altadenablog

Wandering Rottweiler at Florecita

Erica tells us:

There was a lost Rottweiler roaming around Florecita Farms on Wednesday around 3 PM. Scarred myself and thinking of the nearby Odyssey School, I called the Pasadena Humane Society to pick it up. It looked like it is injured and is a older male. If someone is missing a all black Rottweiler of that description. It is at the Pasadena Humane Society, they will assess it for ten days. It looked like it had been out on the street for a while and it does not have a micro-chip. The Humane Society picked it up around 4:45.

Make a travel candle from an Altoid tin? Sure!

This sounds like fun -- we use an Altoids tin as a case for our iPod Nano (true story!)

On Thurs., Feb. 25 @ 4:30pm, in the Altadena Library Community Room, 600 E. Mariposa, teens and tweens can recycle/reuse an empty Altoids tin and create handy-dandy little travel candle for fun and function. Come on down to the Altadena Library and participate in this great “green” program!

 

What's that chopper doing?

Sheriff's got a call of a burglary in the neighborhood around Allen and New York at about noon today, so that's what the chopper's hovering around looking for. Scanner reports suspect is a male with red hair, but no other details.

Highlights from last night's council meeting

Highlights of  last night's Altadena Town Council meeting:

• Changeups: La Vina resident Doug Colliflower was named to the town council seat 4603.01, vacated by Dennis Bridwell last month. Colliflower runs DC Golf, which operates the Altadena and Eaton Canyon golf courses.   In a shifting of responsibilities, Ruth Nielan was named vice-chair, and Jamie Bissner corresponding secretary.
• Post office drop boxes: Chairman Gino Sund said he is soliciting comments from residents about the removal of blue post office drop boxes from around town.  He has scheduled a meeting with the Altadena postmaster next week to address the issue: email esund@att.net
• Cell tower: ATT is resuscitating its plan for a cell phone tower on the west side, and is expected to come to the Town Council with a plan in a month or so.  The new proposed location for the tower will be Loma Alta Dr., one street east of McNally by the wash.
• Hillside ordinance: The Altadena Hilside Ordinance will be before the regional planning commission next Wed., Feb. 24, downtown.
• Public Safety: Retiring Sheriff Capt. Roosevelt Blow received a distinguished service award from the town council for his three years as Altadena Station's captain.  Incoming captain Steven McLean gave a report about the arrest of Ralph Wyatt, 49, a registered sex offender, for burglary, stalking, and sexual battery (i.e. leaving sexually explicit threatening notes).
  

Sheriff's station gets $1.3 million in improvements

PSN's Alfred Lee writes about the board of supervisors approving $1.3 million to be spent to improve the Altadena Sheriff's station.  The money had been set aside as seed money for a new $30 million station, but that's not going to happen for a loooong time, so it was decided to put the money in now.

Of particular interest are new security fences, improvements in the public waiting area (including a restroom), and a 911 dispatch area.  Presently 911 calls are routed through the Crescenta Valley sheriff's station.

Steven McLean named new Altadena sheriff captain

At tonight's Altadena Town Council meeting, Sheriff Lt. Steven McLean was announced as Altadena Sheriff Station's new leader by departing Capt. Roosevelt Blow.

According to a sheriff's department bio, Lt. McLean has served 30 years with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s  Department. His law enforcement career includes stints as training lieutenant, watch commander, special weapons and tactics, and being an executive aide to Sheriff Lee Baca.

McLean holds an AS Degree in Administration of Justice, a BS Degree in Occupational Studies, a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice (Homeland Security), and has completed 1 year of law school. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy at Quantico, VA.

McLean is the recipient of the Medal of Valor Award, Distinguished Service Award, Exemplary Service Award, and the Quality Service Award. Lieutenant McLean has also been recognized by the Board of Supervisors as well as numerous commendations by members of the communities where he's served.

Lieutenant McLean has been married for 12 years and has two daughters.

In his spare time Lieutenant McLean enjoys spending time with his family and going to the gym.

He will take over as captain after Blow's retirement March 31.  Capt. Blow has said that he plans to remain in the Altadena community as a youth activities volunteer.

CERT training starts at La Crescenta this Sat.

B A S I C  C . E . R . T .  C O U R S E

C O M M U N I T Y E M E R G E N C Y
R E S P O N S E T E A M
 C O U R S E  I S  C O N D U C T E D
O V E R 1 SATURDAY AND 5 WEEKNIGHTS
 
CRESCENTA VALLEY SHERIFF STATION
14554 NORTH BRIGGS AVENUE
LA CRESCENTA CA. 91214
 
SESSION #1
(MANDATORY ATTENDANCE)
SATURDAY FEB 20
8:00AM- 4:00PM

SESSION # 2-6
MONDAY-FRIDAY
6:30PM-9:30PM

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is an all-risk, all-hazard training. This valuable course is designed to help you protect yourself, your family, your neighbors and your neighborhood in an emergency situation.

