altadenablog

Chamber mixer and grand opening at Curves today

Don't forget: there will be an Altadena Chamber of Commerce mixer and ribbon-cutting opening ceremony for Rose West's new Curves gym from 5:30-7 p.m. on  at 2525 N. Lake Ave. this afternoon.

LA Times profiles Altadena business

"Elephants on the Wall" (which we haven't seen since college) is Altadenan Patricia Newton's local business, profiled in the LA TImes' "Small Business Makeover" today.  Here's the story about how Newton was aided by a consultant, and here's the rundown on the business.

Open thread: what business would YOU like to see?

With the developer of Altadena Plaza looking for good businesses to fill his mall, there's been some interesting discussion on the local newsgroups about what would be appropriate to fill the space.

But we want to open up the discussion to the community: what kind of businesses would YOU like to see inhabiting our new mall?  Florist, bookstore, Trader Joe's?  Let's start a comment thread!

Altadena Plaza close to finishing, looking for tenants

From Town Councilmember Alice Wessen, we received the following message from the developer of the property at Lincoln and Altadena Drive, which finally looks like it's coming close to completion:

From:  Ernest Brambila <ejbrambila@sbcglobal.net>

We are pleased to announce that we are in the final stage of construction and expect to be completed mid December.   I have taken the liberty of attaching our current marketing flyer.  If you think you are interested please feel free to either call or email.

  Ernest J. Brambila
 Alliance Commercial Properties

 Tel # 626-570-8289
 Fax# 626-943-7401
 ejbrambila@sbcglobal.net

Wessen tells us that "the developer for the property at the corner of Lincoln and Altadena Drive is looking to the community to help find appropriate vendors for the area."  Click on the pictures to see them at a larger size.

Business Technology Center celebrates 10

PSN notes the tenth birthday of the Business Technology Center in a great story today by reporter Ryan Carter.

Quality of Life Center benefit at Webster's tomorrow

Big doings tomorrow at (Altadenablog sponsor) Webster's Fine Stationers, 2450 N. Lake, Suite B:  it's  a benefit for Altadena's Quality of Life Center --15% of the day's proceeds will go to benefit programs for Altadena's youth.

And, if that's not enough, says Lori Webster in her blog:

We’re holding this benefit simultaneously with our Grand Re-Opening and Chamber of Commerce sponsored ribbon cutting. We’ll be hosting a Chamber mixer at 5:30 p.m., after the ribbon cutting, and the store will remain open until 7:00 p.m. so we can all celebrate together.

And it's green:

Along with the benefit for the Quality of Life Center, we are also introducing a new service company in Altadena called Waste Less Living. All the utensils, serveware and napkins will be supplied by them and are 100% biodegradable and compostable. Waste Less Living sets you up with everything you need for your function, along with compostable trash bags. To clean up, you dump everything, including food scraps, into the bags and they come take it away to be responsibly composted. We can’t think of a better way to help our environment and we welcome this opportunity to demonstrate the ease of how it works.

Webster's Fine Stationers opens at noon tomorrow (Thurs.), so stop in to say hello, enjoy a treat or two, and benefit the Quality of Life Center.

Wayne's World

This seems appropriate to sign off for the night:  SGV Tribune's story on Wayne Nelson, his Obama merchandise, and Harmon Mandigo's mural (see picture below).

End of an era at Altadena Hardware

Altadena's hardware maven Don Thomas and his sister Shirley Harrington were honored in an ambush appreciation at Altadena Hardware this morning.  Despite word going out widely about it, they were surprised ...

Adam Carter of Assemblyman Anthony Portantino's office, presents Thomas with a proclamation from the state assembly.

Followed by a presentation from Rita Hadjimanoukian of Supv. Michael Antonovich's office, with a proclamation from the county.

Followed by Doug Colliflower of the Altadena Chamber of Commerce.

Don and Shirley's last day is Oct. 31 -- stop in and say goodbye!

Camellias, azelias, and Nuccio's

The OC Register goes up north to Nuccio's for a nice piece about their wares this season.

Altadena Hardware makes the front page

... of the PSN, that is.  Janette Williams' story of Don Thomas'  and Shirley Harrington's imminent departure (and Steve Salinas biking to the rescue) is the well-deserved above-the-fold tribute.

