altadenablog

"Let Love Lead" at Christian Science Church May 21

from the First Church of Christ, Scientist, Altadena

Who doesn’t yearn for work that taps into one’s deepest talents and interests?  Finding it is the focus of an upcoming talk at 942 E. Altadena Drive, Altadena on Monday, May 21, 2012 at 7:30 PM.  Speaker Chet Manchester, a longtime creative director who now works as a Christian Science healer, says that his quest for the right career happened over a decade.  

“My first step was a familiar one: finding out what I loved to do” Manchester says.  For him, this included dropping out of Dartmouth College his freshman year and enrolling in art school.  Then, after some successes and failures in his twenties, including a divorce, a failed film venture and a health crisis, he realized, “I needed something more.  I began to ask not just ‘What do I love to do?’ but ‘What is Love itself impelling me to do for the world with my talents?’

Manchester says his life, health and career took off as he responded to this question.  He has lived and worked in Kenya, France and on both US coasts and has been a featured speaker at interfaith events.  His talk is called “Let Love Lead: find your path in life and work” and will include a perspective on noted author, Mary Baker Eddy and her landmark text, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.  The event is being sponsored by First Church of Christ, Scientist, Altadena.

 

Restless Blues Band at Big Mama's Rib Shack Tuesday

The Restless Blues Band, featuring Altaldena's Aynee Osborn, will play at  Big Mama's Shack Tuesday, May 15, 6:30-8:30 PM.  Reservations are highly recommended.  Big Mama's Rib Shack is at 1453 N. Lake Ave. phone (626) 797-1792.

Critterdena: mountain lion at Mariposa and Olive

Reader Rudy, in a message from May 9, tells us that a mountain lion ventured a little further south than usual:

My wife and I spotted a mountain lion near Mariposa Street and Olive Avenue tonight (May 9) around 10 PM in neighbor's backyard. We first heard a low growl as it attacked a house cat and devoured it. We ran back inside but not sure where it headed afterwards. We usually only see coyotes, skunks and raccoons but plan to alert neighbors on our neighborhood watch list. Just passing on info to be aware since they seem to be much more bold around people and pets nowadays.

Town Council looks at liquor license in May meeting

by TImothy Rutt

The Altadena Town Council has released its draft agenda for the next meeting, Tues., May 15.  By the looks of things, the major item of interest will be the council's consideration of a new restaurant, to locate at 2535 E. Washington Blvd., which is looking for a liquor license.  This will also be the town council candidate's forum, where the candidates can make their pitch on why you should vote for them (problematic as that is this year).  Full agenda after the jump.

Altadena Ale & Wine House holds beer tasting Saturday

The Altadena Ale & Wine House, 2329 N. Fair Oaks Ave. (Altadenablog sponsor), will hold its first beer tasting of the year tomorrow, Sat., May 12, from 4-6 PM.  Just $10 per person to taste a variety of great beers from all over -- click the graphic to have a look!

DA candidate Bobby Grace holds Altadena meet & greet

by TImothy Rutt

Bobby Grace, a candidate for Los Angeles County District Attorney, will be the guest at a reception at 1667 Woodglen Lane in Altadena on Fri., May 18.  The reception will be held from 7 PM-9 PM.  Please RSVP by May 17 to phenderson12@charter.net.  Click the graphic for more information.

Officer cleared in Minnesota shooting of Altadena woman

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune website reports that a Golden Valley, Minn., police officer was cleared of all charges in the fatal shooting of an Altadena woman in Monnetonka.

Katherine Gordon, 58, of Altadena, was stopped by Officer Robert Zarrett who observed her driving on Interstate 394 at speeds exceeding 90 miles an hour.  After pulling her over, she got out of the vehilce and, police say, pointed a gun at the officer, who responded by firing at Gordon, fatally wounding her.

Full story is here.

 

Altadena novelist Michelle Huneven on the writing life and LitFest Pasadena

by Timothy Rutt

Pasadena’s own literary extravaganza, LitFest Pasadena, premieres Saturday at Central Park in Old Town Pasadena.  It won’t be shy of local literary talent, including quite a few Altadena residents.

Among them will be novelist and Altadena native Michelle Huneven, whose third novel, Blame,  was nominated for the National Book Critics Circle Award.  Huneven joins novelist Janet Fitch (White Oleander) in a joint interview about the writing life by Pasadena Star News editor and LitFest founder Larry Wilson.

We had a chance to ask her some questions:

So what IS the writing life?

It’s a mixed bag, the writing life. It’s what I’ve always wanted -- and be careful what you’ve wished for.

The challenges are using time responsibly, not playing online Scrabble, Facebook, online games, or in my case wandering aimlessly around the yard deadheading roses.  Knowing what’s process and what’s pure sloth.

You just returned from teaching at the University of Iowa Writer’s Workshop.  You were also a student there, graduating in 1977.  What’s that like, to return as a teacher?

It’s like walking right back to the same conversation.  It’s just fantastic.  It’s a place where fiction is valued and privileged, and there aren’t that many venues for that, where you can talk about it nonstop for as much as you want.  The students range in age from right out of college, 24, to -- last year we had a 63 year old.  This year, our oldest was 45.

What are the young students like?  Their world is so about electronics and media.  Or are these more book-focused outliers?

They’re outliers, but this was the first time a science fiction class was taught at the workshop.  Of course, it was taught by a workshop graduate.  Science fiction, fantasy, slipstream -- some of them are more interested in genre because that’s where the money is.  Everybody got realistic, that literary fiction is not going to make them a living.

Brandon Jackson scholarship basketball fundraiser looking for teams

by TImothy Rutt

Teams are now being formed for the second annual Brandon Jackson Memorial Basketball Shootout. 

The basketball tournament, a project of the First Presbyterian Church of Altadena's "Stepping into the Light Outreach,"  raises funds for scholarships in Jackson’s name for deserving, college-bound students.

There are three tiers: youth ages 7-12, middle school students, and high school (including graduating seniors).  Tournament fee is $200 a team, with discounts for early registration and multiple team registration.  The tournament will be Sat., June 23, and take place at the LaSalle High School and Victory Park gymnasiums.  

