altadenablog

Down Syndrome resource center Club 21 grand opening Sat., March 21

One of our favorite causes, Club 21, a resource center for people with Down Syndrome and their families, will have a grand opening Sat., March 21, 10 AM-12 PM, on the grounds of Pasadena Covenant Church, 539 N. Lake, Pasadena. (Parking is at Westminster Presbyterian Church on the Altadena border, and there will be a shuttle down the hill).  Details for the grand opening are here.

Danny's Farm hosts photo shoot to encourage adoption

Cathy Gott of Danny's Farm sends us this notice that the county Dept. of Children & Family Services hosted a photo shoot for children in need of adoptive homes.  Click on the graphic for the full story.

Relay for Life kickoff March 11 @ Farnsworth Park

The American Cancer Society's first Altadena Relay for Life will have a kickoff meeting on Wed., March 11, 6:30-7:30 PM at the Davies Building at Farnsworth Park, Lake & Mount Curve.  Find out how you can join the fight against cancer. Food, Drinks. Purchase Luminaria for Relay For
Life.

Visit Relay For Life Altadena on the web: www.relayforlife.org/altadenaca
For more information about Relay For Life please contact: Sarah Eagle 626 372 9456 Sarah.eagle@cancer.org or Paula Walker Paula.Walker@SothebysInternationalRealty.com

The Relay for Life will start on Sat., June 6, and run for 24 hours starting at 9 AM, also at Farnsworth Park. 

Restaurants band together for Hathaway-Sycamores benefit

On Wednesday, February 18, numerous Pasadena area restaurants, along with several new downtown LA restaurants that have joined the list this year including Café Pinot, Patina, and Nick & Stef’s Steakhouse, are participating in “Dinners from the Heart,” the annual community-wide Hathaway-Sycamores Child and Family Services fund raiser. Open to the public, the community is invited to enjoy outstanding meals at top-rated restaurants while, at the same time, help to raise funds for the over 9,000 children and families served by the Pasadena-headquartered agency every year. 

The event is being organized by Junior Circle (formerly Altadena Junior Circle) members Sheila Rossi of South Pasadena and Tricia Ferrante of Altadena, and Reneé LaBran, a Hathaway-Sycamores board member and La Canada resident. They are joined by Bob Smith and Gregg Smith, who co-own six participating restaurants – the newly-opened Spitfire Saloon, Smitty’s Grill, Arroyo Chop House, Parkway Grill, Crocodile Café, and Vibrato -- as Dinners from the Heart honorary chairs.

This event, which has raised $425,000 since its inception in 1991, is made possible by the generosity of the participating restaurants who have agreed to donate meals to patrons who make advance reservations by calling Hathaway-Sycamores' reservation line at (626) 685-2124.  Dinners range from $50 to $150 per person.

Participating restaurants include: Arroyo Chop House, Beckham Grill, Bistro 45, Bistro de la Gare, Café Pinot, Café Santorini, Central Park, Crocodile Café, DISH, El Cholo, Five Crowns, Gale's Restaurant, Green Street Restaurant, Green Street Tavern, J. J. Steak House, Julienne Fine Foods, The Kitchen for Exploring Foods, Lawry’s The Prime Rib, Mi Piace, Maison Akira, Marston’s, McCormick & Schmick’s, Nick & Stef’s, Steakhouse, Panda Inn, Parkway Grill, Patina Restaurant, redwhite+bluezz, Saladang Song, Smittys’ Grill, Spitfire Saloon, Tam O’Shanter Inn, Twin Palms, Vibrato, and 561 Restaurant, with more still being added.  

Additional restaurants may be available; please check when placing your reservation. Prices are per person and include wine. Additional alcoholic beverages, tax and gratuity are the responsibility of each patron. Please do not contact restaurants directly. For additional information, please contact:  Andi Sica, Hathaway-Sycamores’ Director of Community Relations & Special Events (626) 395-7100 ext. 2516.

www.hathaway-sycamores.org

Left to right- Junior Circle members: Nancy Perez (President of Junior Circle), Mimi Carter, Vicki Thompson, Sandra Crawford, Tricia Ferrante - Dinners from the Heart co-chair, Gayana Borian of Mi Piace, one of the participating restaurants, Sheila Rossi - Dinners from the Heart co-chair, Andi Sica, Hathaway-Sycamores’ Director of Community Relations & Special Events, Miho Tyszka, Christina Mendoza, Karen Kikkawa, Holly Roca

Photo credit: Orly Olivier

Going to the dogs

OK, a rare personal indulgence: a public service announcement for one of our favorite causes, Canine Companions for Independence, has just come out starring our redheaded Spawn #3, her friend Angelica, and the greatest speech pathologist in the world, Amy Johnson of Cornerstone Speech & Language in South Pas.  And Sylvie, too, of course!   Check it out.

