altadenablog

George McGovern dead; spoke in Altadena in 2009

 

Former Senator and 1972 Presidential candidate George McGovern, left, with former Nixon staffer John Dean, at the Altadena Senior Center, Nov. 2, 2009.

 

 

by Timothy Rutt

Former South Dakota Senator and 1972 Democratic presidential candidate George McGovern died Sunday at Sioux Falls. He was 90.  

His NY Times obit is here.

McGovern and former Nixon White House counsel John Dean spoke in Altadena almost two years ago as part of a Friends of the Library program.  McGovern, who had a Ph.D. in history, had just published a short biography of Abraham Lincoln.

 

"Neighbors" group looking for funds to research Walmart document filings

by Timothy Rutt

Neighbors Building a Better Altadena (NBBA), one of the organizations opposing a Walmart Neighborhood Market in Altadena, is trying to raise funds for research.

According to an announcement from NBBA, the group has enlisted the help of  LAANE (Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy), which agreed to help research and review the permitting documents filed by Walmart with LA County, but it will cost money.  NBBA has put forth a $300 deposit to start the research, but must raise $2,500 total for the project.  

"LAANE will let us pay in installments, but we have to raise the money quickly so the researcher can get started," the announcement said.  If you can help, NBBA says, send a check payable to LAANE (which is tax deductible) to:

LAANE Research, c/o Monica Hubbard
1843 Pepper Dr.,
Altadena, 91001.  

Please put "NBBA Research" in the memo line of the check.  The donations need to be recorded by NBBA before they're turned over to LAANE.

To read more about LAANE, visit http://www.laane.org/projects/good-grocery-stores/.

Arroyo Food Co-op offers free range Thanksgiving turkeys -- order by Oct. 31

by Timothy Rutt

Altadenablog sponsor The Arroyo Food Co-op says you can pre-order a free-range turkey from now through Oct. 31.

The antibiotic-free gobblers will be delivered fresh (not frozen) a few days before Thanksgiving in individual boxes.  Price is $2.85 per pound (you can order in two pound increments).

The turkeys come from Shelton's Poultry, which operates out of Pomona and raises the birds in Fresno.  Exact pickup details are being worked out, but the co-op says that the turkeys will be delivered during the week before Thanksgiving in the Pasadena/Altadena area.  Pickup information will be emailed out beforehand, and posted on the co-op's turkey ordering web page.  

The co-op says: "Because these turkeys are fresh, Shelton's cannot guarantee the size of your bird to the ounce, which is why they take orders in two-pound increments. So keep in mind that if you order a turkey, it can range within two pounds. Shelton's is an established local business with nearly 90 years of experience, and they rarely deliver turkeys smaller than ordered."

If you are already a co-op member,  please click here to order your turkey.

If not a member, you can join the Co-op now to receive your discount, or you can click here to order at the non-member price.

Please order by October 31 to insure your order is fulfilled as requested.

 

Library inaugurates Graphic Novel Book Club for teens Thursday

by TImothy Rutt

The Altadena Library is starting a Graphic Novel Book Club, meeting once a month to read and chat about comics and graphic novels.

For teens ages 13-17, learn more beyond the movie and TV screens, and stop by the Youth Services Reference Desk to sign up.  It's fun, free and easy, but space is lmited.

The first meeting will be Thurs. Oct. 25, starting at 4 PM at the Altadena Main Library Community Room, 600 E. Mariposa St. 

 

 

Altadena Baptist Church holds Fall Festival Saturday with food trucks

Altadena Baptist Church is hosting a Fall Festival for the whole family on Saturday, October 27, 5-8 PM.  Join us for carnival games, food, music and fun.  Kids and adults are welcome to come in costume and enter a contest.  Food trucks: The Lobos Truck and Oooh LaLa Crepes will provide the food (subject to change).  This event happens at the corner of Calaveras and El Molino, 791 E. Calaveras St., Altadena.  For more information call 626.797.8970

SGV Newcomers and Friends having meet & greet in Altadena Nov. 7

Newcomers and Friends  of San Gabriel Valley is having a Meet and Greet Coffee on Wed., Nov. 7, from 10 AM-noon in a member’s home in Altadena, CA.

 

Looking to meet new friends, have some fun, and become more familiar with the area? All women that are new to this area, or have had changes in their lives, or are looking for fun and interesting daytime activities and making new friends are cordially invited to stop by for socializing and refreshments (no charge to attend). Newcomers and Friends of SGV is a friendly, warm, welcoming group.

 

For more information, please visit our website, www.sgvnewcomers.com, or our Meetup page, www.meetup.com/Newcomers-and-Friends-of-San-Gabriel-Valley.

League of Women Voters looks at women in elected office Nov. 1

from the Pasadena League of Women Voters

The League of Women Voters Pasadena Area is sponsoring a public forum Nov. 1 about women in elected office and why, if women hold up half the sky, only 25 percent hold elected offices nationwide. The forum will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Women’s City Club, 160 N. Oakland Ave., Pasadena.

Marguerite Cooper of National Women’s Political Caucus will moderate a panel that includes L.A. County’s only elected female mayor, Mary Ann Lutz of Monrovia; Renatta Cooper, president of the Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education; and Miranda Alvarado, a college student who is considering a career in politics.  (Due to the nonpartisan policy of the League, the two women from the wider Pasadena area currently campaigning for election to Congress will not be participating.)