CERT is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations where citizens may initially be on their own and their actions can make a difference. While people will respond to others in need without the training, on goal of the CERT program is to help them do so effectively and efficiently without placing themselves in unnecessary danger. In the CERT training, citizens learn to:
*Manage utilities and put out small fires*
*Treat the three medical killers by opening airways, controlling bleeding, and treating for shock*
*Provide basic medical aid*
*Search for and rescue victims safely*
*Organize themselves and spontaneous volunteers to be effective*
*Collect disaster intelligence to support first responder efforts*
 
Space is Available!!,
Register for this FREE COURSE ONLINE at
www.rcpi-ca.org
or call
(323) 526-5015
 
Questions please contact the LASD CERT Coordinator
@ 323-526-5015 or wtlee@lasd.org
 
Course facilitated by the:
Community/Law Enforcement Partnership
Programs Unit and the Regional Community
Policing Institute-California
4700 Ramona Blvd.
Monterey Park CA. 91754

Thank you ...

... for your continued support of Altadena's community news source, Altadenablog!  We passed a lifetime 450,000 page views yesterday, and, according to Google Analytics, recorded about 41,000 page views in the past month, with about 7,800 unique visitors since Jan. 15.  Wow!

Special thanks to those of you who put your money where your mouth is:  for our many tip jar supporters (who have really helped us improve our equipment and services in the past six months), and a shout-out to our current advertisers:

Our stalwarts

• Webster's Fine Stationers
• Brio Spa & Salon
• Curves Altadena
• Mike Gibson Service Center
• McGinty's Gallery at the End of the World
• Binary Monk webhosting
  

Our newer advertisers

• scissors/paper/rock salon
• Navarro Construction
• Catalina Island Camps
• Tom Sawyer Camps

And our newest:

• Anthony's Green Garden Service
• Chandler School Summer Enrichment Program
  
• Altadena Friends of the Library
• and (starting soon) Covert Potters.

If you patronize these businesses, or are interested in their services, tell 'em you saw it in Altadenablog!

Not much time left to RSVP for Neighborhood Watch conference

Carolyn Seitz of the sheriff's Community Advisory Committee writes about the Feb. 27 conference:

If you haven't already sent in your RSVP for this great conference, please do that as soon as possible.  You won't want to miss this great day.

We want to make sure we have handouts for everyone and plenty of food for all who plan to attend, including you!

Email your RSVP to altadenaconference@gmail.com or call 626 798 1131, extension 2600.

Altadena Town Council 7 PM Tues

 

..at the Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr. Chairman Gino Sund tells us of some things to look for:

1.  Not on the agenda but an issue that has come up is the removal of the Post Office Mail Boxes in Altadena.  I have had many complaints, particularly by senior residents, that the only safe and practical way to post mail is to drive to the Post Office.  To date most of the complaints have been in person or by phone.  It is important that those residents who are concerned about this issue, document their concerns by letter or email.  I have arranged a meeting with the Post Master, Town Council Reps and representatives from Congressman Schiff's office next week and we will need all the help possible to try and get some of these boxes returned.  So if anyone wishes to give input, please do so by writing the Altadena Postmaster at 2271 North Lake Ave. or emailing me at esund@att.net.

 

2.  Dean Miller from PCC will be giving a presentation on the Educational Master Plan for the college.  He is also inviting Altadena residents to participate in developing that Plan, which will provide direction and focus to future decision-making as regards curriculum, staffing, technology and facilities. The purpose of the plan is to help the college best support student learning and meet the changing needs of the community.

 

You can provide your input by clicking to the following link:  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LCXJSW9  The survey takes around five minutes or so.

 

3. The General Manager of the Foothill Municipal Water District will be giving a presentation.  While it is not the main focus of her presentation, we will be asking about the proposed "assessment" or parcel tax that the Water District is considering sometime this year.

 

Also up: the council will decide on a replacement to represent CT 4603.01, and introduction of the new Altadena Sheriff Station captain.

What not to give your sweetie on Valentine's Day: a helicopter rescue

Per the Altadena Mountain Rescue page, a couple of inexperienced hikers were trapped in a steep ravine on Sunday afternoon, necessitating the sheriff's Air 5 bird swooping in.  Donald Taylor, 46, and Yumiko Okuho, 38, were not lost or injured, but they couldn't get out of the ravine near Echo Mountain.

Power outage now

Thanks to some readers who tipped us off, there is a wide-ranging power outage in Altadena right now (approx. 2 PM).  A 1 PM notice from Edison blames an equipment problem, but doesn't give an ETA on when it'll be fixed.

