altadenablog

Weekendin', Jan. 8-9

Getting off to a slow start, but it's the beginning of the year.  Keep checking back, as we keep adding new stuff.

Sat., Jan. 8

• The MOMS clubs of Pasadena and Pasadena North are hosting their second annual Preschool Fair and Fundraiser at Pasadena City College Room W0102, 1570 E. Colorado Blvd.Over 40 local preschools from Pasadena and the surrounding area will be present to share information about their school, philosophy, and admissions.  There will also be a benefit silent auction and raffle. 10 AM-12 PM
• Writers Thelma Reyna and Gregory Ellis will read from their work and offer their personal tips on the writing process at the Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa, 2-4 PM.

 

Blogger day for Arcadia Woodlands tomorrow, Jan. 7

There must be something in the air: while Los Angeles County is planning to remove sediment from Hahamongna Watershed on our side of the San Gabriel Valley, it's also planning to dump sediment from the Santa Anita Dam into a woodland on the OTHER side of the valley, near Arcadia.

While the Arcadia Woodland debate is out of our range of coverage, it is heating up in that area and among the environmentally-minded in Altadena as well - lots of newsgroup traffic about this.

Some bloggers in the San Gabriel Valley are planning a day tomorrow, Jan. 7, to blog about the Arcadia Woodlands plan, much like the blog day last summer for Hahamongna Watershed, to increase public awareness.

The LA Creek Freak has timelines and updates.

If you're a blogger planning to participate, Lisa Hall is compiling a list (jishica-at-mac.com), and asks that you send your information to her for the master list, which will be shared among the other participants (we don't participate in these things, but we're happy to spread the word).

Chamber holds annual award/installation dinner Jan.28

The Altadena Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual award and installation dinner on Fri., Jan. 28, at the Altadena Town & Country Club.

The Chamber will install its new officers for the year and honor the Outstanding Citizen of the Year, Carolyn Ingram Seitz.

Cocktails and silent auction start at 5 PM, dinner, program, and live auction at 6:30 PM. Limited seating by reservation only -- $75/person or $700 for a table of ten, all dinner reservations must be paid in advance. Reservation required by Jan. 17. For more information, call 626-794-3988 or email: altadenachamber@yahoo.com

Burglaries and thefts up, other crimes down in 2010

Altadena in 2010 had an increased number of residential burglaries and thefts from vehicles, but a reduction in the rate of violent crime, according to statistics released by the Sheriff's Station this week.  Gang-related crimes have also been going down for the past two years.

In violent crimes, there were no homicides in 2010 (down from one in 2009, and three in 2008), and rates of rape and robbery remained steady. 

Full report after the jump.

Collective wisdom and community health

One of the best things we found out covering the Station Fire is that the collective wisdom of the people of Altadena is a mighty force, and we become a better website and serve you better when we listen to it.  It was invaluable in covering the Station Fire, in identifying everything from strange aircraft in our skies to strange creatures on the ground -- so many things great and small that we've covered in Altadenablog that become better because you share your knowledge with us.

In the past few months, our design, logo, even our typeface are all the result of readers telling us what they like and when we've gone horribly wrong, and we thank you for it. 

We're using "collective wisdom" in designing and implementing our new Altadena Trails page, incorporating the ideas and suggestions of our readers and the people who will actually use the information.  We think this is a very cool way to develop a website feature, which is all about serving you, the readers, after all.

So now we're appealing to collective wisdom for something new:

We have an opportunity to apply for a fellowship from a major university-based journalism think tank.  They want to involve community-based, independent news websites on issues of public health, specifically to "help underwrite the reporting and publication of an ambitious community health-related project."

The chosen fellows (there will be ten) "should be interested in learning about how the health of a community and its residents is shaped by social, environmental, educational, and economic issues, as well as public policy."

We are still waffling about applying, but we figure the best place to start is with the collective wisdom of the people of Altadena:

What would be a good, ambitious health-related project for Altadena?  (They may say "ambitious," but they're only willing to give $2,000 for it!) We have a couple of ideas, but our ideas are based on our experience in the community, and we know there are other experiences that may be more urgent, that need to be considered and given voice, and we don't want to ignore them.

So, our question: What do YOU think is the major community health issue in Altadena? Comment away!

It's a catch-up day

Happy Thursday ... and we are counting the days until school starts again, which means we are prisoners of our spawn today, so updates will be running a bit late.  Stick around, tho' -- we have 2010 crime stats coming up, weekend activities, good things all.

