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After seeing an increase in bear encounters throughout their city, Sierra Madre has declared the animals a public safety threat.

Management analyst James Carlson said that the city received 130 calls about bears last year, an increase of about 20% from 2021. Of these calls, 17 regarded bears finding their way into buildings, cars and even a school. Six reports were of people coming face-to-face with the animals, several of which ended in serious injuries.

Additionally, the number of bears spotted in the area has grown exponentially since the 1980s and 1990s. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife said over the past four decades the bear population has tripled.

"The human population has greatly increased as well, which helps explain the increase in human-bear conflicts," the department said in a statement.

The city placed the blame for the influx on the CDFW, which imported the bears into the hills above Sierra Madre in 1933.

In the almost 100 years since the importation, the city claimed the department allowed the bears to grow unabated creating a public safety threat for Sierra Madre residents. However, the CDFW said the number of human-wildlife encounters jumped because of the historic drought California has experienced since 2011.

"Because of the drought, wildlife ventured into urban areas in search of food and water, adding to the human-wildlife conflicts," said CDFW.

Coupled with the declaration, they demanded the CDFW contain the population and remedy the public safety threat. The department said they have been very active in the area, working with the city to help with the human-wildlife conflicts

"CDFW Law Enforcement personnel responded to and investigated each "Type Red" incident that has occurred in Sierra Madre, and Wildlife Management staff followed up with community educational programs, neighborhood canvassing/education, community presentations, and attended special events such as the Sierra Madre Fire Department's Fire Prevention Festivals," the department said.

Video captured a mama bear and her two cubs enjoying a summer day of activities in Sierra Madre on Tuesday.

The bears were first spotted near Nano Café located at 322 W Sierra Madre Blvd. around noontime, witnesses said.

The trio were seen roaming around town before jumping into a pool to enjoy a refreshing dip at an apartment complex.

They later climbed a few trees in the area before sniffing around a few front gardens before heading back home towards the mountains.

As the summer months heat up, bear sightings will be more common for humans who like to spend time outdoors.

If you find yourself face-to-face with a bear, the National Park Service offers these tips to stay safe:

-Identify yourself by talking calmly so the bear knows you are a human and not a prey animal. Remain still; stand your ground but slowly wave your arms. Help the bear recognize you as a human. It may come closer or stand on its hind legs to get a better look or smell. A standing bear is usually curious, not threatening.

-Stay calm and remember that most bears do not want to attack you; they usually just want to be left alone. Bears may bluff their way out of an encounter by charging and then turning away at the last second. Bears may also react defensively by woo?ng, yawning, salivating, growling, snapping their jaws, and laying their ears back.

-Continue to talk to the bear in low tones; this will help you stay calmer, and it won’t be threatening to the bear. A scream or sudden movement may trigger an attack. Never imitate bear sounds or make a high-pitched squeal.

-Pick up small children immediately. Do not make any loud noises or screams—the bear may think it’s the sound of a prey animal. Slowly wave your arms above your head and tell the bear to back off. Do NOT run or make any sudden movements. Do not make any loud noises or scream — the bear may think it’s the sound of a prey animal.

Hike and travel in groups. Groups of people are usually noisier and smellier than a single person. Therefore, bears often become aware of groups of people at greater distances, and because of their cumulative size, groups are also intimidating to bears.

-Make yourselves look as large as possible (for example, move to higher ground).

-Do not allow the bear access to your food. Getting your food will only encourage the bear and make the problem worse for others.

-Be especially cautious if you see a female with cubs; never place yourself between a mother and her cub, and never attempt to approach them. The chances of an attack escalate greatly if she perceives you as a danger to her cubs.

Watch the full video of the cubs and their mother in the video player above.

After multiple, years-long battles over the development, Sierra Madre residents will now have a chance to decide what will happen to a hillside, 17-acre parcel owned by the Congregation of the Passion, Mater Dolorosa Community.

The congregation and the city have been trying to complete the sale and development of a 42-unit housing project just south of the Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center and across from the Bailey Canyon Wilderness Park, with community groups trying to stop it.

Here’s what you need to know about the controversial development before its May 9 special election.

How did this controversy start?

For years the church has wanted to sell the southern portion of their roughly 80-acre property, which is anchored by the 23-acre retreat center, with hillside wildlife to the north and undeveloped land to the south.

In 2020, the city of Sierra Madre and the church approved a memorandum of understanding that would construct 42 single-family detached residential units on the property, with a donation of a 3-acre public park and dedication of open land on the north side to the city.

Following several public hearings and community meetings, the project — The Meadow at Bailey Canyons — was eventually approved in September 2022 amid public backlash.

Wasn’t this opposed and voted on already?

