altadenablog

Summer concert series lineup announced; Altadenablog is newest co-sponsor

The Sheriff's Support Group of Altadena has announced the schedule and lineup of this summer's concert series (the finale's still in the works), and it promises to be a real treat!

(Pictured: Those Manning Boys last summer -- they'll be back as the Irish Volunteers July 9.)

Robert Klomburg of SSGA says that "The lineup was finally completed last week, with the exception of the Grand Finale tribute artist. It is not because we cannot find one, we have so many to choose from we have not been able to make the selection! "

Klomburg emails us that "This is the earliest we have had the SCS lineup done. We had more than 60 very qualified artists apply to play in Farnsworth Park. Unprecedented to say the least! We still believe we are the only unincorporated community in the SGV who mounts a SCS without being a city. We think this is very special." 

Altadenablog is proud to be the newest co-sponsor of the Farnsworth Park event,  which also includes  Warner Bros. Entertainment, the Rotary Club of Altadena, Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, Michael Baietti & Linda Seyffert from Dickson Podley Realty, Trinity Thread Works and M & M Printing.  The host as always is the Altadena Sheriff’s Station along with the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation. 

Klomburg says: "We are still working on some of the new ‘attractions’ we will have for the 2011 Edition of the SCS. More will be announced in the very near future. Keep tuned!"

Here is the lineup for the 2011 concert series, after the jump:

Open for business: Altadena Hardware

Altadena Hardware kicked off its grand re-opening weekend today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and recognition by the Altadena Chamber of Commerce.  Here, owners Jim (with the scissors) and Paula Orlandini cut the ribbon to mark the official re-opening of the Altadena landmark under their new ownership.  Jim and Paula are flanked on the left by their sons Rob and store manager Jimmy Orlandini (with beard), and on the right by representatives of the Altadena Chamber of Commerce: from left, Ed Meyers, Doug Colliflower, and Carrie Meyers.  

Altadena Hardware is offering food and discounts all weekend and a "wheel of fortune" with a chance to win some major items.  

And if you're in the neighborhood later today, don't forget that it's Fancy Food Truck Friday at the Webster's stores: four fabulous food trucks offering their wares in a family-friendly event, from 5-9 PM.

Station Fire special on Fox 11 tonight

Tell the DVR:  KTTV FOX 11 will be re-airing a half hour special on the Station Fire tonight, February 11. The show will air at 10:30 p.m., immediately following the 10:00 p.m. news.

 

Learn ballroom dancing @ Westminster Pres starting Feb. 15

Free (yes, free) ballroom dancing classes (with childcare!) are being offered for the next three Tuesdays at Westminster Presbyterian Church starting Feb. 15 and continuing Feb. 22 and March 1.  Learn the Salsa, and other Latin dances. Make a Valentine promises to take your sweetheart dancing. This is a fun community event offered by Westminster Pasadena, couples or singles welcome, beginning level. This is not a studio- no contracts or sales. Please RSVP to the Church office 626-794-7141 if you would like free childcare during the class.

Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1757 Lake Ave,  626-794-7141.

Mother's Club celebrates 50 years, looking for alums

The Mothers' Club Family Learning Center in Pasadena is celebrating its 50th year of helping families. As part of its anniversary activities, it is looking for past alumni and supporters who have gone on to lead successful lives using the skills they gained at Mother's Club.

Mothers' Club has touched the lives of over 2,000 families with young children. These famlies came to Mothers' Club isolated, depressed, or victims of abuse. They left with the skills and confidence needed to improve the quality of their lives and advocate for their children's education. hough some have stayed in close contact, updating Mothers’ Club about their family’s accomplishments and keeping up to date with the agency’s developments, many more have lost touch. 

Starting as a loosely-structured social support program in 1961, Mothers' Club has developed into a highly-regarded model with award-winning, two-generation learning programs and research-proven results for the isolated and impoverished families it now serves. Now located ins a permanent facility in Northwest Pasadena, Mothers’ Club Family Learning Center prepares families living in isolation and poverty to succeed in school and in life through two-generation learning programs. 

If you've participated at Mothers' Club during any stage of its development -- as a parent, child, or volunteer -- please visit www.mothersclub.org to submit your story and share your memories of Mothers’ Club.

James Griffith in "Land Mark" show at Oxy Feb. 17

Alta-artist James Griffith's paintings form part of a group show at Occidental College that starts Feb. 17.  Land Mark presents artworks by four artists residing in the Northeast Los Angeles area "whose work engages the intersection of nature and the built environment ...  Griffith’s realist paintings of nature scenes and plant life are seen draped and veiled in sheets of plastic, producing the visual effect of nature viewed through a synthetic lens."

The show will be at  The Weingart Galleryon the campus of Occidental College, on the 2nd floor of the Weingart Art Building,  southeast corner of Bird and Gillman campus roads. Regular gallery hours will be held from 12pm - 5pm, Monday - Friday.  For questions regarding the show contact Jason Manley, 323-259-1409, or jmanley@oxy.edu.  For maps and directions visit http://www.oxy.edu/x119.xml

alterdena

alterdena by millard chaney by altadenablog

Library receives $15,000 grant for "Family Place" program

Pictured: the library's children's area is being reconfigured to support the Family Place program.  Here are some before and after pictures of the new furniture going up. Photos courtesy Altadena Library.

