altadenablog

"Conan the Governor" and other tales from the trenches by Paul M. Sammon

Ed note: we are proud to welcome our new correspondent, community journalist Erika McCarden.

by Erika McCarden
for Altadenablog

Friends of the Altadena Library welcomed local author Paul M. Sammon as a guest speaker at its monthly Board Meeting on Monday, June 7.

Sammon stopped by the Library’s Community Room to discuss his work in the film industry, and sign his latest books: Conan the Phenomenon – a collection of the many stages and developments of the Conan character, with the cover illustrated by the late Frank Frazetta; and the updated Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner - a view of the inner workings of modern Hollywood and difficulties faced on-set.

“I’m a local, and I’m so thrilled and honored to be here,” Sammon said.

A science fiction and fantasy enthusiast, Sammon was nine years old when he read his first Conan story written by Robert E. Howard. He credits his parents for his love of film and writing.

Morning jolt

• Besides being an nitro-fueled librarian for the young adult set, Heather Firchow is a dynamite cook.  She whipped up Sunday brunch for the Art Bender weekend at McGinty's Gallery at the End of the World, and earned $161 in tips to support the Teen Summer Reading Program at the Altadena Library.  Go, Heather!
• Always interesting to read the real estate news: From Blockshopper comes news that actor Carel Hubert Struycken and Tracey Lee Norton purchased a home on Woodglen Lane.  Struycken is seven feet tall, and may be best remembered as "Lurch" from the Addams Family movies, altho' some of us oldsters remember him as the Giant from "Twin Peaks."

Lunch truck watch: Kogi tonight

It's Kogi Korean BBQ, at the Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake, 9:30 PM to midnight tonight.

(Just the thing if you're joining in tonight's singalong, which starts at 8 -- if you can't join the singalong, live streaming is here, if it works!)

Town & Country Club fireworks display July 2 @ 9:30

On our list of things to do this week (and not just because we're being harassed about it!), but the Altadena Town and Country Club tells us that its annual fireworks display will be Friday, July 2, starting at 9:30 PM (or so!)

Renewal

Reader Steve Gerow drove up BIg Tujunga Canyon to Newcomb's Ranch last Sunday, and took some gorgeous pictures of the forest thriving with new life some nine months after the Station Fire.

Link to Steve's gallery is here.

And occasionally the Times takes notice ...

The LA Times seems to have inaugurated a new online feature, "Mapping LA: Neighborhoods," which includes a subgroup called "The Verdugos," and one of seven neighborhoods which is what we call "Altadena."  We don't really consider ourselves part of "The Verdugos," and it lumps us in with Sunland and Tujunga, but not with Sierra Madre, which is actually closer to us geographically and culturally.  It's an interesting experiment, the statistics are worth browsing, and they're actively looking for comments.

Short takes

• Vote tomorrow: Yes, there's a primary election tomorrow!  Check this website to look at the ballots and find your district.  Find your polling place here.
• So return your books: Franklin Elementary in Altadena opened a new library -- and due to budget cuts, it may close.  PSN's Brian Charles tells the story.
• scissors/paper/rock concert series starts: The salon (and Altadenablog sponsor) at 1864 N. Allen in Borderdena opens its in-store summer concert series on Fri., June 11 at 8 PM with the Itinerant Locals, all the way from Arkansas.  And there will be free concerts almost every Friday night through June and July.

Gardener loses truck in bold daylight theft

A really brazen theft occurred this morning on the 2000 block of Jefferson Dr.  One witness sent out the following:

Someone walked up at about 8:45 AM this morning and stole a gardener's pickup truck while the gardener was working in the customer's back yard. I was outside talking with my neighbor and saw the truck drive away, but nothing seemed remarkable about it. I didn't notice the person get in the vehicle, but I saw it drive away; I just assumed it was the vehicle owner.

A few minutes later, the gardener emerged from the back yard of the house across the street and approached me and my next-door neighbor and asked where his truck was. I told him I didn't really see the person who drove it away, and I just assumed it was a co-worker of the gardener. He said that he was working alone.

Due to his limited English ability, I called the sheriff for him. I'm happy to say they arrived quickly, and there are still a couple of units parked across the street, with deputies interviewing the gardener and another neighbor.

