altadenablog

Keep the bears wild

by MaryEllen Schoeman

An appeal on behalf of the bears:

I know we all love to see ‘our’ neighborhood bears and it’s fun to watch them.  But… the bears in many Altadena neighborhoods, especially those along the edges of the forest, have surpassed the carrying capacity for the land. That means that the populations of bears in those areas are more than the land can actually support. This means that people are feeding them. Some people, I’m sure, are feeding them accidentally by leaving dog food out or leaving unsecured sheds or garages where food is stored. But I am equally sure that some people are feeding them deliberately.

I’m begging you, please stop. These bears are becoming far, far too habituated to humans and are now seeing human habitations as a food source. Bears are cute, but they are not harmless. I recently made the mistake of leaving a bag of dog food outside – I thought that since it was in a big plastic tub, and that tub was latched tight and locked inside of a welded wire cage, it would be okay for just one night. A bear came that night, dragged the cage for several feet (this cage is so heavy it took four big guys just to shove it out of the back of a pickup truck), and then bent the door at both top and bottom until it could get to the food. This is not a wimpy little cage made of chicken wire or hardware cloth, it was a cage of heavy-gauge welded wire. The bear bent the door like it was nothing. I have also found bears sleeping in my carport several times, which indicates that they are getting used to sleeping in human-constructed places. This is terribly unsafe, both for the bears and for the humans – approaching your car at dawn and clicking your car alarm? Could result in a very confused, frightened bear charging out of the carport at the only exit it knows – right where you are standing.

Martian invasion #1: NASA unveils Curiosity landing coverage schedule

 

Artist's conception of Curiosity on Mars. NASA graphic

 

 

from NASA

The public is invited to tune in for a series of news briefings from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., for the upcoming landing of NASA's Curiosity rover on Mars.

NASA's Mars Science Laboratory mission will deliver the nearly 2,000-pound (1-ton), car-size robotic roving laboratory to the surface of Mars at 10:31 p.m. PDT Aug. 5 (1:31 a.m. EDT Aug. 6). Curiosity's landing will mark the start of a two-year prime mission to investigate whether one of the most intriguing places on Mars ever has offered an environment favorable for microbial life.

News Briefing and Televised Event Schedule

News briefings will be held at JPL beginning Thursday, Aug. 2, and carried live on NASA Television. Additional events, including a NASA Social Media event Aug. 1 and landing commentary Aug. 5, will be televised. A full schedule of live news briefings is available at: http://www.nasa.gov/ntvnews and http://www.nasa.gov/msl .

The schedule of events after the jump is subject to change. All times are PDT.

Martian invasion #2: Planetfest opens up Mars landing to the public

Science Guy Bill Nye is CEO of the Planetary Society, which will host Planetfest this weekend. Photo by Cheryl A. Guerrero, Pasadena Sun

By Tiffany Kelly
Pasadena Sun

While Jet Propulsion Laboratory engineers bring the rover Curiosity to the surface of Mars next week, many of the leading authorities on the Red Planet will be celebrating with the public six miles away.

The Planetary Society, a Pasadena-based nonprofit, is hosting Planetfest at the Pasadena Convention Center, bringing stars of screen and science together to celebrate with an estimated 3,000 visitors Aug. 4 and 5.

NASA officials say the rover, due to land at 10:31 p.m. Aug. 5, may be the first step in determining whether Mars was ever hospitable to life. Bill Nye, the chief executive of the Planetary Society and former host of the television show “Bill Nye the Science Guy,” said such a discovery would be akin to Nicolaus Copernicus' revelation that the Earth rotates around the sun.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

Martian invasion #3: Curiosity video shows white-knuckle landing

 

by Tiffany Kelly
Pasadena Sun

Landing the rover Curiosity on Mars Aug. 5 will be a nerve-racking process with no room for error, say Jet Propulsion Laboratory engineers.

In a video released Friday, engineers describe the descent on the Red Planet in detail. The process demands 76 pyrotechnic devices, six vehicle configurations and 500,00 lines of code.

“When people look at it, it looks crazy," JPL engineer Adam Steltzner says in the video. Once Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) touches the top of Mars' atmosphere, it has to survive scorching temperatures (1600 degrees) and an atmosphere 100 times thinner than the surface of Earth.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

Sheriff warns about wave of package thieves

Following up on our alert earlier today that there are package thieves at work in Altadena, we've received the following from Capt. John Benedict of the Altadena Sheriff Station:

To those who shared information about package thefts from porches occurring over the last few days, thank you for alerting your neighbors by posting the info on your neighborhood listserv.

If you haven't yet called the Sheriff's Station to report the thefts, please call and provide as much information as you can, including the name of the person or company that sent you the package, the name of the delivery company, the expected date of delivery, if tracking information was available that provides a time when the package was said to have been delivered, that information would also be very help.  Please also provide information about the contents of the package and the cost of the merchandise.

Please call 626 798 1131 and ask to report the theft.

Having descriptive information can help us isolate patterns that may help us apprehend the thieves.  Having information about the merchandise that was stolen can also help us connect thieves to specific criminal acts since they're often caught in possession of stolen merchandise.

It is a good time to ask everyone to consider other options for package delivery, including these:

Susie Hansen Latin Jazz Band is muy caliente at Farnsworth Park

 

The dancing started early and never let up at Farnsworth Park Saturday night with the Susie Hansen Jazz Band

by Timothy Rutt

The Susie Hansen Latin Jazz Band got the crowd up and dancing early at the Sheriff Support Group Summer Concert at Farnsworth Park Saturday night.  The electric violinist/vocalist threw in a few dance moves of her own as she played on the concert stage.  More pictures after the jump

House tour and lecture at the Keyes Bungalow to support Altadena Historical Society

 

Interior of Keyes Bungalow, courtesy of American Bungalow magazine

On August 12,  from 2-4pm, the Altadena Historical Society will be hosting a tea, lecture, and tour featuring the exceptional craftsman-era house, the Keyes Bungalow, built in 1911. Although the architect and builder are unknown, the house, located at 1337 Boston Street in Altadena, CA, is significant as a near perfect example of an airplane bungalow - a complete bungalow home on the bottom floor with an additional room raised above the roof like the cockpit of an airplane. The house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
 
The lecture, by dog historian Jane Brackman, will address how the Arts and Crafts movement historically influenced the way we interact with companion dogs today. Owning a purebred dog was strictly upper-crust in the Victorian era, but the aesthetic was claimed by the middle class when ready-cut bungalows from companies like Sears meant regular folks could have a single family dwelling, a garden and a purebred family dog. Jane, the author of two gift books about pets in 19th Century America, will explain why Yorkies were considered dogs of the lower class, Labrador Retrievers were not recommended as pets, and why the U.S. dog population grew four times faster than the general population during the Arts and Crafts era.

