altadenablog

Celebrating our veterans at the library Nov. 11

Most libraries aren't even open on Veteran's Day, Nov. 11, but the Altadena Library will not only be open, but it features a special program:

The Altadena Library is pleased to announce a presentation by Jonna Doolittle Hoppes, granddaughter of Jimmy Doolittle and author of Calculated Risk, a  biography of the famed aviator,  who will be discussing and signing her new book, Just Doing My Job:  Stories of Service from World War II. Joining Miss Doolittle will be a panel of heroes from World War II with many stirring and inspiring stories to tell.

When:  Wednesday, November 11 @ 7 pm

Where: Altadena Library

            600 East Mariposa Street

            Altadena, CA 91001

Information:  626-798-0833; www.altadenalibrary.org; pdutton@altadenalibrary.org

Cost:  Free

Jonna Hoppes Doolittle has been touring the United States and visiting Europe delivering the same message. "If we don't record our stories, they will be lost."

According to Doolittle, “There are heroes among us: People who will tell you that they were just doing their job, but, in reality, through their service, gave us the freedom we enjoy today.

“Their stories are just as extraordinary as my grandfather's and the men who followed him on a one way journey from the pitching deck of the USS Hornet.

“The heroes among us fought in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and Desert Storm, and are fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq today. And the heroes among us kept the home fires burning and America functioning, as they waited for our soldiers to come home from harm's way.”

“From soldiers and spies to factory workers and nurses, the heroes profiled in this history include Dick Hamada, a Japanese-American who became a spy with the Office of Strategic Services; Edith McClure, an army nurse stationed in England; Bobby Hite, one of the famed Doolittle Raiders, who was captured by the Japanese and endured years of torture and solitary confinement; and pilot Bob Hoover, who was shot down over enemy territory and imprisoned but managed to escape by stealing a German plane.”

About Jonna Doolittle Hoppes:

Jonna Doolittle Hoppes is an author and journalist. Her first book, Calculated Risk: The Extraordinary Life of Jimmy Doolittle¸ is a memoir of her famous grandfather, aviator Jimmy Doolittle, and his equally extraordinary wife, Joe. Ms Hoppes represents the Doolittle family at air shows across the country and is a popular speaker at libraries and air museums. Her articles have appeared in Smithsonian's Air and Space magazine, as well as other publications. She is past Chair of the Literary Guild of Orange County and a member of Sisters in Crime, a mystery writers' organization. She also works as a civilian for the U.S. Air Force and lives in Southern California.

USGS looks at mudflows

US Geophysical Survey has put out a report on the danger of mud flows (links to summary, but a pdf is available at the site).  And, says reader Chip Ossman, who alerted us to this document and has been following this story:

Once again, the world has ignored Altadena, reducing us to "three basins east of the Arroyo" - assuming they are referring to Altadena and not points farther east.

UPDATE 11:30 PM: Chip has received a note from Susan Cannon of USGS, after the jump.

LA Weekly: did feds cause Station Fire disaster?

That's the musical question asked this week by LA Weekly's Jill Stewart (love her or hate her -- we've been fans for years).  Opposing agendas, fire crew rivalries, enough fishy information to fill the White House email box  -- no answers, but lots of questions being asked.

Fall Flying Fair for JPL/Caltech-ers

The Aero Association of Caltech (AACIT) is having it's annual Fabulous Fall Flying Fair on Sunday, October 11, 2009 at the El Monte airport from 12 noon to 5 PM. Members of the local and flying press are encouraged to attend and experience the energy of a local flying club and the fun of introducing attendees to the wonders of flight. Flight instructors and members will be on hand to answer questions.

The Flying Fair is AACIT's annual event to reach out to the community and encourage interest in aviation. The event is timed for students returning to campus for the start of classes and to take advantage of the beautiful fall Southern California weather.  For the second year, a Pilot Ground School is being offered for at Caltech; a dozen students are currently enrolled. This event is the first chance for many of those students to experience flight in a small airplane.

