altadenablog

Episcopal Homes present a pared-down MonteCedro

The MonteCedro retirement community is still alive, say representatives from the Episcopal Home Communities, altho’ it will be smaller, less costly, and will be built in phases.


At last night's Altadena Town Council meeting, Episcopal Homes Communities president Marty Tamburrano said that within 30 days they will begin marketing the development, which is to go on the empty lot that formerly held the Scripps Home, and are aiming for a 2015 opening of the first phase.

The MonteCedro development has been stalled since the collapse of the housing and tightening of credit markets last year, when Episcopal Homes informed 300 prospective residents that they were putting the project on hold.

Now that prospects look brighter, the development is moving ahead,  Tuamburrano said, albeit with some changes.  The new development will now consist of a large main building, with three “villa-size” buildings of ten apartments each, one to be located on El Molino and two on Calavaras.   The four villas planned for Crawford St. will be part of the second phase of development.

The project overall has been scaled down:  where there were formerly 234 independent living apartments, there will now be a total of 226 -- 186 in phase one, and 40 in phase two.  Assisted living units have been reduced from 38 to 20 in the new plan. The buildings will now cover 201,950 sq. ft, where it was formerly 203,510 sq. ft.  A planned indoor swimming pool has been moved outside to save expenses, and underground parking has been reduced, MonteCedro representatives said.

Tamburrano said that they require that the project be 70% presold before construction can begin -- which means receiving a 10% downpayment on 70% of the units.  They expect sales and marketing to last from 18-24 months, with construction projected to start in July 2013 and move-in by the middle of 2015.

When Episcopal Homes Communities acquired the property, Scripps Home residents moved to the Kensington facility in Alhambra with the promise that they could return  to Altadena if they wanted.  Tamburrano said that they plan to construct enough units at MonteCedro for those who want to move in, if they can, and that funds have been set aside to pay for their care.  The subsidy to former Scripps Home residents will be $15-$18 million over their lifetime, Tamburanno said.

Normally, fees run from $2,500 to $5,000 per month.

The whole complex is designed for an “aging in place” model, where residents remain in their apartment while increased care is being brought to them as long as they want to stay there, rather than moving residents to units that provide increasing amounts of care.  The exceptions are the assisted living units, which are primarily for dementia care, Tamburrano said.

Tamburanno also apologized for the state of the property, which has become overgrown with weeds.  Episcopal Homes has hired a new landscaping company, which will be there once or twice a week to mow, trim, and chop weeds.  In addition, there is now security in place at the property.  The netting attached to the fence, which is torn or cut in many places, will be removed and by October the site will be hydroseeded with grasses, mulch, and wildflowers. 

Episcopal Homes has also been spreading around largesse:  it has commissioned a multigenerational art project of schoolchildren and seniors to decorate a wall on the property, and is giving $10,000 to the sheriff’s station to pay for crime-fighting equipment, Tamburanno said.

Wednesday morning jolt: library, reward, coyotes

• The Altadena Library District reports that the Board of Library Trustees selected Gwendolyn McMullins, a retired educator and long-time Altadena resident, to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Shirlee Smith. The LA County Board of Supervisors is expected to confirm the appointment within a month.
• The county Board of Supervisors renewed an offer of a $10,000 reward for information in the 2009 slaying of Jerrill Dulaney.  The 17-year-old John Muir student was gunned down May 9, 2009 at Altadena Dr. and Fair Oaks.  Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Sgts. Don Wall or Sandy Nava at the sheriff's Homicide Bureau, 323-890-5500.
• Reader Juan Motta told us that he spotted a pair of coyotes prowling up Midlothian north of New York Drive.  This is pretty darn far away from the wilderness for them, but it’s a good warning to keep watch on your pets, and bring them in at night.

Thieves or overenthusiatic recyclers? The latest on the "mothership scavengers"

The latest message from the Altadena Sheriff's Dept. regarding the wave of metal scavengers:

An update regarding the individuals stealing items from yards in the Chaney Trail area (as well as the rest of Altadena).  We identified the individuals and located their trucks.  Today we conducted a search of a property in Altadena.  It appears these individuals run a legitimate scrap business.  It seems that they have gotten a bit carried away and have moved away from just taking scrap to taking items from yards.  Unfortunately most of their business is metal and they take the items to the disposed of the same day they obtain them.  We are continuing to follow up with the investigation.  We did issue citations on the trucks and advised the individuals we will be watching them very carefully and advised them Altadena is not a place for them to conduct their business. 

Two saved in Tues. morning home fire

PSN is reporting that two women were saved from a spectacular home fire Tuesday morning on the 3000 block of Concha St. off of Lake Ave.

This morning's print version has more details than the earlier story linked above: Richard Engersbach, a law enforcement technician and civilian employee of the Sheriff's Dept., spotted the fire in the front of the house and called it in from his car radio, then pounded on doors on the side and back of the house to wake up the sleeping residents.  The interesting thing in the story is that -- apparently there are so many scams going on in town -- that the two women didn't believe him at first when he said  he was a sheriff's employee and the front of their house was on fire.

Beverly Way burglars caught in the act, sheriffs say

Two Altadena men, suspected of committing several residential burglaries, were caught in the act Aug. 16 when they broke into a house without knowing that they were being tailed by detectives the whole time, according to the sheriff’s office.

According to a sheriff’s press release, detectives from Altadena Station and Major Crimes Bureau were conducting a surveillance of the two men, who were suspected of numerous burglaries in Altadena and Pasadena.  Detectives saw the men break into a residence on the 1100 block of Beverly Way and arrested them on the way out.  A stolen gun was among the property recovered from the home.

Our readers on the scene reported major police activity during the incident, including the helicopter and several squad cars.  Altadena Sheriff Capt. Steven McLean, at last night’s town council meeting, said that this brings the total of arrested burglary suspects at 42 for the year.

