altadenablog

Rhythms of the Village announces workshops schedule

by Timothy Rutt

Rhythms of the Village, Altadena's new store of African-themed art, clothing, and gifts, announces its schedule of workshops and classes.

Tuesday, 6:30-7:30 PM: Drum class for those that have little to some drumming experience. $12

Wednesday, 6:30-8 PM: Fiber arts, crafts dealing with yarns and fabrics, $10.

Thursday, 6:30-8 PM: Crafts for Big People: crafts that caregivers teach the young. $10.

Friday, 6:30-7:30 PM: Drum Circle:  free style playing, free.

Saturday, 9:30-10:30 AM, Yoruba language class, $12; and 10:30 AM-11:30 AM, Igbo (Nigerian) language class, $12.

Rhythms of the Village is at 2279 N. Lake Avenue.  Call 626-795-6053 for more information.

 

Update: two injured hikers rescued ... then arrested

by TImothy Rutt

Currently (6 PM) a helicopter rescue is underway at the Razorback Trail/Acrophobia RIdge for some climbers who didn't heed the warnings.  More details as we get them.

6:15 PM: Per scanner: County fire chopper has been working this scene -- just left to refuel, and request went out for sheriff copter, which as infrared capability, to locate a second victim.

6:30 PM: Per scanner, a "second patient" has been located.

Per Lt. Angela Shepherd at the Crescenta Valley Sheriff's Station, one male victim was trapped between the two waterfalls, and currently hasn't heard of a second victim.

UPDATE 10/9: Pasadena Star-News is reporting that two hikers were rescued, one airlifted out, the other may have been injured as well ... and they both had outstanding warrants and were arrested.

This story and headline have been updated from their original appearance.

 

Morning jolt

• Wong is Arroyo’s Volunteer of the Month:  Dorothy Wong, one of the movers and shakers of the Altadena Bicycle Club, was named Volunteer of the Month by the Arroy Seco Foundation.  The foundation recognized the rockin’ biker for leading the Arroyo Seco Via, the bicycling portion of Alternative 20 support rally on Sept. 28.  The foundation says that Wong also put together a series of Cyclocross events at Los Angeles Historic State Park and cares for the trees at the Foundation’s nursery.
• Taste of ... Altadena:  The annual Artisanal LA showcase of local food small-scale food producers is this weekend, Oct. 12-13, and what would such a thing be without a strong Altadena showing?  Organizer Shawna Dawson (who lives here) says there will be 178 vendors at the LA Mart event, along with 40 demonstrators. The Altadena Farmers’ Market will be throwing a mini-market at the event with many of its vendors attending.  
• Spooky season:  The Arroyo Co-op is getting into the season early -- they announced that they will be hosting a Halloween-themed open house on Sunday, Oct. 27, from 2-4 PM at the Co-op, 494 Wilson Avenue, Pasadena.
• Energy and light:  Lynne Olson of Altadena will have an opening of her solo photography show, “Light & Energy,” at LILLY (lillian montalvo landscape design) 1504 Mission Street in South Pasadena this Saturday, Oct. 12, from 5-9 PM.  Olson’s medium is “abstract photography which intends to enhance our awareness of the energy and light that is always around us.” Her un-retouched images are “painted” with a camera and printed on an aluminum sheet to add luminosity.  The show will be on display at LILLY through mid November. More information about Lynne and her show can be found at Heart-of-Goldie.com.
• Flyby:  Alice Wessen @ JPL lets us know there will be an outstanding overhead flyby of the International Space Station at about 7:45 PM tonight, along with the Draconid meteor shower -- so if you're not watching a game or something, check it out!

Found: German Shepherd on JPL trail

Reader Joy writes:

Found beautiful German Shepherd on the JPL trail today.  He is very nice but seems a bit afraid: 310-733-6701

County adds Altadena hearing to Devil's Gate sediment removal process

by Timothy Rutt

At the urging of Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, a meeting in Altadena has been added to present the county's sediment cleanup plan for the Devil's Gate Reservoir,

The additional meeting will be at Jackson Elementary School on Thursday, Nov. 14, from 6:30-8:30 PM, according to a release from Antonovich's office.  The county had previously scheduled meetings at the Rose Bowl Stadium Visitor's Locker Room on Nov. 6, and Community Center of La Canada Flintridge on Nov. 16.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works will use the meetings to present a Draft Environmental Impact Report for the  Devil’s Gate Reservoir Sediment Removal and Management Project, a plan to remove sediment buildup from behind the dam.

Rains after the Station Fire deposited about a million cubic yards of sediment into the area, which includes the Hahamongna Watershed.  The county has said that they need to remove the debris and sediment to prepare for future flooding, but the environmental sensitivity of the area has put the brakes on the "big dig" originally proposed.  The county has been relying on interim measures, removing smaller loads of debris close to the dam in 2012 and 2013, as the environmental review process continues.  

For more information, go here.  The meetings are:

Wednesday, November 6, 2013: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Rose Bowl Stadium Visitor's Locker Room, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena (Park in Lot F, enter at Gate A)

Thursday, November 14, 2013 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Jackson Elementary School Auditorium, 93 West Woodbury Road, Altadena (Park in lot in rear or on North Spaulding Place)

Saturday, November 16, 2013:  2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Community Center of La Cañada Flintridge, 4469 Chevy Chase Drive, La Cañada Flintridge (Park in Community Center/Pre-School Lot)<

How to tame your dragon, St. George style

The seond and sixth graders at the Pasadena Waldorf School combined to perform the story of St. George and the Dragon.  The dragon was played by the sixth graders, in a dramatic Chinese-style dragon costume, while the second grade enacted the role of villagers living in fear of the dragon and St. George of Cappadocia, a knight who rises to the challenge to conquer the beast.

It was all part of the school's Michaelmas Festival, commemorating the warrior angel who inspired St. George. The festival included games including jousting and feats of enduance and agility.

