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Cherry Canyon
Located adjacent to Descanso Gardens, Cherry Canyon spans approximately 137 acres. It features an extensive network of trails that weave through its terrain, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Within Cherry Canyon is the Ultimate Destination Vista Point and Rest Area, which provides shade, drinking water, an equestrian hitching rail, and two picnic tables for people to enjoy.
La Cañada Country Club
This is a premier recreational facility situated in the scenic foothills of the City of La Cañada Flintridge. The approximately 88-acre private club maintains an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, a swimming pool, fitness facilities, and dining options.
Winery Canyon Open Space
Positioned in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, Winery Canyon Open Space encompasses approximately 343 acres. Through Winery Canyon Open Space runs the Hall Beckley Canyon Trail in its southern portion.
TABLE 1: PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
Park/Open Space Name Acres
Parks in the City
Mayor’s Discovery Park 0.94 acres
Glenhaven Park 0.47 acres
Olberz Park 0.75 acres
Memorial Park 1.65 acres
Glenola Park 1.13 acres
Winery Channel Trailhead Park 1.81 acres
Park Total 6.75 acres
Other Open Space
Descanso Gardens 150 acres
Cherry Canyon Park 137 acres
La Cañada Country Club 88 acres
Winery Canyon Open Space 343 acres
La Cañada Flintridge City Open Space* 5.4 acres
Gould Canyon/Luckens Connection 64 acres
Los Angeles County Flood Control District 88.25 acres
US Government – Angeles National Forest 44 acres
Southern California Edison Easement** 17 acres
Open Space Total 936.65 acres
TOTAL Acreage 943.4
Note: The table excludes Hahamongna Watershed Park and portions of the Angeles National Forest outside of the City boundaries.
The acreages are based on the GIS Data provided by the City of La Cañada Flintridge. These may differ from previous versions of the General Plan.
* City-ownedvacant hillside property.
**Owned by Southern California Edison. Acreage is approximate.
Source:County of Los Angeles and City of La Cañada Flintridge, GIS Data
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FIGURE 1: OPEN SPACE IN LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE
Source: Southern California Association of Governments, City of La Cañada Flintridge
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TRAIL SYSTEM
Trails are an important part of La Cañada Flintridge and have existed in the City since its settlement. When the hills of Flintridge were originally subdivided in the 1920s, bridle paths were included in the subdivision plans.
Additionally, in 1996, the American Hiking Society designated the City of La Cañada Flintridge as a "Trail Town, USA,"ranking it among the top ten towns in the country. In creating the Core Circular Trail, a 12-mile continuous loop around the town, the City was twice honored by the Annual California Trails and Greenways Conference for completing two final trail sections. The Indiana Overpass Link, spanning the 210 Freeway, and the Trails Council Link, the final chapter in a forty-year effort to connect the northern and southern trails of the City that were divided by the construction of the 210 Freeway in 1970. The City's local trail network is connected to a broader system of regional trails throughout the Santa Monica Mountains, providing opportunities for extended recreation, outdoor access, and connectivity. These regional trail corridors ultimately link to the Pacific Crest Trail, one of the nation's most significant long-distance recreational trails.
The City has placed a high priority on the preservation, maintenance, and expansion of the trail system within the City andin 2006, in 2006, adopted the City of La Cañada Flintridge Trails Master Plan. This Master Plan was developed with the guidance of the 2002 Ad Hoc City Committee and created by then Mayor Anthony Portantino. Committee Members included representatives from the LCF Trails Council, LA County Riding Club and Hiking Trails, Southern California Edison, City Staff, and City Council. The document was completed and adopted by the City in 2006. created by the La Cañada Flintridge Trails Council and adopted by the City. The Trails Council is a nonprofit, volunteer organization founded in 1974, just two years before the official incorporation of the City of La Cañada Flintridge. The Trails Council spearheads many projects, including maintenance and trail restoration, funded through donations, including those from the City. La Cañada Flintridge has 19 trails totaling approximately 223 miles. TABLE 2 and FIGURE 2 break down the trails located within the City and the length of each trail. The Trails Council, in coordination with the City, is updating the Trails Master Plan as of this writing.
TABLE 2: EXISTING TRAILS
Park/Open Space Name Length (Miles) Trail Type
Cerro Negro Trail 1.16 miles Equestrian, Pedestrian, Bicycle Cherry Canyon Fire Road 1.14 miles Equestrian, Pedestrian, Bicycle Conservancy Trail 0.7 miles Equestrian, Pedestrian, Bicycle Descanso Trail 1.8 miles Equestrian, Pedestrian, Bicycle Flint Canyon Trail 2.4 miles Equestrian, Pedestrian, Bicycle Gateway Foothill Link Trail (previously
known Gateway Link Trail)
0.35 miles Equestrian, Pedestrian, Bicycle
Hall Beckley Canyon/ Earl Canyon Mtwy.
Trail
3.61 miles Equestrian, Pedestrian, Bicycle
Georgian Spur Trail 0.18 miles Equestrian, Pedestrian, Bicycle Gould Canyon Trail 2.9 miles Equestrian, Pedestrian, Bicycle Horse Lane Trail 0.56 miles Equestrian, Pedestrian, Bicycle La Cañada Open Space Trail (also known
as Cross Town Trail)
3.7 miles Equestrian, Pedestrian, Bicycle
Liz’s Loop Trail 0.39 miles Equestrian, Pedestrian, Bicycle Lukens Connection Trail 0.2 miles Equestrian, Pedestrian, Bicycle Owl Trail 0.5 miles Equestrian, Pedestrian, Bicycle
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Park/Open Space Name Length (Miles) Trail Type
Sister City Friendship Path 0.3 miles Equestrian, Pedestrian, Bicycle Trails Council Link 0.5 miles Equestrian, Pedestrian, Bicycle Ultimate Destination Trail 0.3 miles to 0.5 miles Equestrian, Pedestrian, Bicycle Rockridge Terrace 0.69 miles Equestrian, Pedestrian, Bicycle Forest Hill Fire Road Trail 0.7 Miles Equestrian, Pedestrian, Bicycle TOTAL AcreageMileage 22.28
Source: Trails Council and City of La Cañada Flintridge Note:Motorized vehiclesare not allowed on trails except for maintenance purposes.
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FIGURE 2: TRAILS MAP
Source: City of La Cañada Flintridge
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COMMUNITY FACILITIES
The Open Space and Recreation Element evaluates community facilities, including schools, athletic fields, libraries, and community centers, within the City of La Cañada Flintridge. By assessing these facilities, the City can evaluate current availability, plan for future needs, and either preserve existing facilities or establish agreements for their use. Given that the City is built out, creating new spaces and facilities may be challenging, making it even more important to use and maintain existing facilities effectively. Community facilities are essential for residents, providing valuable recreational opportunities and enhancing the quality of life in the City.
Schools
Within the City of La Cañada Flintridge,there are 132schools, of which only 4 are public. The school breakdown within the City can be seen in TABLE 3 below. Schools are essential components of a community, bringing everyone together, not just families with children. Many times, these schools serve as meeting grounds; they are often located near parks, playgrounds, and athletic fields, making them ideal locations for additional services such as food drives, health fairs, and more. The City of La Cañada Flintridge is served by the La Cañada Unified School District, which includes three elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school that share a campus. The City of La Cañada Flintridge and La Cañada Unified School District have a joint use agreement, which is discussed further in the Recreation section of this Element.
TABLE 3: SCHOOLS IN LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE
School Name School Type
La Cañada Middle/High School Public
La Cañada Elementary School Public
Paradise Canyon Elementary School Public
Palm Crest Elementary School Public
Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy Private
Flintridge Preparatory School Private
Foothill Progressive Montessori School Private
La Canada Preparatory School Private
Hogg's Hollow Preschool & Kindergarten Private
St. Francis High School Private
Crestview Preparatory School Private
St. Bede the Venerable Catholic School Private
Lighted Window Preschool Non-Profit
Source:City of La Cañada Flintridge
Libraries and Community Centers
The City of La Cañada Flintridge only has one library located at 4545 North Oakwood Avenue, serviced by the Los Angeles County Library Department, and one Community Center located at 4469 Chevy Chase Drive (see FIGURE 3). The Community Center, a property owned by the City, is operated by the non-profit organization Community Center of La Cañada Flintridge. They offer programs for all ages, including ceramic classes, S.T.E.M. programs for children, sports and fitness activities, arts programs, and camps during summer and school breaks. These programs provide residents with opportunities to engage with their community and stay active.
