altadenablog

Community Advisory Committee meeting Mon., Feb. 27

The Pasadena Unified School District's monthly meeting of the Special Education Dept. Community Advisory Committee will be held Mon., Feb. 27.

On the agenda is the search for the next executive director of special education (speaker: Leonard McLaren, interim director of special education).

Also speaking are Mike Costello, leading advocate for  the Special Education Task Force and Dr. Warren Skidmore, CAC Community Liaison Officer, both PUSD special education parents.

The meeting will run from 6:15-8:30 PM at the Edison Professional Development Complex, 119 W. Palm Ave., Altadena. Free childcare and translation.  More details at: http://cac.pasadenausd.org

 

Central Altadena Little League pancake breakfast opener March 3

Little League season is gearing up again, and the Central Altadena Little League will open with its annual pancake breakfast on Sat., March 3, from 9 -11 AM. 

Tickets are $5, and proceeds will go to hep pay park expenses.  The opening day ceremonies start at 11:15 AM.

Arroyo Pacific on Town Council's agenda Tuesday night

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Town Council  will consider Arroyo Pacific Academy's second-go-round bid to open a high school campus at its February meeting.

The agenda itself has an unprecedented tight structure for the hearing: Arroyo Pacific will give and eight minute presentation, followed by ten minutes allowed to the opposition, and the school will have two minutes to rebut.

It will then be followed by Land Use Committee chair Mark Goldschmidt, who will present his committee's recommendation.  That committee rejected Arroyo Pacific's plan earlier this month.

Expect a full house.  The Palm Street Area Resident's Association has been collecting letters opposing the plan for the past few weeks.

In other action, there will be presentations on the PUSD/town council annual joint meeting, and a report from Bernardean Broadus,  Altadena's representative on the PUSD redistricting committee.

The Altadena Town Council will meet at 7 PM at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr. 

 

Publisher's notebook: Radio Free County, or tales of the encrypt

by Timothy Rutt

We have relied on a police scanner at Altadenablog almost since the beginning.  Scanning the local police and fire radio frequencies has been part of the daily routine for us, and has been invaluable in a couple of cases to just find what later turned out to be important stories.

And let's not even bring up the Station Fire, where we could track police and fire activity in real time and relay important information as soon as it happened.  Since the sheriffs didn't have anybody regular that we could call and ask questions, we relied on the scanner to know which streets were being closed and when evacuation alerts went out.  Without it, we would've been lost, and our readers relied on it.

Well, police, fire, and other emergency agencies are changing: as of Jan. 1, 2013, all must be on a digital system. Public safety radio communications used to be entirely analog, i.e. the way your car radio works.  Digital systems rely on sending a digital signal that gets decoded by the radio. 

Happy President's Day

... which means we're juggling school-free children today, so updates will be light!

East Altadena Little League waffle breakfast and opening ceremonies Feb. 25

The East Altadena Little League opens its season with a waffle breakfast and opening ceremonies this Sat., Feb. 25.

Waffle breakfast runs from 8 AM-8:45, followed by opening ceremonies.  Cost is $5 per person or $20 per family.

There will also be an opportunity drawing for an iPad 2, iPhone, and $150 cash.

Team pictures will also be taken that day.

The event will be at Donely Field, behind Longfellow School at 1065 East Washington Blvd, Pasadena.

Telling Tales Theatre at the Coffee Gallery March 3

Telling Tales Theatre will have a performance at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N. Lake Ave., at 7:30 PM Sat., March 3.  

Telling Tales Theatre is a community-based writing/performance program which seeks to support a network of people of all backgrounds who are committed to shared values of writing and telling autobiography in a creative, trusting, and intellectual environment.

Author/readers for the performance include Steve Lamb, Carol O’Connor, Joane Muro, Manny Marquez, Pat Twair, Samir Twair, Norma Fain Pratt, Sally Stowers, Marie Galante, Jane Davidson, and Nick Stern.

 Reservations (Limited seating) $15: call 626 797 4478 or nfpratt@earthlink.net

 

COPA holds fundraising "Second Time Around" boutique March 3

by Timothy Rutt

COPA, the Community Organization of Pasadena for Advancement in Education, will hold a fundraiser "Second Time Around Women's Boutique" on Sat., March 3, from 8:30 AM-3:30 PM. 

Good used clothing and household items will be available for sale, proceeds of which will provide scholarships to underprivileged women entering college.

