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Pasadena cultural grants available

from the City of Pasadena
Arts and Cultural Affairs

We are pleased to announce that the 2013-2014 Annual Grants Program Application and Guidelines
http ://www.ci.pasadena.ca.us/Arts/Grant_Programs/> are now available online.

All applications are due to the Cultural Affairs Division office by 5:00 pm on Wednesday, May 15.

The Annual Grants Program provides opportunities for local arts and culture organizations and individual artists to reach the Pasadena community through interesting, relevant and high quality programs. Each year, this competitive process encourages thoughtful and engaging programming in five application categories:
* Arts & Culture series (I, II and III) for organizations based on annual budget size;
* Arts Education (for California State Standards based programs);
* Festivals and Parades; and
* Individual Artists

In anticipation of the May 15, 2013 application deadline (for all categories), the Cultural Affairs Division of the Planning & Community Development Department will present free Technical Assistance Workshops. Workshopsreview important aspects of the application process and provide general grant writing skills as well as a focused "Question and Answer" format for each application category. Proposed projects must comply with Program Guidelines and new applicants are required to attend an appropriate Workshop before submission of an application.

For more information about the Annual Grants Program Application, Guidelines and free Technical AssistanceWorkshops, please visit the Cultural Affairs Division online at www.ci.pasadena.ca.us/Arts/Grant_Programs/http://www.ci.pasadena.ca.us/Arts/Grant_Programs/ > or call (626) 744-7062.

Chamber looks at community standards for business at Thursday meeting

The Altadena Chamber of Commerce is looking for feedback from local businesses as part of the revision process for the Altadena Community Standards District.

The CSD, last revised in 1986, is being updated by a committee of the Altadena Town Council.  The chamber is interested in comments from local businesses as to the current standards and how they can be improved. Other groups will be holding meetings about residential standards later in the process.

The meeting will run from 7:30-9 PM at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.  To register, go to this website. To decline, please go here.

The current community standards are available here.

 

If you cannot make it to the meeting but have concerns you would like to have addressed, please email them to:feedback@altadenachamber.org

 

 

 

 

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NBBA pushes for Lake Avenue moratorium at town council meeting

Morning jolt

• Holden joins SM Conservancy board: Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) has been appointed to the Governing Board of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.  The announcement was made by Assembly Speaker John Perez.  “The Conservancy has helped preserve urban parks and wilderness access throughout Southern California and especially in the foothills region of the 41st Assembly District,” said Assemblymember Holden. “I look forward to working in partnership with local governments and private landowners to protect and preserve the natural treasures of the San Gabriel foothills.”
• Packin' heat: As part of a larger story about who Sheriff Lee Baca grants concealed carry permits to, the LA Weekly has published a list of who is authorized to carry a weapon.  Among them: assistant district attorneys,  judges (Lance Ito, for example), and Supervisor Michael Antonovich.   
• Altadena grocery store looking for help:  No, it's not where you think: the Arroyo Food Co-op is hiring its first position, a start-up manager (which means the market is getting closer to coming! )  Interested?  Apply here. 
• Ewww!  OK, we can't really restrain ourselves on this one:  but the Institute of Urban Ecology has a workshop tomorrow night that asks the question, "Can we use human waste in our gardens? Is it safe? Come to this incredible workshop by Nancy Klehm, a human manure expert, where we will explore these questions and more. Learn about compost toilet design, and Nancy's amazing previous work. Register online at http://humanmanure.brownpapertickets.com/"  The class will be tomorrow at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, 1280 East Washington Boulevard, Pasadena.  The term "workshop" has us worried ....

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Morning jolt

Geek garage sale going on now -- buy long, and prosper!

Sorry we didn't get to this sooner, but between illness and website problems, everything's fallen behind!

But you still have time today to transport yourself over to 370 Ventura Street for The Geek's Garage Sale!  Myra promises board games, DVDs, furniture, clothing, toys, housewares, Magic the Gathering cards, etc.  Romulan Ginger Ale will be available! Try your hand at Tribble Croquet!

That's today, Sunday, from until 3 PM.

Altadena Junction: Library offers a look at social change Saturday

Our weekly column is up at the Pasadena Sun, looking at the Library's program for Black History Month.

Imagining Altadena: searching for Saturn

by Reggie Wilkins

I got up this morning at about 5 or so.  

The house was completely silent and the sky was Altadena dark.  My goal was to use this particular alarm clock consequence of a 10 year old realizing he needed mom to remove a sleeping cat from his foot to mine the night sky.  To bring into focus an image the ringed planet, that old god of time, abundance and wealth we call Saturn:

Saturnius Mons was seen as a god of generation, dissolution, plenty, wealth, agriculture, periodical renewal and liberation. Under Saturn's rule, humans enjoyed the spontaneous bounty of the earth without labor in a state of social egalitarianism. 

Colleagues and residents of Altadena:  

We are all here because we see things of value in this place astride the mountains.  Gene, Monica, Council and audience.  On this particular night, we are here because we wish to see an Altadena that offers generation, wealth, plenty renewal and liberation.  We are also here because we seek some form of social equality – just as we are equal before the chronos – before time – and before the majesty of San Gabriel.  

Up and at 'em

We had some issues with website code that wiped out the website for a good part of Saturday evening/Sunday morning, but we're back, and trying to catch up!

"Hotel Transylvania" on Fun Flick Friday Feb. 22

The Altadena Library presents "Hotel Transylvania" as this month's Friday Fun Flick on Feb. 22, starting at 3:30 PM.

Welcome to the Hotel Transylvania, Dracula's lavish five-stake resort, where monsters and their families can life it up, free from meddling from the human world.  Needless to say, that won't last long.

Rated PG, and 91 minutes long, admission is free.  The Altadena Main Library is at 600 E. Mariposa St. 

 

Pet of the week: Callie

At the Board of Supervisors meeting, Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich presents “Calie,” a 4-month-old St. Bernard – one of many pets available for adoption now.  For more information about adopting a pet, please call the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control at 562-728-4610.

A beautiful day for a parade ....

 

Debra Johnson (The SMiLE Lady) waves to the crowd at the 31st Annual Black History Parade on Sat., Feb. 16. Johnson is accompanied by Mri Scott ElBey, aka "the Lady Bennu," artist-in-residence at John Muir High School's Room 13 arts program.

 

by TImothy Rutt

The 31st annual Black History Parade and Festival for Altadena and Pasadena kicked off this morning from Charles White Park, where  77 units marched down Fair Oaks to the festival site at Jackie Robinson Park in Pasadena.  

Marching bands, fraternal organizations, first responders,  and many community groups fielded marching units on a perfect parade day.

More photos and a video after the jump.  See even more photos via Facebook here.

Man found dead on horse trail UPDATED

by TImothy Rutt

Homicide detectives are on the scene in northeast Altadena following the discovery of a man's body with a gunshot wound this morning.

According to the LA Sheriff's Department, a man was found along a horse trail in the neighborhood of 3800 Canon Boulevard at 8:10 AM this morning.  Initial reports described the man as in his 20's, suffering a gunshot wound to the head.

No other information is available at this point in the investigation.

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 website http://lacrimestoppers.org. 

UPDATE: The Sheriff has sent the following update at 5:07 PM:

Detectives have learned that deputies from the Altadena Sheriff's Station responded to a call regarding an unresponsive man lying on a horse trail in the area.

The male Hispanic adult was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

There is no suspect information and no further information at this time.

UPDATE 2-17:  PSN is reporting that the man was identified as Marcus Anthony Nieto, 26.  Brian Day has the details.

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Prepardeness Fair at Sierra Madre Villa LDS Church March 9

There will be a hands-on preparedness fair on Saturday, March 9, from 1-5 PM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 770 N. Siera Madre Villa, Pasadena.

Try for yourself how to set a camp fire, set up a tent, use a fire extinguisher and more.  Classroom sessions include communications, food storage, etc.  

 

 

Town council to mull over Lake Avenue moratorium Tuesday

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Town Council has only one action item on the agenda for Tuesday:  considering a temporary moratorium for commercial development in the Lake Avenue business district.

Accordingly, expect the meeting to be crowded:  the Land Use Committee also heard public comment about the idea last week, and sent it to the Town Council without making a decision itself.

This moratorium is being pushed by Neighbors Building a Better Altadena, an anti-Walmart group.  It calls for declaring a moratorium on property development of over 15,000 square feet along the Lake Avenue business district while new community standards are being drawn up.  In practice, this would only affect the "Calavaras Crater" on Lake Avenue and Calavaras Street.  The property, after many years lying empty, is now going through the county processes to put a commercial building on the site.  The site owners also own the property where the Walmart Neighborhood Market is about to open on Lincoln Avenue and Figueroa Street, and NBBA fears that  the Calavaras project may be another Walmart market coming in under the radar.

Another anti-Walmart group, SaveAltadena, is also pushing for a moratorium, but county-wide, rather than local.

The Altadena Town Council meets at 7 PM Feb. 19 at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Drive.

Agenda after the jump.

Five Acres Children's Guild looking for more members to support more children

 

Members of the Five Acres Children's Guild: From L to R: Melissa Kobe, Carol Williams, Maria Lopez, Danielle Barr, Nancy Lahey, Sandra Goto-Hochman, Linda Sakellariou, Veronica and Tim Kellar, Sally Olson, Louise Wannier, Erin Kaneko and Travis Young.

 

 

from FIve Acres

The Five Acres Children’s Guild, a service group dedicated to advancing Five Acres’ mission and vision, will host an informational meeting on Thursday, Mar. 7, 6 PM at Five Acres’ Zeilstra Research and Training Center.

Established in 1990, the Five Acres Children’s Guild consists of volunteers committed to being positive role models for children living in residential care while raising public awareness of Five Acres in the greater Los Angeles area. This event is open to all individuals interested in learning more about or joining this vital service group.

Members of the Children’s Guild develop and implement programs targeted at supporting the children of Five Acres and increasing the agency’s volunteer and financial support.  Guild volunteers work directly with the children living in residential care at Five Acres, forming consistent and meaningful relationships. The Children’s Guild is seeking additional members with the goal of supporting a greater number of children.