Tickets and $25 for members and $30 for non-members.  To obtain tickets, call the Altadena Historical Society at 626-797-8016 or send a check with your request to Altadena Historical Society, 730 East Altadena Drive, Altadena, CA 91001. Reservations must be made in advance of the tour.  Tickets will be on a will-call basis the day of the event.

To read more about the Keyes Bungalow go to American Bungalow Magazine
 http://www.americanbungalow.com/the-keyes-bungalow-at-100-in-full-and-in-color/

 

"Upstream" brings Caribbean rhythms to summer concert series Saturday

Upstream got the crowd dancing at last year's concert series in Farnsworth Park

 

Returning for the third year in a row, crowd favorites UPSTREAM will bring the music of the Caribbean to Farnsworth Park Saturday.

The band UPSTREAM, whose members include two sons of the venerable inventor of Soca music, the late Ras Shorty I, was formed in the republic of Trinidad & Tobago in 1989. They relocated to Southern California in the early nineties and made a name for themselves performing in numerous venues, events and festivals, throughout California and Western States. Their energetic eclectic style of Reggae and Soca has earned them a formidable appellation in the music industry world

The lineup is as follows: Haile Blackman (Bandleader, Rhythm Guitar, MPC & Lead Vocals), began his professional career singing and playing drums in his father's band The Love Circle in his early adolescence. He has also been the drummer for the band Geggy Tah on Virgin Records. John McKnight (Keyboards, Guitar, Trombone, Bass, Backing Vocals) multi-instrumentalist -- has loaned his expertise to various famous artists such as: Etta James, Herb Alpert, English Beat, Ben Harper and most recently Fishbone. Einstein Brown (Steel Drums, Vocals) is extremely talented and proficient. He has performed with the Trinidad Steel Band, L.A. Desperados, and his own bands Caribe and Sapadilla. He has also appeared in numerous television shows, movies and commercials. Stokely Molineaux (Guitar, Bass, Vocals, Rapper) son of the renowned jazz piianist Othello Molineaux, is a profound poet and songwriter. He has toured the world with such acts as Pato Banton, Ras Michael, Joe Higgs, Wailing Souls, Calypso Rose and Eek-A-Mouse. Johnny Blackman (Drums, Backing Vocals) played for many years with The Love Circle before moving to Malaysia in the mid-nineties to perform with two of his other brothers in a band called Abstract. He toured the entire continent of Asia as well as India before joining Upstream in 2000.

In addition, the following musicians are on rotation with Upstream: Derek Brewster (Steel Drum, Bass & Vocals) & Adam Arredondo aka Jah Mex (Keyboards, Vocals). Upstream currently has six CD’s. “Upstream”, self-titled was released in 1995, “Life” was released in 2000, “Jump To The Rhythm” in 2001, “To Da Maxx” and “Pick Up Yourself” in 2007 and “Here, There and Everywhere” in 2009.

The Sheriff Support Group Summer Concert Series in Farnsworth Park starts at 7 PM, and admission is free.

Morning jolt: Gen. Farnsworth and "Altadena Awesome"

• Farnsworth: Sid Gally's look at local history in the PSN is about Gen. Charles Farnsworth, an Altadena resident and career military officer who served from Alaska to Mexico and fought in the Spanish American War and WWI.  He supervised construction of the park that bears his name today.  
• Folk Festival: KNBC's blog looks at the New LA Folk Festival next Saturday at the Zorthian Ranch, and they've titled the story "Altadena Awesome."  Well, of course!
• Pet license sweep: Public safety volunteer Carolyn Seitz tells us that County Animal Control is making a sweep through town, checking for unlicensed animals.  You can renew your license online here, or by phone at  877-UPAYPET (877 872-9738).  If you don't need to renew your license, well, have your papers in order ….
• Package thieves: We've gotten some emails and the chatter on the newsgroups is about package thieves -- people in the President Streets neighborhood who've had packages delivered reported them missing, or sometimes left opened on their front porch.  You may want to send 'em to a neighbor who's in all day, have them delivered to your work, or rent a box at another location (sponsor Webster's Fine Stationers has such a service) and have your package sent there.  We wish we could recommend the post office, which opened a similar service for boxholders, but the time we had a package sent there as a test, they forwarded it to our home instead (FAIL!).

 

Stars of the house concert circuit come to Coffee Gallery Backstage Aug. 7

If you love house concerts, how about a house concert in a concert hall?

The Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N. Lake Ave., will present an Altadena showcase for the Listening Room Festival featuring stars of the house concert tour. Six acts will be performing, with sounds ranging from subtle acoustic to piano-driven singer-songwriter tunes. Visit www.ListeningRoomFestival.com to learn about this state-wide event, and to get your discounted tickets while they last. 

The showcase will be Tue., Aug. 7, starting at 7:30 PM.  Tickets are available at http://www.listeningroomfestival.com/festivals/LRF2/Altadena.html or $15 at the door.

Featured acts include:

Aaron English - Thought provoking, keyboard driven music from Seattle, WA

Ken O'Malley - Authentic Irish entertainer from L.A.

Garret Swayne - Digital age troubadour from Canoga Park

Steve Meckfessel - Intimate urban acoustic from Alameda

Jeff Young - Piano-based soul with mad cred from Santa Monica.

Genna and Jesse - Infectious soul songs & sweet harmony from Richmond

Fran Snyder - Genre-defying artist and emcee, from Tampa, FL 

Middle Eastern Dance concert in Alhambra Aug. 11-12

Altadena resident and choreographer Kim (Kamala) Almanzar will present "A Choreographers Collective 2012," performances of Middle Eastern dance forms in three shows on Aug. 11-12.  

 This show features professional dancers and internationally esteemed choreographers of Middle Eastern Dance collaborating to produce artistic, authentic and theatrical dances of the Middle East. Includes Belly dance, Egyptian, Lebanese & Iraqi folk dance. With all the strife in the Middle East - we are keeping their beautiful dance forms alive!