The sale will be held at 2633 Highview Ave. in Altadena.

 

Shirlee Smith is KCET Local Hero

by Timothy Rutt

Altadenan Shirlee Smith is one of the featured "Local Heros" for KCET this month.  Smith, founder and president of Talk About Parenting with Shirlee Smith, Inc., is also a former columnist with the Pasadena Star-News, author of "They're Your Kids, Not Your Friends," and runs the website talkaboutparenting.org.  She also hosts the "Talk About Parenting" program on the Pasadena Community Network.  You can read KCET's feature and watch the video right here.

 

Altadena Junction: something good grows from "Bad Teacher"

Our column is up in the Sunday Valley Sun: a compendium of what's been happening this week, but you're faithful readers, so you already know!

Save the date: Western entertainer Juni Fisher at Altadena Stables April 15

by Timothy Rutt

Bob and Marie Mann, Altadena's impresarios of Western music, will bring back the Western Music Association's 2011 Entertainer of the Year Juni Fisher in a new and appropriate venue: the Altadena Stables.

The historic Altadena Stables will host Fisher in an afternoon matinee concert on Sun., April 15.  Light refreshments will be served at noon, performance begins at 1 PM.  Reservations are a must, and $20 per person cash donation requested.  Email big.hat@sbcglobal.net to RSVP and reserve a seat.  Go to  bighatonline.com for more information.

 

Don't forget: e-waste recycling event at the Library Feb 25

The Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa St., will collect your dead electronics at an e-waste recycling event on Sat., Feb. 25, from 10 AM-3 PM.

Accepted items include televisions, computer monitors, computers and parts, printers, cellphones, DVD players, VCRs, microwaves, ink cartridges, and much more.

Items not accepted include flourescent tubes, CFL lightbulbs, car batteries, paints and solvents, household appliances, or hazardous waste (check the flyer for details).

Questions?  Call 800-780-0347.

Cat Posse's fundraiser yard sale next weekend

by Timothy Rutt

The Cat Posse Rescue is holding a giant fundraiser/yardsale this coming Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 25 & 26. 

Renee Walker of the Rescue tells us:

We’ve got TONS of really nice stuff- LOTS of brand new packaged toys, furniture, crib (no mattress), garage door opener, new storage containers, electric stove top, fire place set, cool artsy stuff, household items, art work, nice clothes, small tools, and much more. You name it and we’ve probably got it.. Prices are very cheap -- this stuff all needs to go! So please stop by and take a look.

The sale will be from 8 AM to 3 PM Saturdy and 9 AM-1 PM Sunday at 783 W. Mariposa St.

 

Drumming circle every first Thursday at Altadena Community Church

All are invited to join the Drumming Circle meeting monthly at the Altadena Community Church - United Church of Christ, 943 East Altadena Dr. (next to the Chevron Station).

The group is loosely led by Virginia White, vocalist and member of the Jubilee Singers. Bring your own hand drum or other percussive instrument (e.g., tambourines, gourd rattles) or use one of Virginia's instruments.

The Drumming Circle meets in Founder's Room on the first Thursday of the month, 7:30 - 8:30 pm. New drummers, please call the church between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. weekdays (626-798-1185) to confirm the schedule.

MonteCedro sponsors "Conductorcize" Feb. 27-28

On Monday, February 27 and Tuesday, February 28, MonteCedro, a new planned Episcopal Communities & Services (ECS) Continuing Care Retirement Community in Altadena, is offering San Gabriel Valley residents the opportunity to train with Maestro and founder of Conductorcise®, David Dworkin. 

Conductorcise®, which has captivated people of all ages, combines classical music with an upper body workout to strengthen the heart, improve muscle tone and relieve stress. Attendees will also master basic conducting techniques, improve listening skills and learn about the lives and work of great composers. 

Space is limited for this event. To register, please visit www.montecedro.org or call 877-282-1584.