That's pretty brazen to hop in a car in front of potential witnesses and steal it. It goes to show that if you're not looking for something, you may not see it even when it's right under your nose.  Whoever took the truck walked up to it so nonchalantly I never got suspicious.

Sunday afternoon fire on Minoru Dr.

The never-annoying Steve Bass sends us words, pictures, and snark:

A small brush fire erupted late Sunday afternoon in the backyard of 2085 Minoru Drive, north of New York drive. A helicopter alerted the homeowner of the blaze. The cause of the fire is unknown; two engine companies quickly put it out. Neighbors who haven't been seen for years were on the street, actually talking in lieu of texting. 

 

First sign of winter: Christmas Tree Lane prepping for Winter Arts & Crafts festival

The Christmas Tree Lane Association is now accepting vendors for the Winter Arts and Crafts Festival on Dec. 11, the scheduled day of the tree lighting.  (The festival -- and lighting ceremony -- were rained out last year).  The Festival will begin at 2 PM and the Lighting Ceremony will begin at 6 PM, all in the parking lot of the Altadena Public Library at 600 E. Mariposa St.

If you would like to take part, please fill out the PDF application linked here and fax it to Linda Lane-White at (626) 296-1979 or E-mail it to

christmastreelaneassociation@gmail.com.

Found dogs

Some found dogs:

Carrie Meyers writes:

Found Dog on June 5th at 1:30pm on Altadena Dr and Maiden Lane.

Male shepherd mix with pink collar. Was with a tan pit bull mix but the pit bull ran off.

The shepherd mix jumped into my car and he is now being housed at Steve's Pets, 2395 N. Lake Ave., 626 798-6290.  Store is open 10 AM to 7 PM Mon-Fri. If we don't here from someone by Tues. the 8th I will have to call Baldwin Park to pick him up.

And Bob and Sheila write:

We found this little female dog at the intersection of Highview and Mariposa at about 12 PM Sun., June 6. She had a collar with no tags. If anyone can identify this pup please contact us at springerxing@charter.net or cell phone number 818-399-8143.

10:15 AM UPDATE: This pup has been reunited with its family.

Outward Bound Adventures graduation Sat.

Graduation ceremonies for numerous Outward Bound Adventures (OBA) programs will take place on Saturday, June 12, 2010 at 3 PM  at the Western Justice Center at 55 South Grand Avenue in Pasadena, California.  The following programs will be recognized:

 

• Environmental Restoration Team
• W.A.N.T.E.D.
• Rose City Credit Recovery
• Marshall Young Leaders Development
• Marshall Environmental Stewardship
• Mustangs On The Move
• Youth Advisory Council
• Teach Me To Camp
• Get Out And Learn

For more information Call us at 626 564-0844

Residential burglary on Calavaras Thurs.

Got several notices on this, including one from the victim: someone broke into a house on the 200 block of E. Calavaras sometime between 8 AM and 3:30 PM on Thurs, June 3, and left everything behind except a hidden box of jewelry (it was some time after the break-in that they discovered the box missing).

Jubilees, festivals, and the hard work of democracy: Saturday in Altadena

A busy (and hot!) Saturday in Altadena yesterday.  Some (like the young lady pictured at the Aveson June Jubilee) looked for cool relief, but at the same time didn't want to miss everything that was going on.  We've got pictures after the jump.

Altadena date night

A rare personal note, which sounds like we now have a social page:

We joined Dr. Mrs. Altadenablog in a rare adults-only evening, and thought we'd stick close to home and explore our town.  Our first stop was Bulgarini Gelato, where owner Leo Bulgarini was himself constructing a horseshoe-shaped bar as part of his establishment's refurbishment.  His plan, he told us, was to add tastings of combinations of wine, food, and gelato to his usual artistic gelato creations.  There was a pallet's worth of fresh peaches stacked outside, which he said a crew of ten was going to turn into exquisite gelato over the next few days, as they fully ripened.  The smell was wonderful, and the gelato of course beyond description.  After the World Cup (and they will host viewings on his large-screen TV), Bulgarini will start up their summer Italian dinner-and-a-movie nights. This place is a finely-polished gem.