 

"Arts tune-up" at Glendale Central Library Oct. 27

Individual artists and small budget organizations can benefit from free expert advice and  information on various aspects of arts management on Saturday, October 27 from 10 AM-1 PM at an "Arts Tune-Up" at the Central Library in the city of Glendale. Even though the event is  free, it is recommended that participants register via SurveyMonkey: 

 Go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ATU_Glendale

The fast -paced “arts tune-up” format works like this: There will be several tables set up with an  arts expert/consultant addressing a specific subject located at each table. Participants choose a  topic they want to learn more about. After 25 minutes, participants rotate to another table with a  topic of interest as the sessions repeat. There will be a total of 5 round-robin sessions of 25  minutes each. Participants are welcome to come by for an hour or stay for the entire morning. Topics for artists include Advocacy, Arts Education In-School Resources & Working in Arts  Education (K-12), Fundraising for Individual Artists, Getting Your Sh*t Together, Individual Artist  Resources, PR for Artists and Organizations, 3 C's to Effective Self-Promotion for Artists, Time  vs Money: Production for Indie Musicians and Understanding Health Insurance and Healthcare  Reform.

Topics for small budget arts organizations include: Advocacy, Arts Education In-School  Resources & Working in Arts Education (K-12), Board Leadership for Challenging Times,  Fundraising for Organizations, Marketing for Arts Organizations, PR for Artists and  Organizations and Understanding Health Insurance and Healthcare Reform.

Altadena-based experts include Monica Hubbard and Susan Braig.

Edison to be upgrading system in Altadena

by Timothy Rutt

Altadenablog welcomes a sponsor, Southern California Edison.

Edison will be doing system upgrades throughout Altadena over the next few weeks -- which usually involves living without power for a period of time -- and wants to call attention to its system upgrade website to so you can know what to do if your home is affected.

The system upgrade site is right here. 

Missing cat: Pauwee

Agnes writes:

Please help me find Pauwee. He was last seen in front of my house eat 7:45 PM last night.

I live on Santa Rosa cross street Poppyfield.

Pauwee is 21lbs, grey and white, with a white marking on his back shape almost like a ‘T’.

He is microchiped with PetLink via Altadena Pet Hospital in Lake.

If you find him please call Agnes at 818-415-0295.

 

No suspects in drive-by shooting Saturday night that wounded two

by Timothy Rutt

Two men were shot Saturday night at the 100 block of east Altadena Drive, and sheriffs say they have "no workable suspect information."

According to Sheriff Lt. Brian Fitch, someone in a black sedan fired five to seven rounds at two men leaving a party at about 10:35 PM.  One was struck in the neck and taken to Huntington Memorial Hospital where he was in stable condition.  The second man was shot through and though in the left leg and taken to Verdugo Hills Hospital in Glendale, where he was released later that night.

According to Fitch, witnesses reported that no words had been exchanged with anyone in the car before the shots were fired.  Other than the vague description of a "black sedan," there is no other information on the car or any occupants.

 

Sheriffs arrest victim's wife in Saturday stabbing death [UPDATE] Victim was arrested for assault that day

by Timothy Rutt

A 55 year old woman was arrested Saturday in the stabbing death of her husband on the 900 block of Mariposa Street.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, deputies from Altadena Station responded to a call of a "person stabbed" at 1:27 PM Saturday.  The victim, a 47-year-old man, was found lying on a sidewalk in front of an apartment building at the location.

According to a press release from the sheriff's office, "Further investigation revealed that the victim had been stabbed by his wife ...  The victim was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries at 5:12 P.M."

The release says that the suspect and victim lived in an apartment together and that the murder weapon, a knife, was recovered at the scene.

Cause of the stabbing is still under investigation, the release said.

The watch commander at the Crescenta Valley Sheriff's Station said at midnight Saturday that interviews were still going on and they hadn't released the name of  the victim or suspect.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or by using the websitehttp://lacrimestoppers.org. 

Picture of Robin S. Martin from LinkedIn website

UPDATE:  The suspect has been identified as Breta Durham, 55, of Altadena, and the victim as Robin Martin, 47.  According to Lt. Brian Fitch of the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department, Martin had been arrested earlier that day for spousal assault and was released after posting bond.

 

There is a firm in Pasadena, Robin S. Martin Incorporated, that lists Breta Durham as an agent.  According to the website LInkedIn, "Robin S. Martin teaches the field of habeas corpus-appeal in his own law college that he owns and started himself. He teaches the "real" law on the field that the establishment does not want you to know and teaches the "tricks and tactics" to make it all work" (that college website is here).  

 

 

 

Lego Club at the Library Saturday

The Lego Club at the Altadena Library meets this Satuday, Oct. 27, from 11 AM-12:30 PM.

Open to children ages 2-13, Legos and Duplos are provided -- just bring your imgination.

Lego Club meets at the Altadena Main Library Community Room, 600 E. Mariposa St.  