The performances will be held at the Arte Flamenco Dance Theater, 230 W. Main St., Alhambra.  Tickets range from $10 for students to $20. Click the graphic for more details, or visit kamaladance.com

Bodacious Living classes for August

Revvell Revati is offering a series of her Bodacious Living lifestyle classes in August:

Swimming Dragon Qigong (Chi Kung) 

Benefits:

Reduces weight without dieting and stimulates metabolism

Increases and balances energy

Creates beautiful skin and helps eliminate wrinkles

Reduces tension by relaxing the body and calming the mind

Improves muscle tone and enhances flexibility in joints

Adjusts and stretches the spine

Sends energy to vital organs by stimulating meridians

Naturally improves posture

Massages deep muscles all the way to the bone

Frees and deepens breathing

Monday, Aug. 6, 13, 20 & 27th ~ 6-7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 2, 16, 23, 30 ~ 8-9:30 p.m. (No class Aug. 9)

Energy Techniques for Weight Loss

Are you tired of "yo-yo" dieting? This just may be the help you need!

In this series we'll be learning energy techniques such as EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) and voice dialogue ... systems you can use any time and any place to free yourself from addictions and cravings of any kind. In this series, we'll be focused oneliminating addictions and cravings for food leading to eliminating excess weight forever!

Using these techniques, YOU'LL be the one in control and have a CHOICE in what you want to eat rather than your addictions being in charge.

Thursday, Aug. 2, 16, 23, 30 ~ 6-7:30 p.m. (No class Aug. 9) 

Monday, Aug. 6, 13, 20 & 27th ~ 8-9:30 p.m.

Fees:

One class (4-week series, 1x/week) ~ $47

Two Classes ~ (Any 4-week series, 1x/week) ~ $77 (This could mean both Monday OR Thursday evening classes OR taking the same class 2x's a week) 

Unlimited Classes ~ $97/month

Revvell@gmail.com or, 818-824-4422 to register http://bit.ly/BLSummer2012

 

Anyone else see a falling object, or hear a mystery boom?

We have another "boom," but this time with a sighting -- a reader who wishes to remain unidentified says at about 8:31 PM Saturday night she witnessed something fall from the sky in a north direction and heard a big "boom":

I saw the object and a huge spark of light fall from the north side of Altadena.  I live on Royce and as i was watering my plants I looked up and witnessed the falling object and loud boom soon after, it happened so quickly. 

Anyone see or hear something similar?

 

See the tree how big it's grown ...

Our column for the Pasadena Sun is up -- we know, "Ding dong, Bard of Avon calling" really gives away our age.

Stray cat may be away from home

Patty and Bob have been feeding a stray:

Is anyone missing a grey and white long hair cat? We have seen this cat in the neighborhood for a long time. Pretty sure it is a stray but soft hair except by it's back end (a few hair balls that pull out). Recently I called it and it came to me. I have been feeding it outside for a few days now. It is so hungry, skinny. So sweet and comes when you call it.

 

We can't not keep it so if anyone wants to help give a cat a home, please call us and we will try to put it in our carrier for someone. 

 

 Please call Patty and Bob @ 626-296-1306

 

America's sweethearts (from Shirley to Katniss) bookend Library's August teen movies

by Timothy Rutt

The library closes out its teen Summer Movie Extravaganza on Friday afternoons with a quartet of films for all tastes.

On Aug. 3, Shirley Temple stars in "Little Miss Broadway," as an orphan who lives in a show business hotel. 

On Aug. 10, "The Lorax" speaks for the trees, with a romance thrown in in this Dr. Seuss classic.

On Aug. 17, "Hugo" is an orphan boy who lives in the Paris railway station, solving a mystery involving a mechanical man.

On Aug. 24, the summer comes to a close with Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen in "The Hunger Games," the first of a planned four-part series based on the young adult novels.

All movies are rated PG ("Hunger Games" in particular is not for small children), and start at 3 PM at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. 

 

 

LA Folk Festival at the Zorthian Ranch next Saturday

by Timothy Rutt

The third annual New LA Folk Festival cranks up at Zorthian Ranch next Saturday, Aug. 4, and it's a great afternoon to spend with some of LA's most intriguing new folk performers.

Tickets area available online until 6 AM Aug 4.  $25 in advance, $30 general admission at the door, $50 VIP ticket which includes complimentary cocktails and other VIP incentives.

Doors open at 1 PM, music from 1:30 PM- 1 AM Sunday, parking only in designated area (not the neighborhood).

Tickets, information, and videos of the performers are available at the website: http://lafolkfest.com/

The lineup so far is after the jump:

Altadena scholars make the grade

 

• Kasey Locke (Business Finance) and John Ruffin (Visual Arts) made the spring Dean's List for Asuza Pacific University.
• Erica Slater graduated from Villanova University on May 20 with a Bachelor of Business Administration.

Altadena Saturday: open house, food trucks, concert in the park

What's on today's agenda?  We'll be filling it up throughout the day.

• Sue B Dance Studio Open House, 2525 N. Lake Ave., 9 AM-2 PM.  Try out the free dance classes, and there are snacks and refresments.
• Altadena Baptist Church, 791 E. Calavaras St. is hosting a Food & Fun event on Sat., July 28, from 5-8 PM. They will have the famous Grilled Cheese Truck, the Attack of the Killer Carnitas Truck, and the Paradise Cookie Truck! There will also be activities for kids and some music. Lots of parking in the church lot and on El Molino.
• The Sheriff Support Group Summer Concert Series welcomes the Susie Hansen Latin Jazz Band at the Farnsworth Park Amphtheater, Lake and Mt. Curve Avenues, starting at 7 PM.  Beer and wine sales by the Rotary Club of Altadena, and food by El Patron Mexican Restaurant.  Concert starts at 7 PM, and admission is free.  Bring your dancing shoes to this one!
• Bulgarini Gelato's Saturday night summer movie will be "Caterina Va In Citta' (Caterina in the Big City)- a warm and resonant coming of age comedy.Dinner (you should have had reservations, sorry!) starts at 7:30, the film is free, open to all, and starts at dark, and gelato will be available throughout. 749 E. Altadena Drive.

 

JPL workers tune into Mars as Curiosity landing date nears

By Tiffany Kelly

Pasadena Sun

 

With the rover Curiosity days away from landing on the Red Planet, Jet Propulsion Laboratory engineer Matt Heverly is getting ready to work on Mars time.

A day on Mars is roughly 40 minutes longer than a day on Earth, so each day, Heverly will come to JPL 40 minutes later than the previous day.

When Mars' rotation is in sync with Earth, he will start a normal shift at around 7 a.m. As Mars and Earth become out of sync, his schedule will become irregular and hectic. “Having to do that with day care pick-up and drop-off with little kids, it's going to be crazy,” said Heverly, a father of two.

