altadenablog

Weekend open thread

What's on your mind this weekend?

It's Poetry & Cookies time at the Library!

Local poets who would like to be part of the Altadena Library’s annual Poetry and Cookies program and
be included in the library's annual poetry publication, should submit poems single spaced along with a two sentence bio to pdutton@altadenalibrary.org by February 15.

Up to 78 lines not more than 50 spaces in length may be printed in the 2010 edition of Poetry and Cookies. Since children may be in the audience submissions should be family rated. This year’s celebration will take place on Sat., April 10 at 2 PM and feature the inauguration of the library's Poet Laureate for May 2010 through April 2012.  More information is available on the library’s website www.altadenalibrary.org or by phone at 626-798-0833.

Central Altadena Little League starts tryouts Sat.

Central Altadena Little League (CALL) will be holding sign-ups for its 2010 Baseball Season on Saturdays, January 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th. Sign-ups will be held at the lower baseball diamond at Farnsworth Park, Altadena (corner of Lake Ave. & Concha St.) from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Try-outs will also be held from 9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, January 23rd and 30th. Tryouts are required for team placement for all players except for those in T-Ball.

Boys and girls, ages 5 through 16, living in Central Altadena who are interested in playing are encouraged to sign-up on one of these days. Games are held at Farnsworth Park, and the season runs from March to mid-June. Children will learn baseball skills, help gain overall fitness, and learn the importance of good sportsmanship, while having a good time.

New players must bring proof of their age (birth certificate) and address (utility bill).For more information, please call the CALL voicemail hotline at (626) 236-4969 or our web site at www.centralaltadenalittleleague.org.

Have a little tea

The Tea Party movement has made its way up the hill, with a "Neighborhood Tea Party" event planned for this Saturday in Altadena.  Pasadena Patriots has the details here.

Altadena Library seeks new poet laureate

The Altadena Library is now accepting applications and nominations for its new Poet Laureate. Poets who live, work or are active in the Altadena community are invited to apply.

The inauguration of the Poet Laureate for Altadena Library 2010-2012 will take place on April 10 at the library's annual Poetry & Cookies celebration. The laureate's poetry will be featured at this event and in the library's annual publication of poetry which will be available at the presentation. 

Applications, which are due February 1, 2010, are available online (www.altadenalibrary.org) and at the library.  The current Poet Laureate for Altadena Library is Marcia Thompson, whose book, The Wisdom in Your Wings: a Poetic Tribute to Dr. Maya Angelou, has been adapted for the theater.

 

More information is available at www.altadenalibrary.org; pdutton@altadenalibrary.org; and 626-798-0833

The main Altadena Library is located at 600 East Mariposa Street, Altadena, CA 91001.

Roll out the barrel building

Altadenan Chris Nichols, an associate editor for Los Angeles Magazine and architecture buff, is crusading to preserve four historic barrel-shaped buildings in the San Fernando Valley.  Dana Bartholomew of the Daily News rolls it out.

Preschool fair this Sat.

The MOMS Club of Pasadena will hold its Preschool Fair this Saturday from 9 AM-noon at the Grace Christian Academy, 75 N. Hill.  Several Altadena-area preschools will be represented, and a silent auction will benefit Five Acres, among others.  For more information, go to www.momsclubpasadena.com.

Better Business Bureau offers advice on 2010 census

There's a note making its way through the local newsgroups that claims to be from the Better Business Bureau, giving advice on how to avoid being scammed during the 2010 census. Rather than pass on a message whose provenance we aren't sure of (altho' it seems legit), we're referring you to this page on the official BBB website that tells you what to be wary of when someone claiming to be a census taker rings your doorbell.

Burglars: the latest variation

From our friend, Pasadena PIO Ann Erdman: the latest wrinkle in burglaries, and no reason why a version of it couldn't happen here:

BURGLAR POSES AS PASADENA CITY EMPLOYEE

 
There have been two recent incidents of a man claiming to be a Pasadena Water and Power employee, entering homes under the guise of checking water pressure, and ransacking and burglarizing the premises.
 
In both incidents the victims were elderly Pasadena residents.
 
