altadenablog

Altadena Trails looks at Brown Mountain Fire Road maintenance

The Altadena Crest Trail Restoration Working Group (ACTRWG) will meet tonight, Tues., Nov. 13, at 7 PM at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.

According to meetings chair Robert Staehle, Brown Mountain is the main topic:

The lack of maintenance for the Brown Mt. Fire Rd (from Millard Cyn Campground parking lot west to the top of Rising Hill Rd), which provides access for emergency fire trucks and crews as well as evacuation routes for local residents, is on the agenda for this meeting. This is an important issue not only for trail use, but because the unpaved Brown Mt. Rd provides a critical fire line between the Angeles Forest and hillside homes. In recent years, that road was passable by passenger car and County Fire Dept. vehicles; however, it is gradually approaching impassable due to rock fall, shrubs, saplings and weeds now that neither the USFS or L.A. County takes responsibility for its maintenance.

Your participation and views are important. All are welcome!

Webster's Pharmacy and Liquors hold holiday open house this Sat.

On Sat., Nov. 17 Webster’s Community Pharmacy (Altadenablog sponsor) along with Webster’s Liquors will be celebrating the holidays with their annual Holiday Open House.

• Shop with Webster's Community Pharmacy and Webster's Liquors during our Holiday Open House to save 20% on selected items. 
• Enjoy baked goods, savory bites, and Webster’s Liquors' specialty eggnog as you stroll through the aisles.
• Webster's Community Pharmacy is the exclusive Altadena Toys For Tots drop-off location. Please help us fill-up our box with an unwrapped toy!

Altadenans shine at Hurricane Sandy fundraiser Sunday

Leslie Perry will host a fundraiser for victims of Hurricane Sandy on Sunday afternoon at the Church of Truth, 690 E. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena.

Besides Perry, performer include such other Altadena fixtures as Julie Sandoval and Robert S. Hilton.

The fundraiser starts at 2 PM Sun., Nov. 18, and donations are requested.  All donations will benefit the Red Cross.

 

Soroptimist Silent Auction at Senior Center Dec. 2

Soroptimist International of Altadena/Pasadena will hold their annual Silent Auction on Sunday, December 2nd from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Altadena Senior Center, 560 E. Mariposa Street, Altadena, CA  91001.

This free event will feature refreshments, music, and the opportunity to bid on a host of exciting items, many of which would make great holiday gifts.  Proceeds benefit needy women and girls in our area through college scholarships and through grants to local nonprofit agencies.   

 

Veteran's Day Holiday

Sunday, Nov. 11, was Veteran's Day, and today (Monday) is the holiday where banks are closed and there is no mail -- we commemorate our vets today, too.

"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."

Yes they do, and thank you for it. Thank you to all who have served. 

A history of the above quote is here (neither Kipling nor Orwell!)

Dr. Barkman has a history of dogs and the military in her blog here.

 

Poetry corner: for Veterans Day

" A Veterans Day Wish"

from gloriana casey

So long ago---1918---
The GREAT WAR's victory.
Eleventh hour of the day
eleventh month, you see.

And Woodrow Wilson started this,
a day called Armistice;
remembrance of the war lost dead,
with hopes that Peace persists.

In 1919 came the plan
for business then to cease.
Two minute mark --- 11 a.m.
to think on worldly peace.

Then 1921 ---this date,
 a monumental plan,
the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,
to serve for all the land.

Windstorm tax relief deadline approaches

by Joe Piasecki
Pasadena Sun

Owners of homes and businesses that sustained damage during windstorms that ripped through San Gabriel Valley and foothill neighborhoods last year have until the end of November to apply for property tax relief.

The Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office is accepting tax-relief petitions related to wind damage until Nov. 30.

Property owners can obtain damage/calamity claim forms through the agency’s website. Returned forms should include photographs and other documentation of wind damage.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

ACTS to hold ecumenical Thanksgiving service Nov. 18

by Timothy Rutt

ACTS (Altadena Congregations Together Service) will hold an ecumenical service of Thanksgiving on Sun., Nov. 18, from 7-8 PM at the Altadena Baptist Church, 791 E. Calavaras St.

Dorothy Nelson, senior judge of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and Chair and founder of the Western Justice Center Foundation will be the guest speaker.

Clergy and congregations from Altadena area religious organizations will participate in the service, which is free to the public.  There will be a voluntary offering of money or canned goods which will benefit the Altadena Food Pantry.

 

Altadena musican Tsan to premiere "Trio" based on her life

Altadena cellist commissioned piece based on her dramatic life story

by Timothy Rutt

 

The Pantoum Trio: Cécilia Tsan, left, Tereza Stanislav, and Steven Vanhauwaert.