For more information about the event, see http://aacit.caltech.edu/pages/BBQ-Flyer.pdf
For coverage on previous events and the club, see:
http://pr.caltech.edu/periodicals/CaltechNews/articles/v38/flying.html
http://pr.caltech.edu:16080/periodicals/EandS/articles/LXVI3/flying.html

About the Aero Association of Caltech (AACIT)
AACIT, commonly referred to as the Caltech/JPL Flying Club,  was established in 1966 to encourage aviation interests in Caltech. AACIT started with a single Cessna 150 at an airport more than 20 miles away, but has to grown to 130 members and a fleet of 8 airplanes, based at the nearby El Monte airport. Membership in the Club is open to any member of the Caltech and JPL community, including  students, staff, faculty, contractors, alumni and retirees; the Club also allows limited Associate members for those not part of the Caltech/JPL community. Former members of the club include Nobel prize winners and at least three NASA astronauts. AACIT is a non-profit, volunteer-run corporation and all operations are funded by membership dues and flight fees. The AACIT web site is http://aacit.caltech.edu/

For more information about AACIT or the Flying Fair, please contact the Club VP, David Werntz at dgwerntz@yahoo.com.

Deputies link burglaries to Blood street gangs

About 250 people packed the auditorium at Webster Elementary School Wednesday night to hear detectives from the Altadena sheriff's station talk about the rash of thefts and burglaries plaguing the east side of town.


And -- for the first time publicly -- the sheriffs linked the crimes to organized street gangs: the Altadena Denver Lanes Bloods and the Pasadena Denver Lanes Bloods.

The Denver Lanes are one of the largest Blood gangs in Southern California, according to LA County Sheriff's Detective Richard Pippin, who described them as "a small army."

"They are a violent criminal street gang, and they are a problem," said Pippin,  who said there have already been more residential burglaries in Altadena this year than all of 2008.

The usual pattern of the burglaries is two gang members going door to door, looking for uninhabited houses.  If someone answers the door, they will have a story, like asking for someone who isn't there or claiming to be looking for a lost pet. If nobody answers, one will go into the back yard to break in undetected and let their partner in to grab what they can and leave, all in about two or three minutes.  Such teams, which can number up to four members, will also have backpacks to cart the loot away.  A getaway car is usually nearby.

(Pictured: Det. Richard Pippin speaks to a full house at Webster Wed. night.  Photo by Bill Westphal)

The crooks are becoming more sophisticated, Pippin said, sometimes carrying clipboards to throw off suspicion as they go door to door, or carrying a "lost pet" poster they've ripped from a pole in the neighborhood.  Sometimes they'll say they're selling magazines, or ask "Is John there?" or some other name if someone answers the door. 

They also take care not to dress in gang attire, Pippin said.  A cellphone confiscated from a suspect arrested last week had the text message, "Bring a flathead screwdriver and don't wear red."  The suspect was part of a two-man team, one of whom was witnessed using a screwdriver to try and pry open a window.

Another dodge is to pose as workers, such as tree trimmers or gardeners.  One will accompany the owner into the back yard to come up with an "estimate," while his confederates will come in the front door and loot the house.

There have also been cases of vans or trucks backing up to houses to allow the crooks to remove as much as they can from empty homes.

Besides the rash of burglaries, which usually occur in the daytime, there has also been an increase in thefts from vehicles, which usually occur at night, Pippin said.  Thieves will systematically open car doors along the street, looking for unlocked vehicles.  They will also break into cars if they see something valuable lying in the open, such as cameras, iPods, or GPS devices, Pippen said.  To drive home the danger, Pippin told the crowd that 27 cars in the school's parking lot, belonging to people attending the meeting, had items out in the open that could make them targets.

