Local Black Bear Sightings Prompt Safety Forum

Scenic hiking in the foothills is just one perk of living in the Crescenta Valley. But we're not the only ones who have built our houses nestled in the mountains. Real black bears roaming the hillsides have presented a dangerous hazard locally for decades. Recently there have been a number of reported bear sightings in La Crescenta and La Cañada, according to Assemblyman Anthony Portantino's (D-La Canada Flintridge) office.

Many forums have been held over the years to address the public safety risks posed by bears in the foothills, and Assemblyman Portantino will host another on May 19 at the Crescenta Valley Sheriff's Station at 7:30 p.m.

The message from the California Department of Fish and Game, which will send representatives to the forum, is : take care of your trash, or bears will come down and try to eat it.

"Many people do not realize that by simply altering their behavior they can minimize the chance of property damage, close encounters with bears and the death of bears," the release reads.

The topics on the agenda include:

•  Bears around your home
•  Bear-proofing your property
•  What to do if there is a bear in your yard
•  Who to call for help

is located at 4554 N. Briggs Avenue in La Crescenta.