Then we paid our first visit to the Altadena Ale House, and were delighted to meet so many friends already there, including Altadena Above It All's Debbi Swanson Patrick, Charles Thomas, executive director of Outward Bound Adventures (almost still fresh from his meeting with President Obama) and his lovely wife Sharon Sand, president of the Altadena Library Foundation; and Altadena Town Councilman Ken Roberts and his lovely wife Regina Bette, COO of FIve Acres.  Hosts Judah and Gail Casburn have created a warm English pub atmosphere in the middle of a sometimes-questionable neighborhood.  But we'll be back for our next adult-only evening out!

Ruth Geibel celebrates 90 years

 
Altadena resident Ruth Geibel celebrated 90 years on earth with friends and family Saturday at Davies Auditorium in Farnsworth Park.  Reflecting her Mississippi roots, the dinner featured fine Southern style (fried chicken, cornbread, sweet tea, and "Disneyland Mint Julep").  Ruth is pictured with her children (l. to r.) Bebee, Mike, and Martel, Jr.

Two shot in Harriet drive-by Sat. night

Deputies are looking for two suspects in a drive-by shooting Saturday night on the 700 block of West Harriet.

Three victims were shot at and two were hit, according to a spokesman from the Altadena Sheriff Station.  The injured were transported to Huntington Memorial Hospital, and the injuries were not considered life-threatening.

According to the sheriff's, the suspects crashed their Volkswagen vehicle down the block as they attempted to flee, and continued on foot.  Deputies have recovered "items of ID" from the vehicle, and are looking for two suspects.  Deputies said that, based on evidence in the vehicle, the shooting appears to be gang-related.

Friday Fun Flick June 11: Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland"

This month's Friday Fun Flick at the Altadena Library is the new "Alice in Wonderland" by director Tim Burton. Rated PG, starts at 3:30 PM, and it's free in the Community Room of the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa.

Only one new face following today's Town Council election

Incumbents ruled in today's Altadena Town Council election, with one exception.

Newcomer Diane Marcussen knocked out incumbent Susan Goldman for the seat in Census Tract 4613 by a 53-33 vote.  All other incumbents in three contested census tracts won by comfortable margins.

In 4601, incumbent Gino Sund beat challenger Dwight Equitz, 166-35.  In 4602, Okorie Ezieme won a second term over challenger Brian Fuller, 113-49.  In the heavily-contested CT 4610, Tecumseh Shackelford retained his seat over Brent Musson, 109-81.

Shackelford and Musson told Altadenablog in separate interviews Friday that they had been working hard to get votes in a tract that has historically been very light (last year, incumbent Gene Campbell only logged ten votes).

In the other four census tracts, incumbents ran unopposed.

Final results are (winners are *starred, incumbents in bold):

• Census Tract 4601
  *Gino Sund  166
  Dwight A. Equitz  35
• Census Tract 4602
  *Okorie Ezieme  113
  Brian Fuller  49
  
  
• Census Tract 4603.01
  *Alice Wessen  22
  
  
• Census Tract 4603.02
  *Sandra Thomas  11
  
  
• Census Tract 4610
  *Tecumseh Shackelford 109
  Brent Musson  81
• Census Tract 4611
  *Allan Wasserman  30
  
  
• Census Tract 4612
  *Ruth Neilan Edwards  37
  
  
• Census Tract 4613
  Susan Goldman  33
  *Diane Marcussen  53

739 ballots were cast this year, compared to 484 last year and 735 in 2008.

Vote today!

Don't forget that the Altadena Town Council elections are TODAY, 9 AM - 3 PM.  Census tract, boundaries, polling places, a list of candidates and their statements are all available at our elections page.  We will publish results this afternoon, after the vote count.  Even if you're in a census tract with no opposing candidates, it's important for you to exercise your franchise today!

Forest cam captures the horror of Station Fire

Trail guy Paul Ayers shared with us this video he discovered -- captured by a remote game camera, the Station Fire roars through a canyon to the accompaniment of Mozart's Requiem.  It's amazing the cam survived, but the scene it records is powerful:

_________

Angeles Requiem from Tocho on Vimeo.