Brandon Jackson was an 18-year-old Altadena resident who went to school at Muir High School.  He was shot and killed Feb. 12, 2011 while outside of a party on the 300 block of West Palm Street in Altadena. Despite a $10,000 reward offered by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, the killing remains unsolved.

For more information about the tournament, go to http://www.bjscholarship.org/

 

UPDATED: Body discovered on Angeles Crest Highway, CHP closes road

3:30 PM: This story has been updated.

by Joe Piasecki
Pasadena Sun

A man found dead early Thursday morning along Angeles Crest Highway just above La Cañada Flintridge suffered a possible gunshot wound, said Los Angeles County Coroner spokesman Craig Harvey.

California Highway Patrol officers have closed the Crest to traffic as Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept. detectives investigate the scene.

The body was discovered near the first turnout above the Angeles National Forest snow gate, about 2.7 miles north of the Foothill (210) Freeway near Angeles Crest mile marker 27, said Sheriff’s Sgt. Debra Herman.

The man’s identity has not been released.

[UPDATE 3:15 pm: A motorist passing by at 5:15 a.m. discovered the body next to the guard rail at mile marker 27.5, according to the latest statement by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept. Officials have not identified the man except to rule out Gavin Smith, the 20^th Century Fox executive that went missing 10 days ago. The statement confirms that ballistic evidence was found at the scene but does not provide details.]

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

Go Public in your private place

Rosie at the lower left tries to go through a day of school while being filmed for a documentary May 8, 2012.  The other children's faces have been blurred to protect privacy.

"Go Public" is a project to tell 50 stories about a day in the life of the Pasadena Unified School District.  We found out what that looked like up close

by Timothy Rutt

It's tough to tell your kids to keep a secret, but somehow ours managed to.

We'd been privy to that secret for a couple of weeks now, facing it with a mixture of excitement and dread.  

The secret was that Tuesday, May 8, was Go-Day.

Actually, the name of the project was "Go Public: A Day in the Life of the Pasadena Unified School District."  The brainchild of producers Dawn and Jim O'Keeffe of Blue Field Productions, it didn't lack ambition:  mobilize 50 film crews to follow 50 subjects on a single day in all the schools of the Pasadena Unified School District.  All school campuses would be involved, and anybody who keeps the PUSD running -- teachers, administrators, students, security guards, cafeteria help -- would be represented, cogs that makes the machine run.  The end result would be to tell 50 four minute stories on each subject, stories that would be available on their website (http://gopublicproject.org/) starting in July.  Those stories would also be woven together into a two hour film seeking theatrical release.

Our particular trepidation about the day was that we were going to be subjects.

Or more particularly, our daughter Rosie.  

Her special place
Rosie has attended the combined K-1 class at Sierra Madre Elementary School for three years (she's repeating first grade this year).  Our son Jacob has also passed through this class, where a flock of kids under the guidance of teachers Lisa Spigai, Jamie Griffiths, and Kathy Martin, with the assistance of fellow Altadenan Tammy Smith and Cecelia Gonzalez, ride herd on 60-some kids, including some with special needs who are fully integrated into the classroom activities.  As parents of two special needs children in PUSD, this class is the reason we fought to make sure we went to this school.

At 6:30 in the morning, editor Jay Chapman, director Gina Long, and cameraman David Gaz figure out how to set up in Rosie's bedroom without waking her up.

But the credit or blame as to why we were involved in Go Public rests with Gina Long.  Gina is a tremendous ball of energy in human skin, an attorney, former television producer (she handled missing children segments for "America's Most Wanted"), photographer, and supermom.  We got to know her a couple of years ago when her son was in the K-1 class, and there was some danger of the program being dismantled.  Gina and I formed the tip of the spear to mobilize parents to tell this story of this amazing classroom, which culminated in a presentation to the school board that seemed to energize them after a long meeting, and we think helped preserve what could be preserved of this class in a time of serious budget cuts.

A Sierra Madre resident, Gina's son Nolan now attends the Pasadena Waldorf School (which is in Altadena), but she's still involved as an advocate for public education, particularly Sierra Madre's K-1 program.  When she was recruited to be a producer/director for Go Public, she told us, K-1 was all she wanted to do, and she wanted to tell it through the lens of Rosie's life.

Curves to celebrate National Women's Health Week May 12-19

Altadenablog sponsor Curves of Altadena will give a free 30-day membership to any non-member who visits the club during regular operating hours throughout National Women’s Health Week, May 12-19.  This annual awareness week, coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office on Women’s Health (OWH), begins each year on Mother’s Day and brings together communities, businesses, government, health organizations, and other groups in an effort to promote women’s health. Curves International has partnered with the OWH to help promote National Women’s Health Week and to provide health and wellness programs and materials to women throughout the country.

In further support of this partnership, Curves announces the inaugural National Curves Day celebration, which will occur annually on the Thursday of National Women’s Health Week. Curves International aims to give away one million free 30-day memberships at participating Curves gyms throughout the United States and Canada during the week-long event. Any non-member who visits a participating Curves club during National Women’s Health Week will be eligible for this free membership offer.

Curves of Altadena will hold their annual Girl's Day Out, a fundraiser for Altadena's Relay for Life, on Saturday, May 12from 1-5 PM.  Interested women are encouraged to check out the club, pick up free health information from Curves, ask questions, schedule a free fitness assessment and take advantage of the "one million free 30-day memberships" offer.

"Everyone at Curves of Altadena is excited about our new partnership with this influential government organization," said Rose West, Altadena Curves franchise owner. "This relationship confirms the value that the Curves program offers to women by promoting regular exercise, nutrition guidelines and community fitness events. We will also be raising funds for Altadena's Relay for Life.  There will be healthy foods, massages, luminaria making and shopping.  All proceeds from these activities will be donated to the American Cancer Soceity.  We look forward to working with the OWH to offer our members and our community even more resources for living a healthy, active lifestyle."

 

Found: a turtle

Reader Pete, who lives on the 100 block of W. Manor Drive, says he found a turtle in his driveway Tuesday.  Please be prepared to describe it if it's yours.  You can call him at : 626 696 3935

La Canada Flintridge Country Club sues Forest Service for Station Fire damage

by Joe Piasecki
Pasadena Sun

The La Cañada Flintridge Country Club filed a lawsuit Monday claiming the U.S. Forest Service caused nearly $50,000 in damage to its grounds while fighting the August 2009 Station fire.

