Return to Watershed Home Page 2005 February Meeting Notes The Watershed Committee met on a rainy Monday, Feb. 21, from 5:30 to 7 pm at Michele's house. Present were Sue Dadd, John Zoraster, Nancy Steele, Michele Zack, and arriving late, Mark Goldschmidt. Subject of meeting was proposed 8,000 square foot water-wise pocket park on sw corner of Marengo and Woodbury, which LA County appears prepared to grant encroachment permit on. Nancy reported on Altadena Foothills Conservancy's willingness to hold permit, and its current insurance coverage. This appears to be sufficient, but we will pass by Sussy at Antonovich's office to make sure. Nancy will have AFC take formal vote as soon as we ascertain exactly what responsibilities this will involve. Michele shared all correspondence (including site maps) she's had with County on subject park, and also her personal contacts with Phyllis Curry and Joe Awad of with Pasadena Water and Power, and e-mail correspondence - which indicates their interest in supporting us. Blue sky discussion ensued about what we'd like to see, including possible public art, and small plaza of some kind of permeable paving to accommodate current vendor, Roselle, who is a positive force with neighborhood kids. We will use native and other drought tolerant plants, and the design should include some kind of signage that recognizes benefactors and purpose of park. This area of Woodbury is in serious need of a face lift, and John noted our park could be the beginning of overall improvements going west along Woodbury to the new development, Lincoln Crossing. One idea is to involve Art Center in the creation of some art that directs attention to the mountains. Design must discourage cars from driving up onto space as some current vendors do. These ideas all be passed on to our designers, Mark and Barbara Koening (not present this meeting, but she and Mark have agreed to do a pro bono conceptual design for park.) Sue brought list of easy to maintain droughty plants and trees; this was compared to county's list of preferred trees. Mark made point that it would be good to bring in a few good-sized trees (possibly California live oaks) to increase visual and political impact. Nancy will follow up on possible "garden city" grant from MWD. Sue will find which water company currently serving park site, let's try to get a meter and free water for a couple years until plants well-established. Mark stated need to have soils tested for boron poisoning. Michele will follow up with county to see if herbicide is keeping weeds down. It was noted that a couple of trees have been planted by neighbors and these seem to be thriving, so perhaps land is ok. John stated need to check with County on current regs to ensure land will absorb water rather than divert into storm drains as much as possible. Michele will look into getting free large boulders from the county, also she will find if county tree farm has any large live oaks available to donate to our project. Sue will find out which water company serves the area.