UPDATE:  Ended around 3 PM, but Edison says it affected 4800 customers.

Pancakes @ St. Mark's tomorrow

If you're shriving tomorrow,  you're invited to the annual Shrove Tuesday pancake supper at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 1014 E. Altadena Dr., 5-7 PM. (We'll be there -- because we kind of have to!)

$5/person or $15/family makes this Altadena's Tuesday night dining deal. Invite your friends and join us for pancakes, sausage, and spiced apples...no cooking and no clean-up!

Weather-dena

We're always looking for fun new things, and this is one: Weather Underground mashes up with Google Maps to produce a local area weather map (pity there's no weather today!)  The local link is here.

Friday Fun Flick: "More Than a Game"

This month's "Friday Fun Flick" at the Altadena Library is More Than a Game.  Rated PG, admission & popcorn are free.  3:30 PM at the Altadena Library Community Room, 600 E. Mariposa.

Wed. mom mixer celebrates a year of the Orange Cat

Altadenan Susan Carrier and her co-publisher, Troy Corley, are celebrating one year since they "adopted" The Orange Cat, a twice-a-month e-newsletter and website for San Gabriel Valley families.

Orange Cat readers are invited to come in their most comfortable clothing to the first annual Orange Cat Mom Mixer on Wednesday, February 17, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at the Essick House, 550 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre. The FREE event will feature comfort foods, such as mac 'n' cheese, mini cupcakes donated by local cupcakeries, wine, lots of prizes, music and more. The Four Graces will offer 15-minute chair massages or facials for a $10 donation.

To RSVP, send an email to orangecatfamilyfun@gmail.com.

'Dena pooch goes to Westminster

Somebody please tell OC Register reporter Rashi Kesarwani that Altadena ain't in Orange County.  In any event, Altadena resident Bonnie will be competing in the Westminster Kennel Club dog show next week.

The return of Theatre Americana

About 100 people attended the premiere of Donna Scarantino's play "Polterheist" at Davies Auditorium, celebrating the resurrection of the WPA-era Theatre Americana at its old home.  We managed to capture a few scenes of a great evening.

And for our next feat ...

Thanks to our sponsors, and the readers who feel moved to hit the tip jar (to your right), Altadenablog is constantly making improvements to what the economists call our "plant." In the past year, we've increased our bandwidth, improved our graphics capability, got a REAL still camera, created a second computer station -- all thanks to you and your support!

Now, also with your help, we've moved in the, uh, 1890's -- we have a real landline phone now (the cellphone we were using just had too many dropouts and reception was iffy -- but if you live in Altadena, you know that!) 

So Altadenablog now has a real number you can call and be reasonably assured of contact: 626-791-5327.  Thank you, sponsors and supporters!

Danny's Farm holds community open house March 13

Danny's Farm Open House for the Altadena Community

PLEASE JOIN US FOR AN OPEN HOUSE, TO LEARN MORE ABOUT DANNY’S FARM AND ITS ROLE IN OUR COMMUNITY

Saturday, March 13th • 10-noon
Located at the Altadena Stables • 3064 Ridgeview Drive• Altadena
         
   Building Friendships   
   Learning about Animals
  Accessibility & Empowerment

Danny’s Farm employs adults with disabilities, and provides a safe, nurturing environment to work and learn. 

Our highly skilled, compassionate staff serves our most vulnerable populations while pairing loving farm animals with special needs children.

WE HOPE YOU CAN JOIN US! FAMILIES WELCOME!!!   
    KINDLY RSVP:  (626) 797-FARM(3276)

Danny's Farm
3064 1/2 Ridgeview Drive
Altadena, CA 91001
(626) 797 FARM (3276)
www.dannysfarm.com

Weekendin'

Friday, Feb. 12

• The Altadena Main Library will show The Time Traveler's Wife, starting at 3:30 PM at 600 E. Mariposa.
• The Bob Lucas branch library, 2659 N Lincoln Ave., will have a Valentine cookie decorating activity, also starting at 3:30 Friday.

Sat., Feb. 13

• Sacred Heart Church, 2889 N. Lincoln Ave in Altadena, is celebrating Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) New Orleans-style from 7-11 PM.  Tickets cost $15 per person, $25 per couple. Contact Edwina Clay at 626-794-7814 to purchase or for more information.
• Theatre Americana returns to Davies Hall at Farnsworth Park with a reception and staged reading of an original play, "Polterheist."   There will be a special reception preceding the performance to celebrate Theatre Americana's return. This event is in collaboration with L.A. County Parks and Recreation and proceeds from the play will benefit the Farnsworth Park After-school program,  Go to www.theatreamericana.com/ for tickets and further information.