Firefighting helicopters responding to the blaze drained golf course ponds, damaging irrigation pumps, using thousands of gallons of water billed to the club and scattering sand, tree branches and other debris, according to club President Randy Dreyfuss.

The club filed suit in federal court after the Forest Service denied a 2009 administrative claim in November, said club attorney Burton Mark Senkfor.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

Linkenstein

Just to let you know, we've temporarily removed the horrible, rotted comprehensive links list, which is in the process of a top-to-toe update.  It'll be back soon!

 

No races, two vacancies as Altadena Town Council candidates are finalized

by Timothy Rutt

This year's Altadena Town Council election won't exactly be democracy in action: there are no races, and two seats attracted no candidates at all.

Nobody stepped up to run in Census tracts 4601 and 4611 as the candidate deadline passed Tuesday afternoon. The only new faces are Bernardean Broadous (sole candidate for CT 4610) and Reginald Wilkins (CT 4612).

Incumbents running without opposition include Okorie Ezieme (CT 4602), Judy Mathews (CT 4603.01, who was appointed to fill a vacancy and has yet to actually sit on the council), current chair Sandra Thomas (CT 4603.02) and Diane Marcussen (CT 4613).

The lineup for the June 5 pre-election balloting and June 9 election will look like this:

CT 4601

No candidate

CT 4602

Okorie Ezieme

CT 4603.01

Judy Mathews

CT 4603.02

Sandra Thomas

CT 4610

Bernardean Broadous

CT 4611

No candidate

CT 4612

Reginald Wilkins

CT 4613

Diane Marcussen

UPDATE: Man arrested on firearms charge at Altadena Drive and Lincoln Avenue

by Timothy Rutt

According to Lt. Angela Shepherd of the Crescenta Valley Sheriff Station, a suspect described as a black male was taken into custody at about 11:30 AM this morning on a report that he possessed a gun.  The incident occurred in the neighborhood of Altadena Drive and Lincoln Avenue, and Shepherd said they hadn't located a gun yet.  We're waiting for an incident report

UPDATE:  The sheriff's station just sent out a report that a COPS team member (Community Oriented Policing) "spotted a male black pedestrian who possibly had the butt of a gun sticking out of his pocket.  Before the deputy could make contact with this individual, the suspect walked into a house on Altadena Drive."  The report says he was in his 20's.

According to the report, deputies set up a containment area around the house and tried calling out the suspect with a loudspeaker, to no response.  The report says the suspect called the Altadena Sheriff Station and asked why he was being called out.  After speaking to the watch deputy, who suggested he leave the house, the suspect walked out of the house and surrendered without incident.  According to the report, the suspect was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm. 

Kate Carvellas art reception at Fancy Food Truck Friday

by TImothy Rutt

Webster's Fine Stationers will hold a reception for local artist Kate Carvellas as part of this week's Fancy Food Truck Fridays at the Webster's complex.

Carvellas works in collage, mixed media, and assemblage and was recently accepted into the Pasadena Society of Artists.  Her last local exhibit was at the late lamented Gallery at the End of the World.  Here's her page on Artslant for more background.

The reception, and the food truck event, is from 5-9 PM on Friday, May 11 at 2450 N. Lake Ave.

 

Light entries today

We are involved in a special project today that's going to make a good story, so entries will be light!

 

Altadena Historical Society looks at Millard Canyon preservation Monday

The Altadena Historical Society's next quarterly meeting and lecture features  historian and author Elizabeth Pomeroy and  Arroyo & Foothills Conservancy Executive Director John Howell in a look at historic MIllard Canyon.

Covered by a canopy of at least nine species of native trees, habitat to countless birds and other wildlife, the canyon serves as a wildlife corridor for the large mammal species that live in the foothills.  Millard Creek is a year-round stream that  feeds the area as well.  There is a good possibility that 13 acres in the canyon, north of Canyon Crest Road, can be saved from development.

"The Past and Future of Millard Canyon"
Monday, May 14, 2012, 7:30 PM 
Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Drive, Altadena, CA 91001
Programs are free and open to the public.

Pomeroy and Howell also invite you to a series of hikes Arroyos & Fooothills Conservancy is hosting Sat., May 19, to look over the parcel that can be saved.  More information here.

 

Altadena Community Church hosts Relay for Life rally Friday

by Timothy Rutt

It's now time to start gearing up for the American Cancer Society's Altadena Relay for Life, to be held at Farnsworth Park on June 9-10.

There will be a kick-off rally this Friday, May 11, from 4-7 PM at the Altadena Community Church, 943 E. Altadena Dr.  It'll be a good time to support your team, start a team, sponsor a walker, volunteer, or just learn more.

According to a recent release, teams so far are:

Team Trojan with Team Captain John Pings
Curves Altadena with Team Captain Vivian Price
ACC with Team Captain Karen Bagnard
Rollin' for a Cure with Team Captain Alan Kunihiro
St. Elizabeth's Spartan Heros with Team Captain Raquel Pizano-Hazama
Soroptimist Strutters with Team Captain Marilyn Commodore
Isotonix Walkers with Team Captain Wendy Schonhardt 
Daring Divas with Team Captain Lucy Molina
St. Mark's Church with Team Captain Elizabeth Butler
Blue Jay with Team Captain Darlene Sternquist 

Altadenablog sponsor Curves of Altadena owner Rose West, who is also event chair, said: "Relay is such an important event for us ... nearly everyone can relate to being touched by cancer in some way, and this is a great opportunity for us to come together as a community and do something about it. It’s exciting to know that we’re not just participating with the members in our own community, but with other Curves owners and their members across the country as well." 

Last year, the Curves team raised $3411 and they were the #2 team. This year, Curves of Altadena has set a goal to raise $4000.

Go to www.relayforlife.org/altadena.ca for more information.

Caltech's BandORama this weekend features Altadena composer

by Timothy Rutt

The Caltech Bands (directed by Altadena's William Bing) will host "BandORama" on Friday and Saturday, May 11-12, at Ramo Auditorium.