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Active Recreation
Active recreation involves more vigorous, structured activities, often played in organized teams, such as baseball, soccer, and football. The City of La Cañada Flintridge has ten athletic fields (see FIGURE 3 and TABLE 4) that are available for public use through collaboration with the La Cañada Unified School District and an agreement with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to utilize their athletic fields as joint use facilities.
The trails are generally used for passive recreation and leisure activities that do not require intensive physical effort, such as walking. However, many residents and local teams in La Cañada Flintridge use the trail system for equestrian sports, cross-country, cycling, and running, making it part of the City's active recreational facilities.
Each year, the City releases a master field use schedule for community sports groups in coordination with La Cañada Unified School District and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and allocates field permits to sports groups. Additionally, there are limitations on field use at the La Cañada High School Oak Grove Athletic Field, which allows use only for soccer and for children 8 and under. Similarly, the Cornishon Athletic Field allows only children 12 and under for specific activities, and the Latter-Day Saints Athletic Field is available tochildren 12 and under and is not open to the public on Sundays. The school fields are closed during the La Cañada Unified School District winter break. The 2025 amendment to the joint-use agreement between the City and La Cañada Unified School District adjusted field hours, shifting weekday use to start later and reserving certain fields for school sports, thereby reducing public access time. The City’s Administrative Services Department and the Joint Use Committee must balance limited field availability against high demand from schools, community programs, and private sports teams.
TABLE 4: RECREATION FACILITIES IN LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE
Location Field Type Public Usage of School Facilities (Hours) On School Days On No-School Days
La Cañada High School
Athletic Fields (Varsity, JV,
Oak Grove)
Soccer, Football, Baseball
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
5:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Tuesdays and Thursdays
6:00 PM– 11:00 PM
7:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Cornishon Athletic Field
Tennis Courts, Pickleball
Courts, Baseball 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM FIS Athletic Field (Upper and
Lower Field)
Baseball, Soccer
Upper Field
3:15 PM– 11:00 PM
Lower Field
5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
7:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Paradise Canyon
Elementary Athletic Field
Soccer, Basketball 4:45 PM – 11:00 PM 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM La Cañada Elementary
Athletic Field
Baseball, Basketball 4:45 PM – 11:00 PM 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM Latter-Day Saints Athletic
Field
Baseball Monday – Saturday
non-school hours 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Source:City of La Cañada Flintridge
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FIGURE 3: COMMUNITY FACILITIES MAP
Source: City of La Cañada Flintridge
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PARK LAND GAP ANALYSIS
A parkland gap analysis is used to identify areas or demographic groups within a community that lack adequate access to parks and recreational open spaces. It compares where parks currently exist with where people live and how easily they can reach them, using measures such as walking distance (e.g., a 10-minute walk), population density, and demographic or equity indicators.
Park Ratio per 1,000 Residents
The City of La Cañada Flintridge has 6.75 acres of public park space for its population of 20,573 (2020 Decennial Census). This translates to a ratio of 0.33 park acres per 1,000 residents. The Los Angeles County average is 3.3 park acres per 1,000 residents1. Additionally, according to the National Recreation and Park Association’s 2025Agency Performance Review, a typical park and recreation agency in the U.S. manages 10.2 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents. The National Recreation and Park Association is an independent, nonprofit organization and is the primary professional organization within park planning. Based on County and National Park acreage-to-resident ratios, the City lacks sufficient parkland for its population. However, the City has more than 800 acres of open space and approximately 242 miles of trails that residents may access or have visual relief fromurban development. While these are not traditional parkland spaces in terms of usability, they provide recreational opportunities such as trails for residents to enjoy (See TABLE 1 and TABLE 2). As part of the Open Space and Recreation Element, the City may assess existing parks and their infrastructure to ensure equitable access and to maintain the quality and accessibility of the City's limited park space. 5-minute and 10-minute Walkshed
A 5-minute (quarter mile) and 10-minute (half mile) walkshed assessment was conducted to further evaluate residents’ access to six parks and ten trailheads within the City of La Cañada Flintridge (See FIGURE 4 and FIGURE 5). The parks in La Cañada Flintridge are located close together on the west side of the city, near the central area and Interstate 210. Therefore, only 59 percent of residents are within a 5- or 10-minute walkshed of parks within the city, according to Park Serve2. However, due to the City’s proximity to open spaces and parks outside the city boundary, residents may access parks that are not within the city limits.
According to FIGURE 4, there are gaps in park access in the northern and southern parts of the city. To the north, Hall Beckley Canyon and Webber Canyon, along with some trails and the Angeles National Forest outside the City limits, may provide access points within a quarter- or half-mile radius. Nevertheless, not all residents are near these access points, making these spaces more of a visual relief than usable green spaces. To the south, Cherry Canyon Park and Hahamongna Watershed Park, just outside the city boundary, offer additional green spaces for residents in the southern portion of the city. To the northeast is La Cañada Flintridge Country Club, which, despite an entrance fee, may still provide visual relief for nearby residents.
The city also has various trails and open spaces. FIGURE 5 shows access to trails via trailheads within 5- and 10-minute walking distance. If trailheads and open spaces were considered, residents' access to parks across the city would significantly increase due to the extensive open spaces and trails within and near the city limits.
Note that informal trail access has not been included in this analysis, although it may substantially increase access to parks and recreation.
1 Los Angeles County.Countywide Comprehensive Park & Recreation Needs Assessment: Appendix A-City of La Cañada Flintridge, Study Area Profile. Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, May 3, 2016. 2 Trust for Public Land. ParkServe. Available at: https://www.tpl.org/parkserve. Accessed January 22, 2026.
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FIGURE 6 highlights priority areas for new park development in the La Cañada Flintridge region by integrating environmental, health, and demographic indicators based on the data provided by ParkServe. The areas marked in purple, particularly in the central and southeastern parts of the City, are identified as having the greatest need for additional park space. These areas also experience overlapping challenges,such as high heat exposure, elevated rates of physical inactivity, and older adults and children. According to the American Community Survey (2021), La Cañada Flintridge’s population includes approximately 15 percent aged 65 and older and 26 percent under 19, representing residents who often have limited access to personal vehicles.
These age groups depend more heavily on walkable connections, nearby parks, and trail networks to reach recreation areas safely and independently, underscoring the need for well-connected, accessible open space throughout the city. Expanding green spaces in these zones would not only enhance equitable access to recreation but also help mitigate environmental health risks like urban heat and air pollution.
Equitable Access to Parks
In light of Senate Bill(SB) 1425 (2023), which requires cities to address equitable access to parks, open space, and recreational facilities as part of their General Plan updates, La Cañada Flintridge must ensure that all residents,regardless of income, age, or ability, have fair access to quality recreational opportunities. While the CalEnviroScreen tool shows no disadvantaged communities within the City, equity extends beyond socioeconomic status to include fairness across age groups and abilities. SB 1425 highlights the importance of equitable park distribution, accessibility, and amenities to prevent disparities and to ensure that children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities to enjoy safe, high-quality parks and open spaces.
La Cañada Flintridge has a Walk Score of 34 out of 100 and a Bike Score of 25 out of 1003, indicating it is largely car-dependent with limited pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. The city’s hilly terrain and dispersed land-use pattern make walking and biking less convenient, highlighting the need for improved active-transportation connections to parks, schools, and neighborhood destinations.