Mon., Feb. 27 at 2 PM, Glendale Hilton, 100 West Glenoaks Blvd., Glendale, CA 91202

Tues., Feb. 28, at 10:30 AM. at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music, 100 North Hill Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91106

Morning jolt: Rosie's Hollywood Adventure, the sequel

• Back to market: The EatWell Market will return to Camp Mariposa (Santa Rosa Ave. and Mariposa St.) on Sat., March 10, from 12-3 PM.  Market manager Aimee Silver says that, because of costs, there will be $2 admission per person (under 18 free), and membership is required (but it's free).  Vendors have until Feb. 24 to to be accepted.  We'll have more information from SIlver later in the week, but you can find out more details at eatwellmarket.com
• Lab adore: Good news: the two Labs who were found on Pepper Drive and taken in Feb.. 7 have found a new home together.
• You need to work around the diva: Amazingly -- even tho' she was fired by Disney -- one-take Rosie's spot is now being aired on Disney Jr. (the early day part of the Disney Channel).  Thanks to our sometime writer Erika McCarden, who works for Riverstreet Productions and has been keeping us in the loop for this.
• Altadena singer remembered: The LA Times is running an obit on Altadenan Grace-Lynne Martin Ingle, a singer and protege of Igor Stravinsky and by the account, a grand lady. 

 

A great day for a parade

Rhythms of the Village Productions warms up before the 30th annual Black History Parade on Feb. 18, 2012, starting at Charles White Park in Altadena.

by Timothy Rutt

It was a perfect day for a parade with a cloudless sky, clear view to the mountains, and great weather -- so it was a perfect day for the 30th annual Black History Parade, which started at Charles White Park this morning.

The parade goes down Fair Oaks to end at the festival at Robinson Park in Pasadena, and it pretty much seemed that every marching band, drill team, fraternal lodge or sorority was represented -- as well as a wide variety of astonishing vehicles

We have more after the jump.

CERT training offered in Burbank

The Burbank Fire Department will be conducting the Spring 2012 Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training starting on Saturday March 10. 

The training is taught in 8 modules over four Saturdays (non-consecutive), the dates are: Saturday March 10 (9:00 AM to 4:30 PM), Saturday March 24 (9:30 AM to 4:30 PM), Saturday April 7 (9:30 AM to 4:30 PM) and Saturday April 14 (9:30 AM to 4:30 PM).  

Attendance at all 8 modules (4 days) is required to complete the class; however, if you miss any modules due to life's hectic schedule, you can make up the modules in future Burbank CERT classes.
 
There is a $50 partially refundable fee for the class.  This fee covers the expense of the CERT backpack, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and a CERT manual all of which are yours to keep at the end of the class. 

For more information or a link to register electronically, visit: http://www.burbankfirecorps.org/CERT_Training/

 

Found dog, now at Pasadena Humane Society

Reader Kathy says:

We found this little guy on our way to work this week.  We checked around several neighborhoods and were not able to find his owner.  He is at the  Pasadena Humane Society.  Any help would be appreciated.  We will post a flyer where we found him on our way home tonight.

 

Public safety: "mag crews" working the streets?

by Timothy Rutt

Have reports from several neighborhood newsgroups about young people knocking on doors at night, claiming to be neighbors and/or claiming to know neighbors and requesting some unspecified help.  (We've had a couple of reports of young men, and one of a young woman).  They will want you to come outside or request to come into your house.

While we haven't heard from anybody who's listened to their spiel, they get aggravated and sometimes profane when told to go away.

Areas they've hit so far include Porter at Loma Alta and the President Street area.

It's possible they're working for a magazine subscription crew (mag crew), where young people are transported miles from home to sell magazine subscriptions.  While the business is legitimate, crew work has been known to be abusive to the crewmembers and possibly dangerous to homeowners (see this New York Times story).

Parent Watch (http://www.parentwatch.org/) is a watchdog group for magazine subscription crews, and has some resource information.

If you have an encounter at your door, call the sheriff at 798-1131.

 

Crime blotter Feb. 1-10: thefts, burglaries, vandalism

Blotter provided by Lt. Duane D. Allen of the Altadena Sheriff's Station.

Thursday, Feb. 2
Between 3:00 PM and 4:30 PM, Wednesday – A grand theft occurred at the Hacienda Guest Home, 2544 El Molino Ave.  Loss:  gray iMac desktop 21.”

Tuesday, Feb. 7
Between 7:15 PM and 9:30 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2400 block of Glen Canyon Road.  Suspect(s) entered the residence via the unlocked rear door.  Loss:  60 piece silverware set, gold ring w/center diamond, white gold ring w/2 diamonds and aquamarine center stone.  

Wednesday, Feb. 8
Between 10:00 PM and 2:00 AM, Thursday – A petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 300 block of Harriet St.  Loss:  personal identification card.