The joint Caltech/Occidental Concert Band and the Caltech Jazz bands will play in concert at 8 PM both days at Ramo Auditorium on the Caltech campus.  

Featured artists are:

• Jazz singer Kjerstin "KJ" Williams (aka "Dr. Diva"), a jazz singer and Caltech Ph.D, currently  senior robotics engineer at Applied Minds, Inc. in Glendale.
• Altadena composer Frank Ticheli, who will be conducting from his works.

The concerts are free and open to the public -- no tickets are required.  Parking is also free.

 

NAACP honors leaders at Tony Stewart Freedom Fund Luncheon

from the Altadena NAACP

The Altadena Branch of the NAACP, under the leadership of Dr. Gregor Edwards, celebrated its Annual Freedom Fund Luncheon on Sunday, April 22, 2012. The Branch has been advocating for social justice under the leadership of Ms. Tony Stewart, Emeritus, Founding President of the Altadena Branch, for many years.  As a tribute to her memory, and her many years of dedicated and committed leadership service in social justice, education, and civil rights advocacy, the executive committee honored her by renaming the event  the “Tony Stewart Freedom Fund Luncheon.”

Those present included Ron Hason, NAACP National Board Member; Joe Brown, NAACP Pasadena Branch President; Dr. Sandra Thomas, Altadena Town Council Chair; John Gundry, Pasadena School District Superintendent, Renatta Cooper, Board President, and Board Members, Dr. Elizabeth Pomeroy, Kim Kenne, Ed Honowitz and Tom Selinske;  Pasadena Police Deputy Chief Darryl Qualls, Commander John Perez,  and Lt. Phlunte Riddle. Honored guests were:  Congresswoman Judy Chu, 32nd Congressional District; Congressman Adam B. Schiff;  Senator Carol Liu, 21st Senate District;  44th District Assemblyman Anthony J. Portantino and LA County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, who also doubled as Honorary Co-Chairs of the event; and other distinguished community leaders and guests. 

The Freedom Luncheon Program, chaired by Johari DeWitt-Rogers, was designed to bring the community and business leaders together for a festive afternoon honoring those for their personal and professional commitment to social justice. Beverly White, NBC Channel 4 News reporter and Mistress of Ceremonies, facilitated the program. The program highlighted community honorees with Cameron Turner, Pasadena Journal columnist and keynote speaker (“Turner's Two Cents”); Martin A. Gordon, advocate for under-served populations; Dr. Jacqueline Jacobs, educator; Denise Houlemard Jones, for her dedication to the development and success of the City Of Pasadena; Molly Munger, Co-Founder and Director of the Advancement Project; Betye Saar, Artist; Dr. Jack Scott, 14th Chancellor of the California Community Colleges; and Tecumseh Shackelford, co-founder, Mentoring and Partnerships for Youth Development; with special recognition going to Mr. Willis Edwards, producer and California Representative to the National Board of the NAACP. 

Entertainment was provided by Nolan Shaheed Trio and the Altadena NAACP ACT-SO students. Outstanding talents were exhibited by student presentations from: Alexander Levatter, violinist; Bronson Manning, oratory; Noah Smith, photography; and presentation of colors by the John Muir High Color Guard.

UPDATE 5/8:  We have pictures after the jump.

Two motorcyclists rescued on Angeles Crest

by William Kisliuk
Pasadena Sun

Two motorcyclists suffered serious injuries after driving off the side of Angeles Crest Highway on Sunday.

At 10:52 a.m. volunteers with Montrose Search and Rescue helped a motorcyclist who had driven over the side of the road at Angeles Crest near Upper Big Tujunga Road, at mile marker 42. At 12:32 p.m. crews helped another motorcyclist who went over the side of the road in the same area, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Both riders were airlifted to local hospitals for treatment.

Montrose Search and Rescue crews were able to respond quickly because they were training in the area on Sunday, according to the sheriff’s department.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

 

Morning jolt: it's all about elections

• Town Council: Tomorrow is the last day to file to run for an Altadena Town Council seat.  Candidate packets are available at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.  Filing fee is $35.  Tuesday's deadline is 5 PM, but the community center will open at 1 PM tomorrow.
• PUSD: Tuesday is also when the Pasadena Unified School District board will consider a new school board member district map.  The board will also look at a report from the Special Education Task Force, and resolutions to issue layoff notices in anticipation of a $13.5 million budget gap.  The meeting starts at 5:30 at the Elbie J. Hickambottom Board Room (Room 236). 351 S. Hudson Ave., Pasadena. Visit  www.pusd.us for more information. 
• Elections: In a related note, on Wednesday our content partners the Pasadena Sun and Southern California Public Radio will host a discussion about Measure A, whether  geographic voting districts should replace school board at-large elections.    The discussion starts at 6:30 PM.  This will be followed by a town hall with all California 41st  Assembly District candidates: South Pasadena Mayor Michael Cacciotti (D), Pasadena attorney Edward Colton (R), Pasadena City Councilman Chris Holden (D), Claremont Tea Party activist Donna Lowe (R) and Pasadena businesswoman Victoria Rusnak (D).  The town hall starts at 7 PM.   The events  are free, but please RSVP here.  KPCC’s Crawford Family Forum, 474 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena.

Look out for mail bandits in the Meadows

by Timothy Rutt

One of our dependable readers tells us that, for the last one or two weeks in the Meadows, someone has been clearing out the mailboxes of outgoing mail on Risinghill and El Prieto Road:

On Friday, many homes were missing outgoing mail apparently removed in the early morning hours.
We found mail from Lincoln Ave tossed in our yard - and found our mail in the neighbors yard.
Apparently, they are taking what they want, and dumping magazines and junk mail in the bushes.

This was also reported on Greg Stanton's Welcome to the Meadows blog a couple of weeks ago, which speculates it may be someone looking for tax refund checks (fortunately for us, we don't get those!)  

Keep an eye out for suspicious activity. Call the Altadena Sheriff Station at 798-1131.

Senior Center celebrates 30 years

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Senior Center held a dinner/dance to celebrate 30 years of operation on Sat., May 5.  Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich was the keynote speaker, with a fine dinner, including cake (above) and musical entertainment.