The new schedule starts right away. The rover is set to land on Mars' Gale Crater around 10:31 p.m. on Aug. 5. Heverly will start work a few hours later, ready to drive the rover to a safe location if it lands on a slope or on top of a pile of rocks.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

Missing cat on Altadena Drive [Never mind!]

Reader Edward says the family cat has gone missing:

She's a four-year-old cream-colored long haired cat, who ventured from her home on Altadena Drive near Glen Canyon and Roosevelt.  If you find or see her, call 310-283-1035 or email: etswanson@att.net.

UPDATE: As cats sometimes do, after a night spent carousing, she found her way home this morning.

Altadena Cash Mobs Saturday: Perry's Joint

by Terry Moore

The second Altadena Cash Mob will be held this Saturday, July 28 at Perry's Joint, 2051 N. Lincoln Ave. Pasadena ALL DAY, so there will be plenty of time to get over there!

Most Altadenans have either been to Perry's, have heard of it, or have just driven by and seen it. Nice place, great food, great music. So Saturday is your chance to either go to Perry's again, or go for the first time.

Perry's has fantastic sandwiches, famous hot dogs, ice cream, shakes, root beer floats, something for everyone.  They even have a great cup of coffee, even chai lattes!! It is summer time. When was the last time your family sat down for a root beer float in a neighborhood joint?

Perry's is exactly what Altadena Cash Mobs is all about.

It is a locally owned business that serves the community it is in. Pretty simple. Pretty rare, these days! Not only is it that small restaurant that everyone complains we don't have enough of, but Perry's is constantly hosting community events. Last weeks Coffee With The Captain was held at Perry's Joint. They give back, they participate. They are a part of the Altadena/Pasadena community. They support us, and we need to do the same for them!

Let's really do this! We can let go of all the devisivness , the arguments, the "which side are you on?" We can agree on some things. Hopefully the Altadena Cash Mobs can be one of them. Let's support our community, our local businesses and the hard working citizens who open those doors every morning.

So head over there to Perry's this Saturday, the 28th. They are open from 10 AM to 5 PM. When you get there, tell them we sent you!

If you want to learn more about the Altadena Cash Mobs, visit us on Facebook.

Perry's menu and a great interview done with Perry by Muir students are there.

We also would love to hear any feedback and ideas about the cash mobs and ideas for future mobs.

Terry Moore is organizing the Altadena Cash Mobs.

 

Crime blotter: vehicle vandalisms mark the week

A rash of vehicle vandalisms this week, and some reasons to be part of Neighborhood Watch.  Crime blotter by Lt. Michael White of Altadena Sheriff Station 

Sunday, July 15
5:00 PM – A vehicle vandalism occurred in the 2500 block of N. Raymond Avenue.  (Subjects were apprehended).

Monday, July 16
Between 6:30 PM and 7:00 AM (Tuesday) – A vehicle vandalism occurred in the 3600 block of Skylane Dr.  

Tuesday, July 17
Between 11:30 AM and 12:12 PM – A vehicle burglary occurred at 24Hr. Fitness (2180 N. Lincoln Av.).  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the front passenger window.  Loss:  black purse containing personal documents.  *Loss was in plain sight (front passenger seat)*
6:00 PM and 7:00 PM – A vehicle vandalism occurred in the 500 block of Royce St. (Known suspect).
9:00 PM and 9:00 AM (Wednesday) – A vehicle vandalism occurred in the 2100 block of Raymond Av.

Wednesday, July 18
Between 1:30 PM and 3:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1500 block of N. Allen Avenue.   Suspect(s) entered the location by shattering the rear window.  Loss:  red and black handmade rug.

Friday, July 20
7:59 PM – A vehicle was reported stolen from the 800 block of Alberta St.  
Between 8:20 PM and 8:36 PM – A petty theft occurred at Panda Express (2234 Lincoln Av.).  Loss:  black iPhone. *Loss was unattended*
9:32 PM – A petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 1400 block of La Solana Drive.  Loss:  black Garmin GPS & charger.

*** WHY YOU NEED TO BE A PART OF A NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH *****

• Neighborhood Watch is one of the most effective and least costly ways to prevent crime.
• Neighborhood Watch forges bonds among area residents.  It helps reduce neighborhood crimes and creates a partnership between law enforcement and the community.
• Neighborhood Watch fights the isolation that crime both creates and feeds upon.
• Neighbors working together in cooperation with law enforcement makes the best crime fighting team around!
• Any community resident can join a Neighborhood Watch; young or old, single or married, renter or homeowner.
• Members can learn how to make their homes more secure, watch out for each other and the neighborhood, and report suspicious activities to the Sheriff's Department.
• You can form a Neighborhood Watch group for any area:  a street, mobile home park, apartment complex, community recreation center, or park.
• Neighborhood Watch groups are not vigilantes.  They are extra eyes and ears for reporting crime and helping neighbors.
• Neighborhood Watch builds pride and serves as a springboard for efforts that address community needs.
• Citizen involvement is essential to combat this social crisis.
• Contact the Altadena Sheriff's Station for assistance in forming a Neighborhood Watch group in your area.  

 

 

 

 

Mystery history photo: where was this barn?

 

The Lindley Stables in Atladena

 

 

by TImothy Rutt

Jane Brackman at the Altadena Historical Society shares with us this month's mystery photo:

One of our readers asked us to post this photograph and inquiry:  “My daughter asked me to send you this photo to put on your site as a "mystery photo" in hopes that we might get an ID for the location.   Arthur Lindley is one the far right of this photo (with the dog) and my grandmother Anita (his daughter) is the tallest child on the left (with her brother and sister).

The property owner was Milton Lindley, who migrated west from Indiana in the 1880s, and the site is most likely close to the historic Davies Building in Farnsworth Park, on north Lake Avenue and Mt. Curve.  We suspect that the L.A. County Park Department office still standing in Farnsworth Park might be a remodeled remnant of the original Lindley property.  Please let us know if you have any information about the Lindley family site or the history of the park department office building. 

Check out the full entry at the Historical Society's blog.   Does anyone know where this barn was? 

 

 

The office building at Farnsworth Park: is this all that remains of the Lindley Barn?

 

 

 

 

Edison maintenance is behind helicopter flights in the mountains

The mystery helicopter issue -- mulitiple flights per day have been going over the hills from Chantry Flat to Millard Canyon -- seems to be solved.