The main Altadena Library  at 600 E. Mariposa St. is introducing some improvements for parents and the ages 0-3 set, thanks to a recent grant from the California State Library.

The library was awarded $15,000  to implement the Family Place Program at the main library. The grant will pay for toys, books and comfortable furniture that support early-learning interactions between children ages 0-3 and their parents, and caregivers.

The Family Place Program is a statewide initiative that helps create family/early childhood space in the children’s area of local public libraries.   Modeled on a national Family Place initiative, the project is supported by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.

Children's librarian Cassandra Stearns said that the purpose of the Family Place was to develop more famly-friendly programs and reach out to parents and famlies in the community who are not already using the library.

The Family Place "supports the idea that parents are their child's first teacher, and the way the zero through three age group learns is through play."  The program also encourages early literacy.

In addition, the library will offer a special free five-week parent-child workshop starting in April to encourage the use of the public library by families with children. Each week will focus on a different topic between early literacy, nutrition, child development, speech & language and movement & play.

Right now, the library is rearranging furniture and gradually accumulating what it needs to make the Famly Place a reality.   "We've just begun to order stuff," Stearns said.  Whle there is already some furniture and toys in place, "we're still getting items in."

For more information contact Childrens Services Senior Librarian Cassandra Stearns at 626-798-0833 ext. 109 orcstearns@altadenalibrary.org.

 

The Dude abides on Woodbury

Filmmaker Matt A. Phillips tweeted that the cover story for the recent Jeff Bridges profile in The Hollywood Reporter was shot at his family's home on Woodbury Ave. in Altadena.  The profile is here, and a film of Bridges graffiti-ing the inside wall of the house is here.

Quality of Life Center launches "Dollars for Scholars" program

The Quality of Life Center and Bright Futures Scholars want your change -- to help make a change.

The Quality of Life Center, Inc., is going around town dropping off “Dollars for Scholars” jars at local businessses to  raise scholarship funds for the 2011 Bright Futures Scholars Support Program graduates. The funds collected in the “Dollars for Scholars” jar are 100% dedicated to the 2011 scholarships that will be handed out at this year’s Bright Futures Scholars Support Program Graduation and Award Luncheon on June 12 at the Pasadena Convention Center.

Vanessa Michelle of the Quality of Life Center says "The money jars aren’t just limited to change -- donors are welcome to drop any amounts of money into the jar in order to meet the goal per jar of $500 each.  (Any checks made out to the Quality of Life Center, Inc. should indicate on the memo section that the funds are for the “Dollars for Scholars”.) Any donations made for that exact amount of $500 will be handed to a student in the name of the person or organization that funded that scholarship.

Morning jolt

• Pasadena's public information officer (and righteous babe) Ann Erdman has a feature on Owen Brown's funeral and gravesite.
• Elise Kalfayan of Glendale's Sundroom Desk reviews our performance at Saturday's community journalism forum (thank you, Elise, see ya at the picnic!)

 

 

 

 

Weekendin' Feb. 10-13

A busy weekend, and always more stuff coming in before Valentine's Day, so keep coming back!

Thurs., Feb. 10

• Coffee Gallery: Front Stage, long form storytelling and open mic night 8-10, free; Backstage, The Byrds and Beyond with former Byrd John York,  Billy Darnell & Chad Watson, starting at 8 PM, $20.  Reservations/info 626) 794-2424

 

Fri., Feb. 11

• PUSD open enrollment applications must be completed by 5 PM today.   Go to linked PEN site for more information.
• Altadena Hardware's Grand Re-Opening:  the Altadena landmark celebrates its grand re-opening under new ownership all weekend.  Special festivities on Sat. and Sun.  849 E. Mariposa.
• Decorate a Valentine's Day cookie card (for yourself or someone else!) at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St.  4-5 PM.  All ages welcome, and it's free!
• Peace vigil at Altadena Community Church, 943 E. Altadena Dr., 4-4:30 PM.
• It's here!  Fancy Food Truck Friday at the Webster's complex parking lot, Lake and Marcheta.  Websterʼs Community Pharmacy, Fine Stationers and Liquors team  up with the Rolling Bistros from 5-9 PM, gourmet food truck fans can partake of at least four varieties of delicious fare while chatting and visiting with their friends, family and neighbors.
• The African-American Parents Council meets at Aveson Charter School, 1919 East Pinecrest Dr., 6:30-8:30 PM. 
• Coffee Gallery: Front stage, open mike music night hosted by Duane Thorin, 8 PM, free $1; Backstage, Tracy Newman & the Reinforcements and Dutch Newman and the Musical Melodians, 8 PM, tickets $15.

