“He who feeds a hungry animal feeds his own soul.”
~ Charlie Chaplin

Not being weather-related, the above words may seem ill chosen. Be assured, it will come together.

The following, published 60 years ago, was written in response to lack of rain in the foothills. Sound familiar?

Jan. 1, 1948 – Crescenta Valley Ledger (from the HSCV January 2018 newsletter):

Hay From Heavens Brings Extra Fodder To Foothill Deer

“Hay from the Heavens” or “Alfalfa from the Atmosphere” came bouncing down in bale lots last Friday when the SPCA of Los Angeles droned over the Sierra Madre, San Rafael and Verdugo areas. Flying in a DC-4 donated by American Airlines, humane society personnel carefully scanned the area from 1,000-foot altitude before hoisting the 125-pound bales over the side and onto the terrain below.

Alex Tilley, SPCA officer in charge of operation, stated the dry season had caused an acute lack of feed in the foothill area, and great damage wrought by the deer in gardens, orchards and vineyards had been reported. In all 18 bales were dropped to provide extra fodder until more could be brought in by truck on Monday.

Capt. Jack Rogers and First Officer DeWitt Ross piloted the mercy plane.

On Monday, more hay was brought to the Valley via trucks, and distributed in strategic locations selected when the big plane swept over the area last week.

Ordinarily, these days we try not to interfere with nature. There are exceptions, though. During the early days in our valley, families – including both native and non-native ones – depended on their gardens, orchards and livestock for food. In time, the local economy became dependent on these as well. Vineyards were soon added! Well-fed deer made for happy ranchers and farmers. Then, as it is now, water, i.e. rain, was essential.

Fair skies and warm temperatures will rapidly transition on Friday, as a water-starved storm moves through. Cold, but dry, weather is expected through the weekend. A chance for rain, albeit a very slight one, comes next week.

No umbrella waits by our front door.

Sue Kilpatrick is a
Crescenta Valley resident and
Official Skywarn Spotter for the
National Weather Service. Reach her at suelkilpatrick@gmail.com.