altadenablog

Crime log: June 12-18: lots of shots fired

Sun., June 12

5:25 PM – A shooting at an inhabited dwelling was reported in the 1900-block of Sinaloa Avenue. Suspects described as three male Hispanics. Suspect vehicles: white pick-up, green 4-door sedan, gold 4-door and an unknown model vehicle with a partial license plate of ‘5CF.’ No injuries reported. 
Between 10:45 PM and 11:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2100 block of Galbreath Street. Suspect(s) attempted to gain entry by prying open the rear bedroom door. No entry was made, no items were reported stolen. 

Mon., June 13

Between 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM – A theft of mail occurred in the 1500 block of Homewood Drive. 
Between 4:15 PM and 8:30 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2100 block of Santa Anita Avenue. Suspect(s) entered the residence by cutting the screen portion of window located to the front. Loss: gray Lenovo 15” monitor, silver MacBook Pro 13” monitor, & silver MacBook Pro 15” monitor. 
Between 9:30 PM and 8:00 AM, Tuesday – A vehicle vandalism occurred in the 2900 block of Santa Anita Av. 

Tues., June 14

8:13 PM – A gang related assault with a deadly weapon occurred at Figueroa Street & Lincoln Avenue. Two victims were struck by the gun fire and transported to nearby hospitals. Suspects are unknown at this time. 
Between 9:15 AM and 9:00 PM – A grand theft occurred at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, 2609 N. Lincoln Avenue. Loss: silver MacBook Pro 13” laptop. 

Wed., June 15

9:21 PM – A gang related assault with a deadly weapon occurred at Figueroa Street. & Navarro Avenue. The victim was walking home when he observed a mid 1990’s vehicle with rear tinted windows drive in the opposite direction of his travel. As the vehicle approached the victim, the passengers yelled to the victim asking him “where he was from.” The victim replied “nowhere,” at which time a passenger pulled out a handgun and fired several gunshots from the vehicle. The victim was struck by the gun fire and transported to a nearby hospital by a private party. Suspects described as: four male, African-Americans between 20-25 years. Suspect vehicle: mid 1990’s square type vehicle with rear tinted windows. 

Sat., June 18

Between 1:30 PM and 2:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1200 block of Pleasant Ridge Drive. Suspect(s) entered the residence via the unlocked bedroom sliding door. Loss: misc.male and female jewelry, totaling $30,000. 

Morning jolt: reusable bags and gelato

• Bag Day is coming July 1.  If you don't have reusable bags yet, LA County will be giving 'em out Wednesday at both Ralphs at 2270 N. Lake Ave. and Super King at 2260 N. Lincoln Ave. from 10 AM-3 PM. 
• Petrea is in rare form, with a delicious picture and some delicious words about Bulgarini Gelato.

 

Jill Grimes to speak at Christian Science Church June 30

Christian Science Practitioner Jill Grimes will speak at the First Church of Christ, Scientist, at 942 E. Altadena Dr. at 7:30 PM Thurs., June 30.  Topic of her talk will be "God is Speaking - Are We Listening?"  All are invited.  For more information, call 626-797-8403.

Police chopper flight in early morning was a whole lotta nothin'

We've had lots of emails regarding the sheriff helicopter flying around the 300 block of Anna Maria between 2 and 3 AM this morning.  The excitement included the airborne helicopter deputy ordering someone to peacefully leave a house.

According to Altadena Sheriff Station Lt. Joseph Dempsey, there was a call from a resident about a burglary in progress in their home.  After getting no response, deputies entered the house.  Upon investigation, the sheriffs figured that the the resident was alarmed by the sound of a framed picture falling off the wall.  

 

Relay for Life nets $28,000, hopes to reach goal in August

As we wrap up the American Cancer Society's Altadena Relay for Life 2011, online chair Heather Morrow tells us that, at last count, they'd raised $28,000, and were still looking toward meeting their relay goal of $35,000 by the Aug. 31 deadline.

Xochitl-Julisa Bermejo, instructor and service coordinator, of the Arroyo Pacific Academy, says that her students raised over $4,000 of the monies so far in their Blue and Silver teams.  

Altadena Town Council meeting , 7 PM Tuesday

The Altadena Town Council meets Tues. at 7 PM at the Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.

On the agenda is certification of the election, and a report on Devil's Gate Dam debris removal.

Still time to enroll in summer theater camp at Loma Alta Park

Students ages 5-15 still have time to enroll in the Foothill Arts Collective's Theater Summer Camp at Loma Alta Park, starting July 11.

Artistic director for the camps is Sabina Luniga Varela, MFA.  There will be two sessions: the first session, July 11-22, will be a program using theater games, improvisation, basic elements of dialogue, character and movement.  Students will create, write, and produce an original work.

The second session, Aug. 8-19, is a two week program taking students through rehearsal process, learning blocking, voice projection, character development, costume and set design, identifying individual theater and performance of a published play.

Both camps run from 8 AM-2 PM, with extended childcare available from 2-6 PM.  Enrollment is limited to 20 students.  Cost is $150/week, and financial aid is available.

According Clara Hill-Williams of the Foothill Arts Collective, registration and scholarship forms are available at Loma Alta Park.  For more information, call 626-841-0911.

 

County close to agreement on Loma Alta Park farmer's market

A farmer's market at Loma Alta Park may be closer to reality, as the county is about two weeks away from an agreement with a potential market manager.