Los Angeles County 2022 Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment According to the Los Angeles County 2022 Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment Plus, West San Gabriel Valley Regional Study Area Profile Report, the majority of La Cañada Flintridge residents live within a 5-mile drive of a regional recreation park. The entire city is within a 5-mile drive of a Nature-Based Recreation Area entry point. The report also indicates that a significant portion of La Cañada Flintridge residents are within a
0.5-mile walk and a 2.5-mile bicycle ride of a trailhead or access point. Residents of La Cañada Flintridge with vehicles and bicycles may have greater access to green spaces, as they can reach themfaster than individuals without a vehicle. Overall, the City of La Cañada Flintridge is well positioned near green spaces.
3 Walk Score. Citiesand Neighborhoods. Available at: https://www.walkscore.com/cities-and-neighborhoods/. Accessed January 22, 2026.
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FIGURE 4: 5- AND 10-MINUTE WALKSHED FROM PARKS
Source: City of La Cañada Flintridge, Kimley-Horn
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FIGURE 5: 5- AND 10-MINUTE WALKSHED FROM TRAIL HEADS
Source: City of La Cañada Flintridge, Kimley-Horn
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FIGURE 6: PRIORITY AREAS FOR PARKS
Source: Healthy Place Index
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Gap in Athletic Fields
The lack of City-owned athletic fields and dependence on shared facilities with schools and churches indicate a shortage of athletic fields, especially for teams serving children 12 and older, who must seek opportunities outside the city amid an already constrained supply of athletic fields in neighboring jurisdictions. Non-residents must pay surcharges to use athletic facilities in nearby cities such as Pasadena and Glendale, where local priority policies limit access to fieldsfor outside users.
According to each City’s Open Space and Recreation
Element, both jurisdictions face limited availability of athletic fields relative to community demand.
Pasadena notes a shortage of regulation-sized fields
and scheduling conflicts among youth leagues, while
Glendale identifies capacity constraints and high
utilization rates across its sports fields. Consequently, regional access to athletic fields remains
competitive, further restricting options for La Cañada
Flintridge teams seeking practice or game space
outside City limits.
As part of the General Plan, it is important to explore creative, multifaceted strategies to expand access to athletic fields in a largely built-out community. Potential approaches may include partnerships with the La Cañada Unified School District for expanded joint-use agreements, repurposing underutilized public land or community spaces for multi-functional recreation, or investing in alternative turf and lighting upgrades to extend play hours on existing fields. The City may also explore opportunities for strategic land acquisition to develop new athletic facilities, particularly in areas underserved by parkland or active recreation space.
Additional strategies could include shared-use partnerships with neighboring jurisdictions or organizations, as well as the potential use of utility corridors or easements for informal recreational uses. Collectively, these options could help address growing community demand,particularly for youth sports,andalign with long-term goals to enhance equitable access to high-quality recreational amenities.
Promoting Health and Well-Being
Access to open spaces, parks, trails, and nature reserves plays a crucial role in enhancing public health.
Access to these areas encourages physical activity, which can help reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. Additionally, spending time in natural settings has been shown to reduce stress, improve mental health, and boost overall well-being. Green spaces also provide social benefits by serving as communal areas where people can gather, fostering a sense of community and social cohesion. The Open Space and Recreation element can serve as a tool for planning these types of spaces and promoting health and well-being. The availability and accessibility of open spaces are vital for promoting both physical and mental health in communities.
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URBAN TREE CANOPY
Urban Heat Island Impact
The Urban Heat Island Effect is the phenomenon in which urbanized regions experience higher ambient temperatures than nearby rural areas. This temperature disparity results from the replacement of natural vegetation with materials such as concrete, asphalt,
and buildings. La Cañada Flintridge's 2024 Climate
Action Plan sets a goal of conducting a heat study and
mapping the results to identify areas within the City
that could be classified as urban heat islands.
Elevated temperatures pose significant health risks
and place considerable strain on local infrastructure.
Increased reliance on air conditioning can overwhelm
the power grid, leading to energy shortages and higher
emissions.
Urban tree canopy is the amount of shade produced
by a tree or group of trees. The United States
Department of Agriculture Forest Services, in
partnership with the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
(CAL FIRE), developed a statewide Urban Tree Canopy database for California. According to this data, the City of La Cañada Flintridge has a 35.8% urban tree canopy, covering 1,983.8 acres. In comparison, Los Angeles County has about 20% urban canopy cover. As seen in FIGURE 7,the majority of the City has some tree canopy cover with higher tree canopy coverage in the southern portion of the City.
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FIGURE 7: URBAN TREE CANOPY
Source:U.S Department of Agriculture
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Wildfire Versus Tree Canopy
In a very high fire hazard zone, having a dense tree canopy without proper upkeep can significantly increase the risk of wildfires. Overgrown and poorly maintained trees can accumulate dead branches, leaves, and other debris, all of which create highly flammable fuel that can easily ignite and spread a fire. This not only endangers the natural landscape but also poses severe threats to structures and the safety of the community. Therefore, it is crucial to strike a balance between preserving open spaces and tree canopies and ensuring sufficient fire safety measures. Regular tree maintenance, such as trimming, removal of dead wood, and creation of defensible spaces, helps mitigate these hazards. By adopting a proactive approach to tree management, the City can maintain its green spaces and natural beauty while prioritizing the safety and well-being of its residents and infrastructure.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection develops wildfire hazard severity maps that identify areas at elevated wildfire risk and the agencies responsible for emergency response within those zones. The entire City of La Cañada Flintridge is located within a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. As a result, the City needs to implement and maintain adequate measures that reduce wildfire risk, including vegetation management, fuel reduction, and other fire‐prevention strategies consistent with state and local fire safety requirements.
Additionally, the City advises residents to maintain a 30-foot fire-resistant zone around their homes to help protect against wildfires. This involves removing debris, flammable items, and dry leaves within this 30-foot perimeter. La Cañada Flintridge also holds an annual Community Preparedness Day event to discuss wildfire prevention. The city has also initiated a No Parking during Red Flag Warning Program4in response to past fire events,to have clear access to roads during emergencies. Red flag warnings in Los Angeles County are issued when humidity is below 15 percent and sustained winds are 25 mph or greater.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department, which serves the City of La Cañada Flintridge, conducts an Annual Defensible Space Inspection Program5. Through this program, the Los Angeles County Fire Department provides defensible space clearance notices to property owners in High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones within its jurisdiction. As all homes in La Cañada Flintridge are located within a very high fire hazard severity zone, they are subject to these inspections. This program aims to reduce the risk of wildfires and enhance community safety.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department also provides Zone-Specific Plant Selection Guidelines for Fuel Modification. These guidelines classify the type of plants that can be selected within specific zones: Zone A (within 30 feet of a structure or property line), Zone B (30 to 100 feet from a structure), and Zone C (100 to 200 feet from a structure or adjacent to access roads). Adhering to this plan is crucial for reducing fire hazards, creating defensible space, mitigating fire spread, maintaining visual appeal, and ensuring that the selected plants are well-suited to the local environment. All new development and major expansions of existing property within the city are subject to the Fuel Modification requirements.
The City of La Cañada Flintridge has implemented a four-year grid trimming program, ensuring that all trees within the City’s right-of-way or on City property are trimmed at least once every five years. As part of this 4 City of La Cañada Flintridge. Red Flag Warning Program. Available at: https://lcf.ca.gov/public-safety/redflaginfo/. Accessed January 22, 2026.
5 Los Angeles County Fire Department. Defensible Space Program. Available at: https://fire.lacounty.gov/fire-hazard-reductionprograms/. Accessed January 22, 2026.
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General Plan, the City may evaluate the program to determine whethertrimming should occur more frequently.
Additionally, the City provides a public form to request an evaluation of a tree for further trimming, watering, or when a tree is damaged or at risk of falling. The City's Municipal Code, specifically Chapter 11.40, addresses the preservation, protection, and removal of trees on private property. This code mandates that protected private trees may be removed only by an authorized arborist or the homeowner with a permit. It also provides residents with a replacement tree chart and lists penalties for tree removals without a City-issued permit.