Guild members meet once monthly to discuss upcoming events, cottage activity schedules, Birthday Angels program and introduce new members. They host a monthly on-campus cottage activity, such as playing sports, arts and crafts projects, cooking meals, jewelry making and dance parties, to name a few. The Guild also treats the children to a quarterly off-campus outing; past venues have included Kidspace Museum, Griffith Park Observatory, the California Science Center and a local Halloween carnival.

Five Acres, a pioneer in providing successful solutions that ensure safety, well-being and permanent homes for children and their families proudly celebrates 125 years of service. Throughout its history, Five Acres has continued to provide programs that have a measurable impact on the nearly 5,500 children, members of their families and support networks who are served each year. Since 1888, Five Acres has touched the lives of nearly 100,000 children and families.

For more information about the Five Acres Children’s Guild or to learn how to become a part of this vital service group visit www.fiveacres.org or contact Susan Lowe at 626-773-3751 or slowe@5acres.org.

Five Acres is a pioneer in providing successful solutions that ensure safety, well-being and permanent homes for children and their families. Founded in 1888 as one of Los Angeles County’s first orphanages, Five Acres has been committed to preserving effective programs and developing more effective prevention services for children and families in crisis. Services include: residential care and education, a non-public WASC accredited school, mental health services in homes and schools, foster care and adoptions and domestic violence prevention. For more information on ways to help, visit www.fiveacres.org or contact Kristina Sarenas at ksarenas@5acres.org or 626-773-3779. 

 

Mommy & Me classes starting in Altadena (daddies, too!)

 

Come join us at our beautiful backyard for a RIE and Waldorf inspired Mommy and Me class.  We'll discuss a parenting topic each week such as potty training/EC, Educaring, nutrition, nurturing environment, age appropriate toys, discipline, and school options. 

 

Mommy/Daddy and children ages 0 through 4 years meet every Wednesday at 9:30 AM in Altadena (New York Drive).  We'll have a circle time before children play freely on our three play structures while adults discuss topic of the week.

 

New 6-week session starts Feb 27 for $125.  Please call Cherry (626) 344-9826 if interested. 

 

Crime blotter: burglaries (of course), petty thefts, vandalism

The crime blotter is provided by the Altadena Sheriff's Station.

Wednesday, February 6

Between 1:20 PM and 2:30 PM – A petty theft occurred at Eliot Middle School, 2184 N. Lake Avenue. Loss: iPhone. 

Thursday, February 7

6:45 AM – A petty theft occurred in the 900 block of E. Altadena Drive. Loss: cell phone. 

10:30 AM and 11:00 AM – A grand theft of an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 1000 block of E. Calaveras Street. Loss: purse, wallet, sunglasses, (2) iPhones, personal documents. 

Friday, February 8 

Between 1:30 AM and 8:00 PM – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 4100 block of Aralia Road. Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the rear window. Loss: silver/blue audio mixer, audio recorder, MacBook Pro, iPad, and miscellaneous recording items. 

11:35 PM – A residential vandalism occurred in the 400 block of Alberta Street. Suspect(s) threw an unknown object at the front window causing it to shatter. 

JPL, NASA to provide view and commentary on tomorrow's asteroid flyby

from NASA 

Artist's rendering of the Tunguska asteroid explosion of 1908. This will not happen tomorrow.

NASA Television will provide commentary starting at 11 AM. PST on Friday, Feb. 15, during the close, but safe, flyby of a small near-Earth asteroid named 2012 DA14. NASA places a high priority on tracking asteroids and protecting our home planet from them. This flyby will provide a unique opportunity for researchers to study a near-Earth object up close. 

The half-hour broadcast from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., will incorporate real-time animation to show the location of the asteroid in relation to Earth, along with live or near real-time views of the asteroid from observatories in Australia, weather permitting. 

At the time of its closest approach to Earth at approximately 11:25 a.m. PST (2:25 p.m. EST / 19:25 UTC), the asteroid will be about 17,150 miles (27,600 kilometers) above Earth's surface. 

The commentary will be available via NASA TV and streamed live online at: 

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv 

and 

http://www.ustream.tv/nasajpl2 

In addition to the commentary, near real-time imagery of the asteroid's flyby before and after closest approach, made available to NASA by astronomers in Australia and Europe, weather permitting, will be streamed beginning at about 9 a.m. PST (noon EST) and continuing through the afternoon at the following website: 

http://www.ustream.tv/nasajpl2 

A Ustream feed of the flyby from a telescope at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., will be streamed for three hours starting at 6 p.m. PST (8 p.m. CST / 9 p.m. EST). To view the feed and ask researchers questions about the flyby via Twitter, visit: 

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/nasa-msfc 

The NASA Near Earth Objects (NEO) Program at the agency's headquarters in Washington manages and funds the search, study and monitoring of NEOs, or asteroids and comets, whose orbits periodically bring them close to the Earth. NASA's study of NEOs provides important clues to understanding the origin of our solar system. The objects also are a repository of natural resources and could become waystations for future exploration. In collaboration with other external organizations, one of the program's key goals is to search and hopefully mitigate potential NEO impacts on Earth. JPL conducts the NEO program's technical and scientific activities. 