Vintage homes, MPYD, and food trucks

It's this week's Altadena Junction column at the Pasadena Sun!  (With some weird editing again -- we know Danny's Farm isn't a children's charity, but apparently the editors don't!)

And a shout-out to our friends at the Sun, who with the other Times Community Newspapers have won some major statewide journalism awards.  It's great to be associated with them!

UPDATE:  Had a good phone meeting with the Sun's uber-editor Dan Evans -- we may have been a little too harsh about their edits (OK, we were!) but we've come up with some improvements to our internal process that should create a better column.  It wasn't too hard, as we share the goal and commitment to deliver the best news product to our readers, and we think this will help that.

Best-seller Lian Dolan speaks at the Altadena Library June 4

Lian Dolan, writer, producer, talk show host, podcast pioneer and author of the witty and entertaining tale, Helen of Pasadena, will speak at a free program presented by the Friends of the Altadena Library on Monday, June 4 at 7 PM at the main Altadena Library.   

A Los Angeles Times best-seller for over a year,  Dolan’s book tells the story of the likeable Helen of Pasadena who is leading a charmed life among the roses and rose queens, loses it all, and suddenly has to reinvent herself.  Her new life includes working with an excavator of Troy and solving ancient mysteries.  Dolan’s humorous take on life has been compared Nora Ephron’s.

 Dolan writes the blog and produces the weekly podcast The Chaos Chronicles, a humorous look at modern motherhood that gets 50,000 down­loads a month. She writes weekly for Oprah.com as a parenting expert. A decade ago, Lian created Satellite Sisters, a talk show, blog and web­site, with her four real sisters. From 2000 to 2009, Satellite Sisters won eight Gracie Allen Awards and had a million listeners a week. Lian is also the co-author of Satellite Sis­ters UnCommon Senses, published by Riverhead.

Her writing has ap­peared in many national magazines, including regular columns in O, The Oprah Magazine and Working Mother and essays in such anthologies as Chicken Soup for the Sister’s Soul. TV appearances have included The Today Show, CBS Sunday Morning and The Oprah Winfrey Show.

The address of the Altadena Main Library is 600 East Mariposa Street, Altadena, CA 91001.  For more information, visit www.altadenalibrary.org or call 626-798-0833.

 

Supermoon tonight

The moon is at perigee (i.e. closer to the earth) at about 8:34 tonight, and about a minute later, it will line up with the sun to become extra bright.  They're calling it a "super Moon," so don't miss it!  Check the NASA video for more:

 

SUV driver's family steps forward, victim's father says

by Timothy Rutt

The husband of the woman who allegedly ran her SUV into a 13-year-old boy, breaking his pelvis before leaving the scene, has come forward, according to the boy's father.

Vendale Joseph, Sr., said that he has been contacted by the husband of the SUV's driver, who left them with insurance and contact information.

On May 1, according to Joseph, the SUV hit his son, 13-year-old Vendale Joseph, Jr., while making a right turn at the intersection of New York Avenue and Hill Street.  The boy, who was walking home following band practice at Eliot Middle School, managed to make his way to the sidewalk where the female driver asked if he was OK.  When he said he was, the driver said that she had to take her daughter to an after-school class but would return.

According to the elder Joseph, his son was making his way back to his home near Allen Avenue and Woodbury Road when the driver of the gray GMC SUV stopped again and asked if he was OK.  She asked for his phone number and said she had to drop her son off to a karate lesson, but didn't call again. 

By the time the younger Joseph had made it home, he was "hopping," and crying, Joseph Sr. said.  He was hospitalized for a broken pelvis.

The Joseph family stood at the intersection of the accident with signs on Thurs., May 3, asking for information if anyone had seen the accident.  Following a day of press coverage Friday, Joseph Sr. said that the driver's husband called, saying he'd seen the reports, and gave them his information.

Young Joseph was discharged from the hospital Friday Joseph Sr. said.  "He's only 13, he's a brave little boy ... He's feeling good right now, he's glad to be home, he'll probably be down for 5-8 weeks  The doctor says he's still growing, he'll probably heal on his own without putting in screws or a plate or something.  I'm glad he's alive."

Joseph Sr. also wanted to express his thanks to everyone who helped them.  As for the next step, he says the family is seeking legal counsel.  "That's where we go from here, we will press charges -- it's just not right."  

NOTE: We've changed the headline because we're not sure if it counts as a hit-and-run if the driver keeps coming back, even if she doesn't identify herself.  

Mentoring and Partnership for Youth Development: live men walking, ten years later

Photo: MPYD

MPYD celebrates ten years of success mentoring young men at Muir High School.  But there's still more to do.

by Timothy Rutt

Ten years ago, Eddie Newman, principal of Muir High School, was looking for a few good men.

Back then, Muir was having a problem with the football players, said one of the men she recruited, Tecumseh Shackelford.  After football season, the players were skipping class, wandering the hallways, and creating problems.  "The way that the athletes go, that's the way the student body goes, so she was having a challenge," Shackelford remembered.

Newman came to the Black Males Forum in Pasadena, a group of community leaders and activists who would meet to talk about issues in Altadena and Pasadena.  She wanted some men to walk the hallways.

"She just needed some men to walk the campus," said Shackelford, "so we just walked the campus.  We started walking the campus at lunchtime -- we weren't security guys, we just walked.  But you know when the kids see men walking around, they say, 'What are these men, walking around?'"

MPYD is formed
The men would meet the boys in the hall and talk --  just talk.  Ask them why they weren't in class.  These men weren't teachers or administrators, who might get some guff from somebody showing off to his friends -- they were adult men the kids might have seen in the community.  Some were their pastors or deacons.  They'd talk.  Then the students would go back to class.

From left, MYPD co-founder Altadena Town Councilman Tecumseh Shackelford with Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard at an MYPD lunch talk.

After awhile, some of the key men -- Shackelford, Gene Campbell, Velton Paggett, Johnnie Driver, Del Yarbrough and Gary Moody --  decided to form a formal organization, and down in the Pasadena NAACP office Mentoring and Partnership for Youth Development (MPYD) was born. 

Happy Cinco De Mayo!