Throughout the two-year-long approval process, residents pushed back against the development, claiming it would harm the environment and would clash with the character of the quiet and subdued community.

Even before the project was officially approved, citizen groups circulated an initiative that would change the church’s land-use designation from “Institutional” to “Hillside Management,” which would, among other changes, require new homes to be built on a minimum of two acres, thereby limiting the site’s development potential and essentially ending the project.

That effort last summer culminated in Measure HR, a citywide referendum on the 2022 November Election ballot to change the land use, that was ultimately voted down with a 59% “no” vote.

The upcoming Measure M initiative — which asks Sierra Madre residents whether the city should move forward with the approved project — was developed simultaneously.

Was there a lawsuit about misleading information?

Supporters on both sides of the issue have accused the other of using misleading arguments and spreading misinformation when advocating about both measures.

Before the Measure HR vote last year, a lawsuit brought by those opposing the development alleged the official arguments used in election materials by the other side were overstated and misleading. The suit ended with a judgment partly in favor of the plaintiffs opposing the development, though to most, the wording change ordered by the ruling would seem insubstantial.

According to the September 2022 Los Angeles Superior Court ruling, the Measure HR supporters had to amend their claim from:

“With the recent change in state law, SB 9, a developer could build as many as 68 units with limited design approval by the City,” to:

“With the recent change in state law, SB 9, as many as 68 units ultimately could be built with limited design approval by the City.”

The change was meant to represent the additional steps a developer would have to take to maximize the units constructed, the ruling states.

Will a “no” vote allow more development this time?

A central argument for Measure M supporters this time around is that the land will be developed no matter what, and The Meadows project represents the best possible outcome for the city and residents with its negotiated concessions.

Their official election arguments claim that due to the wording of the referendum — which seeks to overturn the project’s specific plan, zoning map amendment, development agreement and approval ordinance, but keeps in place a resolution allowing residential development — a “no” vote would open the door for even larger developments to take its place.

The project developer, New Urban West, submitted a similar project with 50 residential units, including very low income units, that seeks to take advantage of state builder’s remedy laws for approval should The Meadows not move forward.

While its true that the city would have to process any other project applications should The Meadows project fail, like in the Measure HR lawsuit, its not a given that any new project would meet the requirements for approval with more units.

How do I vote?

Sierra Madre residents can vote in person at the following vote centers starting Saturday, April 29 until 8 p.m. Election Day, May 9:

Mail-in ballots have been sent out to Sierra Madre voters. Beginning Saturday, April 29 voters were able to return their completed ballot with no postage required to:

The last day to register to vote in the election is April 24. Though initial vote tallies will be available after polls close, results will be unofficial until certified on May 19.

After three years of contention, Sierra Madre voters next month will finally decide the fate of a controversial housing development planned near a hillside monastery.

The city will hold a special election May 9 where Sierra Madre residents will determine whether The Meadow at Bailey Canyons — a 42-unit, 17-acre project just south of Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center and across from the Bailey Canyon Wilderness Park — will move forward.

The project was first outlined in an April 2020 memorandum of understanding between the city and the Congregation of the Passion, Mater Dolorosa Community, which owns the property. Despite backlash from residents about traffic, wildfire protection and water supply, the project was approved last September, with concessions such as public easements, a 3-acre public park, a payments for public safety and water supply impacts.

However, a citizen-initiated referendum, Measure M, brought forward in January will take the issue directly to the voters with the following single question to vote on:

“Shall City Council Ordinance No. 1461 approving a zoning map amendment, a specific plan, and a development agreement for The Meadows at Bailey Canyon project located at 700 North Sunnyside Avenue in Sierra Madre be adopted?”

Backers of The Meadow, who support Measure M, including the Sierra Madre City Council, say voting for the project would actually minimize development.

They claim the way the referendum was written, the ordinance approving the project would be repealed if the opposing side prevails but the resolution allowing general residential development in the area would remain intact, opening the door for larger projects to take its place.

“If Measure M fails, the City will be required to process the application for a 50-home development at the Meadows property,” the Yes on M argument reads. “A no vote opens the door for that 50-home development, which will be subject to only 5 public meetings and could eliminate the benefits the City negotiated for the Meadows project.”

However those opposing Measure M say the project will harm the environment and disturb the surrounding communities.

“Instead of abiding by the rules that apply to the rest of us, an exclusive “Special Plan” governs the project,” the No on M argument states. “Thus, the developer can pack large, multimillion-dollar houses on small lots that are not affordable for most families.”

Mail-in ballots have been sent out to Sierra Madre voters. Beginning Saturday, April 29 voters can return their completed ballot with no postage required to:

People can track their ballot with Where’s My Ballot? – a free subscription that sends automatic notifications by text, email, or voicemail on the status of your ballot.