We were forwarded an email from Graham Breakwell of the US Forest Service, who explains what's going on with all the chopper activity -- it's Southern California Edison at work:

SCE are focused on inspecting/maintaining their road-inaccessible Transmission Towers in the Millard Canyon vicinity:

i) probably 10 days of flying, Monday – Friday. from 7am to 5 pm, between Wednesday 11th and Tuesday 31st July;

ii) Chantry (Big Santa Anita) for landing and refueling and Chaney Trail for hovering (70’ up?) and collecting personnel on a 75’ rope;

iii) One helicopter and 2 pilots;

iv) 3- 4 flights a day into Chaney Trail, each hover for <3 minutes and then deliver personnel to the tower. Helicopter at rest and refueling will be at Chantry;

v) Chaney Trail hovering site will have a water truck to water down the area which is between the two LAWC water tanks; and

vI) Have security personnel posted at: a) The meeting point of the dirt pathway/trail crossing Chaney Trail (at the bend/elbow in the road) below the lower water tank, and b) another on Mt Lowe Road at the upper tank where a road starts and then descends to join upper and lower tanks.

Now, if we could only get an explanation about the mystery booms ...

West Nile virus confirmed in Burbank, San Marino

from the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District

Vector ecologists from from the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD) report that six additional mosquito samples and two more dead birds collected in the District this summer have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV).

Please refer to the charts below for a breakdown of the West Nile virus activity confirmed this past week. 

City or Community	Zip Code(s)	# of WNV+ mosquito samples collected
Burbank	91505	1
San Marino	91108	1
Encino	91436, 91306	3
Chatsworth	91311	1

City or Community	Zip Code(s)	WNV+ dead bird
Sherman Oaks	91411	1 American Crow
Northridge	91324	1 Raven

This is the first sign of virus activity in Burbank, San Marino, Chatsworth, Sherman Oaks, and Northridge. So far this year, GLACVCD has identified a total of 20 WNV positive mosquito samples and four WNV positive dead birds within its jurisdiction.

Statewide, a total of 593 mosquito samples and 432 dead birds have been identified as positive for West Nile virus. In addition, six human cases of West Nile virus have been reported throughout California.

Poetry corner: we speak for the trees

" Petition from  the East Side- West Side Squirrels"

from gloriana casey


The Squirrel's  council spoke today,
about the dearth of trees:
Those winds of change blew down our homes
we're begging of you please!

A mighty wind blew all away!
We ask for your help true.
For we in truth did plant the trees;
they're your enjoyment too.

Now some do think the acorn is
the father to the tree.
But really give us credit too;
we plant for us and THEE!

We plant the nuts that do grow tall,
our industry serves you.
So plant more trees on the WEST side,
the least that you can do!

Another found pitbull

Reader Pita is sharing this:

A dog showed up at a neighbor's front yard Sunday night, (the 22nd) He is a friendly male, un-neutered pit, or pit-mix.  He is about 75 lbs. and maybe two years of age. He was in the Loma Alta area, and we hope to find his owners. 

The contact email is carrobomba@hotmail.com  

County's tree replacement plan heavily favors east side

View Altadena Tree Planting Location Map in a larger map

Los Angeles County's plan to replace trees blown down in the November/December 2011 windstorm calls for most replacement trees to be planted on the east side of town. Altadenablog map.

by Timothy Rutt

Altadena Heritage says that the county's plan to replace trees lost in last year's windstorm heavily favors planting on the east side of town, leaving west Altadena "tree-deficient."

Michele Zack, a member of the town council's beautification committee and one of the leaders of Altadena Heritage, said that they would prefer more equitable distribution of the replacement trees, considering that Altadena west of Lake Avenue is "tree-deficient."  Zack said they particularly wanted street trees -- trees that are in the parkway adjoining the street -- along the Woodbury Road corridor between Santa Anita and Arroyo/Windsor.  Trees are being planted on the medians during improvement work this summer, but widening of Woodbury in the mid-1960's removed many street trees that were never replaced, Zack said.

Zack said that street trees along Woodbury Road, which she described as a "gateway to Altadena" with 25,000 car trips per day, would improve the appearance of a neighborhood that has largely been passed over for improvements in the years since the street was widened.  The corridor is also planned to include a bikeway, and trees would help make the road, which is also the entrance to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a "beautiful parkway," Zack said.

The beautification committee gave a model letter to the town council last week, asking the county supervisors for more equitable distribution of new trees and an emphasis on the Woodbury corridor.  Los Angeles County had offered $100,000 in grant money to replace trees lost in the November/December windstorm and plant new street trees.  The council has not taken action on the letter.

In a list from the county provided to Altadenablog by Zack, 208 trees are allocated to different addresses in Altadena. Most addresses have one tree, but some have as many as four. As shown the the map above, the new plantings largely favor the area east of Lake Avenue.  Only one new street tree is scheduled to be planted along the Woodbury corridor.

Publisher's notebook: a little country, a little rock-n-roll, all Altadena perfection

by Timothy Rutt

 

The Altadena camera strap. Image by California Bohemian Leather

This is our new favorite thing in the entire world:  our camera strap.

We believe in using good, high-quality tools for daily work, and as we got back into serious photography, one of the problems we had was finding a camera strap that worked for the way we shoot.  We had some ideas: we wanted it wide, like a belt.  We don't want to wear the camera around our neck, we want to support it on our shoulder and wear it on our hip like a Sam Browne belt, ready to draw when needed, like a gunfighter.  It needed to have a sliding shoulder pad to disperse the weight of the camera and make it easier to carry for a longer period of time.  It needed to have a pouch to hold the lens cap, so we wouldn't drop it in a pocket or lose it.  And we didn't want a cheesy nylon strap, we wanted something in leather that would get old and scratched and beat-up and look better and richer for the experience, like it had tales to tell.

Something like that couldn't be bought.  It had to be made.  No, it had to be forged.  No, it had to be born.  And it had to be born in Altadena.

And it could be.  We're fortunate to be friends with Marisol Martinez and Lance Anderson at Altadena's own California Bohemian Leather.  They've been making leather goods for a couple of years now, and are getting quite the reputation locally as the go-to place for unique, outstanding, and high-quality belts, and nationally among the ultrarunning community (if you've sweated through 100 miles to earn a brass race buckle, you don't want to put it on some crappy-looking belt).  We talked about our ideal camera strap.  Fortunately for us, the project excited them, too.  We gave them our design ideas, took some measurements, and then we left 'em alone with only the direction to make it beautiful and kick ... well, you know.  Kick. 

And it does: dark leather with lots of masculine brass rivets and rings, a kind of retro-cowboy look.  They had the idea of embossing "Altadena" on the front and back of the strap, to proclaim to the world the place where it was born and the community it serves.  Our name is embossed on the lenscap pouch, so nobody else can claim it's theirs, but who would dare to?  It is a thing of beauty from two of Altadena's true artists and craftspeople that reflects their love of what they do and the community they call home.  We are totally in love with this thing.