Photo of Dome House by Patrick DeGrosse, Jr.

by TImothy Rutt

Yes, it's another Day of Enforced Joy^TM, but what can you do? In the case of Patrick DeGrosse, Jr., who lives in the dome house at 2870 Tanoble Drive, you put a sombrero on your roof and enjoy the day.  (They will also celebrate "DomeStock" today with several bands, if you're in the neighborhood).

Webster's Pharmacy starts Mother's Day dazzle today

by Timothy Rutt

Webster's Communty Pharmacy (Altadenablog sponsor) is gearing up with special offers during their "Mother's Day Dazzling Week" from May 5 until May 12.

Purchases of $30 or more from the Gift Department will qualify for a complimentary Mother’s Day designer pin (while supplies last). Follow the buzz about the hottest trends in Altadena to our Gift Department. Our staff loves fashion and is ready to assist in pulling together something extraordinary for the mother in your life. "Our staff loves fashion and is ready to assist in pulling together something extraordinary for the mother in your life", commented co-owner, Meredith Miller.

Enter for a chance to win one of three amazing gift baskets filled with Mother’s Day goodies starting May 5 through May 12. Drawing will be held on Saturday, May 12 at 2 PM -- winners do not to make a purchase or be present to win.

 

Webster’s Community Pharmacy will be open late on May 11 for Fancy Food Truck Fridays. On this day only from 5- 9 PM shoppers will enjoy a special 20% savings on purchases of $20 or more. This is a perfect opportunity to pick up a Mother's Day gift while working off a few calories after feasting.

Not to be forgotten! A special table will be out by the registers on May 11 and 12, topped with sweet treats and iced tea. (Our version of a Mom’s Day Tea.) 

Weizmann School to dedicate garden and playground Sunday

from the Weizamann Day School/Pasadena Jewish Temple

The Wiezmann Day School at the Pasadena Jewish Temple will dedicate a new garden and play yard this Sun., May 6, at 4 PM.  The dedication will include the unveiling of a beautiful new tile wall and ceramic tree mosaic, created by the Weizmann students under the direction of Weizmann’s art teacher Ellen Dinerman, who herself has a Master of Fine Arts degree in Ceramics and Sculpture from Claremont Graduate School. 

Part of the dedication includes "Cindy's Playground,"  an outdoor learning space with picnic tables, and sport court.

The event will mark the culmination of Weizmann’s the Field of Dreams project to create an outdoor nature classroom, garden, and play out of an area that had been covered with patchy grass and blacktop, and is usually used for overflow parking.  “This started as a grass roots movement in every sense of the term,” said school parent and Parent Organization chair Katharine Higgins.  “The parents and staff were really passionate about transforming the space into one where members of the school and synagogue communities could congregate, socialize, learn and play in a beautiful setting.”

The initial design concept was donated by PJTC member Amy Nettleton of Elemental Landscapes.  The space includes a play yard, an outdoor classroom with tree stump seats, picnic tables and eating area, and a garden -- all in a naturalistic setting with native trees, rocks and plants, that echo nearby Eaton Canyon. 

In addition, the students were intimately involved in creating the tree mosaic.  In preparation, Weizmann elementary school students studied local Pasadena trees and the ecosystems they provide for other plants, insects and animals.  The middle school students assisted in critical design decisions of texture and color, giving the tree a naturalistic feel.  Then, each class had an opportunity to create and later grout mosaic pieces—leaves, insects, flowers, and animals—to the tree trunk and branches.  Each piece was hand-sculpted in clay, fired in our kiln, glazed, and then re-fired to achieve its final (spectacular) form. 

Webster's Food Truck Friday welcomes Border Grill and other trucks

by Timothy Rutt

The Webster's companies have announced the selection of food trucks to expect as Fancy Food Truck Friday returns May 11.

Border Grill, Grill 'Em All, Jogasaki Burrito, The Greasy Wiener, and Rosa Bella Cucina, and A Rockin Ice will be in the parking lot at the Webster's complex at 2450 N. Lake Ave. from 5-9 PM.  There will be plenty of seating available for friends and family to enjoy dinner together as the sun goes down.

Webster's Community Pharmacy, Webster's Fine Stationers, and Webster's Liquor will be open throughout the evening with special offers.  The pharmacy will have a special table near the food trucks featuring an exclusive opportunity, where you can enter for a chance to win 1 of 3 gift baskets filled with Mother’s Day goodies.  Drawing will be held at the Pharmacy on Saturday, May 12 at 2 PM -- winners need not make a purchase or be present to win.

 

Sponsor Danny's Farm will also bring their mobile petting zoo, and introducing their new resident, Penelope, a five-month-old potbelly pig.

Admission is free, and parking is available at the Webster's lot, adjacent streets, and designated lots.  For more information, call 626-797-1163.

 

 

Morning jolt

• Scholar: Erica Slater from Altadena was named to the Dean's List at Villanova University for the fall 2011 semester. Slater is enrolled in the Villanova School of Business.  Villanova University Dean's List recipients are honored by their college's respective dean. To qualify, one must be a matriculated full-time student and earn a semester grade point average of at least 3.5.
• Clay: Xiem Clay Center, 1563 N. Lake Ave.,  will have its spring Ceramic Art Fair & Open Studio Sale next Friday, May 11, and Sat., May 12.  Many local artists will be displaying pieces and offering them for sale.  For more information: http://www.xiemclaycenter.com/
• MonteCedro happenings: MonteCedro presents Dr. David Gobble, director of Masterpiece Living Academy and Director Emeritus of the Fischer Institute of Wellness & Gerantology, who talk about  "Maintining Your Brain and Reducing the Risk of Dementia" on Wed., May 16, at the La Canada Country Club, 5500 Godbey Dr., La Canada Flintridge, and Thurs., May 17, at the MonteCedro Presentation Gallery, 153 E. Holly St., Pasadena.  Space is limited -- to register, please visit www.montecedro.org or call 877-282-1584.
  
  MonteCedro has also announced that the Pasadena Conservatory of Music has joined its Masterpiece Partnership Program. The recently established program allows MonteCedro's future residents to participate in various events and activities within the Altadena and Pasadena community that promotes cultural, physical, emotional and social growth. As a part of this partnership, MonteCedro will be the exclusive presenting sponsor of the Mansions and Music event on May 6 at 4 PM. This year's performance will be by Quarteto Nuevo.