Al Evans of the Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Dept. said that the county was talking to two different potential managers: one who could manage a regular certified market, and one who specialized in organic markets.

The difference, Evans said, is that for an organic market, each farmer is inspected to make sure it meets state regulations for organic produce, and prices are a little higher.

The potential organic market manager is a local resident, Evans said, which was an added attraction.

Evans said that the county also had ongoing meetings with the organizers of the Altadena Urban Farmer's Market (AUFM), which he said was "[looking] at us to maybe assimilate them."

According to Steve Rudicel, one of the organizers of the AUFM, Evans and Silvera Grant of the Community Garden did work to include some AUFM vendors in this weekend's Community Garden Picnic, but said there were no immediate plans to assimilate. 

Rudicel did say that the AUFM's future was uncertain, as it has outgrown its location at the Zane Grey Estate, and noted that the AUFM vendors at the community picnic were those who had passed state inspections and could fold into a certified farmer's market.  AUFM has also included hobby gardeners and food vendors who were not inspected and may not pass county muster.

But Rudicel said that their goals were the same: "We just want to make sure that Altadena has the coolest farmer's market it can."

 

 

Over 1,000 enjoy Community Garden picnic

 
Saturday was the annual picnic and resource fair at the Community Garden at Loma Alta Park, and it was a great time to meet, greet, and eat.  Garden president Silvera Grant said that more than 1,000 tickets were sold to the event, which is not only a picnic featuring bounty from the garden, but booths with specialty foods for sale and community information.  We have more pictures after the jump.

BlackSwift's James Romero and the bespoke bicycle

James Romero brings craftsmanship to his Altadena custom bicycle business.

"Bespoke" is a term used in fine tailoring: it means a suit custom-made for the client. 

It would seem to be an even more appropriate term when attached to a fine bicycle, also custom-fitted for the user.  If it were, James Romero of BlackSwift Bicycles would be that tailor.

Pictured:  Romero with his own personal bike,
which he built himself.

Romero, 31, appreciates craftsmanship of all kinds.  The house he shares with his wife Andrea, a staff photographer for Sunset magazine, is decorated with objects from the past: a collection of movie projectors, an old but still working Coca Cola vending cooler (he says it cost his dad $10, and they found $7 worth of change in the machine's coin box).

He appreciates it as only an old-school craftsman can. In a world of mass-market goods, Romero is one of only a handful of custom bicycle frame makers in the Los Angeles area.

As unique as the client
The small garage of his Altadena home is where he constructs his made-to-order cycles, using high-grade steel tubing and top-of-the-line mechanical parts.  It's whatever the customer wants, Romero says: mountain bike, touring, road bike, or what he calls "coffee cartel" bikes, i.e., it gets you to the store and back.  Romero also adds whatever  eccentricities the customer wants: the one he's working on now has wood fenders and rims and a headlight made from a 1900s-era kerosene lamp.  Want a slot on your bike to store your spork?  He's done it.

Found dogs on Boston Street

One of our readers has found two friendly dogs,  wearing harnesses but no ID tags: one large bulldog type, and one cocker spaniel. Please call 626-797-9405

Artist's row developing on Lake & Altadena with Studio 918

Maybe it's because our interest was piqued in the small business strip on the southeast corner of Lake Avenue and Altadena Drive by the Echo Mountain Project which just moved in, but we were driving by the other day and wondered, "What's Studio 918?," the property next door.

And we were pleasantly surpised to find that it's the working studio of Altadena's creative power couple James Griffith and Susanna Dadd.  Griffith and Dadd are well-known locally for hosting the Folly Bowl series of adventerous music and performance in their backyard amphitheatre every summer. 

Griffith tells us in an email that "Studio 918 is our working studio used primarily for making my paintings.  You can check out my website ... to see some of my work.  Alas it is not current with my newest work.  I am working on a series now that extends my interest (as you will see on my site) in the impact on nature by man's use of petrochemicals.  In my new work, rather than depicting nature through a veil of plastic,  I am using tar as a paint itself and painting elements of nature with it."

There's also a sign advertising Dadd's growing business creating drought-tolerant gardens (anyone who's been to the Folly Bowl knows that her gardening powers are mighty).  No folly there!

 

 

A bluemin' good time in Sierra Madre

We were a co-conspirator in an event at Sierra Madre Elementary School this morning, where our children attend:  their beloved principal Gayle Bluemel is retiring this year, and a group of parents conspired with the fire department to start a fake fire drill -- followed by a flash mob dance tribute of hundreds of parents, teachers, and kids.  

Since we can't dance to save our life, we were left chronicling the event .  We took some video, but it was a little too shakey-cam for us and apt to produce nausea in viewers, but you can check out the event in -- yes, the Sierra Madre AOL/Patch.  If you see the big guy in the hat and khaki jacket taking videos and stills simultaneously, well, he's the one who doesn't answer to Arianna Huffington.

It was a hoot, and a great tribute to a beloved educator.

 

Shovel ready: Silver Moccasin Trail needs repair volunteers tomorrow

Gail Casburn at the Altadena Ale & Wine House, 2329 N. Fair Oaks, says: "Join our National Forest Trail Volunteers,Gabor & Gary,  to go repair trails this Saturday, tomorrow, to repair the Silver Moccasin trail. Meet us out front of the Altadena Ale House at 6:40 AM to carpool or follow to trailhead."