Breaking (if not entering) and mail thefts reported

Received word of two crimes this week worth noting:

First, shared from one of the listservs, a home on Garfias reported June 1:

My wife and I went for an early lunch around 11 AM and came home at about 12:30 PM and found our door handle buckled.  It looks like someone tried to pull it out of place to gain access.  I'm sure they made enough noise to signal my house dog which is a pit bull.  It seems like a bold move to access a house through a front door, but it is possible that they noticed the 2 pit bulls in the backyard and thought that yard dogs were all I have.  If they tried my front door, I'm sure they will try others. Please keep all your deadbolts locked and alarms set when you are out. 

According to a note from Sheriff Lt. Sheila Sanchez, apparently this wasn't reported to the sheriff at the time.

Also, someone reports outgoing mail was stolen from a residential mailbox on Marengo.

Found dog

Got a message about this dog found Sun,  May 30, and was taken to county animal control on Tues.:

Large very friendly young dog (perhaps 8+months).
Tan coat, Golden eyes.
Gender: nothing seemed to be dangling

Was found with a brown leather collar, no leash, no tags or other visible ID, appears to be in good health, well groomed and a very sweet disposition. Hope to reunite this dog with its proper home.

Fair Oaks Academy band in concert Wed. June 9 @ Farnsworth

Fair Oaks Academy band director Leigh Clay sends us info about the Fair Oaks Academy Concert Band, which will perform on Wed., June 9 at Farnsworth Park from 5-6 PM.  There is a potluck dinner, so all are invited to bring a dish and enjoy the music.  Clay tells us:

The band consists of youngsters (1st-6th graders) who have been playing for less than one year. Don't let that fool you. They are truly amazing, and you will be blown away!!!!! Very talented!!!!

"Art on Millionaire's Row" family festival @ the Library tomorrow

Part of a full-on Saturday tomorrow, don't forget the Friends of the Altadena Library present the first annual "Art on Millionaire's Row" festival on June 5,  from 10 AM-6 PM.  Besides art on display and for sale (including an juried art exhibit), there will be food by many local restaurants, including Amy's Patio Cafe, Bill's Chicken, Bulgarini Gelato, Martin's BBQ, the Park Bench Deli, Coffee Gallery, and more.  Bring the whole family to the Library, 600 E. Mariposa

Aveson's June Jubilee tomorrow

Our friend and fellow Alta-blogger JCK is also a proud Aveson parent, and reminds us that the fun begins tomorrow:

This Saturday, June 5th is the Aveson Charter School June Jubilee! (A free event benefiting Aveson Charter School.) It is a wonderful fun-filled family day from 10am-4pm on the Aveson campus – 1919 N. Pinecrest Drive, Altadena. (Follow Allen Avenue North to the very end, and you’ll find us.)

The June Jubilee is great for all ages of children, since the school is K-11th. In addition to the usual fun that festivals and carnivals can bring to the community: snow cones, bounce house, game booths, etc., the June Jubilee has some unique features. Come by and pick out a book at the used book table, or a plant at our plant sale. Get down & boogie to the band, The Cords, playing music from the 80s! Jasper’s favorite is the Confetti eggs. Buy ‘em and smash ‘em!! Eat yummy treats and browse homemade goods- including beautiful jewelry and handmade items by the Aveson community.

Silent Auction highlights include: a VIP set visit for 2 to the AMC hit show “Mad Men”. And…Jasper’s Kindergarten has created a beautiful “Kinder Garden” auction basket featuring a redwood Compost bin handcrafted by his daddy, Eddie King.

Briefly ...

• For those of you tracking Hahamongna, the Pasadena City Council has delayed until July 12 discussion on the future of the basin.  The Save Hahamongna group is still looking for signatures on its petition.
• PWeekly's Andre Coleman looks at Saturday's town council election (including a grim picture of chair Gino Sund with an unfortunate tie).  Two corrections: CR Tillman was removed from the ballot, and the Weekly only ran half our quote: that “In the past, there has not been a lot of publicity for these elections.” We also said that it's different now, because we made it different!
  UPDATE:  They've revised the story -- made us look better (we like that), but the list of polling places they give is incorrect (there's no polling at Loma Alta Park, and the Senior Center substitutes for the library since the arts festival is going on there at the same time).
• PSN's Janette Williams looks at the "Art on Millionaire's Row" festival at the Library Saturday (you're going, right?  Right after you vote at the Senior Center!)
• Outstanding as it is, the Sheriff's Support Group summer concert series in Farnsworth Park isn't the only game in town this summer: Bob Klomburg pointed out this PSN list of the concerts that are happening all around the San Gabriel Valley  (including such Farnsworth favorites as Elliot Caine, Hot August Night,  and the Surfin' Safaris).