Morning jolt

• Lloyd Wright: Another historic Altadena house has gone on the market:  The Lloyd Wright-designed Dorland Home on Morada Place, which looks like a ship's prow.  Pasadena Views has pictures. 
• Jerry Brown: We have to give some props to the blog bikinginla, run by our compadre of some 40 years, Ted Rogers.  He coined the phrase "Jerry Browned" for when a passing vehicle gets too close to your bike (Brown has repeatedly vetoed bills asking for a three foot distance between vehicle and bicycle).  Now, the LA Times has anointed the phrase, and included a helmet cam video of Rogers being jerrybrowned by a Hollywood tour bus -- apparently without realizing phrase and video came from the same souce.  (Video has NSFW language during the jerrybrowing ....)   Expect a lot of this when the bike lanes on Woodbury Road are completed.
• Go Bruins:  From the Pasadena Unified School District: UCLA's "I'm Going to College" program hosted over 125 Jackson Elementary School students at the Oct. 13 Rose Bowl game.   "I’m Going to College" exposes students to a collegiate atmosphere that stresses the excellence of both education and athletics with the hope of building positive relationships with young people in the community and motivating them to continue achieving goals in both school and life. 
• Plugmob today: Muir Ranch, the community supported agriculture program at John Muir High School, will give away more than 10,000 organic vegetable and ornamental seedlings during its monthly Plugmob, today from 9 AM-noon. John Muir High School, 1905 N. Lincoln Ave., Pasadena. Enter on Canada Avenue. Contact: Mud Baron (213) 280-3149. 

 

The Haunting on Braeburn Road

by Timothy Rutt

Halloween is still quite a few days away, but the residents of Braeburn Road are already in a decorating mood.  Here's a seasonal graveyard -- whose bones are resting here?

More pictures after the jump.

Where are your neighborhood Halloween haunts?  Drop us a line and we'll take a picture!

Altadena Junction: the vision thing

Our weekly column is now up at the Pasadena Sun website, and will be available in print (if you don't live in Altadena!) Sunday morning.

Pumpkin festival at Kidspace next week

KidKidspace will hold its 18th annual Pumpkin Festival on Oct. 27-28, from 9:30 AM-5:30 PM.

There will be music, games, pumpkins, books and costumes to buy, crafts projects, and lots more to get ready for the season.

Kidspace is at 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena, at Brookside Park.

 

Reports of fireworks on west side

by Timothy Rutt

We've been getting reports of fireworks being heard on the west side tonight, possibly coming from the hills.  On Twitter, D.G. Marks recorded this shot:

An evening of Swedish art song at Boston Court tonight

Alta-musician Lisa Sylvester will accompany soprano Kathleen Roland in a romantic evening of Swedish art songs tonight at the Boston Court Performing Arts Center in Pasadena.  

Performance begins at 8 PM, and more tickets and information is here.

 

Crime blotter: child endangerment charges following parole check

from the Altadena Sheriff's Station:

Tuesday, October 9
A vehicle burglary occurred at Eaton Canyon (1700 block of Altadena Drive). The unknown suspect smashed the window of a parked car and stole the victim’s purse, which was visible from the outside. 

Wednesday, October 10 
An unknown suspect spray painted graffiti on the sidewalk at Charles White Park (77 Mountain View Street). 

Sunday, October 14
An unknown suspect entered an unlocked vehicle in the 200 block of Marathon Road and stole the victim’s briefcase. 

Monday, October 15 
An unknown suspect stole two bicycles from the backyard of a residence in the 2600 block of Glen Avenue. 

A residential burglary was reported in the 1300 block of Rubio Street. Entry was made through an unlocked door. 

Tuesday, October 16 
A business in the 2000 block of Fair Oaks was burglarized at 2:15 AM. A small amount of currency was taken. Video surveillance of the incident showed four unknown male suspects. 

During a parole compliance check at a residence in the 300 block of Altadena Drive, COPS Team Deputies arrested three adults for Child Endangerment. Deputies determined that the residence was in such disrepair and unkempt that it posed an immediate danger to the two one year-old children at the location. DCFS took custody of the children.

Emily Green looks at parkway landscaping in Altadena Heritage workshop

by Timothy Rutt

Altadena Heritage presents Altadena resident and frequent LA Times gardening writer Emily Green in a waterwise gardening workshop on Wed., Nov. 7, at 7 PM at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.

Rather than going the full xeriscape route, Green will look at ways to curb water runoff and alternative landscaping for yards and parkways in an effort to save water and keep polluted runoff from local waterways.  Admission to the workshop is free.

Alta-jazzman Fielder performs in Pepper Adams tributes this week

By Timothy Rutt

Saxman and Altadena resident Dale Fielder is performing this week in a series of tribute concerts to Pepper Adams.

Adams, who died in 1986, is one of jazz's most prominent baritone saxiphonists, and Fielder is one of the leading exponents of his style.  This week, Fielder has been performing around the Los Angeles area as part of the First International Pepper Adams Jazz Festival.

Fielder also released his 14th album this week, Each Time I Think of You by the Dale Fielder Tribute Quintet.

Fielder has two appearances this weekend.  Tonight he will play with his Tribute Quintet at Soka University in a performance MC'd by Gary Carner, Adam's biographer who will also sign copies of his new book, Pepper Adams Joy Road.  On Saturday, he will play at Vibrato Grill Jazz in Los Angeles.

Fielder, who plays all four saxophones, is also a composer and bandleader, known for his original compositions and choice of performing rare, obscure jazz classics.  Fielder, who comes from the University of Pittsburgh Jazz Studies Program, has also studied compostion with Frank Gordon and saxophone with Sonny Stitt and Charles McPherson.