Protected trees within La Cañada Flintridge include certain Oaks and Sycamore trees with a diameter of 12 inches or greater in R-1 Single Family Residential Zones, Deodar Cedars within the Historic Deodar District, any tree over five feet in height in non-R-1 zones, and all trees on public property or within the right-of-way. The City has established tree preservation and protection guidelines to help residents effectively manage and protect trees on their private property.
The comprehensive measures implemented by the City of La Cañada Flintridge, together with the Los Angeles County Fire Department and CAL FIRE, form a robust strategy to combat wildfire risks and create defensible space. By enforcing municipal tree-preservation and protection codes, conducting annual defensible-space inspections, and providing plant-selection guidelines, the City ensures its policies align with best practices in wildfire prevention. Community initiatives, such as maintaining fire-resistant zones around homes and hosting annual preparedness events, further empower residents to take proactive steps to safeguard their properties.
Collectively, these efforts foster a safer, more resilient community capable of withstanding the dangers posed by wildfires.
To better protect residents from extreme heat, La Cañada Flintridge may consider prioritizing investments in public infrastructure. This could include using heat-efficient materials, providing shade and hydration options at bus shelters, establishing designated cooling centers for extreme heat events, and introducing cool pavements. Cool pavements are innovative surfaces designed to reduce the heat absorbed and emitted by traditional pavement materials. These pavements use materials with higher solar reflectance (albedo) and better heat dissipation properties. By reflecting more sunlight and absorbing less heat, cool pavements can significantly lower surface temperatures and reduce the urban heat island effect. Additionally, cool pavements can improve comfort for pedestrians and cyclists, enhance pavement durability by reducing thermal stress, and potentially lower energy costs for nearby buildings by mitigating surrounding heat. Implementing cool pavement solutions could involve using lighter-colored or specially coated materials in streets, sidewalks, and parking lots. Within this General Plan, the City may consider conducting a pavement inventory to identify potential improvements.
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GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS
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GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS
The goals, policies, and actions in the Open Space and Recreation Element promote the expansion, preservation and enhancement of the City’s open space, recreation, and trails resources. They emphasize and support the interrelationships among all General Plan elements to achieve a community in which parkland resources also support land use, circulation, conservation, and safety.
OSRE Goal 1.0: Create an integrated, connected system of parks, recreation facilities, open space, and trails that serve residents of all ages and abilities while protecting the City’s natural resources.
OSRE Policy 1.1: Plan, develop, and maintain a cohesive parkland system that balances active recreation, passive open space, trails, and natural resource protection and reflects community needs and demographic trends.
OSRE Action 1.1.1: Use walkshed analysis, demographic data, heat exposure, and age-based needs to identify priority areas for park, trailhead, or micro-open-space investments, with a focus on neighborhoods outside 5- and 10-minute access areas.
OSRE Action 1.1.2: Assess the feasibility of impact fees to create or upgrade parks and/or recreation facilities as well as to require the inclusion of permanently dedicated open space and/or recreation facilities within new residential developments in accordance with the Quimby Act.
OSRE Action 1.1.3: Work with the school district to assess existing athletic fields to identify opportunities for targeted upgrades such as surface improvements, synthetic turf, lighting, or scheduling efficiencies to increase usable hours and accommodate community demand.
OSRE Action 1.1.4: Incorporate multi-functional design principles into the planning and improvement of recreation facilities to support shared use by multiple age groups, programs, and activities.
OSRE Action 1.1.5:Include inclusive, accessible play equipment in new parks and park improvements so that children of all abilities can safely play and participate together.
OSRE Policy 1.2: Pursue creative use of traditional, nontraditional, and shared spaces to expand recreation and open space opportunities.
OSRE Action 1.2.1: Evaluate opportunities to acquire land for active recreational facilities, such as courts, on underutilized parcels, in parking areas, or on for-sale properties along or near Foothill Boulevard.
OSRE Action 1.2.2: Evaluate the possibility of a trail linking the completed Foothill Link with the proposedRockridge Terrace Trail in the Trails Master Plan (2006).
OSRE Action 1.2.3: Evaluate design and funding options for the Community Center site to determine whether it could be jointly used, reconfigured, or redeveloped to expand athletic field capacity or support active recreation needs while maintaining community programming, in coordination with the facility operator and other relevant partners.
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OSRE Action 1.2.4: Evaluate the Southern California Edison (SCE) utility easement as a potential multi-use open space corridor by assessing utility constraints, ecological opportunities, recreation compatibility, access, and parking. The evaluation shall prioritize preservation of the existing trail connection and explore low-impact recreation uses such as outdoor fitness elements, community gardens, and passive open space, alongside pollinator-friendly habitat improvements, while maintainingutility access and neighborhood compatibility.
OSRE Action 1.2.5: Evaluate opportunities to utilize underutilized or vacant lando i, including the JPL parking lot leased from the Flintridge Riding Club and other similar sites, for active recreational facilities. The evaluation may also consider shared or structured parking solutions to support recreational uses and JPL parking needs and to provide buffering between proposed facilities and nearby residential areas.
OSRE Policy 1.3: Strengthen physical and functional connections between parks, open spaces, trails, neighborhoods, schools, and regional destinations through coordinated pedestrian, bicycle, and trail planning.
OSRE Action 1.3.1: In coordination with the Circulation Element, create a comprehensive multimodal plan that integrates pedestrian and bicycle facilities to improve connectivity, safety, and access to parks,recreational facilities andtrails.
OSRE Action 1.3.2: Prevent unauthorized motorized vehicle use on trails by installing physical barriers at access points, providing clear signage, enforcing applicable regulations, and coordinating with law enforcement, while allowing controlled access for maintenance and emergency vehicles.
OSRE Policy 1.4: Pursue diverse, reliable funding strategies to support the acquisition, development, enhancement, and long-term maintenance of parkland and recreational facilities.
OSRE Action 1.4.1: Develop a funding program for acquisition and/or development of parkland property and facilities that includes a variety of methods, such as grants, easements, land donations, and gift annuities.
OSRE Action 1.4.2: Maintain readiness to pursue parkland acquisition opportunities by identifying priority opportunity sites, evaluating financing options,including voter-approved bonds, and preparing funding strategies and partnerships that enable theCity to act quickly when land becomes available.
OSRE Action 1.4.3: Pursue opportunities to secure the first right of purchase or negotiation for properties that could support future parkland, open space, or trail connections when such properties become available.
OSRE Action 1.4.4:Develop and adopt an ordinance in accordance with the Quimby Act establishing requirements and options forparkland and/ortrail dedication,or in-lieu fees for new development and expansions of existing structures exceeding 30 percent.
OSRE Action 1.4.5: Pursue grant funding, cost-sharing arrangements, and partnerships to support the planning, acquisition, development, improvement, and maintenance of parks and usable open space on City-owned and non–City–ownedland, consistent with community needs and available resources.
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OSRE Policy 1.5: Improve public awareness and use of parks, trails, recreational resources, and programs through clear, accessible, and up-to-date information.
OSRE Action 1.5.1: Continue to work with citizens, non-profit organizations, volunteer groups, and other community partners to identify and acquire land and provide needed active and passive parks, recreation, andage-specific programs.
OSRE Action 1.5.2:Develop brochures, maps, a website, and other informational materials to inform the community about the parks, recreational opportunities, trail system, and their linkages to regional systems, as well as available programs, including youth-, senior-, and family-oriented offerings, within theCity.
OSRE Goal 2.0: Preserve, protect, and enhance open space areas within and adjacent to the City to maintain hillside character, conserve scenic and natural landscapes, support public health and safety, and promote climate resilience.
OSRE Policy 2.1: Conserve and manage open space through land-use designation, development controls, and coordinated planning to maintain hillside character, protect scenic landscapes, and support compatible, low-impact public access.