 

Crime blotter: now with some flash

The weekly round of burglaries from homes and vehicles, 24 Hour Fitness losses, and a flasher -- haven't had one of those for awhile!  Crime blotter by Lt. Duane D. Allen of the Altadena Sheriff's Station:

Monday, April 23

8:47 AM – An indecent exposure occurred in the 200 block of Wapello Street. Suspect described as a male, Hispanic, 30 yrs, 5ft. 5 ins., 165, black hair, black eyes.

Between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 80 block of Pine Street. Suspect(s) entered the residence by shattering a window. Loss: (350) one dollar currency coins, gold 18” chainwith ‘All State’ pendant, gold 18” chain with heart pendant.

Tuesday, April 24

Between 7:30 PM and 4:30 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2000 block of Sinaloa Avenue. Suspect(s) entered the residence by shattering a window. Loss: platinum Cartier ring.

Between 12:50 PM and 3:30 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 300 block of E. Calaveras Street. Suspect(s) entered the residence by damaging the rear French doors using bodily force. Loss: (1) set of silverware.

Between 4:00 PM and 6:30 AM (Wednesday) – A vehicle vandalism occurred in the 900 block of E. Mount Curve Avenue. Damage: shattered driver’s side window.

5:23 pm – A shoplifting incident occurred at Rite Aid, 735 E. Altadena Dr. Loss: hair dye.

Between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM (Wednesday) – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 2000 block of Pinecrest Drive. Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the driver’s side window. Loss: black Zune MP3 player.

Between 9:00 PM and 2:30 AM (Wednesday) – A vehicle vandalism occurred in the 2400 block of N. Highland Avenue. Damage: shattered driver’s side window.

Wednesday, April 25

Between 9:30 PM and 4:20 AM (Thursday) – A vehicle burglary occurred at 24Hr. Fitness, 2180 N.Lincoln Ave. Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the driver and passenger side windows. Loss:black Pioneer face plate.

We're back ...

by Timothy Rutt

The  trip to UC Davis went well for those of you asking -- Jake is tolerating the new medication well (of course, it may be a placebo!) , the surgical scar is healing nicely, and the researchers are very positive about how the drug trial will work.  We're spending the day going through the pile, so lots of entries today!

 

Entries are light today ...

We're taking a trip to Sacramento and back today, so entries will be light.  This means two passes through TSA, so keep us in your prayers!

Bear with the chopper traffic ...

... they've got a bear and cubs up a tree in Kinneloa Mesa, which some news organizations are erroneously saying is in Altadena.  Not that that couldn't happen here -- but there are no known bears in the Altadena 'hoods right now!

 

 

Altadena summer beach bus service begins June 19

by TImothy Rutt

Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich's office announced the schedule for the Summer Beach Bus from Altadena to the Santa Monica Pier for this season.

Starting June 19, passengers can board the bus  every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday through September 1, and on Labor Day, Monday, September 3.  There will be four stop locations:  at the Metro bus stop at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Ventura Street; at Loma Alta Park; on Mariposa Street, in front of the Altadena Senior Center; and at the Metro bus stop at the intersection of Allen Avenue and Oakwood Street.

The fare is $3.00 per round-trip for children and adults.  For senior citizens (age 60 and older) and people with disabilities, the fare is $1.50 per round-trip.  A fare-paying parent or guardian must accompany children under 12 years of age.

Full schedule in English and Spanish after the jump.

Arroyos & Foothills hosting hikes in lower Millard Canyon May 19

by TImothy Rutt

The Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy wants you to fall in love.

Specifically, to fall in love with lower Millard Canyon.  The Conservancy will hold four hikes on Sat., May 19, to look over this 13 acre parcel, covered by a canopy of at least nine species of native trees, habitat to countless birds and other wildlife, and that serves as a wildlife corridor for the large mammal species that live in the foothills.  MIlard Creek is a year-round stream that  feeds the area as well.

According to a release, AFC,  along with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, lost a bid to save this property ten years ago.  Now, the owner who bought it for development has offered AFC a chance to buy the property "on favorable terms," according to a press release.

AFC will host four hikes on May 19 (at 9 AM, 10:30 AM, noon, or 1:30 PM) with docent experts in biology, geology, history or hydrology.  Learn how the Altadena Crest Trail will be extended through the "La Vina gap".

The hikes will start at the Altadena Community Garden at Loma Alta Park, at the corner of Palm St. and Lincoln Avenue.  HIkers will be shuttled to the Millard campground parking lot and then hike down the canyon to Canyon Crest Road.  The 1 1/2 to 2-hour hike is less than a mile and a half long, but somewhat rugged, so prepare to boulder-hop, consider hiking poles, be aware of rattlers, and don't bring your dog.  Bring gardening gloves if you want to remove some invasive plants along the way.

Following the hike, hikers will be shuttled back to the Community Garden for refreshments and to learn about saving the parcel.

For more information, go to http://www.arroyosfoothills.org/millard/

Friends of the Library's annual book sale May 19, pre-sale May 18

by Timothy Rutt

The Friends of the Altadena Library are holding their annual book sale on Sat., May 19, from 10 AM-4 PM and Sun., May 20, from 1-4 PM at the library parking lot and community room.

And if you 'd like to see what a pack of ravening wolves looks like, you can join the "pre-sale" for Friends members (which includes more than a few book dealers) on Fri., May 18, from 3-7 PM (we've been there, and we used to be a book dealer and can tell you it's definitely not for the faint of heart!)

Hard and soft-cover books in all categories will be available at bargain prices.  as well as records, videos, CDs, music cassettes, and even used furniture.

Proceeds will be used for materials and programs for both the main library and the Bob Lucas Memorial Branch Library and Literacy Center.

The Altadena Main Library is at 600 E. Mariposa St. 

 

 

Music of the spheres? The JPL Chorus premieres in concert Saturday

By Daniel Siegal
Pasadena Sun 

Singing in a chorus might not be rocket science, but that hasn’t stopped Jet Propulsion Laboratory workers from forming their own company of singers.

The JPL Chorus will make its debut at 7:30 PM Saturday in a free concert with the Pasadena City College Chamber Singers at the Ambassador Auditorium in Pasadena.