AND: please check out our Altadena Trails page, and leave your suggestions in the comments.  We think this will be a great addition to the information we provide, and a place for people in the Altadena hiking community to write and report about the things they care about.  Thanks to all who have commented thus far -- it's very helpful!

 

Altadena Trail Conditions beta test

Local trailwalker Stanley Zucker pitched us on the idea that we should have a rundown of local trail conditions.  "Cool!" we said.

So with Zucker doing the hard work, we've put together a beta test page for Altadena Trails.  It's at a separate address we own: for technical reasons, we've created a separate blog for it so we can fine-tune without screwing up everything on the main page -- we hope to be able to incorporate it all together after the blog makeover we're still working on.  We're open for comments, criticisms, and advice as we refine, but we think this would be a great service to our hiking readers, and are anxious to get your feedback.

 

Jorge Mester, Life of Mozart, Pasadena Master Chorale, discount ... what's left?

Altadena has lots of fans of the Pasadena Master Chorale, which frequently performs at the Altadena Community Church.  Saturday, it will hold one performance only at its other venue, the First Congregational Church in Pasadena, 464 E. Walnut, on Sat., Jan. 8, at 7:30 PM.

"The Life of Mozart" looks at the man through his works: Overture from La Clemenza di Tito, K. 621; Requiem, K. 626 (only those movements composed by Mozart); and Ave Verum Corpus, K. 618.

Bonus #1: the chorale and orchestra will be conducted by Jorge Mester, former conductor of the Pasadena Symphony in his only Southern California appearance this season.

Bonus #2: Order online with the code "PMCTRIBE" and your $25 ticket becomes a $15 ticket. Order tickets here.

 

Mountain lion spotted Tuesday night, near Aveson School

We've been getting reports through the newsgroups that a mountain lion was spotted in a yard at lower Loma Alta, near Noyes/Aveson School at about 9 PM Tuesday.  It was seen with a young black and white kitten in its mouth.  Bring in your pets and be cautious tonight.

Memorial for Tony Moreland Stewart, former Altadena NAACP president

Anthony (Tony) M. Moreland Stewart, former president of the Altadena branch of the NAACP who spent her life working for children, education, and social justice, died Dec. 24, 2010, at age 92. Funeral services will be held Jan. 6, 2011, at First AME Church, 1700 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena.  Service begins at 10 AM.

Born Sept. 9, 1918, in Little Rock, Ark. to Nathaniel Edmond Moreland, Sr., and Elizabeth Francis Braddock Moreland, Anthony, aka "Tony," was the third child of a family of five siblings, including three brothers and a sister.

For the first 12 years of Tony's life she lived in Arkansas. In 1930 Tony's family moved to Pasadena, California.  Her family joined the Friendship Baptist Church where in 1933 Tony was baptized.  Tony completed junior high school at Washington Junior High  and high school education at Pasadena City College.  She graduated in 1936 and enrolled in Clark University, Atlanta, Georgia, where she pursued her BA majoring in business administration and minoring in education.  While attending Clark University, Tony received a Certificate for Home Missions from Gammons Theological Seminary, and was also selected as Clark University homecoming queen in 1939.  Tony graduated with her bachelor's degree in 1941. 

Not really ambulance chasing, but close

If you own a 1920's era fire engine (as does Altadenan John L. Hunter -- we've featured his fire truck before), what are you going to do with it?  Why, use it as a prop when you move your law office, of course!

We're looking for a punchline to the question, "What happens when you put a bunch of attorneys on a fire truck?"

Fire Dept. says don't use your oven to heat your home

We received this message from the Los Angeles County Fire Dept.:

Over the New Year’s weekend, two women in Willowbrook were fatally poisoned by carbon monoxide after deciding to use their gas home oven to keep warm, and three others in the City of Inglewood nearly lost their lives using a faulty gas wall heater.

County firefighters are urging residents to use their home appliances safely – and only for their intended purpose.

“The victims, ages 81 and 63, were trying to stay warm by using their home oven to heat their apartment. With windows locked and the oven set on high heat with the door open, they received a concentrated exposure to carbon monoxide, which sadly turned out to be fatal,” says Los Angeles County Fire Chief P. Michael Freeman. “Our firefighters tried to resuscitate them, but it was too late.”

On Jan. 2, three residents, including two young children, became lethargic and semi-conscious after using a faulty wall heater to heat their apartment to temperatures between 80 and 90 degrees. According to the Gas Company, the unit had been inspected and found to be faulty, and the apartment building owner had been notified. All three victims were treated by County firefighters and survived the ordeal. “We urge all residents to never use their ovens, range, or portable outdoor barbecue to heat their homes because these appliances are not designed for this purpose,” says Freeman.