"Spin for Kids" for Young & Healthy July 9

Breakthru Fitness, 345 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena, will hold a "Spin-for-Kids" benefit for Young & Healthy on Sat., July 9, 4-7 PM.

Click hear to donate or line up your own fundraising page.

http://www.stayclassy.org/pasadena/events/breakthru-fitness-spin-for-kids-benefiting-young-healthy/e5294

There will be music and prizes, and limited childcare available for ages six month- six years.  Participants must be 18 years or older and meet a fundraising minimum of $100 per hour of spinning.

For more information, call Young & Healthy at 626-795-5166.

 

Rancho offers "Feast on Friday"

Chris Nelson from the (Altadenablog sponsor) Rancho Bar, 2485 N. Lake, says he is offering a "Feast on Friday" for your TGIF today:

Come enjoy a savory lunch creation with your favorite libation at The Rancho on Friday from 11:30 AM - 3 PM. 

We will be cooking up some fresh & delicious eats like:
-Home made veggie chili in a bread bowl.
-Fresh tomato, basil, garlic and cheese panini on ciabatta bread.
-Turkey, bacon and sharp white cheddar sandwich with fresh greens.

Mmmmmm...bet you're hungry already! See you Friday!

 

Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy names Wendler president

Tim Wendler was named the new president of the Arroyo & Foothills Conservancy in May, succeeding co-founder Nancy Steele.

An environmental engineer by profession, Wendler is active in local open-space efforts as the former chair of Pasadena’s Hahamongna Watershed Park Advisory Committee and the former Chair of the Pasadena Recreation and Parks Commission and continues to serve on both organizations. Wendler is also a member of the advisory committee to the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.

"It's an honor to take the reins from Nancy Steele, who has led our land trust to spectacular achievements," Wendler said in a statement. "I look forward to our continued challenge to save our precious open spaces with the support of the community."

Deadline coming for Pasadena Musical Theatre summer shows

from Pasadena Musical Theatre Program

The Pasadena Musical Theatre Program (PMTP) announced that June 21 is the last day for students to register to perform in their summer production of Jasper in Deadland.  Written and directed by award-winning composer and lyricist Ryan Scott Oliver, the pop-rock musical is a featured event in the 2011 Festival of New American Musicals. 

Oliver, who is the Artistic Director for PMTP, grew up in Sierra Madre.  He spends most of his time in New York City.  He is currently writing the score for Disney Theatrical’s upcoming musical, Freaky Friday, among other works, and is an adjunct professor at Pace University’s musical theatre department. 

The cast of Jasper in Deadland is made up of students from grades 7-12.  Rehearsals take place from Tues., June 28 – Fri., August 5 from 9:30 AM. – 1:30 PM Performances take place on August 5 and August 6.

Children in grades 4-6 can perform in The Junior Follies, a combination of Broadway and vaudeville classic songs, dances, and comedy routines.  Rehearsals take place from Mon., June 27 – Tues., July 26 from 9. AM – 1 PM.  Performances are July 27 and July 28. 

 

Friends of the Angeles "sensing meetings" in June

Looking to form a Friends of the Angeles organization, the  National Forest Service and the National Forest Foundation will hold a series of "sensing meetings" in June.

According to a press release, initial meetings were held in April "as almost 100 community members with a variety of interests in the Angeles National Forest convened to discuss current and long-term needs of the forest and forest community, and what roles a Friends of the Angeles organization could take on to address those needs. Community members at all three meetings expressed interest in the formation of a Friends group and we have scheduled a second series of meetings to continue the conversation."

The meetings are:

San Gabriel River Ranger District Sensing Meeting: Tues., June 21, 6:30-8:30 PM at San Gabriel Canyon Gateway Center, 1990 North San Gabriel Canyon Road (Hwy 39), Azusa, CA 91702

Los Angeles River Ranger District Sensing Meeting:  Thurs. June 23,  6:30-8:30 PM at Lake View Terrace Recreation Center, 11075 Foothill Blvd., Lake View Terrace, CA 91342

Santa Clara/Mojave Rivers Ranger District Sensing Meeting: time and place to be determined.

Updates to sensing meeting info will be posted to the Friends of the Angeles online forum. To join the forum, please go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/friendsoftheangeles/join. 

 

Weekendin' June 16-19

ArtBreak, Book Festival, the Altadena Community Garden Fair .. Keep coming back as we collect more goodies!

Thurs., June 16

• It's a Boomer cartooner festival at the Coffee Gallery Backstage tonight, 2029 N. Lake Ave., starting at 8 PM.  Will Ryan and the Cactus Cowboys, a combination of the Marx Bros. and the Sons of the PIoneers, will perform, led by cartoon voice guy Will Ryan.  Special guest is the one and only June Foray, the Queen of Cartoons, who's voiced Rocky the Flying Squirrel and Natasha (of Boris and-). along with hundreds of other cartoon characters.  It's only $18, reservations:  (626) 798-6236.