Theatre Americana brings back the 60's at Farnsworth Park June 19

Theatre Americana, the golden era’s community theater troupe, pays tribute to a groovy decade of peace and love when it presents “The 60’s Revisited,” a musical concert under the stars Sat., June 19 at Farnsworth Park Amphitheatre in Altadena. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. and includes a special guest appearance from members of the 1960s folk/rock group, “We Five.” 

 

Hosted by Theatre Americana and Show of Support Productions, two non-profit organizations, in collaboration with the County of Los Angeles Parks and Recreation, “The 60’s Revisited” will take you back to a nostalgic time when music captured the essence of love and peace in a somewhat turbulent era. So, get out those love beads, put flowers in your hair, grab a tambourine and join us for a musical journey as you listen to popular hits of the 1960s. Theatre Americana would like you to dig deep into the pockets of those paisley pants you wear and find $10 to support those cool little hippies in the Farnsworth Afterschool Program. Reservations are required to attend the concert.

 

Jerry Burgan, known as “The Keeper Of  The Flame,” and only member of “We Five” to have been on every album from 1965 to the present, will perform along with Debbie Burgan, and Tholow Chan.  “We Five” is best known for their 1965 remake of Ian & Sylvia’s “You Were On My Mind.” In addition, local guitarist and songwriter, T.J. Smith will debut his original composition, “Star.”

 

“The 60’s Revisited” is Theatre Americana’s third performance in 2010 at Farnsworth Park. Playing to a full-house on February 13, Theatre Americana revived its playbill after a 10 year absence with an original comedy, Polterheist: A Valentine’s Day Play at historic Davies Hall. “An Oscar For Mom,” a pre- Mother’s Day musical program and lunch on May 8 celebrated the wonderful people in our lives with excerpts from popular movies embracing parent and child relationships. Proceeds generated from both performances benefited Farnsworth Afterschool Program.

 

Farnsworth Park Amphitheatre is located at 568 E. Mount Curve Avenue in Altadena. Reservations are required to attend the concert. Contact Donna Scarantino at (626) 840-3551 or donna8461@sbcglobal.net or online at www.theatreamericana.com to make your reservation.

'Dena weekend: elections, art, and more art

UPDATES: Just added: hazmat roundup and Pat Donohue concert.

THIS is a busy weekend:

Thurs., June 3

• Art Bender Weekend begins at Gallery at the End of the World with an artist's reception for the weekend's show, 6-9 PM at the gallery, 2475 N. Lake.  Music by MMMKay.

Fri., June 4

• Art Bender weekend continues at McGinty's with the First Friday Art Club, 7 PM- 1 AM.  $5 cover.  Music by The Sundowners.

Sat., June 5

• Altadena Town Council elections: Polls open at 9 AM and close at 3 PM.  Check our elections page for the full rundown and polling places.
• "Art on Millionaire's Row," the Friends of the Altadena Library art show and festival, runs from 10 AM-6 PM at the Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa.  Vendors, food, entertainment, and art for the whole family.
• Aveson School's June Jubilee runs from 10 AM-4 PM on the Aveson campus, 1919 Pinecrest.
• Hazmat and e-waste roundup at the Rose Bowl, parking lot B, 9 AM-3 PM.
• Art Bender weekend continues at McGinty's with a potluck barbecue.  Music by Thee Invention.

Sun., June 6

• Art Bender weekend concludes at McGinty's with brunch. HB3 will perform.
• Pat Donohue, "Prairie Home Companion" guitarist, will appear at the Coffee Gallery at 7 PM.  TIckets are $20, this WILL sell out.  Reservations: (626) 794-2424.

"If I was the king of the forest ..."

Trail man Paul Ayers writes that the gate is finally open on Chaney Trail and people can drive to the Millard Campground parking lot (we haven't checked this out yet ourselves).