Carbon monoxide is a silent killer because it is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is formed when carbon-based fuels, such as kerosene, gasoline, propane, natural gas, oil, charcoal or wood are burned with inadequate amounts of oxygen, creating a condition known as “incomplete combustion.” In the case of home gas appliances, this can be caused by improper installation, poor maintenance, or appliance misuse or failure. The early stages of carbon monoxide poisoning produce unexplained flu-like symptoms; its gradual displacement of oxygen in the blood and prolonged exposure can lead to death.

To keep your family safe, install a certified, battery-operated Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm or plug-in CO alarm with battery back-up in your home in the hallway near the bedrooms in each sleeping area. Make sure your appliances are installed according to the manufacturer’s instruction and the local codes. Have your heating system (including chimneys and vents) inspected and serviced annually. The Southern California Gas Company offers this service for free. For more home appliance safety information, please visit the Southern California Gas Company website or the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website .

The Los Angeles County Fire Department is one of the largest emergency service agencies in the world, providing fire protection and life safety services to more than 3.8 million residents and commercial business customers in the County’s 2,305-square-mile area, and around the globe when needed.

Sierra Madre gas station subject to fraud probe

This is a little far afield for us, but we feel it's worth mentioning: The Sierra Madre police are investigating cases of fraud involving debit and credit card transactions at EVR Gas, 50 S. Baldwin Ave. in Sierra Madre. People who have used their cards to make a purchase at the station are finding that their cards are racking up multiple fraudulent charges, most under $200, but at least one of $3,780.

Our youngest children go to Sierra Madre Elementary, and we have lots of friends there, and many of them were victims of the scam (one of our friends had about 20 transactions charged against their account on Dec. 31 alone).  Pasadena Star News says that 230 people have reported fraudulent transactions so far. Police are asking customers of the gas station to check their accounts as far back as last June, and report suspicious activity to the police.

Crime Log: Dec. 28-31: 24 Hour Fitness again

And we predict: another theft from the parking lot of 24 Hour Fitness!  How well do we do?

Tues., Dec. 28

Between 8:00 AM & 9:45 AM – a vehicle burglary occurred in the parking structure of the 24 Hour Fitness located at 2180 N. Lincoln Avenue. Suspect(s) entered a gray ’07 Mitsubishi Outlander by shattering the rear passenger window. Loss: black leather purse, black leather wallet, credit cards, black Canon camera, red Dell Inspiron laptop & U.S. currency.
2:42 PM – A woman from the city of La Verne was arrested for possession of fraudulent identification and petty theft from Rite Aid located at 735 E. Altadena Dr.

Thurs., Dec. 30

Between 3:00 PM & 2:00 PM, Friday – an attempt grand theft of a vehicle occurred in the 2100 block of  North Raymond Avenue. Suspect(s) attempted to steal the vehicle by damaging the steering wheel column.
Loss: none.

Fri., Dec. 31

1:38 PM – a residential burglary occurred in the 600 block of W. Loma Alta Drive. A witness observed (2)  males running from the residence and entering a silver Nissan Pathfinder, partial plate: 4VM****.  Suspects described as: (1) male, Hispanic, 16 to 20 years, thin build, black hair, brown eyes, thin
moustache, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and (2) male, Hispanic, 16 to 20 years, thin build, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt. Suspects shattered the front living room window with a rock and left the location upon activating the burglar alarm. Loss: none.
Between 7:30 PM & 12:00 PM, Saturday – a vehicle burglary occurred in the 2500 block of North Fair Oaks Avenue. Suspect(s) entered a white ’89 Buick Century via unknown method. Loss: U.S currency.

East Altadena Little League assements Jan. 8, 15

It seems to be gearing up for spring already:

East Altadena Little League Spring 2011 Season Assessment Dates

Hello East Altadena Little League Families,

Happy New Year!!

Just a reminder that all registered Farm, Minors AA, Minors AAA and Major Division players must attend ONE of the following assessment dates, held at Donley Field located at 1065 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena at Longfellow Elementary:   (T-ball and Girls Softball players DO NOT need to attend.)

Sat., Jan. 8 or Sat., Jan. 15

 

11-12 years old           8:00 a.m.

9-10 year olds           10:30 a.m.

6-8 years old              1:00 p.m. 

 

*NOTE:  Age based on LEAGUE AGE of player (age as of April 30, 2011).

 Example:  A player who is age 8 today and has a March birthday is league age 9 for 2011 season.

Your child should check in at the time indicated. Skills assessments will begin approximately 30 minutes after check-in time. Each session will last for approximately 2 hours. 