Pippin also had some advice to help fight back:

• There is nothing more effective than knowing your neighbors.
• If someone knocks on the door, "don't play possum" -- you don't have to answer the door, Pippin said, but make them know someone's in the house.
• Record the serial numbers of your valuables, and keep a printed copy in a safe place (a record of serial numbers on your laptop won't help if the laptop's stolen).
• Take pictures of valuables, particularly jewelry
• In case of anything suspicious, call 911 (on land line) or the sheriff's station (on cell phone), 626-798-1131.
• When describing a suspect, try to remember things he' can't change (such as height, weight, tattoos, etc.) rather than clothing, which can be changed or thrown away.

Days of mud and gravel

After the fire, the next thing we have to worry about is mud: the US Geological Survey has issued a release on what to expect once substantial rains start.  Some neighborhoods aren't out of the woods yet.

Midweek open comment madness

What's going on in your world?  Dish!

It's hiking time again!

Got this message from readers Bill & Kit Fisher:

I just called the Angeles Forest office and found out that our trails are open--Echo Mountain (to Inspiration Point, it seems), Henninger and several others.  It's hiking time again!

Just thought all the readers would like to know.

The scene of the crime: open source arson investigation

Tipped to this by reader Tom Kosakowski:  Boing Boing is a cultural blog that we actually read (altho' we missed this): Photog Anthony Citrano was taking pictures of Station Fire aftermath, and discovered that he'd taken pictures of the ignition point before anyone KNEW it was the ignition point.  Tried to interest law enforcement -- not much response. 

Read the Boing Boing entry here, and Anthony's blog here.

It's Walk to School Week for local students

PSN's education reporter Caroline An looks at Jackson Elementary's participation in Walk to School Week.  (Of course, when we were young, we walked to school uphill ... both ways ... in the SNOW!)

Pick up negatives & prints for Project: Altadena

Photo by Walt has given its final warning:

Project: Altadena Participants 

Last reminder to come pick up your boards and negatives from Photography by Walt. They won't be available after this Saturday October 10th.

If you would like a CD of your 27 images we can do that for you for 5.00. Reprints and enlargements can also be ordered from your project.

Thanks again! 
Studio hours tue-fri 10:00-5:30 Sat 10:00-4:00 (may be closed on location sat)

2455 N. Lake Ave

Altadena, CA 91001

626 797 7207

Teen Read Week @ Library Oct. 18-24

The Altadena Library will be celebrating Teen Read Week 2009 “Read Beyond Reality” from October 18-24, with two events for teens:

On Tuesday, October 20 @ 4 PM join in on our Come and Play! Gaming Event and challenge other teens to Rock Band® and other fun and challenging traditional games. Teens (13-17) make sure to join us for laughs, bev, snacks and an outrageously good time!

On Thursday, October 22 @ 4 PM join us for a screening of the the fantasy classic “The Princess Bride.” It is “inconceivable” that you won’t have a good time!!!!

The library will also have a special display of great science fiction and fantasy books and graphic novels in the Teen Area….for Teen Read Week!

Boho-Highbrow Weekend Oct. 24-25

Travel back to some very high postwar times, an era commonly associated with conformity, crew cuts, and the Red Scare. In Altadena, an alternative universe was also in full flower. Revisit this with Altadena Heritage’s Concerts on the Crest weekend exhibition Oct. 24-25. Fifty years after the original Chilao Flats concerts — music, art, and the exchange of ideas will again flow at two extraordinary cultural events at the wondrous Mountain View Mausoleum, architectural gem of the 1920s.

Saturday, watch the sun set 4-7 p.m. on the San Gabriels from the Mausoleum’s second story courtyard at a cocktail party. Enjoy exquisite food from The Spot and popular music of the 1950s interpreted by the Bohos.

The exhibition will open for preview: Boho-Highbrow — The Work of Jirayr Zorthian and Gus Albrecht features a witty collection of drawings by the well-known Altadena artist and sybarite illustrating Albrecht’s opinionated and often hilarious thoughts on music and culture. Albrecht was a professor of chemistry, a musician, and impresario — his pithy columns “Music Matters” appeared in The Pasadena Independent. These and other of his writings make up the other half of a surprising, divergent view of Postwar America as expressed by two Altadenans.