Also, District Ranger Mike McIntyre says that anyone interested in the trails of the Cobb Estate should meet at the gate at 8 AM Saturday. The purpose is to verify that all of the trails under consideration for opening or reforesting have been identified -- the trails have been GPS-mapped, and they just want to make sure no favorites have gone missing.

Town council election committee seeking volunteers

A chance to demonstrate your community spirit this weekend:  Altadena town council election chair Bob Meyer says that he is short ten volunteers to staff the polls on Saturday.  Shifts are only for a couple of hours or so.  Contact Bob at bmeyer2140@sbcglobal.net to volunteer.

Bill Burnett's "Magical Songwriting" seminar Thursday Monday nights

UPDATE: Bill Burnett's Magic Ingredient Songwriting Seminar will now be meeting at 7:30 on MONDAYS starting June 14 throughout June and July at the Coffee Gallery Backstage.

When Bette Midler needed a magic touch for the opening number of her new Vegas act, she turned to Bill Burnett—a songwriter whose work had brought the house down for her in big stadium concerts all over the world.  When Nickelodeon wanted magical one minute music videos for one of their animated series, Burnett did the writing and provided over 40 catchy songs in every imaginable style.  When the Skirball Arts Center needed a show to highlight the magic of their Hanukkah celebration, they commisioned Bill to write the script, music and lyrics.

 

Lately Burnett’s been headlining regularly at Altadena’s own Coffee Gallery. People there were so knocked out by his words, music, and overall knowledge of songcraft that they asked him to teach a course in how to make songs come to life.

 

So he agreed to do it.  The first 8 week seminar begins Thurs.,  June 10  at 8 PM Mon., June 14, at 7:30 PM and will continue every Monday through July 29.  It’s all happening at what Bill calls his “magical music patio.” 

 

There, in a relaxed environment, Burnett will lift the veil off a number of works by a wide range of established songwriters (from the likes of Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell to Rodgers and Hart, Irving Berlin, Lieber and Stoller, Hank Williams, Tom Lehrer and more) and examine the way these masters use time-tested tricks and solid songcraft to create powerful, unforgettable songs.  He’ll delve into the history of song, explore the fundamentals of structure, rhyme, rhythm, melody and harmony—and show how these basic tools can be used to increase the power of song.

 

Then each week participants will get a chance to play their work, and the group  will provide “Friendly Feedback” about completed songs and works in progress. “I’m not interested in tearing anybody’s songs apart,” Burnett says  “But maybe we can find ways to stick them together so they come out a little bit stronger.”

 

There will also be once-a-month concerts at the Coffee Gallery (2029 N. Lake, 91001) where the Magical Song Seminar students will present their songs in concert to the public. Established songwriters and newcomers alike will find this seminar uplifting and enlightening.  The fee is $30 per session or $175 in advance for the 8 week course (a savings of $65.) Space is limited. 

Contact Duane Thorin--323-627-0662—(duane@duanethorin.com) to sign up.

 

 

 

Little Leaguers and deputies bowling for dollars, raffling Dodger tickets

Adam Bell of the Central Altadena Little League reports:

The Bowling Night Fundraiser at 300 Pasadena on Tuesday, June 1st, was a resounding success!  So far, the Altadena Sheriff and the Central Altadena Little League (CALL) have raised $4,100.  A great time was had by all and it was truly a pleasure to witness the deputies working with the kids.   The kids are still talking about it.  Special thanks go to Deputy Marcos De La Riva and Captain Steven McLean for organizing a great event.  The top fundraisers will receive prizes donated by the Altadena Sheriff's Station.  We will announce the top fundraisers at our closing ceremonies this Friday, June 4th at 7:00 p.m. at Farnsworth Park. 

 

Additionally, the CALL is having an MLB Raffle Ticket Fundraiser!  Thanks to a very generous donation from CALL parents and Altadena residents Mr. & Mrs. Michael Kealing, the league will raffle off four tickets (parking pass included) to the Los Angeles Dodgers vs. the WORLD CHAMPION New York Yankees game scheduled for Saturday, June 26, 2010 at Dodger Stadium.  The tickets are good for four loge seats in right field.  Raffle tickets are $20 each and only 200 raffle tickets are available.  The winning ticket will be drawn on Wednesday, June 16th at the CALL Board Meeting.  The winner need not be present to win.  All proceeds from the raffle will benefit the Central Altadena Little League.  Raffle tickets will be available for purchase at our closing ceremonies this Friday or interested parties may contact the Central Altadena Little League at (626) 236-4969.  Ticket sales end on June 14th.