Next Saturday, Nov. 17, the Pantoum Trio will perform the American premiere of "Trio" by Eric Tanguy, the most frequently performed living French composer, in a Santa Monica concert. 

 

The piece will have a special meaning for Pantoum Trio cellist Cécilia Tsan: Tanguy's inspiration to write the piece was Tsan's family story.

Altadena resident Tsan, who is also principal cellist of the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra, has a dramatic story to tell.  Her parents, both from Shanghai, were musicians who fled Communist China for Europe, where they had been educated.  They were married at the Vatican, and settled in France. Tsan was born in Versailles.

A composer, Tsan says her father was writing a major ballet for a patron when he was killed in an apparent accident.  She was only 40 days old at the time.  With her sister and her mother, they lived in a convent in France for several years while her mother held a variety of different jobs. 

Library's Fun Flick Friday: "Brave," Nov. 16

The Altadena Main Library's Friday Fun Flick this month is the new Disney/Pixar film, "Brave."

Determined to carve her own path in life, the skilled archer Princess Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the unruly and uproarious lords of the land. The ensuing peril forces Merida to harness all of her skills and resources to undo a beastly curse before it’s too late, discovering the meaning of true bravery. Rated PG, 100 minutes.

Admission is free -- popcorn and drinks available.

"Brave" will be at the Altadena Main Library Community Room, 600 E. Mariposa St. , at 3:30 PM Friday, Nov. 16.  

 

James Griffith's "Natural Selection" at Offramp Gallery Nov. 18-Dec. 23

Altadena artist James Griffith will have a show at the Offramp Gallery at 1702 Lincoln Ave. in Pasadena from Nov. 18-Dec. 23.

"Natural Selection" features Griffith's small tar paintings.  

In 2011, Griffith told Altadenablog that his latest series "extends my interest ... in the impact on nature by man's use of petrochemicals.  In my new work, rather than depicting nature through a veil of plastic,  I am using tar as a paint itself and painting elements of nature with it."

Griffith and his wife Susanna Dadd also host the Folly Bowl series of concerts at their Altadena home.

Opening reception is Sun., Nov. 18, with a closing reception on Dec. 23.

 

Library events celebrate new "Wimpy Kid" book

The Altadena Main Library and Bob Lucas Branch Library celebrate Wimpy Kids with some special activities this week:

Tues., Nov. 13: Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book Party: The Altadena Library invites kids ages 9-12 to come to the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. at 4:30 PM for some Wimpy Kid fun! Join us for snacks, and activities based on Jeff Kinney’s popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. We’ll be raffling off a couple of copies of the 7th book The Third Wheel! 

Wed., Nov. 14: Decorate Your Own Wimpy Kid Diary Celebrate the release of the latest book in the Wimpy Kid series by creating your own Wimpy Kid Diary. All supplies will be provided. Bob Lucas Branch Library, 2659 N. Lincoln Ave. , starting at 3:30 PM.

Altadena resident's Pasadena home has sordid history

By Joe Piasecki

Pasadena Sun

Two men are dead, one may face the death penalty, and the home allegedly set ablaze in a fatal Nov. 1 incident has been described by one city official as a longtime “problem property.”

On Tuesday, a team of officials with various city departments inspected the home at 1385 El Sereno Ave. and others under the same ownership, city spokesman William Boyer said. The duplex, where 20 men were renting partitioned rooms at the time of the fire, remains under investigation as a possibly illegal boarding house.

Also on Tuesday, the El Sereno tenant accused of intentionally setting the fire, Garth Allen Robbins, 49, pleaded not guilty to 19 criminal charges, including two counts of capital murder, 15 counts of attempted murder and two counts of arson.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

Autumn, at last

Deb Halberstadt contributed this picture from Friday: after a week that included 90 degree weather, a cooling trend set in and we're seeing some snow in the mountains.  Weather will be cooler this weekend in Altadena with highs in the 60's, but temperatures are to reach the 80's again by Tuesday.

It's that time again: Waldorf School Elves' Faire Nov. 17

Scenes from the Waldorf School Elves' Faire over the years, clockwise from left: Baba the Storyteller; Father Winter, who always puts in an appearance; the manly art of cudgel fighting; and many musical performers mark the Elves' Faire.

by Timothy Rutt

 

One of the sure first signs of the holiday season in Altadena is the Pasadena Waldorf School Elves' Faire on the Saturday before Thanksgiving weekend.

This year, the 27th Faire will be on Sat., Nov. 17 at the school's campus at 209 E. Mariposa St. in Altadena, from 10 AM-4 PM. Admission is free.

The wooded Waldorf School campus, site of the historic Scripps Mansion, will become a fairy wonderland with food, crafts, activities, entertainment, and the chance to buy one-of-a-kind gifts and holiday items.  About 4,000 people attend the Faire every year.