Update: shots fired, 100 block west Altadena Drive

by Timothy Rutt

Just before 11 PM, a neighbor reported to us that shots were fired in the vicinity of  the 100 block of West Altadena Drive.  Scanner traffic reports that suspect car was seen fleeing south on Fair Oaks.  Currently, per scanner, Altadena Drive is closed at the scene.

11:07 update:  "possible victims" mentioned.

Update 10/8:  Lt. Eric Lasko of the Altadena Sheriff Station reported that "Deputies responded to the 100 block of Altadena Drive in regard to possible gunshots heard.  Shell casings belonging to a handgun were found in in the street near shattered glass. No further victims, damages, or information available."

 

 

 

Breaking: CT 4612 councilman Bill Ward, elected in May, resigns

by Timothy Rutt

Bill Ward, who was recently seated on the Altadena Town Council for Census Tract 4612, announced today that he is moving and resigning his seat.

Ward emailed Altadenablog with a copy of this letter to Council Chair Diane Marcussen today:

Dear Madame Chair,

I write to you now to resign my position as Altadena Town Councilman representing Census Tract 4612, effective today.

I am moving to another state with my family and selling my home in Altadena, and therefore will no longer be a resident.

It was an honor to be elected by my neighbors and a privilege to serve for the short time that I did.

Sincerely,

Bill Ward, CT 4612

We have reached out to Ward for further comment, and will share it once we get it.

Webster's Fine Stationers to host networking event Oct. 16

Is your business facing economic and/or other challenges?

Come link arms with other area small businesses in a creative networking environment - join us as we work to empower one another to not only stay in business, but to thrive in business! We are more powerful together and you never know when or where you'll meet someone that can help you make that step to the next level.

This is the first networking event hosted jointly by Webster's Fine Stationers and Zenobia "The Tech Diva" Millet. Each business person attending will have 2-3 minutes to advertise their business, so polish up that elevator speech and don't forget your business cards! Refreshments will be served, and if we get enough positive feedback, we'll make this an on-going, monthly meetup!

Time: Wednesday, Oct. 16, 6-8 PM.

Where: Webster's Fine Stationers, 2450 N. Lake Avenue

Reservations: $5 for WFS boxholders, $10 at the door, $7 if reserved ahead thru email or Facebook.

 

Publisher's notebook: help us walk to a better future

by Timothy Rutt

It's no secret that our daughter Rosie (pictured) is a person with Down Syndrome.  She's a sharp, happy girl, one of those people who lights up a room, and we're grateful to have her in our life.

But children, youth, and adults with Down Syndrome require a lot of special attention and care.  They usually require a modified school curriculum to teach them the skills that will make them fulfilled individuals and contributors to society.  There also needs to be community awareness of these individuals and their needs -- that they're not helpless, nor frightening, nor unworthy of life.

Here in the greater Pasadena area, we are blessed with Club 21, a resource center for persons with Down Syndrome and their families.  In its mission statement, Club 21 says it "envisions a society enriched by the inclusion of individuals with Down Syndrome.  Club 21's mission is to support individuals with Down syndrome, their families and communities, so those individuals will reach their true potential."

That's something we've gotten behind as a family since its inception.  We've met so many inspiring folks there, and are glad we could help some people on their own journey.

Currently, Club 21 is at a crossroads: there are a lot of member families, a lot of folks who are seeking help -- but it's almost entirely run by volunteers.  In order to fulfill its mission and grow, it's going to need more resources, including some paid staff. 

Among the people Club 21 helps are:

• families who, upon receiving an in-utero diagnosis of Down syndrome, find hope and safety when they discover Club 21.
• new parents who come and get vital information from therapists and “seasoned” parents in our First Steps program.
• parents who get the training they need to help their child and teacher in the Learning Program.  
• children in our Every Child a Reader (ECAR) program who gain confidence and skills to begin to read and step on a course that will change their life by becoming literate. 
• siblings that come to Sibshops and have a place where they are the focus and get the tools they need for their journey. 
• providing resources and support to schools and teachers helping our students have access to adapted curriculum and classrooms.
• fathers who gain support from one another in monthly meetings of Dads Appreciating Down syndrome (D.A.D.S.)
• volunteers whose lives are changed by working with Club 21.

That's why we're getting behind this year's Club 21 "Together is Better" Walkathon, to be held Oct. 19 at Central Park in Pasadena.  There will be food trucks (of course), activity booths, and entertainment, as well as a walk around downtown Pasadena to raise awareness of Club 21 and the work it does.  Club 21 is hoping to raise $150,000 from this walkathon, and we're fielding a team to do our part, "Rosie's Blue Lobsters."

(Why "Blue Lobsters?"  We were inspired from an article by the Boston Herald's Dave Falcone, which unfortunately has gone offline at the Herald, but you can find it here with an added last paragraph.)

We know you get a lot of requests to fork over time and money -- we do, too. But we think this is a humane, worthy cause, and it's going somewhere local that does its good work right here in our backyard, so you can actually see the results.

So we're asking everyone we know to make a donation to keep this organization flowing and growing.  (We've even made it easy to donate online here).  Altadena is the greatest town in the world, and we want it to make its presence known in a big way, so we're putting our request in the best venue we know of, right here.

Thank you for helping us take this wonderful organization to the next level.

 

Found terrier, Fair Oaks/Loma Alta

Dog found:  a resident found this wire haired terrier on Fair Oaks near Loma Alta Drive on Sat., Oct. 5.  Please call (323) 528-8268.

Will you be ready? Mini-CERT seminar at Community Center Oct. 10

by Timothy Rutt

Want to take Community Emergency Response Team training, but can't make the time commitment?

Knowledge is power, so the Altadena Sheriff's Station and the Altadena CERT are putting together a series of mini-trainings on disaster preparedness, with the goal to have everyone in Altadena prepared for when disaster strikes.

The first one will be Thurs., Oct. 10, from 7-8:30 PM at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Drive.  Hilary Cable will present a power point on CERT and disaster readiness. 

Members of the Altadena CERT Management Team will be present for a Q & A afterwards.