Thursday, Feb. 9
Between 5:45 AM and 7:05 AM – A vehicle vandalism occurred in the parking structure of the 24Hr. Fitness, 2180 N. Lincoln Ave.  No loss; driver’s side window was shattered with unknown object.

Friday, Feb. 10
Between 9:00 AM and 3:15 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 300 block of E. Altadena Drive.  Suspect(s) entered the residence via the unlocked bathroom window.  Loss:  blue Gateway laptop, silver Canon camera.
Between 5:00 PM and 1:00 AM, Saturday – A vehicle vandalism occurred at Loma Alta Drive. & Sunset Ridge Road.  No loss; all vehicle windows were shattered with unknown object.

Blotter provided by Lt. Duane D. Allen of the Altadena Sheriff's Station.

 

County seeking public input to revise community standards district

by Timothy Rutt

Consultants to Los Angeles county planners will hold a series of community meetings this spring to get the public's take on a new community standards plan for Altadena.

RBF Consulting, the county's outside consultant, is also planning to meet with groups  such as the chamber of commerce and the town council, according to Sussy Nemer, field deputy for Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich.  Nemer said that the county recently had its first scoping meeting with RBF, which is charged with gathering input from these groups  and others, such as Altadena Heritage and the Altadena Historical Society, as Altadena updates its community standards district.

"Their charge is to gather input, so it's just a visioning session where all the input is collected and summarized in one document,' Nemer said.

RBF will also have meetings where "the whole community is invited," to express their opinions on the community standards district, which covers a wide range of structural requirements and property uses in Altadena.  There will also be a website established to gather more public input, Nemer said.

The public meetings haven't yet been scheduled, but Nemer said that RBF planned to finish its document by June before vacation season set in.

The current Altadena community standards district plan is available here.

 

Won't you be my Valen tine?

Bob Stane shared this photo of  The Fork in the Road (a colony of Altadena inside Pasadena, as far as we're concerned) decked out for Valentine's Day.  The Fork, of course, is a tribute to Stane, owner of the Coffee Gallery Backstage.

Found dog, Alta Pine and Lake

Deputy Dan Paige of Altadena Station sends this cellphone picture of a well-cared-for looking dog the deputies picked up near Alta Pine and Lake Ave. on Thursday.  If he's yours, call the Baldwin Park animal shelter at (626) 962-3577.

Pasadena streets to be closed Sunday for half marathon

The Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon will make its way through Pasadena streets on Sun., Feb. 19, and that means some street closures to be aware of.  The 134 ramps onto and off of Orange Grove Boulevard will also be closed during the event.  The run will benefit research for children with mitochondrial functional disorders.  Click on the graphic for more details.

 

The end of the Adventure Pass?

The mighty Steve Scauzillo at PSN reports about a decision from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals that says visitors to the national forest don't have to pay a fee -- could it mean the end of the Adventure Pass? (Please?)  While we're chewing through the decision,  check out Scauzillo's story.

Legislation aims to improve boot camp oversight

by Adolfo Flores
Pasadena Sun

Legislation that would protect children in military-style boot camps and increase state oversight was introduced by two Pasadena-area legislators in Sacramento Wednesday.

The bill, SB 1089, authored by State Sen. Carol Liu (D-La Cañada Flintridge) and Assemblyman Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge) comes after the release of two videos depicting drill instructors forcing children to drink water to the point of vomiting, were released by the Pasadena Star-News.

The bill would add boot camps and other nontraditional youth programs to the California Health and Safety Code, which already provides state regulation of community care, residential and therapeutic day service facilities for youth.

The Pasadena Police Department is investigating Kelvin McFarland’s role in the events depicted in the videos. He’s already facing extortion and false imprisonment charges for a 2011 incident.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

NASA cuts threaten employees, Mars exploration

The Mars rover Curiosity, in the clean room at JPL in La Canada Flintridge on Monday, April 4, 2011. The rover is expected to land on the Red Planet in August. (Tim Berger/Pasadena Sun)

By Joe Piasecki
Pasadena Sun

Proposed cuts to next year’s NASA budget would drastically scale back the agency’s efforts to explore Mars, likely costing hundreds of Jet Propulsion Laboratory workers their jobs.

In the scope of a more than $17.7-billion proposed 2013 budget for the agency, the call for a $300-million reduction in planetary science funding appears relatively modest on paper but would hit JPL particularly hard.