OSRE Action 2.1.1: Continue to preserve all publicly owned open space committed to open space land or utility right-of-way by designating them as Open Space on the General Plan Land Use Map, while allowing compatible low-impact recreational uses where consistent with utility requirements, public safety, and environmental constraints.
OSRE Action 2.1.2: Continue to maintain the hillside character of the community through regulation, ridgeline protection, and development control, thereby preserving the unique setting and significant resources ofthe San Gabriel Mountains and San Rafael Hills.
OSRE Action 2.1.3:Continue todesignateowned recreational and open space areasthat aredesigned and approved as an integral part of a land use development as Open Space on the General Plan Land Use Mapto reflect their intended long-term use. Such designation does not imply public ownership or public access unless otherwise provided through approval conditions or agreements.
OSRE Action 2.1.4: Continue to preserve and enhance non-vehicular access from the City to the Angeles National Forest trails and open lands remaining in the San Rafael Hills and San Gabriel Mountains, in coordination with the federal Angeles Forest Plan.
OSRE Action 2.1.5:Coordinate planning and management of open space areas with the Conservation Element to support wildlife movement, habitat continuity, and rewilding opportunities, while maintaining the primary open space functions of public access, scenic preservation, and community benefit.
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OSRE Policy 2.2: Provide and preserve open space areas that protect public health and safety, maintain natural landscapes, vegetation, and watershed functions, and allow compatible recreational uses.
OSRE Action 2.2.1: Identify areas subject to natural hazards, such as earthquake fault zones, earthquake-induced landslides, wildfires, debris and mudflows, and unstable slopes, and designate undeveloped areas subject to such hazards as open space to minimize risk to people and property.
OSRE Action 2.2.2: Discourage new development and intensification within open-space areas designated for public safety, allowing only low-impact, safety-compatible uses such as trails, passive recreation, emergency access, and hazard-mitigation improvements that do not increase hazard exposure or interfere with emergency response.
OSRE Action 2.2.3:Adopt arisk-based approachto tree trimmings and brush clearancethat considers tree species, location, wildfire risk, emergency access routes, and environmental conditions to determine appropriate trimming frequency.
OSRE Action 2.2.4: Enforce restrictions on unauthorized off-road vehicles, including e-bikes, from operating within the City limits, except where such use is expressly permitted under applicable regional, state, or federal plans.
OSRE Policy 2.3: Design, manage, and retrofit open space, parks, and trails to reduce wildfire risk, mitigate heat, and support long-term climate resilience while protecting ecological function.
OSRE Action 2.3.1: Incorporate shade and heat mitigation measures into park and trail planning, design, and improvements by combining fire-resistant tree species, strategic canopy placement, shade structures, and complementary cooling strategies in high-use areas such as trailheads, seating areas, play spaces, and pathways.
OSRE Action 2.3.2: Apply fire-resilient and climate-responsive design measures to new parks, recreationalfacilities, and trailheads, andincorporate phased retrofits into existing facilities, prioritizing improvements through the City’s Capital Improvement Program and applicable grant funding.
OSRE Action 2.3.3: Coordinate the planning, design, and management of open space, parks, and trails with Public Works, emergency response agencies, Los Angeles County, and other relevant land management agencies to support wildfire prevention, emergency access, evacuation readiness, trail safety, and hazard mitigation.
OSRE Policy2.4: Plan and site recreational facilities to balance community demand with neighborhood compatibility, public health, and quality of life.
OSRE Action 2.4.1: Evaluate opportunities to expand recreational facilities to meet community demand by prioritizing locations along major corridors, shared-use sites, or non-residential areas, and away from existing residential neighborhoods.
OSRE Action 2.4.2:Require site-specific noise studies and enhanced siting and design review for new pickleball facilities or the conversion of existing courts located within approximately 600 feet of residential uses, to evaluate potential noise impacts and identify appropriate mitigation measures before approval.
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OSRE Goal 3.0: Provide and enhance park and recreation
opportunities within the City.
OSRE Policy 3.1: Expand access to park, recreation, educational, and cultural opportunities by supporting shared use of facilities, coordinated programming, and collaboration with public agencies, schools, utilities, non-profit organizations, and private partners, in a manner that responds to community needs and available resources.
OSRE Action 3.1.1: Cooperate with public agencies, public utilities, and private organizations, including the Los Angeles County Flood Control District, the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, the La Cañada Unified School District (LCUSD), and SCE to promote the use and development of public recreation uses on their land. Such facilities are important to the City's efforts in providing a balanced recreation program.
OSRE Action 3.1.2:Evaluate and, wherefeasible, expand joint-use agreements withLCUSDand other public or institutional partners to increase access to athletic fields and active recreation facilities.
OSRE Action 3.1.3: Continue to partner with the facility operator of the Community Center of La Cañada Flintridge to provide and expand recreation and enrichment programs for seniors, youth, and teens, including after-school classes, and regularly assess community needs to refine and update offerings.
OSRE Goal 4.0: Preserve, improve, and expand existing trails and promote coordinated, comprehensive trail systems for hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians.
OSREPolicy 4.1:Plan, implement, and manage the trail system through the Trails Master Plan to guide trail development, mapping, public access, shared use, and long-term stewardship.
OSRE Action 4.1.1: Support the Trails Council in updating the Trails Master Plan in coordination with the County and nearby cities. Any new or planned trail routes, as well as significant additions or modifications, shallbe reviewed and approved by the City Council and/or County Board of Supervisors as appropriate.
OSRE Action 4.1.2: Use the Trails Master Plan as the primary implementation document for the General Plan’s goals and policies related to trails, trail connectivity, and trail-related planning and improvements.
OSRE Action 4.1.3: Support the Trails Council in creating, maintaining, and periodically updating the Trails Mapas the Trails Master Plan is implemented, and make itavailable for public reference and use through variousmediums such as:
• Posting on the City website
• Print copies available atCity Hall, CommunityCenter, and Library • Posting simplifiedversions atmajor trailheads andParks with trail access
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• Posting a QR Code for easy download of the map at various locations OSRE Action 4.1.4: Update the Trails Map administratively as the Trails Master Plan is implemented.
OSRE Action 4.1.5: Incorporate trail etiquette, shared-use guidance, and safety information into the Trails Map and associated public-facing materials as part of future map updates, trailhead signage, and digital resources.
OSRE Action 4.1.6: Amend the Trails Master Plan or Trails Mapas implementation documents without requiring a General Plan amendment, unless such changes would create an inconsistency with the General Plan’s goals, policies, or other applicable provisions.
OSRE Action 4.1.7: Use the Community Development Department Project Review Procedure: Trails (as included in Trails Master Plan or as modified by the Community Development Director, whichever is the latest update) when reviewing proposed development that is located adjacent to or within current trails, existing trail easement(s), or proposed trail location(s), to evaluate and require mitigation of potential impacts on the trail system.
OSRE Action 4.1.8:Promote safe and compatible shared use of trails through signage, education, and trail design, and consider user conflicts and emergency access needs when planning trail improvements or permitting trail events.
OSRE Action 4.1.9: Establish a coordinated trail maintenance program for vegetation management, erosion control, and post-fire or storm recovery among public works, fire, nonprofit organizations, and applicable land managers to support safe, sustainable trail use.
OSRE Policy 4.2: Implement the Trails Master Plan through dedication of land, targeted purchases, easements, joint-use and shared-access agreements, development conditions and design integration, or other appropriate methods.
OSRE Action 4.2.1: Coordinate with public agencies, public utilities, and private organizations to identify opportunities for trail access or trail facilities on their lands through joint-use agreements, licenses, easements, or other mutually beneficial arrangements.
OSRE Action 4.2.2: Provide planning coordination, mapping information, design guidance, and permitting support to partner agencies and organizations to facilitate trail planning and implementation consistent with the Trails Master Plan.
OSRE Action 4.2.3: Establish and enforce coordinated sustainable trail-maintenance practices among public agencies, public utilities, private organizations, and adjacent property owners to keep recreational trails in good repair and prevent loss of use or access due to encroachment or interference.