Library's ALTA-LA features Latina poets Oct.17

from the Altadena Library

Three Latinas—performance poet, writer, and artist Vibiana Aparicio-Chamberlin; poet, author, curator, and columnist for Pasadena SGV Journal, Gerda Govine Ituarte; and author, poet, editor, and writing consultant, Thelma T. Reyna—will read their poetry (some in Spanish) at Altadena Library on Thursday, October 17 at 7 PM in the Library Community Room.

This event is the second of the ALTA-L.A. Third Thursday Poetry Series hosted by Linda Dove, the library’s Poet Laureate. This free series is sponsored by the Friends of the Altadena Library. Open mic readers may perform their poems in either Spanish or English. This event is supported by Poets & Writers, Inc. through a grant it has received from the James Irvine Foundation.

• Vibiana Aparicio-Chamberlin is a prize-winning performance poet and artist. She has received awards from the cities of Pasadena, Duarte and Los Angeles; the State Assembly and Senate; Pasadena Councilman Victor Gordo; Mayor William Bogaard of Pasadena; and three City proclamations from Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Excerpts from her memoirs have been published in the Pasadena Weekly. Her poetry has been published in Inscape Literary Magazine, Pasadena City College; Poetry & Cookies Anthology, in 2010, 2011, and 2012, 2013, published by the Altadena Library; and Dismantle: Anthology of Writers of Color, Berkeley. Vibi has also written for the Huntington Gardens journal,The Tattler, and served as editorial writer for the Pasadena Eagle. She has been interviewed on KPFK’s Pocho Hour of Power, performed in the films El Otro Mexico and Language of Passion, Mexico City. A playlet based on her political life was performed at Plaza de la Raza, L.A., in 2012. website: artediosa.com; blog: bluemilagro.wordpress.com
• Dr. Gerda Govine Ituarte  is a poet, author, curator, and columnist for the Pasadena SGV Journal and Frontera Esquina, a poetry magazine published in Mexico. Her Oh, Where is My Candle Hat? is a poetry art book in English and Spanish with translation and artwork by her husband, Luis Ituarte. A special feature includes a CD of poems by poet and artist in both languages. Gerda also serves as a consultant for the California Fair Employment and Housing Administration and is an appointed member of the of LA County Commission for Women. She is also CEO of G. GovineConsulting, which provides expert witness, litigation consultation, training, writing and public speaking in the area of human resources, with an emphasis on diversity and inclusion. She was born in the Virgin Islands and lives with her husband in Pasadena and Tijuana. At the library event Gerda will read her poems in English and Luis will read them in Spanish. http://www.govineconsults.com/
• Dr. Thelma T. Reyna an is an author, poet, editor, and writing consultant. Her stories, poems, essays, book reviews, and other nonfiction have been published in literary and academic journals, textbooks, anthologies, blogs, and in regional media for over 30 years. Her first book, The Heavens Weep for Us and Other Stories (2009) received four national honors. Her first poetry chapbook, Breath & Bone (2011), was a Semi-Finalist in the 2010 National Poetry Chapbook Competition by Finishing Line Press, as was her second poetry book, Hearts in Common (2013) in the 2012 competition. Dr. Reyna writes the blogs “American Latina/o Writers Today” (http://www.LatinoWritersToday.blogspot.com ) and “The Literary Self” (http://www.TheLiterarySelf.blogspot.com ). She is a guest blooger on two other blogs and writes a series of book reviews for the blog, Lagtinopia.com. Thelma is also an editor, ghost writer, and writing consultant with her business, The Writing Pros, based in Pasadena, CA (http://TheWritingPros.com).

Shutdown showdown in Altadena: volunteers are sidelined, fire lookouts shuttered

by Timothy Rutt

 

The Blight Busters all-volunteer cleanup and graffiti eradication crew is sidelined during the government shutdown.

Washington's shutdown showdown continues to have ripple effects in the hills around Altadena.

 

Community correspondent Tim Murphy says that it's even affecting unpaid volunteers:

Our small volunteer group, The Blight Busters, have been doing trash and graffiti removal in Eaton Canyon and Echo Mountain since 2007. We do this under the guidance of the Angeles National Forest. Our next scheduled day for work was going to be Saturday, October 5. That is until we got this message from the Angeles Forest District Recreation Officer:

"Unfortunately, with the government in shutdown mode, all volunteers need to stop working.  Facilities in the Angeles National Forest are closed. Due to the fact the Forest Service cannot have volunteers being exposed to risk and possibly getting injured when the agency is not allowed to expend funds, all volunteer work must be curtailed. Once an appropriations bill is passed by Congress, we can all go back to work." 

Who would have thought that even non-paid volunteers are being effected by the shutdown. What a shame.

The Altadena Crest Trail Restoration Working Group, which meets tomorrow night, is also looking at the effects on the forest.  From their meeting announcement:

It has been brought to the attention attention of many local residents that the Federal Government furlough has prevented volunteer fire lookouts from staffing the Lookout Towers in Angeles National Forest, even during red flag fire conditions. The gradual abandonment of Lookout Towers is an associated issue. This situation is now on the agenda. 

 

Also, Southern California Edison has reportedly destroyed numerous mature trees and graded 2-3 acres of valuable habitat down to mineral soil near Chaney Trail during construction of its massive (173 mile long) Tehachapi Renewable Energy Project. Concern has been expressed about the loss of habitat and restricted access on public land. (See our story here.)

Bring trail conditions, concerns, and photos to this meeting for discussion. USFS staff have been furloughed by the government shutdown; however, we encourage any who wish to attend on their own time to come out of uniform,

ACTRWG meets at 7 PM Oct. 8 at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.

 

 

Aveson seeking community comments on school location fencing

by Timothy Rutt

Aveson Charter School will hold a meeting on Saturday, Oct. 12, to talk to residents about fencing options for the school's new location at Lincoln Avenue and Altadena Drive.

Town council census tract 4603.01 representatives Damon L. Hobdy and Judy Matthews are notifying residents of the meeting, which will be at Loma Alta Park, 3330 N. Lincoln Avenue.  It's a short meeting -- only one hour -- and starts at 10 AM.  Meeting will be in the gymnasium building, with parking at Sunset Ridge Road.