Fri., June 17

• "Friday Feast" at the Rancho Bar, 2485 N. Lake. Home made veggie chili in a bread bowl, fresh tomato, basil, garlic and cheese panini on ciabatta bread, and turkey, bacon and sharp white cheddar sandwich with fresh greens.
• The Altadena ARTBreak, presented by the Altadena Arts Council, kicks off with an opening night reception starting at 6 PM.  The public is invited.  The event, which showcases the creative ability and talent of the area's school-age children and youth, will be held at the Temporary Gallery in the Webster's complex, 2460 N. Lake Ave., until June 24.  Gallery hours are Sat., June 18 3-7 PM, Sun., June 19 2-5 PM, and Mon. thru Fri. 3-7 PM.
• Coffee Gallery: Frontstage has open mic night, 8 PM, free.  Backstage:  acclaimed guitarist Rick Ruskin, 8 PM, $15, reservations:  (626) 798-6236.

Sat., June 18

• The Eaton Canyon Nature Center Summer Book Festival brings together local authors and their works on science, nature, local history, and environmental living.  The festival will be from 9:30 AM-3:30 PM. Among the speakers and their topics are: Ed Begley, Jr., Living Like Ed; Paul Rippens on Mt. Lowe; Christopher Nyerges on Urban Self-Reliance;  and Joel Harper, who will read All the Way to the Ocean and make music with the kids on the patio throughout the day.  Eaton Canyon Nature Center is at 1750 N. Altadena Dr.
• Tthe 37th annual Altadena Community Garden Picnic and Resource Fair runs  from 1-6 PM at the garden, corner of Lincoln Ave. and Palm St.  All the fun Bring the whole family for great barbecue and garden-fresh, homemade food by the gardeners, a farmer's market, and many community groups offering resources. Tickets are $7 in advance, $8 at the door.  Children ages 6-12 are $4 and kids under 5 are FREE.  To purchase tickets, please email garden President, Silvera Grant at silveragrant@gmail.com.
• The Pasadena POPS will celebrate Pasadena's 125th anniversary with a special concert of patriotic music and fireworks Saturday, June 18, at the lawn adjacent to the Rose Bowl Stadium.  Gates will open at 5:30 PM and the concert will begin at 7:30 PM. Single tickets range from $25 to $90. Children 14 and under are $10. Seating options range from round tables with chairs to lawn seating for those who want to bring blankets and low-back chairs. Concert goers may bring their own picnics and beverages or pre-order from four restaurants. Parking is free at the site. The Fireworks POPS Spectacular will be led by guest conductor Michael Krajewski, principal Pops conductor for the Houston, Atlanta and Jacksonville symphony orchestras. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.pasadenasymphony-pops.org or call (626) 793-7172.
• Coffee Gallery Backstage:  Tracy Newman and the Reinforcements (folk) and her brother's band, Dutch Newman and the Musical Melodians (originals and classic jazz standards), $15, starts at 7 PM.

Sun. June 19

• Monthly gathering to support the midlife journey, third Sunday of the month at a private home in Altadena, 1-4 PM.  For more information go to www.simpleordinarypresence.com/Monthly.html  
• Open mic at the Coffee Gallery frontstage, starting 8 PM, free. Backstage:  The Mighty Echos (a capella vocal) 7 PM, $20.

Loma Alta Park opens renovated program building

Puppets liven up the Tiny Tot room in the refurbished program building at Loma Alta Park.  The building, which had been under renovation for over a year, has rooms for the Tiny Tot program, a large room for dances and teen activities, a kitchen, refurbished new bathrooms, a shaded courtyard, and generally a more inviting look.

While the open house for the building was Wednesday night, Penny Daniels, Loma Alta Park manager, said that the building opened up for park programs Monday. 

It's long Wasserman weekend coming up ...

When we last saw Allan Wasserman in person, the town councilman was manning the polling place in Charles White Park and conversing with a  down-on-his-luck jazz trumpeter who carried his mouthpiece in his pocket.  His horn, he said, was busted -- fell out of a car. Wasserman knew a guy in town who could fix it.   Wasserman knows everybody and packs a lot into his day.

Here's a couple of examples:

On Saturday, the Allan Wasserman Jazz Ensemble will be playing at one of their favorite places, Pinocchio's, 1449 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena, starting at 8 PM.

And on Mon., June 20,  at 7 PM, he will have a presentation at the Altadena Library called "Designing Your Life."

Wasserman balances a number of professions besides politician and jazzman: he's an award-winning writer, a working actor in film and television, and a stock broker.  Come see how he does it all and how you can too.

This free program is sponsored by the Friends of the Altadena Library.

The main Altadena Library is located at 600 E. Mariposa St., Altadena.   For more information, please call (626) 798-0833 or check the library’s website at http://www.altadenalibrary.org.

And then Tuesday night's the council meeting ...

Morning jolt

• PSN reports that Supv. Gloria Molina has introduced a county ordinance prohibiting parking cars and trucks with "For Sale" signs on certain streets.  The ordinance would affect streets in unincorporated county areas, such as Altadena.
• The Real La Canada, one of our fellow Authentically Local websites, has this great tribute to our friend Kathy Christie Hernandez, a primal force in the La Canada Flintridge school system and one of the San Gabriel Valley's mighty bloggers.  Congrats, KCH!

Shhh! NewTown plans public performance with public transit Saturday

NewTown, the Altadena-based arts collective, is having a kind of public transit flash mob going on Saturday.  

"Hallelujah/Aloha: a surrpetitious intervention for six voices" by Richard Amromin will run roughly from 1:20 PM to 6 PM Saturday.  A vocal sextet will perform at Sierra Madre Gold Line station at 2:15, take the train making one stop along the route to Union Station, arrive and perform at Union Station around 3:28, leave at 4:01, making one stop along the way, arrive at Sierra Madre station and take taxis to 415 S. Lake Ave. (Macy's), arrive and perform, wandering north to 345 S. Lake (The Shops on Lake Avenue area), where the event ends.