OSRE Action 4.2.4: Maintain efforts to work with regional organizations, such as the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, to secure funding for the ongoing implementation of the Trails Master Plan.
OSRE Action 4.2.5: Pursue grant funding, active transportation and multimodal funding sources, and cost-sharing arrangements, and partner with public agencies, utilities, and non-profit organizations to support the planning, construction, maintenance, and implementation of trail facilities on both CityPage 300 of 340 La Cañada Flintridge General Plan
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owned and non–City–owned land, coordinating trail planning where appropriate with the City’s multimodal planning efforts.
OSRE Action 4.2.6: Assemble the right-of-way and implement improvements for a circular trail connecting Mayors’ Discovery Park, the Rockridge conservation area, the Link Linear Park on Foothill Boulevard, and the YMCA.
OSRE Action 4.2.7: Install and maintain trail signage that promotes safety and courtesy between all trail users, including equestrians, hikers, and bicyclists, and provides information regarding the trails and their use.
OSRE Action 4.2.8: Preserve the City’s core circular trail by maintaining continuous public access, protecting the trail alignment from encroachment or discontinuity during development and infrastructure projects, coordinating with regional agencies to maintain connections to regional trail networks, and prioritizing maintenance, signage, and wayfinding to reinforce its function as a primary loop and connector.
OSRE Policy 4.3: Manage the City’s trail system to support public safety and long-term usability by preparing for, responding to, and recovering from wildfires, floods, mudslides, and other hazard events, in coordination with emergency response agencies and applicable land managers.
OSRE Action 4.3.1: Following wildfire, mudslide, flooding, or other hazard events, conduct coordinated post-event assessments of trails to evaluate safety, erosion, slope stability, and access conditions, and prioritize phased reopening, repairs, or realignments in coordination with Fire, Public Works, and applicable land managers.
OSRE Action 4.3.2: Implement procedures for temporary trail closures, on-site signage, and public notification following hazard events, and provide timely updates through City communication platforms regarding trail conditions, closures, and reopening status.
OSRE Action 4.3.3: Incorporate hazard-resilient design and adaptive improvements into post-event trail repairs, including erosion control, drainage enhancements, slope stabilization, vegetation management, and fire-resilient materials, to reduce future damage and improve long-term trail performance.
City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: October 6, 2026
Subject: First Reading and Introduction of an Ordinance Adding Chapter 4.25, Prohibition of Use of Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers to Title 4, Public Welfare, of the La Cañada Flintridge Municipal Code and Finding the Municipal Code Amendment Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act
Presenter: Antonio Gardea, Assistant Director of Community Development Proposed Action: Motion to direct the City Attorney to read the ordinance by title only, waive further reading, and introduce the ordinance on a roll call vote Environmental Impact: The project is exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines § 15061(b)(3), which states the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. The ban on gas powered leaf blowers will limit greenhouse has emissions from this type of equipment and improve air quality.
Fiscal Impact: Prior to and in conjunction with implementation of the proposed ordinance, the Sustainability and Resilience Commission recommends a public engagement and outreach campaign, certification, and waiver of business license fees of landscapers and gardeners. If approved by the City Council, the waiver of a one-year business license for authorized landscapers and gardeners would result in approximately $750-$1,000 in lost revenue. The estimated costs public outreach and engagement is $24,000, budgeted for within Account 01-25-6061 for Climate Action and Adaptation Plan implementation.
Background:
On April 7th, 2026, the City Council directed staff to prepare an ordinance prohibiting the use of gaspowered landscape equipment. On April 14, 2026, the Sustainability and Resilience Commission endorsed a draft ordinance, with recommendations for phasing, public outreach, and enforcement.
At the September 15, 2026 meeting, the City Council considered the draft Ordinance and directed staff to incorporate specific revisions prohibiting only the use of gas-powered leaf blowers. The City Attorney’s office also advised that the Ordinance incorporate changes to make the enforcement provisions more defensible and noted that draft Ordinance goes further than California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations. The CARB’s small off-road engine rule sets zero-emission standards for new engines and prohibits the sale of new equipment, but permits continued use of existing CARB-compliant gas-powered equipment.
Discussion/Analysis:
The following summarizes the revisions to the draft Ordinance as directed by the City Council and recommended by the City Attorney:
• Revised and reordered recitals for specificity;
• Limiting the prohibition to gas-powered leaf blowers; • Edited the definition to specifically apply only to leaf blowers; • Revised the effective date of the Ordinance to January 1, 2027; • Omitted the recommended three-year phasing schedule for other gas-powered landscape equipment;
• Expanded the exemptions for clarity and inclusion of utility and hazard abatement work; • Redirected the enforcement provision to include both the operator of a gas-powered leaf blower and the property owner(s) as responsible parties.
The existing Administrative Citations provisions of the Municipal Code (Chapter 1.07) call for issuance of a formal warning notice, a Notice of Violation and thereafter an issuance of an administrative citation if the same violation is committed by the same person within a 12 month period.
Staff contacted neighboring jurisdictions to gauge their experience in implementing their respective leaf blower bans. South Pasadena allows submittal of photos of violations taking place to be submitted via their GoGov Mobile application, but staff do not use the pictures as evidence or the basis for a citation. West Hollywood advises residents that if they submit the photos of an alleged violation, they also must sign a statement and be willing to testify, if necessary, in a hearing regarding the alleged violation. Santa Monica issues courtesy notices to property owners and only follow up if an additional complaint is received. Pasadena implemented an extensive outreach program and has a progressive enforcement process that matches the City’s Administrative Citations (Chapter 1.07) procedures.
Options:
1. Motion to direct the City Attorney to read the ordinance by title only, waive further reading, and introduce the ordinance on a roll call vote; or
2. Defer action and provide direction to staff.
Recommendation:
Option No. 1 – It is recommended that the City Council take the following action(s): Motion to direct the City Attorney to read the ordinance by title only, waive further reading, and introduce the ordinance on a roll call vote.
Attachments:
1. Draft Ordinance
01172.0011 2198491.2
ORDINANCE NO. ______
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE AMENDING TITLE 4 OF THE LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD CHAPTER 4.25 PROHIBITING THE USE OF
GAS-POWERED LEAF BLOWERS AND FINDING THE ORDINANCE
EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
WHEREAS, for the health, safety, and welfare of the City's residents and visitors, the City of La Cañada Flintridge ("City") desires to expedite phasing out the use of small off-road engine-powered landscape equipment;
WHEREAS, the toxic pollutants from gas-powered garden equipment are known to cause health issues including dizziness, asthma attacks, headaches, and heart and lung disease for both operators and bystanders; and
WHEREAS, the emissions from gas-powered landscape equipment, including the greenhouse gases carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, contribute to air pollution and climate change; and
WHEREAS, the quality of life can be affected by the level of noise experienced by those who live, work, and recreate within the City; and WHEREAS, efforts to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) figure prominently in the Air Quality Element of the City’s General Plan, including goals and objectives to reduce air pollution and GHG emissions through conservation activities, policies, programs, regulations, and the use of technology and to reduce the amount of fugitive dust emitted into the atmosphere; and
WHEREAS, the adopted La Cañada Flintridge 2024 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan recommends that the Municipal Code be amended to prohibit the use of gas-powered landscape equipment; and
WHEREAS, state law and the California Air Resources Board govern the sale and use of new small off-road engine-powered landscape equipment, such as leaf blowers; and
WHEREAS, on April 7, 2026, the City Council directed staff to prepare an ordinance restricting the use of small gas-powered landscape equipment; and WHEREAS, on April 14, 2026, the Sustainability and Resilience Commission considered regulations for gas-powered leaf blowers and landscape equipment in general and provided recommendations to the City Council; and
01172.0011 2198491.2
WHEREAS, the Sustainability and Resilience Commission recommends that the City Council consider waiving business license fees to encourage businesses to transition from gas-powered equipment to zero-emission equipment; and WHEREAS, the Sustainability and Resilience Commission recommends that a “Green License” program be initiated to highlight landscape businesses that use zeroemission equipment; and WHEREAS, the Sustainability and Resilience Commission recommends that an outreach and education plan be considered once the ordinance banning gas-powered landscape equipment is adopted; and
WHEREAS, the Sustainability and Resilience Commission recommends that the City and the La Cañada Unified School District transition to electric landscape equipment as soon as feasible to set an example for the community; and WHEREAS, on September 15, 2026, the City Council conducted a duly noticed public hearing on the proposed ordinance, and all testimony received was made a part of the public record; and
WHEREAS, the City Council considered all information presented to it, including the written staff report and any testimony provided at the public hearing, and continued consideration of the Ordinance to a future date; and
WHEREAS, on October 6, 2026, the City Council conducted a duly noticed public hearing on the proposed ordinance, received all testimony as part of the public record, and introduced this Ordinance for first reading; and NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Findings. The City Council finds and determines that the recitals above are true and correct and are hereby incorporated by reference. Additionally, the City Council finds as follows:
A. The proposed amendment will further the public health, safety, and general welfare. The amendment will regulate air quality associated with gas-powered landscape equipment that can generate excessive emissions within City limits and will help protect the public health, safety, and general welfare of the City and its residents.