SUN VALLEY, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 21: A large eucalyptus tree branch rests on a car after falling overnight as tropical storm Hilary moved through the area on August 21, 2023 in Sun Valley, California. Much of Southern California and parts of Arizona and Nevada are cleaning up after being impacted by the tropical storm that brought several inches of rain that flooded roadways and winds that toppled trees and power lines across the region.

Tropical Storm Hilary Brings Wind And Heavy Rain To Southern California

SUN VALLEY, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 20: A motorist stands next to her car that is stranded in floodwaters on the Golden State Freeway as tropical storm Hilary moves through the area on August 20, 2023 in Sun Valley, California. Southern California is under a first-ever tropical storm warning as Hilary impacts parts of California, Arizona and Nevada. All California state beaches have been closed in San Diego and Orange counties in preparation for the impacts from the storm which was downgraded from hurricane status.

Tropical Storm Hilary Brings Wind And Heavy Rain To Southern California

SIERRA MADRE, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 21: In an aerial view, utility workers repair an electrical line that was damaged by a falling tree during tropical storm Hilary on August 21, 2023 in Sierra Madre, California. Much of Southern California and parts of Arizona and Nevada are cleaning up after being impacted by the tropical storm that brought several inches of rain that flooded roadways and winds that toppled trees and power lines across the region.

Tropical Storm Hilary Brings Wind And Heavy Rain To Southern California

SUN VALLEY, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 20: Cars are seen submerged in floodwaters on the Golden State Freeway as tropical storm Hilary moves through the area on August 20, 2023 in Sun Valley, California. Southern California is under a first-ever tropical storm warning as Hilary impacts parts of California, Arizona and Nevada. All California state beaches have been closed in San Diego and Orange counties in preparation for the impacts from the storm which was downgraded from hurricane status.

Tropical Storm Hilary Brings Wind And Heavy Rain To Southern California

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 21: A car is seen crashed into a wall in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Hilary on August 21, 2023 near Desert Hot Springs California. More than 40 million people were under the first-ever Tropical Storm Warning issued for Southern California. The National Weather Service had forecast a 'potentially catastrophic situation' as a result of a heat wave in ocean temperatures off Mexico created a combination of the ocean phenomenon called El Niño and ocean warming climate change.

Tropical Storm Hilary Brings Wind And Heavy Rain To Southern California

INDIO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 21: A Jeep remains stuck in mud off a road that was hit by a flash flood in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Hilary on August 21, 2023 near Indio California. More than 40 million people were under the first-ever Tropical Storm Warning issued for Southern California. The National Weather Service had forecast a 'potentially catastrophic situation' as a result of a heat wave in ocean temperatures off Mexico created a combination of the ocean phenomenon called El Niño and ocean warming climate change.

Tropical Storm Hilary Brings Wind And Heavy Rain To Southern California

SUN VALLEY, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 20: A tow truck driver attempts to pull a stranded car out of floodwaters on the Golden State Freeway as tropical storm Hilary moves through the area on August 20, 2023 in Sun Valley, California. Southern California is under a first-ever tropical storm warning as Hilary impacts parts of California, Arizona and Nevada. All California state beaches have been closed in San Diego and Orange counties in preparation for the impacts from the storm which was downgraded from hurricane status.

Tropical Storm Hilary Brings Wind And Heavy Rain To Southern California

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 20: A tow truck driver pulls stranded cars out of floodwaters as tropical storm Hilary moves through the area on August 20, 2023 in North Hollywood, California. Southern California is under a first-ever tropical storm warning as Hilary impacts parts of California, Arizona and Nevada. All California state beaches have been closed in San Diego and Orange counties in preparation for the impacts from the storm which was downgraded from hurricane status.

Tropical Storm Hilary Brings Wind And Heavy Rain To Southern California

SUN VALLEY, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 21: A large eucalyptus tree branch rests on cars after falling overnight as tropical storm Hilary moved through the area on August 21, 2023 in Sun Valley, California. Much of Southern California and parts of Arizona and Nevada are cleaning up after being impacted by the tropical storm that brought several inches of rain that flooded roadways and winds that toppled trees and power lines across the region.

Tropical Storm Hilary Brings Wind And Heavy Rain To Southern California

INDIO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 20: A downed tree is seen on a residential street caused by winds from Tropical Storm Hilary in the deserts of Southern California on August 20, 2023 near Indio, California. More than 40 million people are under the first-ever Tropical Storm Warning issued for the area. A warming of ocean temperatures off Mexico caused by the combination rising temperatures and of the ocean phenomenon dubbed El Niño brought about the rare weather system, according to the National Weather Service.

