altadenablog

Rick Alviti leaves 'em all shook up

Can't help falling in love as the Sheriff's Support Group ended its summer concert series at Farnsworth Park with Rick Alviti and the ultimate Elvis tribute!  But we know what you're thinking -- a little less conversation, a little more action please ...

Seeing is believing as Gloria Shamblin of Altadena really gets into the Elvis experience.

Sheriff Capt. Roosevelt Blow shows his stuff onstage with "Jailhouse Rock."  (We have more pictures, but we're saving them in case we get a ticket or something later!)

Anybody who was anybody was there, including Debbi Swanson Patrick, aka writerdeb of Altadena Above It All (with husband Steve) who was just "scarfed" by Elvis.

Faith-based and Community Preparedness Workshop Sept. 29

The U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security will be holding a free workshop in Pasadena on Sept. 29.  Here's the details:

Partnerships in Emergency Preparedness
A Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Workshop

The purpose of the "Partnerships in Emergency Preparedness: A Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Preparedness Training Workshop" is to engage the Homeland Security stakeholders, including the private sector, governmental agencies, non-profit groups such as non-governmental organizations and faith-based groups in a strategic partnership to develop a national culture of preparedness.

The workshop will focus on equipping Department of Homeland Security and FEMA partners in emergency preparedness with the resources, knowledge, training, and skills necessary to respond to, and recover from all threats, hazards, and adverse incidents.

The workshops will highlight the National Strategy for Homeland Security, the National Response Framework, the National Incident Management System, Homeland Security Grant Programs, and the role of grassroots faith-based, community-based, and other non-governmental organizations in emergency management and preparedness.

The workshop will also provide faith-based and community organizations with a unique opportunity to meet and discuss pertinent issues with Department and FEMA leadership, as well as state and local emergency preparedness and emergency management officials.

Eighth Workshop:
Marriott Courtyard Pasadena/Old Town
Huntington Ballroom
180 North Fair Oaks Avenue
Pasadena, California 91103

September 29, 2008
8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. PDT

A sample workshop agenda and registration form are linked on the Web site:
http://www.dhs.gov/xprepresp/programs/gc_1195231910818.shtm

(Monica Hubbard needs to relax!)

Officials, residents meet for emergency planning

Our roving reporter/photographer Bill Westphal (is there no end to the man's talents?) submits the following on tonight's meeting at Loma Alta Park:

There was a Community Meeting tonight at Loma Alta Park to discuss Unincorporated Area Emergency Planning. 

It was sponsored by the Los Angeles County Chief Executive Office, Office of Emergency Management.

Representatives from different Los Angeles County Agencies were there to discuss their particular department’s responsibility during and after an emergency.  Those represented were:

Fire
Sheriff
Animal Control
Social Services
Public Works
Public Health

There was also some discussion about the upcoming Disaster Drills in November (The Great Southern California Shakeout) and Emergency Preparedness in general.

It was a very informative forum, not only about what the County can do for us in the event of an emergency but what we can do for the county and more importantly, for ourselves.  While the focus was on areas like The Meadows and the Chaney Trail area, most everything discussed applied to all residents of Altadena.

For more information check out:
Office of Emergency Management:   http://lacoa.org/
Emergency Survival Program:   http://lacoa.org/esp.htm
The Great Southern California Shakeout: http://www.shakeout.org/

Viva Altadena! Summer concerts wrap with a tribute to the King

What better way tp wrap up the Farnsworth Park Summer Concert series than with Rick Alviti's tribute to Elvis?  Concert starts at 7 PM on Sat., Sept. 13.

RICK ALVITI – THE ULTIMATE ELVIS TRIBUTE

Rick as Elvis is America’s leading and most respected artist in the country today. His tribute to Mr. Presley is flawless. His admiration for the King is apparent to all that have seen him.

Rick so impressed THE LAS VEGAS CONVENTION VISITORS AUTHORITY, that they appointed him spokesperson for the largest entertainment capital in the world – LAS VEGAS.

His Elvis Tribute performances have been received with standing ovations, performing at such venues as THE LAS VEGAS ROAD SHOW in 1998 (11 city tour), PLAYER’S ISLAND RESORT SHOWROOM, HOLIDAY INN CASINO, PLAYBOY MANSION, PALM DESERT MARRIOTT and THE DISNEYLAND HOTEL.