Boho-Highbrow continues at a Sunday Salon Oct. 25th. The exhibition will be open all day, and from 4-6 pm, beginning in the Grand Staircase Hall of the Mausoleum, Diego Morales and string quartet will perform a Shostakovich and Ravel program in deference to the Schoenfeld sisters who played at the original Concerts on the Crest organized by Albrecht. Music will be interspersed with commentary from Diego, who studied with Eleanor Schoenfeld at USC. Social context from local historian Michele Zack and others will restart the provocative jazz-classical-music-graphic arts conversation this exhibition celebrates.

Tickets for this rare weekend of art, culture, and architecture are $50 for both events (limited to 100 reservations), or $20 for the Sunday Salon and exhibition only. Guests are welcomed to interpret their own Boho-chic style at Saturday’s rooftop cocktail party. For reservations, email Altadenaheritage@earthlink.net or call 626.797.0054.

Chopper chasing burglars

... over on the west side, near Mountain View right now (8 PM), according to the sheriff's station.

George McGovern, John Dean "Talking Politics" at the Senior Center Nov. 2

The Altadena Public Library in association with the Altadena Friends of the LibraryUnited States Senator George McGovern, the 1972 Democratic candidate for president, and former Counsel to President Richard Nixon, John W. Dean.  The program, entitled “Talking Politics,”  will be held at the Altadena Senior Center, 560 East Mariposa Street, Altadena (next to the library)  Mon., Nov. 2 @ 7 PM.  The program  is free and open to the public. 

This special appearance by two influential and important American political figures will be followed by a book signing, and books will be available for purchase at the event. For information please call 626-798-0833.

McGovern's most recent book is Abraham Lincoln: The 16th President, 1861-1865 (Henry Holt). Author of Team of Rivals, Doris Kearns Goodwin, says “McGovern’s Lincoln is a finely wrought gem. In this small volume McGovern captures Lincoln’s character and leadership strength better than many weighty tomes. It is a worthy addition to the brilliant American Presidents Series.” George S. McGovern—a Midwesterner, former U.S. senator, presidential candidate, veteran, and historian by training—offers his unique insight into our sixteenth president. He shows how Lincoln sometimes went astray, particularly in his restrictions on civil liberties, but also how he adjusted his sights and transformed the Civil War from a political dispute to a moral crusade. McGovern’s account reminds us why we hold Lincoln in such esteem and why he remains the standard by which all of his successors are measured.

John Dean’s most recent book is Blind Ambition Updated Edition: The End of the Story (Polimedia Publishing). In reissuing Blind Ambition, which spent six months on the New York Times bestseller list and has been out of print for over two decades, John Dean has added a powerful new Afterword, an extended essay in which he explains with the new clarity why (and how) a bungled, conspicuously amateurish burglary at the Democratic National Committee unraveled a presidency, forcing Richard Nixon from office; he also provides definitive
answers to the most persistent questions that have lingered about these events; and alerts us all to the deceitful and growing efforts by Nixon apologists and those out to make a fast buck to rewrite this tragic chapter of American history by reinventing it. Just as with Blind Ambition, this new material is brutally honest and strikingly revealing. Dean’s perceptive new Afterword, when read with this now classic autobiographical work, truly closes the case on Watergate.

Most famously, John Dean served as White House Counsel to President Richard Nixon from 1970-1973, and became the star witness of the Watergate prosecution. Dean frequently appears on MSNBC's Countdown with Keith Olberman and is the author of numerous books including, Worse Than Watergate, Conservatives Without Conscience, Broken Government: How Republican Rule Destroyed the Legislative, Judicial and Executive Branches and, most recently, a reissue of Blind Ambition. John Dean lives in Beverly Hills, CA.

George S. McGovern represented South Dakota in the United States Senate from 1963 to 1981 and was the Democratic nominee for president in 1972. He was a decorated bomber pilot in World War II, after which he earned his Ph.D. in American history and government at Northwestern University. A recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom presented to him by President Clinton, he lives in Mitchell, South Dakota.