The cuts eliminate two future joint U.S.-European Mars missions that would have been managed by JPL, eliminating positions for many of the scientists and engineers who built and launched NASA’s celebrated Mars rovers.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

Fat Tuesday/Lenten/Easter bleg

by Timothy Rutt

... and if you don't know, a "bleg" is a blog, begging.

Tuesday, Feb. 21 is Shrove Tuesday/Mardis Gras.  If your church, business, or organization is having a special event you'd like everyone to know about that day or evening, drop us a line at altadenablog@gmail.com.

And we're also compiling a list of Lenten and Easter events for the coming weeks, so please let us know what your church has planned (book groups, meditation, vigils, sunrise services, etc).

 

SoCal Horticultural Society to tour Nuccio's Feb. 26

The Southern California Horticultural Society will hold an Altadena mini-tour on Sun., Feb. 26.

The tour will start with a look at Nuccio's Nursery, followed by a tour of the be running a mini-tour in your area on Sunday, February 26.  We plan to start the day with a tour of Nuccio's Nursery, head over to a nearby private garden, and end with a potluck picnic at Farnsworth Park.

Tours are $15 for members, and $20 for non-members.  Check the flyer for more information.  

UPDATE: Now you can also sign up for the tour online at http://schs.memberlodge.org/

 

Cool and breezy: high wind warning thru this afternoon [UPDATE]

It's windy today (but you know that)  The National Weather Service says strong west to northwest Santa Anas are expected today through this afternoon.  A high wind warning is in effect until 2 PM today, with gusts strongest in passes and canyons, possibly as high as 60 MPH.

UPDATE 11:40 AM: Carolyn Seitz passes this information along:

The National Weather Service/National Oceanic & Atmospheric Agency has announced that a high wind warning is in effect for the mountains of Los Angeles County with the possibility of stronger winds below the canyons and passes.  

We may experience wind gusts up to 70 miles per hour.

Remember that many trees were weakened by the windstorm that began on November 30th and it is possible more trees will topple in the winds we're experiencing today increase in intensity.

Stay watchful and watch for downed power lines, trees or branches or limbs dropping onto power lines or onto vehicles or structures.  

To report downed power lines, Edison continues to advertise a request to call 911.  You can also report downed power lines by calling Edison at 1-800-611-1911, or on the Outage Center on their website here:  

http://www.sce.com/PowerOutageCenter/poweroutagecenter.htm

Weekendin': Black History parade and more

Lots to do this weekend, and we're always adding more, so keep coming back!

Fri., Feb. 17

Friday Fun Flick: "Treasure Buddies," rated G, is the free family movie (with popcorn and drink) at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. , 3:30 PM.

Coffee Gallery: backstage, "Merchants of Moonshine" (country/Americana), $15, 8 PM.  Reservations:  (626) 798-6236 or email: bstane@earthlink.net

 

Sat., Feb. 18

Christmas Tree Lane takedown, 9 AM-noon, lunch provided, Santa Rosa Avenue below Altadena Drive. Call (626) 403-1123 for more information.

30 annual Black History Parade and Festival: starts at Charles White Park in Altadena at 10 AM, goes south on Fair Oaks Avenue to Robinson Park in Pasadena, with an all-day festival starting at noon.

Coffee Gallery: backstage, Tracy Newman & the Reinforcements (folk), 7 PM, $15. Reservations:  (626) 798-6236 or email: bstane@earthlink.net 

Altadena Ale & Wine House, 2329 N. Fair Oaks Ave., will have rhumba-flamenco music, starting at 8:30 PM.

Sun., Feb. 19

French wine tasting at the Altadena Ale & Wine House, 2329 N. Fair Oaks Ave., starting at 4 PM.  Admission is $18.

Coffee Gallery: Front stage, open mic, starting at 8 PM; Backstage, 2 PM matinee, "Heart of Gold" and "Tapestry" (Neil Young/Carole King tributes), $15; 8 PM, Carolyn Martin (Texas swing), $15, 7 PM. Reservations:  (626) 798-6236 or email: bstane@earthlink.net

..

 

 

Poetry corner: news wracked

"The Fast and the Furious--- Redux"

from gloriana casey

There stands the lonely Sentinel,
with ticket on its face.,
For UN-PERMITTED news rack stands,
inspectors give no grace!

Read it and weep, newspaper racks,
for busted now you'll be.
The rules? Chapter 16.24,
from our L.A. County.

Where will you go, oh newsy ones?
You're cornered now by feet.
For 5 feet marks the bounty line,
where people cross the street.