For more information, including graphics and animations showing the flyby of 2012 DA14, visit: 

www.nasa.gov/asteroidflyby 

For more information about asteroids and near-Earth objects, visit: 

http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/asteroidwatch

UPDATE 2/15:  OK, maybe we were a little premature about that caption!

 

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Forest Service, TreePeople looking for tree planting volunteers

by Timothy Rutt

TreePeople and the US Forest Service are looking for volunteers to plant seedlings within the Station Fire burn area, to help restore burned areas that can’t recover on their own.

About 15,000 trees  are to be planted:  a mix of Jeffrey pine, Coulter pine, and Douglas-fir seedlings grown from native seeds harvested on the Angeles National Forest.

Plantings  will be Thursdays through Sundays (9:00 AM. – 1 PM), from Feb. 23 until the middle or end of April. 
You’ll need to pre-register for this event, so that TreePeople can coordinate crew sizes and other planting details. Follow this link to find and register for the planting day(s) that work for you: http://www.treepeople.org/volunteer-search

TreePeople says:

We encourage you to wear long pants, dress in layers, and bring a jacket. All volunteers must wear closed-toe shoes (hard sole boots strongly recommended). Also, bring sunscreen, a full water bottle, your own snacks and a sack lunch. Forest Aid recommends that you bring a day pack to make sure you have all the necessary items for mountain planting. Bulk water will be available to refill your water bottle. Please remember: Tree planting at high elevations can be rigorous work, so enjoy a hearty breakfast before you arrive.

If you are under the age of 16, you must have a parent or guardian attend the event with you. If you are over 16 but under 18, you must have the attached parent consent form completed and turned in at the beginning of the event.

Because of the dynamic nature of wilderness plantings and tree care, please check our Mountain Forestry Hotline for event location and last minute changes due to rain, fire, etc.(818) 623-4871.

There will be locked gates so please be on time to get into the planting site! Also, remember to fill your gas tanks for the round trip up and down the mountain.

"Chocolate Princess" book signing at WFS postponed

Just received word from Lori Webster at Webster's Fine Stationers, which had scheduled a book signing for Valerie Jackson's The Chocolate Princess In The Land Of Plenty" on Saturday, Feb. 16:

Dear friends, we received some terrible news this morning from Valerie Jackson. Her young niece, the daughter of the sister this lovely book is dedicated to, suffered a brain aneurism yesterday and is currently undergoing treatment, which might involve brain surgery, at Huntington Memorial Hospital. Understandably, the book signing will be postponed to a future date. Please join with WFS in praying for her full recovery and we'll keep you updated on a new date.

 

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Altadena Ale House Valentine Dinner tonight

There still may be a chance to get in on the Valentine's Day Dinner at the Altadena Ale & Wine House tonight,.  Dinner starts at 6:30 PM, $85 per person,. Call in advance to make reservation and purchase tickets:626.794.4577 or email: info@altadenaalehouse.com

Poetry Corner: Valentine's Day

"Wherefore Art Thou Valentine?"

from gloriana casey

Oh Valentine, oh Valentine,
from whence forth came this day?
That time shrouded in History's mist-----
in ancient past, they say.

It seems that quite a few of saints
were martyred Valentines.
So many tales, but which is first---
 religion's long timelines.

That art of LOVE, from ancient Greece,
with Eros, we know well.
He shot 2 arrows, gold or lead,
to LOVE or ----to repel!

Still others say it's courtley love
 with Chaucer's rhyme and sauce!
Though Shakespeare too, he adds his twist---
a play--- "Love's Labour's Lost."

Found corgi, lost pug

Some animal activity in recent days:

FOUND: A golden adult Corgi with an orange and green collar wandered into a yard at Alta Pine Feb. 11. LA tag #S22610. Also a blue bone tag. Contact mardesilva@att.net or 626-826-6147.

LOST: Junie B. Jones, a year-old pug, got out of her yard around Woodbury and Los Robles on Feb. 8. Call Lori at (626) 356-9433.

Here, kitty kitty ....

Bill Westphal shared this picture of the Holly Slope Road mountain lion, captured Wednesday morning on his crittercam.  Reports are several of the local dogwalkers had some agitated hounds, but no reports of the kitty making off with a meal.

Missing cat: "Shuggie" [FOUND!]

Mary's cat has gone missing:

Lost Cat: "Shuggie" left the house at 11 AM on Monday February 11, and hasn't come back yet. She is not prone to wandering off for too long and stays close to home. 

Shuggie is medium-hair grey and white cat with a big fluffy tail. 

Please contact Mary anytime at 626-379-0654 or email: maryf.cecelia@gmail.com

UPDATE: Shuggie has been found and is back home!

Supervisors approve $4.1 million east Altadena lighting project

by Timothy Rutt

The Board of Supervisors has approved a $4.1 million project to construct new street lights in east Altadena.

The Layton Vista Ara Street Lighting Improvements Phase 2 project is scheduled to start in June, 2013, to be completed within 60 working days, or September, 2013, according to the project approved by the supervisors Tuesday. 

Bids will be open on the project March 12.  Streets to be improved include:

• Meadowbrook Road, Sinaloa Avenue to Midlothian Drive
• Allen Avenue, Meadowbrook Road to New York Drive
• Sinaloa Avenue, Meadowbrook Road to New York Drive
• Sinaloa Avenue, Elizabeth Street to Washington Boulevard
• Midlothian Drive, Meadowbrook Road to New York Drive
• Minoru Drive, Meadowbrook Road to New York Drive
• La Paz Road, Sinaloa Avenue to Allen Avenue
• Vistillas Road, Sinaloa Avenue to Allen Avenue
• Sonoma Drive, Sinaloa Avenue to Allen Avenue
• Morada Place, Sinaloa Avenue to Allen Avenue
• New York Drive, Sinaloa Avenue to Midlothian Drive
• Oxford Avenue, Elizabeth Street to Washington Boulevard
• Dominion Avenue, Elizabeth Street to Washington Boulevard
• Elizabeth Street, Oxford Avenue to Allen Avenue
• Beverly Drive, Oxford Avenue to Allen Avenue

Portantino appointed to state film commission

by Timothy Rutt

Former Assemblyman Anthony Portantino has been appointed to the California Film Commission, according to a release from Portantino's office.

Portantino, who represented Altadena and La Canada Flintridge in the state assembly, was termed out last yet.  He had represented the State Assembly on the Film Commission.  Prior to running for the Assembly, Portantino worked in film and television for many years. 

“I’m thrilled to be back on the Film Commission and very grateful to [Senate Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg] for this appointment.  I came to California from New Jersey to pursue a career in entertainment and being in a position to serve on the Commission lets me continue that passion and association. During my last term in office, I believe I was the only former filmmaker in the legislature where it is imperative that California’s core industry has someone with practical entertainment knowledge and experience,” commented Portantino.

“Anthony has been a consistent champion of the film and television industry and in the effort to keep this vital industry right here in California,” said Film Commission Chair Keith Weaver. “His broad experience and deep commitment to Californians have served the commission and the industry very well.  We are so glad to have him back.”

The California Film Commission is the implementation arm of the film tax incentive program.  It also maintains a database of California locations for filming, and offers online permitting for state property for filming. 

Altadena's Whisper Farms joins the Farmer's Market today

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Farmer's Market is welcoming a new vendor today:

We are pleased to welcome Whisper Farms to our market vendor mix this Wednesday! Whisper Farms grows greens using aquaponic methods in their Altadena backyard. This week they are bringing Swiss chard, Nevada, Red Sails, Buttercrunch and bibb lettuces to the market. Welcome Whisper Farms!

All in addition to their usual farm-fresh and prepared foods.  The Altadena Farmer's Market is at lower Loma Alta Park, corner of Lincoln Avenue and Palm Street, from 4-7 PM.

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Local churches hold Ash Wednesday services, Lenten programs

Ash Wednesday begins the seaon of Lent leading into Easter, and some of the local churches will be having services and beginning programs today:

Altadena Community Church

As the sunlight lengthens each day in the weeks approaching Easter, Christians experience the season of Lent.  Five San Gabriel Valley United Church of Christ congregations will join to observe the beginning of Lent, Ash Wednesday, on Feb. 13.  All are welcome to gather at Altadena Community Church (943 E. Altadena Drive) for a 6 p.m. potluck in Heicher Hall and then in the sanctuary for the 7 p.m. service.  The Rev. Libby Tigner will preach.

ACC has a Lenten study tradition.  This year Pastor Joe McGowan will lead discussions exploring the last week of Jesus' life, using Michelangelo's The Pieta as a guide.  The one-hour class series will be offered at 11:30 a.m. Sundays (after 10 a.m. worship), beginning Feb. 17; at 5:30 p.m. Mondays, beginning Feb. 18; or at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, beginning Feb. 21.  The Sunday and Thursday classes meet at the church, while the Monday class meets at Coco's Restaurant, 77 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena.

Altadena Community Church welcomes people of different faith understandings, and visitors are welcome.  For more information about ACC, see www.altadenaucc.org.  For more information about the United Church of Christ denomination, seewww.ucc.org.

St. Mark's Episcopal Church

Distribution of Ashes and Holy Eucharist at noon.  Disposition of Ashes and Choral Holy Eucharist, 7 PM.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

Liturgies 8 a.m. 12:00 noon and 6 p.m.

St. Elizabeth of Hungary

6:30am  Mass
8:30am  Mass
10:15am  School Mass
12:00pm  Misa En Español
6:00pm  English Mass
7:30pm  Misa en Español

Cougar alert on Hollyslope Road

by Timothy Rutt

Getting reports from the residents of Hollyslope Road that a mountain lion was spotted this morning.  Get your animals inside and be careful!

What's up tonight? Have pancakes, get your "guy" on, or your Mardi Gras on

This is a busy, busy evening, with something for everybody:

• Shrove Tuesday Pancakes: Traditional Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper cooked by the Men of Saint Mark's Church 1014  Altadena Drive. Come enjoy pancakes, sausage and applesauce, for the bargain price of $5 per individual and $15 per family, in the community hall, 5-7 PM.
• Guy's Night Out:  Really, guys, you need some help if you want Valentine's Day to be a success.  Webster's Community Pharmacy, 2450 N. Lake Avenue, is holding a Valentine's Shop & Dine Event for Altadena Guys from 5-7 PM.  Nosh some good things from Amy's Patio Café, enjoy beer tasting courtesy of Webster's Liquors, and talk to your personal gift consultant.
• Mardi Gras:  enjoy Fat Tuesday with a great party at  the Altadena Ale & Wine House tonight, 2329 N. Fair Oaks. Cajun food, New Orleans music, and wear your favorite mask!

Library moves "Brown vs. Board of Education" film to Senior Center

by Timothy Rutt

Due to public response, the Altadena Library will move its Feb. 23 program, "Separate is NOT Equal," to the Altadena Senior Center, 560 E. Mariposa St.  The program starts at 2 PM.

The program is a filmed re-enactment of the arguments in the Brown v. Board of Education case before the Supreme Court.   The decision in the 1954 case declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students unconstitutional.

The Honorable Terry J. Hatter, Jr., Senior United States District Judge (Chief Judge Emeritus) Central District of California, will appear in person to introduce this important event.  In the video Hatter presents his views of the case and its effect on his own life and the schools in Pasadena.  Other speakers in the film include Cheryl Brown Henderson, daughter of Oliver Brown, the named plaintiff, and Dean Erwin Chemerinsky, Irvine School of Law, who gives a background of the case and its aftermath.

This free program is sponsored by the Friends of the Altadena Library and the Altadena Senior Center. For more information please call 626-798-0833 or visit the library on the web at http://www.altadenalibrary.org.

 

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For better or verse, Poetry and Cookies 2013 anthology looking for poets

Chamber names Michele Zack, Altadena Hardware the best of the year

Budget cuts hurt Altadena's sheriff station

Bloggers, save the date: Primavera V is coming!

 

The fifth (yes, FIFTH!) annual "Primavera in Altadena," the annual San Gabriel Valley Blogger's Potluck, will be Sat., March 30, at the Mt. Curve Pavilion in Farnsworth Park.  Bloggers, fans, family, pets, etc. are all welcome!  Put it on your calendar, and bring a dish to share!

Friends in Deed food bank will take your excess fruit

Steve and Judy Bass write:

Do you have a fruit tree that needs picking? Instead of letting the fruit land on the ground and go to waste, consider turning the fruit into a tax-deductible donation by giving it to Friends in Deed, a Pasadena-based, non-profit  food bank.

In fact, if you're planning and preparing a garden, why not consider planting a few extra rows or vegetables for Friends in Deed.

It's all for a good cause. In fact, last year, our garden club's organizers donated 2000 pounds --yes, that's one ton -- of fruits and vegetables to Friends in Deed. (Learn more about the First Fruits Garden Club goals and meetings.)

If you have questions, or want to get involved helping feed people who are truly in need, send me a private e-mail.

Steve and Judy Bass
mailto:stevebass@gmail.com 

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Fitness over 40

Revvell Revati's is latest class is "Fitness over 40," and she says:

This class happens every Wednesday evening where we come to play and learn new things which maintain and create balance, hand-eye coordination, flexibility, agility and strength!  As we mature, we often don't notice that we're losing all of the above until we need it.  We'll be working/playing with a variety of "toys" including Sand Bells, clubs, ropes, bands, and kettlebells!  This is a relatively new class ~ beginners welcome ~ based on safety first! Bring water and be ready to play! Wednesday evenings, 7 PM. Fee is $15 cash per 90 min. session.  Contact: Revvell@gmail.com for Altadena address. Easy, free parking.

Altadena Crest Trail group meeting cancelled tonight

The Altadena Crest Trail Restoration Working Group (ACTRWG) meeting for tonight has been cancelled so it will not conflict with the State of the Union address.

 

Found: male pug, Fair Oaks/Mariposa

Rob found a male pug with a black harness near Fair Oaks and Mariposa in Altadena, on Sunday afternoon, no tags.  Please call 626-797-9855 or 626-260-5509.

Water companies call for conservation Feb. 21-March 1

by Timothy Rutt

Altadenans and residents of Pasadena, La Canada Flintridge, and La Crescenta are being asked to cut down on water use -- including outdoor watering -- while two water suppliers are completing repairs and upgrades, starting next week.

Altadena customers of Las Flores Water Company are being asked cut back on water use from Feb. 18 through March 1.  Altadena residents who are supplied by the City of Pasadena are being asked to restrict water use from Feb. 21 through Feb. 28.

In Altadena, the Foothills Municipal Water District will be completing repairs and upgrades from Feb. 18-March 1.  Foothilll services several water districts in La Canada Flintridge, La Crescenta, and Kinneloa Mesa, as well as Las Flores Water Co., Lincoln Avenue Water Co., and Rubio Canon Land & Water Association in Altadena.  Only Las Flores customers will be affected by the shutdown, as Lincoln Avenue and Rubio Canyon says they have adequate reserves, according to Nina Jazmadarian of FMWD.

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, which supplies FMWD, is asking residents to restrict water use for eight days from Thursday, Feb. 21, through Thursday, Feb. 28.  MWD is upgrading the Upper Feeder line, one of the oldest pipelines, which delivers treated drinking water from MWD's treatment plant in LaVerne to foothill cities and communities from Pomona to Glendale.

The City of Pasadena, which takes water from Metropolitan, has already declared a Level 4 water shortage during the duration, which bans outdoor watering and requires other water use restrictions throughout the city.

Businesses are being asked to do their part to ensure adequate wage levels.  Such water conservation steps include no outdoor watering, hand-washing vehicles, filling swimming pools or spas, or hosing down driveways and sidewalks.

Gardeners are being asked to delay new landscaping -- which typically requires continual watering to establish plants, shrubs, and trees -- until after the shut down.  If the weather warms prior to the shutdown, residents may want to deep-root water plants to keep them healthy.  Deep-root watering should be done before the shutdown begins Feb. 21.

Starting Feb. 14, residents can visit www. mwdh2o.com and www.bewaterwise.com for the latest information on the planned shutdown,as well as wearer-saving tips.  During the shutdown, regular updates on upgrade work will be posted.

Publisher's notebook: postlude to being a jet-setting guinea pig

 

by Timothy Rutt

Several months ago, we shared our journey with our son Jacob.  Jake has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and through most of 2012 we were traveling to and from UC-Davis Medical Center in Sacramento weekly while he underwent a clinical trial of a new drug.

Jake's team at the Neuromuscular Research Center shared our article with the public relations folks at the Medical Center.  It's kind of ironic that while his team and its work is recognized around the world, they're not that well known within the medical school, so they thought Jacob's story would draw some attention to the good work that they do.  

The public relations staff agreed that a piece about the team's research, featuring one of the boys in the trial, would be a good idea.  They decided to profile Jake for several reasons -- not only that he got there first, but his team cares about him very much -- and they know that his sister Rosie tends to get most of the attention.  Now, it was his turn to shine.

We were interviewed by Nora Mealy, a freelance writer working for the PR team.  During our last clinic visit in January, Senior Public Information Officer Charles Casey conducted a video interview and shot some footage of Jake going through his paces.

We think it's a great piece.  Here's the full press release with video that UC-Davis released, and here's an article in Science Daily  and ScienceBlog that was spun off from that, as well as a feature in the Davis Enterprise.  

 

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Altadena Junction: stirrings at Lake and Calaveras

This week's column in the Pasadena Sun: what's going in the Crater?

Two found dogs, looking for their homes

Two found dogs -- can you help?

 

• Elena found a small black dog with brown points, female, about 7 lbs., at the bus stop on Lake and Washington Wednesday night.: "I was getting gas at the 76 station on the corner of Lake and Washington when I heard barking and crying. On the bus bench was a carrier with this cute little dog in it. I looked around and there was no one in sight so I finished pumping the gas and waited but no one came so I took the dog home."  Please e-mail at elana@soullyorganic.com

• Eileen found a dog Saturday morning, whch followed her home from Allen and Vistillas (pictured). Medium-sized dog, white with black on his tail.  Collar but no tags.  If you know something about this lost dog, please call 443-824-2957.

 

 

 

 

Victory Garden classes start at Community Garden in March

Become a Certified UC Victory Gardener through the "Grow LA Victory Garden Initiative" begining class at the Altadena Community Garden starting in March.

The classes, part of University of California Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardener Program, run from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM  on March 2, 9, 16, and 23.  Cost is $55 for the series, or $15 per class.  

To register, call Jeri Huston at 626-345-5466 or e-mail at Jeri.Huston@yahoo.com

(Note: You are registered only when your fee has been received!)

Support for UC Cooperative Extension, Los Angeles County has been provided by the Metabolic Studio, a direct charitable activity of the Annenberg Foundation.

 

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Learn rose planting, pruning, and propagating at the Community Garden Sat.

Aveson will open new campus at Altadena/Lincoln building this fall

Morning jolt

• AUFM becomes Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Marketplace:  The design firm The Think Farm decided to so some pro bono work for a local do-good organization last year, and settled on the Altadena Urban Farmer's Market (not to be confused with the current Altadena Farmer's Market, which it spawned).  Now rebranded, it will re-emerge this spring as the Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Marketplace (certainly not to be confused with the Walmart Neighborhood Market ...)
• Scholar:  Amelia M. Garrison, of Altadena, has been named to the dean's list for the fall 2012 semester at the University of Vermont. Garrison is a first-year Undeclared major in the College of Arts & Sciences. To be named to the dean's lists, students must have a grade-point average of 3.0 or better and rank in the top 20 percent of their class in their respective college or school.
• Belly Fat Diet:  MonteCedro will host Erin Palinski-Wade, nutritionist and author of “Belly Fat Diet for Dummies”  on Feb. 21. Erin has appeared on The Doctors, The Early Show, CBS News andFox News, and in Fitness, Consumer Reports, The Chicago Tribune and Prevention Magazine.  Erin will hold two educational seminars to inform the San Gabriel Valley area seniors about the link between belly fat and heart disease. During the seminars, attendees will learn about why foods such as garlic, dark chocolate and tomatoes can make your heart happy and increase your energy and longevity. She will also highlight new statistics about heart healthy foods, and provide tips on how to achieve a healthier lifestyle.  Seating for this event is limited. To register, please visit www.montecedro.com/info or call 877-282-1584.