An afternoon with Robert Wagner at the Library Nov. 7 at 2 PM

The Altadena Public Library has promised a fantastic November lineup, and here's just the beginning:

The Altadena Public Library in association with the Altadena Friends of the Library, 600 East Mariposa Street, Altadena, CA 91001 are please to present “An Afternoon with Robert Wagner” who will discuss his bestselling autobiography, Pieces of My Heart. The event will take place on Saturday, November 7th @ 2pm in the library community room. This event is free and will be followed by a book signing. Books will be available for purchase at the event. For information please call 626-798-0833.

The span of Robert “RJ” Wagner’s fascinating career is one few actors can rival. As a teen he caddied for Clark Gable. He was mentored by Spencer Tracy and befriended by golden-era greats including Gary Cooper, James Cagney and Bette Davis. He dated everyone from Debbie Reynolds to Joan Collins, had a relationship with Elizabeth Taylor, and a secretive four-year love affair during his early twenties with megastar Barbara Stanwyck, then in her mid forties.

Wagner has dazzled audiences as the star of TV hits including It Takes a Thief, Switch and Hart to Hart, and in over fifty films, including A Kiss Before Dying, The Pink Panther, The Towering Inferno, and most recently in the Austin Powers series. And from the time he fell for adored actress Natalie Wood in 1956 to her shattering death in 1981, he lived an epic love story that stirred the depths of his soul.

Welcome new sponsor: Mike Gibson Service Center

Altadenablog welcomes our new sponsor, Mike Gibson Service Center, 1701 E. Walnut in Pasadena.


Mike, the eponymous owner, a longtime Altadenan, boasts almost 50 years in the automotive business.  He started working in a service station in Altadena when he was 15.  In 1966, when he was 20, he bought the business, which was located near Eliot Middle School.  And after all those years in the automobile service business, Mike says, "I still like it."

Mike describes the business as "general repair -- we work on all makes and models," Mike says.  "We specialize in doing the best we can."

(Pictured: l-r, Gene Cummings, Mike Gibson, and Herb Hopkins.)

And it seems to be working -- Mike says he has had some customers for decades, some even since 1966.  This year, he will be named the best auto repair service in Pasadena Weekly's "Best of Pasadena" issue.  Why?  Quality, customer-centered service. Gene Cummings, a 20 year employee, says  "Customer service is contagious -- we started the epidemic."

Mike Gibson Service Center shows the craftsmanship and care that can only come through long-term dedication to their work.  "We're like a family here," Mike says, which isn't just a saying.  Other employees include mechanic Herb Hopkins (30 years) and Mike's children, mechanic Robert Gibson and daughter Lisa Gibson.

Open five days week from 7:30 AM - 5 PM, Mike describes the shop as "busy," and isn't afraid to grab a wrench himself.  "I still get greasy," he says: "Whatever it takes to do it."

If you're looking for car service by experienced hands, with an old-fashioned sense of craftsmanship and love for what they do, Mike Gibson Service Center is the place to go.  For prompt service, call ahead of time for an appointment (ask for Gene) at 626-795-3726.

Arroyo Food Co-op membership launch @community center Sat.

Arroyo Food Co-op will hold a community involvement and membership launch meeting this Sat.,  Oct. 10  at 9 AM at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr..  At this event the co-op will unveil its plans to establish a community driven food co-op grocery store serving the greater Altadena-Pasadena area.   Community feedback will be welcomed and charter co-op memberships will be available. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information visit www.arroyofoodcoop.com

Altadena to Antarctica: Byrd expedition raises funds for Parkinson's disease

Got this note from Michele Judd, who tells us that Drs. Andrea Donnellan and Richard Schubin are from Altadena:

We really need people to buy tickets to our first kick off event on October 10, 2009 at the Proud Bird near LAX.  It will include a one-hour hosted bar, buffet dinner, speakers, dancing to Big Band Theory, autograph opportunities, and the chance to rub elbows with scientists, filmmakers, artists, and adventurers. There will be an auction with items such as a ride in a T-28 aircraft and an autographed scale model of an SR-71 Blackbird. Tickets are $100 each, and can be bought online at the Byrd Expedition web site, where donations are also welcome: http://byrdexpedition.org.