The NASA research facility in La Cañada Flintridge formed its first choral group in February, the idea born out of a discussion between Stephen Kulczycki, JPL’s deputy director of communications and education, and Pasadena Symphony Chief Executive Paul Zdunek.

Kulczycki is now a member of the chorus’ bass section and one of 53 JPL employees from science, engineering, tech support and other departments who have come out for Wednesday practices with Pasadena Symphony Director of Choruses Donald Brinegar.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

 

Flintridge Center in Pasadena hosts civil right exhibition; reception May 17

The Flintridge Center’s Philanthropy Resource Library will host the touring exhibition, "Wherever There's A Fight: A History of Civil Liberties in California" starting on May 6 at the library,  236 West Mountain Street, Suite 118, in Pasadena.

The exhibition tells the stories of the many brave Californians who confronted discrimination and stood up for their rights. Fourteen interpretive panels with photographs and texts bring to life the heroes and heroines who fought for equality—from the Gold Rush to the present. Some became well-known voices and activists, such as author Upton Sinclair and concert artist and actor Paul Robeson; others were ordinary people. Topics include: citizenship, slavery, voting, land ownership, unlawful arrests, dissension, religion, censorship and education.

The exhibition is based on the book, Wherever There's a Fight: How Runaway Slaves, Suffragists, Immigrants, Strikers, and Poets Shaped Civil Liberties in California by Elaine Elinson & Stan Yogi (Heyday Books, 2009).

“The exhibition will be used as a teaching tool for youth and to spark community dialogue,” said Lisa Wilson, Flintridge Center program director. “The struggle for civil liberties continues today, from racial prejudice to voting rights controversies to challenges to freedom of expression and religion.”

The exhibition runs from May 6 through July 1. The Library is free and open to the public. Hours are: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 10 AM – 6 PM. and on Saturday, May 19 and June 16, 9 AM. – 12:30 PM.

All are invited to the opening reception on Thurs., May 17, at 7 PM.

For more information,   (626) 449-0839 x124 / www.Flintridge.org

Flintridge Center works in partnership with the community to provide life-changing services and to act as a catalyst for pragmatic solutions that reduce community violence, improve academic achievement, and launch career paths for the benefit of the greater Pasadena/Altadena area. The Philanthropy Resource Library is a free library open to the public that focuses on grant research and nonprofit management. It is a Cooperating Collection of the Foundation Center and the only library of its kind serving the San Gabriel Valley.

 

 

Standing up for compassion

by Timothy Rutt

Father Gregory Boyle gets a standing ovation at the Altadena Senior Center Tuesday night, May 1.  The Friends of the Altadena Library hosted Boyle in a presentation about his work in East Los Angeles with Homeboy Industries, turning the lives of gang members around.  Boyle is the author of Tattoos on the Heart, a memoir about his work with gang members.

May sponsor team shout-out

A shout-out and thank you to our sponsor team, local businesses and organizations who keep Altadenablog coming to your computer every day:

Altadena Ale & Wine House

Altadena Solar

Baietti-Seyffert/Podley Properties

Curves Altadena

Dhari Thein Real Estate

Friends of the Altadena Library

Greg Stanton/Teles Properties

Judy Rubin Architectural & Previews Specialist

Rancho Bar

Scissors Paper Rock Salon

Webster's Community Pharmacy

Webster's Fine Stationers

and new this month, The Dog in the Picture, Barbara and Jane Brackman's book looking at America's love for its dogs through vintage photographs and diary entries (Jane is "Dr. Barkman," Altadenablog's expert on all things canine!)

Remember that we are the ONLY locally-owned news website serving Altadena, the ONLY one headquartered in Altadena, and the ONLY one that only runs ads from local businesses and organizations (Altadena/Pasadena/La Canada and environs) and we rely on your support.  We'd love to have YOU join our sponsor team, some of the most distinguished businesses serving this community.  Write to us at altadenablog@gmail.com or call 626-791-5327 to get onboard!

 

 

Altadenans are booked for Pasadena LitFest May 12

After being rained out in March, the first Pasadena LitFest is back on Mother's Day weekend, Sat., May 12, at Central Park in Pasadena, 9:30 AM-4 PM.  Admission is free.

The organizers promise that everything that was in store  --  and more!  --  is scheduled for the next event.  Readings and panel discussions featuring well-known local and California authors, hands-on activities for young people, good food (yes, food trucks!), great books, and great fun, all aimed at promoting and celebrating the literary arts.

Altadena authors Michelle Huneven, Jervey Tervalon, and Michele Zack will be there, as well as Pulitzer Prize-winners Jonathan Gold and Daniel Howe; novelists Mona Simpson, David Ebershoff, and Lian Dolan; poet and Young Adult author Ron Koertge; scholar and Libros Schmibros founder David Kipen; and L.A. mystery writer Denise Hamilton. More than 40 publishers and vendors will have books by these and other authors available for sale at the event.

A children's area will feature Vroman's storyteller Mr. Steve, Brit-Lit Steampunk performed by actors from Foshay Learning Center, and a Quidditch demonstration.

LitFest Pasadena is spearheaded by Larry Wilson, public editor of the Pasadena Star-News; Jervey Tervalon, novelist and USC creative writing teacher; and Tom Coston, president of the Light Bringer Project and driving force behind the DooDah Parade. The event's working team includes leaders from local government; local independent publishers Red Hen Press and Prospect Park Media; and USC and Caltech.

LitFest Pasadena is a project of the Pasadena Arts Council's EMERGE Fiscal Sponsorship Program.

 

State cuts force PUSD schools to scale back projects

By Joe Piasecki
Pasadena Sun

Vastly reduced state funding for school construction projects is forcing Pasadena education officials to downsize plans for the $350-million Measure TT bond.

When Pasadena, Altadena and Sierra Madre voters approved Measure TT in 2008, officials drew up plans for $465 million in school renovation projects based on eligibility for state bond proceeds and other matching funds.

But due to the state budget crisis, much of that money has dried up — reducing the total bond budget to about $371.3 million, said Pasadena Unified School District Chief Facilities Officer David Azcárraga. That’s a 20% drop.

The impact will be spread out relatively evenly over the district’s 31 schools, said Bond Program Manager Robin Brown.

More at the Pasadena Sun.