 

 

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Lake/Calaveras project documents

by Timothy Rutt

No story here, but for public information and discussion here are drawings of the planned Lake/Calaveras development.

We also have a higher-resolution PDF available here.

Lego Club at the Library Saturday

The Lego Club at the Altadena Library meets this Satuday, Feb. 9, 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.  

CERT classes offered in Altadena in March

Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) will be offered on three Saturdays in March at Loma Alta Park.

The classes will be held March 2, 9, and 17 from 9 AM-4 PM.  CERT will teach you important skills to aid your neighborhood in case of disaster.

Classes are free, but you must register at http://AltadenaCert.eventbright.com or call 661-287-3690.  Click on the graphic for more details.

From flamenco to Valentine's Day, the Altadena Ale House will be hoppin'!

Gail Casburn at the Altadena Ale & Wine House, 2329 N. Fair Oaks Ave.,, reminds us of what they've got scheduled in the days ahead:

Saturday, Feb. 9: Rumba-Flamenco music at 8:30 pm

Sunday, Feb. 10:- Bordeaux Wine tasting - $25.00 per person, cheese and baguette included

Tuesday, Feb. 12: FAT Tuesday Mardi Gras Party & Potluck - Cajun Food will be served, Wear your favorite Mask - Blues Music

Thursday, Feb. 14: Valentine's Dinner - four course meal paired with wines, prepared by Chef Matt-  $85 per person so make a reservation now...table linen service included as well!  Call in advance to reserve your spot:  626.794.4577 or email info@altadenaalehouse.com

Winter is coming: rain, cold temperatures ... snow?

by Timothy Rutt

The Mt. Wilson towercam shows fog and the beginnings of snow Friday morning.

The National Weather Service is using a "snowflake" icon for Altadena this morning, which isn't a good sign.  Rain is predicted before 10 AM, some thunder is possible.  Expect it to be mostly cloudy today, but the weather service is predicting a 70% chance of precipitation today.  There may even be snow in the hills before the day is done.

In the meantime, highs are predicted only in the 40's today, possibly 35 degrees tonight, so take care of your plants!

Anticipating snowy and icy conditions, the Los Angeles County Public Works Department has closed public access to Los Angeles Forest Highway from state road 2 (Angeles Crest Highway) to Aliso Canyon Road, and Upper Big Tujunga Canyon Road from Angeles Forest Highway to SR-2 (Angeles Crest Highway) until further notice.

 

Two one-woman shows this weekend: Ellen Snortland, Polly Frost

It’s an Altadena theater weekend! 

Ellen Snortland's one-woman show, “Now That She’s Gone,” will have a performance at the Coffee Gallery Backstge Saturday, Feb. 9, at 2 PM.  Tickets are $10-$20 at Brown Paper Tickets: www.tinyurl.com/CG-02-2013

Polly Frost’s one-woman show, ‘Bad Role Models and What I Learned From Them,”  will be performed Sunday, February 10 at 3 PM, at 857 West Mariposa (yes, it’s a barn). $15, cash only at the door.  Seating will be by reservation. Reservations can be made either by calling 805-450-9955 or by visiting http://pollyfrost.com and using the contact form to email.

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Snortland's "Now That She's Gone" at the Coffee Gallery Backstage Feb. 9

Polly Frost looks at her Altadena bad role models

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"A Tree Grows" staged reading at the Library Feb. 2

Deputies arrest resident for identity theft

by Timothy Rutt

Ebony Vaughns, 21, of Altadena was arrested by sheriff's detectives Wednesday morning on charges of identity theft and grand theft.

According to a release from the sheriff's department, detectives served a search warrant on the 2100 block of El Sereno Avenue.  According to the release, "A lengthy investigation led detectives to the suspect’s apartment where evidence was discovered that identified Ebony Vaughns as the person who assumed the identity of a Bogart, Georgia woman and fraudulently obtained a $5000 cash advance on her credit card. "

Vaughns is being held on $50,000 bail, and is scheduled for arraignment today.

The press release also reminded residents to look out for any unusual activity on all credit cards and bank accounts. If you see anything unusual, notify the financial institution and file a police report with your local law enforcement agency immediately. 

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PUSD Mandarin Immersion parent's "playdate" on Sunday, Feb. 10

The parents of PUSD's  Mandarin Dual Language Immersion Program are hosting a couple of informal "play dates"  where parents and children interested in theprogram can meet and ask questions of parents and children already enrolled. 

The first date is Sunday, Feb. 10, at Hamilton Park, 3680 Cartwright St., Pasadena, 1-3 PM.  There will be another "playdate" on March 10, at the same time and location.