B. The proposed amendment will not adversely affect adjoining property value or be detrimental to the area. The amendment will prohibit the use of gaspowered landscape equipment and help regulate emissions to improve air quality within the City. The regulation will help protect property values in the City while allowing appropriate landscape maintenance of existing parcels.
01172.0011 2198491.2
C. The proposed amendment is consistent with the General Plan and complies with all applicable provisions of the Zoning Code and other City ordinances and regulations. The benefits to air quality were identified in the goals, policies and objectives of the Air Quality Element. Limitations on gas-powered garden equipment will reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions which figure prominently in Chapters 3, 5 and 6 of the City’s Air Quality Element.
Section 2. California Environmental Quality Act. The City Council hereby finds that the proposed Municipal Code amendment is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines § 15061(b)(3), which states the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects that have the potential to cause a significant effect on the environment. The City Council finds with certainty that there is no possibility that this regulatory amendment prohibiting gas-powered landscape equipment will have a significant effect on the environment. Instead, the amendment will reduce pollutants and GHC emissions.
Section 3. Title 4 of the La Cañada Flintridge Municipal Code is hereby amended to add Chapter 4.25, which shall read as follows:
“Chapter 4.25 Prohibition of Use of Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers. § 4.25.010 Title.
This chapter shall be known as the "Prohibition of Use of Gas-Powered Leaf Blower Ordinance."
§ 4.25.020 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to:
A. Protect against the harmful effects of gas-powered leaf blowers and advance the general health, safety, and welfare of the City's residents and visitors.
B. Reduce air pollution from leaf blowers that contribute disproportionately to GHC emissions.
C. Implement Energy Strategy 3.5 of the City’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, which recommends prohibiting the use of gas-powered landscape equipment.
D. Control unnecessary, excessive, and annoying sounds emanating from all areas of the City
01172.0011 2198491.2
§ 4.25.030 Definitions.
“Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers” means any device or air-blowing machine that uses a spark-ignition (i.e. gasoline powered) engine and is designed or intended, by generating a concentrated stream of air, to blow, dispel, or make airborne leaves, grass cuttings, paper, trash or any other type of unattached debris or material for landscaping and vegetation maintenance purposes.
§ 4.25.040 Prohibition of Use of Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers A. Effective January 1, 2027, it is unlawful for any person to operate, or authorize the operation of a gas-powered leaf blower. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the responsible party for any violation of this subsection shall be the property owner. Leaf blowers shall not be operated in a manner that directs dust and debris onto any neighboring parcel, storm drain, public property, or public street.
B. Use of a gas-powered leaf blower is exempt from this section as follows:
1. When used by or at the direction of emergency responders to respond to an emergency or when necessary to restore, preserve, protect, or save lives or property from imminent danger of loss or harm.
2. When used to clear downed trees or vegetation in areas requiring prompt clearance to protect public safety.
3. When used in conjunction with the removal or trimming of trees by a commercial tree service on the Official City Approved Arborists and Tree Trimmers List, in accordance with Chapter 11.40 of Title 11 (Zoning), or when used by a commercial tree service pursuant to section 4.24.060 for utility work, fire prevention work, disaster clean-up, hazard abatement ordered by the City or a public agency, work on federal property, or temporary emergency conditions. § 4.25.050 Enforcement Procedures and Violations.
A. If a violation of this chapter occurs at a fixed location, the administrative citation procedures in Chapter 1.07 shall be followed.
Section 4. Severability. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance, or its application to any person or circumstance, is for any reason held to be invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses or phrases of this Ordinance, or its application to any other person or circumstance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance, irrespective of the fact that any one or more other sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses, or phrases hereof were declared invalid or unenforceable.
01172.0011 2198491.2
Section 5. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect on January 1, 2027.
Section 6. Publication. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause the same to be published and/or posted in accordance with applicable law.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 6th day of October, 2026.
_________________________________
Jeanne K. Hobson, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
Tania Garcia, City Clerk
City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: October 6, 2026
Subject: Appointments to Fill the Unscheduled Vacancy on the Design Commission and Scheduled Vacancies on the Youth Council Presenter: Tania Garcia, City Clerk
Proposed Action: Conduct a ballot vote to appoint individuals to fill the unscheduled vacancy on the Design Commission and the scheduled vacancies on the Youth Council
Environmental Impact: None
Fiscal Impact: None
Background:
During its regular meeting on April 7, 2026, the City Council approved a combined recruitment schedule to fill one unscheduled vacancy on the Design Commission and four scheduled vacancies on the Youth Council. The City Clerk's Office received six applications for the Design Commission and 15 applications for the Youth Council.
Discussion/Analysis:
Joanna Lam and Kevin Blanche have withdrawn from the Design Commission recruitment process, so their names will not appear on the ballot. Additionally, Irene Sung has withdrawn from the Youth Council recruitment process, which means her name will also be excluded from the ballot. Frank Mester and Nikhil Nelson, Youth Council applicants, were unable to attend their interviews but have not withdrawn from the process. Therefore, their names will still be included on the ballot for consideration. The City Council interviewed the remaining applicants on September 15, 16, and 29.
It is recommended that the City Council conduct a ballot vote for appointments to fill the scheduled vacancies on the City Commissions and Committees. City Resolution No. 03-53 states that the City Council shall conduct a ballot vote for the appointment of individuals to fill the opening(s) or vacancy(ies) on a City Commission(s). Such ballot vote may be conducted at either a regular, adjourned or special meeting of the City Council. The ballot vote process shall be conducted as follows:
a. The City Clerk shall provide a ballot to each City Councilmember listing the names of all applicants for a respective Commission. Prior to the vote, the City Clerk shall publicly announce the position vacancy and all applicant names that are listed on the ballot; b. Each City Councilmember shall vote for the same number of applicants as there are current vacancies on the respective City Commission. A City Councilmember may not vote for the same candidate more than once on each ballot (i.e. cumulative voting – e.g. where there are three
vacancies, a City Councilmember may not give all three votes to the same candidate); Write-in candidates are permissible;
c. The City Clerk shall collect all ballots and shall publicly announce the name of each City Councilmember and how that City Councilmember cast his/her respective vote; d. Applicants receiving a majority number of votes shall be deemed appointed to the respective Commission. In the event of a tie or failure to secure a majority consensus, a run-off ballot shall be conducted of only the applicants receiving the highest number of votes from the previous round. This shall continue until a majority consensus on an applicant(s) is reached for the number of vacancies to be filled. In the event of an unbreakable tie, the City Council may determine an alternative method for selecting the appointee(s).
Newly appointed Commission members will be sworn in at their respective bodies' next regularly scheduled meeting. Furthermore, the new appointees will immediately be subject to the requirements of the Brown Act.
