altadenablog

Eaton Canyon vandalism pictures

Pictures we received from one of the neighbors of Eaton Canyon, who has been working with the authorities on the problem.  These are pictures of the graffiti taken Monday, June 8.  Some of the graffiti has since been removed.  After the jump, 'cause these worms aren't getting traction on my front page.

UPDATE 9 PM: Jeremiah @ Stonehill News has a slideshow  and video of graffiti (and covered graffiti) at Eaton Canyon.

Aveson's June Jubilee: reporter's notes

UPDATE 6/17: Aveson has responded to public concerns at this link.

This issue is heating up our comments page and Gmail -- even tho' we haven' gotten a response from anyone at Aveson because it's the weekend, let's give you what we have so far:

Every year, Aveson Charter School holds its June Jubilee -- a fundraiser/carnival that helps end the year on a positive note.

This year, people are expressing shock at the acts that appeared at this year's June Jubilee last Saturday, June 6 -- graffiti "artists" and hardcore rap acts that use foul language and violent gangster imagery.

And while nobody's connecting the two events, graffiti "artists" struck Eaton Canyon that weekend, vandalizing a wide swath of the park and leaving spray paint cans behind.

Here's Aveson's web page on the Jubilee in Google's cache (it was taken down from their website probably because it's out of date) right here.

It promised "A free concert and art demonstration will feature graffiti artist Jason Walker, singer/songwriter Alin Bean and rap/hip hop artists DoLL-e Girl, Lil Blacky and Big Dave hosted by All Day Everyday Records and  Pannes Ave. Recordings. (http://www.myspace.com/alldayeverydayrecords)"

A quick Google search of these artists, record label, and Bean shows that All Day Everyday Records and Pannes Ave. Recordings have quite a few artists in their roster who specialize in gangsta rap, with names such as Lil Sicko and East Side Assasin.  A quick listen to the Myspace page will give you the majority of George Carlin's Seven Words You Can't Say on Television.

As for the artists promised to appear or who did appear at Aveson, Altadenablog reader Michael Duncan wrote to express his horror at the following performers.  Please note that the videos and audio contain very harsh language:

DoLL-e Girl - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gpaUBMVC5w

Lil Blacky - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8p2L1ZHyr8

Jonny U – http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/6279105/a/O.G.+Love.htm

Big Dave - http://cdbaby.com/cd/bigdavebully (pick anything)

We have a call in to Aveson School, but don't expect any reply over the weekend.  We also found an email address for All Day Everyday Records, and have a message in to them.   If  any staff, parents, students, or anyone who attended the Jubilee would like to chime in, we'd love to hear from you!

Questions we need answered:

• Who booked these acts?
• Who vetted these acts?
• Who approved having these acts at the carnival?
• Did they perform at Aveson in the manner and style and using the language and subjects that are advertised on the record company's websites?
• Did someone determine that these acts were appropriate for a school carnival, or did it come as a surprise?  Why?
• Did the artists also pass out inappropriate promotional material?
• Did the artists realize the nature of the event where they were performing?  Did they change their acts onsite to reflect the venue, or did they perform according to their image?
• What was the reaction of school officials to the performance?  Did anyone contact the artists or their management during the performance?  If inappropriate, was it cut short?  If not, why not?
• Were the performers paid, or was this a free gig?
• What was the nature of the "graffiti artist's" work?  Where has he appeared as an artist?  Describe the demonstration that took place at Aveson --could a reasonable person conclude that it encouraged or discouraged vandalism?
• Could the artist comment on the vandalism that occurred in Eaton Canyon the following day?
• What was the reaction of parents to school management and the jubilee organizers following the performance?  Did anyone raise objections at any time, before or after the event?

That's off the top of our head.  Feel free to chime in on comments or email.

UPDATE 4:30 PM:  There's already been a slew of email and comments regarding the above story, one of which we look at after the jump.

"Relay for Life" -- a look back

j c pings has a video up on Vimeo, an artistic and thoughtful take on last weekend's American Cancer Society Relay for Life at Farnsworth Park.

Developing stories -- Eaton Canyon graffiti, Aveson "entertainment"

We're sorting through a rash of email (and appreciate any help you can give) on two developing stories:

1.  Last Sunday afternoon, Eaton Canyon suffered through its worst bout of graffiti, reported as appearing from the entrance to the bridges, with paint cans left strewn about as well.
2. Received several complaints about the rap artists who appeared as part of Aveson Charter School's June Jubilee last Saturday -- some folks saying they were highly inappropriate for a school fundraiser.