Rick Alviti’s film and television work is impressive. He has appeared on such shows as ELVIS IS ALIVE, VICKI LAWRENCE SHOW and the award winning E.R. with GEORGE CLOONEY. And he has appeared in many music videos.

Miller Lite paired Rick Alviti as Elvis with Winston Cup’s popular Rusty Wallace in conjunction with NASCAR for a national commercial.

In 1999 to present, Rick opened his own Theatre in North Myrtle Beach. Rick Alviti is a gentleman’s gentleman. When you see his Tribute to Elvis – you will be on your feet for more !!!!

Let's give them something to walk about ...

Revvell P. Revati sends us this note:

Hi there!

I just started a new yahoo group ~ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AltadenaWalkers/. Having just moved here, I see a lot of people out walking, many of them alone. Thought maybe they'd like to join forces and create alliances and friends. 

Would love to have you post this... it's free to anyone who wants to join. 

Thank you!

Revvell

Altadena Emergency Planning Meeting Sept. 10

ATC member Alice Wessen's (CT4601.03) website reminds us that there will be a panel discussion at 6 PM at the Loma Alta Park Gym on emergency response and planning. 

The purpose of this meeting is to explain to the community the county emergency response system and planning as well as obtain feed back from the community on emergency planning issues. This interchange will help to identify community emergency planning needs and next steps needed to  meet the Board assignment.

Both Chaney Trail and the Meadows neighborhoods have been identified as priority areas, so feed back from residents are very important.

Details are right here.

"Il Postino" at Bulgarini tonight

This is a little last minute, we know, but Bulgarini Gelato, one of Altadena's treasures, is having Italian dinner and a movie tonight:

IL POSTINO
starring Massimo Troisi
SATURDAY, August 30, 2008
8:45 pm
At 8:00 pm dinner will be available for $11.95 per plate.  This will
include a pasta dish, salad and a drink.The movie showing is free and open to all.
The gelateria will be open before, during and after the show.
UPCOMING FEATURES
Saturday, September 6:  MY HOUSE IN UMBRIA with Maggie Smith
Saturday, September 13: AMARCORD directed by Federico Fellini
Please check our website www.bulgarinigelato.com for future showings.
Ciao!!
BULGARINI GELATO
749 E. Altadena Dr.
Altadena, CA 91001
(626) 791-6174

UPAC summer camp a huge success

Altadena Sheriff Capt. Roosevelt Blow sent us these pictures from the United Peace Officers Against Crime Summer Camp, held Aug. 18-24 at the Alpine Meadows Camp Facility in Angelus Oaks.  The camp staff consists of volunteers from law enforcement, fire fighters, and various community groups.

Over 300 kids participated this year, with the local sheriff's station sponsoring nine campers.  Among many other activities, the campers participated in canoeing, hiking, baseball, swimming, tug-o-war, art & crafts, basketball, and learned computer skills.

In uniform L to R, Dep. Sam Estrada, Capt.Blow, and Dep. Gregory Gabriel, all of Altadena station,  pose with some campers.

LA County Sheriff Lee Baca came up to visit with the campers.

All the happy campers pose for a picture.

UPDATE: Altadena Co-Op Meeting Sept. 3

Patrick Reagan sends us a more full and flavorful note about the upcoming presentation on establishing an Altadena food co-op (including letting us know that the mouthful of initials stands for Altadena Area Food Co-op Steering Committee, but that's also promised not to be the permanent name!).  Sounds like they've been working hard, looking for best practices and trying not to re-invent the wheel. Reagan's note after the jump.

Food co-op meeting @ Coffee Gallery Sept. 3

Patrick Reagan and the other folks who've been looking into establishing an Altadena food co-op are ready to talk turkey (so to speak).  They call themselves the AAFCSC, but we don't know what it means!

They sent out this recent missive:

Hard to believe it, but August is quickly slipping away and fall is right around the corner!

Just wanted to give you all a quick update on what’s been going on and to give you an idea of what to look forward to in September.