Thank you, Marisol and Lance.  It is stunning, and we'll be proud to wear your handiwork around town as we do what it is we do.

It was described on Facebook as "a little bit country and a little bit rock 'n' roll."  And so it is.  Just like Altadena!

California Bohemian Leather,  2524 El Molino Ave., Altadena  (213) 300-7083.

"Two Gentlemen of Verona" at Farnsworth Park Aug. 5

by Timothy Rutt

Ding dong -- the Bard of Avon's calling, as Shakespeare by the Sea returns to Altadena with "Two Gentlemen of Verona."

The San Pedro-based theater troupe, which presents Shakespearean plays around southern California during the summer, performs the comedy at 7 PM on Sun., Aug. 5, at the Farnsworth Park amphitheater.

Thwarted lovers, heroines in disguise, scene-stealing servants (and their dogs) -- it's all there, and admission is free.

 

 

Dead man's hand: Wicked Lit poker tournament at the Mausoleum Aug. 18

by Timothy Rutt

Unbound Productions, which puts together the Wicked Lit plays during the Halloween season at the Mountain View Cemetery and Mausoleum, is hosting a fundraising poker tournament and gathering on Sat. Aug. 18 at 6 PM. 

They promise a "fun-filled evening at Mountain View Mausoleum to support Wicked Lit."  Events include the poker tournament (limited to 50 players, prizes for the top eight); play readings (including spoofs of two Wicked Lit plays); "Pick 'em game (prizes for all contestants); a silent auction; and a cash bar with lots of food.

The lineup for WIcked Lit 2012 will also be announced, and tickets will go on sale before they're available to the general public.

$40 buy-in to the poker tournament (50 players maximum), and only 100 general admission tickets ($20) will go on sale.  Make your reservations now before it fills up -- for complete information go to WickedLit.org or call 818-242-7910

Found dog (now pound dog)

The Davis family writes:

We found a lost dog 7/22/12. It was running up Dominion Avenue corner,  cross street. Washington and Allen. We took her to the Pasadena Humane Society phone 626-792-7151. Hope you can post this picture and she can be reunited with her owners. 

Sheriffs, CERT planning drill on North Fair Oaks tonight, 7-9 PM

by Carolyn Seitz

Some of the Altadena Sheriff's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members will be engaged in a mini-drill or exercise on Monday, July 23 between 7 and 9 PM.

We're letting you know because our activities for this particular exercise will be staged from Neighbors Empowering Youth at 2662 North Fair Oaks and we may be on Fair Oaks or in the alley between Fair Oaks and McNally or on Harriet, Mariposa and/or Highview during those hours.

We may also be using or testing radios around your streets, or in the alley between Fair Oaks and McNally so you could hear some commotion or noise.

Still places available for Arroyo Food Co-op's "Locavore Dinner" Aug. 11

from the Arroyo Food Co-op

The Arroyo Food Co-op, which recently signed up its 500th member, will host a “Locavore” dinner on Saturday, August 11, showcasing seasonal foods along with local producers and growers. The event is also designed to attract new members and update current members on the co-op’s progress toward opening its doors. 

A professional chef from the Altadena community will prepare appetizers and a three-course menu featuring items sourced locally and regionally.  The meal will include gourmet summer salads, meat and vegetarian entrees, and dessert.

“We are excited to feature seasonal produce such as nectarines and corn from the Altadena and Pasadena Farmer’s Markets, and cheese and other handcrafted gourmet products from small local producers,” said Blair Miller, board member and one of the dinner’s organizers.

Reservations for the event are now available.  The cost is $45 for members and $50 for non-members, plus a $3 internet service fee. Seating is limited, and tickets must be purchased in advance.

To buy tickets, for more information, and to view the anticipated menu, go here.

The Arroyo Food Co-op will serve as an alternative to corporate-owned grocers in the community and will be entirely owned by its members. It will offer organic, sustainably, and locally sourced products along with humanely raised meats, fair trade items, and non-GMO produce. 

Hot summer night with Susie Hansen's Latin jazz at Farnsworth Park

The Sheriff Support Group Summer Concert Series welcomes Susie Hanson and her Latin Jazz Band this Saturday:

Electric violinist Susie Hansen plays fiery Latin Jazz and Salsa, creating music that brings audiences to their feet, dancing in the aisles. Susie and her Los Angeles-based band have been acclaimed by many critics, such as Phil Elwood from the San Francisco Examiner who describes them this way: "It's a sizzling, swinging Salsa band. Hansen can solo as if her bow was afire. The whole room was jumpin' for joy."

The Chicago native is a well-established jazz musician, and she has developed a unique and exciting Latin jazz style that features her electric violin as the lead instrument of the ensemble. She has drawn on various forms of both jazz and Latin music, utilizing the ever-potent fire of Afro-Cuban rhythms. She integrates her own interpretation of traditional Cuban Charanga, a predecessor of Salsa which often features the violin, with the compelling harmonies of straight-ahead jazz. According to Don Heckman of the Los Angeles Times, Susie "creates a brand of music that is as physically moving as it is intellectually stimulating." Her all-star band features George Balmaseda on lead vocals, Joe Rotondi on keyboards, Rene Camacho on bass and Jimmy Branly on timbales, among other great musicians.

According to Oscar Abadia, KL VE-FM, radio K-Love in Los Angeles, "Susie Hansen is the greatest Salsa violinist in America." She has been featured as a soloist with Orquesta Los Van Van, Cuba's premier dance orchestra, both in Los Angeles and in Havana, Cuba, and with Orquesta Aragon, the world's most acclaimed Cuban Charanga ensemble.

Susie began studying classical violin at the age of six with her father, James Hansen, who was a violinist in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for 37 years. In Boston she studied violin with Eric Rosenblith, string department chair at New England Conservatory, and she studied jazz and bebop with legendary jazz instructor Charlie Banacos. She also pursued an education in math and
computer science, ultimately earning two Masters degrees in Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). After graduation, her musical career took precedence.

Susie formed her own jazz group in Chicago in 1982 which she led for several years. Following a successful concert of her band in Grant Park in 1986, she was invited by Victor Parra, leader of the Mambo Express All-Stars, to replace their violinist, and she soon discovered her passion for Latin music. When she moved to Los Angeles in 1988, she embarked on an in-depth study of everything and anything to do with Latin music. As can be seen from the extensive critical acclaim she has received, Susie has succeeded in turning the heads of even the most skeptical.