The suspect, described as a Hispanic male approximately 30 to 40 years of age, 5 feet 6 inches tall with black hair, a thin build and wearing blue jeans, was allowed into the homes and escorted by the elderly victims to various locations where he checked the flow of water. 
 

When he was finished, he told the victims everything was fine and then left.  It was reported that he got into the back seat of a pinkish beige compact, four-door car that drove away southbound.  A second unknown person drove the car away. 

Relay for Life kickoff Jan. 30

The American Cancer Society invites individuals and families who want to celebrate the lives of those who have faced cancer, remember loved ones lost and fight back against the disease to join us at our Relay For Life of Altadena Kickoff on Sat., Jan. 30 at 2 PM at the Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa.In 1985, Relay For Life began with one man who walked and ran around a track for 24 hours raising $27,000. This year, Relay For Life is coming to you in more than 4,800 communities and in Altadena we are hoping to raise $30,000 to fight back against cancer.

Our Relay For Life event is taking place May 15th-16th 2010 at Loma Alta Park –so Save the Date!

Short takes

• Good news dept.: Webster's Fine Stationers (Altadenablog sponsor) donated $500 of holiday receipts to Danny's Farm.  Cathy Gott of Danny's Farm says it will go toward a new canvas cover for part of the farm, which offers programs for all kinds of children and employement for disabled adults.  (Also check this space for something upcoming on Danny's planned move to lower Zorthian Ranch).
• Altadena author Greg E. Middleton is interviewed by The Writer's Life blog, and has a nice feature in the Books Tours and More blog.
• We want to bring your attention to a couple of local websites that we frequent.  Local plein air painter Keni's blog  is an interesting combination of his beautiful outdoor paintings (sometimes painted in not-so-nice places) and his witness for his faith.
  
  And our compadre Karin Bugge, the Altadenahiker, has been on a roll lately with her wise and witty observations, and sometimes heart-tugging stories of real life as it's lived.  If you don't read her occasionally, you're missing something! If you're an animal lover in need of a good cry, read Heartland and all the comments.  Grab hankies first.

Snort (land) takes

Altadena whirlwind Ellen Snortland is on the prowl again!

First, take a look at her PWeekly article on the 3/50 Project (which we also support) on helping our local businesses.

And second, Snortland will be doing her one-woman show, "Now That She’s Gone," at the Actors Repertory 3rd Annual Solo Festival, 2811 W. Magnolia, Burbank, CA  91505 on Sun., Jan. 17 (tickets $15).  It's the second bill of a double-header, which starts with "My Life As A Rom Com," a satire about dating, biological clocks, and Hollywood created and performed by Robyn Von Arx.

Now That She’s Gone is a play that explores Snortland’s often hilarious, irreverent and sometimes torturous relationship with her Norwegian-American mother. Now That She’s Gone has been described as a Lily Tomlin /Garrison Keillor / Eve Ensler hybrid… passionate, poignant and funny in turns. A memoir piece with Eleanor Roosevelt, sex, drugs and lutefisk, the play and performance has received rave reviews and standing ovations in California, New York, and Washington, D.C.

Tickets: 1-800-838-3006
www.theactorsrepertory.com
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/93945

Weekendin'

Sat., Jan. 9

• The Friends of the Altadena Library presents a free workshop, "Igniting Your Writing-How to Begin" by best-selling author, Dorothy Randall Gray.   Both new and seasoned writers will gain much from her inspired teachings in this stimulating participatory workshop. 2 PM, Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa
• Artist's reception for "Circa Sometime," an exhibition of selected works by six artists working in assemblage and collage, at McGinty's Gallery at the End of the World, 2475 North Lake Avenue starting at 4 PM.  Exhibit continues through Jan. 31.

Sun., Jan. 10

• Bluegrass jam at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 12:30-3:30 PM.
• Artist's reception for photographer Annie Fourgette at the Coffee Gallery, 4-7 PM.  Her exhibit will be at the gallery through January.

Hike Rubio Canon Jan. 16

Mountain man Greg Sweet tells us about this event next Sat:

Sat 1/16/2010  (9 am)

Hike Rubio Canyon with the Arroyos and Foothills Conservancy.  Hike through AFC's Rubio Canyon parcel to the waterfalls with guide/interpreter Paul Ayres. Paul will point out important highlights of the parcel on the way to and from the Rubio Canyon waterfalls.  Contact Meredith McKenzie meredith@arroyosfoothills.org to RSVP and for the trailhead location.