On July 26^th, Patrick, Agnes, and Kristin took a “field trip” to Co-opportunity in Santa Monica to meet with Bruce Palma, the store’s general manager. Bruce was quite generous with his time (coming to the store to meet with us while he was officially on vacation!) and his knowledge. Bruce also showed us several “behind the scenes” areas of the store such as the office space, meeting room, kitchen, general storage, refrigerated storage, and receiving areas.

We had our first ‘official’ AAFCSC Potluck Dinner and Social on August 2^nd. It was a small group, but the evening was very enjoyable and went by too quickly! We had a LOT of great food, including vegetarian sushi rolls accompanied by homegrown horseradish, Indian-style lentils and rice, chicken curry, and fresh fruits.

Our August meeting was held on August 6 and the primary topic was the upcoming informative presentation that Patrick will be giving at the September meeting. Since that meeting, Patrick, Keosha, and Kristin have been meeting weekly to help Patrick fine tune the presentation. Hopefully you will all be able to come to this meeting (and tell your friends and neighbors about it!) to learn more about the “whys” and “hows” of creating a cooperative grocery store and how you can help in this effort!

"Why and How to Start a Cooperative Grocery Store in Our Area"
An Informative Presentation
By Patrick Reagan, Chairman, AAFCSC
Sept. 3, 2008, at 7:30 PM
The Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake Ave.

MCASC sponsors young African American males conference Sept. 27

The Metropolitan Community Action Services Corporation will hold a "Young African American Males Conference" on Sat., Sept. 27, from 8 AM-2:30 PM at Pasadena City College:

You Should Attend this Conference if...
> You are a Young African American male between the age of 12 and 25.
> You want to learn how to choose your pathway to success.
> You want to learn how to resolve life issues.
> You want to get the facts about setting goals and preparing for college.
> You want to know if a brother can be smart.
> You want to learn how to get the money.
> You want to learn how to make successful educational, career and life choices.
Conference Highlights
> All sessions facilitated by African American Males
> Keynote Speaker: John Harriel: Gang Life to Valedictorian
> Speaker: Dr. Nate Brooks: Awaken the Leader in You -- Steps of a Highly Effective Leader

Download the application at www.mcasc.us, or contact:

Metropolitan Community Action Services Corporation
PO Box 6377 Altadena CA 91003
2283 N Fair Oaks Avenue, Suite 211, Altadena CA 91001
626 798 8558

You might as well jump!

Kids in both 'Denas just finished a couple of days of immersion in competitive and expressive jumproping, thanks to community groups and the makers of the documentary Jump! Check out the coverage in their events blog.  Altadenan Brian Biery, the Flintridge Operating Foundation and Northwest ECHO (which stands for Empowering Communities, Helping Others) made it happen.

(hat tip: Monica Hubbard)

Your early morning wake-up ...

• State & Lake expounds on Lincoln Crossing.
• Plein Air Painting Extreme has a nice painting of the Farnsworth Park amphitheater (it's for sale!)

.. and now with video

National Night Out last night, and our first home-brewed video:

National Night Out draws a crowd at the Equestrian Center

Thanks to the ever-present Bill Westphal, who finished his pictures before we did and shares some with us.
People from all over Altadena gathered at the Loma Alta Equestrian Center tonight to share food, drink, and conversation.

The LA County Sheriff's Department SHARE (Stop Hate And Respect Everyone) mobile interactive educational trailer made its public debut here in Altadena tonight.

The members of the sheriff's posse showed off their riding skills.

Real estate, racism, and the "wrong side of town"

Marketing consultant Susan Carrier writes about the preception vs. reality of real estate in Altadena -- for example:  how can west of Lake be the "wrong side of the tracks" when many of the large estates are there?  The answer, probably, won't surprise you.

Update: National Night Out, Aug. 5

National Night Out is this Tuesday, Aug. 5, at the Loma Alta Equestrian Center.  The Altadena Sheriff's Station sent us this update of times and events:

National Night Out is an event designed to strengthen our communities by encouraging neighbors to engage in stronger relationships with each other and with their local law enforcement partners.  The goal is to heighten crime-prevention awareness, build support and participation in local anti-crime programs and most importantly, send a message that our neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.  It’s also the perfect opportunity to get to know your neighbors even better.  All are invited -- see you there!        

    Date : Tuesday, August 5, 2008   

    Time:6-9 pm

    Location: Loma Alta Park Equestrian Center

What to Bring: A potluck dish to share.  Hot dogs, hamburgers and drinks will be provided.