Aveson executive director Kate Bean is looking for community input for fencing at the school as the current chain link will come down when construction is completed, scheduled for later in October.  Residents are asked to give their input in the type of fencing that will provide both privacy and "curb appeal."

 

Found dog, Ventura/Casitas

Reader Steve writes:

I found this dog roaming around my back yard around 2:30pm today, near the corner of Ventura and Casitas.  Seems well-cared for. Collar, but no tag.  Owner can contact me at 562-773-3534.

(P.S. I'm withholding gender and collar details so that I can verify any claims of ownership)

"Just Doing Stuff" at Throop Church

Transition Pasadena welcomes the founder of the international Transition Town Movement, Rob Hopkins, who is visiting Pasadena.

Our “DOING STUFF” Transition Town Fair features festivities throughout the day including the award winning Repair Café, tours of the award winning Throop Learning garden, New Ideas Speed Dating and displays from many local sustainability groups and regional transition initiatives. Highlight of the day will be the talk by Rob Hopkins with the Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard as the keynote listener.

 

Tickets are $5 pre-sale online and $10 at the door.

http://justdoingstuffpasadena-es2.eventbrite.com/

Partial list of demonstrating groups;

The Arroyo Food Co-op 
The Arroyo S.E.C.O. network of Time Banks 
Pasadena Learning Gardens 
Citizens Climate Lobby 
Downtown Pasadena Neighborhood Association 
Complete Streets Coalition 
and more...

The event will be held at Throop Church, 300 S. Los Robles Ave, Pasadena, from 10:30 AM-2 PM Monday, Oct. 14.

 

 

Being prepared on Chaney Trail

 

Alice Wessen forwards the photo above:

 A Strike Team of  U.S. Forest Service, LA County and CAL FIRE are in the Chaney neighborhood in advance of the Santa Ana winds, reviewing the area, and getting/staying prepped.  We thanked them on behalf of the neighborhood.   They will be here for about an hour, walking around. 

 

Happy Trails Oct. 19 as Altadena Heritage celebrates our equestrian past

by Timothy Rutt

Altadena Heritage will celebrate Altadena's horsy past Oct. 19 as it dedicates the "equestrian block" at Altadena Stables.

The equestrian block will be the seventh AHA! (Altadena Heritage Area) singled out by the organization, according to Michele Zack.

The block -- bounded by Mariposa, Las Casitas, Altadena Drive, and Ridgeview Drive -- are actually supposed to stand in for all of Altadena's equestrian past, Zack said.

Altadena has been a horse-loving area from the very beginning: "Back in the mission days, Altadena was an area for horses put out to pasture," Zack said.  Since then, horse lovers have always had a presence in town, even to this day with many properties having back yard stables. Zack said that even some people who are new to the area are coming in and bringing horses.  "It's a neat thing about Altadena that distinguishes it."

The program, which is still being put together, will include demonstrations of different kinds of riding, light refreshment, and speakers.  

The event will be at Altadena Stables, 2064 Ridgeview Drive, from 2-4 PM on Oct. 19.

 

 

PUSD and PEF sponsor college and career showcase Wednesday

from Pasadena Unified School District

The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) in partnership with the Pasadena Educational Foundation invites students and families to attend the 2013 College Fair & Career Pathways Showcase Wednesday, October 9 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Pasadena Convention Center. The event will include a college fair, seminars and student career portfolio showcase. The event is free and open to the public, serving as a forum for students and families to become better acquainted with the educational and extracurricular opportunities that participating institutions can offer.

The event will feature representatives from approximately 100 colleges, universities and technical schools. Financial aid and NCAA college athletics information will also be available. Additionally, high school community business partners such as the Armory Center for the Arts, Lockheed, JPL and the Light Bringer Project will be on hand to highlight projects PUSD students have accomplished in career academies.

PUSD’s College and Career Pathways connect academics to real-world applications by integrating challenging instruction with a demanding project-based technical curriculum. Students explore the workplace, build experience and develop mentoring relationships with local businesses, government and nonprofits. High school academies include Arts, Entertainment and Media, Business and Entrepreneurship, Creative Arts and Design, Culinary Arts and Hospitality, Engineering and Environmental Science, Health Careers, Law and Public Service and the App Academy (mobile, web and game development). Students apply to academies during PUSD’s open enrollment period which takes place in January.

“This event is an opportunity for families to create a road map for their child’s future,” said PUSD Superintendent Jon R. Gundry. “The earlier the better when it comes to students and families thinking about college and career.”

Found dog

James found this guy tonight in his front yard. (We can't seem to get the picture to rotate properly).   He is friendly and well-trained.  Please call if you know where he belongs: 626-806-2649

Looking for missing PCC student, Gale Ann Williams

Family and law enforcement are trying to fine Gale Anne Williams, a Pasadena City College Student, who has been missing since Sept. 25

According to information provided, Williams was last seen boarding a bus in La Puente to Pasadena City College, but did not return home.  

Williams is 22 years old 5 ft. 9 ins., slender build, mixed race (black/white) with hazel eyes and curly brown hair.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Lt. Steve Jauch at (323) 890-5529.

 

Altadena man arrested on stolen property charges

by Timothy Rutt

 

File photo of the residence at 325 E. Calavaras St.

An Altadena man, whose frequent house parties have been subject to neighbor complaints for years, was booked for posessing stolen property Thursday.

 

According to a press release from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Freddie Spears, 43, was arrested Oct. 3 after Altadena detectives served a search warrant at the property. According to the release, detectives recovered some computer equipment that had been stolen from a Southern California school and traced to the residence at 325 E. Calavaras St.

Spears was booked at Crescenta Valley Station with a $20,000 bail.

Spears has been the subject of complaints from neighbors and visits from deputies for more than ten years for loud parties and other complaints.  A neighbor said that the warrant search occurred about 7 AM Thursday morning.  