Central Altadena Little League tryouts start this weekend

Central Altadena Little League (CALL) is ready to start forming teams. Therefore, all Bantam (Farm), Coast (Minor) and Mountain (Major) players must try out on Sat., Jan. 8 or Sat., Jan. 15 anytime from 9 AM - 1 PM at Farnsworth Park.   A player must try out in order to be drafted. Tee-Ball, Softball and Juniors do not try out.

In order to try out, all players must complete registration. You can still register online at www.playcall.org .  We will also take registrations at the try outs. However, all documents (proof of residence, birth certificate, medical release form) and payment must be completed before your player is eligible to try out.  For Girls Softball and Juniors we will combine teams with East Altadena Little League.

We are also looking to host a two day baseball clinic in conjunction with Marshall High School Baseball program and various coaches within the area on Sat. and Sun., Feb. 5 and 6. The Super Bowl does not start until 2:30 PM so your players should be able to attend. The cost is about $50 for 2 days for ages 7 – 12, at Farnsworth Park.

Zack talks on illness and California migration Jan. 15

Michele Zack, our Altadenablog columnist and local historian, will be giving a luncheon talk Sat., Jan. 15 to the Huntington Westerners at Beckham Grill, 77 W. Walnut St., Pasadena, at noon.

"How Illness Helped to Spread the California Dream" is the subject: using Altadena, Sierra Madre, and Pasadena examples, Zack will show in an illustrated talk how important illness was in driving western immigration between the Civil War and the 1920s — and why this legacy has been underestimated by historians.

Zack is the author of two local/regional histories, both of them recipients of national honors from the American Association of State and Local History. Her latest book, Southern California Story, will be available for sale and signing.

Cost is $21 for lunch, RSVP to 626-577-5222.

Land Use Committee canceled Tuesday

... says chair Brian League.  Next scheduled meeting is Tues., Feb. 1

Morning jolt: hydrogen balloon? That's a good idea!

 

• The Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake Ave., will feature the work of photographer Wm. H. Berwald in the gallery through Jan. 31.  There will be an artist's reception at 6 PM Jan. 9.
• Sid Gally's PSN column on local history looks at Prof. T.S.C. Lowe, aviator.  One of his ventures that didn't make it was a hydrogen-filled balloon with a passenger compartment to sail over Pasadena near his Echo Mountain observatory.  Oh, the humanity!
• The Altadena Urban Farmer's Market is coming around again on Jan. 16, 1-4 PM,  at the Zane Grey Estate, 296 E. Mariposa, and now you can apply online to be a vendor or a member (you have to submit a no-cost membership form to attend).  Check out the Arroyo Time Bank website for details and forms.

 

League of Women Voters looks at county jail system Thurs.

Problems in the county jail system uncovered in a two-year study by the Los Angeles County League of Women Voters Board will be presented in a free public forum Thurs., Jan. 6,  9:30 a.m., at the Women’s City Club, 160 N. Oakland Ave., Pasadena.

Panelists are Dr. Ronda Hampton, clinical psychologist; Esther Lim, ACLU jails project coordinator; and Michael Gennaco, office of independent review.  Robbie Davis, a past president of LWVPA and board member of the state League, will moderate.

In describing the overall conditions and procedures in the county jail, panelists will address such questions as what happens when women are arrested or released at night and what your rights or those of your loved ones are when detained.

Following the morning forum, League members will participate in a consensus process on eight questions about how to improve the system through rehabilitation, probation, work furlough and other policies for low-risk offenders. When the results of the consensus process across the county are completed, the League will take a position on what needs to be done and advocate for change in the county jail system.

The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization that does not support candidates, but does take stands on issues after thorough study and a consensus process.

Reservations are required for lunch. (No reservations is necessary for those who do not want lunch.) The cost of lunch is $20 including tax, tip and parking. The number for lunch reservations and questions is 626-798-0965.

 

Works by Jan Wurm in the Library this month

The Altadena Library Community Room for January features the art of Jan Wurm, "A Month of Sundays":

These small and light works are emblematic of the abandon and freedom of unmarked time. The line moves quickly, barely leaving its mark. The color briefly touches down to almost fill space. Forms emerge and merge and submerge in the light of the unsealed surface.

Using charcoal and conté crayons, watercolors, pastels, oil pastels, oils sticks and even sludge, fingers move these materials around without plan or contract, following the same impulses and rhythms of the children frolicking, the women reveling, and the men decompressing.

These are the open pleasures of the promise of a month of Sundays

The exhibit opens Jan. 6, and runs through Jan. 28 in the Altadena Library Community Room, 600 E. Mariposa.