NewTown says: "The event is free.  If you want to travel with the event, the day pass on the Gold Line is $6 ... "Hallalujah/Aloha is intended as a subtle public intervention.  If you choose to attend we ask that you do not act like an audience.  Simply mingle in the area as if doing other things."

We've got a line in on a different flash mob event Friday which we hope to show you on video later in the day.  Sorry, can't give any details!

Sheriffs investigating death in Angeles National Forest

Just some sketchy information that sheriff's homicide detectives were looking into the death of adult white woman in the Angeles National Forest Wednesday afternoon.  The location was on Upper Big Tujunga Canyon Road, Mile Marker 8.95.  The sheriffs had released no other information as of Wednesday night.

Two shot Tuesday night; sheriffs say victims "uncooperative"

The Altadena sheriffs report that two men shot on Figueroa last night are being "extremely uncooperative," and police suspect it is gang-involved, although not related to previous shootings in the Altadena/Pasadena area.

Sheriff Lt. Joseph Dempsey said that the two Altadena residents, ages 18 and 19, were shot at about 8:13 PM last night on the 500 block of Figueroa.  Dempsey said that one was shot in the arm and one in the back, and were hospitalized.  Dempsey said that the victims were "extremely uncooperative to the deputies last night, and continue to be uncooperative today."

Dempsey said that they suspect the shooting was gang-related, but it's still under investigation.   It does not appear that the shooting was related to or is in retaliation for recent gang-related shootings in the area, Dempsey said.

 

Just in: Loma Alta Park open house tonight

Just got this last-second announcement, but there will be an open house tonight at Loma Alta Park to show off the renovated upper level facility, from 6-8:30 PM tonight.

The structure has been undergoing renovations for over a year, and park staff is now ready to show the community the new Tiny Tot room, teen center, dance hall, and kitchen.

Click on the graphic for more information.

 

Morning jolt

• District Ranger Michael McIntyre from the National Forest Service is passing along a message about dogs going off-leash on the Cobb Estate:  "I would like to ask everyone to think about what we can do with the issue of dogs off leash there.  We are getting more and more near misses and complaints about encounters with unleashed dogs.  I just had a FS employee get bit by a dog off leash elsewhere on the forest and she had to have 30 stitches so it is a subject of concern.  I want my employees and the public to be able to have a safe, enjoyable experience and also pet owners to experience the forest with their pets."
• PSN's Beige Luciano-Adams covers Michelle Obama's fundraiser in Pasadena yesterday, and has some quotes from Curves Altadena owner (and Relay for Life 2012 chair) Rose West.
• PSN's Brian Charles says Sarge McFarland is going to trial.

Relay for Life says "Thank you, Altadena"

John Pings, Event Chair of this year's Altadena Relay for Life, wanted us to share this message to the people of Altadena:

Thank you for supporting your American Cancer Society and the 3rd Annual Relay for Life of Altadena.

We are so grateful so many of you came out on such a busy day in Altadena.  Our heartfelt thanks to all that came and volunteered their time and effort to be part of the Fight Back! Against Cancer.  We especially want to thank the County of Los Angeles, and the Department of Recreation for co-sponsoring your Relay and being our hosts at beautiful Farnsworth Park, home of the best park staff anywhere.  

Thanks to all of our sponsors, and those that donated their time, funds or in-kind donations of food and snacks to help support the Fight Against Cancer.  And special thanks to the awesome entertainers who helped us maintain a high energy level through their gift of music, fueling our Relay for Life walkers  with positive vibes and an uplifting spirit as they walked for 24 hours.  And a special thank you to the volunteers and Committee Members who put in hundreds of hours to make Relay happen.

In appreciation to all of Altadena's Relay Community, please enjoy our Luminare Ceremony again in a short video at the following web ink ==> http://vimeo.com/25046282.

Did you have fun? Was Relay special to you? Do you want to join the the Fight Against Cancer in your own community? Well, we are already getting set for 2012!! If you are interested in helping keep Relay going in Altadena, and making it grow and continue the Fight Against Cancer in your own community; please contact Ms. Andrea Sweet of the American Cancer Society at Andrea.Sweet@cancer.org, or our Altadena's very own Rose West, 2012 Relay for Life of Altadena Event Chair at curvesaltadena@att.net.

Warmest Regards,

John Pings

2010 2011 Event Chair

Relay for Life of Altadena 

 

 

 

 

 

Summertime crime tips

A few crime-fighting tips from Altadena sheriff Lt. Joseph Dempsey:

• Keep all doors and windows locked, even if you are just going out “for a minute.” If a window is left open a few inches for ventilation, pins or dowels should be inserted in the tracks to prevent someone from opening it more. 
• Lock gates, garages, and sheds after each use. 
• Store bicycles, mowers, etc. in a locked garage or shed, or secure them to some stationary point. 
• Don’t leave notes on your door when you are away from home. 
• Don’t leave keys in mailboxes or planters, under doormats, or in other obvious hiding spots. Leave an extra key with a neighbor. 
  

Community meeting details plans for Burbank school site

PUSD school staff explained the district's  future plans for Burbank Elementary School in a sometimes-testy meeting at the school auditorium Tuesday night.