Sun., Feb. 15

• Coffee Gallery will holds its monthly Bluegrass Jam from 12:30-3:30, followed by "In the Name of Love," a benefit for the people of Haiti, starting at 3:30.  Free, but donations are accepted.

Timely crime reminder

Carolyn Seitz of the Altadena Sheriff's Station Citizen Advisory Council has passed on this reminder:

Lieutenant McLean at the Altadena Sheriff's Station is asking us all to pay more attention to what we're doing so we aren't victims of crime we might have avoided.

You've heard these things before, but here's your reminder.

Thieves are looking for unlocked vehicles, especially those with visible treasures inside.  Conceal your cell phones, handbags, wallets, money, GPS devices, iPods or other MP3 players, laptops, designer sunglasses or other valuables or remove them from your vehicle.  If you leave them visible in your car - regardless of whether your car is locked or unlocked, there is a high probability your things will be stolen.

Criminals are testing all of us.  If you leave your house unlocked or your windows unlocked, you've just invited thieves inside.

Don't be a victim and please don't make it easy for burglars to just walk into your home and help themselves to your things.

Why is Lieutenant McLean asking us again to remember these things?

Because these kinds of crimes are on the increase and we need your help to stop it.

Thanks,
Carolyn

Altadena CHP office investigates freeway dismemberment

Here's a little something cheerful to start your day: LA Times reports that the local California Highway Patrol office is investigating a woman's dismembered body found on the southbound 5 near Laurel Canyon. Apparently she died in an unknown manner and was possibly torn to pieces by multiple vehicles that ran over her.  She has been identified, altho' her identity has not been made public.

Education Spectrum & Breakthru Fitness announce special needs classes

Altadena-based Education Spectrum and Breatkthru Fitness in Pasadena are offering fitness classes for special needs children ages 7 thru 17.  Details in the flyer.

La Vina appeal set for oral arguments March 5

Reader and canyon guy Paul Ayers give us the facts (and a little opinion) on the appeal of the La Vina case:

On March 5, 2010, oral argument in the La Vina HOA’s appeal of the judgment and attorney’s fees award in the case of County of Los Angeles v. La Vina Homeowner’s Assn. will be heard by Division 8 of the Second District, California Court of Appeal.  The argument is scheduled for 9 a.m. at the Ronald Reagan State Building 300 South Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013 [the corner of 3rd & Spring Streets]; public parking is available across the street from the building.  Generally, a number of cases are scheduled for oral argument on any given morning; there is no way to predict where the La Vina case will be placed on the calendar.  Oral argument is interesting as it usually involves back and forth between the attorneys and the justices on the key issues of the case.  Just remember that if you choose to attend to dress appropriately and respect the decorum of the court.

In a welcome development, the Attorney General of the State of California on behalf of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy has decided to support the County of Los Angeles defense of the HOA’s appeal by filing a brief in support of the County’s position and arranging to participate in oral argument.

The Court of Appeal has 90 days to file an opinion after submission at oral argument.  If a party disagrees with the decision, they can apply for review by the Supreme Court, but the odds are very much against the Supremes taking the case up. Assuming that the Court of Appeals rules in favor of the County which the odds, if nothing else, favor, the case will be sent back to Judge De Vanon for enforcement of the judgment and attorneys fee award.  All things being equal I would say La Vina residents will start writing attorneys fees assessment checks sometime this fall.

Bright Futures Scholars hold leadership development workshop

The Bright Futures Scholars participated in a day long leadership development workshop Feb. 6 as part of their mandatory monthly meetings. Prominent community leaders Congressman Adam Schiff, Assemblymember Anthony Portantino, Dean of Scholars Dr. Sandra E. Thomas, Altadena Sheriff Station Captain Roosevelt Blow, Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca, and Pasadena Interim Chief of Police Christopher O. Vicino all attended and participated.

The Bright Futures Scholars are a combination of Pasadena Unified School District’s brightest and most outstanding academic achievers. The “Bright Futures Scholars (BFS) Support Program/”Quest for Success” is a program that extends itself to targeted low income, high achieving (3.0+GPA) students completing highschool, many against insurmountable odds, who have earned the opportunity to quest forsuccess. Program components include: mentoring, tutoring, financial and other literacy programs, housing and health fairs, as well as youth scholarship opportunities.

For further information about the Quality of Life Center, Inc. and the Bright Futures Scholars Support Program contact Dr. Sandra E. Thomas at 626-798-LIFE (5433) or cell phone 626-399-5007.

Chamber mixer Feb. 25 @ Health Advantage

ALTADENA CHAMBER FEBRUARY 2010 MIXER!