It seems like a century ...

We have returned from several days' vacation, so there will be lots of updates throughout the day.  Special thanks to our correspondent Erika McCarden for covering Relay for Life in our absence, and Bill Westphal for the great pictures of Those Manning Boys.

We spent our vacation in a gathering of tribes in Ft. Collins, Colorado, to celebrate the birthday of our grandmother, Mary Ellen Dixon McClelland Allen (Grandma Ellen).  She turned 100 years old on Aug. 14, still lives by herself in her own apartment, and the state of Colorado says she can still drive.  We had a great gathering at the Elks Lodge, where she received visitors and cards and letters from the mayor, the governor, and her favorite actress, Betty White.  (Supposedly a letter from the White House is on its way).  It was a grand time to celebrate a grand lady, but we're glad we're back!

Happy voting!

Ninety years ago today, women throughout the USA won the right to vote. 

Rock on!

Slow day ...

We will be out-of-pocket for much of the day today, altho' we expect to be able to cover tonight's Town Council meeting.  Things are piling up -- there'll be many, many updates Wednesday!!

Break-in on Beverly Way Monday afternoon

The helicopter and lots of sheriff vehicles were very interested in an apparent break-in this afternoon on the 1100 block of Beverly Way -- we're waiting for the official word from the sheriff right now, and will relay it to you when we get it.

Monday morning jolt

• 
  Altadena resident Trudell Skinner was named the new principal at Blair International Baccalaureate Magnet School.  PSN's Brian Charles has the details.
  
• Sid Gally's local history piece this week is a fascinating look at Altadenan Paul Popenoe, one of the creators of marriage counseling as we know it.  He was also a eugenicist who advocated sterilizing the unfit to keep them from breeding.  We TOLD you it was fascinating!
• And Queen Mickie has a piece on the local band The Sundowners, who now have a monthly gig at a bar we will not name because of its transgressive cuteness factor.  But regular work for a musician is nothing to sneeze at!
  

An evening of music and drama at the Folly Bowl Aug. 21

Altadena's Folly Bowl presents a free outdoor evening of new theater and music next Sat., Aug. 21, at the Bowl, 1601 E. Loma Alta Dr., starting at 7 PM.


BRING seat cushions/blanket, a picnic & beverage (alcohol okay); please clean up after yourself.

Music curated by Andrew Pask

Musician: Janeen Rae Heller
"Pi” written and directed by Heidi Darchuk
with Shaughn Buchholz, Jack Littman, Lake Sharp with Corryn Cummins

Musician: David Haerle
"Those Who Get Close” written and directed by Christopher Kelley
with Jacqueline Wright

Musician: Emily Hay
“The Tearing Beauties” written and directed by Sissy Boyd
with Tina Preston, Lisa Denke and Irene Muzzy

Musician: Jim McAuley
"Stellae” written and directed by Kevin O’Sullivan
with Mike Wiles and Suzanne Fletcher

Musicians: The McGuffey Readers
"Stone God” written and directed by Sharon Yablon
with Mickey Swenson, Anton Jarvis and Lake Sharp

Musician: William Roper
"All Around The World” written and directed by Michael Hacker
with Rachel Whitman, Mark Fite and Gray Palmer

Weather Eye: Those Manning Boys lift spirits at Farnsworth

by Bill Westphal
Special to Altadenablog

Farnsworth Park was greener than usual as Those Manning Boys and Friends entertained the crowds at the Sheriff's Support Group Summer Concert Series Saturday night.

They were accompanied by Barbara Schilling on the Celtic Harp

Also playing were Tim Drake on Uilleann pipes, Liam Lewis on mandolin and Jimmy Murphy on guitar

We were also treated to the wonderful dancers from the Aniar Academy Of Irish Dance.  They seemed to glide effortlessly through the air.

After the concert, the crowd followed the Pasadena Scottish Pipes and Drums into the park along the pathways lit by luminaries.  It was a very moving ceremony.

Survivors speak at Farnsworth Park's Relay for Life

By Erika McCarden
for Altadenablog

The 2nd Annual Relay for Life of Altadena kicked-off at Farnsworth Park with a special prayer led by Altadena Community Church Pastor Joe McGowan, a stellar performance by Adjoua Skinner, an inspirational message by seven-year breast cancer survivor Jeanette Henderson, and the official Survivor Lap

“People in cancer research are doing amazing things. Every five years they’re coming up with new research,” said Henderson. “Women no longer have to be mutilated. There are more options available now.”

Photo: Jeanette Henderson addresses the relayers.

Friends and family gathered to help spread awareness and raise money for the American Cancer Society, while celebrating survivors and loved ones who lost their lives to the disease.

“I’m here because this is an opportunity to let people become aware of cancer and help raise funds for the cause,” said nine-year breast cancer survivor Zetta Robinson. "The more money that is raised, the better it will help with research and providing a longer, and better life for all survivors. This event allows us to give, share and care.”


Gwen Sheard, a 23-year breast cancer survivor added, “Raising awareness is so important. Back in my time, the topic of cancer was hidden, and the only option was chemotherapy and having a mastectomy. No one knew anything about cancer. Now, there are so many types of procedures available.”

Participants of the free, all-night relay event enjoyed an array of musical performances, including a summer concert by Those Manning Boys and a special luminaria ceremony with bagpipers from the Pasadena Scottish Pipes and Drums. Today, the event will continue with an early Pilates exercise and a pancake breakfast before the closing ceremony.

“This event really means a lot for the community. It’s my hope that the participants grow their family here, and get to know other people who are going through it and realize they’re not alone,” said Andrea Sweet, relay manager for the American Cancer Society.

Henderson added, “What I’ve learned is to eat, pray and love.”

Survivors DeBorrah Carter (9 year survivor), Zetta Robinson ( 9 year survivor), Gwen Sheard (23-year urvivor) and Devra Hall Levy (14 year survivor).

In the evening, relayers walked along a path lit by luminaria, each one commemorating someone with cancer.

Moonscape at Mt. Curve

Reader lennox munro sends these pictures:

These are the latest incarnations of  what has been a constant source of surprise and delight over the last several months to those of us who walk this part of Altadena.It appears that there is more than one person behind these creations. As I took these photos I met the man who said he had begun it, but that others had "taken it to a whole new level".A couple of weeks ago I saw one of my Maiden Lane neighbors constructing a new one. How many others are involved I wonder? This is one of those things that makes us say to ourselves, "Don't you just love Altadena?" Check out the little grey "bridge"!

  

Found kittens, looking for a home

No good deed goes unpunished -- be nice to a cat, and see what happens (we're not a cat person).  A reader writes:

On July 1, we found a mother cat and her four newly-born kittens on top of our garage roof (We live on the corner of Braeburn Road and Mendocio).

We moved the family to our garage and began feeding the very hungry and thin mother.

The kittens are now six weeks old and eating kitten food and even using the liter box. They are absolutely adorable - all are black with white markings on their stomachs and necks. If the mother is not claimed, we are planning to continue to care for her, including getting her spayed. However, we are not able to keep the kittens and are looking for loving homes.

If anyone is interested, please call Diane or Verne Williams at 626-791-3796. Photos are attached!

Altadena Town Council Tues., 7 PM at the Community Center

Of interest this month: the council will consider a cell tower at the Altadena Methodist Church property and a restriping plan for upper Lake Ave.  The council will also hear an update on the MonteCedro project.

"Mothership scavengers" operating in the Meadows

We've been getting reports from the news groups about "scavenger theft" -- thieves who enter private yards to load their trucks with whatever is not nailed down (pipes, ladders, barbecue grills, etc.), who later offload their booty onto a "mothership," -- a larger truck parked away from the site of the raid.  The large truck then hauls the booty away.

One sharp neighbor managed to take pictures and write a description of the trucks.  If you see them, call the sheriff's station.

 
The reported description follows:

The license plate of the small truck is:
4G49413 (black letters on white with what appears to be a beat up "Ventura" license plate frame)

The license of the large truck is:
8A93709 (with "California" at the top in red cursive font)
There is even a phone number on the bumper of the large truck offering "hauling services" (how ironic):

626.219.3425

Save the date: Dorothy Randall Gray writing workshop Oct. 9

The Friends of the Altadena Library present a free workshop entitled “Inspiration, Perspiration, and Dedication—How to Use What You’ve Got to Write What You Want” by best-selling author, Dorothy Randall Gray.  Gray, a nationally acclaimed writing workshop leader and motivational speaker, has captivated television, radio and university audiences throughout the U. S.  and abroad. Both new and seasoned writers will gain much from her inspired teachings in this stimulating participatory workshop. 

Sat., Oct. 9, 2 PM at the Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa 

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

Dorothy Randall Gray is a best-selling author of Soul Between The Lines: Freeing Your Creative Spirit Through Writing (Avon/HarperCollins) as well as poetry, fiction and non-fiction books Muse Blues, Family, Creative Rituals for Daily Living, Woman, The Passion Collection and a new novel, Tamarinda. For over fifteen years she has facilitated creative writing, self-improvement and healing workshops throughout the United States and abroad. Her writings have been featured on television, radio and theater, at cultural, health and educational institutions.

Dorothy is a former Poet-in-Residence at Hunter College, National Public Radio commentator, and columnist for NiaOnline. A motivational speaker, writing and certified life coach she is presently a board member of the International Women’s Writing Guild, and executive director of the Heartland Institute for Transformation. DRGheartland@aol.com

 

Give a pig a pancake at the Library, Aug. 28

Meet the star of Laura Numeroff's If You Give a Pig a Pancake on Sat., Aug. 28, at 11 AM at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa.  Children will be treated to stories and have a chance to meet Pig (bring your cameras!)

Family activities today ...

... so blogging will be light!  Thank you for your forbearance!

Relay for Life starts tomorrow

The latest update from the Relay for Life of Altadena chair John Pings:

Preparations are in full swing for the 2nd Annual Relay for Life of Altadena.  We would like to thank all of our volunteers, entertainers, donors and registered participants for their heartfelt contributions of time, effort and donations. Special thanks to the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation and Farnsworth Park staff for their sponsorship and awesome support.  And to Coffee Gallery for help organizing our awesome slate of entertainers.

Late News:  Thanks to a very generous donation from the Altadena branch of Lockheed Martin and their "Rollin for a Cure" Relay for Life Team, we will be having a silent and live auctions of 15 computers, including 5 Dell Desktops (2.1GHz, 120GB HD with 15" inch monitors),  5 Dell Desktops (2.6 GHz, 500GB HD, 24" monitors), and 5 Apple Macbook Pro laptops. This is really a great opportunity to get some very nice "experienced" computer equipment (to be auctioned "as is", no warranty) and all the proceeds go directly to the American Cancer Society for cancer awareness and education, research, advocacy and those all important patient services.

For more information and its still not to late to sign up for Relay, please go to www.relayforlife.org/altadenaca, all Relay for Life Events are free, but all participants must be registered, Sign Up Now and Join the Fun!  For last minute signups or questions about Relay,  please contact Andrea Sweet of the American Cancer Society at (626) 372-9456 or John Pings,  Event Chair at (323) 974-7156 or relayforlife.altadena.ca@gmail.com.

