Porter Ranch resident and community activist Mike Dobry sent in this report: Sam and I were going on a bike ride Sunday 8-16-09 17:30 hrs. We entered ET Park from Sesnon and walked our bikes up through the park on the right side of the sand area. There were about 15-20 people around the sand area. As we were passing the tot lot sand area, where all the kids were, I heard from Sam, who was about 20 feet behind me, yell “SNAKE!”

I turned around and a 2-3 foot Diamond Back rattlesnake was headed for the sand area where all the kids were. I quickly turned around and told Sam to get back. The snake was about five feet from Sam. I calmly ordered all the parents in the play area to get their kids and stand back. I threw a stick at the snake to get it to stop from going toward the play area. At that point we monitored the snake and quarantined the area with the help of a couple of adults. I asked for a phone to call 911. Fire Station 8 shift-c responded and took care of the snake. The snake appeared to have been hanging around the sand area and could have injured a child, adult or dog.

I can’t tell you how proud I am of my 10yr old son Sam for his alertness and plan of action to alert the immediate area of the potential danger.