 

Sat., Feb. 12

• Christmas Tree Lane Take-down starts, 9 AM-noon, Altadena Dr. and Santa Rosa.  Please come and join your neighbors and friends beginning Feb. 12 from 9 AM- 12 PM for “Take Down”. As long as the weather permits, we will be taking the lights off the trees every Saturday and Sundayuntil all the trees are finished. In the morning you will be greeted with donuts, coffee and hot chocolate and afternoon  lunch will be provided. If you are bringing a group of more than 5 on any weekend and plan to stay and have lunch, PLEASE call (626) 403-1123 so that there will be enough food for everyone.
• Altadena Hardware's Grand Re-Opening: festivities go from 11 AM-2 PM today and Sunday.  Food, balloons for the children, and a wheel of fortune with great prizes. 849 E. Mariposa
• Altadena's master storyteller Leslie Perry will headline the Altadena Library's Distinguished Program Series at 2 PM, free.  Perry and other performers will tell stories of inspiration and courage that further understanding of African Americans and folklore.  The program will be at the community room at the library, 600 E. Mariposa.
• The Pasadena Master Chorale will celebrate Valentine's Day with two performances at the Altadena Community Church, 943 E. Altadena Drive today  at 7 PM, and Sun. at 4 PM.  The concert will feature "music of passion" by Eric Whitacre, Maurice Durufle, Samuel Barber, Morten Lauridsen, Vasil Oswald, Master Chorale conductor Jeffrey Bernstein, and others.  UPDATE: Tickets are $20, but if you go to this website and type in PMCTRIBE, you get a $5 per ticket discount.
• Coffee Gallery: backstage, Tom Corbett y Amigos, $15, starts 7 PM.

Sun., Feb. 13

• Altadena Hardware's Grand Re-Opening: festivities continue from 11 AM-2 PM today and Sunday.  Food, balloons for the children, and a wheel of fortune with great prizes. 849 E. Mariposa, 
• Coffee Gallery: Backstage: Monthly bluegrass jam, 12:30-3 PM.; Ken O'Malley (Irish music) matinee, 3 PM, $18; the Scarlet Furies, 7 PM, $15.  Frontstage, music and variety open mic, starts 8 PM.
• Pasadena Master Chorale program matinee, 4 PM at Altadena Community Church, $20 (see Sat. for details).

Mon., Feb. 14

• Valentine's Day getaway: Drop off the kids (age 3 and up) at Two Dragons Martial Arts for an evening of snacks, movies, games, prizes, and of course martial arts from 5-9 PM, enough time for that romantic dinner.  Cost is $30 per child, or $50 for two.  Call 626-398-8853 for information or too reserve space.   Two Dragons is at 2490 N. Lake Ave.

Firefighters offer CERT classes in La Canada Flintridge & La Crescenta

CERT (Community Emergency Response Training) is being offered at La Canada Flintridge starting in April and La Crescenta starting in June.

Following a major disaster, fire, police, and medical personnel may be overwhelmed.  CERT training helps develop life-saving and fire-fighting skills so residents can provide immediate assistance in their neighborhoods.

Click on the graphics for details.

 

 

 

 

Something for your sweetie at Scissors Paper Rock

Scissor Paper Rock salon and boutique is opening up a line of fabulous goodies for Valentine's Day.

Owner Yolande Carson says: "We now have original hand-painted block cut design cards by Dana Bradley (perfect for Valentine's Day) and are selling Swarovoski crystal and sterling necklace, bracelet, and earring sets by Kimberly Lauren Designs and more!"

In addition, they are now offering the ""gelicure" soak-off gel polish that last up to four weeks.

"Come on in.  We can't wait to see you and celebrate your Valentines Day with us !"

Scissors Paper Rock is at 1864 N. Allen.

Proposed trash rates revealed: base is $18.06/month

Altadena residents can expect to pay a base rate of $18.06 to Athens Services for trash collection, under the franchise contract now under consideration by the Board of Supervisors.

According to a quick survey of residents, that rate is very favorable compared to the present system of multiple trash haulers.

Altadena Town Council chair Gino Sund sent out an email tonight detailing the rates and Athens' proposed enhanced services, and was apparently peeved that he had to do it.

"It seems that someone can't wait a couple more weeks to learn the details or, they think that Town  Council is lying to you about the contract," Sund wrote. "Thus a Public Records Request was submitted to the Department of Public Works  to see the Athens proposal.  County Counsel has decided that the best course is to comply with the Public Records request.  Because of that request,  the information is now public and I want to share the actual facts with you."

In an interview, Sund told Altadenablog that revealing the fee and enhanced services before the contract was approved by the supervisors might cause a competing service to file a challenge to the contract approval and delay the projected July 1 start date.

"Hopefully, this chain of events will not result in difficulties in the selection of a contract which could delay the implementation of our new service," Sund said in his email.  "When you see the new rates you will realize that any delay in service will cost every household in Altadena money."