Faire activities encompass all ages, from the "Pixie Party" with versions of the games and crafts for the younger set,  to jousting, a rope maze, and a photo studio for older children.  There is also entertainment, from music to storytelling on several stages throughout the day.

There is also shopping: grownups can look at the silent auction, and the younger children can visit "The Angel Room," a place to do their holiday shopping for the family accompanied by an 8th grade Waldorf school "angel."

The Elves' Faire is also a zero-waste event, with compostable dishes and utensils at the many food vendors.  Water is free, although you are asked to bring your own cup.

 

Altadena Junction: here come the holidays

The Waldorf School Elves' Faire, Westminster Presbyterian's Victorian Christmas, and oh yes, Altadena's birthday all highlight our weekly column in the Pasadena Sun.

 

Pasadena Mental Health Center fall fundraiser Sunday

The Pasadena Mental Health Center is holding its first Fall Fundraiser this Sun., Nov. 11, at Beyond the Olive, 10 N. Raymond Ave. in old town Pasadena from 6-8 PM.

Enjoy fabulous wine, appetizers, and cooking demonstrations by a renowned chef at 6:30, 7, and 7:30.

$20 donation at the door, and 10% of all sales will go to PMHC.  Photographer Brian Biery will have his photographs on display and for sale at the event, where 30% of all sales will go to PMHC.

The goal of the fundraiser is to raise $5,000 to provide free mental health services for 10 families who might not qualify for help elsewhere. 70% of the families served by PMHC are living below the poverty line and are uninsured or underinsured.  PHMC is one of the few providers of affordable, non-acute mental health services in the Pasadena area for low-income individuals and families who are uninsured and do not qualify for Medi-Cal.

 

County donates $100,000 to local bad weather shelter

 

Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich presents a $100,000 donation to ECPAC's Bad Weather Shelter on May , to ECPAC Director Rev. Pat O'Reilly

Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich presented a $100,000 check to the Ecumenical Council of Pasadena Area Congregations.  The Ecumenical Council has operated the Pasadena Bad Weather Shelter for 24 years serving the San Gabriel and San Fernando Valleys, including the cities of Pasadena, La Canada-Flintridge and Glendale, and the communities of Altadena and La Crescenta.

 

“Each night, more than 30 congregations and community groups volunteer, provide a hot meal and set up the shelter for the 150-200 homeless people,” said Antonovich in a statement. 

Morning jolt

• "Senior Moments" at WFS: Food Truck Friday may be cancelled, but newspaper columnist Patricia Bunin ("Senior Moments") will still be at Webster's Fine Stationers today to sign her new book, Password: Seniormoment starting at 6 PM. There will also be scrumptious appetizers and refreshments as only Webster's can do for your enjoyment.  Webster's Fine Stationers is at 2450 N. Lake Ave.
• Kettlebells are pealing: Revvell Revati tells us there is still some room in her two workshops on working out with kettle bells, Sat. starting at 9 AM and Wednesday, Nov. 14, starting at 7 PM.  Fee is $15, and space is limited: To reserve space and for location, email: Revvell@BodaciousLiving.com or 818-824-4422.
• Dawn Mission: Carol Raymond, deputy principal investigator for JPL’s Dawn mission to the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, will speak Friday, Nov. 9 at Pasadena City College’s Vosloh Forum, starting at 7 PM.  After completing 13 months of analyzing asteroid Vesta, Dawn is on its way to a February 2015 rendezvous with protoplanet Ceres. For information on the mission, visit http://dawn.jpl.nasa.gov.  Pasadena City College is located at 1570 E. Colorado Boulevard.
• Coffee Gallery hearing: a public hearing is set for Dec. 5, 2012 at 9 AMin Room 150, 320 West Temple Street, Los Angeles CA  90012 regarding renewing the Conditional Use Permit for the Coffee Gallery, 2025-2029 N. Lake Avenue Altadena. (Permit R2012-00380, RCUP 201200036, VARIANCE 201200003).
• Look out below: A lucky Altadena teen survived a 150 ft. bicycle plunge from the Angeles Crest Highway this week.  PSN has details.
• Rodriguez graduates: Oscar Rodriguez of Altadena earned a Bachelor Of Science in Criminal Justice Management from Union Institute and University in Sept. 2012.

Old World wine tasting at Ale House Sunday

Altadenablog sponsor The Altadena Ale & Wine House will have a tasting of old world wines on Sunday, Nov. 11, from 3-5 PM.

Admission is $25, and fine cheese and a baguette will be included.  Click on the graphic to see the selection.

 

Crime blotter: bad week for cars

Crime blotter provided by Altadena Sheriff Station. 