Is your bear bearly there? Teddy Bear clinic at the Library next week

by Timothy Rutt

Is your child's best beast friend under the weather?  Everybody could stand a little tune-up now and then, including a favored teddy.

The Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St., will have a teddy bear clinic for children ages 2-6 next Wed., Feb. 22, at 11 AM.  A team of medical professionals from Huntington Hospital will offer a free examination of your bear, and maybe some good advice, too.

 

The latest code-bombing: news racks on Lake

by Timothy Rutt

County inspectors are now after new prey: unpermitted news racks lining Lake Avenue.

Sussy Nemer, field deputy for Supv. Michael D. Antonovich, said that news racks along sidewalks need to have permits, and there are a slew of racks that haven't gone through the process along Lake Avenue.

As part of the permit process, the county's public works department looks at things like placement on the sidewalk, and whether the rack is obstructing the view of traffic.

"The purpose of permitting anything is otherwise you'd have them all over and there's some sense of order and that they don't obstruct any uses on the public right of way," Nemer said.  But, she added, sometimes someone will just bolt a rack to the sidewalk without seeking permission from the county or the the business owner -- sometimes at three o'clock in the morning.

"There isn't anything really new, they've always been required to get a permit," Nemer said.  "Sometimes they do and sometimes they don't -- it's actually not a difficult permit to get."

Unpermitted news racks are a recurrent problem, Nemer said, but it could be worse:  occasionally someone will but up an unpermitted advertising bus bench.  Nemer said that La Crescenta once had five unpermitted bus benches in one location.

Pictured: a news rack with a ticket in front of the Altadena Post Office on Lake Avenue.

 

Eliot opens garden to celebrate teacher's legacy

Eliot Middle School principal Peter Pannell, left, opens the ceremony dedicating the new garden at Eliot Middle School on Feb. 15, 2012.  Other speakers included, from left: PUSD Superintendent Jon Gundry, Debbie Levin, president of the Environmental Media Association, and actor Mehcad Brooks.

by Timothy Rutt

Despite the threat of impending rain, students, administrators, and even Hollywood turned out to dedicate the new garden at Eliot MIddle School Wednesday morning.

The raised-bed garden is in memory of Eliot teacher Stephen Scott Buck, himself an avid gardener, who died in 2010.

According to Stephen Crosby, a sixth grade science teacher at Eliot, getting a garden in the school was a several year effort by himself, science teacher Roger Gray and Shirley Barrett, Pasadena Unified School District facilities supervisor, along with many other teachers, parents, and student volunteers -- not always willingly.  Crosby said that students who had Saturday detention often spent it working on the garden.

What helped kickstart the garden was the participation of the Environmental Media Association, an environmental group that comes out of the entertainment industry.  In fact, one of the major donors to the project was Cameron Diaz, who filmed "Bad Teacher" at Eliot.

Diaz was not there, much to everyone's disappointment, but actor Mehcad Brooks was ("Necessary Roughness," "True Blood") represented the Young Hollywood wing of EMA.  According to Debbie Levin, EMA president, this was EMA's 17th garden.

The garden, consisting of citrus trees and nine drip-irrigated raised beds, will be used to provide hands-on science lessons for Eliot students.  Teacher Gray said that it would even be active in the summer, growing fall crops such as sunflowers and quinoa, and would even have a role in history studies, as students learned Native American growing techniques: "three sisters" plantings, of corn, beans (which will grow on the corn stalks) and squash (which will cover the ground).

Crosby said that the garden took five months to construct.  One of the features still to be installed is a bench dedicated to Buck.

More pictures after the jump.

Got milk in Altadena? Once upon a time ...

The Altadena Historical Society shares this tidbit -- yes, there WAS an Altadena dairy in Altadena, as well as a Highland Dairy on Highland.

All this and more is available at the Altadena Historical Society, which is open  Monday and Tuesday from 9 AM-12 PM and Friday by appointment.  This society is at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr., phone 626 797-8016.

Attempted pedestrian robbery at the Pasa/Alta border Wednesday

by Bill Kisliuk
Pasadena Sun

A would-be robber demanded money from a Pasadena pedestrian early Wednesday morning before fleeing the scene, according to Pasasdena police.