 

Crime blotter: stolen vehicles, indecent exposure

Sunday, September 22 

9:00 PM – A vehicle was reported stolen from the 2000 block of Lake Avenue. ***Known suspect; vehicle still outstanding*** 

Monday, September 23

Between 7:30 PM and 12:00 AM (Tuesday) – A vehicle vandalism occurred in the 2500 block of Glenrose Avenue. 

Between 8:00 PM and 8:30 PM - A vehicle was reported stolen from the 2100 block of N. Raymond Avenue. ***Vehicle was recovered by Pasadena PD*** 

Wednesday, September 25

2:15 AM – Daniel Palacios, 21 yrs, of Altadena was arrested for possession of concentrated cannabis. 

7:50 AM – An assault with a deadly weapon occurred in the 2200 block of N. Marengo Avenue. ***Known suspect*** 

4:28 PM – James Duarte, 36 yrs, of Pasadena was arrested for indecent exposure. 

Saturday, September 28 

Between 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM (Sunday) – A petty theft occurred in the 2000 block of N. El Molino Avenue. Loss: (3) Razor scooters; pink/blue/black. 

9:43 PM – Tamara Minnitt, 45 yrs, of Fontana was arrested for public intoxication. 

Morning jolt

Checking off:  the Pasadena Education Network (PEN) has released elementary school fact sheets and middle school comparison matrix for PUSD schools, so you can get a good idea of what your children may get into (or want to get into) next year, e.g., the Doctor Who Club at Marshall, for instance

WIcked Fun:  This year’s edition of Wicked Lit previewed at at Mountain View Cemetery and Mausoleum last night, and tonight is opening night.  Many performances have already sold out.  If you’re planning to grab one of the precious tickets for today or tomorrow, ScareLA has an offer for $6 off performances today and Saturday -- just go here to get your tickets and put in JJFORTHEWIN.

Bread Camp: this sounds much more fun than boot camp: take a two day full-immersion course on breadmaking at the Institute of Domestic Technology  Nov. 2 and 3.  This all-things-bread immersion course will explore wild yeast - hearth-baked loaves, whole grain breads, pretzels, an assortment of cracker recipes, tortilla-making and pizza dough 101. What's more, many recipes will be baked in the new outdoor wood-fired bread oven! Don't worry, home oven baking instructions will be included in your class handouts along with places to source the best flour, grain, equipment and tips. Class costs $390, it's at the Zane Grey Estate, and you can find out more here.

 

"Black Tie & Burgers" fundraiser for Boys & GIrls Club Oct. 19

from The Boys & GIrls Club of Pasadena

The Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena will hold its fifth annual Black Tie & Burgers gala on Saturday, October 19 from 6-10 PM. The gala takes place at a private Pasadena home and will offer dancing, a live and silent auction, and delicious hamburgers from local favorite Pie’n Burger. Proceeds from the event fund the Club’s year-round programs and activities that promote academic success, good character and leadership, and healthy lifestyles.

“Black Tie & Burgers has become a signature fall event for Pasadena and we really appreciate the support the community has provided us over the last five years,” said Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena Board Chairman Rick Lieber. “This great party helps us raise the funds we need to provide vital services for our kids while at the same time giving us a chance to catch up with old friends and make new ones.” 

As a special addition to this year’s gala, the Club is also raffling off a seven-night stay at Monarch’s House in St. Andrews, Scotland. Monarch’s House is an elegant seven-bedroom, eight-bath home just steps from the famed Old Course, town center, beaches, St. Andrew’s Castle, the British Golf Museum, and pubs. The house is beautifully appointed and offers a gourmet chef, maid service, and concierge. A full cooked-to-order breakfast each morning is included as are three, four-course dinners for eight during the week. The package is valued at $13,500 and is available April 1 to October 31, 2014 (based on availability). Tickets for the Opportunity Drawing are $100 and only 500 will be sold. Buyers do not need to be present to win. Tickets can be purchased through www.bgcpasadena.org/ways-to-give/black-tie-burgers

 

Ellen Snortland takes the show to Webster's Fine Stationers Oct. 20

by Timothy Rutt

Ellen Snortland's one-woman autobiographical show, "Now That She's Gone," comes back to town with an Oct. 20 performance at Webster's Fine Stationers.

The show is a fundraiser to help complete Snortland's documentary, "Beauty Bites Beast." Admission is free with a suggested donation of the amount you would like to contribute toward the documentary.

Seating is limited to 35 and this will fill up fast.   The donations will be tax deductible, made out to Fifty-Fifty Leadership, the fiscal sponsor for the documentary.

The play will be performed from 2-4 PM at Webster's Fine Stationers, 2450 N. Lake Avenue. Sign up at Evite to reserve your spot.

Hughes to conduct Palmer estate sale

Some of the selection from the Palmer estate sale this weekend. Photo: Hughes Estate Sales.

Hughes Estate Sales is conducting a sale this weekend at the estate of Mr. and Mrs. Everett A. Palmer, Jr.

The Palmer's midcentury Gregory Ain-designed home was built in 1950 for the Ralphs family (the grocery store founders).  Mrs. Palmer was the founding board president of the Pacific Asia Museum, and the estate amassed an extensive collection of high-caliber Asian antiques and fine decorative arts, many being offere for the first time in decades.

The sale will take place  Fri - Sun, Oct 4 - 6, from 8 AM-2 PM at  1350 Linda Ridge Road, Pasadena.

Altadena filmmaker's "Feminist" in free screening Oct. 9

by Timothy Rutt

Altadena documentarian Jennifer Lee will screen her film, , "Feminist: Stories from Women's Liberation" on Oct. 9 at 6:30 PM at the Flintridge Retreat Center, 236 W. Mountain Street #117, Pasadena.

The film is the result of 8 years of interviewing and editing. I made the film because a co-worker at Technicolor Studio whispered to me one day in 2004, "Are you a feminist?" I realized I couldn't give her a pithy reason why I was a feminist because the stories of the women's movement weren't embedded in me. So, I decided to change that. I spent several years traveling the country (lots of red eye flights) and listened to these feminists tell me their stories. I interviewed famous feminists like Gloria Steinem and Betty Friedan (I shot her last interview) and not-so-famous feminists like Ivy Bottini, Aileen Hernandez, Sonia Pressman Fuentes. My film covers the major events from 1963-1970. 