As Mark Holston wrote in JAZZIZ Magazine, "her violin speaks the language of Latin Jazz with total fluency." A long-time favorite in Los Angeles, Susie and her band play 175-200 live performances per year, including such events as the Playboy Jazz Festival, Fiesta Broadway, San Jose Jazz Festival, LA Salsa Festival and Newport Beach Jazz Festival. She has toured nationally with her band, and has appeared with Tito Puente, Giovani Hidalgo, Paquito d'Rivera, Orquesta Broadway, Vikki Carr, Jose Rizo's Jazz on the Latin Side All-Stars, Orquesta Aragon, EI Gran Combo, Los Van Van and Sonora Poncefia.

Susie Hansen is a recording artist on Jazz Caliente Records with two releases, The Salsa Never Ends and Solo Flight. Susie receives extensive airplay and sells CD in the United States, Europe, South America and Asia. Her music has charted with radio and club DJs throughout the world. 

The free concert starts at 7 PM Sat., July 28, at the Farnsworth Park Amphitheatre.  There's a clip after the jump.

Three rescues in one hour from sheriff's deputies

by Timothy Rutt

Rescue crew deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department had a workout July 13, with three helicopter rescues in a little over an hour.

It all started at 1 PM on July 13, with the rescue of a man at Eaton Falls (our original story and video here).  The victim had fallen 80 feet and landed on the canyon floor, sustaining moderate trauma injuries.  Rescue crews reached him, provided initial treatment and hoisted him up by helicopter.

Once he was in the Air Rescue 5 chopper, the crew saw another hiker perched precariously on an Eaton Canyon cliff face approximately 150 feet above the floor of the canyon.  Deputies determined he was unable to move, and a paramedic was lowered to the man, who was secured with a rescue strap and hoisted into the helicopter.

The chopper then flew the injured hiker to a hospital for treatment. 

While at the hospital, Air 5 received another call of a a Moorpark man who had plunged over 60 feet at the base of Hermit Falls at the Chantry Flat campround north of Arcadia.  They flew to the scene, lowered a paramedic who treated the victim at the scene, and he was hoisted into the helicopter and transported to a local hospital for treatment.

 

Police advise awareness of cell phone thefts

by Timothy Rutt

Capt. John Benedict of the Altadena Sheriff Station said that there has been an increase in cell phone thefts, and passes along this note from the Pasadena Police Department:

Recently, the Pasadena Police Department has seen an increase in cell phone thefts in and around the Pasadena area.  Because cell phones are now an everyday part of life, and most everyone carries one, criminals are finding it easy to steal.  If your cell phone or other electronic device is stolen, it is relatively easy to clear the memory and resell the device. It is not uncommon for criminals to take your phone right out of your hands if the opportunity presents itself.

The police department has noticed several common denominators associated with the thefts.  The following safety tips may reduce the likelihood you will be a victim of this particular crime:

• Be aware of your surroundings.  Do not walk down the street talking on your phone oblivious of your environment. Thieves are looking for victims who are distracted.
• While in public, do not leave your phone unattended; put it away after use.
•  If you become a victim of a crime, call the police as soon as possible. Do not wait until you arrive at your destination.
• Activate the GPS tracking system on your phone or other electronic device.  If the device does not have a GPS tracking system, there is after-market software available. By having these applications installed on the devices, police personnel may locate the suspects and perhaps recover your phone.
• If you are a victim of a cell phone theft and see the suspect, do not attempt to recover your property.   Attempt to secure a good description of the suspect and/or any involved vehicles (license number, color, and model) and the last known direction of travel. Let the police attempt to locate and arrests the person(s) responsible.

The best preventative measure is to be aware of your surroundings.

 

Putting the summer on simmer

by Timothy Rutt

Well, summer school is out, and PUSD doesn't start up for a month -- so we're dealing with the kids pretty constantly starting this week.  Because we want to give them an enjoyable summer and have a few adventures together,  the website is going on "simmer" for awhile -- the important stuff will be there, and there will be daily updates, but we're not making any pretense that we're going to be everywhere and do everything like we normally do!  Enjoy the day!  

Dog days are here a little early

Dog days seem to have come early:

First, reader Dawn tell us:

I just saw 2 adult Australian cattle dogs roaming around Loma Alta park. They were together one had a collar with a broken lead or tie and other had no collar. I tried to entice them to come to me so check for tags, but they would not come near. They were running out on to Lincoln in front of cars. The last I saw them they were on the baseball field. I called animal control for fear that they would get hurt.

Next, another reader says they found a lost dog Saturday afternoon in the Porter/Homewood area.  Very sweet, picture to the right.  If you can help, call Joe at 626-660-8733.

 

100 miles later ... triumph at Loma Alta Park

by Timothy Rutt

Altadena's Marisol Martinez smiles in triumph at the finish line of the Angeles Crest 100 Mile Endurance Race Sunday morning.  Martinez ran for almost 28 hours from Wrightwood to Loma Alta Park, coming in 30th.

As of this writing the other Altadena runner, Diana Treister, was on the last leg from the Millard Canyon checkpoint and ETA was about 10:30 AM. 

UPDATE: Diana Treister came in at 10:29 AM, finishing 41st overall, and #8 for women.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ready to go with fingers, picks and bow -- it's Wreck N Sow

 

Wreck N Sow -- Andre Dupuy, Randy Cochran, PIerre Dupy, and Mike Stave -- perform country Americana with an alternative edge at Farnsworth Park Saturday night, July 21, 2012.

by Timothy Rutt

 

Local favorites Wreck N Sow brought their instruments, overalls, and sense of humor to the Farnsworth Park Concert Series Saturday night in  a program of  alt/folk/country fun.

The band - Andre Dupuy, Pierre Dupuy, Randy Cochran, and Mike Stave -- sang and played to an appreciative picnic crowd.

Master of ceremonies Bob Klomburg also straightened out that, while LA County has ten amphitheaters in its parks, most of them are just a flat spot in the landscape -- only three of them (Farnsworth Park, the John Anson Ford Theater, and some little venue in Hollywood whose name escapes us at the moment) are actual theaters with seats and everything.

You know it was a good concert when the last thing they said was a list of upcoming dates and "read about it in the 'blog."  

 

A few of the numbers got the crowd up and dancing.

 

 

 

Charter school to open in Northwest Pasadena

Celerity Exa School principal Sara Garcia, left, talks to parents about the new school that will open on W. Peoria St. at the now-vacant Hodges Children's Center in Pasadena. (Raul Roa / Pasadena Sun Staff Photographer / July 18, 2012)

By Joe Piasecki
Pasadena Sun

A charter school operator new to the city will open its doors in Northwest Pasadena next month, hoping to draw students from low-income families and those who are learning English.