Thursday, November 1 

Approx. 12:35 PM – A petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 100 block of W. Poppyfields Drive. Loss: gray Samsung slate computer. 

Between 7:00 PM and 11:50 PM – A vandalism occurred in the 2500 block of El Sol Avenue. 

Between 10:00 PM and 2:00 PM (Friday) – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 600 block  of E. Calaveras Street. Loss: green tool box, misc. tools. 

Saturday, November 3rd: 

Between 9:00 AM and 10:45 AM – A vehicle was reported stolen from the 2800 block  of Olive Ave. Vehicle stolen: gold 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe. 

If you have information to report that could help lead to an arrest in these crimes/crime activity, please contact the Altadena Sheriff's Station at 798-1131.

ACONA announces speakers for Nov. 27 meeting: traffic, fire safety

Elliot Gold at ACONA (Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations) has announced the agenda and speakers for the next meeting, Nov. 27 at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St., from 7-8:30 PM;

1. Traffic: Paul Barbe, Civil Engineer with the Traffic and Lighting Division of LA County, will discuss traffic issues in Altadena 
2. Highway Patrol: Captain Steven Strull of the California Highway Patrol will also discuss issues related to traffic in Altadena from an enforcement standpoint 
3. Fire Safety: Stephanie English, Community Services Liaison for Division III  Fire Station 73 of the Los Angeles County Fire Department will cover fire safety, especially with the Santa Ana winds about to come about. ACONA have also invited Jay Lopez, who is with the Fire Department, who lives in Altadena.

Food Truck Friday canceled

Bummer!  Catalina Juarez at Webster's Community Pharmacy e-mailed to say that, due to threat of rain, there'll be no Fancy Food Truck Friday today -- try again in December!

Despite Prop. 30 success, PUSD to make cuts

by Joe Piasecki
Pasadena Sun

Despite the passage of Proposition 30, 'austerity measures' will continue at Pasadena public schools, Supt. Jon Gundry said Wednesday.

The state tax increase backed by Gov. Jerry Brown will prevent a $5 million cut in state funding for the Pasadena Unified School District this year.

But the measure will not prevent school district budget reductions of $10.3 million to $12 million during the 2013-14 school year, according to Gundry.

“The fiscal situation in PUSD remains dire," a statement by Gundry reads. "The combination of a structural deficit and declining enrollment will force the district to make an estimated $10.3 million to $12 million in cuts for the 2013-2014 school year, depending on future tax revenue from the state.”

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

In the red zone

Reader Tim Murphy shares this picture of crews involved in the rescue of a hiker at first waterfall in Eaton Canyon Wednesday night. The Altadena Sheriff's Station said the hiker was dehydrated, but was located and rescued.

Breaking: hiker rescue going on now

by Timothy Rutt

At 5:30, Altadena Sheriff's Station says there's another hiker being rescued at Eaton Canyon, hence the helicopter.  No more details currently available.

Eliot, John Muir artists showcase Room 13 works at Opus Bank

Artists from the Eliot Middle School and John Muir High School Room 13 programs will showcase their artwork at Opus Bank, 2 N. Lake Ave. in Pasadena, in a reception on Tues., Nov. 13.  

The reception, from 5:30-7:30 PM, features poetry, caricature artists, and the Pix-by-Tweens photobooth.

Room 13 is an international program of student-driven creative studios, teaching both creative expresion and entrepreneurship, which now includes over 90 studios worldwide.  Locally, Room 13 is a program of the Lightbringer Project.

Pasadena museum looks at 35 years of Doo Dah Parade

from the Pasadena Musesum of History 

Photo: "Bed of Roses" by Sarah Reingewirtz

The Occasional Pasadena Doo Dah Parade is known for being anything but serious. But for one night, it will be. During "Doo Dah Deconstructed," a panel will discuss the changes in the parade's relationship with the community over the years, why it continues to thrive, and why some people love it while others find it offensive.

Brad Macneil will moderate panelists Tom Coston, Sue Mossman, Ann Erdman, Denise Lawrence-Zuniga, Peter Wilson and Scott Finnell. With Snotty Scotty among the panelists, you know anything can happen! 

Thursday, November 8 at 7:30 PM,  Pasadena Museum of History, 470 W. Walnut St. (free parking).  cost is $5 (also covers light refreshments).

Reservations are recommended as seating is limited. Please call 626-577-1660

Kettlebell fundamental training classes in Altadena Nov. 10 and 14

by TImothy Rutt

Training with kettlebells is a new way to work for both strength and cardio, adaptable to how you move and your own condition.  The bodacious Revvell Revati is offering workshops in the coming week on how to use kettlebells safely and effectively to meet your fitness goals.

Classes will be held Sat., Nov. 10, from 9-10:30 AM or Wed., Nov. 14, from 7-8:30 AM.  Fee is $15 cash, and space is limited for individual assistance.

To reserve space and for location, email: Revvell@BodaciousLiving.com or 818-824-4422.

 

Delta Kappa Gamma celebrates 75th at Altadena Country Club

The California State Organization of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International is pleased to announce celebrations for the diamond jubilee of Pasadena's Omicron chapter. A event is planned for Thursday, November 8, from 5:30 - 9:00 p.m. at the Altadena Country Club, 2290 Country Club Drive in Altadena. In a nod to past initiation ceremonies, the participants will dress in cocktail attire for a celebratory meal, and to honor the history of Omicron chapter and the Delta Kappa Gamma organization as a whole. 

Cost is $35 for members, $45 for non-members.

An organization of women educators, Delta Kappa Gamma was founded at the University of Austin, Texas in 1929, at a time when women educators were not allowed in the major teaching fraternal organizations, and often faced segregation or prejudice in the workplace. DKG was created to nurture women in higher education, and to provide a conduit for training and support as women rose in the education fields. 

Omicron Chapter was formed in Pasadena in 1937, eventually one of three chapters to exist in the area. The three-chapter dinner, where all Pasadena DKG chapters reconnect, is now the highlight of every year. The society's members span the spectrum of generations and forms of educational involvement. Members' professional experience ranges from early childhood education to K-12 educators, school administrators and librarians, and college professors, both active and retired. Several recent members of Omicron have gone on to state and national office.

Farmers Market today: pre-order Thanksgiving pies

The Altadena Farmers' Market today has a few things worth noting:

• Pre-order Thanksgiving pumpkin and apple pies from Morning Glory Confections.
• LA Department of Social Services will be available to sign up eligible residents for the CalFresh program.
• New seller Partovi Orchards will feature apple and pear sauces, and Etheridge Organics will have tasty organic unfiltered pomegranate juice.

The Altadena Farmers Market runs from 3-7 PM today at lower Loma Alta Park, 600 W. Palm St.

 

Prop 30 wins, 38 loses; GMO measure defeated

by Bill Kisliuk
Pasadena Sun

Pasadena resident Molly Munger's self-funded effort to boost public schools in California was taking a beating in early results, with just more than 27% of Californians supporting Proposition 38. Munger poured more than $40 million into the campaign for the measure, which would raise income taxes to revive classroom budgets.

Gov. Brown's Proposition 30, a competing measure that would fund schools but also raise money for other purposes, was narrowly winning in early balloting. Roughly 52% of voters supported the governor's plan in early results, according to the Secretary of State's office, while 48% rejected it.

Pasadena school board President Renatta Cooper said that if both 30 and 38 fail, Pasadena schools will be forced to reduce the length of the school year by 10 days or more in response to cuts.  

“We have nothing else left to cut,” she said.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

Latest totals from the California Secretary of State here.

TEDxPasadena Salon looks at "Living a Life of Purpose" Nov. 17

Altadenan Greg Apodaca writes about the TEDxPasadena Salon he is producing.

by Greg Apodaca

For as long as I can remember, I've been a lover of big ideas: President John F. Kennedy's idea for America to send a man to the moon, Ghandi's idea that India could non-violently secede from the British Commonwealth, Martin Luther King's idea that people should be judged by their character and not their skin color, and others. I love to feel inspired and big dreams, especially ones that have come true, inspire me!

When I first learned about TED Talks and about their tag line, "Ideas Worth Spreading," I was hooked! Our inaugural TEDxPasadena event took place last October at Aveson School. It featured 11 TED Talks videos and nine live speakers on many topics around the theme, "Creating the Future."

Our second event, a Salon, is similar to that event with live speakers and videos from TED.com but with a more experiential format and activities to help participants apply lessons learned to their lives. Our goal for the Salon is to engage participants in a day-long exploration on our Salon 2012 theme, "Living A Life of Purpose."

The Salon will focus on three sub-themes: Choice, Intention and Focus. Salon speaker Pina De Rosa will discuss the myriad choices we make that either lead to living a thriving existence or just living day-to-day. Speaker Cheryl Hunter will present on the possibility and benefits of living intentionally. You may have dreams, and maybe you've even written them down in a vision, and if so you know the power of intentionally taking action toward your vision for your life, also known as living intentionally. Speaker Julie Giulioni will round out the day by discussing her journey along this path and how challenging it can be at times. She'll offer tips on how to focus on making the choices you want, and sticking to your intentions.    

If this all sounds exciting, great! The Salon is from 10 AM-3 PM at Westridge School in Pasadena on Sat., Nov. 17.  We hope you will join us!  Visit  www.TEDxPasadena.com to purchase tickets and for more information.