Tropical Storm Hilary Brings Wind And Heavy Rain To Southern California

INDIO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 20: A usually dry section of the Whitewater River floods a road caused by Tropical Storm Hilary in the deserts of Southern California on August 20, 2023 in Indio, California. More than 40 million people are under the first-ever Tropical Storm Warning issued for the area. A warming of ocean temperatures off Mexico caused by the combination rising temperatures and of the ocean phenomenon dubbed El Niño brought about the rare weather system, according to the National Weather Service.

Tropical Storm Hilary Brings Wind And Heavy Rain To Southern California

SIERRA MADRE, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 21: In an aerial view, utility workers repairs an electrical line that was damaged by a falling tree during tropical storm Hilary on August 21, 2023 in Sierra Madre, California. Much of Southern California and parts of Arizona and Nevada are cleaning up after being impacted by the tropical storm that brought several inches of rain that flooded roadways and winds that toppled trees and power lines across the region.

Tropical Storm Hilary Brings Wind and Heavy Rain to Southern California

CATHEDRAL CITY, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 20: A broken tree limb partially blocks a road as Tropical Storm Hilary moves through the area on August 20, 2023 in Cathedral City, California. Southern California is under a first-ever tropical storm warning as Hilary impacts parts of California, Arizona and Nevada. All California state beaches have been closed in San Diego and Orange counties in preparation for the impacts from the storm, which was downgraded from hurricane status.

Tropical Storm Hilary Brings Wind and Heavy Rain to Southern California

CATHEDRAL CITY, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 21: A motorist drives through floodwaters past a partially submerged vehicle after Tropical Storm Hilary moved through the area on August 21, 2023 in Cathedral City, California. Much of Southern California and parts of Arizona and Nevada are cleaning up after being impacted by the tropical storm that brought several inches of rain that flooded roadways and winds that toppled trees and power lines across the region.

Tropical Storm Hilary Brings Wind and Heavy Rain to Southern California

CATHEDRAL CITY, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 20: A vehicle drives through a flooded street as Tropical Storm Hilary moves through the area on August 20, 2023 in Cathedral City, California. Southern California is under a first-ever tropical storm warning as Hilary impacts parts of California, Arizona and Nevada. All California state beaches have been closed in San Diego and Orange counties in preparation for the impacts from the storm which was downgraded from hurricane status.

US-MEXICO-WEATHER

Residents trapped in their home peer out a window while waiting for help in Yucaipa, California on August, 21, 2023. Tropical Storm Hilary drenched Southern California with record rainfall, shutting down schools, roads and businesses before edging in on Nevada on August 21, 2023. California Governor Gavin Newsom had declared a state of emergency over much of the typically dry area, where flash flood warnings remained in effect until this morning.

US-MEXICO-WEATHER

An aerial image shows no traffic on Interstate 10 due to flooding and mud crossing the highway following heavy rains from Tropical Storm Hilary, in Rancho Mirage, California, on August 21, 2023. Tropical Storm Hilary drenched Southern California with record rainfall, shutting down schools, roads and businesses before edging in on Nevada on August 21, 2023. California Governor Gavin Newsom had declared a state of emergency over much of the typically dry area, where flash flood warnings remained in effect until this morning.

US-MEXICO-WEATHER

CalFire firefighters help clear mud and debris for residents stuck in their home following heavy rains from Tropical Storm Hilary, in Yucaipa, California, on August 21, 2023. Tropical Storm Hilary drenched Southern California with record rainfall, shutting down schools, roads and businesses before edging in on Nevada on August 21, 2023. California Governor Gavin Newsom had declared a state of emergency over much of the typically dry area, where flash flood warnings remained in effect until this morning.

US-MEXICO-WEATHER

A man on his morning jog runs past a fallen tree resulting from Hurricane Hilary rainfall on August 21, 2023 in San Diego, California, where the center of the storm arrived sooner than expected and moved on further north towards Palm Springs. Tropical Storm Hilary drenched Southern California with record rainfall, shutting down schools, roads and businesses before edging in on Nevada on August 21, 2023. California Governor Gavin Newsom had declared a state of emergency over much of the typically dry area, where flash flood warnings remained in effect until this morning.

US-MEXICO-WEATHER

An aerial image shows debris following heavy rains from Tropical Storm Hilary, at Thurderbird Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California, on August 21, 2023. Tropical Storm Hilary drenched Southern California with record rainfall, shutting down schools, roads and businesses before edging in on Nevada on August 21, 2023. California Governor Gavin Newsom had declared a state of emergency over much of the typically dry area, where flash flood warnings remained in effect until this morning.

US-WEATHER-HURRICANE

A bridge is flooded over as tropical storm Hilary makes landfall in Rancho Mirage, California on August, 20, 2023. Heavy rains lashed California as Tropical Storm Hilary raced in from Mexico, bringing warnings of potentially life-threatening flooding in the typically arid southwestern United States.