The film won the 2013 "Best of the Fest" documentary at the Los Angeles Women's International Film Festival, and will be featured in a March 2014 Boston University conference on the Women's Liberation Movement.  Lee is also screening the film at festivals, universities, and colleges around the country, and she was invited to screen the film at the Islamic International University in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Lee will be available for a question and answer session.  The Evite is here with all the information. 

"Read for the Record" today at the libraries, Perry's Joint

by Timothy Rutt

Today is "Read for the Record" day, where young readers in schools, daycares, and elsewhere gather to set the record on how many people can read the same book on the same day, to celebrate literacy.

This year's book is "Otis" by Loren Long. 

Local readathons take place at  

• The Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. at 11 AM
• Bob Lucas Branch Library, 2659 N. Lincoln Ave. , 3:30 PM
• Perry's Joint, 2051 Lincoln Avenue in Pasadena, 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM.

Free copies of Otis will be available at all locations as long as supplies last. (The Perry's Joint readings include free ice cream for those 16 and under, as an added incentive!)

For information on other locations, call the library at 626-798-8338.

 

Odyssey Charter School's Fall Festival Oct. 19

by Timothy Rutt

Odyssey Charter School's Fall Festival Marketplace will be held Saturday, Oct. 19, from noon to 3 PM.

Shop for unique handcrafted gifts and treats including homemade pickled jams, home-baked goods, tie-dye shirts, plants, artisanal jewelry and hand-thown pottery.

There will also be chiropractic care, nutritional consultations, and more.

This is a chance to tap into service providers, entrepreneurs, and artists from the Odyssey community.  Bring a blanket, a picnic for your family, and money to spend.

50 percent of proceeds go to the OCS annual fund.

Odyssey Charter School is at 725 W Altadena Drive.

 

"Parenthood" premiere event supports Five Acres

 

Actors Sam Jaeger, Erika Christensen and Savannah Rae at Five Acres event Sept. 28

Season five of NBC's popular Drama "Parenthood" premiered two hours early in an event in San Marino to honor the work of Five Acres.

 

The Sept. 26 premiere event was envisioned largely by actor Sam Jaeger, who plays the loyal husband, and adoptive, stay-at-home dad, “Joel Graham,” on the show.

“I’ve been shopping for a sense of purpose,” Jaeger shared with the guests. “My basic understanding is that I matter because my son matters. Each child matters. That applies to the work of Five Acres, and to each of us.” Of his vision for the event, he said, “I wanted to show how important this organization is to me. Five Acres is all about permanency – providing a safe, loving and permanent home for a child.” 

Jaeger served as emcee for the event, introduced the cast and the season five premiere episode of Parenthood. Other cast members who joined Jaeger were Erika Christensen, Dax Shepard, Monica Potter, Mae Whitman, Max Burkholder, Miles Heizer, Savannah Rae, Tyree Brown and Xolo Mariduena. The private invitation only event for the cast of Parenthood and Five Acres supporters was a special evening premiere held in San Marino on the beautiful grounds of Chantal and Steve Bennett’s estate.

“Each child deserves a safe, loving, and permanent family – whether it be a family a child was born into or a family that Five Acres helps them to create,” said Five Acres CEO Chanel Boutakidis. “We have a critical problem here in Los Angeles County, with many more children needing families, than there are people willing to open their hearts and their homes. We are extremely grateful that Parenthood is helping to inspire action toward this vital cause.”

Guests in attendance included actor Matthew Lillard (seen most recently on FX’s series The Bridge), Matt Nix (Burn Notice Show Runner), Kristen Bell (NBC’s Parks and Recreation, the Showtime series House of Lies, and films Forgetting Sarah Marshall andVeronica Mars); Five Acres board chair Andrew Crowell and Past Chair Tom Haralambos, among many others.

Celebrating 125 years of service, Five Acres provides innovative solutions that ensure safety, well-being and permanent family homes for children and families throughout Southern California. Each year, services are provided to more than 6,500 children and families and include adoptions, residential and foster care, therapeutic education, mental health services in homes and schools, as well as domestic violence prevention.

Parenthood is a one-hour drama, airing Thursdays at 10pm on NBC, inspired by the box office hit of the same name. This re-imagined and updated Universal Television/Imagine Television production follows the trials and tribulations of the very large, very colorful and imperfect Braverman family.

 

County animal control receives evac/transportation trailers

The County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) has recently received four animal evacuation/transportation trailers.  The trailers were donated on behalf of the Animal Care Foundation (ACF), made possible by a life insurance bequest. The ACF earmarked the bequest, along with additional funds in order to purchase these trailers.  

These new trailers will greatly enhance the Department’s ability to shelter evacuated animals and transport dogs and cats in a variety of scenarios. These situations include emergency evacuation, off-site adoption events, and spay/neuter programs.  Each trailer is capable of transporting approximately 30 - 45 animals. Two trailers are 24 feet in length and each has a multi-purpose room that can be used for veterinary exams, adoption introductions, vaccine and microchip clinics, or other activities. The remaining two trailers are 16 feet in length and provide additional animal housing. All of the trailers are heated and air conditioned, providing the animals with safe, temperature controlled environments during weather extremes. The trailers are powered with solar panels and generators and can stand alone as temporary shelter during emergencies, providing the ability to co-locate pets alongside their owners at evacuation centers.  This will provide greater peace of mind to owners, as well as reduce the stress level of the animals during emergencies.

Shutdown showdown hits home: Millard Canyon campground closed

by Timothy Rutt

The federal government "shutdown" that started Oct. 1 is hitting home in Altadena.

According to Lonnie Fehr, campground host at the Millard Canyon campground, the campground has been closed down until the political theater in Washington is over. Because the campground is closed, the Altadena Sheriff's Station will not open the gate at Chaney Trail that secures the campground.

Fehr said that US Forest Service law enforcement officers and firefighters are still on duty, but rangers and other staff have been furloughed.  Fehr expressed concern that there may be health and safety problems created as there is no one to clean the areas and restrooms.