Westminster Presbyterian holds Victorian Advent Fair Nov. 25

by Timothy Rutt

We sing all the holiday songs, but have you ever HAD figgy pudding?  Sipped wassail?  Danced with a sugar plum?

This year, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1757 N. Lake Ave.,  will hold a Victorian-themed Advent Faire on Sun., Nov. 25, starting at 2 PM.

Besides those treats from days gone by, kids and adults can make a variety of crafts, including an Advent wreath and candles.  Come in Victorian costume if you like, or use their dress-up station to have a free picture of your family or group in a Victorian Christmas scene.  There may even be a visit from Father Christmas.  

And there will be a fruitcake tasting and competition: call the church office  (626) 794-7141 or email admin@wpcpas.org  for more info or to enter.

Sheriffs offer preparation tips: get ready for disaster

Hurricane Sandy has affected one out of five Americans as well as the people of many other countries. Lives have been lost in this natural disaster,and tens of thousands of people are without proper housing, food, water, and electricity. You can help by visiting FEMA http://www.fema.gov/ and the American Red Cross http://www.redcross.org/ 

IMPORTANT: ARE YOU PREPARED IF A DISASTER HITS LOS ANGELES COUNTY? 

Disasters can affect many people and a wide area such as an earthquake, or can affect less people and a smaller area such as a severe windstorm that knocks down thousands of power lines, blocking streets and making it difficult for repair crews to restore power for many days or over a week. 

Even if only a few people are affected, if it's you, it's 100%. 

Instead of ignoring these facts and hoping for the best, take action now to help yourself and the people you love. Would you be ready if there were an emergency? 

Be prepared: 

• assemble an emergency supply kit, 
• Make your emergency plans, 
• stay informed, 
• and get involved in helping your family, your business, and your community be ready for emergencies. 

Be prepared for when - not if - the next emergency occurs. How prepared are you? Preparedness is a responsibility we all share. Let's all do our part. Top priorities are shelter, food, water, and power, but there is a lot more to it. 

Young musician's program looking for your unused instruments

Do you have a musical instrument languishing in the closet?  

The Verdugo Young Musicians Association is looking for a chance to help a student make the instrument sing again.

VYMA is looking for unused orchestral instruments as it expands its free music program for at-risk children to Washington Elementary School.

The VYMA Music Project, currently at Longfellow Elementary, is inspired by El Sistema, the famed program that produced Gustavo Dudamel, now music director of the L.A. Philharmonic. The VYMA Music Project, a partnership with PasadenaLEARNs, seeks to transform young lives by providing at-risk children with a comprehensive, high quality classical music education that is entirely free to the participants – including the loan of a string instrument.

Following  Artistic Director Sam Chilingarian and retired Chair Louise Ghandhi’s two-week journey to Venezuela in 2008 to study El Sistema and meet with its founder and teachers, VYMA selected Title I PUSD school Longfellow Elementary to launch the project in fall 2009.  Now in its third year, the program thrives with a more comprehensive curriculum, an expansion of its high caliber faculty and graduate mentors, an on-site parent council and the addition of a skilled coordinator.  The unique curriculum is a comprehensive journey of musical development: Kinder musicianship, Musicianship Levels I & II, Strings Fundamentals, Beginning and Advanced Orchestra, Chamber Ensemble and Choir.

VYMA Music Project is part of a larger effort to provide underserved youth with after-school music immersion. VYMA is a stakeholder in YOLA – the LA Philharmonic initiative to develop such programs in L.A. County – and is an active participant of the El Sistema USA National Network. VYMA Music Project at Longfellow puts the City of Pasadena on the musical landscape map, joining a growing number of cities in the US in globally in emulating a music program with profound social impact.  VYMA is one of only three youth orchestras in the country to offer such a program.

Now, following the success of the program at Longfellow, VYMA wants to launch a program at Washington.  For that, they are looking for donations of unneeded instruments that can be available for loan to the students.  

If you'd like to donate your unusued musical instruments, please contact France Meindl at 626-794-5314.

Patrician Bunin reading, book signing at Webster's Fine Stationers Friday

Newspaper columnist Patricia Bunin, who pens the widely syndicated column "Senior Moments," will be at Webster's Fine Stationers to sign her new book, Password: Seniormoment on Friday, Nov. 9, at 6 PM.

Patricia's warm-hearted, often hilarious, accounting of life as a senior citizen has brought smiles to countless readers of her weekly column, now hear her read from her book.   She'll personally sign the book you buy (maybe for a treasured holiday gift?), answer questions, and provide many smile-worthy moments, so be sure to bring a camera! Enjoy all this while whetting your appetite with scrumptious appetizers, all in preparation for your meal at some of LA's finest gourmet food trucks at Altadena's Fancy Food Truck Friday!