Details after the jump.

Rameses Barden: small college to NFL

Umar Hussein of the New University website interviews New York Giant (and Altadenan) Rameses Barden.  This is apparently an old story, before Barden made the pros, that just recently came online.

Sandra Thomas schools 'em

Dr. Sandra Thomas, founder of the Quality of Life Center, starts off another year of the Bright Futures Scholars at the Community Center Saturday afternoon.  Dr. Thomas writes us:

Our young scholars are fantastic. We had about 130 plus scholars and a few parents that decided to stay with us.  All of the others went home -- no seats.

Leadership development and mentoring are vital to our future.  We must not only plant seeds but nurture their growth-thus producing an outstanding harvest.

Student, teacher of the month awards given

Over at the altadenans.com website, Herbert Simmons has announced his first winners of the Student & Teacher of the Month awards at Jackson and Webster Elementary Schools (click under "Current Issues" to read).

Odyssey Charter School neighborhood meeting Mon.

Dear Neighbors,

Please join us for a neighborhood meeting on Tuesday, October 6th from 6 to 7PM at Odyssey Charter School on Altadena Drive. We will discuss:
1. Traffic flow at Odyssey Charter School
2. Emergency Preparedness
3. Increased crime in Altadena
4. Plans for December's Holiday Party

Please come!


Karen Hovanitz

Land Use Committee meets Tues., Oct. 6 @ 7 PM

After a long break, the Land Use Committee meets at the Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr., at 7 PM Tues.  Chair Brian League says:

We have no action items but a number of reports and updates.  I have attached an underline strike version of the proposed Hillside Ordinance and a document which tracks the changes.

Feed your very hungry readers this Thurs. in Read for the Record

Don't forget: this Thurs., Oct. 8, it's "Read for the Record": join readers from around the country in reading Eric Carle's classing The Very Hungry Caterpiller."

The Altadena Libraries are holding two readings: at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa, and 4 PM; and at the Bob Lucas Branch Library 2659 N. Lincoln Ave.  Participating children will get a FREE limited edition of the book.  Come help us set a record!

Altadena Sheriff's forum on burglaries and thefts Oct. 7

Don't forget Wed., Oct. 7, the Altadena Sheriff's Station will hold a community meeting on the rash of thefts and burglaries this Wed., Oct. 7, starting at 7 PM at Daniel Webster Elementary School auditorium,  2101 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena.

Find out how, when, and where the crimes are occuring, what you can do to protect yourself, and how you can help prevent thefts from occurring.

For more information, call the Sheriff's station at 626-798-1131.

The Blue Lobsters march again!

One of the causes close to our heart is advocating for people with Down Syndrome, to be fully accepted and included in our lives. It's touched our family, and we have many friends with Down Syndrome, and love having them enrich our lives.

So this year, for the fifth year in a row, we're marching in the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles' annual Buddy Walk.  The walk helps support the work of DSALA, giving support to families and individuals with Down Syndrome. 

So we're encouraging you to support your neighbors with Down Syndrome by contributing to our team, "Rosie's Blue Lobsters" (named after Rosie, pictured -- and the explanation for blue lobsters is here). You can walk with us (it's really fun!) or make a contribution through this link. 

Thank you for your generous support in the past, and for supporting individuals with Down Syndrome!

300,000

... that's the number of page views we've received since our birth two years ago this month!  Thanks to our friends and neighbors in this wonderful community of Altadena for all your support!

We especially thank our sponsors (who you will see along the sidebars), as well as those of you who have donated thru the tip jar (on the right, below the weather report).  You've enabled us to upgrade our service and you'll begin to see the improvements in coming weeks.  Thanks to all our contributors over the past two years (yeoman service awards to Bill Westphal, Monica Hubbard, Chris Considine, Alice Wesson, and the library and sheriff's department.  Special thanks are also due to Michele Zack and the Altadena Arts Coalition, as well as many others).  And extra-special thanks to all of you who gave us boots-on-the-ground coverage during the Station Fire.