We're sorting through the emails, and appreciate more to help us get to the bottom of these!  More as these develop.

Weekendin'

After last weekend's extravaganza, it's a little sleepy here in the 'Dena.  What we have on our plate:

• Altadena Elementary's Community Resource Fair, capped by a block party and barbecue that begins at 4 PM today.
• Open mic night, poetry and spoken word at Farnsworth Park tonight, 7 PM.
• And, as always, check the AltadenArts page for what's going on in our creative community.

Sahag-Mesrob, St. Elizabeth's Cell Tower: light at the end of the tunnel

Two long-term Altadena stories seem to be reaching the end of the line.  We're still collecting information on these, but we think we can safely put this much information up:

Sahag Mesrob Armenian Christian School: One of our correspondents who's been following the case writes:

After 5 months of hearing delays and the case being sent from Superior Court to Federal Court and then back to Superior Court, on May 29th the County was finally successful in getting a preliminary injunction granted against Sahag-Mesrob School to order them to cease operation or face criminal charges. 

Their cease operation date is June 16, 2009.

The injunction requires Sahag-Mesrob to cease operating pending trial.  The school principal went further and submitted a declaration to the court indicating that they will not operate a school until and unless the CUP is issued.

County Counsel says Sahag-Mesrob will most likely appeal the issuance of the preliminary injunction and the County should receive a notice of appeal shortly.  If they prevail, the case will certainly go to trial.  (Please note -  their appeal has no bearing on the cease operation ruling.)

It should be noted that the Palm St. school property has been on the market for several months.  We're going to try to get some comment from the school.

St. Elizabeth cell tower: Bo Astrup, who's been following this story for a long time, Twitters us that it's over -- T Mobile wants to get out of the contract to put a cell tower on the property of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church.  More details as we get them.

Hathaway-Sycamores grads back on track

PSN features the graduation of seniors from Hathaway-Sycamores Non-Public School. Many of the kids fought tough odds to turn their lives around, so congratulations to them.

"Fruit from your 'hood is good!"

Frequent commenter Snow pointed out this beta website for backyard farmers to share and trade their crops.

Bright Futures Scholars graduate -- box lunch & college money

Just got this email from the Quality of Life Center:

 Dr. Sandra E. Thomas rose to a packed Pasadena Hilton Grand Ballroom crowded with proud parents, guests, mentors and Bright Futures Scholars to announce her executive decision to replace the promised luncheon menu of Cornish Game Hen with tantalizing Wild Rice with a simple box lunch in order to provide all of the Bright Futures Scholars Seniors with money for college.  There was a standing ovation that lasted for several minutes.

The event honored forty PUSD high school students, twenty-six middle school, and five alumni graduating at the annual Bright Futures Scholars Graduation and Awards Luncheon held at the Pasadena Hilton Hotel, on Sunday June 7.

Following the processional of the Scholars and introductions, the invocation was given by Pastor William Turner Jr. of the New Revelation Missionary Baptist Church.  Assembly Member Anthony Portantino as Master of Ceremonies introduced Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich who gave an outstanding keynote address.  After lunch the trio “Inverted Praise” from Blair IB Magnet High School performed.

Jacqueline Allen, Olivia Elizabeth Bellinger, Alejandra Gonzalez-Bedoy, and Kyoko Harris received Jason Mitchell Foundation Scholarships.  Briana C. Hayes received the A.D. Thomas Scholarship.  Nafasi Ferrell, Aminata Diagne, and Malvin Dube-Mathanda were awarded the Quality of Life Center Scholarships.

Mentors in attendance included Congressman Adam Schiff, California State Senator Carol Liu, Assembly Member Anthony Portantino, Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich , Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard, Altadena Town Council Chairman Eugene “Gino” Sund, Pasadena City Council Member Chris Holden, Altadena Town Council Member Dr. Sandra E. Thomas, Pasadena Unified School District Superintendent Edwin Diaz, Pasadena City Manager Michael Beck, Pasadena Chief of Police Bernard Melekian,  Altadena Sheriff Captain Roosevelt Blow, Pasadena Juvenile Court Judge Phillip Soto, and Pasadena Water & Power General Manager Phyllis E. Currie.

For more information on the Quality of Life Center and to contribute donations and/or service, contact Melba Alexander, Office Manager 626-798-5433 or email at qualityoflifecenterinc@yahoo.com.

Simmons offers thanks

Newly-elected town councilman Herbert H. Simmons sent this email to share with his constituents:

When great people and like minds come together, great things can
happen for the benefit of all.