Event Specifics: Altadena Sheriff’s Station Posse and Altadena Mountain Resue Team are scheduled to have great displays for youth.  Crime Prevention and Neighborhood Watch information will be available to the public. Free give-aways for kids.

A new one of a kind mobile interactive educational trailer which highlights the new SHARE (Stop Hate and Respect Everyone) Tolerance program for fighting hate and intolerance in our communities will be available for a special preview before its formal introduction to other communities.         

Oh, Those Manning Boys!

Everyone was Irish tonight at the Sheriff Support Group's Farnsworth Park concert series with local favorites Those Manning Boys singing everything from pub-crawling ditties to U2.

 
We particularly like the fact that they bring a pub with them onstage.

Those Manning Boys bringing Ireland to an Altadena night.

Our Irish Pride dance troupe entertained the crowd as well.

"Those Manning Boys" @ Farnsworth Park Sat. @ 7

The Altadena Sheriff's Support Group concert series presents Those Manning Boys on Sat., July 26, starting at 7 PM at Farnsworth Park.

Meet Mike and Sean Manning, brothers, respectively the oldest and the youngest of eight siblings born to Sis and Ray Manning and raised in Altadena. Both are graduates of St. Elizabeth Parish School in Altadena and La Salle High School (Pasadena).

Mike is a guitarist of 44 years. He plays the bass guitar, 6-string and 12-string all with equal talent and abandon. Through college and prior to military service he played in rock ‘n roll garage bands. Today he is the director of the 8:30 Folk Mass choir at St. Elizabeth Church.

Sean is a tenor in the 10:00AM Mass choir at St. Elizabeth Church. He has been performing his repertoire of Irish folk music for over 10 years. It was his idea to team up with his brother and form a duet today known as Those Manning Boys.

For the past six years Those Manning Boys have been delighting people at parties with their act which employs the authentic character of music found in the public houses of Ireland. They have made appearances at Matt Denny’s Restaurant and Ale House in Arcadia and Gallagher’s Irish Pub in Long Beach. They are a regular at the various fund-raising events at St. Elizabeth, and have made appearances for special events such as the Sierra Madre Cancer Walk Marathon and the Friends of Ireland St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

This is the fourth appearance of Those Manning Boys at the Sheriff’s Support Group Summer Concert Series at Farnsworth Park and they hope that people will delight in the music and even participate in an organized sing-along.

(Yes, we realize that the picture is a clover, not a shamrock, but it's the best we could do!)

National Night Out Tues., Aug. 5, @ Loma Alta Equestrian Center

Just received from the Altadena Sheriff's Station:

National Night Out is an event designed to strengthen our communities by encouraging neighbors to engage in stronger relationships with each other and with their local law enforcement partners.  The goal is to heighten crime-prevention awareness, build support and participation in local anti-crime programs and most importantly, send a message that our neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.  It’s also the perfect opportunity to get to know your neighbors even better.  All are invited  -- see you there.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008, 5-10 PM
Loma Alta Park Equestrian Center

Altadena Sheriff’s Station Posse and Altadena Mountain Rescue Team are scheduled to have static displays for youth.  Crime Prevention and Neighborhood Watch information will be available to the public. Free giveaways for children will be available.

A new one of a kind mobile interactive educational bus that will highlight the SHARE (Stop Hate and Respect Everyone) Tolerance program for fighting hate and intolerance in our communities will be displayed.

The invisible wounds of China's earthquake

This editorial in PSN comes from TImothy Kelly, who, among other things, represents CT 4601 on the Altadena Town Council.

(Apologies to all: our provider, Typepad, has been very recalcitrant today -- it's been hard to post items today, and some posts were erased entirely!  We will attempt to reconstruct them after we finish teaching tonight)

Campaign for Humane Farms Sunday event

Bev Huntsberger sent us this message:

Sunday, July 27, 2008 at 4:45 PM

At Marietta [Kruell]'s Place on West Mariposa St.

This year, California voters can reduce the suffering of farm animals cruelly confined in cages and crates so small that they are unable to turn around, or even extend their limbs. We are hosting a Vote Yes for Farm Animals party to help purchase TV ads urging Californians to vote YES!