See you all Saturday at Farnsworth Park. We have a very special luminaria ceremony at 9 p.m. with bagpipers from the Pasadena Scottish Pipes and Drums, following the Summer Concert Series performance by Those Manning Boys.  Relay will also have entertainment all day from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Way to Fight Back! Against Cancer Altadena!! Thanks for all your support!

-----------

Jervey Tervalon opens library's writer workshop series Sept. 11

Write Your Memoir Workshop or Hone Your Skills as a Storyteller:

Best-selling novelist, award-winning poet, screenwriter, dramatist, journalist, commentator and creative writing professor at USC, Jervey Tervalon, will be presenting a workshop for writers of all ages and experience levels through the process of telling their story.

The workshop is ideal for participants looking to develop their skill at chronicling their life stories, assist others who hold valuable oral histories in preserving their written history, or who want to jumpstart a variety of writing in a supportive as well as inspiring environment. 

Jervey Tervalon is the author of All the Trouble You Need, Understand This, and the Los Angeles Times bestseller Dead Above Ground. Jervey was born in New Orleans, raised in Los Angeles, and now lives in Altadena, California, with his wife and two daughters.  

This program will be the first of four writers’ workshops to be held in the fall at the library.  Saturday, September 11, at 2:00 p.m. 

Skywatching: it's Perseids meteor shower season!

By Chris Considine
Special to Altadenablog


It’s that time during the summer when the Galactic Greek God Perseus will be sending in his messengers of light via meteorites to the darker skies of Altadena. Of course we aren’t the only ones that will be able to view the annual Perseid Meteor Shower, but it will be highlighted this Friday the 13th!  And to make things even better, it will be a moonless sky to make viewing them that much easier for us mere mortals.

Here is a link to get everyone started learning about the comet driven show of space debris that is the reason for the annual event.

http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=10093

A little background on Perseus helps make it all the more interesting.

Perseus was the son of Zeus and was involved in an evil plot by Polydectes, who was falling in love with Perseus’ mother Danae. Polydectes wanted Perseus out of the way, and sent him to slay the infamous Medusa.

Contrary to the Hollywood version, it was Perseus who did succeed in slaying Medusa using a mirror to avoid her stony glare.  He and many other Greek Gods and Goddesses (and the famous ‘horse’ Pegasus) were enshrined into the heavens by naming constellations after them for all to see and navigate by.

Friday night’s show should be better than usual (and certainly a moonless clear night will aid us). It has a very long history as it was first noticed over 2000 years ago. In Europe it was originally known as “the tears of St. Lawrence”, and here is a link to a great article by Mark Littmann about the event.

http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/objects/meteors/3304116.html?page=1&c=y

Here is a great quote from the article on the last page:  "Saint Lawrence was tortured and killed in Rome on August 10, 258 during the reign of the anti-Christian emperor Valerian... Citing Quetelet, 'a superstition has 'for ages' existed among the Catholics of some parts of England and Germany that the burning tears of St. Lawrence are seen in the sky on the night of the 10th of August; this day being the anniversary of his martyrdom.'"

Weather eye: Wednesday night at Farnsworth Park ....

by Bill Westphal
Special to Altadenablog

Being a Weather Enthusiast, I thought I was hearing thunder.  But wait, there were no clouds in the sky.  It was DRUMS!.  And the rhythm was fantastic.  The beat was enticing.  I followed the sound to Farnsworth Park about a half mile away.  I couldn't believe the sound was traveling so far and so clear.  Anybody close to the top of Lake MUST have heard it.

What I found was JMADA, the John Muir Alumni Drummers Association ( http://muiralumnidrumcorp.org/ ).  They were lined up on the Basketball Court at Farnsworth Park.  I moved in closer.  The sound up close was unbelievable. 

 

I thought they were practicing, but after talking to the Drum Instructor, Mark Chappell, it turns out they were auditioning for a commercial.  The representative couldn't tell me what type of commercial they were auditioning for but we wish them the best of luck and hope they get the part.

Dena Weekend: Aug. 12-15

Thurs., Aug. 12

• Dustbowl Revival with Dark & Stormy at Coffee Gallery, 8 PM.  Tickets $15., reservations 794-2424.

Fri., Aug. 13

• Library summer movie: "Date Night," rated PG, starts at 3:30 at the Library Community Room, 600 E. Mariposa
• Theatre Americana: actWRite playwriting workshop, 7-9 PM.  Reservations required by Aug. 7.

Sat. Aug. 14

• Altadena Relay for Life kicks off at 9 AM at Farnsworth Park
• James Faulker art reception at Library Community Room, 600 E. Mariposa, 4-6 PM.
• Those Manning Boys at Farnsworth Park amphitheater for the Sheriff Support Group of Altadena summer concert series, starts 7 PM.
• And after the concert, come to the Relay For Life's Luminaria Ceremony to remember the victims of cancer, 9 PM at Farnsworth Park.
• Buglarini Gelato's dinner and a movie night is Lola Rennt (Run Lola Run) a German action drama written and directed by Tom Tykwer and starring Franka Potente and Moritz Bleibtreu. Dinner by reservation only - for $13.00, which will include a pasta dish, salad and a drink. Film is free to all gelato will be available throughout. Reservations may be made by Friday (the day before the film) by email at catering@bulgarinigelato.com or by calling (626) 791-6174. Dinner will be served at 7:45pm, film at 8:30.  More info at www.bulgarinigelato.com/movies.html
• The Rancho Bar features Godfrey Paul,  "Country Rockin' Blues", starting at 10 PM.

Sun. Aug. 15

• Altadena Relay for LIfe concludes at Farnsworth Park.  Closing ceremonies start at 8:30 AM.

Theatre Americana offer playwright's workshop with Colin Mitchell at Davies Hall

Colin Mitchell, Editor-in-Chief of the popular LA Theatre site Bitter Lemonswww.bitter-lemons.com), award-winning critically-acclaimed playwright (Linden Arden Stole the Highlights, Bitten by a Fly, Breaking and Entering), actor (Broadway: Six Degrees of Separation) and teacher, is reviving his exclusive eight week playwriting workshop. 

This eight week workshop takes place in Davies Hall, nestled in the foothills of Altadena, CA. The location invites creativity and imagination in a serene setting, while working under one of the most dynamic playwrights in Los Angeles. RSVP now as spots are limited.  For more information on Mitchell please visit www.cinematicmechanic.com.

Classes will be every Friday (7:30 pm - 9:30 pm) beginning 9/3 - 10/22, culminating in staged readings.

This workshop normally runs $400 per student, but is offered at Davies Hall for $100!  Please RSVP as soon as possible.  If you have any questions, contact Donna @ (626) 840-3551.  Class plans will be provided to all attendees prior to the workshop.

EMAIL: donna8461@sbcglobal.net
 

 

Celebrate women's empowerment at the library Aug. 26

UPDATE 8/24: We were given bad information: admission is free!

Celebrate the 90th Anniversary of Women’s Right to Vote --"The Power of Peaceful Resistance and Women’s “NO!” -- in a special celebration at the Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. on Thurs., Aug. 26, 6:30-9 PM.

Do you know the history of what it took for women and girls to win the vote? Their efforts pre-dated Gandhi’s message of civil disobedience, civil “No!”

Light refreshments; have dinner before you come! Have fun with "guessing" who's who in Women's History; meet like-minded people; listen to powerful passionate women and learn how to say "No!" to those things that don't feel right.

Speakers include Pauline Field, a mini-workshop on personal safety by Ellen Snortland of Impact Personal Safety and remarks by Sherry Simpson Dean.

Questions? Contact ellensnortland@mac.com

Admission is $10,  or  50% off if you bring someone else who is half your age; (each one pays $5).

Sponsored by: Fifty-Fifty Leadership, Impact Personal Safety and United Nations Association. Tickets available on Brown Paper Tickets: http://tinyurl.com/90thAnniversary

Thursday morning jolt: hiking, firefighting, and community organizing

• 
  But don't let the occasional fire scare you: LAist puts Eaton Canyon on their must-hike list.
• Supv. Antonovich's office has announced that the county fire department has renewed its lease for an S-64E Helitanker from Erickson Air-Crane.With a 2,500 gallon tank that can drop water, retardant, or foam mix, the  Helitanker is one the world’s most versatile and powerful, aerial fire suppression tools.   A ram scoop hydrofoil allows the Helitanker to refill from fresh water and sea water sources in less than 45 seconds.  A flexible hose snorkel features a high pressure impeller and can draw water from any water source 18 inches or deeper as fast as 45 seconds.  The Helitanker will begin operations on Mon., Aug. 16 out of the Department’s Van Nuys Airport Tanker Base.
• And in yet more related news, PSN's editorial takes a stick to the National Forest Service for withholding information from investigators, reprisals against employees, etc., all related to the Station Fire (thx Monica!)
• In NON-fire news, the Palm St. Area Residents Association has started a new neighborhood association website, http://www.altadenapsara.org/, and urge you to check it out.

A light weekend ...

We'll be involved in family activities for the next few days, so entries may be spotty!

Power outage Wed. afternoon

.. which lasted here from about 1 PM to 1:38 PM.  Edison just says there is a widespread outage due to an equipment problem.

Those Manning Boys bring Celtic thunder to Farnsworth Park Sat.

The Sheriff's Support Group of Altadena welcomes the return of perennial favorites Those Manning Boys to Saturday's summer concert series at Farnsworth Park.

Formed in 2002, Those Manning Boys, an Irish duo, has been dedicated to the furthering of the American-Irish culture. Since then Brothers Mike and Sean Manning, native Altadenans, have been playing at events and pubs all across the San Gabriel Valley and the surrounding areas. Mike’s 60s-rock inspired guitar and Sean’s ethnic -styled vocals have delighted and intrigued audiences of all ages.

Saturday's concert starts at 7 PM at Farnsworth Park Amphitheater.

(Pictured: fiddler Liam Lewis and harpist Barbara Schilling join Sean and Mike Manning at last year's concert).

43 local gang members arrested in multi-agency operation

The arrests of 43 gang members and associates of the Pasadena Denver Lanes street gang, which is suspected of committing crimes in communities including the Antelope Valley, were announced by Sheriff's Department Division Chief Neal Tyler today.  The suspects sought for trafficking cocaine and weapons charges were captured during a major multi-agency gang arrest operation that occurred on Tuesday morning, Aug. 10, in the Antelope Valley. "This multi-agency operation has dealt a significant blow to crime," stated Chief Tyler.

According to Altadena Det. Lt. Joe Dempsey, the Pasadena Denver Lanes is one of the gangs with a presence in Altadena.

Altadena in Oriental fruit fly quarentine zone; eat your produce at home

The California Dept. of Food and Agriculture says we're in a quarantine zone, and we've added some emphasis to their release:

A quarantine is in place in the Pasadena/San Marino area of Los Angeles County, where invasive Oriental fruit flies have been detected.

The quarantine measures 89 square miles and is bordered on the west by Figueroa St; on the south by Interstate 10; on the east by The Big Santa Anita Wash; and on the north by an imaginary line in the foothills. Additional information about this quarantine, including a map, is available at: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/PE/InteriorExclusion/off_quarantine.html

The movement of host fruits and plants grown in the quarantine areas is restricted. Residents living within the boundaries are asked not to move host plants and materials from their property.

“All of us must work together to carry out an effective program,” said CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura. “We urge home gardeners to comply with these measures by consuming homegrown produce at home and not moving it from their property.  This will protect their fellow gardeners and help ensure that the infestation will not spread to nearby areas where it could affect California’s food supply.”

While fruit flies and other pests threaten California’s crops, the vast majority of them are detected in urban and suburban areas.  The most common pathway for these pests to enter the state is by “hitchhiking” in fruits and vegetables brought back illegally by travelers as they return from infested regions around the world. The Oriental fruit fly is widespread throughout much of the mainland of Southern Asia and neighboring islands including Sri Lanka and Taiwan.  It is also found in Hawaii.

Treatment of the Oriental fruit fly primarily relies upon a process known as “male attractant,” in which workers squirt a small patch of fly attractant mixed with a very small dose of pesticide approximately 8-10 feet off the ground to light poles, street trees and similar surfaces.  Male flies are attracted to the mixture and die after consuming it.

The treatment is non-intrusive and has repeatedly proven successful over many years. Treatments will be repeated at two-week intervals for two life cycles beyond the last fly find, with a minimum of four applications.

Fire safety at the Meadows

Meadows blogger Greg Stanton points us to these KTLA pieces recorded at his very own home about fire safety, as we creep up to the one-year anniversary of the Station Fire.

Eaton Canyon fire LIVE; fire now knocked down, will be monitored all night

Photo of a water drop on the fire from reader Tom Willard.

6:30 PM -- Fire crews are setting up a headquarters at Eaton Canyon Nature Center, and the order has gone out thru the scanner to evacuate the park.  Developing ....

7 PM: We went to check out the scene @ Altadena Dr. and Roosevelt -- smoke in the hills above the Nature Center, lots of fire vehicles.  Water-dropping helicopters are already in place, per scanner.

7:10 Caller wanted to know what the three helicopters were spraying over his home.  Our suspicion is water -- they're probably grabbing water at the ponds at Brookside Golf Course and flying it to Eaton Canyon -- they did this during the Station Fire.

7:13: Per scanner: Fire command is releasing all Forest Service resources, think county resources should be able to handle it, and they are requesting an investigator.

7:17 per scanner, fire says they think they're getting a handle on it, but want everyone out of the park anyway.

If you want to follow along at home, try this address: http://www.radioreference.com/apps/audio/?action=wp&feedId=251

Or look here for some frequencies:

http://www.altadenablog.com/2010/06/going-radio-gaga.html

7:28 - they are releasing various fire companies to return home.

7:40:  Reader Mark Helou sends us video of a water-dropping chopper:

------

-------

7:43 Per scanner, they're beginning to roll up hoses and release more fire units, and fire scanner traffic is returning to normal.

7:50 Carolyn Seitz of the Sheriff's Citizen Advisory Council sends us this;

The Los Angeles County Fire Department is reporting that the Fire in Eaton Canyon has been knocked down

It was contained to approximately 1 acre.

The area will be monitored, likely through the evening

Search & Rescue crews from Altadena and Sierra Madre are still sweeping the trails to evacuate hikers.  Montrose Search & Rescue is on scene and ready to assist.

Traffic controls may be in place to prevent access to the Canyon for the night, and it is being reported by some residents in the President Streets area that some portions of Altadena Drive are blocked to through traffic.

More information will be provided when available.

Relay for Life this Saturday

The American Cancer Society's Altadena Relay for Life starts this Saturday at 9 AM at Farnsworth Park, and goes on for 24 hours.  Besides fighting for a good cause, participants have a bucketful of activities to keep their spirits up, as you can see from the program!

Deputies seize drugs near Charles White Park

County parks deputies arrested two men and seized narcotics during a raid Thursday at a home next to Charles White Park, according to the Altadena sheriff's station.

A press release from the sheriff's department says: "On Thursday, Aug. 5, 2010, the Parks Bureau served a search warrant at a house on Mountain View Street, directly adjacent to Charles White County Park.   Deputies seized various narcotics at the location and arrested two males for various narcotic related offenses, including possession for sales of narcotics. "

(Earlier this year, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept. merged with County Police, who are charged with patrolling county parks).

Altadena Sheriff's Capt. Steven McLean told Altadenablog Saturday that possible crack cocaine and methamphetamine had been seized at the home, which had been under observation as a drug haven for some time.

Found dogs: chihuahua, shi tzu (UPDATED)

Michael writes us:

I found a chihuahua female running in traffic on Windsor at Ventura St on Friday August 6th, 2010. She is fawn colored with a white tip on her tail. We would like to find a home for her to avoid sending her to the pound.

213-700-3520

UPDATE 3 PM: And this just arrived:

This sweet female shitzu mix showed up on Sacramento Street Sunday night 8/8.  Call to claim - (626) 354-4100.

UPDATE 11 PM: Shi tzu is on her way home.

Conservancy needs to raise funds quickly for open space purchase

The Arroyos and Foothills Conservancy needs to raise $250,000 in less than two months to make an open space purchase at Rubio Canyon.  The board recently sent out this appeal:

Dear AFC friends,

With your help, last year we bought 20 acres of the mouth of Rubio Canyon. Now, we have a great opportunity to finish the job and preserve the rest of the canyon -- 21 more acres. We can buy the property and prevent its development.

This special landscape is bounded on three sides by protected lands. You can keep it open space forever – for trails, for wildlife, and for its scenic beauty. A map and more specifics about the property are attached.

But we need you to act quickly.

We got some great news today. Supervisor Michael Antonovich authorized a major grant that gets us about one fourth of the way to buying the property.

But to qualify for a major discount on the first parcel we need to raise $250,000 by September 30. Can you help us?

There are lots of ways you can help. You can make a gift, host a gathering, and invite your friends to join us for a hike in the canyon. Just forwarding this e-mail to other conservation-minded people will go a long way.

To make a donation, you can mail a check to Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy, P.O. Box 3, Altadena, CA 91003-0003. Visit arroyosfoothills.org to make an on-line donation.

If you want more information we can send you a packet. We’d love to hear from you if you have questions, want to arrange to see the property, offer help, or talk. You can reach John Howell, our new executive director, at (626) 796-3004 / johnhowell@arroyosfoothills.org or contact any board member, for more information.

We come to the foothills for renewal. We work to conserve them so that our children and grandchildren can draw the same inspiration and energy from the land that we do. Working together, we can conserve this land in perpetuity, and turn it into a community resource. Join us!

And thanks.

Nancy Steele, President
Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy

and

Lori Paul, Vice-President
Michelle Markman, Secretary/Treasurer
Mary Barrie
Laura Garrett
Lawren Markle
Marc Stirdivant
Robert Staehle
Tim Wendler

Monday morning jolt: Five Acres, fire acres

• PSN's Janette Williams looks at Melissa Hogan's program for budding artists at Five Acres.  The young artists who she volunteers for will show of their art at the Altadena Library Community Room, starting Sept. 4 with a reception starting at 4 PM.
• The LA Times reports that the Forest Service is investigating why critical early-hour data on the Station Fire was withheld from investigators and the Times.  A Pasadena hearing on the fire convened by Congressman Adam Schiff for Tuesday has been postponed, no word on when it will be rescheduled.
• And PSN reports today that the Forest Service has decreed that all communications about the Station Fire shall now originate from Washington, D.C. Well! That should be helpful!
• Whittier Daily News' Claudia S. Palma has a story on how the Cal Poly Pomona Theater Dept. is trying to cope with the loss of its teacher and former department chair Bill Morse.  The Altadena resident died unexpectedly last month.

A good night at Farnsworth? Wreck N Sow!

The country/bluegrass/Americana sound of local favorites Wreck N Sow filled up Saturday night at Farnsworth Park as part of the Sheriff's Support Group of Altadena's summer concert series.  This video shows their musical chops and easy sense of humor that made the show so enjoyable.

-----------

------------

PUSD, parents, and community partner to help schools

PUSD released the following press release about McKinley and Webster Elementary schools:

Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) schools are partnering with parents and the local community to help close the budget shortfall caused by deep cuts in state funding, officials announced today. The partnerships help schools continue offering rigorous academics that prepare students for success in college and careers. Events are planned in the next few days at two PUSD schools to celebrate partnerships and to prepare math, science and art rooms for the start of the school year.
 
“Parents and the local community are stepping forward to ensure that our students get vital standards-based experiences,” said Superintendent Edwin Diaz. “Our schools are forging connections with families and the local community and are making great things happen for our students.”
 
On Saturday, August 7, McKinley K-8 School will receive a $10,000 donation for its annual fund from HRock Church at its City Fest event. HRock Church selected McKinley School after seeing the school’s website appeal for funds to sustain its signature arts focus.   McKinley families are invited to the City Fest from 12 noon to 4 p.m. A check presentation ceremony is scheduled at 6 p.m. at the Ambassador Auditorium in Pasadena.
 
Created in coordination with McKinley School PTA, McKinley’s annual fund seeks donations to help bridge the school’s funding gap and sustain the arts and science programs that have won the school accolades.
 
“This generous donation will ensure continuity in providing quality art programs for all students,” said McKinley School Principal Marisa Sarian. “The arts make a significant difference on learning and achievement for all students, especially for those who are at risk of failure. We are truly grateful for this tangible support from HRock Church, especially at such a critical time.”
 
On Monday, August 9, Webster Elementary School parents and volunteers will work to set up a math and science room and an arts room.   At 10 a.m., a committee of parents will meet to put the final touches on a plan to create Webster’s Art Loft, an arts resource room that connects units in Language Arts and Social Studies to hands-on art projects. For example, after learning about a particular artist and the history of his or her culture, students will go to the Art Loft where they will create art projects in the style of the artist they just studied. This month, parents will assemble art easels and other donated art supplies so that the room can be ready for the start of the new school year. Webster’s PTA allocated $5,000 to create the art loft.
 
At 10:30 a.m., a group of parents and volunteers from the Carnegie Foundation will set up Webster’s new Science and Math Discovery Room. Funded by a $5,000 grant obtained by Carnegie from the Hearst Foundation for educational outreach, the Math and Science Recovery Room will feature computers for student research, equipment such as microscopes, and a place where Carnegie scientists and Caltech mathematicians can work with students each week. Parents and volunteers will help prepare hands-on math and science projects so that teachers are freed from time-consuming setup and cleanup tasks, and instructional time with students and can be maximized.
 
“I want my daughter and other children in the community to experience what it’s like to be a scientist and an artist,” said Jane Wylie, a molecular biologist and former Caltech employee who chairs Webster PTA’s math and science enrichment committee. “I want her and other children in the community to get hands-on learning experiences that take them beyond the fundamentals that they learn in a textbook.”
 
To other parents who would like to do something to help schools through the current budget crisis, Wylie says, “Show up and be willing to support teachers and schools where they need help, whether it’s raising funds and designing learning experiences or cutting paper at home,” said Wylie, whose daughter will enter first grade in September.
 
“These partnerships expose children to experiences in math, science and art that would be unavailable given the limited resources of our school and our district,” said Webster Principal Sharon Lefler. “The experience in both rooms is designed to be standards-based and at the student’s grade level. Our volunteers’ work is completely aligned to learning standard.”

 

Webster Elementary School is located at 2101 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena 91104.

thx to Monica, for bringing this to our attention.

Sheriff urges use of Nixle

We've been using Nixle for awhile and are quite pleased with it.  Det. Lt. Joe Dempsey from the Altadena sheriff's station has sent out the following press release:

Nixle® (Click here to register) is now being used by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to send free geographically-specific e-mails and text messages directly to the public. Messages include arrests, neighborhood-specific alerts and advisories, traffic incidents, road closures, wanted persons, missing persons, crime trends, and more.

“With the Nixle instant notification system, the Sheriff’s Department can communicate accurate, timely, and reliable information directly to the public via your cell phones and email,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca. “Nixle is a great success story of a public-private partnership that enhances public safety at no cost to taxpayers,” he added. For further information regarding Nixle from the Sheriff’s Department visit www.lasd.org

Found cat [UPDATED]

Michael Kirk writes:

This little guy has been hanging around the house since last night. (corner of Olive and Mariposa).

UPDATE: Kitty has been claimed, and Michael tells us that lots of people offered to take him in if NOT claimed!  Thank you all!

Sheriffs respond to "man with gun" call Fri. afternoon

Altadena sheriff's deputies responded to a call of a "man with a gun" on the 1500 block of Holliston Ave. at about 2 PM today.  According to Det. Lt. Joe Dempsey, the weapon was a BB gun and the man was "possibly mentally disturbed."  Still too early to tell if there will be any charges.

Photo: squad cars arrive at scene of disturbance on 1500 block of Holliston Ave.

Our man-on-the-spot, Chris Considine, who took these pictures, reports that  "five vehicles with officers and weapons drawn had surrounded a house." After a loudspeaker call to  “anyone in the house at 1530 N Holliston to come out with your hands up and to contact the nearest deputy," three deputies with weapons at ready entered the house, but came out empty-handed.

Photo: deputies wait to enter the house.

Deputies enter with weapons drawn.

Chris reports that there was another massing of patrol cars around the house at about 3 PM, where a white SUV with tailgate and door open was parked in the driveway.

Shots fired, none injured in gang-related shooting Thurs.

PSN has a short story about gang members shooting at other gang members on the 2000 block of El Nido Thursday night at about 9:15.  No one injured, nothing hit, no one caught, but apparently the gang affiliations are known.

Altadena Relay For Life: eight days and counting

Andrea Sweet, manager of the American Cancer Society's Altadena Relay for Life, sends us an update -- it starts next Saturday:

Things are getting busy and the countdown begins! Relay is about a week away and preparations and excitement are well underway for the 2nd Annual Relay For Life of Altadena. Currently Altadena has 15 teams and 76 participants registered online. The 2010 Relay for Life of Altadena Event is August 14 – 15 at Farnsworth Park, Saturday, 9 a.m. to Sunday, 9 a.m.

One Day, One Night; One Community, One Fight.
This is our second year in Altadena, we are still a young event and really need some more of that uniquely Altadena community spirit and support. Relay for Life is a 24 hour Walk-a-thon to raise awareness about cancer and funding for the American Cancer Society.  Please join us to Celebrate, Remember and Fight Back! Against Cancer. All funds raised at Relay for Life go towards, Cancer Prevention and Awareness, Education and Research; Advocacy & Public Policy and those most important Patient Services.

Please join us at one of our ceremonies:
Saturday, 9 a.m.        Opening Ceremony, Celebrate our Survivors
Saturday, 9 p.m.        Luminaria Ceremony, Remember our loved ones
Sunday, 9 AM.            Closing Ceremony, Fight Back against Cancer!!!

Learn more about Relay For Life of Altadena at our website at http://www.relayforlife.org/altadenaca. On Thursday, August 12 at 6 p.m. we have our last team captain and committee meeting if anyone is interest in getting involved last minute for the Relay for Life of Altadena. You can also get in touch with us by emailing:    relayforlife.altadena.ca@gmail.com

Friday morning jolt: darkrooms and lions

• Local photographer Ibarionex Perello was profiled on American Public Media's The Story earlier this year, and KPCC is rerunning it tonight at 8 PM (or you can hear the podcast here).  Perello tells about how he developed his love of photography at the Boys Club of Hollywood, and the story of Mike Cohen, his mentor.
• Peter Radsch on Windfall tells us that his neighbors on Stonehill have found a half-eaten deer carcass on their property Wednesday -- probably mountain lion leftovers.

Personnel changes at Altadena sheriff's station

Altadena sheriff Capt. Steven McLean tells us that Sgt. Mike Randenberg and Deputy Lamark Williams will be the new Community Relations staff. Sgt. Randenberg will replace Sgt. Dan Bartlett who will still be serving in Altadena, and Deputy Williams will be replacing Deputy Mike Prince,  who has accepted a position as training officer in another division.  Randenberg and Williams will start their new positions Aug. 30.

Save the dates: CERT training in Altadena in Oct.

Carolyn Seitz of the Sheriff's Community Advisory Council sends us this:

Many of you have expressed an interest in participating in a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training conducted by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. We have a CERT training currently scheduled in Altadena as follows:

Saturday, October 16, 2010 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
Tuesday, October 19, 2010 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Wednesday, October 20, 2010 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Saturday, October 23, 2010 8:30 am to 3:30 pm

A flyer will be distributed soon with more details and reservation information.

Pre-registration will be required and the class will be limited to 25 participants.

Already done CERT but want a refresher? Show up for any of the sessions and let the instructor know you're there. You may be able to participate as helper instructors for the exercises.

There is no cost associated with this CERT training, however, you will be asked to bring a list of supplies to the classes with you. The information will be provided at a later date.

This class will be announced in Altadena and La Crescenta, but you're being given a little early notice.Please let me know if you have questions, and if you already know you want to participate in this class, let me know. You'll still need to do the normal registration process later, but I'll know to make sure you're on the list.

cmseitz@mindspring.com