 Although the school will close at the end of the month, the district wants to move other programs into the facility, in part because if left vacant, a charter school can make a bid to use it, according to school district chief facilities officer David R. Azcarraga.

At its peak, about 100 people attended the meeting where Azcarraga and other district staff members explained how the neighborhood school will be reconfigured to accommodate other programs.  Azcarraga said that the school board had yet to approve the plans -- and would not do so at  the next night's board meeting -- but they were targeting to have all changes made (including installing new parking) by the start of the school year in August.

 Among the details:

Pictured: PUSD's Azcarra and Blanco.

LA Universal Preschool: the program, which is now in Loma Alta School, will be moved to Burbank.  LA UP is a preschool program focusing on four year olds and eligible special education children in the autism spectrum.  According to Dr. Elizabeth Blanco, PUSD's director of special education, the district has been unable to fill the program to capacity at the Loma Alta location, as it is difficult for some parents to reach.  The Burbank location would be more centrally located.

 In addition, Loma Alta is another school that the district will close, and the location has already been picked up by a charter school that will open in the fall.

Altadena Crest Trails working group tonight, 7 PM

Robert Staehle of the Altadena Crest Trail Restoration Working Group (ACTRWG) lets reminds us they'll be meeting tonight at 7 PM at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr: 

All are welcome! Please come to express your support, concerns and ideas for "Getting our ACT (Altadena Crest Trail) together."

Note that the Los Angeles County Trails Manual produced by the L.A. County Dept. of Parks & Recreation and Sapphos Environmental was approved by the L. A. County Board of Supervisors on 17 May 2011:
http://www.lacountytrailsmanual.com/

Also on the above site is a link to info. about the newly revised Americans with Disability Act (ADA) regulations regarding trails that became effective on 15 March 2011.

Altadena NAACP Youth Council sponsors conversation with Chief Sanchez tonight

A last minute notice:  The Altadena NAACP Youth Council is sponsoring "Words I Never Said: A Conversation with Police" tonight at 5 PM at the Jackie Robinson Center, 1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, across the street from Robinson Park.

 Pasadena Police Chief Philip Sanchez will be the guest on topics including getting pulled over, shutting down parties, police involvement in the community, and minor's rights.  All are invited.

 

Metro announces June changes affecting Altadena routes

Via LAist, Metro has announced some route changes and cuts that will affect bus transit in Altadena:

180 Hollywood-Glendale-Pasadena via Los Feliz Bl & Colorado Bl

New late night shuttle service on Lake Av between Colorado Bl and Altadena Dr, providing connections with Metro Gold Line Lake Station. Shuttle will operate daily.

485 Altadena-Downtown LA via Lake Av. & El Monte Busway

Operate Line 485 from Altadena Dr & Lake Av to Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) between the hours of 6am and 9pm with a frequency of 40 minutes at peak hours and 60 minutes off-peak, weekdays only. Discontinue Saturday and Sunday service. Late night weekday service on Lake Av provided by new Line 180 shuttle.

More details on routes and schedules are at www.metro.net.

 

Morning jolt

• Latest wrinkles in the Kelvin McFarland aka "Sgt. Mac" case: at yesterday's preliminary hearing: supporters were out with signs, while in the courtroom, his accuser failed to identify him in court.  (The 14-year-old accuser is dubbed "Lady M" by the court -- apparently when you can't use the real name, a rapper name will do. O tempora, o mores.).  PSN's Brian Charles chronicles the crazy.
• Anita Martin of Altadena attended a fundraising reception in Pasadena Monday to meet with First Lady Michelle Obama.  Martin is an active volunteer with the VA, several military service organizations, the Altadena Sheriff's Station, Christmas Tree Lane Assn., Franklin Elementary and Eliot Middle Schools, and has also been active in neighborhood watch.  Anita and her husband, Walter, own Martins' Famous Louisana Sausages, and she was named a "Woman of the Year" by Congressman Adam Schiff.  More on Anita Martin's Woman of the Year honor here.
•  If you just can't wait for a concert in the park, the city of Sierra Madre hosts the Pasadena Community Orchestra this Sat., June 18, is a festival of popular music from the classics and theater, starting at 6:30 PM.  Admission is free, and it's at Memorial Park is at 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre.  Come early and bring a picnic.
• San Gabriel Valley Tribune has an editorial about the planned preliminary congressional redistricting scheme, which severs Altadena from Pasadena but puts us in the same congressional district as Burbank, Glendale, and Ranch Cucamonga.  Altadena as the red-headed stepchild of the foothills communities still seems to be a truism. 

 

2011 summer beach bus starts next week

County Mayor Michael D. Antonovich is again offering the summer bus to the Santa Monica Pier starting Tues., June 21, thru Labor Day Sept. 5.

The bus will operate Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.  Cost is $3, and seniors (60+ with proper ID) and persons with disabilities $1.50.  Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Pick-up times are:

9:15 AM SE corner Lincoln Ave. and Ventura Street

9:25 AM Loma Alta Drive in front of Loma Alta Park

9:35 AM  East Mariposa St. / Santa Rosa Drive, in front of the Altadena Senior Center.

9:45 AM: Northwest corner of Allen Ave. and Oakwood St.

11 AM: arrival at Santa Monica Beach.

Pick up from the beach is at 3:30, with drop-offs in Altadena starting at 4:45 PM.