I am impressed with the citizens of Altadena. When given a chance, you
answered the call. Thank you . . .  I am now your newly elected
Councilmember. I will serve this position, with Okorie Ezieme, with
the same dedication that I put forth for the election. It will take
all of our efforts to accomplish our goals, in the same way that I
could not have won this election without you.

As the first step in connecting our community closer together, I am
requesting that all residents of Census Tract 4602 who have not yet
provided me with their e-mail address forward their e-mail address
and any questions to herbert.h.simmons@gmail.com. Thank you!


Sincerely,

Hon. Herbert Simmons
Census Tract 4602

Two labs need a good home soon! UPDATE: Never mind!

UPDATE 1 PM: NEVER MIND!  This was a true story that has now passed into urban legend!  The dogs got homes months ago!  It's on Snopes:

http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/cookiecoco.asp

In the interests of transparency, the original story follows after the jump --remember, nothing to see here!

Cheetahs always prosper Monday night

MaryEllen Schoeman of the Meadows tells us that she will be giving a presentation at at Distant Lands Bookstore in Pasadena (56 S. Raymond), about her experiences working in South Africa with cheetahs. The presentation, Monday at 7:30 PM,  is free, and  reservations are recommended (but not required!). Here is a link to the details: Distant Lands Bookstore

It's been that kind of week ...

... so updates may be a little light for the next few days. Apologies in advance!

Public meeting at Aveson Charter School, Wed. 7:30 PM

There will be a public hearing at Aveson Charter School, 1919 Pinecrest Dr., on Wed., June 10, at 7:30 PM to get comments on their environmental quality assessment.  Aveson intends to move to being a full elementary/middle/high school, starting with the next school year.

The relevant documents are available here, at the PUSD website.  Public comments will be received through the month of June.

PSN: Tomorrow's news today!

PSN's website tonight gives us a glimpse of what's going to be on your front doorstep tomorrow -- two Janette Williams stories:

• A look at Monday's rally on gang violence at Pasadena City Hall
• A look at the Altadena Town Council election.

and one we missed from Monday's paper: Altadenan Anthony Lee Moody kind of had a bad day with the Pasadena PD.

JPL gets "Best Science Website" Webby award for Cassini

We're totally stealing this cool note from JPL's (and Altadena's) Alice Wessen on Facebook:

My web crew and media rep are in NYC to pick up an award at the Webbys for Best Science Website (http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov).

While having breakfast, we ran into Mayor Bloomberg. He is a big NASA fan. (Picture: Kirk Munsell, Carolina Martinez, Harman Smith, Mayor Bloomberg, Alice Wessen and Greg Baerg)

Earlier that day, Alice Wessen was interviewed by Voice of America (http://www.voanews.com) about the Cassini mission website

The Webby award site is right here.

"Pathways to Success" at Altadena Elementary Friday

Altadena Elementary School, 743 E. Calavaras St., will be holding "Pathways to Success," a career day/ resource fair for students and the public, on Fri., June 12.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the PUSD presentations at 3 PM and to take part in the Community Resource Fair / Block Party/BBQ that goes from 4-6 PM.

Schedule of Events:
Noon - Career Day (for Altadena Elementary students)
2:30 - Performing Arts show (cafetorium)
3:00 - Presentations on PUSD's Multiple Pathways and Excellent Middle School initiatives
4:00 - Block Party & Community Resource Fair (outside)

Warner Bros. becomes major concert series sponsor

The Sheriff's Support Group of Altadena's annual Summer Concert Series starts in about three weeks (June 27), and they are glad to announce that Warner Brothers Entertainment has become a major sponsor of the yearly event:

This year SSGA welcomes a major new sponsor: Warner Bros. Entertainment, whose donation accounts for nearly 40% of the total cost of the Concert Series.

“Warner Bros. does quite a bit of filming for both TV and feature films in Altadena. We feel these summer concerts are a great way for us to give back to the community,” said Lisa Rawlins, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, Warner Bros. Entertainment.

Bob Klomburg, President of SSGA said “Without Warner Bros. participation we would have had to cut back on the number of concerts this year. Their generous support made this season’s concerts possible”.

In addition to Warner Bros. the Rotary Club of Altadena is again supporting the Concerts along with Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich. Additional sponsors include Toyota of Pasadena, Dickson Podley Realtors, All American Audio Visual, M & M Printing, Trinity Thread Works and My Irish Pride.

Press conference to address gang violence today

According to Pasadena Now, Pasadena/Altadena Vision 20/20, described as a "coalition of citizens and officials concerned about gang violence in Pasadena and Altadena," will hold a press conference at 1 PM today on the grounds of Pasadena City Hall to address gang violence in the area.