 

Host: Blount's Plumbing

Venue: Health Advantage

1450 N. Lake Ave. Pasadena, CA

(626) 798-7805

 Thursday, February 25,  5:30-7:00 PM

 

Dandridge photographs at Library thru February

The Altadena Library Community Room Presents

Faces

Photographic works by Janet E. Dandridge

Work will be on display for the month of February

Born and raised amongst the colorful backdrops and characters that comprise the Georgetown section of Washington D.C., Miss Dandridge had no shortage of inspiration. After working in the world of film and television, Janet decided to embrace her passion for photography.

This exhibit, Faces, is a series of intimate portraits of Black folks in America. It addresses the anatomy of the African-American or Black face and toys with the presumed idea of who this person really is in relation to the face that we see.

Crown City Symphony concert @ Senior Center, Feb. 27

Crown City Symphony, a community orchestra founded in 2003 under the sponsorship of the Pasadena Senior Center, will give two free concerts, February 27 & 28, at 2 PM both days.  

The first concert is at the Altadena Senior Center, 560 E. Mariposa, Altadena, and the second concert is at the First Baptist Church of Pasadena, 75 N. Marengo.   Marvin Neumann is the conductor, and the soloist

is Mischa Lefkowitz, first violinist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

 

Mr. Lefkowitz was born in Latvia and began studying the violin at the age of seven. At 17 he was admitted to the Moscow Conservatory where he studied with Leonid Kogan.   He has won top prizes in several international competitions and the National Endowment of the Arts.  He has appeared as soloist with symphonies in Europe, Canada and the United States.  He has also played many recitals at music festivals in Aspen, Meadowbrook, and Carnegie Hall.  He has been a member of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since 1977.

 

Crown City Symphony, whose motto is Ability not Age, has received grants from The Pasadena Tournament of Roses Foundation and the City of Pasadena Cultural Affairs Division, and the Pasadena Showcase for the Arts. 

 

The web site is crowncitysymphony.org.   For more information email Roberta Wilcox, manager, at manager@crowncitysymphony.org, or call (626) 797-1994.

 

Library Valentines: Time Traveler's Wife for young adults, cookies for young 'uns

On Friday, Feb. 12 at 3:30 PM, in the Altadena Library Community Room, 600 E. Mariposa, you can join us for popcorn and a nice romantic movie just in time for Valentine’s Day. Time Traveler’s Wife is based on the wonderful book by, Audrey Niffenegger. A Chicago librarian suffers from a rare genetic disorder that sends him hurtling through time whenever he is under extreme duress. Despite this complication, he attempts to build a stable future with the beautiful young heiress he loves. This romantic comedy shows that love knows no boundaries and transcends time and death.

Or, if that's too mature for your crowd -- the Bob Lucas Branch Library, 2659 N Lincoln Ave., will have a Valentine cookie decorating activity, also starting at 3:30 Friday.

Summer concert series dates announced

The 14th Annual Summer Concert Series in Farnsworth Park dates have been set, according to the Sheriff's Support Group of Altadena.

The dates are: 7/3, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31, 8//7, 8/14, 8/28, and the Grand Finale will be on September 11th.

Business and corporate sponsors are still needed to help fund this fantastic Altadena tradition. Please contact  the SSGA website if you would like to contribute.

At the end of the storm ...

Reader Jessica Vaughn shows us the upside of yesterday's rains:

I thought I'd share a photo I snapped with my cell phone yesterday (2/9/10)  at about 5:15pm from my front porch near Reever Way and Glenrose, Altadena.  Amazing rainbow that I almost wanted to chase and find me pot o' gold!

Altadena Baptist to host Toastmasters chapter

Pastor George Van Alstine at Altadena Baptist Church tells us something new they're starting (altho' we didn't think teetotaling Baptists made toasts!):

Altadena Baptist Church will host a new Toastmasters chapter in the near future.   Toastmasters is a proven avenue for building self-confidence and effective public speaking, using practical principles and encouraging feedback from other members of the chapter.   Weekly meetings give members frequent and varied opportunities to practice speaking and cultivate skills.   Cost of the program is very modest.   Call the church, at (626) 797-8970, for more information.

Weathering the weather

Our regular Canyon Crest bridgewatcher Jane Szabo sent us this:

FYI - the county crews have been doing an amazing job working 24 hours a day to clear rock and debris out of our creek bed turned debris basin. Our quaint little creek looks like an ugly quarry now...I guess they didn't do an EIR (environmental impact report) on this one! Hopefully it won't take long to settle back to looking more natural...soon!

