Community Preparedness Day is Almost Here



The City of La Cañada Flintridge is bringing you the greatest of all time (G.O.A.T) event to keep your home and family safe. Join us NEXT WEEK for the annual Community Preparedness Day on Tuesday, September 16, at 6 p.m., at Olberz Park (One Civic Center Drive).

Here is what makes this free event the G.O.A.T:

• Say hello to brush-clearing goats
• Meet first responders and explore emergency preparedness booths
• Learn expert strategies for home hardening and defensible space from State, local and non-profit organizations
• Enjoy live music, lawn games and food from local vendors for purchase

Get prepared the G.O.A.T way and leave prepared, not panicked! Learn more: LCF.ca.gov/Annual-Community-Preparedness-Day. 

Thinking About an ADU or JADU? Here’s What You Need to Know

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) are great ways to create rental opportunities, add flexible, multi-generational living spaces or provide housing for family members — all right on your property.

Key Facts:

• ADUs are independent units with their own kitchen, bathroom and entrance
• JADUs are smaller (up to 500 sq ft), located within your existing home, and include an efficiency kitchen
• Both are allowed in most residential and mixed-use zones in LCF

How to Get Started:

• Apply online through ConnectLCF — you can submit plans, pay fees and schedule inspections
• The City offers pre-approved ADU plans (two-bedroom, one-bath craftsman style) to help speed up the process
• If you have an ADU or JADU built before 2020, you may qualify for a streamlined legalization process with reduced fees

For full details, visit LCF.ca.gov/ADUS-JADUS.

CEQA Reform & Impacts to Housing Projects in LCF – AB 130

On June 30, 2025, the Governor signed AB 130, a new law that changes how the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) applies to certain housing projects. The law creates a CEQA exemption for qualifying multi-family housing developments, including the 600 Foothill project in La Cañada Flintridge, which has notified the City it intends to use this exemption.

This shift could affect how current and future projects are reviewed and approved.

Read the full update at LCF.ca.gov/CEQA-Reform-Impacts-To-Housing-Projects-In-LCF-AB-130.

600 Foothill Boulevard Update

On September 18th the City Planning Commission will hold a special meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers for the housing development project at 600 Foothill Boulevard. Following this meeting, the housing development project will be presented to the City Council on October 3rd at 1:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.

Learn more about the history of this case by visiting LCF.ca.gov/LCFHousingPolicy-LegalMatters.

Meet Assistant Fire Chief Patrick Sprengel!

Assistant Fire Chief Sprengel began his firefighting career in 1994 with the Hawthorne City Fire Department, where a heroic rescue during a devastating apartment fire earned him the Medal of Valor.

After joining the LA County Fire Department in 1997, he steadily advanced through the ranks—from Engineer to Captain in 2003, Battalion Chief in 2015 and Acting Assistant Chief in 2021—before being formally promoted to Assistant Fire Chief. In this role, he has overseen service to communities including the City of La Cañada Flintridge, bringing more than 30 years of experience to safeguarding some of the county’s most fire-prone areas.

His career reflects not only courage on the front lines but also strong leadership in guiding future generations of firefighters while remaining deeply committed to his family and community.

Did you know that the City of LCF can operate its Emergency Operations Center (EOC)

from anywhere? An EOC is a physical or virtual location where emergency management, response and recovery efforts are coordinated during a crisis. It brings together City staff, first responders and partner agencies to maintain a broad view of unfolding events, allocate resources effectively and collaborate on solutions that protect residents and support a fast recovery.

The City has long invested in the ability to operate remotely, a system that was fully utilized during the pandemic. This modernization allows for a virtual EOC when needed. For example, during the Eaton Fire, City staff and first responders coordinated through Teams and in person, while all EOC documentation was filed virtually since City Hall was in the evacuation zone. Whether in person or remote, the EOC is here to serve

our City.

Age-Friendly Master Plan Update

The City of LCF adopted its Age-Friendly Master Plan on August 19, a community-wide initiative to make our community more livable for residents of all ages, especially older adults.

The plan features recommendations in seven key areas, including improving sidewalk accessibility and lighting, expanding senior programming and exploring new transit options.