Homeless dogs on the spot

Pictured: Julie, left, and Dottie

Judith McAdoo sent us this heart-rending tale:

I have a good friend, Paula, who lives in Bellingham, Wa. This last summer her mother was killed and her father dreadfully injured in an auto accident while on vacation. The father is still in neuro rehab and will never be able to return to his independent home in Sherman Oaks.

His two beautiful dalmatians have been with a dog sitter until now when it has become clear he will not be able to take care of himself, much less the dogs. His daughter is caring for her dad and has a house full of critters already so cannot take the dogs. They are looking for a home for both dogs together. The dogs are in Sherman Oaks.

Annie Fourguette photographs @ Coffee Gallery

Coffee Gallery hosts autobio writing/performance workshop

Telling Tales Theatre at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2027 North Lake Avenue.

This exciting autobiographical writing/performance workshop encourages both experienced and new writers to cultivate their literary skills in a stimulating and supportive environment
 
Workshop Begins Sat., Jan. 9, 2010 at 1-3 PM. at the Coffee Gallery Backstage
 
Theme:  The Adventure of Self Discovery
 

Ibarionex Perello on KPCC tonight

Local photog Ibarionex Perello will be featured in American Public Media's The Story tonight, talking about his mentor and the Boy's Club in Hollywood, where he first learned the art of shutterbugging.  It will air locally on KPCC at 8 PM.

Miss the Coffee Gallery last night?

Donna Barnes-Roberts, who should really have enough to do already, has started at new blog, Atthecoffeegallery.com, with videos of acts at our local performing venue.  Some videos of the New Year's party are up now -- check 'em out!

Theatre Americana returns to Farnsworth Park Feb. 13

Theatre Americana would like to extend an invitation to all directors & playwrights to be guests at a reception to celebrate Theatre Americana's  return to the stage at the historical Davies Hall (Farnsworth Park) Altadena. 

During the depression, President Roosevelt asked Congress to set aside funds to build theaters to assist in creating employment for writers, directors and actors - thus fulfilling the President and Eleanor's desire to provide support and opportunities in the theatrical community.  Davies Hall was one of two theatres built at the end of the WPA program.

Theatre Americana became the resident theatre at Farnsworth Park Amphitheater and Davies hall, chartered with the commitment to produce original plays by American playwrights. The last play produced on the stage at Davies Hall was over 15 years ago.  

Please save the date of Saturday, February 13th @7 PM for champagne &  hors d'oeuvres reception that precedes an original play directed by Bill Shaw (director of Music Theatre of San Gabriel Valley).  More details about the evening will follow.

We hope you will attend and celebrate as Theatre Americana's legacy comes home to the Altadena  community.  

Guests, please respond to:  donna8461@sbcglobal.net

 

Altadena Community Church hosts Red Cross disaster preparedness talk Jan. 17

Red Cross disaster preparedness presentation - earthquakes, wind, and fires!  Altadena Community Church/United Church of Christ is sponsoring a free presentation by the SGV Red Cross on Sunday, January 17th, 3 - 4:30 pm.  Learn how to be 'Red Cross ready' with information for before, during, and after the next disaster.  Childcare available. 943 E. Altadena Dr. (next to the Chevron station).  Info: 626/798-1185

Land Use Committee meetings 7 PM Tues.

Click the graphic for tomorrow's agenda.

LA High School for the Arts open for enrollment

The Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA), the premier performing and visual arts high school in the Western U.S., has set January 22, 2010 as the deadline for applying to all art departments of the school for enrollment in the Fall 2010.

Located on the campus of California State University LA (CSULA), LACHSA is celebrating 25 years of nurturing Los Angeles talent.  In addition to meeting academic requirements, prospective students gain admission to the school through audition or portfolio review in one of four arts departments: Dance, Music (instrumental or vocal), Theatre, and Visual Arts. Film/TV and Musical Theatre Ensemble are strong programs within LACHSA available as electives to enrolled students. Each department sets the standards for its own audition or portfolio review process. Detailed information about the application/audition process can be downloaded from LACHSA’s website at www.lachsa.net.