And now -- "Steve's Altadena Hardware"

Jane Brackman of the Altadena Historical Society has the scoop on what's happening at Altadena Hardware, 849 E. Mariposa:

Altadena has been very fortunate to be home to a family-run hardware store for the last eighty-plus years. The Altadena Hardware store was actually established before the Thomas family came to town in 1923, but the three generations of Thomas owners have left an indelible mark on what has been a local “hang-out” for years.

With current owner Don Thomas retiring and leaving the area in November, along with his sister and her husband, Shirley and Dennis Harrington, it looked like the hardware store was destined to close.

Shhh! It's a secret!

We haven't figured out why they want word spread far and wide AND keep it a secret, but Don Thomas will be honored on Oct. 29 as he retires from Altadena Hardware.  Don't tell Don!

(NOTE: We corrected the date, as the flyer font is hard to read -- but it's correct now!)

Chamber announces ribbon-cuttings, mixers

Mary Spriestersbach, executive director of the Altadena Chamber of Commerce, tells us that their Citizen of the Year nomination form is now available at their website.

In addition, there will be three Chamber mixers that are also ribbon-cuttings for new businesses.  All mixers run from 5:30-7 PM, admission $5 for members, $7 for guests, and bring a raffle item and promote your business.

Oct. 30: C.J.'s Wing Cafe

Nov. 6: Webster's Fine Stationers (see story below)

Dec. 4: Curves, owner: Rose West

Webster's Fine Stationers hosts Nov. 6 benefit for Quality of Life Center

Webster's Fine Stationers, 2450 N. Lake Suite B, will celebrate its belated grand opening on Thurs., Nov. 6, with a day of activities and a benefit for the Quality of Life Center.

Owners Scott and Lori Webster said that 15% of the take that day will go to the Quality of Life Center, which is involved with low-income, at-risk youth and families in the Altadena/Pasadena area.  The Center, directed by town councilmember Dr. Sandra Thomas, is the sponsor of the Bright Futures Scholars Support Program, and Lori Webster is on the board of the organization.

While the benefit will be going on the entire day, the ribbon cutting for the official store opening will be at about 3:30, with a mixer for the Altadena Chamber of Commerce to start at 5:30.

Lori Webster said that there will be food and gourmet snacks available.  A local "green" business, Waste-Less Living,  will provide eco-friendly, compostable party supplies.  Lori Webster said that that's part of her store's commitment to the environment, which includes adding more recycled products to their line.

"Shopping local benefits the community," she said, explaining the store's commitment to supporting local businesses and community programs.  She said, "We'll be supporting the Quality of Life Center all day -- come in and bring a friend."

(Pictured: Scott & Lori Webster getting into the Halloween spirit. Photo by Halfcity Productions)

BTC hosts LA Technology Week gathering Oct. 22

The Business Technology Center at 2400 N. Lincoln will be holding its ten year anniversary celebration during LA Tech Week with a day of seminars on clean tech and new tech issues.  Keynote speaker is Steve Glenn, CEO of LivingHomes.  Details are at their website here.

Super King open at Lincoln Crossing

We've been meaning to get to this for awhile, but the Super King Market has opened in Lincoln Crossing where Farm Fresh was recently closed down (and we're not getting into that kettle of fish right now -- just put "Farm Fresh" in our search engine to the left and see for yourself).  It had a "soft opening" last Friday, and early reviews are very good.  

Old WaMu more broken up than IndyMac

The old Washington Mutual building on Lake -- which has been a home to the homeless, a canvas for graffiti vandals, and the location of assorted fires over the years -- is being bulldozed to the ground.  No word yet on what's planned for the site, but we're looking into it.

Farm Fresh Market closed

Farm Fresh Market at Lincoln Crossing, the only supermarket worthy of the name on the west side, has closed down.  According to the security guards who are keeping people out, it already has new owners and will re-open in two or three weeks, but they were a little vague on the details.

Are you a unique entrepreneur in Altadena?

..if so, Melody Comfort (what a wonderful name!) is looking for you!

Altadenan Comfort his helping out her sister, Carol Eifert, who is preparing website that features unusual entrepreneurial services and unusual places to visit in various towns and cities.  Altadena is now in their sights -- so if you provide an unusual and unique service, please drop Comfort a line at: comfortcottage2405@yahoo.com

Altadena lender to go national

Altadena-based ALB Commercial Capital has announced plans to expand nationally using a broker-affiliate model, kind of like a franchise.  This despite the downturn in the lending industry.  We wish 'em luck!

W. Altadena Community Redevelopment Project forming committee

 

The West Altadena Community Development Project (boundaries above) is looking for residents, business owners, and others to serve on the Project Area Committee.