Webster's Fine Stationers is at 2450 N. Lake Ave.

Altadena's MoonHill trailer looks at love among the monsters

by Timothy Rutt

"I dreamt my lady came and found me dead  -- and that's OK, she's dead, too."

Can forbidden love bloom between the undead and the walking dead?

Altadena-based MoonHill Productions (Richard Moon, now of the Altadena Town Council, and wife Junie Hildebrandt) have just released the trailer for their latest film, starring daughter Madeline Moon (student at Aveson Charter School).  "Zombeo & Juliécula" is described by Richard Moon as "an adaptation of Shakespeare by way of zombies, vampires, and elementary school friendships."

It looks like quite a hoot, and there is a Facebook page.

East Altadena Little League registration is open

East Altadena Little League spring 2013 registration is now open.   

Proof of residency (for all players) and age verification (for new players only) should be presented on Dec. 8 at Donley Field from 8:30 AM-1 PM.

East Altadena Little League is pleased to offer scholarships to allow any child a chance to play baseball or softball due to financial hardship.  Please inquire to registration@eall.org for scholarship information.

To be eligible to play, click here to determine if you live within EALL's boundaries.

Go here for full information or to register.

NATHA holds Lincoln Village "Function" Saturday

NATHA (Neighbors Acting Together Helping All) will his the 9th Annual Lincoln Village Festival "Function at the Junction" on Lincoln Avenue, between Montana and Idaho, on Sat., Nov. 10 from noon to 4 PM.  

"Function at the Junction" is a spectacular one-day event for all ages to taste great ethnic foods, live Jazz music, vendor booths and entertainment, a kids zone with jumpers and face painting and free health screenings all in a smoke and drug free environment. Admission is FREE.

During the festival the NATHA/PHAT ( Public Health Action Team) will also celebrate a recent grant of $125, 000 from the Office of National Drug Policy, Drug Free Communities to help prevent substance abuse among youth in the community.

"Efforts to keep our youth drug-free are critical to healthy and safe communities here in Pasadena and Altadena." said Marilyn Williams PHAT co-chair. "The Drug-Free Communities Support Program recognizes the great potential of the PHAT Coalition to help save young people's lives. This new funding will allow the NATHA/ PHAT Coalition to mobilize and organize the Pasadena/Altadena community to prevent youth substance use. "

"Three city blocks will be blocked off and we invite families to come out and help us celebrate community pride and unity."says festival co-chair, Jalila Walker. For a complete list of activities or for more information, call NATHA at (626) 794-5889 or visit www.natha.org

Altadena Heritage's waterwise garden workshop tomorrow

by Timothy Rutt

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

Green will look at ways to improve your parkway and other street-facing areas by curbing water runoff and using alternative landscaping in an effort to save water and reduce runoff pollution.

 

Vote today

 

There were lines in front of local polls early this morning -- here at Altadena Community Church.

If you haven't done it ahead of time, get out and vote today!

Find your polling place at this link.

And let us and your neighbors know about how things are going at the polls today.  We're particularly interested in lines, problems, etc.  Put your on-the-scene observations in the comments below.

 

 

Crown City Symphony opens the season with Dvorak, Gliere, Bizet

The Crown City Symphony is playing their opening concerts on Nov. 11 and 17.

 

Ophelia Nanagyulyan is the violin soloist at Crown City Symphony's November concerts.

Ophelia Nanagyulyan is the violin soloist performing  "Romance" by Dvorak, and "Phoenix" from the Red Poppy Suite by Gliere.

The orchestra is premiering "Inside Passage" by Jim Stanley, a clarinetist in the orchestra.

Conductor, Marvin Neumann is also conducting the orchestra in "Colas Breugnon" by Kabalevsky;  and "L'Arlesienne Suite #1" by Bizet.

 

November 11th the orchestra plays at the First Baptist Church, 75 N. Marengo, Pasadena, at 2PM. November 17 the orchestra plays at the Pasadena Christian Church,789 N. Altadena Dr. Pasadena, at 2 PM.  The concerts are free.

 

Breaking: Stranded hikers at Eaton Canyon

by Timothy Rutt

Currently (3:45 PM) there's a rescue going on at Eaton Canyon: Altadena Sheriff Station says that two hikers, male and female both age 20, are stranded on a cliff.  Air 5 has them currently and will set them down in the parking lot.  No reports of injuries yet.

 

Steven Gutierrez is Library's November artist

The Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St., features "Illustrations by Steven Gutierrez" in November at the Library Community Room.

Stevens’ art reflects a mixture of music, the environment and space. His work if often captured by his inspiration from other artists, such as George Lucus, Stephen Spielberg and Santiago Calatrava. Steven’s detailed images transfer from mind to sketchbook and then are transformed to in-depth works of art. What makes his work unique and inspiring is his love of music and keen imagination.

Work will be on display in the Community Room for the month of November 2012

Morning jolt

• College preparatory services available: The City of Pasadena’s La Pintoresca Teen Education Center has partnered with the Pasadena City College TRIO Academic Talent Search program to provide college preparatory services to high school students. The TRIO Educational Talent Search program prepares students to attend the college of their choice by offering small group academic advisement, college counseling, college application assistance, ACT/SAT preparation, college tours, financial aid and scholarship assistance, study and life skills workshops and tutoring. Students from John Muir High School, Pasadena High School and Blair High School are eligible. Middle school students attending Washington Middle School and Wilson Middle School can also participate. Students must possess a 2.0 or higher GPA and have interest in attending a postsecondary school. For more information or to request an application, please contact the Teen Education Center at (626) 345-0708 or the TRIO Educational Search program at (626) 585-7011 or email talentsearch@pasadena.edu. 
• Donations for PUSD families: PUSD’s Families in Transition office, which connects homeless and transitional students and their families with appropriate services, is collecting donations for families in need this holiday season. Donations of canned goods, toys, games, books and grocery gift cards can be made through November 30. Families in Transition (room 127), 351 S. Hudson Ave., Pasadena or call(626) 396-3600 ext. 88252. 
• For goat cheese lovers: Zane Grey Estate denizens and the center of all things Altadena foodie Steven Rudicel and Gloria Putnam have created a Facebook page for their new venture: they've purchased 70 acres in the mountains that will be the site of their new goat ranch and creamery, Angeles Crest Creamery.  They also say that their plans for Bar Altadena, a new restaurant along Lake Avenue, are coming along.
• Latino families health fair:  The City of Pasadena’s Villa-Parke Community Center is holding a free Health Fair and Conference for Latino Families on Sat.,Nov. 17, from 8 AM-2 PM. The fair features health workshops, clinics and screenings for adults and children, flu shots, vision screening, and more. Lunch and childcare (ages 4-12) is provided with pre-registration.   For more information: (626) 744-6530 

Food Truck Friday features "Toys for Tots" drop-off

by Timothy Rutt

Fancy Food Truck Friday is coming this week to the Webster's parking lot, with the opportunity to helpd out a child in need for the holidays.

Webster's Community Pharmacy is the official Altadena Toys for Tots drop-off center, and you can start that day by putting an unwrapped toy in the box by the pharmacy's table.  In return, you'll receive a coupon worth 25% off through Nov. 24  (offer not valid with other coupons, discounts or offers).

The pharmacy and Webster's Liquors will also also offer 20% off selected items during the food truck event (offer not valid with other coupons, discounts or offers.)

Participating trucks this month include Slammin Sliders, Me So Hungry, Bool BBQ, Rosa Bella Cucina, Komodo and My Delight Cupcakery.

Fancy Food Truck Friday will be open from 5 PM-9 PM,  with Danny’s Farm mobile petting farm open from 6 - 8 PM.  The event will be held at the Webster's parking lot, 2450 N. Lake Ave., corner of Lake and Marcheta.   For more information:  626-797-1163

 

Missing dog: "Gizmo," Papillon, Altadena Drive

Jennie is missing her dog: "Gizmo," a black, white and brown (but mostly white) Papillon who went missing about 7 AM Nov. 3 from their yard on the 2600 block of North Altadena Drive.

"He went outside and just vanished from our yard." she writes.

Know where Gizmo is?  Call Jennie at 626 354 2265.

Eliot Middle School PTA fundraiser at Coffee Gallery all day Thursday

Please come out on Thursday, Nov. 8 from 6 AM - 10 PM and support Eliot Middle School at the Coffee Gallery, 2029 Lake Avenue. Enjoy delicious beverages, pastries and light meals.

Present the attached flyer and 20% of your purchase will be donated to the PTA.

The Eliot Student Jazz Band performs at 3 PM and student art will be on exhibit during the entire month of November in the Coffee Gallery's Conference Room. Check it out and support our school!

"Put a Fork in Hunger" Thanksgiving food drive at Fork Plaza this weekend

by Timothy Rutt

The Fork in the Road will be the site of a food drive this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 10 and 11.

The now-annual event will be part of the "Put the Fork in Hunger" effort by Bob Stane and Ken Marshall of the Coffee Gallery Backstage, Phllip A. Coombes, and The Fork Foundation.

Drop off non-perishable items to volunteers at Fork Plaza (Pasadena Avenue/ St. John Avenue at Bellefontaine in Pasadena) between 8 AM and 4 PM both days.