The Raymond Avenue resident emails: "My wife Patricia and I have been residents of Altadena since Feb 2009.  WE LOVE IT.  In fact before we moved into our house, my wife asked me how sure I was.  She asked if I could still see myself living here in 5 years.  My answer was: 5 years?  You can bury me in my back yard!  I'm done!" 

Find out more at www.dalefielder.com.  You can find out more about Pepper Adams at www.pepperadams.com

Check out Fielder at the Jazz Bakery after the jump.

Morning jolt

• Campaign sign burned: KABC has a piece about finding a burned Obama campaign sign on Sonoma Drive.  Sheriffs are following up to see if it could be construed a hate crime, but reports no other such incidents in the area.  KABC
• Valentine house for sale: Architect Henry Greene (of the Greene & Greene’s) developed the Wild Wood Park area for Walter D. Valentine c. 1922-24, building new houses or remodeling existing ones.  One of the Valentine houses is now on the market, and LA Curbed has it (altho’ there seems to be some criticism in the comments about the interior decorating!
• Time to vote: The Pasadena League of Women Voters reminds us that there’s still time to register to vote in November’s election.  You have until midnight Oct. 22, and you can do it online here.

 

Arroyo Time Bank will harvest your excess fruit, starting Saturday

from the Arroyo Time Bank

The Arroyo Time Bank Neighborhood Fruit Harvest team is at the ready to help reduce food waste in our community by harvesting excess backyard (or front yard!) produce.  The ATB Neighborhood Fruit Harvest team will be out on Saturday (Oct. 20) afternoon - let us know if you want us to come rescue your excess homegrown produce and reduce food waste in our community! Send an email to ATBFruitHarvest "at" gmail.com if you have fruit ripe for Saturday's harvest!

 

If you anticipate having excess ripe produce in the coming months, please fill out our online form (http://tiny.cc/nczemw) or send us an email (ATBFruitHarvest "at" gmail.com)  with relevant information so that we can be in touch with you when your fruit is available.

Application available for Altadena Visioning subcommittee

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Town Council will soon release an application for residents who want to be part of the council's subcommittee looking at Altadena's visioning process.

According to council vice-chair Jamie Bissner, the major thrust of the committee will be to look at revisions to the county's Community Standards District for Altadena.  The CSD was last revised in 1986.  

The committee will include members of the Town Council, the Altadena Chamber of Commerce, and Altadena Heritage.  Bissner said they are looking for members with professional expertise in such areas as architecture and real estate.

The committee will be approved by the Town Council, and will meet over a period of about six months to develop recommendations for the council to approve and pass on to county planners.

The application will also be available soon on the town council website (altadenatowncouncil.org) and at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.  Applications shoud be submitted to the community center.

Application after the jump.

Shake it out

by Timothy Rutt

Students at Eliot Middle School evacuate the building during Thursday's Great Shake Out earthquake drill.  While participation in the annual drill generates less excitement than in previous years, schools in the Pasadena Unified School District still take part.

 

Great California Shake Out Today

The annual Great California Shake-Out starts at 10:18 today, and we're going to head out to take pictures, so be prepared!

Christ the Shepherd adds ribs to Saturday's annual fish fry and bake sale Sat.

Come to Christ the Shepherd Lutheran Church for our annual Giant Fish Fry and Bake Sale on Saturday, October 20, from 11 AM-3 PM.  This year we’re adding succulent BBQ ribs to our menu of deep-fried fish, green beans, potato salad, and baked beans.

For $10, you can feast on a generous helping of fish (or ribs) with two sides, bread, and a soda.  For only $2 more, you can enjoy a combo plate including fish and ribs with “all the fixins”.  And for desert you can feast on a wide variety of home-made baked goods (individually priced).

Join your friends and neighbors this Saturday for a delightful down-home meal and fellowship while supporting Christ the Shepherd’s work in the community.

Christ the Shepherd is located at 185 W. Altadena Drive in Altadena, one block west of Fair Oaks Ave., on the corner of Altadena Dr. and Glenrose Ave.)

Walmart soon to open hiring center, look for local service vendors

by Timothy Rutt

 

Walmart Neighborhood Market manager Jennifer Gonzales addresses the Altadena Town Council Tuesday night.

Walmart’s Altadena supermarket is coming closer to reality, as the retailer reported to the Altadena Town Council that it will soon open a hiring center and look toward local vendors to provide maintenance and other services

However, opponents of the store are still active in organizing the neighborhood and criticizing the retailer’s business and employment practices.

Jennifer Gonzales, manager of the Altadena Walmart Neighborhood Market, told the council Tuesday night that they were about to sign a lease on a job center that would be located near the site of the planned market.  The hiring center, to be open in December, will have three terminals for job applicants, altho’ applicants can also appy at a Walmart store or walmart.com.  

Gozales said that in the next couple of months they will have an event for local vendors to apply for plumbing, electrical, and other maintenance jobs that will need to be done in the store.  

Gonzales said that the store was also partnering with Foothill Workforce in its search for potential employees.

Opponents to the store also had their say, both in asking questions and in the public comments part of Tuesday’s meeting.  Members of Neighbors Building a Better Altadena (NBBA) addressed several Walmart issues and their own plans of canvassing the neighborhood door to door. 