Click on the graphic for more details.

 

 

HB3 at the Folly Bowl Sat., June 25

Local favorite HB3 (it's one guy) plays the Folly Bowl on Sat., June 25, starting at 8 PM.  The concert celebrates the release of his latest album, "Magic Circles."  Suggested donation is $5.  The Folly Bowl is  at 1601 E. Loma Alta Dr.

Crime log June 5-12: burglaries, vehicle vandalism

Sun., June 5 
Between 11:00 AM and 4:30 PM – A vehicle vandalism occurred in the parking lot of Jack in the Box, 2125 Windsor Ave. 

Mon., June 6 
Between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM – A commercial burglary occurred at Focus Point Academy, 19 W. Palm Ave. Suspect(s) entered the school by shattering the west side classroom windows. Loss: plastic container with live turtle & three music cd’s. 

Between 6:55 AM and 4:30 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2100 block of Crawford Avenue. Suspect(s) entered the residence by removed the bathroom window screen. Loss: none. 

Between 6:50 AM and 5:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 800 block of Alameda Street. Suspect(s) entered the residence via the unlocked rear sliding door. Loss: two gray MacBook Pro. 

Between 3:30 PM and 6:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1900 block of Minoru Drive. Suspect(s) entered the residence by shattering the kitchen window. Loss: silver necklace w/a round ivory pendant, silver bead necklace, & a white pearl necklace. 

Between 8:00 AM and 6:30 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1900 block of Pepper Drive. Suspect(s) entered the residence by removing the living room window screen. Loss: black Bose radio, black Apple iPod, & a white w/pink cover Apple iPad w/Gloria engraved on the back. 

Tues., June 7 
Between 1:00 PM and 1:45 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1400 block of N. Oxford Avenue, Pasadena. Suspects entered the unlocked garage and ransacked the area; suspects described as followed: Suspect #1: male, Hispanic, approx. 20 yrs, short black hair, green shirt & black pants; Suspect  #2: male, African-American, approx. 20 yrs, short black hair, black shirt & blue jeans. Loss: none. 

Wed., June 8 
Between 11:00 PM and 6:30 AM, Thurs. – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 300 block of Poppyfields Drive. Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the driver’s side window. Loss: brown leather briefcase. 

Thurs., June 9
Between 8:30 AM and 6:30 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2500 block of N. Allen Avenue. Suspect(s) entered the residence by prying open the rear kitchen door. Loss: black HP 17” laptop, white Xbox game, & a white face w/metal link Daytona Rolex. 

Sun., June 12 
Between 1:00 AM and 11:30 AM – A vehicle vandalism occurred in the 900 block of Concha Street. 

The greatest game

Sunday afternoon was a good time for baseball -- in this case, the East Altadena Little League's Challenger team, the Angels, playing at Donley Field behind Webster School.  The Challenger program lets special needs kids regardless of ability work with a personal coach (usually a teenage volunteer) on basic baseball skills, followed by a game where everyone gets a chance to hit and score.  More after the jump.

Diaz to be honored at Young & Healthy annual meeting June 26

Young & Healthy, the nonprofit that helps provide health care to the uninsured and underinsured children in Pasadena area schools, will honor departing Pasadena Unified School District Superintendent Edwin Diaz with the J. Donald Thomas Award on Sun., June 26 at the Armory Center for the Arts.

Since March 2007, Superintendent Diaz has led organizational improvements, innovative reforms and strategic partnership to enhance student achievement in Pasadena Unified School District. During his tenure, student achievement has improved, as demonstrated by 53-point increase inthe District’s Academic performance Index (API).

Mr. Diaz has more than 30 years of experience in California public schools. He has won numerous awards for his work in public education,including the California State University of Los Angeles Distinguished Educator Award.

Young & Healthy’s J. Donald Thomas Award is given to those whose dedication, perseverance, and selfless devotion to the well-being of children exemplifies the spirit that led to the founding of this extraordinary health care program. By making this award, Young & Healthy recognizes the priceless gift of service to children in need.
For information on attending this event, which is also the Young & Healthy annual meeting, please call (626)795-5166 for information and reservations.

Eaton Canyon debuts summer book festival June 18

Eaton Canyon Nature Center is having something new: a summer book festival, which brings together local authors and their works on science, nature, local history, and environmental living.  The festival will be Sat., June 18, from 9:30 AM-3:30 PM.

Among the speakers and their topics are: Ed Begley, Jr., Living Like Ed; Paul Rippens on Mt. Lowe; Christopher Nyerges on Urban Self-Reliance;  and Joel Harper, who will read All the Way to the Ocean and make music with the kids on the patio throughout the day.

Click on the graphic for more details.  Eaton Canyon Nature Center is at 1750 N. Altadena Dr.

 

A day for the record books

We don't believe we've ever had as busy a day as we had Saturday.  If you didn't think there was anything to do, you weren't trying hard enough -- and if you were doing ANYTHING, chances are you were missing SOMETHING ELSE.   Above, the peace of the Relay for Life's luminaria walk at Farnsworth Park provided a contemplative moment in a day as busy as any.

 

Altadena Saturday I: Exercise your franchise

At Gordy's Garage, Robert Clarke signs in to vote in the town council election as Vincent Bryant and Mark Young staff the polls. Saturday's election turnout was one of the lightest in years, with nobody even scoring 100 votes.