The basic proposed rates are:
Base Service, per month:                                 $18.06
Senior Discount, per month:                             $13.55
Difficult to access streets, per month:              $22.57
Backyard roll out/pick up service, per month:  $27.09

Athens also agreed to the following additional enhancements they would provide under the contract:   
1.  Increased the number of free bagged green waste pickup from 8 to 10 per year
2.  Increased the number of bulky item collections from 2 to 3 per year
3.  Free quarterly mulch giveaways
4.  Curbside used oil collection program
5.  Curbside battery recycling collection program

Los Angeles Trails draft manual available

Los Angeles County is holding a series of meetings in February and March to get public input on a proposed County Trails Manual.  According to county consultants Sapphos Environmental, Inc., the manual is being developed "to provide a user-friendly resource to facilitate trail planning, design, construction, and maintenance within the County."

The 188 page draft is only available as a .pdf document (which is available on this page).  There will be six meetings around the county to take in public comment (click graphic to enlarge, and yes, the image could be better).  Once the meetings have been completed,  the county will incorporate the comments into the final version of the trails manual.

If there are any questions, contact Leanna Guillermo at lguillermo@sapphosenvironmental.com or Eric Charlton at echarlton@sapphosenvironmental.com or 626-683-3547.

 

 

 

Publisher's notebook: community journalism in flux

We were invited to participate in a forum last Saturday at KPCC’s Crawford Family Center. “The Changing Face of Community Journalism” mashed together practitioners from a variety of media: public radio and television, community news websites, blogs, and internet radio under the auspices of the Society of Professional Journalists. (Thanks to Dan Evans for putting this all together).

There were nine speakers, each restricted to five minutes (more or less), followed by a panel (which we were not invited to participate in). Without diminishing in any way any of the speakers, the ones we found most intriguing were Jesus Sanchez, who runs a site similar to ours, The EastsiderLA.com; Michael Linder, whose internet radio station KVB.FM sells the news and lifestyle of Venice Beach to a wide audience (it’s local but they have a substantial number of listeners in the British Isles); and Chris Jennewein, senior regional editor for Patch.com out of San Diego.

As the final speaker, our entirely selfish personal goal was to tell Altadenablog’s story of community journalism in such passionate detail that they would regret not putting us on the panel (and we think we succeeded on that one!)

Super Bowl on Lake Ave.

Devon Pettengill alerted us to this Super Bowl ad -- remember when they blocked off most of Lake Ave. around Ronnie's Automotive last month?  Here's why:

 

Working on your image at the Library tonight

Don't forget that at 7 PM tonight at the Altadena Library, 300 E. Mariposa:

Diana Olson, an Image Stylist/Etiquette Specialist, image  coach on "Dancing with the Stars, " and advisor to the movie and television industry, will show you how to embrace and celebrate the gifts of your personality, coloring, bone structure and energy intensity while enjoying the transformational power of image.  Come discover how really great you can be.  This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Altadena Library.

Christmas Tree Lane annual meeting tomorrow

The Christmas Tree Lane Association will have its annual meeting on Wed., Feb. 9, starting at 7 PM at the Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. The association will elect officers to two year terms for the coming year.

Morning jolt

• Altadena company Nila, Inc., a firm that makes low-energy LED lighting products for film and television,  is involved in a renovation of the largest hearing room of the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C.  The renovation includes replacing traditional incandescent lighting with Nila's LED system for video-friendly lighting.  According to the Marketwire piece, the incandescent lighting consumed 55,000 watts of electrical energy.  After replacement with the LEDs, the room will only consume 7,300 watts, a reduction of 86%.  The new lighting system will also reduce the cooling needs of the room.
• Roberta H. Martinez, who blogs at A Pasadena Latina, has a rave review of Altadena Hardware (which has its grand opening coming up this weekend -- don't miss it!)
• PUSD schools are off this Fri., Feb. 11 (boo!) but open enrollment will continue through close of business that day (yay!). The Pasadena Education Network has an information page here, as open enrollment applications must be completed online.

Open thread: what would YOU like to talk about?

The Upside-Down T Neighborhood's Elliot Gold, who is also our line to all things ACONA (Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations) is putting out a call that we think is worthwhile: what do you REALLY want to talk about in your neighborhood?

• Does that new cell tower really leak radiation?
• My neighbors are keeping loud, obnoxious animals -- what do I do about it?
• Are they EVER going to finish renovating their house, or do we just live with the large dumpster forever?
• Those people throw parties EVERY WEEKEND -- is there something we can do about it?

ACONA wants to deal with these real neighbornood issues, but first it's looking for whatever is really on your mind!  The comments are open -- blast away!

 

Christmas Tree Lane takedown starts this weekend

The Christmas Tree Lane Association is putting out the call for all volunteers to gather this Saturday from 9 AM to noon to start the "Take Down."

Elizabeth Nelson of the Association says that Lane volunteers will gather every Saturday and Sunday along Santa Rosa to take the lights off the trees until the job is done:" In the morning you will be greeted with donuts, coffee and hot chocolate and after 12 lunch will be provided."

