Chapjian was one of many city and county officials on hand Saturday to brief residents and answer questions about plans to shore up the hillsides for an expected wet winter because of El Niño. Representatives from the U.S. Forest Service, Rep. Adam Schiff’s office, the Glendale City Council and the Crescenta Valley Town Council also attended.
Officials said they are finishing up preventive and emergency response plans, which address erosion and flood control and evacuation plans.
“We are looking at worst-case scenarios,” said Glendale Public Works Director Steve Zurn.
Officials expect to begin major preparations this week in an effort to have them in place by Oct. 15. So far the city has acquired about 2,000 feet of “K-rail” barriers and has filled more than 3,000 sandbags to be placed on the hillsides.
The main objective, officials said, will be to direct any mud away from the homes and into the street, where it will do less damage.
“The streets are natural drainage routes,” Zurn said. “The streets are easier for us to clean up.”
Los Angeles County Department of Public Works official Chris Stone briefed residents on work to clear the county’s debris basins in preparation for heavy rain.
Crews began excavating eight debris catch basins along the foothills above La Crescenta and La Cañada Flintridge last week. And the basins will be continually monitored and emptied throughout the rainy season, Stone said.
“As soon as we can get in there, we will start removing material,” he said.
In addition to public efforts, city and county officials will be working with residents in vulnerable areas to help them make their own preparations with sandbags and other materials if needed.
“We are going door to door,” Zurn said.
