Injured Hiker Rescued at Escondido Falls

hellwood March 3, 2013 at 05:26 pm

breaking news? a broken ankle is breaking news?? people get more injured slipping on banana peels and tripping over their shoe laces....lets just bring as much attention as possible to this and maybe our government will step in and save all of us by closing the falls for everybody. in fact, lets just publish article after article pointing out the dangers of recreational activities in Malibu, and they can make laws to prevent us from doing anything.

Jessica E. Davis (Editor) March 3, 2013 at 05:38 pm

An injured hiker at Escondido Falls is breaking news. She had to be lifted out by helicopter.

hellwood March 3, 2013 at 05:55 pm

I guess its just a matter of opinion. the boy who cried wolf comes to mind. I like you Jessica, but breaking news in southern california has always been things that are serious, and either put the public in danger, or affect thousands of people (PCH closures, wildfires, high speed chases, robbery, murder, bomb threats, etc). Anyways, I just hope people stay tuned in to the patch when the term "breaking news" is used four times a day. To some of us, the term "breaking news" is like screaming "fire" in a movie theater

nanci March 3, 2013 at 05:58 pm

Actually, Hellwood, I appreciate knowing why I'm hearing sirens and seeing helicopters! Thanks from my family, Jessica!

Jessica E. Davis (Editor) March 3, 2013 at 05:59 pm

You are over exaggerating. I don't use the alerts that often. When people hear a helicopter in that area of Malibu, they want to know what is going on.

hellwood March 3, 2013 at 06:05 pm

I appreciate knowing too Nanci, but when helicopters are flying over head, don't you just go to the patch anyways to see whats up? ...or do you sit and wait around for breaking news alerts?

hellwood March 3, 2013 at 06:06 pm

maybe I am overreacting a little, but I think I have a valid point

Ted Vaill March 3, 2013 at 06:10 pm

Right on, Jessica

Jessica E. Davis (Editor) March 3, 2013 at 06:15 pm

I'm always open to suggestions. I will think twice before blasting out news going forward.
To be honest, more often I get emails asking what is going on when I don't send out an alert. Everyone reads the news differently. Some like an email sent to their inbox. Others are proactive and look on this site. I also post updates on the Malibu Patch Facebook and Twitter accounts. I try to reach each reader in different ways. If you ever have an issue with the way I cover news, feel free to email me at jessica.davis@patch.com. I'm working hard to provide the most-accurate, fastest news I can.

Jay Scott March 3, 2013 at 06:51 pm

Thanks Jessica for posting these alerts. As a malibu resident and someone who works security in malibu it's nice to be able to let my clients know what is going on when they call me regarding helicopters circling their neighborhood.

Alexandra March 3, 2013 at 07:39 pm

Dear Jessica, living near the Falls, having been evacuated twice for fires, and living near the shooting incident of January 9, when the helicopters are circling overhead, I am clueless as to what really is transpiring. Thank you so much for your wonderful, quick reports. This way, I know I do not have to get ready to pack up the horses and other animals, lock the doors, but instead ... say prayers for whomever may be injured in yet another fall at the Falls. You are a great reporter, always know that, and know that you are truly appreciated,

Jessica E. Davis (Editor) March 3, 2013 at 07:59 pm

Thanks Alexandra. I keep hearing that the Falls have become more popular in the past year or so. Have you noticed an increase in the activity in your neighborhood?

Alexandra March 3, 2013 at 09:17 pm

Yes, Jessica, and not for the good of the neighborhood.There have been many car break ins.The hike is very long along Winding Way to get to the off road hike to the falls.There are no rest room facilities or trash cans along the way, trash is being left all along the private road of Winding Way.Residents of Winding Way have to be careful driving, a lot of the hikers walk Winding Way as if it is a pathway, and walk clear across the road, instead of keeping it clear for cars to travel up and down safely.It gets a bit hairy, because some hikers get angry at the driver. Some cars are parking on the dirt road that connects Winding Way to West Winding Way and Murphy Road, which makes it impassable. A lot of hikers are quite respectful, and some are not. Some park on Pacific Coast Highway too close to the corner of West Winding Way, which makes it very hard to make a left hand turn safely, it is most difficult to see. I thought that the Sheriff's were going to limit the parking on PCH for this reason. I know the two lots fill up quickly,parking is limited, but maybe part PCH should be painted red for safety reasons for cars to be able to pull out safely.There was a patrol car around the two lots, to help with car break ins for awhile, do not know if that is still in operation. I do not see how any of this can be resolved, Maybe a line for hikers to walk within painted on both sides of Winding Way, and signs posted to please carry their trash out. Thank you for asking, Jessica.