Updated with Dodger game information.

I've looked at North Lake from both sides now ...

Our perennial favorite Hometown Pasadena web page has a poetic appreciation of the joys of North Lake from Mel Malmberg.

And on the other hand, Ernessa Carter talks about some of the real disadvantages of the area (one word: Ralphs.  And why don't we have a modern postage machine like they have TWO of in the main Pasadena post office?  It's bad enough the local post office is on a campaign to remove all the corner drop boxes).  Both sides have their merits!

Stretch Media makes LA Times Business section

On the front page of today's LA Times Business section is an article on Bill Burnett and Debrah Lemattre's Altadena company, Stretch Media, the producers of the immortal Eat at Joe's commercial for the Redondo Beach restaurant.  Reporter Sharon Bernstein talks about how all advertising media, from billboards to newspapers to television, is doing more with less in the current economy.

(If there's a gap in the article, it's about how the the growth of technology makes more possible: the tech to produce a first-class television commercial is much cheaper and easier to acquire these days.  It also makes it easier to provide local news without paying for a printing plant and paper delivery, too!)

Arts Council wants to give your child a creative summer

Attention Parents! The Altadena Arts Council is offering an opportunity to brighten up your child’s summer vacation days by providing them a fun, very affordable, educational arts experience at the “Creative Summer Arts Discovery Workshops”.

The workshops will provide a creative experience that encourages imaginations while developing sound art skills. Students discover new ways to see and express a world of both form and fantasy.

The Altadena Arts Council’s “Creative Summer Arts Discovery Workshops will be held on the campus of Sacred Heart Church, corner of Lincoln and Mariposa, form July 6 through July 23, (9:00 am – 3:00 pm). Children ages 7 years to 12 years are invited to have a fun-filled, “creative summer” by exploring and discovering art in its many forms as they discover the artist in themselves. Arts discovery activities provided will include painting, music, photography/digital art, art appreciation, drama, dance, mask-making, jewelry–making, creative writing, poetry, fiber art, and clay sculpture.

Three (3) one-week workshops will be held (Session I: July 6 – July 9; Session II: July
12 – July 16; and Session III: July 19 – July 23). Cost is $55 per session; or, $50 per
session if enrolling two or more from same family. Early drop-off and late pick-up will be available. Enrollment is limited.

Applications are available at the Sacred Heart Church Ministry Center and online at www.altadenaartsouncil.org. ALL inquiries should be directed to the Altadena Arts Council at (626) 797-5798 or via e-mail at

info@altadenaartscouncil.org.

The Altadena Arts Council (TAAC)
4234 Aralia Road, Altadena, CA 91001
gstevenson@altadenaartscouncil.org

Hooray for Holly-Dena!

We're not immune to celebrity stalking -- so we were real excited to get this story and picture this afternoon from Scott and Lori Webster at (Altadenablog sponsor) Webster's Fine Stationers:

We were all flabbergasted when none other than Tom Hanks & his entourage strolled into WFS just about an hour ago! He asked about the history of our store and told us how much he loved family-owned stationery stores! Also made disparaging remarks about [ ohh ... let's call it a "big box retailer" -- Ed.] He was such a nice guy and told us how much he enjoyed working in Altadena. They're shooting down by that white vacant building on the corner across from Eliot Jr. High.

Pretty cool....and he bought lots of stuff!

Short takes

• Take Sunset, an architecture and real estate blog, looks at a Gregory Ain house on Highview that's on the market (looks like a big white shoebox to us, but don't get us started on the modernists ...)
• Local artist Heather Morrow will lead a workshop on creating a "fairy box" at Kat Scrap Studio, 2455 N. Lake, on Sat., June 12, 2-4 PM.  Morrow says that the workshop will "guide you to create a unique jewelry box that will truly be a work of art, inspired by your own vision."  Each participant will be provided with the necessary supplies, but you are welcome to bring any objects or embellishments to add to your work (or share).  $35 - includes all materials, and reservations are encouraged.  For more information, call (626) 398-0355 or go to:
  http://www.cr8ivesouls.com/art_workshops.html]
• Shirlee Smith looks at the foster youth program she shepherded through the Altadena Library last month.  Takeaway line for us: "As he goes through life, this library-card plastic will serve him so much better than credit-card plastic."

Memorial Day airshow above Sonoma Dr.

Chris Considine: The Skywatcher, shares with us these pictures he took from the yard yesterday:

It was another active day in the skies above Sonoma Drive, Altadena, honoring the veterans of our great country on this most beautiful Memorial Day 2010.

A very low flyby of fine WWII warbirds in various stripes and colors in a 7 plane formation got the residents of Sonoma Drive into the streets late this morning.

Kids and adults came running out of their front doors to view the exciting 3 low passes right down the middle of the street. Just a short time later the low rumble of another more modern flyby got them out of the house once again to see a rare very low pass of an Air Force C-17 from March AFB come in at no more than 500 feet above the trees for another Memorial Day treat.

Altadena ARTBreak 2010 coming to Farnsworth Park June 12

 

The Altadena ARTBreak 2010 Community Arts Festival, sponsored by the Altadena Arts Council (TAAC), with support from Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Department, is in its countdown phase for a Saturday, June 12 opening at Farnsworth Park.

Developed by the Arts Council as a vehicle to celebrate the talent and creativity of our area’s children and youth, this will be the fourth ‘ARTBreak and
promises to showcase an impressive menu of visual and performing arts talent
representing public, private and charter schools.

The event will offer a full day of entertainment consisting of a wide array of creative young talent, including five of the area’s top jazz bands, representing such schools John Muir High School, Pasadena High School, Eliot Middle School and South Pasadena High School, as well as the ARTBreak All-Star Band and The TRACS, an exciting young rock band of 11-14 year olds that already has appearances at a number of highly regarded music festivals, including the Eagle Rock Music Festival, under their belts. Then, there is the John Muir High School Choir, Altadena Children’s Choir, the Pasadena Rosebud Academy Poets, Sue Bee Dance Ensemble, Mexica Folklorico, Odyssey Charter School Dramatists, guitarist Kareem Ali, vocalist Brittany Anderson, classical pianist and ACT-SO Gold Medalist Quran Shaheed, pianist Mia Barinaga, and the Aveson Music Club Marimbas and Harmonicas.

All of this will be complimented by a great concert by longtime supporters of ARTBreak, the Crown City Chamber Orchestra performing works by Von Suppe and Rossini; a terrific selection of artworks from the School District’s “No Boundaries” Exhibit; dance; drama; numerous workshops, hands-on/take home projects; the Magic of Maseo; food and refreshments; prizes and more.

Topping this all off  will be a special appearance by the red-hot indy band, Holloh, which will close out the event.

For further information regarding ‘ARTBreak, please call 626-797-5798. The Arts
Council will be accepting applications for a limited number of food and/or non-food
vendors thru Saturday, June 5th.

Contact Information:

The Altadena Arts Council (TAAC)
4234 Aralia Road, Altadena, CA 91001
626-797-5798
gstevenson@altadenaartscouncil.org

Have a building you don't need? Talk to the sheriff!

A note from Carolyn Seitz at the Sheriff's Community Advisory Council:

The deputies and detectives at the Altadena Sheriff's Station have a request.

From time to time, they like to conduct training exercises in Altadena.

The community has been generous in their support for these exercises in the past and we're hoping someone can help this time.

They would like to use a building that is slated for demolition, or a building, residential, commercial or industrial, that is going to have major renovation done.

They'd like to use a building, or buildings like that, for practicing hostage rescue, search and rescue, or the kind of hide and seek that they sometimes encounter in their efforts to capture a criminal.

They use an ammunition that is similar to paint balls, and they like to break down doors since it's an important element in their effort to keep their skills sharp.

Can you help or do you know of anyone who has a residence, commercial or industrial building that they can use?

Any help would be appreciated.

Please let me know.

Thanks very much,
Carolyn