Two things to know before you come, she writes:

 1. If you are bringing a group of more than 5 on any weekend and plan to stay and have lunch, PLEASE call (626) 403-1123 or E-Mail beforehand so that we will have enough food for everyone;

2.  We can only move as fast as our tree climbers, so, if you would be willing to climb about one story up a ladder, please tell us when you come and we will show you what to do. (To get an idea of the height, go to any tree on the Lane, look up and see the metal box…that’s about how far up you’d need to go).

If you have any further questions about the specifics of unscrewing light bulbs and taking lines off the trees, give us a call.

Thank you and we hope to see you on the Lane!!

Crime log: petty thefts and burglaries, Feb. 2-4

Wed.,  Feb. 2

Between 8:10 AM - 5:35 PM – a residential burglary occurred in the 1600 block of N. Harding Avenue.    Suspect(s) entered the residence through the kitchen door.  Loss:  grey Dell laptop, grey Dynex 22” TV,  and a gold emerald ring. 

Thurs.,  Feb. 3

Between 12:00 AM &- 8:00 AM – a petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 3200‐block of N. Lake Avenue.  Loss: black Samsonite leather briefcase, black vinyl w/blue trim briefcase, blackberry cell phone charger,and woman’s earrings.  
Between 5:30 PM - 6:30 AM , Friday – a burglary from a classroom occurred at Jackson Elementary.   Suspect(s) entered by opening the east side window.  Loss:  red Samsonite duffle bag and white single electric stove burner.  
Between 5:00 PM-  5:00 AM, Friday – a petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 3000 block of Santa Rosa Avenue.  Loss:  silver Garmin GPS.

Fri.,  Feb. 4

Between 2:00 AM- 8:00 AM – a burglary from an unlocked garage occurred in the 800 block of W. Ventura Street.  Loss:  red/white Red Max leaf blower and red Honda HRC16.

 

Sheriff's station releases crime statistics

Altadena Sheriff's station Det. Lt. Joseph Dempsey gives us a report on statistics for January:

Even though crime has been greatly reduced in the last eight months, we are still experiencing a problem with residential burglaries, vehicle burglaries and thefts from vehicles (items taken from unlocked cars).

We ask that residents remain vigilant.  Secure your homes and cars.  Do not leave valuables in your cars.  Report any suspicious behavior in your neighborhoods. 

In the month of January we had 12 reports of Residential Burglaries and 27 reports of Larcenies (vehicle burglary, grand theft and petty theft).  These numbers are very similar to what we experienced in the months of November and December.

Below are some examples of the crime rate in Altadena:

• Reported Burglaries are down 18.4% since this time last year and down 33.8% since 2006.
• Reported Violent crime is down 25.1 % since this time last year and down 35.6% since 2006.
• Reported Property crime is down 44.9% since this time last year and down 25.6% since 2006.   

We ask that our residents partner to prevent or report crime by contacting the Altadena Sheriff’s Station at 626-798-1131. Or if you wish to remain Anonymous, call “LA Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org

 

Altadena Crest Trail group meets 7:30 tonight ...

... in the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.  Click on the agenda to enlarge.

First sign of spring: baseball camp

Adam Bell shares these pictures of last Saturday's Central Altadena Little League baseball camp at Farnsworth Park. Working with ballplayers from Marshall Fundamental High School, the little leaguers honed their skills for the upcoming season.  More pictures after the jump.

Catch-up day ...

Various personal things occupied us all day Monday, so today is a grand round of catching up.  Expect new stuff throughout the day.

Save the date: SGV Blogger's Potluck Sat., March 19

Yep, we haven't learned our lesson yet, but the Four Mighty Bloggers of Altadena (Altadena Above It All, Altadenahiker, Open Mouth Insert Fork, and your humble servant) are sponsoring the third annual "Primavera in Altadena" San Gabriel Valley Blogger's Picnic on March 19 at Farnsworth Park.

Going from 11 AM to 5 PM, the picnic brings together bloggers, friends, families, and blogfans in one of the great events of the year!  Bring a potluck item to share (they're always good!) and prepare to have a great time!

 

 

Morning jolt

• Curves Altadena (at its new location at 2455 N. Lake) is offering yoga as part of its menu.  Lee Ann Edwards is offering gentle Vinyasa yoga on Wed., 1-2, and Sun., 5-6.  More details and prices here.
• Altadena HuffPo:  AOL has just spent $315 mill to acquire the Huffington Post,with the end of creating the Huffington Post Media Group, to be led by Arianna Huffington, which will integrate all AOL content providers -- and that means Patch!  So now the thousands of unpaid HuffPo correspondents will have about 1,000 new websites to fill up ...  LA TImes is less than kind about it.

Hahamongna Walkabout Feb. 19

Save Hahamongna, a campaign of the Arroyo Seco Foundation and other organizations,  is holding a "walkabout" of the site on Sat., Feb. 19.

The free escorted walking tour will give a good look at the habitat, wildlife, birds, and water resources of the area and talk about new threats the watershed (300-400 trucks a day comes to mind).

Tours will leave every half hour from 9 AM-10:30 AM, and take about two and a half hours.  Make a reservation here.

The organization is also looking for volunteers at http://www.savehahamongna.org/walkaboutvol.htm

Bobcats on Alzada Rd.