According to a release from Los Angeles County:

The Project Area Committee (PAC) is a citizen's advisory group of residential tenants, residential owner-occupants, business owners, and representatives of community organizations who reside within, owna business within the redevelopment proejct area, or represent a community organization serving the area.  The primary purpose of the PAC is to advise the Community Development Commission of Los Angeles (CDC) on issues affecting Project Area residents and businesses and other matters relating to the implementation of the West Altadena Redevelopment Plan.

There are two meetings involved: a public information meeting on Monday, June 23, 6 PM at the Business Technology Center, 2400 N. Lincoln, to discuss the purpose and election procedures for the PAC; and an election meeting at 6 PM on Monday, June 30 (altho' the county's release puts it on nonexistent Monday the 28th).

For more information, contact Sharon Warfield, Project Manager, WARPA, at (323) 890-7108 or sharon.warfield@lacdc.org.

Altadena book store begets rare books on CD

Via bookofjoe, we just learned of this business that sells rare books on DVD and CD, which got its genesis from the David A. Lawyer Bookstore in Altadena:

BookFlow.com began as a traditional upscale bookstore in New York. It was founded in 1899 by Grover C. Lawyer and Wellington J. Lawyer, with the help of their father, David C. Lawyer, a successful businessman.

Many of the books from that store were eventually passed down to Grover's son, David A. Lawyer. In 1929 when the Great Depression hit America, David was 23 years old and, like many Americans at the time, looking for a good way to make a living. Starting with the books he inherited, he founded a bookstore in Altadena, a suburb of Los Angeles.

An advertisement promised, "We will undertake to procure for you any book desired. We can succeed in this where others cannot..." Gradually, his inventory of books swelled to over 250,000. He started another bookstore in the San Francisco Bay Area with his friend Herbert Bell. The College Bookstore, founded in 1935, was the first bookstore that catered to Stanford University students, and still sells books today at 536 Emerson St. in downtown Palo Alto.

David A. Lawyer passed away in 1995, leaving a large collection of books to his grandchildren, including Matthew and Michael Lawyer. In 1997, Matthew and Michael began sharing their book collection with the world, using modern technology to closely replicate the experience of reading the original book. Their proprietary process is slow, tedious, and expensive, but worth it.

Check out BookFlow here.

Bulgarini Gelato: "what could be better?" -- L.A. Times

One of Altadena's little treasures gets a quick rave from Times' restaurant critic S. Irene Virbila.

Farm Fresh Ranch Market staying put

Got a couple of messages regarding a rumor that the Farm Fresh Ranch Market at Lincoln Crossing was closing down.  According to Lety, the office manager there, it's not true -- they're staying put, despite Lincoln Crossing's troubles.

Real estate firm profiled

Perhaps the timing is unfortunate (a day after another, unrelated Altadena real estate financing firm is charged with securities fraud), but there IS a nice story about ALB Commercial Capital in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune. 

We all scream for Bulgarini

Yelp (a review site about which we know almost nothing!) has a lively and worthwhile discussion about one of Altadena's treasures, Bulgarini Gelato.

Lincoln Xing: the saga continues

PSN reports that Altadena Lincoln Crossing LLC must pony up $1.1 million in unpaid management fees to subcontractor Swinerton Builders, Inc.  Altadena Lincoln Crossing is owned by site owner Dorn Platz.  The crushing quote:

Altadena Town Councilman Bobby Thompson, who owns BJR Postal/Copy Center at Lincoln Crossing, said he would sue Dorn Platz, too, if all his problems with them hadn't sapped him of the money necessary to retain an attorney.

Nevertheless, he said he wasn't happy to hear ALC had lost the lawsuit.

"The lawsuit means they're just continuing to run out of money," Thompson said. "I just can't give anymore energy, positive or negative, to Dorn Platz. I focus on my business."

Nuccio's hits the westside

Tom Nuccio (of Nuccio's Nursery) is giving the moneyed people at Pacific Palisades a talk on their azeleas on Mon., April 7. Who better?

(Altadenablog has a particular animus against people from West LA, who say, "Meet you in Altadena?  That's so far -- why don't you come here instead, it's a shorter drive."  We once had a Westsider give us a ride to Monrovia, and he didn't know there was civilization out that far).

Put on your Easter bonnet

Petrea over at Pasadena Daily Photo has a great shot of the hats at Winsome's Pretty Woman, hidden behind Steve's Pets -- a store, it will come as no surprise to you, that Altadenablog has never set foot in!