 

Altadena Heritage's "Altadena's Water Future" this Saturday on Arroyo Channel

by Timothy Rutt

Turn-of-the-last century view of Devil's Gate.

Altadena Heritage's Sept. 24 presentation, "Altadena's Water Future," has been scheduled for broadcast on Sat., Oct. 5 at 3 PM on the Arroyo Channel (Charter 32, AT&T 99-Pasadena and streaming online at pasadenamedia.org).

According to Michele Zack at Altadena Heritage, it will be rerun several times in the following week, but times aren't currently available.  DVDs can also be purchased from Pasadena Media for $10.

The presentation brought together water officials and experts to talk about water sources, quality, supply, and other issues that affect Altadena and the San Gabriel Valley.  

 

Waldorf 8th graders camp at Santa Cruz Island

 

Waldorf School eighth graders kayak off the coast of Santa Cruz sland during their recent camping trip.

from the Pasadena Waldorf School

For eighth graders across greater Los Angeles, the first week of September meant it was time to be back behind desks; at Pasadena Waldorf School, it was time to embark on the annual eighth grade camping trip. Leading his students to Santa Cruz Island, class teacher Dennis Demanett oversaw evenings of song and stories as well as time to reflect on their adventurous days. Most of the students had been in class together for the past seven years and this was an opportunity to renew their bonds with one another.

Aside from the bonding experience, this was also an important opportunity to make contact with nature. In this pristine location, which the local Chumash Tribe considers their sacred ancestral home, there was no ambient light to spoil the guided stargazing in which the views of the Milky Way were incomparable. The students also went on a kayak trek to explore numerous caves around the perimeter of the island. Their kayak guide later commented that “in fifteen years, this was the best group of any age when it came to listening to instructions.”

At camp, the students all worked together to pitch tents, prepare meals and clean up. But whether it was revisiting all the songs learned from first grade through seventh grade over a hastily imagined mock campfire, or just hanging out together and being kids, the most important aspect of the trip was bringing the students all together as a tight unit as they embark on this final year of middle school.

Pasadena Fire Dept. Rose Bowl event Oct. 5

from the Pasadena Fire Department

The Pasadena Fire Department invites the public to attend a special “kick-off” for Fire Prevention Week 2013 from 10 AM-2 PM, Saturday, October 5, at the Rose Bowl Stadium, near Gate A. Free hot dogs and drinks will be available for the first 250 attendees. 

Fire personnel will meet and greet the public and educate the community about fire safety. Other highlights will include the Fire Department Kids Safety Trailer (simulates a kitchen to teach cooking safety), a ladder truck, fire engines, rescue ambulances and fire extinguisher demonstrations and the Urban Search And Rescue vehicle. There will also be educational giveaways free to the children. 

The 2013 Fire Prevention Week is October 6-12. This year’s theme is “Prevent Kitchen Fires” to help spread the word that more fires start in the kitchen than in any other part of the home. Every year since 1925, the President of the United States has signed a Proclamation to observe Fire Prevention Week with varying themes. 

For further information please contact the Fire Department at (626) 744-4675. 

Hello, deer near Eliot [UPDATED]

This tranquilized 12-point buck paid a visit to Eliot Middle School this afternoon. Photo by LA County Sheriff Dept.

by TImothy Rutt

Currently (around 3 PM) there's some police activity in the area around Eliot Middle School.  According to the watch deputy at the Altadena Sheriff Station, they're looking for a deer that was spotted in the area.

UPDATE 4:30 PM:  According to the sheriff's station, the scene is clearing now: wildlife officers tranquilized the deer and took him away.

UPDATE: 8:45 PM:  The Altadena Sheriff's station sent out this update:

Altadena's Eliot Middle School had a distinguished visitor today, a 12 point buck deer on Lake at the southwest corner of the school. School officials directed the children to exit on the opposite side of the school. Deputies responded and provided security until Fish and Wildlife arrived.

The deer was not harmed and was tranquilized (see photo by Sgt. E. Eftychou) and taken by Fish and Wildlife rangers back up into the San Gabriels without incident.

Crime blotter: battery, assault, vehicle burglaries

Crime blotter provided by the Altadena Sheriff Station.

Sunday, September 15 

Between 12:00 PM and 7:00 AM (Tuesday) – A petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 1900 block of Pepper Drive. Loss: door lock panel. 

Monday, September 16

Between 7:30 AM and 6:30 PM – A vandalism occurred in the 700 block of E. Pine Street. 

8:30 AM – A battery occurred in the 900 block of E. Woodbury Rd. Suspect described as a male, White, 30-35 yrs, 5ft. 10ins.  200 lbs, brown hair, black eyes, wearing a red hat, blue tank top and blue shorts. Suspect last seen northbound on Lake Avenue.  

Wednesday, September 18

Between 7:30 PM and 9:00 AM (Thursday) – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 800 block of Morada Place. Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the rear passenger window. Loss: (4) CD’s. 

Thursday, September 19 

5:21 AM – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 2300 block of El Sereno Avenue. Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the driver side window. Suspect described as a male, Hispanic, early 20’s, dark clothing. Suspect last seen westbound on Figueroa Drive. Loss: none. 

6:10 PM – A vehicle was reported stolen from the 400 block of Stonehurst Drive. ***Vehicle Outstanding*** 

Friday, September 20

9:45 AM – Samara Davis, 20 yrs. of West Hollywood was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon. 

12:01 PM – Davon Jackson, 25 yrs, of Pasadena was for possession of a controlled substance. 

Between 11:00 PM and 10:30 AM (Saturday) – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 2400 block of Boulder Rd. Suspect(s) entered the vehicle via unknown means. Loss: (3) dresses. 

Saturday, September 21 

8:00 AM – A grand theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 100 block of Wapello Street. Loss: currency. 

Publisher's notebook: It's October, and we're six!

by Timothy Rutt

It's October: a significant month for us.