Alice Wessen shared some pictures in her listserv of a momma bobcat and two cubs hanging out on Alzada Rd. during the Super Bowl yesterday.  Here's a picture of Momcat watching her brood.

Friday Fun Flick: "You Again," Feb. 18

"You Again" is this month's Friday Fun Flick at the Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa St.  When a young girl finds out that her brother is going to marry the girl who bullied her in school, she takes action to expose the fiancees true colors.  Rated PG, starts at 3:30 PM, free.

League of Women Voters celebrates 75 years

The League of Women Voters Pasadena Area (LWVPA) invites you to share in their seventy-fifth anniversary celebration on Sunday, March 6, from 4 pm to 6 pm at the California Institute of Technology's Athenaeum. Food, live music and entertainment will be provided including guest speaker, Congresswoman Judy Chu.

Born out of the suffragist movement just 17 years after Carrie Chapman Catt laid the cornerstone of the National League of Women Voters in 1920, the Pasadena League began with a group of of civic-minded women in the living room of a San Marino home. The fledgling Pasadena LWV commenced setting an agenda that would endure throughout its history.

While city government and children would continue to top the League's agenda, eradication of gender and racial discrimination in housing, education and government also ranked high in LWV priorities. The League is currently and successfully addressing these issues.

Seventy-five years later, after decades of providing voter education and voter service to help make democracy work, League of Women Voters Pasadena Area is ready to celebrate.

About the League of Women Voters Pasadena Area: The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging the informed and active participation of citizens in government. The League never supports or opposes any political party or candidate. The overall goal of the League of Women Voters of the Pasadena Area is to help all citizens effectively participate to improve their communities. Monthly Program meetings and community forums open to all members and the public feature focus on current issues of interest and the pros and cons of ballot measures. Members can volunteer to participate in committees to study issues, implement special projects or carry out voter service activities. LWVPA's e-mail action network, monthly newsletter and website keep members informed. and can join the LWVPA's email action network. Members also elect officers and most of the directors and plan and set programs and priorities. To make a reservation for the 75th anniversary celebration or to join League of Women Voters Pasadena area, please visit www.lwvpasadenaarea.org.

Bobcat at Palm & Reposa

View Critter Map 2011 in a larger map

Our correspondent Erika McCarden says that she spotted a bobcat last week: 

Sunday at around 7a, was out walking the dogs on Palm, and right at the street before Maiden Lane, there was movement something dropped into the bushes of a neighbor's yard..then out sauntered a bobcat! he was the size of a young coyote. was not at all scared. he looked at me and sauntered about, smelling flowers. Fortunately the dogs were distracted by a squirrel and missed what came out of the bushes!

Send your critter sightings to altadenablog @ gmail.com

Aveson African-American Parent Council meets Feb. 11

All parents of Aveson students are invited to join the Aveson AAPC (African American Parent Council). Come help strategize, then actuate creative ways to work together as a community to close the achievement gap. Innovative approaches to engaging learners and families can help to uplift all Aveson Scholars to their own personal best. Come and share your thoughts and ideas.

The mission of Aveson AAPC is to honor and embrace the identity and experiences of African-American families, advocate for the cultural acceptance of all, and mobilize and engage all stakeholders to transform the system to ensure a high quality education for every student.

Monthly meetings are every second Friday of the month at  6:30 PM at the school, 1919 East Pinecrest Dr. 

For more information or to join contact Desha Dauchan at (213) 300-7887 or ddauchan1@yahoo.com

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Join the Super Sunday wine-tasting at the Ale and Wine House

The Altadena Ale and Wine House, 2329 N. Fair Oaks (Altadenablog sponsor) will celebrate Super Sunday Feb. 6 with a Super Bowl Sunday Wine Tasting from 33-5:30 PM. Each taste is $2-$5.

Gail Casburn says: "Great imported cheeses are included with the tasting, and chili will be given to those watching the Superbowl!  We have three TVs showing game. So, come wine taste or drink fine ale and enjoy the game."

Selections for the tasting include champagne/sparkling wines, Chardonnay, Pinot and Bordeaux wines, cuvee, and a tawny port.

 

Call for artists: Theatre Americana art festival June 25 at Farnsworth Park

Theatre Americana, for all practical purposes Altadena's resident theater troupe (they usually perform in the Davies Auditorium at Farnsworth Park) is looking for visual and performing artists to participate in their planned festival of the arts on Sat., June 25.

Theatre Americana President Donna Scarantino says that "We are hoping to invite dance companies, theatre troupes, live bands, and artists. Theatre Americana will supply the lighting and sound for this event, which will take place in the amphitheater at Farnsworth Park."

Scarantino says" We are asking those who participate in this event to volunteer their time and their talent in support of the arts, while providing a culturally enriching experience for the public."

Interested? Contact Scarantino by email: donna8461@sbcglobal.net

Weekendin': Feb. 4-6

Keep checking back as there's always new stock coming in ....