Have you seen Rosie?

And yet another lost dog!: Susan Ruffins mails us:

Friends watching our dog over the holidays reported that she dashed out the front door and hightailed it into the pass between La Canada and Altadena.  The dog's name is Rosie and she is a small(ish) white terrier with black spots. Her ears are too large and her legs too short.  She is funny looking, cheerful and very dear to us.   She has tags.  Please let us know if you are able to get a hold of her.  Call Susan at 626-398-1866.

Short takes

• Dogs and cats, living together!  Naw, not really -- but Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff and Republican LA County Supervisor Mike Antonovich are of one mind calling for an investigation of failures during the Station Fire in this Andre Coleman piece in the PWeekly.
• The Sierra Club's Wednesday meeting will look at weaning Southern California cities off coal.  At the Eaton Canyon Nature Center; social starts at 7 PM, presentation at 7:30.
• An obit of former Altadenan, art patron, and world traveler Marka Hibbs in PSN.  Hibbs was also the mother of PSN's Larry Wilson, and she sounds like quite the grand lady.

Altadena/Pasadena: HQ of tomorrow's security tech

The Altadena firm StereoVision Imaging is mentioned in this LA Times article about the growth in airline security high tech.  The article also mentions the Business Technology Center, and several firms that have been started by engineers trained at JPL, spinning off space technology to insure safe travel.

Being a real man in the New Year

Greg Middleton, a local composer/musician who is also a member of the Sheriff's Clergy Council, has also been thinking serious thoughts about men and relationships.  PR Web just announced the publication of his book, Real Men, which is describes as:

Real Men identifies 25 family and relationship issues and provides simple, workable solutions that can improve individual lives and relationships. The topics cover a broad spectrum such as, infidelity, the dangers of male/female role reversal, the detriments of father’s abandoning their children and understanding the complex dynamics of male/female relationships. Real Men is a valuable resource for any man seeking to become a better man. The book uncovers tough issues but provides empowering resolves.

Says PR Web:

In light of the recent infidelity scandal related to Tiger Woods, Middleton says, “basically men have lost their focus and need to be reminded of core essential values." Failure to implement any of those values “undermines the family unit and thus society.” His call is to men between the ages of 18-39 because those are the years that fathering children mostly occurs and he believes that if he can impact young fathers then their offspring have a greater chance of being raised in a stable, nurturing, environment. “We have to be able to pass the torch to the next generation.”

Altadena Schools: the next step

Bruce Wasson, one of the petitioners who is working to create an Altadena school district to improve achievement, tells us that they've reached their 7,000 signature goal, and emails us as to the next step:

Petitions will be forwarded to the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) after the last few have come back and volunteers have decided the team is ready for next steps. 18-24 months from LACOE's receipt of the completed petitions to voters casting their vote for AUSD is still a good estimate of the overall timeline.
 
We'll have more to say after the petitions have been returned to LACOE. In the meantime, we encourage Altadenans to visit the home page regularly. Visitors will begin to see the stark difference between Altadena in 2020 if as a community we keep doing the same things - or if we close the achievement gap in every school, grade, and subject: http://www.altadenaschools.net

Found dog: black lab [UPDATE]

Laura Graham tells us

Found in Altadena, Female Black Lab, collar, no tags, wandering Maiden Lane above New York. She maybe 2 years, 50-60 pounds. She safe and has a new friend, but I'm sure she would like to get home as soon as she can, as she is obviously well loved. Please call Laura @ 626-543-4844 and describe collar to identify her.

UPDATE:  we love found dog stories!  Laura sent us this:

Hey, crazy good outcome: I found the owner on Craigslist, he lives over in Glendale and only adopted her two days before Christmas, which is when she managed to open a window and chew through the screen. Somehow she made it to Altadena?! He sent me a photo by e-mail, no question it was her, and he picked her up this afternoon.

What a great way to start the new year!

Glendale to Altadena?  That's one ambitious dog!

The top 10 Altadena stories of 2009

Burglaries, businesses, the Fork, town council, graffiti -- and oh yes, fire.  Here’s our absolutely non-objective and highly opinionated look at Altadena’s Top 10 news stories of 2009:

(Photo of Poppyfield/Olive area by Bethany Baird, Aug. 29)