Check it out and learn more at LCF.ca.gov/Age-Friendly-Community-Initiative.

Public Safety Rebate Programs

The City of La Cañada Flintridge offers rebate programs designed to help protect your home or business:

• The Security and Alarm System Rebate offers a one-time rebate of up to $250 for purchasing a home security and alarm system. Please note that a qualifying alarm system must monitor all major entry points and trigger alarms when unauthorized entry to the interior of the building occurs
• The Security Camera Rebate offers a one-time rebate of up to $100 for purchasing a security camera only.

Take steps to safeguard your loved ones and property. For eligibility details and application information, visit LCF.ca.gov/Public-Safety/Rebates.

Hometown Heroes Program

The City of La Cañada Flintridge is proud to participate in its third annual Hometown Heroes Program! This initiative recognizes our community’s men and women who are currently serving or are veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.

You can spot these recognition banners on light posts throughout our City starting in November.

We are proud to highlight these community members and thank them for their service and sacrifice.

To learn more about the program or to nominate an individual, visit LCF.ca.gov/Hometown-Heroes-Program.

Benefits of Grazing

"High on a hill" is a wildfire prevention strategy at work!

Grazing isn't just beneficial for goats and sheep, it's a natural and effective brush control tool in our fight against wildfires. By eating through dry brush and overgrown vegetation, grazing animals help:

• Create defensible spaces
• Slow fire spread
• Boost soil health 

Learn more about LCF's sheep, goats and the Wildfire Prevention Project at LCF.ca.gov/Wildfire-Prevention.

*Funding for this project provided by CAL FIRE’s Wildfire Prevention Grants Program. The Wildfire Prevention Project is part of California Climate Investments (CAClimateInvestments.ca.gov), a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment – particularly in disadvantaged communities.

The City's 2025-27 Strategic Goals

On Tuesday, August 19, the LCF City Council officially adopted six strategic goals to help guide our community:

1. Continue Responsible Fiscal Management
2. Deliver Excellent City Operations
3. Drive Economic Development and Support Local Businesses
4. Improve Environmental Health, Parks, Recreation Facilities and Open Space
5. Deliver Effective Public Safety Services Addressing Crime, Traffic and Natural Disaster Risks
6. Strengthen Community Engagement and Partnerships with Local Institutions

For more information about the City's Strategic Plan and goals, visit LCF.ca.gov/Strategic-Plan. 

E-Bike Safety Tips

Stay safe and be seen, La Cañada Flintridge!

As e-bikes continue to grow in popularity, it's important to remember that visibility is

key, especially when riding at night or in low-light conditions.

Tips for staying visible:

• Lights On, All the Time: Equip your e-bike with bright front and rear lights, and keep them on — even during the day.
• Reflective Gear: Wear clothing and accessories with reflective materials. The more, the better!
• Check Before You Ride: Always inspect your lights, reflectors and batteries before hitting the road to ensure they’re working properly.

Your safety matters. Let's keep our streets safe for everyone! To learn more about local e-bike laws and safety guidance, visit LCF.ca.gov/Public-Safety/E-Bike-Resources.

Traffic & Pedestrian Improvements: There are currently a number of capital improvement projects associated with traffic and pedestrian improvement --

• Foothill Blvd at Oakwood Ave Traffic Signal (CIP 31-2107)
• Citywide Pedestrian Crossing Upgrades (CIP 31-2211)
• Foothill Blvd at Verdugo Blvd & La Cañada Blvd Signal Improvements (CIP 31-2307)
• Foothill Blvd at Viro Road Signal Project (CIP 31-2404), Mid-Block Signal Upgrades

Efforts focus on upgrading traffic signals, enhancing pedestrian crossings and ensuring compliance with ADA and Caltrans standards. Many of these projects will replace outdated infrastructure, add new safety features and better accommodate both drivers and pedestrians. Construction is phased, with most work scheduled through 2025.

Mayor’s Discovery Park Improvement (CIP 31-2213): The project consists of expanding recreational activities and various maintenance improvements to the park. On July 15, 2025, the City Council adopted the PS&E and authorized staff to advertise the project for construction bids. The project was then advertised on July 24, 2025, and bids to be submitted on August 28, 2025.