Rambro' is in the woods

Joe Clay, aka "Rambro'," or at least his van, have been spotted in the Millard Canyon parking lot in recent days.  Clay is suspected of illegally bow-hunting deer and/or bear in burn areas, near residences, and in other restricted areas.  Lori Paul sent out the following message to the news groups:

If you see Clay in the closure area or hunting too close to residences and recreational areas (day use, campground, on County trails), Please call the Sheriffs without delay, followed by USFS Dispatch and the CA Dept. of Fish & Game wardens at CalTip. See phone numbers and additional info. below.
1.) Altadena Sheriffs 626 798.1131 (they can respond to the scene fastest)
2.) USFS Dispatch 661 723.2703
3.) 1 888 DFG CALTIP (1 888 334.2258)

Lost dog in Eaton Canyon Jan. 1 [UPDATED]

UPDATE 1/4:  A good ending to this one. Check the comments for details.

A lost dog -- anyone seen her?

A dog was lost yesterday in Eaton Canyon and I was out looking for her today and a woman suggested posting about her on your blog.  Is there any way you can post this info and her photo?

 

She is a tan brindle boxer mix with a white blaze on her nose and chest.  She's shy and a little skittish.  Last seen on the trail in Eaton Canyon on Saturday 1/1.  She has no collar or tag - she slipped out of her collar while out for a walk. 

 

This is her ad on craigslist: http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/laf/2139843022.html

 

If seen please call Doug at 415-532-3205 or email info@echoparkanimalalliance.org and/or thepaleballer@yahoo.com

Resolved for 2011: start writing!

Are you a writer looking for ways to improve your work or just interested in hearing some fascinating stories? If so, come hear authors Thelma Reyna and Gregory Ellis, who will be featured at the main Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa, on Sat., Jan. 8 at 2 PM.

Reyna, who is an editor, book reviewer, poet, and ghost-writer, also authors the successful blog American Latina/o Writers Today to give voice to both established and emerging Hispanic writers. At Saturday’s program Reyna will read from her book, The Heavens Weep for Us and Other Stories, (finalist National Best Books Awards, USA Book News), and offer expert tips on how to tell YOUR stories to the world. She will also discuss how she gets her inspiration for her work and preview her upcoming new books.

Local author, attorney, and musician Ellis will read from his novel, Ride the Buffalo’s Back, a poignant story of a lost generation in the shadows of Vietnam. He will also present his personal insights on the writing process, draw some interesting comparisons between pacing and texture in music and in writing, and will read a selection from his new historical novel in progress.

Books will be available for purchase at the event. For more information: 626-798-0833.

Barks and Books at the Library Wed.

Children age 5-12 are invited to read to Pearl, a loveable rescued standard poodle from the Pasadena Humane Society's Home Companion program, at the Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa,at 3:30 PM Wed., Jan. 5.

"What's Under the Clutter" is Library workshop Jan. 29

Friends of the Altadena Library present: “What’s Under the Clutter?” with Tracy McCubbin of LA based business dClutterfly.

Now that you've processed the holiday presents, you're thinking:  "Why do I have so much stuff -- and what do I do with it?"

Why do we keep what we keep and how can we evaluate our possessions to see if they are really worth the shelf space? Tracy McCubbin of LA-based dClutterfly will talk about the practical and emotional sides of clutter and why we keep it around. She will also offer some very concrete steps to help you deal with and ultimately reduce clutter. Wherever you are stuck, Tracy has a solution!

Sat., January 29, 2-4 pm

Altadena Library Community Room
600 East Mariposa Street
Altadena, CA 91001

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

(Altadenablog can personally endorse this one: we've used Tracy to help bring some order to a couple of rooms in our house -- listen to what she has to say!)

2011 starts off with pictures and poetry

The first day of 2011 was busy, in, around, and above Altadena.  We've got some pictures to share -- and a poem -- after the jump.

Water out this afternoon at Loma Alta and Stonehill

Water main break at that intersection about mid-afternoon, affecting homes in the neighborhood that are customers of Rubio Canyon Land & Water.  A repair crew was onsite, but haven't heard that water's been restored yet.

Top 10 Altadena news stories of 2010

A burglary wave that shows no signs of ending ... school closures feeding secession moves ...Millard and Rubio creeks under attack ... allegations of excessive police force ... and business on north Lake, good and bad.  These are a few of the top stories of 2010 here in Altadena, and as usual, here's our absolutely opinionated listing of the top ten stories of the year we left behind, in no particular order, after the jump: