Carbon Canyon Road S-Curve Widening and the Reversal of the 5-Axle or More Truck Ban

An article by Marianne Napoles in last Saturday's Chino Valley Champion informed readers of plans by CalTrans to, starting in summer 2028, widen the S-curves at the summit along Carbon Canyon Road, which is State Route 142, and it looks as if the reason for doing this was to set the table for a reversal of the ban on trucks with five axles or more on the highway.

This prohibition was years in the making as the cities of Brea and Chino Hills, as well as citizens in both cities, lobbied persistently to persuade CalTrans to enact the policy for a number of reasons, not the least of which was the safety of other drivers because large trucks were continually crossing center lines and entering opposing traffic lanes.

While there are certainly no shortage of violators now, as enforcement is pretty light, the idea of reversing the ban because one section of the highway is being widened has definitely struck a nerve in Chino Hills, as evidenced by the turnout of concerned residents at Tuesday night's Council meeting, even though there were no agenda items relating to the matter.

This meant that it was during general public comment that Carbon Canyon residents took the opportunity to implore the Council to do whatever it could to fight against CalTrans' purported purpose.  Many reasons were cited, including those related to evacuations in case of a wildfire, something, obviously, paramount in many minds given last weekend's 210-acre blaze on the Brea side of the Canyon, along with safety and others.

Because Amazon is in the process of converting a former Bank of America processing center just outside the Canyon on Highway 142 (Valencia Avenue) in Brea, the speculation, naturally, has been that CalTrans' work on the S-curves is at least partially, if not largely (or completely?), based on this project, dubbed the DJT4 Parcel Delivery Facility (on those initials . . . hmmmm).  This lead to some public comments about this possibility.

It was stated that there is a scheduled meeting on 4 May (next Monday) between officials from CalTrans and the City of Chino Hills, so, of course, it'll be very interesting to see what comes out publicly afterward and then what steps will be taken for public comment.  As another commenter said, CalTrans did not notify many residents about this early stage work because it followed an absolute minimum of 500 foot-distance from the work area for notification, but any reasonable effort at transparency would extend that to a fair distance given the size of the Carriage Hills and Summit Ranch tracts, in or near which council members Ray Marquez and Peter Rogers reside.

A concluding point is that one speaker observed that, even if the S-curves were widened to more easily accommodate larger trucks, this would not be the case for Sleepy Hollow, where any such attempt would have to involve condemnation through eminent domain.  Those of us who live in that community (including those who have a roadside view) know how often trucks cross the centerline, have to honk to warn oncoming vehicles or, on occasion, hit residential property.

Widening the S-curves would change nothing in this part of the Canyon and, therefore, pose unacceptable risks to residents and drivers.  We'll see how all this plays out as the project moves forward, but anyone who drives Carbon Canyon Road on a regular basis, beyond those who live in the Canyon, should be aware and concerned about this and find a way to get engaged.

The Champion article states that a public hearing can be requested by 10 May by emailing CalTrans at: D8.1M780.Comments@dot.ca.gov or writing to CalTrans District 8, Attn: Hannah Duarte, Senior Environmental Scientist, 464 W. Fourth Street, MC-820, San Bernardino, CA 92401-1400.

The Chronicle will try to keep updated on the development of this project and share what it learns.

Carbon Fire Update

Thanks to Watch Duty and CalFire, it was reported a little over four hours ago that the Carbon Fire, burning some 210 acres between Olinda Village and Olinda Ranch in Brea on the north side of Carbon Canyon Road (State Route 142), was 71% contained.

During the day, there were 20 engines from a quartet of three-strike teams, nine hand crews, two dozers, two water tenders, drones and many firefighters engaged in the battle to control the blaze and deal with hot spots, which, as many of us now, can flare up into new fires.

With all evacuation warnings lifted earlier, the Red Cross care and reception center located at the Chino Hills Community Center was also closed today and Carbon Canyon Road opened before 4 p.m.  Those driving through later could see some of the equipment parked along the highway.

A great deal of thanks is owed to all of the agencies and personnel deployed to combat the conflagration, which was fanned by strong winds, though tempered by the light rain which fell last night.  While the investigation continues, it should be noted that many such fires along roadways can be caused by sparks from vehicles—again, this is only a general statement and we'll see if any identification is made as to a cause.

Just 45 minutes or so before the fire burst forth, the Carbon Canyon Fire Safe Council concluded the first of a pair of Brush Drop Off events on the Chino Hills side of the Canyon.  These events, held for many years, involve the collection of brush and other material culled from properties and two roll-off bins were filled, comprising many thousands of pounds of brush.

 

While these help to mitigate some of the risk of wildfires in the Canyon, the Carbon Fire is yet another reminder that there is no longer a "fire season" and the threat of a blaze is present year-round.  Residents clearing material at their houses, CalTrans keeping dry brush away from the roadway of Carbon Canyon Road, and other property owners limiting the brush on their land are all part of the effort to reduce the possibility of a devastating conflagration like those of 2008, 1990, 1980, 1978 and in the years prior.

Thanks to Matt Eseltine for his remarkable photos of the Carbon Fire!

Carbon Fire Forward Movement Halted

 According to a 1:50 a.m. update by Alert Duty, forward movement on the Carbon Fire, scorching around 200 acres near Olinda Village on the Brea side of Carbon Canyon was halted by firefighting personnel working since the blaze burst out almost exactly 12 hours prior.

Carbon Canyon Road looks to remain closed as work continues on combating the conflagration.  For some remarkable video, check this out from the Orange County Fire Authority.

Much appreciation to all of the agencies and personnel who are working tirelessly to fight this fire and keep it from houses, structures and people!

Thanks to Matt Eseltine for sharing photos taking of the blaze and those fighting it!

Brush Fire Between Olinda Ranch and Olinda Village

Within the last 10 minutes, alerts have been issued of a brush fire in Brea, between Olinda Ranch and Olinda Village. Because of gusty winds, the flames have been moving toward the latter and several acres burned at last report. The fire response includes a variety of equipment and Carbon Canyon Road is closed while the blaze is being battled.

From the Orange County Register:

Firefighters on Saturday afternoon, April 25 were battling a wind-driven vegetation fire that scorched 4 acres in Brea, authorities said.

The blaze, dubbed the Carbon Fire, was reported around 1:45 p.m. on the north side of Carbon Canyon Road, according to Watch Duty, a nonprofit app that tracks wildfires. The fire quickly spread to 4 acres, and was approaching the neighborhood of Olinda Village.

Carbon Canyon Road was closed down between Brea Hill and Ruby, the Brea Police Department announced.

An additional five engines, two tankers and a helicopter were requested by incident command to combat the blaze.

From NBC4 Los Angeles a little before 3:30 p.m.:

Evacuation warnings were issued Saturday afternoon after a brush fire broke out in an unincorporated area of Brea.

The Carbon Fire was reported just after 1:30 p.m. in the area of Carbon Canyon and Olinda Place near Carbon Canyon Regional Park, according to the Orange County Fire Authority.

The blaze, which is currently at about 5 acres, prompted officials to issue an evacuation warning for Hollydale Mobile Home Park and Olinda Village. The public is asked to avoid the area until further notice.

As a result of the firefight, Carbon Canyon Road is closed between Ruby Drive and Break Hills Avenue.

It’s unclear what caused the fire.

Further updates, 6:30 p.m.: The Carbon Fire, involving some 200 acres, burns toward the north, apparently in Chino Hills State Park and other land, away from Olinda Village. Further firefighting resources have been requested in the form of 20 engines, 4 hand crews and 2 dozers. The City of Brea, it is reported, is keeping Carbon Canyon Road closed until tomorrow (Sunday) afternoon.

Carbon Canyon Fire Safe Council Brush Drop Off Tomorrow

Tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Carbon Canyon Fire Safe Council, in partnership with Waste Management and the City of Chino Hills is holding one of twice annual Brush Drop Off events on Canon Lane, north of Carbon Canyon Road and just past Fire Station 64.

Carbon Canyon residents are encouraged to bring cut brush for deposit in roll-off bins provided by the disposal company and Fire Safe Council members will be on hand to assist.  The National Weather Service forecasts a slight chance, some 20%, of showers after 11 a.m., but if you get out early to cut or bring your brush over, you can avoid the wet weather, if any.

 

Tres Hermanos Ranch Hike: The Namesake of Tonner Canyon Road

Following the Tres Hermanos Ranch Hike, in which more than 600 persons participated and walked most of the way along Tonner Canyon Road, some history of namesake Patrick C. Tonner can be found in the first part of a post on The Homestead Blog.

Tres Hermanos Ranch Hike on 22 April!

 After a series of guided tours of Tres Hermanos Ranch, the newest event at this roughly 2,500-acre local gem, managed by an authority comprised of the cities of Chino Hills, Diamond Bar and Industry, is a self-guided three-mile hike from Grand Avenue Park in Chino Hills to the ranch headquarters and back. For more information:

https://www.facebook.com/CityofDiamondBarCA/posts/pfbid0v18nQHDFvSdPRsepSXSGtFZ86bZDekC7ChrMjfRnnBRL94SL9Ez8hfPZ1vmw8swul