 Please RSVP online - 

http://www.party2win.com/humanecalifornia/parties?e=campaignforhumanefarms&userid=x

 We will join a nationwide conference call with James Cromwell from the movie, Babe, Mike Markarian, Executive Vice President of The Humane Society of the U.S., Gene Baur, President and Co-founder of Farm Sanctuary, and Jennifer Fearing, Campaign Manager for Californians for Humane Farms will take place at 5:00 p.m. PDT.  This call will link the parties together with important up-to-the-minute news about the campaign and will give California voters a chance to help the campaign make sure that we secure a resounding victory for farm animals on November 4th.

Not sure yet if you can come? Just go to our Event Page, and choose "maybe" on the RSVP. That will help us with planning, while you check your schedule. Of course, you can also reply directly to me.

Looking forward to seeing you at our party!

Altadena hosts Benbow family reunion

PSN has a heartwarming story -- no other way to describe it -- about the annual Benbow family reunion, held at Loma Alta Park over the weekend.  The Benbows can trace their family tree to slavery in the 1830's, and every year since 1937 they meet for a huge picnic.  This  year, in Altadena, next year -- in Anchorage? 

"The American Flyers" at Farnsworth concert series Sat.

The Sheriff's Support Group "Concerts in the Park" series at Farnsworth Park continues this Saturday at 7 PM with The American Flyers:

The American Flyers came to be in the early 1990’s, born of players who had formed strong friendships in a number of different bands in the 1980’s. The Flyers have gone through numerous versions since that time with all members maintaining a strong fraternal bond with one another.

The current line up includes founding members Phil Capuano (Drums), and Van Nixholm (original bassist and current rhythm guitarist), Rex Forman (Bass Guitar) from the band’s 3rd rendition, and Gene Diorio (Lead Guitar) from our 2nd incarnation and the guy with the greatest performance longevity in the band.

As in the beginning, these guys play together because they enjoy the camaraderie they share and the music they make. The music they enjoy, mostly rock, blues, and country, all has some personal attachment to one member or another, whether they are present players or not currently performing. Please enjoy their heartfelt musical offerings. Partners, brothers, and friends.

Fireworks tonight!

Don't forget -- the Altadena Town & Country Club will have its annual pre-4th fireworks display tonight, starting at about 9 PM (altho' they've run late before).  Put your animals in a safe place and enjoy the show!

P.S. These people are too darn healthy.

PSN looks at Wall-Bama

Doesn't appear to be online yet, but Pasadena Star News has a feature on the Obama mural at Wayne Nelson's clothing store on Lincoln.  Artist Harmon Mandigo has added to it since we snapped it several weeks ago.  Nelson plans to add to it, too -- flags and all-night lights, for example.

On the other hand, we found a dried-up apple head that looks like Sen. McCain ...

A summer's day in Altadena

Feasting and fun at the Community Garden Picnic Saturday afternoon.

The Down Beat Express Big Band brings out the old school dancing at the Sheriff's Station concert series at Farnsworth Park tonight.

Community garden picnic this Sat.

Mark in your calendars this Saturday that the Altadena Community Garden Annual Picnic runs from 1-6 PM at Loma Alta Park, 3300 N. Lincoln Ave. Tickets are $7 in advance ($8 at the door), children age 6-12 are $4, and children under 5 are free.  Each Garden Member brings a dish to serve 40 (!) and can attend with for free with a guest (homemade dishes are encouraged).

For Garden Members:

Plots 1– 25: Bring vegetables/salads
Plots 37-57: Bring Main Course/Entree
01, 02, 03, 36A, 38A, H1, H2, H3, H4 and Plots 30-36: Bring desserts
(Please deliver your dishes by 11:30 am)

As the flyer says: "Great food, friends, fun, garden tours, raffle… and the Brown Mountain Jazz Band, again!!!"

You can't stop the heat ... uh, beat!

The very hardy Oozie Blues Band plays in 100+ degree weather at Farnsworth Park this afternoon during the Juneteenth  Music Festival.  Musicians, fans, vendors, and food providers sweated out this year's  festival with good humor. 