 

 

Tina Kardos votes at Farnsworth Park as Bruce Thompson and Clinton Nash explain the process. 

 

Big winner Brent Musson worked his census tract hard, including a video and yard signs.

Carolyn Seitz and  Rick Keaton count ballots in Davies Hall at Farnsworth Park after the polls close.

 

 

Altadena Saturday II: Art for art's sake at the Library

The second "Art on Millionaire's Row" event at the Altadena Main Library was a feast for eyes and ears.  Local fine artists had a chance to showcase their work, and local craftspeople had a chance to offer their wares in booths in the library parking lot and sidewalk.  And, there was lots of music, too.  Here, Altadena artist Edward Beckett poses next to one of his works in the FIne Arts Salon in the library's community room.

Altadena musician Star (yes, just Star) was a wandering troubador during the event.

 

 

Of course, the perpetual Duane Thorin performed  in the outdoor concert space.

And Lisa Haze and the Dr. Bones Band did torch songs right, the old school way.

Altadena Saturday III: Relay for Life

The American Cancer Society's third Altadena Relay for Life filled Farnsworth Park with hope, courage, and determination.  Survivors, caregivers and anyone concerned were in abundance, walking, talking, and sharing a common enemy in cancer.  Above, Betty Butler checks in new walkers.  

John Pings and Andrea Sweet, two of the driving forces behind the Relay, share a moment during the morning.  More pictures and video after the jump.

Altadena Saturday IV: It's all good stuff

Altadena Fire Station 11 Captain Ronald Mandzok risks life and limb on Lake Avenue Saturday morning for "Fill the Boot,"the  firefighter's annual campaign for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.  The firefighters from Station 11 and MDA volunteers asked drivers for donations for "Jerry's Kids." 

MDA volunteeer John Dionisio gets a contribution from a young donor on Lake Ave. below Mendocino.

Sheriff station volunteer Randii Wessen wraps up a pallet of electronics for the Altadena Sheriff's station e-waste roundup at Eliot Middle School Saturday afternoon.

Juni Fisher opens up Big Hat Promotions' 2011 house concert series at a private home in Altadena for fans of authentic Western music Saturday night.

Library's teen summer reading program kicks off June 24

School's out, or soon will be ... and what is your teen going to do all summer?

The Altadena Library's suggestion is to spend plenty of time reading, as they kick off their Teen Summer Reading Program on Fri., June 24.  From 10-11 AM come sign up, have a donut, and find out all about what will be happening this summer for teens -- they've got fun programs, awesome teen books and some pretty incredible raffle prizes (of course, you can sign up even after the donuts are gone!)

What: Altadena Library Teen Summer Reading Program
When: June 24-Aug. 2, signups start June 24 @ 10 AM 
Where: Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. 

CPR Awareness Fair June 26 at Victory Park

The City of Pasadena will hold its second annual CPR Awareness and Health Fair on Sun., June 26, at Victory Park, 2575 Paloma St., Pasadena, from 1-5:30 PM.

There will be free hourly CPR training, as well as a barbeuce, kid's fingerprinting, and many other activities.  Admission is free and open to the public.  Click on the graphic for more details.

 

Young Artists Concert June 26 at PasNaz

The Pasadena Summer Youth Chamber Orchestra (PSYCO -- don't you love that?) holds its Young Artists Concert on Sun., June 26, at 7:30 PM at Pasadena's First Church of the Nazarene (PazNaz), 3700 E. Sierra Madre Blvd., Pasadena.

Conducted by Dr. Paul J. Sherman, the program includes:

Capriccio Espagnol by Rimsky-Korsakov

1st movement  of Violin Concerto #4 by Mozart

1st movement of Piano Concerto #1 by Beethoven

“Hungarian Rhapsody” for cello by David Popper

“Totentanz” for piano by Liszt

Soloists are Matthew Tsai, violinist;  Noah Sonderling, pianist;  Martin Shung, cellist; and Hunter Noack, pianist.

Admission is free.

 

The concert made possible in part with funds received from The Pasadena Tournament of Roses Foundation,  The Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts, and Pasadena Arts League.

For more information call Roberta Wilcox, manager, at (626) 797-1994, or go to  psycochamberorch.org

Musson, Middleton win by comfortable margins in light election turnout

Newcomer Brent Musson (CT 4610) and incumbent Greg Middleton (CT 4602) won the only contested races in the Altadena Town Council election today,  in an election that largely returned familiar faces to the council.

Other newcomers -- who were in uncontested elections -- are Gretchen Seager and Amy Cienfuegos.

There were 351 ballots cast in the election, of which the hard-campaigning Musson garnered the most of any single candidate.  In addition, the majority of votes for Musson --53 -- were cast at the Altadena Library during pre-voting last Tuesday.

This was the lightest turnout for a town council election in recent years: 739 ballots were cast in 2010, compared to 484 in 2009 and 735 in 2008.

The results are:

Winners in bold; *=incumbent

CT 4601
Gretchen Seager 44

CT 4602
Greg Middleton* 54
Rebecca Haussling 36

CT 4603.01
Doug Colliflower* 13

CT 4603.02
Ken Roberts* 10

CT 4610
Gail Casburn 42
Brent Musson 87

CT 4611
Amy Cienfuegos 26

CT 4612
Jamie Bissner* 32

CT 4613
Lorie Judson* 7