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It's only a few weeks away, and Altadena's first American Cancer Society Relay for Life is kicking into high gear. The 24-hour Farnsworth Park walkathon takes place June 6-7. A new banner was just placed above Lake Ave. (above).
In addition. last week the Girls Scouts at Camp Mariposa painted luminarias that will be used in the race. Pictures are here, and more info about the relay is here.
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The James Robinson Photography blog has a great interview with local photog/podcaster Ibarionex Perello, who not only never leaves the house without a camera, but (at least in our experience) never leaves without a stylin' hat.
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Last night (Friday), there was a rally held near the site of the slaying of 17-year-old Jerrill Dulaney at Fair Oaks and Altadena Dr. Robert Hong of PSN was there to cover it and has quotes from Dulaney's family and friends.
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The county is running its hazardous waste roundup today (see story here) but we were fed bad information -- the corner of Figueroa and Grandeur is EAST of Lincoln. Anyway, it looks like this:
******
And in related news, we got a note from Laura Steen Mulfinger, who helped organize Christ the Shepherd Lutheran Church's e-waste roundup last month, saying that they collected over 8 tons of electronic waste, "including 7,173 pounds of TVs and computer monitors".
!
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It got off to a slow start, but as people arrived home from work and started coming to the North Lake Ave. Business District, the joint was hopping! Stores, galleries, restaurants, and shops of all kinds stayed open late Friday night for the first Open House, put together by the Altadena Arts Coalition.
Particularly notable was the alley behind the shops on Mariposa was turned into entertainment space, with a bouncer for the kids and "The Dispositions" playing for everybody.
We were with the five-year-old, and couldn't keep one eye on her and handle the photo/video extravaganza we had planned to cover the events -- but we managed to capture some spontaneous music-making at the Gallery at the End of the World.
*****
UPDATE 11:30: you think we'd know by now that when we fail, Bill Westphal rises, and sends us these pictures of the night:
The active alley along Mariposa,
McGinty's Gallery was the happenin' scene.
A couple of shots of the jitney that drove up and down Lake Ave.
Too busy to take pictures, but not too busy to take a phone call (Spawn 3 wants to talk to Mommy, too!) We realize that we now bear an unfortunate resemblance to Michael Moore. Gotta lose the hat. (Note to self: talk to Ibarionex about hats.)
The Valkerie Princess, Karin the Altadenahiker, weighs in on her experience at Webster's Fine Stationer's Blogger's Cafe (and where have we seen that redhead before?)
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Altadena Heritage stretches its historical/ preservationist boundaries a bit to start the first in a series of events focusing on sustainable living in Altadena.
"Altadena: Heritage of Abundance" will be held from 9-11 AM at on Sat., May 30, at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr. Speakers include historian Michele Zack on "Altadena's Heritage of Abundance," author Erik Knutzen (author of The Urban Homestead), Marcia Coppress of the Co-Operative Food Exchange of Altadena, and Patrick Reagan of Altadena Wants a Co-op.
Free for members, $5 from non-members, RSVP to 626-797-0054 or altadenaheritage@earthlink.net.
And don't forget to visit Altadena Heritage's home page for more informationon this event and a July 26 "Golden Poppy Urban Homestead Fete."
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The Altadena Arts Coalition and the businesses of Lake Ave. (New York to Altadena Dr.) welcome you to their Open House, starting at 4 PM today.
Gallery at the End of the World's Ben McGinty, reached Thursday, was prepping his space for the art opening they will have that day and madly folding the new map and directory of the North Lake Business District, based on a mid-century original (the maps will be available everywhere today). The maps include addresses, phone numbers, email and websites for all the businesses in the area.
There's a lot going on tonight, it starts at 4 PM and goes on until 9 PM or later. There'll be music, food, entertainment, and good times for all. For the latest, check in with our open house page.
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... at the Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.
UPDATED 1 PM: Council Chair Gino Sund identifies four Items of note:
1. The Pasadena Dept of Water and Power will present a proposed rate increases and seek public input on those new rates. There are a considerable number of Altadena residents who are served by Pasadena Water.
2. The 2009 ATC election slate will be approved and any Candidate wishing to do so, will be given the opportunity to address the community.
3. The Altadena Library will present the proposed remodeling plan for the main branch.
4. Council will vote on the proposed CUPs to allow the sale of liquor at the new Rite-Aide and Farm Fresh retail outlets to be located at the old Wa Mu site.
Agenda is after the jump.