Fri., Feb. 4

• Weekly peace vigil, 4-4:30 PM, Altadena Community Church, 943 E. Altadena Dr.
• Music and variety open mic night, Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake, starting at 8 PM.

 

Sat., Feb. 5

• Cat Posse Rescue Yard Sale/fundraiser, 8 AM-4 PM  at 782 W. Mariposa St.  in Altadena.  Brand new factory sealed toys, furniture, household items, tons of nice clothes, baby items, and a ton of other stuff. 
• St. Elizabeth Book Sale,  9 AM -2 PM in the St. Elizabeth school hall at 1840 N. Lake Ave., across from the church. The funds raised at this sale support a scholarship given to the 8th grade graduates.    Books, CDs, DVDs, videotapes, and even cassettes will be available.
• Central Altadena Little League (CALL) in conjunction with the Marshall High School Baseball Program will host a Baseball Camp on Sat., Feb. 5 from 10 AM – 4 PM at the Farnsworth Park Upper Baseball diamond.  All kids from all leagues and non leagues ages 6 -12  years old to can participate in this special clinic.  The cost of the camp is $25 for all day.   The camp is covered by league insurance.   All proceeds will go toward the Marshall High School Baseball program which was hit hard by the state budget cuts.  Registration starts at 9:30 AM.  Bring glove, cleats, comfortable clothes and sack lunch.
• Meet and greet Time Banks USA founder Dr. Edgar S. Cahn at the Zane Grey Estate, 396 Mariposa St.,  at 7 PM for a casual potluck. Bring a dish and/or a bottle of wine and earn a time dollar!  Street parking is available.

Sun., Feb. 6

• "Bundle Sunday" for the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Elizabeth Roman Catholic Church, 1879 N. Lake Ave.,  9 AM-1 PM in the church parking lot.  Bring your useable clothing, household items, and small appliances in good condition. 
• Local artist Linda Ternoir will have a reception from 5-8 PM at  The Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake Ave.  Her work is on display through the month of February.
• Coffee Gallery open mic music night, starting at 8 PM.  Open mike music nights every Friday at the Frontstage, hosted by Duane Thorin.

New Altadena Chamber coupons

The Altadena Chamber of Commerce has issued a new round of discount coupons for local merchants.  Check out their offerings on our new Coupons page.

Bank on it with TIme Bank's founder at Zane Grey Estate Sat.

Arroyo Time Bank's Gloria Putnam emails us:

Join us this Sat., Feb. 5  at 7 PM for a casual potluck style meet and greet with Time Banks USA founder Dr. Edgar S. Cahn at the Zane Grey Estate.

Bring a dish and/or a bottle of wine and earn a time dollar! Let's show Edgar some good old Arroyo Time Bank hospitality!

We would also love if a few members could help with the clean-up and the dishes immediately following the event. Please let me know if you can lend a hand and earn a time dollar.

Hope to see you there!

Edgar will also be speaking this Thursday at UCLA in the Dean’s Conference Room at 5:30 PM and will return to the area in October for the California Federation of Time Banks Conference if you can not attend this event.

The Zane Grey Estate is located at 396 Mariposa St in Altadena. Street parking is available, see map for details

Food truck-alooza at Webster's complex next Friday

Websterʼs Community Pharmacy, Fine Stationers and Liquors are teaming up with the Rolling Bistros to hold the first “Fancy Food Truck Fridays” event next  Fri., Feb. 11 in the Websterʼs Parking Lot.

From 5-9 PM, gourmet food truck fans can partake of at least four varieties of delicious fare while chatting and visiting with their friends, family and neighbors. Banking on the popularity of trendy food trucks, this event is already planned for the second Friday of each month.

Meredith Miller, new owner of Websterʼs Community Pharmacy, has teamed up with Sheldon Katz of L.A.ʻs Rolling Bistros to bring the popular gourmet food trucks to the Websterʼs parking lot on Lake Ave. Next Fridayʼs featured trucks are: “The Hungry Nomad”, “No Reservations”, “Shrimp Pimp” and “Greenz on Wheelz”.

“We want to invite our Altadena neighbors to come and hang out with their friends and family. To make that easier, we will have some family-style tables set up to enjoy the fabulous food and relax!” “Since this event will be on Valentineʼs Weekend, our stores will stay open until 9 PM to accommodate last-minute shopping” commented Meredith Miller.

Websterʼs Community Pharmacy, Fine Stationers and Liquors have been servicing Altadena residents since 1926. Websterʼs parking lot is located on the corner of Lake Ave and Marcheta. Parking will be complimentary and street parking will also available.