What this press conference hopes to accomplish is a little hard to divine at this point: Pasadena Now quotes organizer Tony Massengale:

 “Our intent is to speak out against the violence which seems to be rising inside of Pasadena-Altadena and adjacent cities,” Massengale said in an e-mail interview.

Violence is bad. Check.

However, Altadena Sheriff Capt. Roosevelt Blow sent out an email this morning saying that Altadena law enforcement had not been invited to the conference.  Pasadena Now reports that Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard has been invited but can't attend, and that Pasadena police "are aware that the press conference is happening Monday." Check out Stephanie Mojica's story for the details.

UPDATE 4 PM: Pasadena Now has a story about this afternoon's rally.  Tom Hubbard reports that about 50 people attended.

Relay for Life underway at Farnsworth

The American Cancer Society's first Altadena Relay for Life, to raise funds and remember those who are struggling or have struggled with cancer, got started at 9 AM Saturday, and will continue through 9 AM today, Sunday.  Teams from places such as USC, Lockheed, and others will be walking for 24 hours to raise awareness.

Saturday night, the Relay had a Luminaria Walk -- a silent lap, led by bagpipers, with the path illuminated with luminaria -- each one created by one of the walkers, remembering individuals who have battled cancer. 

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A day at the mausoleum

The Altadena Historical Society hosted a tour of Mountain View Mausoleum today, and we were there with video (Our Flip video looks fine onscreen, but turns into gunk after we send it to YouTube -- don't know why!)

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We're putting this up now, but we have great Bill Westphal pictures after the jump that you absolutely must see.

Simmons, Malhotra gain council seats

Two newcomers won the only disputed seats in today's Altadena Town Council elections.

In CT 4602, Herbert Simmons won over Bill Westphal, 153-99.  In CT 4611, Guarav Malhotra won over Cynthia Tilleman, 52-24.

In a light election, 484 ballots were counted, with a handful of provisional incomplete, or incorrect ballots.  The winners of the competitive census tracts won by comfortable-enough margins that these ballot would have made no difference.

Election results are as follows:

• Census Tract 4601
  Phil Barela 56
  
• Census Tract 4602
  Herbert H. Simmons 153
  Bill Westphal 99
  
• Census Tract 4603.01
  Dennis E. Bridwell 43
  
• Census Tract 4603.02
  Kenneth Roberts (incumbent) 6
  
• Census Tract 4610
  Gene R. Campbell (incumbent) 10
• Census Tract 4611
  Gaurav Malhotra 52
  Cynthia Tilleman 24
• Census Tract 4612
  Jamie Bissner 32
• Census Tract 4613
  Lorie H. Judson (incumbent) 9

Gear up for a busy Saturday

We intend to be all over town today -- covering the Relay for Life at Farnsworth Park, the tour of Mountain View Mausoleum, Town Council voting and results, and do a little look at an evening in Altadena.  Check our "Weekendin'" section below and the AltadenArts page to get the full scoop of goodness today!

Super King is super

A little something fun to start off a busy day:  Hometown Pasadena looks at Super King Market, and likes what they see.

Gang shooting on North Lincoln Fri. afternoon

PSN's crime reporter Brian Day  gives the details of a gang-related shooting Friday afternoon on the 2300 block of N. Lincoln.  One 18-year-old man shot in the buttocks, treated and released, and two 18-year-old Pasadena residents were arrested in a stolen car for the shooting. 

Oshima makes the PSN

Altadena artist Kathi Oshima, featured artist at this week's Art Bender at the Gallery at the End of the World, get profiled by the Divine Miss M. Micki Mills in PSN.

Don't forget to vote Saturday

Altadena town council elections are Saturday, and we remind you to check out our election page for all the details.  We've recently added a dynamic Googlemaps version of the census tracts (thx to Jeremiah Small & Ruth Edwards for all their work on this!)

Since there aren't any hot issues, and only two contested seats, turnout is expected to be low.  And that's not a good thing -- we got an email from election chair Bob Meyer that tells us why it's important to vote tomorrow:

Altadena Town Council doesn't get a lot of press, and frankly, many of our fellow Altadenan's are either unaware or don't think it's that important.  The reality is that they have influence in many facets of our community, from land use issues to traffic and roads as well as other local/neighborhood issues.  And the stronger the Town Council, the more influence they will have.  Given the precarious situation we find ourselves in with our state and local budgets, it is imparative that we have a strong council to represent our interests.

The best way I can sum up why it is important to vote in the upcoming election is as follows:

Why vote in the Altadena Town Council Election?

Altadena Town Council gives us all a collective voice with all of our local governmental agencies.  For the Council to be effective, it needs two important elements.  First, the confidence of the government that the council is competent and connected to the residents.  Second, the confidence of the residents that it represents their views.  Your involvement in the selection of your representative is critical to both of these elements necessary for the Council to be successful on your behalf.

Central Altadena Little League closing ceremony Sat.

Adam Bell lets us know of yet ANOTHER event this Saturday -- but it's a good one!

Central Altadena Little League will be conducting their league closing ceremonies Saturday June 6 at 10 AM in the Farnsworth Park Amphitheater. All players, parents, former players and community members are encouraged to attend and show supports for the children of Altadena. Players, Coaches, team parents and volunteers will be honored for all their contributions to a great 2009 season.  

Weekendin'

Warning!  Overload weekend!  After checking the scene here, surf to our AltadenArts page to find even more weekend goodness!

Thurs., June 4

• The June Art Bender Weekend starts at McGinty's Gallery at the End of the World, 2475 N. Lake Ave., with an artist's reception, 6-9 PM.

Fri., June 5

• Open mic night, poetry and spoken word, at Farnsworth Park, 7 PM.
• First Friday Art Club opening at McGinty's, 7 PM-1 AM, $5 cover

Sat. June 6

• American Cancer Society kicks off its first Relay For Life in Altadena at Farnsworth Park, starting at 9 AM and going on for 24 hours.
• Central Altadena Little League will have its closing ceremonies at Farnsworth Park Ampitheater, 10 AM.
• Altadena Town Councll elections, 9 AM-3 PM details here.
• Aveson Charter School's June Jubilee, 10 AM-4 PM.
• Newtown holds " On the trail of A Half Mile of Al Fresco Installations, sculptures and performances," at Hahamonga Watershed Park, 10-7 Sat., and 11-7 Sun.
• Altadena Historical Society holds a tour of Mountain View Mausoleum and plein air art show, 11 AM-4 PM
• The Art Bender Weekend continues at McGinty's with potluck barbecue and entertainment, noon - 6 PM.  Bring a dish to share.
• The Hookah Lounge opens at Ace's Smoke Shop with an art show, 2507 N. Lake.
• Family Movie night at Galloway Alley (behind Altadena Hardware), starts 9 PM, movie TBA.

Sun., June 7

• Relay for Life ends, 9 AM at Farnsworth Park
• Art Bender Weekend continues at McGinty's with brunch, noon-6 PM, bring a dish to share.

UPDATE #1 6/4 Noon: Michele Zack updates us that the Bank of America branch at Lincoln Crossing will have its ribbon cutting and grand opening on Saturday as well.  The next sound you hear will be our head exploding.

UPDATE #2: Pasadena Weekly's Carl Kozlowsky has a feature on McGinty's and this weekend's featured artist, Kathi Oshima.

Local connection to Duarte hate crime

If you've been keeping up with area news, you know that Channise Davy and her family were recently run out of her Duarte house when some thugs broke into it, trashed it, and sprayed racial epithets on the walls. Local angle is that Davy works in an Altadena salon, so this has hurt one of our own.  LA Times has a feature on it.

PSN: tomorrow's news today

Pasadena Star-News has already posted some stories for tomorrow's paper, so you can read 'em now!

Of interest:

• Lincoln Crossing is in default (which we first told you about here).
• The Altadena Historical Society is holding a tour of Mountain View Mausoleum (which we first told you about here)
• and Dr. Sandra Thomas is honored by the Foothill Unity Center (OK -- they beat us to that one!)

Yes, Virginia, Altadena Films is in Altadena

We just got this in the email, correcting our earlier story, and glad of it!:

Dear Tim,
 A friend recently pointed out that you had posted on your site a film company of the same name (Altadena Films) but it had nothing to do with Altadena.  That is incorrect, I am one of the owners and live in Altadena (and made the choice of name).  We are a UK company for and a sole proprietorship in the US.
 

Ildi Toth Davy

Altadena Films

Altadena: dying or thriving? Depends on which PSN scribe you ask

Some days, we just want to rename this blog "Taking Larry Wilson to task."

But he does a good job of that on himself in this morning's column.  Wilson mea culpas that, at the same time he was lamenting the state of things in Altadena,  his colleague Ryan Carter was talking about the Altadena Arts Coalition reviving things on Lake Ave. (Does kind of make you wonder about the state of journalism when their reporters contradict each other). 

After some light breast-beating, Wilson logs some good suggestions (angled parking on Lake!) before taking on some other egregious errors he's made in recent weeks.  But we forgive him for reporting that new signs have sprung up along the lower Millard Canyon hiking trail near La Vina, with deceptive wording in an attempt to keep hikers away from the public trail.  Read it!

Fifteen teams so far for Saturday's Relay for Life

Just got an update from Sarah Eagle, the Community Development Manager for the American Cancer Society who's coordinating Saturday's Relay for Life at Farnsworth Park:

We have 15 teams registered so far...our Lockheed Martin team is our top team and they have 50 people on their team!!

We have entertainment all day, Assemblymember Portantino will be stopping by, our Luminaria Ceremony at 9pm has an amazing speaker from the Wellness Community and we have bagpipers to play as we walk our silent lap.

We would just like to extend an invitation to ALL Altadena residents to come and visit us at Relay For Life !!

Art al fresco this weekend at Hahamonga Park

Newtown, the Altadena-based experimental art collective, is hosting " On the trail of A Half Mile of Al Fresco Installations, sculptures and performances," at Hahamonga Watershed Park  in Pasadena (take the six lane freeway to the large parking structure ... no, wait ...) on Sat. 11 AM-7 PM, and Sun. 10 AM-7 PM.  Installations and performances in an outdoor setting on what we now officially call "Overload Weekend."

Waste Less Living receives county honor

Altadena-based Waste Less Living was recently recognized by the Los Angeles Regional Agency (LARA) for its efforts and for its efforts and success at helping homeowners, businesses and schools reduce their waste through the practice of composting. 

LARA is a consortium of 16 member cities in Los Angeles County. The Agency was formed by environmentally conscious recycling advocates from the member cities. In 2004, the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) approved the formation of LARA as a regional agency whose mission is to assist members in meeting and exceeding the 50% waste diversion mandates of State Assembly Bill 939.

For the Sierra Madre Community Nursery School, Waste Less Living was a corporate sponsor and was instrumental in diverting approximately 306.2 lbs of compostable waste from going to the landfill.  Waste Less Living was recently contracted to conduct a solid waste audit for High Point Academy.

Waste Less Living is also sponsoring an "Eco-Mom's Night Out" on June 25, 6-8 PM at Cafe Culture, 1359 E. Altadena Dr., Pasadena:

Haven't yet experienced a Waste Less Living event or party?  Now's your chance!  Take a night off....mingle with friends over refreshments and a glass of wine.  You'll be glad you did.  You'll not only be able to enjoy some adult chatter, you'll also learn how to be more 'green' and have an opportunity to shop 'green' too.  Wine and some refreshments will be served!  Coffee and sandwiches will also be available for purchase.

tip o' the tam to Monica Hubbard.

Saturday night's all right on North Lake

It's really looking like a packed weekend, and there's going to be more ...

Artrepreneur Ben McGinty tells us that there's lots happening in and around the vicinity of his Gallery at the End of the World, 2475 N. Lake Ave.

First, it's the Gallery's quarterly Art Bender, with an artist reception Thursday 6-9 PM, First Friday Art Club 7 PM-1 PM ($5 cover), a Saturday potluck barbecue, and Sunday brunch.

The Crane Lake Serenaders will perform on Thursday, and Friday features Wreck n Sow and Alamase Arabesque with drummer Rick Sarabia and DJ Radiant Child.  The Gallery will be open 12-6 PM each day.

Artists showing include featured artist Kathi Oshima, and include: Cathy Tharp, Lauren R. Tharp, Bright, Joe Feinblatt, Nancy Armitage, Richard Davies, Karen Sachs, Evans NJoroge, Todd Bank, Christian Velasquez, Rick Strieck, Christy Roberts, Matt Carter, Adrianne Walker, Jeannie Pool, Amber Bilow, Alex Scheafer, Joseph Stauffer, Peter Adamyan, Michael Gibson, Deborah Blanco, David Goldberg, Jeni Carle, Lisa george, Jeffrey R. Kibbe, Kathleen Swaydan, David Von Noppen, Eve Kessler, Dorette Amell, Dave Lovejoy, Johnny Fox, Ngene Mwuara, Kai Samuels-Davis, Matt Foote, Kristen "Blaze" Carley and Ben McGinty.

And if that's not enough:  The Sundowners will perform at the Rancho Bar on Sat. evening, and this weekend inaugurates the first Family Movie Night at Galloway Alley, behind Altadena Hardware (film to be announced, starts at 9 PM Sat.).

The Relay for Life is this Saturday

The American Cancer Society's first Altadena Relay for Life starts this Saturday at 9 AM and goes for 24 hours at Farnsworth Park.  As well as several teams walking for the cause, there'll be entertainment for everyone. 

Julie Sandoval, owner of the Coffee Gallery, is fielding a team, and tells us about the entertainment scheduled:

I'm participating in the June 6th Altadena Relay for Life. I'm team leader of The JAVAWALKERS and invite any of our Backstage Friends to be a part of our team or to make a donation in support of our team. You don't need to be in great shape to be a team member. The Relay is a 24 hour relay walk with shifts being as short as 30 minutes.

The Day of the Relay will be a fun filled day at Farnsworth Park the top of Lake Ave.) in Altadena. There will be live music performances all day long starting at 10am -8pm. Here is a list of all the performers:

The Brothers Landau
Robert Morgan Fisher
Lisa Turner
Andrew Allen
Duane Thorin & The Bohemian Soul Rustlers
Tom Renaud
Jennifer Quiroz
Tim Tedreow & Terry Vreeland
John Gannon
Michael Penrose
Chad Watson
Paul McCarty
Paul Zollo
Carrie Wade
D. Whitney Quinn
Brad Colerick
Dave Morrison 
QUAD X Rock n Roll Band

Everyone is invited to take advantage of the free live music event, just pack a picnic and head up to the park.

Aveson June Jubliee this Sat.

AVESON CHARTER SCHOOL JUNE JUBILEE 
Saturday, June 6, 2009 10am-4pm
Games! Food!  Music!  Silent Auction!  Raffle! 

Join us at AVESON CHARTER SCHOOL for a fun filled day.  We’ll have great raffle prizes, including a mountain bike and passes to  Disneyland.  The silent auction will feature huge baskets put together by each grade and a weekend at the W Hotel in Westwood.  A free concert and art demonstration will feature graffiti artist Jason Walker, singer/songwriter Alin Bean and rap/hip hop artists DoLL-e Girl, Lil Blacky and Big Dave hosted by All Day Everyday Records and Pannes Ave. Recordings. (http://www.myspace.com/alldayeverydayrecords)

Watercolor exhibit and classes at Coffee Gallery

Got an email from Donna Barnes-Roberts about her latest student show:

Showing NOW at the Conference Room in the back of the Coffee Gallery in Altadena is a small show by local artist Donna Barnes-Roberts and some of her watercolor students.

You might think that student art shows are an opportunity for low quality pieces, that is not the case with this show.  While some of her students may never grace commercial gallery walls since they have other endeavors that are their life's focus, there is no doubt that the images presented are exciting and compelling. 

The show is already hanging and will continue until July.

Pictured: "Clam Bake"  by Jody Berges.  This watercolor painting is part of the show, and was painted during one of Donna Barnes-Roberts' watercolor classes.

Barnes-Roberts is also starting new watercolor classes in June, and her website has all the details.

Library hosts Adrienne Barbeau

Actress/author Adrienne Barbeau enchants the audience at the Altadena Main Library tonight.  The Emmy-winning actress talked about her career and her new life as an author (Vampyres of Hollywood).

League of California Cities launches video protests

Samantha Cagill of the League of California Cities sent us this email about a new project -- basically protesting the state raiding local tax coffers:

I'm writing today to tell you about a Web site I think your readers will be interested in because this critical issue affects every single Californian. SaveYourCity.net, a new video Web site, just launched to tell policymakers that city governments are in no place to bail out the state. Cities have already made drastic cuts including employee layoffs and furloughs and cuts to critical services including those for public safety, seniors and youth.

The new site features testimonials from city officials and concerned coalition partners and members of the public, telling state lawmakers about current fiscal conditions and potential devastation to cities should the state take local property taxes as has been done in the past. Each video uploaded is sent directly to the governor and appropriate legislator. Visitors to the site can conduct city, regional or legislative district-specific searches to find what's being said about specific communities. Do a search to find your local elected on the site - www.saveyourcity.net  . We are constantly updating the site with new videos - if your elected isn't up now they may be very soon.

Please Mike Madrid for any questions you may have. He can be reached by cell phone at 916-704-4569.

Thank you,

Sam Caygill
League of California Cities

Lincoln Crossing on Crown City News tonight

Michele Zack sent us an email with details on Crown City News' story on our troubled shopping center:

I just confirmed with Crown City News that they will run a 25-minute special report tonight at 6 PM on Altadena Lincoln Crossing. This represents the FIRST attempt ever to give in depth coverage to this local issue of great import.

