Malone passes the torch
After serving for eight terms as Sandy's mayor, Linda Malone brought down
her gavel for the final time at the Dec. 20, 2010 Sandy City Council meeting,
and folks turned out in droves to wish the mayor well. Malone was narrowly
defeated at the polls in the November 2010 election, with Bill King elected as
the new mayor.

Under the leadership of Malone, many environmental protection regulations
were adopted including a stream and wetland protection ordinance, the Dark
Sky ordinance, six new neighborhood parks were developed and the list went
on. Malone was known for welcoming differences of opinion and for council to
share their views.

"As small as Sandy is, a group of people working together can make a
difference," Malone said.

Then Sandy City Manager Scott Lazenby called her tenure "the Malone Era."
Altruistic to the end, Malone finished by wishing King well.

"I hope Bill will have as wonderful an experience as I had," she said.
Firefighters train at "Burn-to-Learn"

Hoodland firefighters are often called out to respond to fires in weather
conditions which can be extremely hazardous on the Mountain, and when
there is snow and ice on the ground, downed trees and the temperatures dip,
water from hoses can turn into ice and access to buildings can be a serious
impediment for firefighters who need to climb ladders and tote hoses for
hundreds of feet.

Such was the case when a fire broke out at the Collins Lake condos in
Government Camp years before, so when a "burn-to-learn" opportunity arose
in December 2010, with a chance to train in the snow with live fire, then
Hoodland Fire Chief Mic Eby jumped at the chance.

A "burn-to-learn" training experience is when a homeowner agrees to burn
their old house or cabin already slated for demolition, and it's a win for both
parties, as firefighters can train with a live fire under controlled conditions and

the homeowner has the majority of their demolition finished. After a "burn-to-
learn," a homeowner can clean up and be ready to build a new home or

chalet, while the firefighters are much more prepared for the next emergency.
Watershed Councils pick up Support Grants

The Clackamas County Water Conservation District awarded $35,000 in
support grants to several watershed councils in Clackamas County, and
among the winners was the Sandy River Basin Watershed Council.
"Watershed councils are key partners in conserving natural resources," District
Manager Tom Salzer said.

"We have funding and deep expertise in proven, practical conservation
practices. Councils have a unique ability to engage people across a
watershed," he added. "Together, we accomplish far more than either of us
could do alone."

In Other News...
The Mt Hood Cultural Center & Museum's volunteer appreciation luncheon saw
the Volunteer of the Year Award given to July Gilsdorf, the Hoodland Women's
Club was busy gearing up for its second annual crab feed, Sandy High School
received the green light to move forward with construction after a LUBA
appeal was denied and The Mountain Times published the top ten stories of
the year for 2010, with the first place story going to the revolving door and
dizzying transition of multiple principals at the Welches School.