Stormwatch Tuesday night

Photo: The Altadena Weathercam records snow at about 3800 ft. at about 8 PM tonight (Bill Westphal)

Carolyn Seitz shares this:

At this evening's conference call with the Incident Commanders, we learned the following things:

• During today's rains, there were no injuries, no damage and no reportable incidents attributable to flooding, mud or debris flows
• None of the debris basins breached their capacity today
• The Weather Service is indicating that there is another band of showers expected to arrive in the area around 11 pm tonight and it will be followed by a trailing cold front that is expected to produce thunder storms and showers with the potential for rainfall amounts at times up to 2 inches per hour
• Today's rainfall as measured in LaCanada/Flintridge was approximately 0.72 inches today
• All debris basins are draining and all inlet structures are being monitored 24/7 and cleared as necessary
• Crews from the Department of Public Works will continue to work to clear the mud and debris from the basins and inlet structures through the weekend, or as long as necessary
• While there are evacuation orders in place for La Crescenta, LaCanada/Flintridge and Acton, there are none in effect for Altadena except the Millard Canyon Campground
• There is still a possibility of additional rainfall on Saturday
• There are no further road closures for Altadena, except the one in place at the Chaney Trail gate

The news for today was better than all of the agencies planned and prepared for.

We owe our thanks to Supervisor Antonovich and his staff for making sure that information is being made available to all of us and for making sure that the communication and sharing of information among agencies is working well, and we owe all of the agencies our thanks for being ahead of the incident and for keeping us all safe.

Updated information on the status of the debris basins should be updated around 8 AM tomorrow by the Department of Public Works.  You can find that information at www.dpwcare.org.

Stay safe!
Carolyn

And from Gino Sund, the view from the local briefing:

The day passed with no damage and no injuries in the burn area.  Rainfall was relatively low and no basin overflowed.  The latest forecast for tonight is for the last band of showers from this storm to pass over around 11:00 p.m.   This event may include some heavy rain and possible thunder showers. Therefore the existing evacuations will not be lifted at this time.  The forecast is for clearing by morning and if the weather cooperates the evacuations may be lifted at that time.  No alerts for Altadena.  This will be the last briefing for this storm event.

Meanwhile, with the possibility of another downpour later tonight, the National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch:

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE RECENT BURN AREAS UNTIL 3 AM PST WEDNESDAY...

THE FLASH FLOOD WATCH CONTINUES FOR

* THE RECENT BURN AREAS IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY. THIS INCLUDES THE STATION...MORRIS...AND SANTA ANITA BURN AREAS.

* UNTIL 3 AM PST WEDNESDAY.

* SCATTERED SHOWERS AND POSSIBLE THUNDERSTORMS WILL CONTINUE TONIGHT. THERE IS STILL THE POTENTIAL FOR BRIEF HEAVY DOWNPOURS...WITH LOCAL RAINFALL RATES IN EXCESS OF .50 INCHES PER HOUR. THESE RATES ARE IN EXCESS OF THRESHOLDS DETERMINED BY THE USGS TO BE SUFFICIENT TO CAUSE FLASH FLOODING AND DEBRIS FLOWS IN AND BELOW THE RECENT BURN AREAS.

Altadena man charged in burglary, stalking, sexual battery

An Altadena man was charged with four counts of burglary, one of stalking, and one count of sexual battery following his Feb. 3 arrest by Altadena sheriff's detectives.

Ralph Wyatt, 49, described as a black male, was arrested at his home on the 1000 block of E. Woodbury Rd. where "conclusive evidence of his involvement with the crimes was uncovered," sheriffs say.

Between Jan. 23 and 31 of this year, multiple burglaries were reported at two Altadena residences.  Detectives say the suspect left "unique apology notes at each scene, which included sexual explicit references and indicated on at least one note, that he would return," according to a sheriff's press release.  The victims were identified as two women, age 49 and 89.

A partial print was connected to "a registered sex offender, residing in Altadena," the release says, following which deputies obtained a search warrant for Wyatt's home.

Sheriff's say that, based on the circumstances of the crimes, there may be additional victims.  Anyone with additional information should contact Sgt. Danny Robinson, Altadena Station Detective Bureau, 798-1131.

Current storm information Tues.

We're keeping this at the top of the page today.

UPDATE 3 PM: Well, after a white-knuckle drive to pick our son up from school in Sierra Madre (facing floods, thunder, and hail along the way), we're back ...

Via Alice Wesson, a real-time webcam of the Arroyo Seco flow:

http://ca.water.usgs.gov/webcams/jpl/webcam-oper.html

and National Weather service says were are now in flash flood warning mode:

...A FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 500 PM PST FOR THE STATION...MORRIS...AND SANTA ANITA BURN AREAS IN CENTRAL LOS ANGELES COUNTY...