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From the city that brought you the midnight tree slaughter, PSN's Larry Wilson points out that a plan to put a huge parking garage and 50 ft. wide road on the Hahamongna Watershed Park has risen zombie-like from its grave. That's kinda like a six lane highway leading to a mall -- the perfect natural area! It'll make a great match with a playhouse district festooned with the swizzle sticks they call trees. What is going on over there?
UPDATE 5/15 1:30 PM: Pasadena's public information officer and righteous babe Ann Erdman tweets:
Calm down, everyone! Larry Wilson didn't do his Hahamongna homework. There is not a parking structure or a 50-ft.-wide road in the plan.
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The Rose Bowl is having an open house, 9 AM-1 PM. PSN has the deets.
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Ben McGinty's Gallery at the End of the World is holding its next ArtBender weekend and group show June 4-7.
June 4-7th 12-6pm
Thursday - artist reception 6-9pm
Friday - 1st friday art club opening 7pm-1am $5 cover
Saturday - potluck barbeque
Sunday - brunch
GALLERY AT THE END OF THE WORLD
2475 N. Lake Ave.
Altadena 91001
626-794-8779
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... or so says the latest update from PSN. It'd really be nice to catch someone for a change. Apparently despite his nickname (Monster) and his mode of dress, all accounts are he was a sweet kid who steered away from gangs, in the wrong place at the wrong time.
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A great story from PSN, on a topic close to our heart: the King Ranch Market (which recently took over the location of the old Apple Market) has a program to hire developmentally disabled persons. They've got ten employees already and are looking for more -- it's all part of a program out of the Foothill Vocational Center. Another good reason to shop local!
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From the formidable C Jake:
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The Altadena Historical Society has added an event to their June 6 tour of the Mountain View Mausoleum:
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The best selling author, Tony award nominee, recording artist, star of musicals, film and television, Adrienne Barbeau will be making a special appearance at the main Altadena Library on Mon., June 1 at 7 PM.
Along with some fascinating stories Miss Barbeau will bring her best selling memoir, There Are Worse Things I Could Do, and novel, Vampyres of Hollywood, for sale and signing.
Remembered by many as Bea Arthur's daughter, Carol, in the hit series Maude, she is also famous for her genre roles in The Fog, Escape from New York, Swamp Thing, Back to School, Cannonball Run, recent award winning roles on television, and best selling memoir. There are no tickets required but seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
The library is 600 East Mariposa Street, Altadena. For more information, please check the library’s website at www.altadenalibrary.org or call 626-798-0833 and ask for the Reference Desk.
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We got a note from Dr. Anthony McFarland, chair of Kingdom of God International, who is requesting that all Christian clergy leaders in Altadena partner and participate in a "Rally to Stop the Violence" on Fri., May 15, at the corner of Altadena Dr. and Fair Oaks from 5-7 PM. The note says:
Dr. McFarland is requesting that participants "wear T-shirts from your church, white t-shirt or a T-shirt with Christian saying on it!"
For more information or to RSVP: 626-432-9502.
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Just was not able to get to this sooner, and we didn't get the notice until yesterday afternoon, BUT --
The Health Across America Bus has stopped at Webster’s HealthMart Pharmacy 2450 Lake Ave., this morning, offering free diabetes screening. On the bus is Erik Chopin, winner of season three of “Biggest Loser,” a diabetic who works closely with his local pharmacist to control his diabetes. It's all part of a 21-city bus tour called Health Across America: Pharmacists Partnering in Diabetes campaign that will be in the Los Angeles area on Thursday, May 14.
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Here's what's coming up:
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... a little early tonight -- took awhile to get the girl in bed, and the "Lost" finale is tonight. Got a backlog, tho', so there'll be lots of action starting tomorrow morning!
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From the National Forest Service:
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Received from Supv. Antonovich's office:
LOS ANGELES COUNTY – Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich has appointed Luther W. Nash to the Los Angeles County Commission on Insurance.
A resident of Altadena, Mr. Nash has over 54 years of experience in the insurance business and is former member of the Advisory Board to the California Department of Insurance.
The Los Angeles County Commission on Insurance keeps the Board of Supervisors informed of significant developments, court cases, and the status of pending legislation concerning consumer insurance matters, including automobile liability, homeowners' health and earthquake insurance.
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And it's Jerrill Dulaney, 17, of Altadena. PSN has the details.
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One of Altadena's great outdoor venues, the Folly Bowl features acoustic guitarist Dave Pritchard and an all-star quartet of guitars and singer Meghan Boeing on Sat., May 16, at 7 PM (rain cancels). Suggested donation for tickets is $10. For more info: 626-794-2535.