For more information, please contact Meredith Miller (cell) 818-731-8918 or meredithfmiller@gmail.com

 

CERT training in San Dimas starts Feb. 22

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

CERT is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations where citizens may initially be on their own and their actions can make a difference. While people will respond to others in need without the training, one goal of the CERT program is to help them do so effectively and efficiently without placing themselves in unnecessary danger. In the CERT training, citizens learn to:

• Manage utilities and put out small fires*
• Treat the three medical killers by opening airways, controlling bleeding, and treating for shock*
• Provide basic medical aid*
• Search for and rescue victims safely*
• Organize themselves and spontaneous volunteers to be effective*
• Collect disaster intelligence to support first responder efforts*

Morning jolt

• Altadenans for Quality Education are still seeking an audit for the rejected petition signatures, but Chief Petitioner Bruce Wasson has updated some other information about their quest for an Altadena school district (including refining their message a bit with a Top 5 Reasons and Top 3 Priorities.).  It's all over here on their website.
• Your Altadenablog publisher will be one of the speakers at a KPCC/Society of Professional Journalists' forum, The Changing Face of Community Journalism (don't get too excited, it's only five minutes).  Reservations are required (click on the link).  The Forum starts at 2 PM (doors open at 1:30) at 474 South Raymond Avenue, Pasadena.
• Jake Armstrong at the Pasadena Weekly looks at the efforts to save a 1913 Craftsman home from being flattened and McMansionized in unincorporated Michellinda Park.  Along the way, they quote county planner Richard "Overly Retailed" Bruckner and Altadena Heritage doyenne (and Altadenablog columnist) Michele Zack.
• The American Cancer Society's Altadena Relay for Life kicked off Wednesday night at the Davies Auditorium in Farnsworth Park, with lots of teams forming. The relay is Sat., June 11, and there are eight teams formed already.  To get your team going, check on their website here.
• Dr. Monique B. Williams, 44, of Altadena, surrendered her medical license to the state medical board this week, says the LA Times.  Williams is presently in federal prison on presciption drug convictions.
• PSN's Evelyn Barge has a feature on the Pasadena PinotFest, to be held Feb. 12 at the Altadena Town & Country Club.

 

CALL Baseball Camp Sat. at Farnsworth Park

Central Altadena Little League (CALL) in conjunction with the Marshall High School Baseball Program will host a Baseball Camp on Sat., Feb. 5 from 10 AM – 4 PM at the Farnsworth Park Upper Baseball diamond.  

This Camp will work on Baseball Fundamentals.  Emphasis will be on throwing mechanics, defensive drills and baseball conditioning.  Special guest Jeff Henderson of Fundamental Baseball Camps and an Altadena resident will also be on hand to assist the Marshall coaches.  

We are looking for all kids from all leagues and non leagues ages 6 -12  years old to participate in this special clinic.  The cost of the camp is $25 for all day.   The camp is covered by league insurance.   All proceeds will go toward the Marshall High School Baseball program which was hit hard by the state budget cuts.   

Registration check in will start at 9:30 SM.  Bring a glove, cleats, comfortable clothes and a sack lunch.  Drinks will be provided.

Today only: twofer tix for Pasadena Master Chorale's "Songs of Love"

The Pasadena Master Chorale will celebrate Valentine's Day with two performances at the Altadena Community Church, 943 E. Altadena Drive: Sat., Feb. 12, at 7 PM, and Sun., Feb. 13, at 4 PM. 

The concert will feature "music of passion" by Eric Whitacre, Maurice Durufle, Samuel Barber, Morten Lauridsen, Vasil Oswald, Master Chorale conductor Jeffrey Bernstein, and others.  

Tickets are normally $20 each, but if you order TODAY, Fri., Feb. 4, you can buy tickets for only $10 each (with the code "TWO4FEB"). Go here to order tickets:

http://pmc1011love.eventbrite.com/

Old Man is back home

We start off our Friday with a happy story: We're been working on this lost dog for almost a month -- and after such a long sojourn, he's back homel. Marcella writes us:

Hello

I would like to send out a thank you to the community. In helping us in trying to find our "LITTLE OLD MAN". We have been blessed someone called us today and wouldn't you know it was him. The persistence has paid off.  I just wanted to say thank you and the bloggers. Our family has been blessed with our little doggy. And a newborn on Sunday -- I am an official grandma. Thank you again.

alterdena 2/4/11

alterdena by millard chaney

Found dog: Chihuahua on Mar Vista

Received this Friday:

Found Chihuahua shivering on my doorstep at 6:30 this morning. Sweet friendly little girl. Found on Mar Vista Avenue below Mendocino. No tags, no chip. Healthy. Mary McNally 626-485-2150. m_mcnally@yahoo.com

 

Altadena starts in the foothills and goes right into space ...

... or so we keep telling people on probably the only local news site where the neighborhood includes outer space (thank our JPL fans for that).

Altadena resident Donna Stevens is the associate editor of the The Planetary Report, the publication of the Planetary Society, headquartered in Pasadena.  As Bill Westphal tells it, she was looking for a good picture of the International Space Station to accompany an article by Planetary Society Director Bill Nye (yep, the Science Guy).  A Google search brought her here, where she found Bill's eye-popping capture of a flyover -- and right over Altadena, her home town! Bill's picture graces the Jan/Feb 2011 issue of the magazine.

Bill writes: "It was a real honor to have them use one of my photos and in an article by their Director Bill Nye no less.  The entire publication is interesting reading and The Planetary Society's website planetary.org is well worth a visit."