October town council meeting highlights

Highlights of Tuesday's Altadena Town Council meeting:

State of the state: Assemblyman Anthony Portantino delivered his final “state of the state” report to the council, detailing some of the bills he has introduced during his time in office: umbilical cord blood bank, banning open carry of empty weapons, encouraging younger women to get mammograms, and making legislators pay for vanity plates.  Portantino also touted the new plan that Southern California Edison must discuss disaster preparedness plans every five years with government agencies (lack of such information was a sticking point during last year’s windstorm blackout).  Portantino, who received a standing ovation at the end of his presentation, opted not to run for office this cycle after state assembly and senate district boundaries were redrawn.

Sheriff: Altadena Sheriff Capt. John S. Benedict said there was an overall six percent reduction in property crimes last month, althought there was still a problem with larceny thefts (i.e. vehicle burglaries).  Benedict said there was a slight decrease in residential burglaries, and several notable arrests on charges of burglary and receiving stolen property.

Visioning subcommittee: The council agreed to move ahead to form a subcommittee to take information in the Altadena visioning process to update the town’s community standards for residential and commercial buildings.  Councilman Jamie Bissner said that the council was looking for people with some professional backgrounds -- such as archtecture and real estate -- that they could bring to bear to update the community standards and put an end to the stream of code violations that are hampering local businesses.  Bissner said that they were also looking for representatives from the council, Altadena Heritage, and the Altadena Chamber of Commerce to sit on the subcommittee.

Bissner said that he wanted the committee to develop its plan by six months after formation.  After its recommendations have been vetted by the council and submitted to the county, it could take 18 months or more for the new standards to be approved, Bissner said.  The last time, in 1986, it took “a couple of years,” Bissner said.

Coffee Gallery Backstage extended hours: The council approved an application by the Coffee Gallery Backstage to extend its hours of operation.  The performance venue wanted to extend its hours to 6:30-11 PM, and matinees on Saturday and Sunday from 1-4 PM. The reason for the extended hours was to be available for special events -- for example, sometimes touring musicians performing at the Hollywood Bowl, Greek Theater, or other venue can come in afterward for a small venue show at the Coffee Gallery (Pat Donohue, guitarist for Garrison Keillor’s Prarie Home Companion program, will usually fit in a Coffee Gallery show when he’s in town for a live broadcast).  The council also went with a Land Use Committee recommendation that a parking attendent be in place for these special shows to keep people from parking on Morada.  The application now gets bumped up to the county Planning Commission.

ACONA wants you to take the survey

by Timothy Rutt

Did you attend the Oct. 9 ACONA meeting at the Altadena Senior Center?  

If so, Elliot Gold would like you to fill out an online survey to get your feedback on the meeting, right here.  

Morning jolt

• Walmart movie screener: Neighbors Building a Better Altadena will show "Walmart: The High Cost of Low Price" on Friday, Oct. 19, at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr., at 6:30 PM.
• Locavoring: Elizabeth Bowman, who has been helping out getting the Altadena Farmer's Market underway, will deliver her "capstone presentation" at Antioch University, 400 Corporate Pointe, Culver City on Saturday.  The capstone presentations start at 5 PM.  Bowman's is (deep breath) "The Altadena Farmer's Market [Sub]Urban Farmer Tooklit: Digging for Regulations and Planting Urban Farmers: a Guide for First Time Urban Farmers Selling at Certified Farmers Markets in Los Angeles." RSVP to 310-578-1080 x. 288 or jpaul@antioch.edu.
• Breast cancer awareness: Altadenablog sponsor Webster's Community Pharmacy is covered in "Fifty Shades of Pink" for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Select merchandise will be 25% off Oct. 18-20 -- you save 15% while the Cancer Support Community of Pasadena earns 10% from the same purchase.  Make a $30 minimum purchase and receive a free goodie bag, and there is free lemonade cookies and other treats.  
• Two more weeks of terror: Due to overwhelming demand, Wicked Lit is extending its run at Mountain View Mausoleum thru November 10.  Tickets are still available for Oct. 18, 19, and Halloween night -- new nights are Nov. 1-4 and Nov. 8-10.  Go to http://www.wickedlit.org/ for tickets and more information.
• Taco Wednesday: The Altadena Ale & Wine House started "Taco Wednesdays" a few weeks ago, and they're still going strong, so check them out: 6-10 PM today at the Ale House, 2329 N. Fair Oaks.

 

Bold coyote activity on Cobb Estate -- keep your dogs on leash

Our resident canine expert Dr. Barkman (Jane Brackman)  emails this warning:

Everyone  hiking with dogs at the Cobb Estate needs to be extremely vigilant right now, and keep dogs on leash, especially small dogs.  A pair of disturbingly bold coyotes are claiming the property as territory, probably preparing to den. Coyotes normally avoid people and run from large dogs, however these two are exhibiting behavior indicating they have little fear of people.   Today a 60 pound dog went after them, and rather than run, they circled the dog.  Had people not been nearby to assist the owner, my guess is the dog would have been attacked.   I know how tempting it is to let dogs run off leash up there, and I’m as  guilty as anyone, but keep your dogs safe.

 

eBooks everywhere: learn how they work at the Library next Tuesday

by Timothy Rutt

Ken Gruberman, "The Tech Daddy," and Kevin Coon, Overdrive eBook specialist, will talk about the whole ebook phenomenon next Tues., Oct. 23, at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. , starting at 7 PM.