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The American Cancer Society's first Altadena "Relay for Life" will be held at Farnsworth Park on June 6-7, and the organizers have kicked it up a notch in anticipation of the big event. Sarah Eagle of the American Cancer Society sends us this update:
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Pictured: a street memorial on the site of Saturday's fatal shooting of an Altadena teen at the 100 block of E. Altadena Dr.
Carolyn Seitz of the Altadena Sheriff's Station Community Advisory Council sent out this about the weekend's shootings:
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Just put up a new page (in the column to your right) featuring Altadena Arts Coalition/North Lake Business District Open House, 4-9 on Friday. We're adding events as fast as we find out about 'em. Check it out!
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The Altadena Chamber of Commerce has declared this "Shop Altadena First" week, and announced a couple of chamber events:
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Wanted to add this to the list of activities for Friday's North Lake Business District Open House, sponsored by the Altadena Arts Coalition.
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The Family Resource Express will visit the Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa, to
distribute free and low-cost resources and services, including grocery coupons
and free mini cookbooks with recipes for healthy affordable meals.
Free oral
health screenings as well as weight and BMI readings will also be available
courtesy of Community Health Alliance of Pasadena.
While parents learn about
these resources, kids can play and participate in fun interactive educational
games that are designed for children under age 5.
It all runs from 11 AM-noon at the Library' parking lot on Wed., May 13.
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Comedian/juggler/magician Bruce Block will appear tomorrow at the Altadena Library Community Room in a family-friendly program, beginning at 7 PM. Admission is free! Click the graphic for details!
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Sketchy details from all concerned about a teen who was found shot on the 100 block of E. Altadena Drive Saturday night. He died at Huntington Memorial a short time later. Brian Day has the story (or what we know of it) at the SGV Tribune.
UPDATE 11:30 PM: Reporter Day files an update: Apparently there was a lot of gunfire going on today: PSN updates that a resident with suspected gang ties was fired upon at about 11 AM today near Harriett St. and Lincoln Ave. The victim in that shooting was uninjured, but a later shooting, at about 5 PM, a man was shot in the thigh and ankle near Stonehurst Dr. and Canyada Ave. This victim was also suspected of gang ties.
And there's more information on the murder victim: black male between 16 and 17 years old, and was not believed to be involved with gangs. Name not released yet.
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... a New York Giant that is (or Jersey Giant, if you want to be REALLY accurate!) NJ.com has a feature on the Giant's new wide receiver from Altadena, whom they describe as:
a well-behaved wide receiver who doesn't have a blemish on his academic, personal or legal record.
Well -- it's New Jersey.
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... in Saturday's PSN, a fine feature on Debbie Rainey's fine establishment at 2470 Lake.
Not to detract at all from the deli, but someone needs to tell the reporters how to spell Zane Grey and Prof. Lowe's African-American background is news to us.
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Ten candidates submitted their names to run for Altadena Town Council by 5 PM today, with five incumbents opting not to run again and the likelihood of only two races in the June 6 election.
According to council chair Gino Sund, the next step is for the names to be vetted Tuesday by the election committee -- checked for proper address, census tract, and such -- and the list will be approved by the town council at its next meeting May 19.
Those who entered the race are:
Present councilmembers Tim Kelly (4601), Sarah Fuller (4602), Keith Gibbs (4603.01), Michele Zack (4611), and Ken Balder (4612) opted not to run again.
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The excitement is building as the Altadena Arts Coalition and the merchants of the North Lake Ave. Business District prepare for their open house, one week from tonight, May 15, 4-9 PM.
Lori Webster of Webster's Fine Stationers and a noted local blogger/Facebooker/Twitterer herself will be hosting a "Blogger's Cafe," including snacks, coffee, and tea, and a chance to meet some of our local bloggers (including Altadena Above It All, Open Mouth Insert Fork, Altadenahiker, Pasadena Daily Photo, and and others -- Altadenablog may be putting in an appearance as well!) Ask questions, get advice, meet the faces behind the keyboard.
Altadena Hardware will feature music by owner Steve Salinas and his band, "The Dispositions, " playing from 6-9 PM.
Previously announced were an art opening at the Coffee Gallery, an antique car show at Ronnie's Automotive, "Spring Fever" at the Gallery at the End of the World," 20-minute portrait painting at Altadena Junction, and an exhibit of emerging photographers at Photography by Walt.
Come meet your neighbors, explore local businesses, and have a good time! For maps of participating businesses and more details, stop by Webster's Fine Stationers at 2450 N. Lake Ave.
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Did you get a letter offering to file a form to reduce your property tax for $179? (That was the figure in the letter we got). Well, it's a scam going around right now, and the county has issued the following press release about it:
Continue reading "Home reassessment scam making the rounds" »
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Blair IB Magnet High School seniors Kyoko Harris and Jordan Mitchell have been awarded Marion Lee Wullschlager Scholarships by the Altadena Chamber of Commerce. The $500 scholarships go to deserving Altadena seniors.
A reception in their honor will be held Wed., May 27, at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr. RSVP to the Chamber, 626-794-3988.
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The
annual Altadena Library Book Sale will be held on Sat., May 16 from
10 AM-4 PM, and Sun., May 17 from 1-4 PM in the library
parking lot and community room, 600
E. Mariposa Street.
Recession pricing will be in effect. FRIENDS
Members only sale on Friday, May 15, 3-7pm.
Gently-used hardcover and paperback books in all categories will be available at bargain prices. Proceeds will be used for materials and programs for both the Main library and the Bob Lucas Branch Library and Literacy Center. Saturday, May 16th from 10:00am to 4:00pm, and Sunday, May 17th from 1:00pm to 4:00pm in the library parking lot and community room.
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Peter Hong, LA Times' real estate blogger, is wondering what the trend is after attending a caravan at an Altadena manse -- about 90 agents came to gawk at the $1.699 (call it $1.7) million house. Do they think they can move it? Check out the deets here.
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Better late than never, but a note about today's aerial activity from Chris Consodine - The Skywatcher:
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Typepad is swallowing our posts and sending them into the ether! We're working on it, as there's a backlog of stuff ...
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PWeekly's Andre Coleman has a piece on the MonteCedro project today, balancing quotes from those who like it, those who don't, and those who think that change was inevitable. It's a good recap of what happened and where we are to date (and we don't mind telling you AC picked our brains a little bit, too!).
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Tragic and ironic ... David Shaw, an urgent care doctor from Altadena, was delivering his 5-year-old to kindergarten when a crash occured near Assumption of the Virgin Mary School in Pasadena on Wednesday. He was the first on the scene. It was only a few blocks away from where his wife Robyn and 9-year-old daughter Victoria died in a crash two weeks before. Whittier Daily News has the details.
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The deadline for candidates to declare themselves for Altadena town council seats is this Friday, May 8, no later than 5 PM. Candidate packets are available and must be turned in at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr. Packets and a full rundown of qualifications are also available at the town council website. The election is Sat., June 6.
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The Altadena land use committee easily approved a conditional use permit (CUP) for the proposed development on the old WaMu property at Lake and Calavaras. (There was a snafu that was discovered after almost all spectators left the meeting, but it got fixed -- more details below).
What this means is that the CUP will go before the Altadena town council at its May 19 meeting. If approved, the council will make a recommendation to regional planning, which will then pass it on to the county Board of Supervisors. The developers expect that the approval process will take another 3-4 months, and are projecting opening day for the new development anywhere between July and November, 2010.
The CUP involves alcohol sales in the new development -- Rite Aid (which will move from its Lake/Altadena Dr. site) will sell wine, beer, and distilled spirits, as it does now, and Fresh & Easy, which is being courted for the new development, will sell wine and beer. Sales will not include single sales (individual cans or bottles).
Tracy Verastagy of Rite Aid said that they felt a Lake Ave. location would be better long-term than the current location, which she described as "a very old facility in a very old center." The cost of updating at that location could run $500,000-$1 million, if the owner of the property was agreeable to updating the entire center.
While Rite Aid is committed, Fresh & Easy is not yet a lock, according to a developer's representative. The plan is for Rite Aid and Fresh & Easy to each occupy half of the ground floor, and the developers are targeting medical practices for the top floor. Hours will be standard business hours, and there will be a drive-thru pharmacy location in the back, as well as a parking structure.
After the committee approved sending the CUP to the council (and after almost everyone left), they discovered that they actually needed to have a copy of the permit application on hand in order to approve it-- and they didn't. So the committee rescinded its previous approval, and passed another motion, provisionally approving the CUP if the Altadena town council received a copy before its meeting. That motion was passed.
Patrick Reagan at Altadena Wants a Co-op actually got his story up first -- read it here for another take on the subject.
5/9 9:30 AM: corrected info about drive-thru pharmacy per Gino Sund's comment.
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(not Altadena related, but we had to share!)
The economy has gotten so bad that Disneyland has had to reassign employees whose job was to screen out the souvenier photos taken on Splash Mountain and other rides for women who bared their breasts.
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A member of the Chaney Trail newsgroup reports seeing two hefty men harvesting pads from a neighbor's cactus without permission on Sat., May 2. When challenged, they were belligerent, and when the observer wrote down their license plate number, they fled:
If you've seen anything useful, please call the sheriff's station at 626-798-1131.
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