Today's agenda: (1) Vote, (2) Celebrate, (3) Stay Cool

Three things  you must do today:

1. Vote in the Altadena town council election, between 8AM  - 6 PM.  Candidates, polling places, all the information you'll ever need is at our town council election page.  And stay tuned to Altadenablog tonight as we will be your first source of how the vote came out.
2. Celebrate Juneteenth with music and fun at Farnsworth Park, starting at 10 AM today.
3. Don't forget -- excessive heat warning today, temps in the 100+ range -- stay cool, drink fluids!

Friends of Obama Unite in Altadena

Supposedly there's another election to come this year.  The Friends of Obama Unite in Altadena are having a get-together June 28.  More information and reservations can be made here.

Barbara Bigby appointed to Sybil Brand commission

A notice we just received from Supv. Antonovich's office:

LOS ANGELES COUNTY -- Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich has appointed Ms. Barbara Yvonne Bigby to the Los Angeles County Sybil Brand Commission for Institutional Inspections.

A resident of Altadena, Ms. Bigby was the past owner and operator of the Bright-Eye Day Care Center for over 30 years.  She is an active member of her community, serving as President of the Altadena Chapter of the NAACP, which has played a major role in bridging a positive relationship between the community and the Altadena Sheriff’s Station.

She is also a member of the African American Advisory Committee for the Pasadena City College, and on the Altadena Community Center Advisory Board.

Members of the Sybil Brand Commission for Institutional Inspections visit and inspect Los Angeles County jails, lock-ups, and probation and correctional facilities, examining every department of each institution to ascertain the effectiveness of the administration, cleanliness, and discipline and comfort of its inmates.

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.

Farnsworth Park concert opener means it's summer in Altadena

The Elliot Caine Quintet opened up the Altadena Sheriff's Station Summer Concert in the Park series tonight at the amphitheater in Farnsworth Park.  After some opening remarks by Sheriff Support Group president Bob Klomburg and Capt. Roosevelt Blow, the night was filled with the sounds of cool and Latin jazz. 

Elliot Caine takes a solo.

The Altadena Posse is selling ponies.

A surprisingly relaxed Sheriff Capt. Roosevelt Blow introduces the concert series, and threatens to sing.

Balloon fans pop off in Pasadena

In the interests of being complete, here's some coverage on a protest against our neighbor, State Sen. Jack Scott, who recently sponsored a bill to curtail the use of mylar balloons.  A couple of loud radio boneheads picked up on it, and well, you can guess the rest -- more heat than light.  But PSN was there.

P.S. Buster Balloons will be at the Altadena libraries next week -- check the calendar for details!

It's the berries (and more) this Sun., June 15

Gail Murphy, one of many Altadena backyard farmers, will be selling blackberries from her garden this Sunday, 10 AM-2 PM,  on Santa Anita Ave. just north of Altadena Drive (there will be signs!).  She promises other local garden produce growers will bring their wares as well.  This is the first formal sale of the COFEAltadena Yahoo group of local produce growers.

Altadena Town & Country Club Fireworks Display Thurs., July 3

The annual pre-Independence Day fireworks display over the golf course will commence at about 9 PM.  Tell your pets now!

Golden Poppy awards revealed

WriterDeb at Altadena Above It All is on the case of the best gardens in Altadena. Pictures and everything!

Altadena Community Garden Picnic June 28

Via the Meadows website: the Altadena Community Garden, located at Loma Alta Park, 3330 Lincoln Ave., will have its annual picnic on Sat., June 28, 1-6 PM.  Eat the wonderful produce, listen to the Brown Mountain Jazz Band, and enjoy meeting the gardeners and your neighbors.  There will also be a raffle and silent auction.  Last year drew over 200 people.

Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for children 6-12, and children 5 and under are free:

The Altadena Community Garden is located on the site of the former Mt. Lowe Military Academy. An Altadena community fixture since 1974, our diverse group of dedicated gardeners tends 59 standard and 4 handicapped-accessible garden plots at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains. The Altadena Community Garden is recognized as one of the leading community gardens in Southern California, opening our gates to school children, field trips, and events.