This has been a heady and exhausting six weeks -- but it was worth it  We love this work.  We love Altadena!

Girl Scouts' pumpkin patch next weekend

Is it that time already?  The Girl Scouts will have a pumpkin patch next weekend at their site at 615 E. Mariposa, Oct. 10-11 from 9 AM to 4 PM. Food, crafts, games, activities ... and pumpkins!  All are welcome!

Weekend open comments

Let's just get the weekend started!  What do you want to say?

Food for thought: the library offers burgers for books!

Starting Oct. 10 and ending Nov. 21, the Altadena Libraries offer "Food for Thought": young readers age 4-12 must check out and read five books from the library, and in return will receive a certificate for a free hamburger or cheeseburger from Inn-N-Out!

Weekendin'

Kind of a quiet one this time:

Fri., Oct. 2

• Graphic novelist Kazu Kibuishi will sign and discuss his new book AMULET 2: THE STONEKEEPER’S CURSE at the Altadena Libray, 600 E. Mariposa, 4:30 PM.
• Susie Glaze & the Hilonesome Band at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 8 PM. Tickets $20.

Sat., Oct. 3

• Eaton Canyon Nature Center: Bonnie Burratti of JPL will speak about the recent mission to Pluto and host a "Star Party" following her speech with telescopes set up to view the evening sky.
• The Rhythm Angels at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 7 PM, $15.

Sun. Oct. 4

• NAACP Youth Council meets at the Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr., at 4 PM.
• The High Hills bluegrass band, 7 PM at the Coffee Gallery, $18.

Stupid criminal tricks: same crime, same place -- different result.

Thank goodness crooks are stupid.  Case in point Wednesday, when sheriff's deputies were already feeling good about catching two suspected burglars in the act:

The station received a call from Rite Aid (across the street from the sheriff's station). Several days before, a customer purchased $2,000 worth of cash cards with a bad check.  Now he was back, trying to do the same thing again.

He was arrested, of course -- because trying to repeat the same crime -- in the same place -- and across the street from the cop shop, no less -- probably means a life of crime is not a good career choice.

Altadena thanks our first responders

Farnsworth Park was  the scene this afternoon for a homemade BBQ to honor Altadena firefighters and sheriff's deputies for their work during the Station Fire.

The ballroom at the Davies Building decorated for the event.

Hot dogs and sausages grilled on the fire. Among the food donors: Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, Mi Place, Green Street Restaurant, El Portal Restaurant, Naked Juice, Schreiner's Fine Sausages, Domenicos, Avanti Cafe, and Farmer John's.  St. Mark's School held a cookie drive to help out with dessert.

 

Take a picture (State assemblyman Anthony Portantino and State Sen. Carol Liu are front and center), then ...

...it's time to eat!   

UPDATE 9 PM: The Star-News' take.

NAACP to hold Education Forum Oct. 17 @ Community Center

The Altadena NAACP will hold an Education Forum on Sat., Oct. 17, 9 AM-12 PM at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.

The forum features members of the Pasadena Unified School District board discussing California budget implications for PUSD education programs through 2011.  The event is free and open to the public.  For more information, call the Community Center at 626-398-6174 or Gregor Edwards at 626-676-1921.
 

Three bears on the prowl in Altadena (waiting for porridge to cool?)

View Critter Map in a larger map

Reader Ismael Silla writes:

I want to report bear sighting in my front yard at around 11:30 of September 29.  I heard a noise like someone is dragging the desk in my front porch, but when I look through the window to check I noticed my trash was knocked down.  I went outside with a ski pole and a stick in hand hoping to ward off any intruders and was startled to see a six-foot brown bear staring at me. Terrified, I ran back to the house and notified the Altadena Sheriff.  They came after about twenty minutes and I was told that there is a family of three bears roaming Altadena.  Be on the lookout.
 