AT 205 PM PST...DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A LINE OF INTENSIFYING THUNDERSTORM ACTIVITY EXTENDING FROM DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES NORTHEASTWARD INTO THE MORRIS BURN AREA. THIS LINE OF INTENSE STORMS WAS MOVING SLOWLY NORTHEAST...AND WILL LIKELY IMPACT THE STATION BURN AREA BY 230 PM. VERY INTENSE RAINFALL RATES HAVE BEEN OBSERVED NEAR THE MORRIS BURN AREA...WITH SAN GABRIEL DAM REPORTING .48 INCHES IN 15 MINUTES. THE HEAVY RAINFALL RATES WILL LIKELY GENERATE FLASH FLOODING AND DEBRIS FLOWS IN THE BURN AREAS THROUGH 5 PM.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

RESIDENTS AND MOTORISTS IN AND BELOW RECENTLY BURNED AREAS SHOULD BE ALERT TO FLASH FLOODING AND DEBRIS FLOWS WHICH MAY BLOCK ROADS AND CULVERTS.

UPDATE 1:30 PM: CERT Volunteers requested to be on standby: From the sheriff's station:

Because of the current storm event, the Altadena Sheriff's Station is on standby if Incident Command requests CERT trained volunteers to report for duty.

If you are a CERT trained volunteer and can report for duty within two hours of being notified, please call Sergeant Dan Bartlett or Deputy Michael Prince at the Altadena Sheriff's Station - 626 798 1131, to let them know what your availability is.

If the CERT volunteers are asked to assist, you will be required to show up at Descanso Gardens in LaCanada at a designated time.

We don't know when that call may come, or that it will, but CERT volunteers should be on standby today, tonight and tomorrow.

Please understand, you must already be a CERT trained volunteer and must be available to report to the command post within two hours of notification.

If you're willing and available, please contact Sergeant Bartlett or Deputy Prince.

UPDATE NOON: Another missive from Gino Sund -- and Meadows residents better check on their stocks of groceries:

There is an unstable cold front heading West that has the potential for heavy to intense showers and thunderstorms starting around noon or before.  

There is a high probability that a blockage will occur at Canyon Crest Road which will result in a road closure.  There is no evacuation of the Meadows, and residents are advised to shelter in place.  An unmanned Fire engine is stationed in the neighborhood with a crew prepared to hike in to operate the equipment if necessary.

 

Millard still evac'd, Meadows watching and waiting

Carolyn Seitz of the Sheriff's Community Advisory Council is passing out this news:

The purpose of this email is to provide information made available to the Altadena area, as well as other areas of Los Angeles County affected by recent fires and the last two storm events.

The County of Los Angeles continues to work with all local, state and federal agencies, and continues to provide detailed information to key people in all of the affected areas.  Gino Sund, Chair of the Altadena Town Council is among those key people being briefed.

The Millard Campground is the only area currently evacuated.  No other evacuations have been announced for Altadena.

The only road closure continues to be Chaney Trail from the gate into the National Forest area.

There is a probability that Canyon Crest may experience additional disruptions from debris flows coming down Millard Creek.  As a result, the Fire Department has deployed a Fire Engine to be staged in The Meadows and the Sheriff's Station is on alert to assist.  There is no planned evacuation for The Meadows area at this time.

There are no anticipated additional road closures or evacuations for this storm event for Altadena.

You may find additional information on the website managed by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.  Here's the link:

www.dpwcare.org

On that site, you can sign up for mud flow, debris flow, flood and road closure emergency notifications.  These notifications can be received through email or as a text message on your cell phone.

You'll note on their website that there is a list from which you may choose other notifications as well, including hazardous waste and e-waste roundups.

Stay safe!

Carolyn

Riders on the storm

Whenever we need the word about the weather, we go to Bill Westphal (and who wouldn't?):

Based on the latest Computer Models, it appears that Los Angeles County will receive the brunt of this approaching Storm.  Although not expected to be as strong as last Saturday’s, the mountains may receive up to 1.50” of rain along with the possibilities of Thunderstorms and Hail.

 

The bulk of the Shower and Thunderstorm activity is expected Tuesday afternoon into Tuesday evening but showers could linger into Wednesday as the Storm wraps around. 

 

This is a Cold Low Pressure System and Snow Levels are expected to be 3000’ in the Northern Mountains Tuesday Afternoon and possibly drop to 2000-2500’ Tuesday Night.  (Echo Mountain is 3500’.  Top of Lake Ave is 1800'). 

 

Hopefully the Burn Areas will be spared any further damage but we should all be alert especially during heavy Thunderstorms.  Depending how things turn out we could get some snow out of this storm. 

 

Enjoy the Weather.

We have rain pictures ...

And as we get ready for the next rain, have we more pictures for you from the last one.

Reader Dan Morse gave us these shots of an unnaturally wet Arroyo Seco:

I took these Sunday morning....there is a tremendous amount of water and debris now in Hahamongna....there used to be quite a few trails down in the dry riverbed that I run through....those are all filled in with mud now....its pretty impressive...