Chamber Golf Tournament Fri., May 2

The Altadena Chamber of Commerce's 15th Annual Golf Tournament will be held Fri., May 2, at the Altadena Golf Course, 1456 E. Mendocino St.  Registration starts at 11:30, "shot gun start" at 12:30.  There's an early bird special of $400 per foursome (deadline April 25). Corporate sponsors ($500) receive four players, 18 holes of golf, two golf carts, a tee or green sign, and four dinners.  Individual players ($110) receive 18 holes, a golf cart, and dinner (tri-tip barbecue at 6:30 PM).  Proceeds benefit the Marion Lee Wullshlager Scholarship Fund.  For more information: 626-794-3988 or go to the Altadena Chamber website.

Stationary, scrapbooking, video -- and now a blog

Webster's -- one of Altadena's oldest businesses, an institution in this town, you've been there -- has joined blogland!

A palate cleanser

... after today's main news: the Chowhound website has a good review of Amy's Patio Cafe (at Lake & Altadena Dr.)

Celebrating Nuccio's

One of Altadena's treasures is Nuccio's Nursery, world-famous for their hybridization of azeleas and camellias.  (Nuccio's is the go-to place for advice on camellias, as this recent SacBee story attests).  Altadena Heritage will present "Breakfast at Nuccio's" on Sun., Feb. 24, from 9-11 a.m.  Altadena historian/town council member Michele Zack will talk about Altadena's "nursuried past," Julius Nuccio will tell the story of his family business, and Liz Handy will take us on a "Journey Through Tea"  -- and a small breakfast will be served. A donation of $10 from non-members is requested (memberships can be purchased at the door) Nuccio's is at 3555 Chaney Trail, and parking is limited (so hike, bike, or carpool if you can). 

Altadena firm gets the Forbes treatment

It's coming ... another Day of Enforced Joy, where you're just supposed to be hap-hap-happy -- yes, it's Valentine's Day! (Other Days of Enforced Joy include St. Patrick's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, and New Year's Eve).  Altadena firm Goldstar has been making its nut through events for singles who think you can have fun on that day, even by yourself.  Maybe ESPECIALLY by yourself.  And Forbes magazine is showin' em the love.

Judge says Lincoln Xng owes contractor

The latest news about our troubled shopping center says that a Superior Court judge has ordered Lincoln Crossing LLC (jointly owned by Dorn Platz and West Altadena Development Corp.) to pay its concrete contractor $311,000 owed on the project.  In addition, the judge upholds a lien against the property, meaning the owners may have to sell it to pay off GBC Concrete and Masonry Construction, the aggrieved contractor.  Star-News has the bullet (about halfway down the page).

Lincoln Xing minority partner gets an earful

Lincoln Crossing minority partner (20%) Ray Carlisle got an earful from his tenants at Monday's county meeting regarding the troubled project.  Leaks and flooding, sewage odors, and a rent increase with a cherry on top.  Bad news is plentiful -- Bessie's Daughter's Soulful Tacos, an Altadenablog favorite, is shutting down, at least temporarily, because of the odor problem, and Farm Fresh is suing Dorn Platz, the 80% partner, over rent increases.  Oh, yes, and Acacia St. has to be torn up because the sewer line failed inspection.  According to the story, Carlisle seemed reasonable -- after all, he's got a lot invested in this, and he wants it to succeed -- but Supv. Antonovich's rep says that the Dorn Platz problems don't rise to the level of "significant misdeeds" that would cause the county to take it over.  Pasadena Now has all the deets.

Fair Oaks stretch to get $400,000 facelift

Received today from Supv. Antonovich's press office:

To upgrade Altadena’s Fair Oaks Avenue, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved $400,000 in Economic Development Funds to provide facade improvement services to commercial buildings, announced Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich who initiated the request.

Alta/Pasa Community Improvement Center will provide the upgrade to commercial buildings along Fair Oaks Boulevard between Altadena Drive and West Woodbury Road in the unincorporated community of Altadena. The County also recently allocated funding to add trees and landscaping adjacent to sidewalks along Fair Oaks Avenue. This work is currently underway.

Shaping up the 'hood

PSN has an article about the positive effect that Magic Johnson 24-hour Fitness has had on the Lincoln/Woodbury area.  The fitness center anchors the Lincoln Crossing development, and is very busy, also drawing traffic to the other businesses in the center.