Miralles Tim Gregory Sierra Club, Angeles Chapter, Andrew Mishkin and Pasadena Group James Griffith and Susanna Dr. Sharon Laubach Dadd Gas Laura Monteros Company Brantley and Susan Haigh Diane O’Toole Richard and Linda Hansen Antoinette Perry Bob and Lisa Harrison Elizabeth Pomeroy T ha nk Yo u

6 New Tax Changes Improve Your Deductions Donating to AFC If you have read this far, we know you love the As you consider a donation, you The new law: open space lands of the foothills and would like might wish to know about changes to • Raises the deduction a landowner can to see them preserved for hiking and sports. It the tax laws that may improve your tax take for donating a conservation takes work, but we can protect the beautiful deductions. Of course, any donation easement from 30% of their adjusted vistas we have all come to know. Can you point to the Conservancy is tax deductible gross income in any year to 50%. to a scenic winding canyon, and say that you pro- because of our Conservancy’s status as • Extends the carry-forward period for tected it? Does it remain wild because of you? a nonprofit. Additionally, the Pension a donor to take tax deductions for a That’s why people donate to AFC. The Conser- Protection Act of 2006 is giving you a voluntary conservation agreement vancy puts your donations to work by protecting limited-time opportunity for increased to 15 years. (previously only 5 years) trails, buying and preserving important Altadena deductions. This law is in effect only wild land that is in danger of overdevelopment, • Allows qualifying nurseries, ranches, for the remainder of 2007 (although and preserving natural vistas and special places and farmers to deduct up to 100% of in the Altadena Foothills as much as possible. Congress is proposing to extend some income for a conservation easement. of these deductions), so it’s best to act Individual Retirement Accounts Preserve Altadena as you remember it—the fast to take advantage of its benefits. tranquil place between wilderness and city. The new law favors conservation ease- Americans over age 701⁄2 will no longer ments and also allows you to make a pay federal income tax on individual Easy Ways to Donate to AFC if they charitable deduction from an IRA retirement account (IRA) funds, Donate On-Line at www.altadenafoothills.org are given directly to qualified charities, distribution. Here are some details: and select Support the AFC. Click Make a such as land trusts—up to $100,000 Donation for convenient payment options. Conservation Easements per person, per year. Some people are Send a Check using the form below. Simply, an easement allows you keep forced to take IRA distributions, and Donate Appreciated Assets such as real estate, stocks, your land while guaranteeing that that can adversely impact taxes on bonds, or securities and receive a tax benefit. future owners can’t spoil the beauty their social security benefits, so this is Donate Your Car to Cars for Causes in our name. of it. You retain ownership of the land, a great new way to solve that problem Call 1-800-766-CARE (1-800-766-2273) or but by placing a conservation easement and help out Altadena Foothills visit www.cars4causes.net for info. on the land you prevent development Conservancy. Donate Your Property if your real estate is near forever. A conservation easement can ou can learn more about the Pen- the border of the wild lands to help protect the be step one in an eventual sale of the Y sion Protection Act tax advantages by area. Or donate real estate in the city that can be property. Establishing a conservation contacting the Conservancy directly, transformed into mountain wild lands if AFC easement can lower heirs’ estate taxes applies the proceeds to buying foothill wild areas. or visit on land in several ways. For example, http://www.lta.org/publicpolicy/ and Leave a Legacy by protecting our natural can- the easement value is excluded from factsheet_tax_planning.htm yons, a lovely legacy to leave behind. If you agree, the taxable value of the estate. http://www.lta.org/publicpolicy/tax_ please consider planning now. Your gift now can incentives_qa.htm. spring to action later by naming AFC in your will or living trust; or list AFC as a beneficiary Free Tax Advice—July 21st Meeting of a policy or retirement fund. Your attorney will have helpful suggestions. AFC has planning The conservancy is hosting a Brunch-and-Learn meeting with a professional tools as well and welcomes your call. CPA familiar with these tax advantages on Saturday, July 21, at 10:00 am. If you would like to ask questions, get advice and explore ideas on these The Altadena Foothills Conservancy is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) topics, please attend because you might find some great new tax deductions. organization; all donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent Contact board member Lawren Markle at [email protected] or of the law. Altadena Foothills Conservancy, P.O. Box 3, Altadena, CA 91003-0003; Telephone 626-798-3235 call 626-388-7570 for location information and directions.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO ALTADENA FOOTHILLS CONSERVANCY Please renew your membership as a Friend of the Altadena Foothills Conservancy or become a new Friend. Name ______I am renewing I am a new Friend Address ______$10 $30 $50 $100 Other $______Please contact me about a larger gift to AFC. ______Mail with your check to: Altadena Foothills Conservancy Phone(s) ______P.O. Box 3 Altadena, CA 91003-0003 626-798-3235 Email ______The Altadena Foothills Conservancy is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organiz- ation; all donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Thank you for your support.

7 ALTADENA FOOTHILLS CONSERVANCY WWW.ALTADENAFOOTHILLS.ORG P.O. BOX 3 ALTADENA, CALIFORNIA 91003-0003 Altadena Foothills www.altadenafoothills.org CONSERVATOR Number 11 June 2007

AFC Board of Directors Nancy L.C. Steele, D.Env., Volunteer Corner President Lori L. Paul, RVT, Vice-President Shari Asplund, Secretary Thank you 2006 Brush Volunteers in 2006 and 2007 Steele for the coffee, donuts, Clearance Volunteers! included: Jocelyn Borys, and pan dulce! Thanks to Lori Robert Staehle, Treasurer Bonnie Callahan, Bruce Steele, for the raffle gifts to the volun- Rick Carron From Robert Staehle Cici Koenig, Edwin Finney, teers (a new item in 2007). All y’all helped a great deal and Heinz Ellersieck, Ph.D. Heinz Ellersieck, Joe Dean, Michelle Markman we are much obliged. Thank John Slonski, John Sweeney, Exercise, meeting new you for the cutting, sawing, Lori Paul, Marie Slonski, neighbors, and reducing Lawren Markle snipping, snapping, hauling, Mike Russell, Nancy Steele, neighborhood fire danger; Nami Olgin, stacking, bundling and all the Quintin Anderson, Rachel that’s what you get for helping Administrative Assistant rest. You made short work of Wing, Tim Callahan. Carlos the Conservancy clear brush meeting our fire abatement Uribe, Joe Futerman, Kris on the land we protect. It Join Our Email List obligations to clear the brush Topaz, Michelle Markman, also saves us from needing to near houses along Chaney Trail Ronnie Ballister, Sameer spend money that can other- To receive updates and occasional communications in the Andrea Wilson Triangle. Etman, Susan Dimotakis, wise go toward land purchase, from the AFC, The biggest thank you goes to and Suzanne Mitus. appraisals, surveys, and other Heinz Ellersieck for spending land protection measures. This send an email to: portions of many days cutting (If your name isn’t here, please conserves cash that you donate [email protected] back the poison oak, so the let us know—we may have or we raise through grants. rest of us could do our work missed a couple on the sign-in Thank you! Altadena Foothills without worries. sheet.) Thanks to Lori Paul, Conservator Suzanne Mitus, and Nancy Newsletter of the Altadena Foothills Conservancy Printed paper on recycled

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