At around 1:20 a.m., an Altadena  man was walking near Lincoln Avenue and Palisade Street when he was approached by a man on a blue mountain bike. The man brandished what appeared to be the handle of a pistol and demanded money. The pedestrian said he had none. The suspect, described as a male Hispanic roughly 30 years old, then fled on his bike.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

 

 

"Treasure Buddies" is Friday's Library Family Fun Flick

The Altadena Library's "Friday Family Fun Flick" is "Treasure Buddies" from Disney, an international adventure with talking dogs!  Rated G, admission is free and drinks and popcorn are provided. 

It all starts Friday at 3:30 PM at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St..

 

 

Local crime slightly up in January

by Timothy Rutt

Statistics for the Altadena Sheriff station show a spike in crime for January, with an increase in reports of burglaries, rape, and grand theft auto.

Community volunteer Carolyn Seitz, who sends out a monthly compilation report based on figures from the LA County Sheriff, said that there is "no fear that we have a serial rapist on the loose in Altadena":

There were two allegations of rape reported in January.  Both of these were incidents in which the suspect was a person known to the victim... Both of these incidents were more characteristic of domestic violence - still very unfortunate.

As for burglaries, January records a year-to-date increase across the county, including Altadena. Seitz' report says that Lt. Duane Allen, commander of the detective bureau:

indicates that a great deal of attention has been focused on catching burglars in the process and in trying to anticipate where they are most likely to strike.  The Altadena Station's Crime Analyst has been working hard to analyze the information on crimes as they occur and many of the victims of crime, as well as observant neighbors who've been calling to report suspicious activity have provided very useful information that is being used to not only anticipate what might occur next, but to help better connect specific behavior or specific descriptions of criminals together and some of that information has been used to help arrest these burglars ...It was information provided by witnesses that helped link a series of burglaries in one area of Altadena to a parolee who was subsequently arrested.  

January also indicated an uptick in cases of grand theft auto.  Six autos were reported stolen in Altadena in January, but Seitz says that the person behind them is believed to have been arrested, caught in one of the stolen cars.

Overall county and specific Altadena reports are available after the jump.  The full 119 page report is available at http://file.lacounty.gov/lasd/cms1_148405.pdf

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is now making more real-time crime statistics available online.  You can see the statistics at www.crimemapping.com or on the Sheriff's Department's website at http://sheriff.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/lasd/crimeprevention/

Free BodyFreedom teleseminar tonight

Tarnie Fulloon is offering a teleseminar tonight on "Three Steps to Releasing the Stress & Obstacles that are holding you back":

A FREE one hour BodyFreedom™ Experience Teleseminar with Tarnie Fulloon.

Wedn.y, Feb 15, 5:30 - 6:30 PM.

REGISTER FOR FREE HERE

 

 

Found dog at President Streets needs a home

Anne is looking for some help with a dog:

I need someone to take this wonderfully sweet dog while we try to find his owners ... He’s best in a home with no other animals.  The vet has bandaged all four of his paws, which were terribly worn down from all the running he’s been doing.  The vet thinks he’s been on the run for 3-4 days.  I’m happy to supply kibble, bowls, a leash and collar while someone fosters him for us.  If we cannot find his family then perhaps they would like to adopt him.  He will need neutering.
 
He’s an absolute sweetheart and loves getting belly rubs.  He needs his bandages on for 3 days straight and then they should be removed by a vet.  I’m happy to cover the vet cost of that if it is a hardship for anyone.  Please contact me ASAP. Photo attached. 
 
Thanks so much!
 
~Anne Fellows
626-791-2271 home
310-925-1548 cell

 

 

Muir forfeits 20 games, playoff chances

By Andrew J. Campa
Pasadena Sun

The Muir High boys' basketball team will not be participating in this year's CIF Southern Section playoffs as the program forfeited 20 games, a rare Pacific League championship and any postseason consideration on the heels of the Sunday playoff pairings release.

Muir Principal Sheryl Orange issued a statement Sunday morning that the basketball team “will be forfeiting the majority of its games from the 2011-12 season and will be ineligible for the CIF playoffs because of the use of the ineligible player.”

Orange further stated: “After being alerted by [the CIF Southern Section office], Muir administration investigated and determined that a player on the boys' basketball team was not eligible to play because a valid change of residence could not be sufficiently established. Out of an abundance of caution, Muir decided to forfeit the games.”