If you have an ebook reader -- Kindle, iPad, Nook, or any other kind of reader -- learn how you can maximize its utility from a couple of experts.  You can also learn how to get ebooks for free.

The first half hour will be an overview of ebooks, with live demonstrations, followed by individual instruction on your particular ebook.

The workshop will be held at the library's Community Room.

 

Community Garden will be new farmers' market sponsor; Halloween treats next week

by Timothy Rutt

There are big doings at the Altadena Farmer's Market next week on Oct. 31, Halloween.

First, market manager Joseph Shuldiner says that the market will celebrate the season by creating "a fun and safe environment for kids to trick-or-treat while parents will be able to shop for fresh fall produce, fruit, prepared foods from our farmers and vendors.  The market will be well-lit as well as decorated for the day and vendors will be handing out candy all day.  Yes, it's a departure from their normal healthy posture, but we all have to cut loose a little sometimes."

That day will also mark the final day that Altadena Heritage will serve as the market sponsor.  According to a release from Altadena Heritage, the Altadena Community Garden will step in as market sponsor, and they promise the transition will be seamless.

“Altadena Heritage is happy and proud to have played a role in finally getting a farmers market up and running, and to have sponsored it the first six months," said Mark Goldschmidt, chair of Altadena Heritage.  Goldschmidt said that the Community Garden, which is right next to the market site at Loma Alta Park, is a much closer fit in terms of location and mission, and was glad to take over sponsorship.

Part of the market's agreement with LA County is that it will be sponsored by a local 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

The market is open every Wednesday rain or shine from 3-7 PM at Loma Alta Park lower parking lot, 600 W. Palm St.

 

Two mature cats looking for a new home

 

Grey, left, and Mia

Maretta's looking for a good home for two more mature cats:

We have two cats that we are trying to find permanent homes for. Their owner recently passed away and they need new homes very soon! All of the owner's relatives and friends already have full houses with cats and/or dogs. They do not need to stay together, in fact would probably be happier in separate homes.

Grey is a six year old spayed female Persian. (She has six toes on each of her pretty feet.) She would like to be both an indoor and outdoor cat, but is happy with her screened porch. She enjoys affection and being brushed. She would love someone to play rough with, but "thing on a string" works too! Her owner rescued her from an abusive home several years ago and now she needs one more rescue. 

Mia is a 14 year old, spayed, full figured lady with very soft fur. She prefers to be an indoor cat and loves hiding places. She is shy around strangers, but will not take too long to get to know you. She loves to be brushed and petted and will purr and purr for you. 

I'm best contacted by either email: marettastiles@gmail.com or my cell phone 213-447-0784.

Ramping up again ...

Thank you all for your indulgence.  Jake is home and doing fine, and we've got a backload of things to take care of today.

LIght day

We are in UC-Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, where our son is having surgery today as part of the experimental drug trial he's on, and we're hanging out with him.  Entries will by light or nonexistent.  

Town council to form committee to follow-thru visioning process

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Town Council is forming a committee to look at the recent Altadena Visioning plan, to translate the plans into action.

Town council chair Bernardean Broadus said that “what we’re looking to do is create a subcommittee to go through the document with a fine tooth comb and look at what the community says it wants -- what’s reasonable, and what it wants to be done -- then submit it to the full Altadena Town Council, then to [Supv Michael D. Antonovich and the Board of Supervisors].”

Broadus said that the executive committee of the town council already has some candidates in mind, but “anyone interested, we’re not turning them down.”  

The Altadena Visioning document was put together by consultants for Los Angeles County, based on input from Altadena residents in three meetings, online, and through letters collected this spring and summer.  The final document includes changes a consensus of residents have come up with, but  has no plan of action to institute those changes, leaving it up to the community to decide how to make them come about.

Broadus said that the executive committee was going to come up with recommendations for action within six months, “because so much time has already gone to this process.” 

Among the recommendations of the visioning document that the Town Council would be involved in would be updates to the Community Standards District, which modifies underlying county zoning regulations.  Zoning regulations, particularly as they involve commerical areas and business, has been a bone of contention in Altadena in recent years.

The subject of a visioning plan subcommittee is scheduled to be taken up by the council at Tuesday night's meeting, starting at 7 PM at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr..

Opinon: Visioning plan is part of a long process

Ed. note:  Jamie Bissner is vice-chairman of the Altadena Town Council, but told us he wants to emphasize that this does not represent the council’s point of view -- it is entirely his own opinion.

 by Jamie Bissner

On August 28 the Altadena Town Council (ATC) met with Mike Antonovich’s Senior Deputy Sussy Nemer and Planning Deputy Edel Vizcarra to discuss the final draft of the Altadena Visioning Report. All of the attendees were provided a copy and all took the opportunity to question Nemer and Vizcarra. We have all been cogitating this tome for over a month.

We left the meeting with a better understanding of the Visioning and the process related to revising our community standards. We also knew it was necessary to fill the two vacancies on the town Council before tackling this formidable task which, when completed, may dictate our guidelines and directions for the next 15 plus years. 

With the two seats filled at our September meeting we will move forward at the October gabfest to establish a Subcommittee and will be making applications available to the community. Some in town have already submitted qualifications.  Applications will be due shortly after the October ATC roll-out so that the Executive Committee can consider them and present all applications to the full Council in November at which time the selections will be made. The Subcommittee format will be established by the full Council next Tuesday also.  

My personal feeling is that a lean membership mostly comprised of Altadena’s talented professionals with backgrounds and experience related to the complex matters will serve us best and condense the matters that must be addressed.

I would like to see the members ratify a plan and return to ATC in May of 2013 for ratification by the entire Council in June. Following that the County will vet our ideas and suggestions; a process that will take over 18 months. With these two years I’ve illustrated for refinement and ratification as well as our need for County assistance in the endeavor once it is adopted, we will then have only two more years of reliable cooperation from our Fifth District Supervisor.  Mike Antonovich will be termed out four years from the start of our subcommittee and we have no way of knowing what assistance, if any, we will receive from his successor. Mike and his people have contributed greatly to our town for more than 30 years.

Library holds e-waste roundup Saturday

The Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. , will hold an electronics recycling event in their parking lot on Sat., Oct. 20, from 10 AM-2 PM.  

Computers, monitors, TVs, cell phones, MP3 players, ink and toner cartridges, printers, microwaves, cables ... all electronics are welcome to be recycled.

 

 

The Libraries celebrate Halloween with Dia de los Muertos and haunted gingerbread houses

The Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. , will host its annual family Halloween and Día de los Muertos Celebration on Tues., Oct. 30, at 4 PM at 

Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead is a traditional Mexican holiday when family and friends gather to honor and remember loved ones. Halloween and Day of the Dead activities include construction paper jack o’ lanterns, puppets, Mexican paper flowers, and sugar-skull decorating. Fun for the whole family.  Admission is free.

Meanwhile, the Bob Lucas Branch Library, 2659 N. Lincoln Ave. , will have a Halloween day activity:  make your own haunted gingerbread house using graham cracker, icing, candy, and your imagination.  That will be Wednesday, Oct. 31, starting at 3:30 PM.

 

Spud Shuttle lands at the Fork in the Road

by Timothy Rutt

All eyes are on the large object as it wends its way through the city streets, to the ap-peel of cheering spec-taters ...

No, we're not talking about Endeavor. We're talking about a six ton potato.

The Idaho Potato Commission has created a real-life version of a classic postcard, mounting a giant faux-tato on a flatbed semi truck and taking it around the country on tour.  It's to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Commission and raise awareness of Meals on Wheels -- which, of course, this is.

(A real potato this size would take 10,000 years to grow -- and who can wait that long for fries?)

The Famous Idaho Potato Tour will make its way to these parts on Tuesday with a stop at -- where else? -- The Fork in the Road  at St. John and Bellefontaine in Pasadena.

The Fork (a creation of the disturbed minds of Bob Stane and Ken Marshall at the Coffee Gallery Backstage) will host the super tuber on Tue., Oct. 16, from 11 AM- 6 PM to benefit Meals on Wheels and Pasadena's Union Station.

Bob Stane emails: "Visitors to the event,  which is free and open, are encouraged to bring potatoes, and other non-perishable foods, for the benefit of Union Station as well as potato and fork gags.  Those dressed in potato sacks will be given special attention,  appreciation and ridicule.  To truly, “dig” your potatoes, bring a garden fork designed to free tubers from the ground.  Show and Tell is encouraged as are all sight gags."

 

 

"Go Public" offers double your pledge through the weekend

by Timothy Rutt

"Go Public: A Day in the Life of PUSD" is about $10,000 short of its $25,000 goal on Kickstarter, with four days to go.  Producer Dawn O'Keeffe told us that a generous donor will match every new donation up to $3,500 made before midnight Sunday.

"Go Public" is a series of 50 short documentaries about a single day in the life of the Pasadena Unified School District.  The producers are using the Kickstarter program to raise enough money to turn the footage into a two hour documentary.

Go here to make a donation to the Kickstarter program, and go here to see the mini-documentaries (this is our favorite).

Crime blotter: residential burglaries top the list this week

Monday, October 1

Between 7:40 AM and 3:34 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 3200 block of N. Fair Oaks Avenue. Suspect(s) entered the residence by removing the rear bedroom window screen. Loss: none. 
1:22 PM- A robbery occurred at RJ’s Liquor, 27 E. Woodbury Rd. Suspect male, black, 30-40 yrs, 5 ft. 9 in.,, thin build, dark baseball cap, white w/dark long sleeve shirt, dark jeans, retrieved two boxes of cigarettes from an unlocked minivan. The victim chased the suspect towards a vehicle that was occupied w/two other male, blacks. The suspect entered the vehicle and the victim attempted to grab the suspect. The suspect kicked the victim and the later fled the scene westbound on Woodbury Road. Suspect vehicle: white full size van possibly Chevrolet, no plates. Loss: two large boxes containing various cigarette brands.

Thursday, October 4

Between 7:30 AM and 6:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2800 block of Windfall Avenue. Suspect(s) entered the residence by opening the bathroom window. Loss: tan leather jewelry box containing jewelry. 

Between 8:00 AM and 1:34 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2200 block of Mount Curve Avenue. Suspect(s) entered the residence by shattering the rear glass door. Loss: none.

Between 3:30 PM and 6:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2900 block of Casitas Avenue. Suspect(s) entered the residence via the unlocked door. Loss: black Samsung 27”, black PS3, white Xbox, and silver MacBook.