Outside of a few experimental posts we made in September, Altadenablog officially was started six years ago this month, October, 2007.  We've told this story many times:  how, after five years of living in Altadena, we despaired of finding anyplace to go about news of this community.  Information about our vibrant arts and cultural community was scattered all over the place.  Crime news only appeared when something really bad happened.  Bread and butter local government news, i.e. town council and land use committee, wasn't being covered at all by anybody.  Wonderful only-in-Altadena events, such as the summer concert series, the Waldorf School Elves' Faire, and Christmas Tree Lane, weren't being given their due.  A unique local culture centered around small-scale, artisanal food, was in its infancy.  So much else. So we tried this out to see what would happen.

A few significant events come to mind:

• Among the first things was we picked up in the first few months was a couple of sponsors, and one of them, Webster's Fine Stationers, is still here with us and under Lori and Scott Webster's tutalage, has itself grown beyond stationery into a place that celebrates and promotes local arts and culture, a true gem that celebrates Altadena.  They deserve a sincere thank you for seeing something here that was local and worth supporting. 
• The second significant event was, of course, the Station Fire, which put us on the map as a serious contender.  Jim Rainey, in a feature about us in the LA Times, criticized that we weren't running pictures of firemen on the front lines, which was true; for various reasons, that couldn't happen.  But we always felt that, if you wanted pictures of firemen, you could get them elsewhere.  What you couldn't get was real-time news about whether your Altadena neighborhood was going to be evacuated, or where to put your pets and horses to keep them safe.  That's the level of news we're all about, and we've always been about telling the stories that weren't being told, here in Altadena.
• The third significant event was that it reinforced the value of giving the people a place.  A lot of our coverage of the Station Fire came in from people in the streets and in the neighborhoods, telling us what was happening when it was happening.  The people of Altadena are all deputized as our correspondents, and one of our tasks is letting you tell your own stories, too.  In that spirit, we have to credit, among the many extraordinary local correspondents, the peripatetic Bill Westphal, master of the Weather Cam that graces the top of our page, and photographic man-about-town; and our reliable go-to freelancer, Laura Monteros, an old Herald-Examiner news hound, who always gives insightful and interesting local stories that we can't get.
• Number four for us was a job offer:  AOL's Patch offered us the job as their local editor when they were moving in on Altadena.  It would have been nice to draw a regular salary, but (1) we didn't think their cookie-cutter business model, of fitting every city in America into a Patch-shaped box, did justice to the unique place that is Altadena, and (2) we thought we would have a better idea of what served the people than a business that took its marching orders from New York City.  Don't get us wrong: Patch had many good people working for them over the years, and, under its first local editor Dan Abendschein, certainly kept us on on our toes.  They also had the resources to cover things we couldn't. But we didn't want to work for a place that had no room for, for example, long feature stories about individual Altadenans, which is our favorite kind of story to do.  They didn't have the buy-in to the community that requires us to cover every single town council meeting, as we have for over five years (Patch has only showed up once or twice in the past year, and that was only because of the promise of a fight loomed).  We turned Patch down, because we like what was being created between us and the people of Altadena.  Don't regret that decision for a second -- it's the best one we've ever made.
• And number five was being named the Altadena Chamber's first Business of the Year.  We're not a big business, in any sense, and we operate largely out of our home and sometimes out of the library or the Coffee Gallery.  But we think it was a nod to our significance to the community, and a tip of the hat to the many small and home-based businesses that operate here.  We're pretty proud to be a part of this community, and the longer we live here, the more interesting and important it proves to be.  This is the best job we've ever had.

We love this work.  We love Altadena!

But we couldn't be doing this without the Altadenablog sponsor team of local businesses and organizations.  Thank you to all of them for their support, and when you're patronizing them, and you like what you see here, tell them "thank you," too. 

Time for our monthly salute to Altadenablog's sponsor team:

Altadena Ale & Wine House

Altadena Hardware

Arroyo Food Co-op

Curves Altadena

Dhari Thein Real Estate

Dr. Barkman

Friends of the Altadena Library

Judy Rubin Architectural & Previews Specialist

Linda Seyffert & Associates/Podley Properties

MonteCedro

Rancho Bar

Rhythms of the Village

Robert Frank Design

Scissors Paper Rock Salon

St. Mark's Episcopal School 

Webster's Community Pharmacy

Webster's Fine Stationers

Please thank our local business sponsors by patronizing them -- and tell them you read about it on Altadenablog!

ALTADENABLOG IS ALTADENA BUSINESS!

October is "Adopt a Shelter Dog" month

from the Los Angeles County Dept. of Animal Care and Control

 

LA County CEO, William T. Fujioka, and his newest addition, Rudy, adopted from the Downey Animal Care Center.

The month of October is nationally recognized as Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog month. This month, consider adopting an abandoned, homeless dog from one of your local County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control’s (DACC) animal care centers. 

 

“Shelter dogs make great pets.  Most of them know what is like to be a part of a family, have basic training, and are oftentimes already housebroken,” said DACC Director, Marcia Mayeda.  “When you adopt a dog from an animal shelter, you are not only saving a life—you are also receiving a wonderful companion,” Mayeda said.

Visit one of DACC’s six animal care centers if you are considering opening your heart and home to a shelter dog this month:

• ·         Downey Animal Care Center: 11258 S. Garfield Ave., Downey
• ·         Carson Animal Care Center: 216 W. Victoria St., Gardena
• ·         Baldwin Park Animal Care Center: 4275 N. Elton St., Baldwin Park
• ·         Castaic Animal Care Center: 31044 N. Charlie Canyon Road, Castaic
• ·         Lancaster Animal Care Center: 5210 West Avenue I, Lancaster, 93536
• ·         Agoura Animal Care Center: 29525 Agoura Road, Agoura, 91301

If you love dogs, but are presently unable to adopt one, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation (www.lacountyanimals.org) to help homeless animals find new homes.

Visit our NEW website, animalcare.lacounty.gov, where you can view photos of adoptable animals.  “Like” us on Facebook, facebook.com/CountyofLosAngelesAnimalCare, or follow us on Twitter @LACoAnimalCare.