McNally open house Sunday

PSN's Janette Williams has a feature on the McNally House, which will be open this weekend in a fundraiser for Altadena Heritage.  (The PSN story links to some great photos) The present owners, Frank and Joanna Dupuy, bought it for just $21,950 as a tear-down in 1954, and lovingly restored it instead.  We'd like to look at the smoking room, which was originally the Turkish pavilion at the 1892 Columbian Exhibition in Chicago, which Andrew McNally bought and had shipped to his winter home.  Details on getting tickets are here.

Earthquake seminar June 18 at City of Hope

In light of the ramping-up of interest in earthquake safety (and the Shake-Out in November), Altadenablog's compadre Cmdr. Linsenmeyer lets us know that there will be an earthquake safety seminar on Wed., June 18, 6:30-9 PM at the Cooper Auditorium, City of Hope Cancer Center, 1500 Duarte Rd., Duarte.  The seminar will be presented by Earthquake Solutions (who sold Altadenablog the 50 gal. water barrel in the back yard, and yes, we need two more!) 

Reservations and info: 626-256-7900 or by earthquakesolutions@earthlink.net

 

Juneteenth Music Festival @ Farnsworth June 21

Los Angeles County Parks will be holding a Juneteenth Music Festival at the Farnsworth Park Amphitheater starting at 10 AM on June 21.  Jazz, blues, zydeco, and gospel music will be featured, along with lots of vendors.  Farnsworth Park is at the corner of Lake and Mt. Curve.

What's for dinner?

Via Alice Wessen and Facebook, Yelp! has real people reviews of Altadena eateries.

Short takes

• eTTa design's weblog has a great piece about Leslie Aitkin's  LA General Store, which uses eco-friendly ideas (i.e. castoff furniture) for the interior of the fabric arts source.
• it's too early to think of Halloween for most of us -- but the pumpkins are growing in Altadena!
• Real estate news on the $7 million sale of the Bienvenidos Children's Center at 183-205 E. Palm to be the new home for the Sahag-Mesrob Armenian Christian School.
• Five Acres will be holding two fundraising events on Sunday:  a classic car show at Johnny Carson Park in Burbank, followed by its annual gala at One Colorado in Pasadena.  PSN has the deets.
• We think state Sen. Jack Scott may end up his legislative career making enemies of the balloon industry.

Altadena Heritage's "Golden Poppy" awards June 7

Altadena Heritage will host a garden party and its fifth annual Golden Poppy Awards next Sat., June 7, 5-7:30 PM.   The party will be held at Ann & Chris David's home, 1077 Altadena Dr., built in 1923 and designed by Lawrence Stimson, who also designed the Wrigley Mansion in Pasadena.  Altadena Heritage will also present its Golden Poppy Awards to eight of Altadena's most creative gardeners.  Hors d'oeuvres and beverages will be served.  TIckets are $20, $15 for members, and reservations must be made by Monday, June 2 to Altadena Heritage, 797-0054, or altadenaheritage@earthlink.net.

"Shake Out" registration today

Just got this in last night -- and note the registration is due today!  Thanks, guys!

From: Lee, Wilson T
Sent: Wed 5/28/2008 7:54 AM

To: Crime Prevention Partners-Other Agencies; Crime Prevention Staff; Volunteer Coordinators; Volunteer CERT Members; Volunteer CERT Instructors

Subject: The Great Southern California ShakeOut

You are invited to join elected officials, businessleaders, emergency managers and others for the kickoff press conferencefor "The Great Southern California ShakeOut" on June 4th from 10 a.m.to noon at Caltech.

Beckman Auditorium, Caltech
332 S. Michigan Ave, Pasadena, CA 91106

Please RSVP by May 30 by completing the online registration form at

http://www.shakeout.org/kickoff

Altadena sheriffs vs. young black males? A perception is there

Altadena town councilman Steve Lamb has a letter in today's PSN.  One of the dust-ups in the last town council meeting involved the perception that the deputies swoop down on individual African-American males with multiple squad cars, "making a public spectacle of such detention as possible, and ultimately having this detention result in nothing ...."

Lamb says both he and council chair George Lewis have witnessed many of these incidents over the years.  Lamb says that he's asked several of these young men to contact him to write out a complaint -- but citing reprisal, to date no one has done so.

Lamb closes with :

I urge all citizens who believe they have been unjustly detaiined to contact myself and Chairman Lewis so that we can go with them to file complaints against inappropriate detention.