Dan's pictures -- and pictures from a new correspondent -- follow after the jump:

LWV sponsors open government community forum March 6

Access to Impact: Using Open Government to Create Change

A community forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters Pasadena Area and its Community Partners

Saturday, March 6, 2010  8:30 a.m.-Noon

Neighborhood Church, 301 North Orange Grove Boulevard, Pasadena

Free parking. Morning refreshments. Translation.

RSVP 626-798-0965 or e-mail lwvpasocialpolicy@gmail.com

Altadena Library District is a community partner with League of Women Voters for this event.
 

Community meeting on Charles White Park improvements Feb. 27

There will be a community meeting at Charles White Park at 1 PM on Sat., Feb. 27.  The Los Angeles County Dept. of Parks and Recreation is looking for input on proposed projects for the park.  The meeting follows three previous meetings with residents by representatives from the county and Congressman Adam Schiff to discuss the future of the park.

Christmas Tree Lane take-down starts Sat.

A reminder from the christmas Tree Lane Association:

Please come and join your neighbors and friends beginning February 13^th from 9am to 12pm for “Take Down”. As long as the weather permits, we will be taking the lights off the trees every Saturday and Sunday thereafter from 9 to 12 until all the trees are finished. In the morning you will be greeted with donuts, coffee and hot chocolate and after 12:00 lunch will be provided.

 We will be starting at the top of Christmas Tree Lane (Santa Rosa and Altadena Drive) and working our way down every weekend until finished.

Zack-apalooza: now at Sierra Madre Playhouse

The book tour continues for Michele Zack, author of Southern California Story: Seeking the Better Life in Sierra Madre. She will be the featured speaker at the Sierra Madre Historical Preservation Society’s annual program meeting Thurs., Feb. 18, starting at 7 PM (admission is free).  The presentation will be at the historic Sierra Madre Playhouse.

The program, titled “The Battle for Sierra Madre Canyon,“ will revisit the dawn of the Environmental Movement and Culture Wars in an illustrated talk.  How major social changes at the national level played out in Sierra Madre — through opposition to the US Army Corps of Engineers and National Forest Service plans to alter the Canyon's environment, creation of the Sierra Madre Mountain Conservancy, as well as in-town tensions over youth-oriented "Canyon Culture" —will be the focus of this talk.  Time for questions and discussion about this fairly recent history will be included in the program.

Copies of Southern California Story will be available for purchase and autographing.

The Sierra Madre Playhouse is located at 87 West Sierra Madre Blvd. in Sierra Madre.  For more information, visit www.smhps.org or call 626.355.8129.

Have you signed up for emergency alerts?

LA County sends this:

Residents/Businesses Urged to Sign Up For Emergency Alerts

With the renewed threat of rainstorms, Los Angeles County officials today urged residents and businesses to sign up for emergency alerts by registering their cell phone numbers and
e-mail addresses on the Alert.lacounty.gov website.

The County’s emergency mass notification system, called Alert LA County, has the capability to use phone, text and e-mail messages to alert residents and businesses when there is an emergency situation in their area and advises of needed actions, like evacuations.

The system was activated 25 times between Jan. 18 – Jan. 22 due to rain, flooding and mudslides, with some warnings going to as few as 34 people and some to as many as 513.

PUSD staff to recommend rejection of 3rd Aveson school

Aveson Charter Schools, which presently runs two charter schools at the Noyes school property in Altadena, is trying to start a third in northwest Pasadena.  Brian Charles of PSN says that PUSD staff will recommend rejecting Aveson's petition for a School for the Arts, because it will take up to $2 million away from an already-strapped school district.  Details are here.

Benjamin Quaye dies in Santa Cruz

Benjamin Quaye, 21, from Altadena, was found dead in a ditch in Santa Cruz on Sunday.  The UC Santa Cruz student apparently died of a head wound from a fall. The San Jose Mercury News has the full story.

Another storm on its way

This from the screamin', all-caps National Weather Service: another significant storm heading this way, maybe reaching the area tonight and going on thru Wednesday, weather, flood, and mud warnings and watches possible.  Full NWS report after the jump:

Short takes

• Greg Stanton at the Meadows blog shares with us that he has stunning pictures up of El Prieto Canyon during the weekend rains.
• In our ongoing series of "Altadenablogmeister vs. the modernism thought police," we were pointed to this blog of spare comments about spare living, for your amusement.

Sheriffs to hold Neighborhood Watch conference Feb. 27

The Altadena Sheriff's Station and Community Advisory Committee has released more information about the Neighborhood Watch Conference, to be held Sat., Feb. 27 at Loma Alta Park, from 8 AM-3 PM.

(You know they're serious about this because complimentary continental breakfast, lunch, and child care will be available!)

To reserve your place, contact Sgt. Daniel Bartlett at the Altadena Sheriff Station, 626-798-1131 x 2600 or email to altadenaconference@gmail.com