I don't know what the reporter/producer Ann Lee will come up with, I do know she has been spending a couple weeks interviewing and digging, and that she seemed very professional and capable when she interviewed me. She also had the good luck to bring her camera to the last PAC meeting, which was the first in a long time when some very interesting stuff came to light. Ray Carlilse announced his wish to divorce from Dorn Platz, and was pretty candid about why. The letter you saw/posted covered much of this, but to have someone say it out loud in public, believe me — it was historic after so much waffling and misinformation and stonewalling about the causes of delay.

The story will be on KPAS, Ch. 56 tonight.  Crown City's website also has a link to view KPAS online in real time.

UPDATE, 4:30 PM:  Those of us who are customers of ATT Uverse seem to be SOL.  Just had a long robot-call-followed-by-long-holds-followed-by-human being call with them, and they don't carry KPAS on their system.  We can get local government public access channels from Glendale, Anaheim, Stanton, San Bernardino, and other places, but not from Pasadena.  When I asked who I could talk to or write to about it, I was told they didn't know.  Cool!

Late registration for Altadena Christian Children's Center summer camp

OK, you've been procrastinating long enough:

ACCC SUMMER WONDERLAND DAY CAMP: LATE REGISTRATION 

 We still have a few spaces available for our day camp, which is just for primary grade students having completed kindergarten through grade 4.

The theme this year is Discovery! Around the World in 50 days. Students will be involved in academics, fine arts, recreation and sports. There will be speakers and exciting weekly field trips.

June 24 to August 28, 2009. Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 Altadena Christian Children’s Center and Altadena Elementary School

Contact information:

Toni Boucher, director Altadena Christian Children’s Center

626 797 6142

altaccc@aol.com

www.accc-kids.org

 Check us out on Facebook, too!

Volunteers needed for Saturday's election

Town councilwoman Alice Wessen has sent this around re: the town council elections:

Dear Friends:

The Altadena Town Council elections are Saturday June 6th from 9AM to 3PM.
 We need folks willing to help set up, willing to staff the polls and help with break down.
Thanks very much to those who have already volunteered!

Information is already posted to the Town Council website here:
http://altadenatowncouncil.org/
Census tract map: http://altadenatowncouncil.org/election/Altadena%20Census%20Tracts%201.jpg
The polls will be located at:
Dickson Podley Real Estate (1471 E. Altadena Dr.),  Ralphs (2270 Lake Ave),  Farnsworth Park (Lake & Mount Curve),  The Main Library (600 E. Mariposa), Loma Alta Park ( 3330 Lincoln Ave.),   Gordy's Garage (843 W. Woodbury), and S&J Automotive (corner Allen and New York ).

But the most important part is the willingness of folks to share a few hours of their time being pollworkers.
 I will be one of them.

If you are willing, please contact the election chair, Bob Meyer.
Bob’s cell phone @ 626-676-6363.
Email: "Bob Meyer" bmeyer2140@sbcglobal.net

Thank you in advance. It is deeply appreciated.
Alice Wessen
Census tract rep: 4603.01
Altadena Town Council Election Committee member
www.alicewessen.com

Pat Hedlund retires from Altadena Nursery School

PSN front-pages the retirement of Pat Hedlund, 84, executive director of Altadena Nursery School (which has been in Pasadena for many years, but the ties are strong).  Starting in 1950 from a Caltech parents' co-op, the school has blossomed into an institution for children ages 2-5 and their parents. Her big celebration is June 6 (an already-busy day!).  See the story for deets.

Co-op social Wednesday night

The Altadena Wants a Co-op folks are exultant over the weekend's gathering, and want to announce their next meeting:

Greetings!

It was simply wonderful seeing so many sustainability-minded neighbors at
today's Altadena Heritage of Abundance event! Much appreciation goes out to
Altadena Heritage (altadenaheritage.org) for coordinating and hosting such an
informative and enjoyable event!

It was energizing to meet more people interested in our efforts and to
receive so much positive feedback. Knowing you’re out there and excited
about the prospect of a cooperative grocery store in our area is great
motivation for the Founding Team as we keep moving forward in our research
and planning!

We hope to see you at our next social gathering - Wednesday, June 3, starting
at 7:30p.m., at the Coffee Gallery on Lake Avenue.

Our monthly socials are informal gatherings at local venues – a way to meet
more neighbors and have a chance to connect with you about our progress, get
your feedback, and enjoy good company.

Please stop by this Wednesday evening and join us at the Coffee Gallery -
have a nice cup of coffee or a cool smoothie and enjoy the art on display!

Hope to see you there!