Gregwa March 4, 2013 at 03:41 am

"A woman who broke her ankle at the top of Escondido Falls in Malibu was rescued Sunday. L.A. County Fire Copter 12 hoisted the man to safety."
That's what I'm getting from this "breaking news story".

Kevin March 4, 2013 at 03:45 am

Easy solution. Allow parking at the trail head.. The situation of hikers on winding way is a result of the residents not allowing parking at the trail head. All of the problems you mentioned would be solved if parking was allowed at the trail head. If you are a resident that blocked the parking on windiing way, you are the cause of the problems you are complaining about.

Marianne Riggins March 4, 2013 at 11:02 am

Kevin, the suggestions Alexandra made were very reasonable, what many visitors seem to foget that while this is a public hike it is in the middle of a residential neighborhood. There is never an excuse for leaving your trash behind, walking in the middle of the road or parking where it causes an unsafe condition.

Alexandra March 4, 2013 at 11:21 am

Hi Kevin, The trail head is a dead end cul-du-sac in front of private homes. No street parking exist there, even for residents, because a fire truck would not be able to come in and turn around and so there is no street parking at all. It was a thought, however. Winding Way earned it's name .. it is a small, PRIVATE STREET, it winds around and has room enough for two cars. That is why the two parking lots were kindly made by ???? at the head of the trailhead.

Tema Merback March 4, 2013 at 12:27 pm

Winding way is a residential area of private homeowners. The abuse of hikers on this trail is an abuse. The trail should be monitored. Parking at the top would be a disaster. I'm a hiker & it's by far the worst trail in Malibu, a wuss trail for the out of shape.

Debbie Zak March 4, 2013 at 12:59 pm

I agree.

Hans Laetz March 4, 2013 at 01:10 pm

Keep up the breaking news blasts. They are very helpful. The Malibu Patch is not Channel 5, and of course the "trip wire" for triggering a local alert will be different here than on the marketwide media.
In other braking news, my old Ford's brakes have new linings and are much less squeaky now.

Susan Burger March 4, 2013 at 08:14 pm

I love Escondido Falls. Its a lovely 20 minute stroll. The second part up to the second falls is rather dangerous now due to its popularity the trail has really been degraded. The descent path is supposed to be the same one taken to climb up but someone tied a rope to a tree and started the trend to go down a different route. This unfortunately has caused a land slide of gravel and boulders that have since filled in the lower pond. In the recent past friends and I rode our horses into this pond for them to cool off before the ride home. It is no longer possible as it is now a gravel pit. If someone is on the trail making this descent and you are down by this "pond" you will be hit in the head with rocks as my horse and I have been several times. If whoever is in charge of this trail would simply install some native shrubs to block this alternate route and remove the rope and a sign directing hikers to the correct path the pond could then be restored. This erosion of the upper trail has caused mature trees to lean precariously down the side of the hill with their roots exposed. I've actually climbed to the top of the face of the upper falls. It was great, but I noticed there were giant screws drilled into the rocks with rescue straps attached. People have actually fallen to their death from this point. It was a dangerous climb. Ignorance is bliss! Needless to say, I won't make that climb again. The trail os for all to enjoy so it must be maintained for safety.

lw March 7, 2013 at 06:14 pm

A lot of families with toddlers like to use Escondido Falls. We used to take our kids when they were little tikes to Escondido as well as the end of Bonsall. These "wuss" trails are great for young families whose little ones are hiking on their own two feet. They're also good for athletes recovering from a major injury.

lw March 7, 2013 at 06:15 pm

Jessica, thanks for keeping me informed! I'm grateful for your efforts.

lw March 7, 2013 at 06:19 pm

The MRCA is responsible for maintaining this trail. The rangers try to remove the ubiquitous rope that keeps showing up year after year. You can send suggestions on trail improvements or safety enhancements to:
Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority 570 West Avenue 26, Suite 100 Los Angeles, CA 90065 Tel: (323) 221-9944 Fax: (323) 221-9934

Susan Tellem March 22, 2013 at 06:00 pm

Someone died today in Eaton Canyon hiking. Note that there is a safety video for this recreation area - we should have one for Escondido Falls as well. The Council should demand one to protect hikers here. http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Eaton-Canyon-Hikers-Injured-199580601.html