Celerity Exa Charter School began recruiting kindergarten and elementary school students on Monday after reaching a verbal agreement to lease the Hodges Children's Center from the Pasadena Unified School District for one year, district spokesman Adam Wolfson said. 

A formal lease awaits approval by the Pasadena Board of Education, which ratified Celerity Exa's charter petition in June.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

Library summer: juggling and movies

The Altadena Library's summer program continues with programs for children and teens:

On Tues., July 24, award-winning juggler David Cousin's comedy show will have audience involvement, interaction, and music perfectly suited to delight all ages.  Cousin will perform at 2 PM at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. , and at 4 PM at the Bob Lucas Branch Library, 2659 N. Lincoln Ave. 

On July 27, the Summer Movie Extravaganza continues with "Diary of  A Wimpy Kid 2: Roderick Rules" on Fri., July 27, at 3 PM.  Popcorn, punch, and a good family movie at the main library Community Room.

 

Altadena Junction: blanketing the foothills

It's this week's Altadena Junction, in the Pasadena Sun, featuring a blanket you can't buy at Walmart.

Wreck N Sow in Farnsworth Park tonight

Wreck N Sow playing at the 2009 Summer Concert Series in Farnsworth Park.

The crowds are getting big for the Sheriff Support Group's summer concert series in Farnsworth Park, so maybe you better get there a little early: tonight it's local folk/Americana favorites Wreck N Sow in a free, family-friendly show that starts at 7 PM.

Bring a picnic or buy your dinner from El Patron Mexican Restaurant, which will be on hand at the park.  Beer, wine, and soft drinks are available from the Altadena Rotary Club onsite as well.  Farnsworth Park will be the place to be tonight!

 

Crime blotter: residential thefts continue

It's mostly residential thefts this time around.  Crime blotter by Lt. Michael White of the Altadena Sheriff Station.

Sunday, July 8

Between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM – A petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the area of Palm Street. & Lincoln Avenue.  Loss:  gray Garmin GPS, black sunglasses, coin purse.

Monday, July 9

Between 1:00 AM and 2:30 AM – A residential burglary occurred in the 700 block of W. Neldome Street.  Suspect entered the residence via the unlocked bathroom window.  Loss:  personal credit cards.  (Suspect possibly known).

Thursday, July 12

Between 9:00 PM and 9:00 AM (Friday) – A residential burglary occurred in the 2100 block of Santa Rosa Avenue.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by shattering the rear window.  Loss:  unknown.

Friday, July 13

Between 9:30 AM and 11:45 AM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2500 block of N. Altadena Dr.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by shattering the rear glass door.  Loss:  tan safe, silver serving pitcher (1950 era), personal documents.

Between 8:30 PM and 8:30 AM (Saturday) – A grand theft occurred in the 700 block of E. Pine Street.  Loss:  orange trim Harley Davidson road glide seat cushion, (2) black/orange fiberglass hard bags, black/orange touring package case.

Mysteries of Altadena: it's a boom town

by Timothy Rutt

Ever since the time around Independence Day, we've heard (and gotten reports of) big "booms" being heard around Altadena. Some of this you can assign to illegal fireworks going off, but even as we go deep into July, it has't ended.

Public safety volunteer Carolyn Seitz has sent around an email with the sheriff's response

Many people across the community have been asking about the "loud booms" that seem to be coming from the Eaton Canyon area according to some of the discussions and/or from the areas west of Lake according to others.  Some describe the loud sounds as firecrackers, cherry bombs, M-80's, or gunshots.  

Some of you who have been posting on your neighborhood listservs also indicated that you heard a series of loud booms that seemed to travel from east to west, but the duration and number of booms you heard was relatively low - 3 or 4 booms in a moving sequence.

The Commander of the Detective Bureau at the Altadena Sheriff's Station, Detective Lt. Michael White indicated that only a couple of people called the Sheriff's Station Wednesday and/or Thursday night to report hearing these loud bursts.  

The responding deputies were unable to locate the source of these booms.

If you continue to hear them and can provide any better info about where you think the source is, please call the Sheriff's Station to report it as quickly as possible.

Thank you for remaining vigilant.  We're all being reminded that "IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING".  Please continue to call the Sheriff's Station at 626 798 1131.

This has only gotten the neighborhood newsgroups riled up: one Chaney Trail neighborhood resident called them:

more like ground explosive shock waves (such as something very large being dropped from a great height or a rock blast) and less like sonic booms or upper atmospheric sounds from aircraft. They are deep, explosive sounds, sometimes sharp and short... perhaps quite distant, but with no significant echo (at least from my location). 

Rather than coming from Eaton Canyon, they cailbrated them as north to slightly northeast of Chaney Trail.

Add to that increased helicopter activity:  Dave Ford of Southern California Edison emails that crews using helicopters are working on repair and maintenance of infrastructure up in the foothills -- but could that cause booming?

What's YOUR idea?

 

Another lost pitbull

Reader Steven tell us:

I live in Altadena and found a lost dog running around my front yard Wednesday night (Jul 18). It is a grey/brown pit bull with a white mark on its face/head. The dog did not have a tag, but did have a small spiked collar and pink harness. I have been posting a few handwritten signs around my street, but so far has not gotten any calls. I’ve seen the owner walk this dog once or twice before and she is a blonde lady maybe in her mid- to late thirties. I live on E. Las Flores.

A picture of the dog has been attached. Hopefully someone who knows this dog comes forward soon as I am not able to keep this dog.

626-863-8368

 

 

Your daily dose of Walmart news

by Timothy Rutt

Item 1: Save Altadena will host "Wal-Mart: the High Cost of Low Price" tomorrow, Sat. July 21, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N. Lake Ave., 10:15 AM (yes, in the morning). Seating is limited -- please call 626-798-6236 to save your spot.

Item 2: Altadena town councilman Brent Musson has some thoughts and questions about Walmart, opposition, and support in an article on his website, "Understanding the 'Save Altadena' movement."  Read more here.

Item 3: The mighty Steve Scauzillo at the San Gabriel Valley Tribune contributes some thoughts about Walmart, too.  There was a big movement against a Walmart in Rosemead, which went in anyway -- and the deleterious effects that supposedly come with Walmart haven't materialized yet.  In fact, Scauzillo thinks Walmart is better than Amazon because it pumps sales taxes into the community.  What do you think?  Give it a read.