Staff recommends that the City Council conduct a ballot vote to appoint individuals to fill the scheduled vacancies on the Design Commission and Youth Council.
Options:
1. Conduct a ballot vote to appoint individuals to fill the unscheduled vacancy on the Design Commission and the scheduled vacancies on the Youth Council; or
2. Defer action and provide direction to staff.
Recommendation:
Option No. 1 - It is recommended that the City Council take the following action(s): Conduct a ballot vote to appoint individuals to fill the unscheduled vacancy on the Design Commission and the scheduled vacancies on the Youth Council
Attachments:
1. List of Applicants_2026-10-06
Name Commission/Committee
Shail Ravipudi Youth Council
Winston Choy Youth Council
Connie Morgan Design Commission
Andre Armen Youth Council
Susan James Design Commission
Haley Myers Youth Council
Kyle Park Youth Council
Ella Wang Youth Council
Milla Mouradian Youth Council
Alexie Mouradian Youth Council
Tiffany Lee Youth Council
Allegra Sernett Youth Council
Isabella Kim Youth Council
Joyce Kang Youth Council
Frank Mester* Youth Council
Nikhil Nelson* Youth Council
Todd Soomian Design Commission
Bret Van Dyke Design Commission
Joanna Lam** Design Commission
Kevin Blanche** Design Commission
Irene Sung** Youth Council
*Did not attend the interview.
**Applicant has withdrawn from the process.
City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: October 6, 2026
Subject: Receive and File the Update on City Council Vacancy Appointment Process
Presenter: Tania Garcia, City Clerk
Proposed Action: Receive and file the update on City Council vacancy appointment process
Environmental Impact: None
Fiscal Impact: None
Background:
On August 10, 2026, Councilmember Keith Eich submitted his resignation letter from the City Council, effective October 5, 2026. At the September 1, 2026, City Council meeting, the Council decided to proceed with the appointment process to fill the vacancy. The appointment process is intended to fill the remainder of the vacant Council term, which expires in March 2028.
Discussion/Analysis:
The application period for individuals interested in being considered for appointment to the vacant City Council seat opened on September 14, 2026, and closed at 5:00 p.m. on October 2, 2026.
As of the preparation and publication of this report, the City has received six applications for consideration. However, applicant Joshua Shaw has withdrawn. The City Clerk’s Office will continue to accept applications through the October 2 deadline.
After the application period closes, the City Clerk’s Office will coordinate the interview schedule with the City Council. Interviews are currently anticipated to take place during the weeks of October 12th and October 19th, 2026, consistent with the schedule previously presented to the City Council.
Following the interview process, the City Council is scheduled to consider and make the appointment to fill the vacant seat at its regular meeting on October 20, 2026. The appointed member will take the official oath of office no later than November 4, 2026, in accordance with the timeline provided by the City Attorney (Attachment 1). This will finalize the appointment within the required timeframe. The City Clerk will also administer a ceremonial oath of office at the regular City Council meeting on November 17, 2026.
The purpose of this report is to provide an update to the City Council, and no further action is required.
Options:
1. Receive and file the update on the City Council vacancy appointment process; or
2. Receive the update and provide staff with further direction; or
3. Defer action at this time.
Recommendation:
Option No. 1. - It is recommended that the City Council take the following action(s): Receive and file the update on the City Council vacancy appointment process.
Attachments:
1. City Council agenda report dated September 1, 2026
2. Application Nerses Aposhian
3. Application Ernest Koeppen
4. Application Donald R. Voss
5. Application Jason Middleton
6. Application Ali Shirazi
City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: September 1, 2026
Subject: Options for Filling a Vacant City Council Seat Following the Resignation of Councilman Keith Eich Effective October 5, 2026 Presenter: Matthew Cohen, Assistant City Attorney
Proposed Action: Provide Direction on Whether to Commence the Appointment Process or Call for a Special Election
Environmental Impact: None
Fiscal Impact: If the City Council elects to utilize the appointment process, the estimated cost is under $10,000. If the City elects to call a Special Election, the estimated cost is roughly $822,000 to $891,000.
Background:
On August 10, 2026, City Councilman Keith Eich submitted a letter of resignation of his office as a member of the City Council. Pursuant to his letter, attached to this report, the resignation becomes effective on October 5, 2026. As will be discussed below, the City Council has two options to fill the vacant seat: 1) fill the vacancy by appointment; or 2) call a special election to fill the vacancy. The appointment or call for a special election must take place by November 4, 2026.
Discussion/Analysis:
Time Period to Fill Vacant Seat
California Government Code Section 36512 provides that a city council shall, within 60 days from the commencement of the vacancy, either fill the vacancy by appointment or call a special election to fill the vacancy. On the other hand, La Cañada Flintridge Municipal Code section 2.01.050 provides that, upon determination that a vacancy has occurred, the City Council has 30 days to either call a special election, or appoint a person, to fill the vacancy.
To ensure compliance with both state law and the City’s Municipal Code, the City Attorney is recommending compliance with the more restrictive of the two procedures because, if the City Council complies with the more restrictive procedure, the City will comply with both procedures.
Accordingly, the City Attorney recommends that the City Council take action to appoint someone to fill the seat or call for a special election by November 4, 2026, which is 30 days from the date the seat becomes vacant.
Appointment Option
If the City Council elects to appoint someone to the office, the City Council may initiate a notification, application, and interview process consistent with the procedures to appoint members to City ATTACHMENT 1
Commissions. The process and action to appoint must be completed by November 4, 2026. Below is a proposed schedule for consideration:
• September 15, 2026: City Council decides to proceed with the appointment process. • September 16, 2026, to October 2, 2026: Application period. • Week of October 5, 2026: City Clerk coordinates interview schedule. • Weeks of October 12 and October 19: Interviews conducted. • October 20, 2026: Regular City Council Meeting Date to Make Appointment. • November 3, 2026: Final Regular Meeting Date to Make Appointment.
The appointed person would serve the remainder of the term of the vacated City Council seat (until March 2028).
The projected cost of an appointment process is under $10,000. This would primarily cover the costs of notification to the public of the appointment process.
Special Election Option
To call for a special election, the City Council would be required to adopt three resolutions by November 4, 2026. The three resolutions would serve to call for the special election, request consolidation with the County of Los Angeles, and adopt regulations for candidate statements.
California Government Code Section 36512(b) provides that “[t]he special election shall be held on the next regularly established election date not less than 114 days from the call of the special election.” The next regularly scheduled election date for a special election is March 2, 2027.
If the City Council elects to call for a special election, below is a suggested schedule for consideration and subsequent key election dates:
• September 15, 2026: Decide to call for a special election (so staff has time to prepare the required resolutions and conduct appropriate coordination with the County of Los Angeles RegistrarRecorder/County Clerk). • October 6, 2026, or October 20, 2026: Adopt three resolutions (1. Calling the election, 2. Request consolidation, and 3. Candidates Statements Regulations). • November 2, 2026: Last Day for the City to submit certified copies of the three resolutions to the County of Los Angeles Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. Thus, adoption of the resolutions by the City Council must occur before this date, or at the latest, the morning of November 2, 2026. • November 9, 2026: Public Notice of Election for Candidates – No later than November 9, 2026. • November 9, 2026 – December 4, 2026: Filing period of nomination papers and candidate’s statements.
• December 17, 2026: Last day to cancel election due to insufficient number of candidates. • March 2, 2027: Election Day.
• March 12, 2027 (tentative): Election Official to canvas the returns and last day for county to certify election results.
The winner of that special election would serve the remainder of the term of the vacated City Council seat (until March 2028).
The projected cost of calling for, and conducting, a special election is roughly between $822,000 and $891,000.
Options:
1. Provide Direction on Whether to Commence the Appointment Process or Call for a Special Election
Recommendation:
Option No. 1. - It is recommended that the City Council take the following action(s): Provide Direction on whether to Commence the Appointment Process or Call for a Special Election.
Attachments:
1. Councilman Keith Eich Resignation Letter