Schiff appoints Christian Kooshian to West Point

Christian Kooshian of Altadena, a student at John Muir High School (Pasadena), was appointed to the Military Academy at West Point by Congressman Adam Schiff this weekend. Kooshian will be in the West Point Class of 2012.

Other appointees from the district include Arthur Lin, a student at Alhambra High School,  and Dennis Lowe of Pasadena, a student at Fintridge Preparatory School, who were also appointed to West Point. David Raba of Glendale, a student at St. Francis High School (La Cañada Flintridge), was appointed to the Naval Academy in Annapolis.

According to Asbaraz.com, a website of news from the Armenian community:

Congressman Schiff met with Christian and his family this past weekend to congratulate him and thank him for his dedication to our country.
    “After reviewing Christian's application I was very impressed by his dedication to serve our country,” said Schiff. “After meeting him and his family this past weekend, I am confident he will be among the future leaders of our country.”
    Christian's patriotism and desire to serve in the military stems from his grandfather's story of survival in the Armenian Genocide and subsequent immigration to the U.S. Throughout his high school career at John Muir, Christian has proven to be a true leader. He was a member of his high school cross country team, serving as the captain his senior year. He also played the viola in the John Muir Symphony Orchestra, and he was a recipient of the 2007 Rotary Youth Leadership Award. Last summer he attended the Summer Leadership Seminar at West Point.
    “I see West Point as the best path for me to both enter the military service and to become an educated, patriotic citizen of good character,” Christian wrote in his application essay.

Town council election needs volunteers

This message came in about the upcoming town council elections

Altadena Town Council Elections June 21, 2008 Your Community Needs You

The Altadena Election Committee is requesting volunteers from the community to participate in this year's elections, either as a poll staffer or to assist with setting up and breaking down the polling locations. We need people to commit to a 4 hour shift as a poll worker:
8AM-12PM, 11AM-3PM, or 2PM-6PM.

Setup volunteers can rise early or sleep in and help us break down, and should allot 2 hours of service either way.

Contribution of this time is vital for a vibrant and accessible election, and I'm hoping it will be quite fun as well!

Red Cross

We rarely go deep into Pasadena for news, since we're Altadena-focused, but we thought this press release from the American Red Cross Blood Donor Center was worth passing on:

In order to better serve its donors, the Pasadena American Red Cross Blood Donor Center now offers concurrent whole blood and platelet apheresis collections six days per week. The Red Cross invites you to enjoy food and festivities and help celebrate the “Grand Re-opening” of the center on Wednesday, May 28, 12 noon to 7 p.m. A ribbon cutting ceremony, hosted by the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, will be held at 5 p.m. The Red Cross donor center is located at 133 N. Altadena Drive, Suite 103. Pasadena, CA. Appointments to donate whole blood or platelets during the “Grand Re-opening” can be made by calling 1-800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448-3543).

The Pasadena Donor Center, originally located on Lake Street in Pasadena, moved to the Altadena address in December 2005. While the donor center has been offering a choice of either whole blood or apheresis donations on select days, whole blood and apheresis operations will now run concurrently and under the same schedule:

Monday-Wednesday 12pm to 7pm
Thursday 10am to 5pm
Friday and Saturday 7am to 2pm; and
every other Sunday 6:30am to 12 noon (Apheresis donations only).

“With the training of all staff members in both apheresis and whole blood collections, donors will experience a shorter wait time,” states Armando Romero, manager of the American Red Cross Pasadena Donor Center. “We are confident that this integrated structure will improve communications, coordination, consistency, efficiency, and performance.”

Whole blood contains red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets suspended in a watery fluid called plasma. Blood may be transfused as whole blood or as one of its many components.

Apheresis is a process by which platelets or other individual blood components are collected from a donor. This process is accomplished by using a machine called a cell separator which collects the desired component and returns the remaining components of the blood to the donor by the automated instrument.

Any healthy person age 17 or older (age 16 with written parental consent) and weighing at least 110 pounds may be eligible to donate blood. All eligible donors are asked to schedule an appointment to donate blood by calling 1.800.GIVE.LIFE (1.800.448.3543) or by visiting www.GiveLife.org. To organize a blood drive, call 1.800.491.2113. For Spanish, please call 1.866-POR.VIDA (1.866.767.8432).