Between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM (Friday) – A vehicle vandalism occurred in the 2100 block of N. Raymond Avenue.

Friday, October 5

Between 10:00 PM and 9:00 AM (Saturday) – Two vehicle vandalisms occurred in the 1800 block of E. Woodbury Road.

Saturday, October 6

12:34 PM – A petty theft occurred in the 1300 block of La Solana Dr. Suspect, male, Hispanic, 40 yrs, white t-shirt, blue jeans, white shoes, driving a burgundy late model Ford F150, was observed exiting his vehicle and retrieving items from a driveway. The suspect placed the items in the bed of the truck and fled the area. Loss: white laundry rack and blue/gray contractor’s level.

Between 4:00 PM and 12:15 AM (Sunday) – A residential burglary occurred in the 100 block of W. Harriet Street. Suspect(s) entered the residence by removing the screen of an unlocked window. Loss: silver MacBook, silver/black Diesel watch, Swarovski earrings, white gold w/green amethyst stone, white gold earrings, white gold heart shaped pendant, yellow gold w/purple stones necklace.

 

Dem's holding Oktoberfest fundraiser Oct. 21

United Democratic Headquarters of the Pasadena area is holding its annual Oktoberfest on Sun., Oct. 21 from 2-4 PM at Hillmont House, 939 N. Hill Avenue.

Traditional food and drink will be served, with music friends and fun -- $35 per person, or sponsor at a range from #125-$1,000 to receive two tickets and acknowledgement.

Not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee -- political contributions are not tax deductible.  Click here to sponsor or purchase tickets: 

https://secure.actblue.com/page/oktoberfest12

Tap into your ideal weight Tuesday at the Coffee Gallery

Revvell Revati is having another class on Emotional Freedom Technique and Voice Dialogue to finally get a handle on your weight.  The workshop is at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N. Lake Ave. on Tues., Oct. 16, starting at 7 PM.  

$10 with reservations, $15 at the door -- for reservations, call or email Revvell@BodacioiusLiving.com or call 818-824-4422.

 

MonteCedro explores later life relationships Oct. 24

According to Dr. Mark Stibitch, About.com columnist and adjunct professor at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, “Relationships are an essential part of health. The body does not function as well as when we are connected to other  people.”

On Wednesday, October 24, 2012, MonteCedro^®, a planned Episcopal Communities and Services (ECS) Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in Altadena, will explore what it means to have meaningful relationships and how they can change later in life with  Dr. Rita Benasutti, an individual, couple and family psychotherapist.

Whether in a committed relationship or single, Dr. Benasutti will provide seniors and family members in the San Gabriel Valley area with the secrets of having and maintaining great relationships. Additionally, she will address a variety of relationship topics including: keeping the passion alive; building strong friendships; understanding emotions; and developing better communication skills.

The event will be on Wed., Oct. 24, 10 AM at the Altadena Town & Country Club, 2290 Country Club Dr.  

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

 

Today's the no-kidding deadline to go in Altadena's birthday program

by Timothy Rutt

The plans for Altadena's 125th birthday party are coming along, with many businesses, community groups, and individuals contributing to the make this a party to talk about!

Altadena Heritage, the Altadena Historical Society, the Altadena Women's Network, and members of the birthday celebration committee are organizing a big party for Altadena to be held Nov. 3 at the Davies Building in Farnworth Park.  The celebration features local food, art, displays, and dancing to the nostalgic tunes of the Art Deco Band.

 

• First: if you're already a sponsor, your logo and copy must be in TODAY (Friday, Oct. 12) to meet the deadline for the commemorative booklet.  Copy and/or logos must be in to Hugo Arteaga at  harteaga@charter.net by close of business today. 
• Second: if you have pledged cash and not yet sent it in, please do so no later than Oct. 15. Please drop it by or send to: Altadena Heritage, 730 E. Altadena Drive, Altadena, CA 91001. Checks to made out to Altadena Heritage with "125th Birthday" written in memo line.
• Third: If you have pledged to provide food, bring it to the Davies Building at Farnsworth Park by 4 PM on the day of the party, Nov. 3.  Michele Zack of Altadena Heritage said that Waste-Less Living has come aboard as a sponsor to make the birthday party a zero-waste event, providing compostable plates and cutlery.  All food providers are being asked to bring food on a non-disposable platter and take it home when it's done (put your name on a piece of masking tape on the bottom!)

 

Altadena Heritage has paid for the banner now hanging above Lake Avenue, with the Sheriff Support Group of Altadena arranging for permitting.  Thanks to Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich for arranging that fees for the banner be waived. 

The list of sponsors, food providers, and volunteers so far, in no particular order, is after the jump.  

(Note: this is constantly being updated!)

To volunteer your time, treasure, or talent to the celebration, contact altadenaheritage@earhlink.net or jlbrac@earthlink.net.

Looking at the Mt. Lowe Railway at the Library Oct. 22

from the Altadena Historical Society

Please join Altadena Historical Society for an entertaining program by history enthusiast Mike Manning.  Mike will provide a thorough history of the Mount Lowe Railway, and show images of photos, postcards, artifacts, brochures, and maps.  It’s free and open to the public.

When: Monday, October 22, 2012, 7:30 pm
Where: Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Drive, Altadena, CA 91001, phone 626-797-8016