I live at Mount Curve Avenue east of Lake Avenue near Farnsworth Park.

Website, toll-free number launched for the fire-affected

From Supv. Antonovich's office.  Some of this information has appeared earlier, but here it is in on place:

Initiated by Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, C.A.R.E. is a multi-agency program to protect life and property in the upcoming rainy months.  This program will include regular updates and bulletins, technical assistance for residents on constructing mudslide diversions, a “one-stop” website with fire recovery and storm preparation information, public service announcements, and a speakers bureau for community meetings.

The website http://www.dpwcare.org provides the following vital information:

·             Assistance Programs
·             Safety Preparedness
·             Development/Rebuilding
·             Current conditions
·             Emergency shelter locations

The toll free number (800) 214-4020 is available to residents offering free engineering advice for homeowners affected by the fires and concerned about erosion, mud-flows, and related issues.

PHS senior remembers friend's Eaton Canyon death

Miguel Melendez @ PSN has a moving story about Jesse Hernandez, starting center at Pasadena High School, who was hiking in Eaton Canyon with Arturo Beristain last spring when the latter fell 200 feet to his death.

Water district to hold public meeting Oct. 8 at community center

The Foothill Municipal Water District (FMWD) is hosting two community forums during which officials will discuss ongoing water shortages, as well as the district’s long term plans to upgrade its aging infrastructure.

The first meeting will take place on Oct. 8 at the Altadena Community Center, and the second will take place on Oct. 13 at Verdugo Hills Hospital. Both forums will start at 6:30 p.m.

Among the priorities at the meetings will be to outline the FMWD’s two-pronged, local reliable supply program. The first part of the program is a modernization of its infrastructure, and the second part of the local reliable supply program is the development of local water supplies, including expanding the use of recycled water (such as captured storm water) and intensifying conservation efforts.

For more information, check Megan O'Neill's story at the La Canada Valley Sun.

Child Health Foundation clinic opens Oct. 12

While the country struggles with the issue of health care reform, Pasadena is moving forward with a collaborative effort to provide access to primary health care services to all underserved families within the city.  To showcase this important project initiated by the Pasadena Child Health Foundation (PCHF), the newly expanded and renovated health clinic at Washington Middle School, 1505 North Marengo Avenue will be open from 4-5 PM on Mon., Oct. 12, as part of a special community-wide Open House.   On tap to welcome guests and families will be Pasadena Unified School District Superintendent Edwin Diaz and the Washington Middle School Glee Club.

The Pasadena Child Health Foundation (PCHF) is a private foundation whose purpose is to promote the mental and physical health of children in the Pasadena area.  In launching its new three-year funding initiative titled the Child Health Collaborative which involves several Pasadena-area service providers, PCHF will place special emphasis on providing accessible health care to Pasadena’s uninsured and underinsured children.  The initiative has three primary components.  First, to improve access to primary care, the plan calls for the Pasadena Unified School District to provide clinic space and employ a nurse practitioner to staff the clinic beyond the school day.  Second, Five Acres, a well-recognized Altadena-based mental health provider will offer counseling services.  Another highly regarded local agency, Young & Healthy, operating through neighborhood outreach teams will provide information about clinic services and expertise on health insurance enrollment information.

 
 

Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy holds fundraiser Oct. 3

The Arroyo & Foothills Conservancy (formerly the Altadena Foothills Conservancy) is holding a fundraiser this weekend:

Dear Friends –

 I hope you can join us for this event!

 Assemblymember Anthony & Ellen Portantino

And the

Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy

Board of Directors

Cordially invite you to an

Afternoon tea celebrating the introduction of

The Foothills Society

Saturday, 3 October 2009 (3 – 5 pm)

4612 La Canada Blvd, La Canada Flintridge

RSVP Meredith@arroyosfoothills.org, 323-230-9749

They're also accepting pledges in varying amounts (which we're not going to spend a great deal of time retyping!).  Call for more information.