In case the last wasn't enough....

Just learned of two more problems today (Saturday, July 26), one on Oakdell, one on Iredell. No details, but helicopters and police....

Attention Neighbors! Security Alert!

Dear Neighbors,

We need to pull together. We have just learned of two additional robbery attempts in the Fryman/Dona area this week. One on Dona Dorotea, the other on Iredell. These in addition to at least 4 robberies or attempted robberies on Fryman Rd. in recent weeks that we are aware of makes the call for additional security ever more urgent. Attempts have occurred during the day, at night while occupants were away and while they were home--with pets, with alarms set, and without. None of us is safe.

We are interested in banding together with the Western Donas to install security cameras at each of the entrances to the neighborhood and possibly a gate house at the entrance to Fryman. Such actions would serve as a deterrent to strangers entering the neighborhood who might realize their photos and license plates are being recorded. In addition, they might think there is security in the neighborhood, on site, monitoring the cameras. We may decide to add security if it in fact makes sense to do so. In addition, the recorded tapes would assist police in apprehending suspects and recovering property.

We need help in getting bids for the cameras and guard house, as well as rallying the neighbors both here and in the Donas for ongoing support. Please let us know if you would be willing to assist with this process, if this is an idea you would support,  and if you have any contacts that could help with this process.

Sincerely,

Fryman Canyon Board

Name Change

I can't claim to know what Nancy Pohl would have thought of the name change, but as with the Wilacre Parking lot issue, which she was initially against, Nancy went along when she realized most people were in favor of it (among other reasons).  While Nancy always had a strong voice, in my opinion, she did not act as if she owned the group -- even though she had but in so many years and so much time.

Katie

WHAT'S IN A NAME

I suspect that there are some people in our Briarcliff Improvement Association who aren't too happy with the new name, "Fryman Canyon Association." They could feel that because of all the efforts of those who went before, we are being somewhat disrespectful for what the BIA accomplished in our neighborhood.

When Barbara and I joined the BIA over 20 years ago, we were part of the many drives to stop overbuilding in our area. We actually stood in front of a bulldozer one day to stop Fryman Canyon from having over one hundred homes added to our beautiful hills.

That's where we first met Nancy Pohl, who was one of the leaders of the protest. It was Nancy Pohl and those like her who made our Fryman Canyon area what it is today.

At one point Nancy and I crossed swords. It was over the Wilacre parking situation. Because of all the wonderful things the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy was doing to hold development back, she was very sympathetic to their problems.

However, Nancy, being the person she was, finally came around. We attended over 20 meetings with the Conservancy together. She and other members of the BIA worked hard to raise the money for the ranger's trailer home and Nancy, though growing older, traveled along with our group to look at other park parking lots in order to pass on a design. During all this, Nancy Pohl became one of Barbara's and my best friends and we will always honor her name.

I really do think that Nancy would approve of the name change. It represents a new beginning. Notice the picture above. It was the highest honor the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy could bestow on Nancy. Barbara and I were there at her side at the ceremony with many other BIA neighbors. It was a great moment.

Notice that the sign says, "The Nancy Hoover Pohl Overlook at Fryman Canyon."

I know Nancy would love the fact that we are moving on and trying to make the organization she started, a driving force, once again.

We ARE Fryman Canyon

Thank you Nancy.