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

 

Morning jolt

 

• Stradford joins industry board: Dan Stradford, CEO of Action Duct Cleaning in Altadena, is now on the board of directors of the trade group National Air Duct Cleaners Assn., which sets standards for hygienic duct cleaning.  He is also the lead author of NADCA's position paper on the use of chemicals in HVAC systems and will present the paper at the organizations's international gathering in Puerto Rico next month.
• Priceless prize: PSN has an article on Altadena's David Talbot, who with girlfriend Beth Ayres attended the whole Grammy experience over the weekend.  Talbo won a Mastercard contest in December.  
• Jazz at the Ale House Wednesday: The Altadena Ale & Wine House will present the Altadena Jazz Quintet Wednesday night (tomorrow) at  8 PM.  The pub is at 2329 N. Fair Oaks Ave.
• Farajian makes dean's list:  Haig Farajian, of Altadena has been named to Notre Dame de Namur University's Dean's List for the fall 2011 semester. Farajian is a graduate of St. Francis High School. To be eligible for Dean's List, a student must have attained a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher in a program of 12 units or more of graded courses.  Notre Dame de Namur University is an independent Catholic, coeducational institution serving nearly 2000 students located in Belmont, just south of San Francisco.

 

 

Portantino bill seeks better disaster planning

by Bill Kisliuk
Pasadena Sun

Unsatisfied with Southern California Edison’s response to the fall windstorm, Assemblyman Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge) has introduced a measure requiring utilities to meet regularly with local and county officials and to update emergency management plans.

The bill, AB 1650, requires utilities to meet with the local agencies in the areas they serve every two years. The measure also requires the California Public Utilities Commission to set preparedness standards for utilities.

“We saw in this last disaster that communications were often incomplete or confusing and the public really had no idea what was going on,” Potantino said in a statement. “We all know the ‘Big One’ is coming- it’s just a matter of when – and we need to be prepared.”

More at the Pasadena Sun.

Mo Martin doesn't go under at the Australian Open

by Timothy Rutt

Altadena golfer "Mighty Mo" Martin, who just joined the LPGA Tour, acquitted herself with a respectable 24th place at the Australian Open last week.

Jessica Korda took the win in the annual event.

Martin's stats are here, and there's a great interview with her at the LPGA website.

(Hat tip: Marc Striegel)

(Photo: LPGA.com) 

 

Poetry Corner: Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day, a Day of Enforced Joy.  Gloriana Casey gives us her thoughts:

" The ANATOMY of a Valentine"

from gloriana casey

Dear Altadena Valentines,
I'd like to send my heart,
but maybe just for this year's fun
I'll pledge a different part!

There's the lovely epiglottis,
directing air and food.
Or, the hammer, anvil, stirrup,
to ring out Love's sweet mood.

The coccyx tells the tale of love,
it sits and waits upon.
Patellas bend, and twist and roll
like puppy dogs in love!

Epidermis! It's the most of me
but much too big to send.
And so we come to this quaint thought,
the Heart, and this poem's end.

Dear Valentines, I'll keep my parts,
but send sweet wishes too.
An Altadena  Valentine,
and headed straight to you!

Eliot Middle School to dedicate garden Wednesday

by Timothy Rutt

Eliot Middle School will hold a dedication ceremony and first planting for its new school garden on Wednesday, in tribute to a former teacher who died two years ago.

The garden, a collaboration with the Environmental Media Association (EMA), was funded with a contribution from Sony Pictures and actress Cameron Diaz, an EMA member.  PUSD facilities supervisor Shirly Barrett coordinated and managed the construction, with help from Eliot teachers, students, staff, and parents, as well as volunteers from community partner, the Pasadena area Starbucks.  

The garden will be dedicated to former Eliot history teacher Stephen Scott Buck, who passed away in June 2010.

Actor Mehcad Brooks (True Blood) from EMA will join the students as they plant fruit trees and the first of nine raised bed planters along Calavaras Street.  LA Conservation Corps is bringing trees and other plantings as well as a crew.

The ceremony and plantings will take place between 11 AM and noon on Wed., Feb. 15 at the school, 2184 N. Lake Ave.

Sheriffs find dog -- looking for owner

This lady sitting on a trusty's lap was turned in to the Altadena Sheriff's Station over the weekend (an in-heat female) and is presently with county animal control.  If she's yours, call them (quickly!) at (626) 962-3577.

 

Slow day ...

forcibly so -- it's a day off from PUSD and we have two kids with lots of homework to deal with today, so entries will be light -- back up to speed tomorrow!