American Cancer Society seeing volunteers & teams for Relay for Life

The American Cancer Society is looking for volunteers and teams for the first ever Relay For Life in Altadena on June 6 –7 at Farnsworth Park.
        Relay For Life is a fun-filled, overnight event that mobilizes communities throughout the country to celebrate survivors (anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer), remember loved ones and raise money for the fight against cancer.
        “Relay For Life is an awareness raiser about the progress against cancer as much as it is a fundraiser,” said Sarah Eagle, Relay For Life Manager for the American Cancer Society. “Individuals who are willing to give their time and energy to this exciting event, as a volunteer or participant, have made a commitment to fight back against this disease and let the community know that you can beat cancer.”
        Teams of eight to 15 members gather with tents and sleeping bags to participate in the largest fundraising walk in the nation. Relay For Life brings together friends, families, businesses, hospitals, schools, churches – people from all walks of life. Teams seek sponsorship prior to the Relay, all with the goal of eliminating cancer.
        Volunteers are needed to organize and recruit teams, seek community support, coordinate logistics, find refreshments and prizes, plan entertainment, and lend their support in any way.
        If you would like to volunteer on the Relay For Life committee, or serve as a team captain, contact Sarah Eagle (626) 372 9456 or  sarah.eagle@cancer.org  or visit  www.relayforlife.org/altadenaca
        The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 13 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information, call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org

Sara Carnahan honored by Altadena Chamber Jan. 23

The Altadena Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual banquet and officer installation Jan. 23 at the Altadena Town & Country Club.  Highlight of the festivities is honoring Altadena's Citizen of the Year, who this year is Sara Carnahan.

Sara has been active in Altadena for years and years.  She was born in Altadena and attended Eliot Jr High and Pasadena High School.  She has served on many community boards; including two terms as President of the Altadena Historical Society, Altadena Meals on Wheels, Altadena Senior Center, ACCAB board, American Association of University Women and much more  She is currently a member of League of Women Voters, Pasadena area.

Reserve your table or seat now by calling the Chamber office at (626)794-3988 or sending a check. Tickets are $75.00.  A table of ten (10) is $700.00.

Danny's Farm starts after-school program for autistic kids Jan. 5

Details are in the flyer (click to enlarge) about the program starting next week at Danny's Farm for ages 5-17.  (And it can be vendored thru Regional Center). 

Marrow is the way for "mutts"

That amazing Altadenan  Susan Carrier has been rockin' the freelance articles over the past few months.  Her latest, an opinion piece for PSN, gives us the needed message that potential bone marrow donors are always needed, but donors for multiracial "mutts" are particularly in short supply.  Registration is fast and easy (you don't even need to give blood!), and you can start by contacting www.asianmarrow.org

Danny's Farm says "thank you!"

Cathy Gott of Danny's Farm sends us a list of the people who've contributed so much to their wonderful, kid-friendly animal farm in the city (click image so see it even bigger).  Our children love it, and we love their emphasis on special needs kids.  Thanks to all who help this wonderful program happen!

Bright Futures Scholars: don't forget your Friday service project!

We like Dr. Sandra Thomas' no-nonsense messages to the Bright Futures Scholars in her charge, after the jump:

Mutual support thru cancer becomes Wellness Community fundraiser

Didn't have a chance to get this in earlier, but yesterday's PSN has a feature on Rosey Bell and Altadenan Vicki Laidig McCuish, who have developed a friendship rooted on supporting each other through bouts of cancer.  Their 2004 "high tea" to celebrate their success has evolved into a major holiday fundraiser for The Wellness Community.

Education Spectrum offers autism workshops

Education Spectrum, which offers services for special needs children (especially those with autism), is offering three workshops for teachers, paraprofessionals, and others in January and Februrary, 2009 (click the flyer for details).  For more information call 626-797-1500.

Webster's holiday open house and Five Acres benefit Fri., Dec. 12

The Webster's Center (which includes Altadenablog sponsor Webster's Fine Stationers),  invites you to their Center-wide holiday open house this Fri., Dec. 12, which is also a benefit for Five Acres.  Bring an unwrapped gift for a child age 5 to 13 and receive a 10% savings certificate, good on home and holiday decor.  Webster's Fine Stationers will give Five Acres that 10% and match it....giving a total of 20% of every qualified purchase to Five Acres.  You may drop off your unwrapped gift at the Pharmacy or at WFS.

Enjoy holiday spirit in all the stores, starting with Santa and his Elves in Karen's Hallmark at 3 PM.  Savor holiday goodies at WFS and warm your hands arounds a steaming cup of hot apple cider. Let your spirit be lifted by knowing that your holiday shopping is helping a child in need.

Scott and Lori Webster write us, "Listen to the carols of the season while you greet your neighbors and enjoy delicious holiday cookies.  This is Christmas as it should be.....what it once was....a community gathering to share its many blessings. We'd love for you to join us and give the gift of giving. ."

Festivities go on until closing at 7PM. Find out more about it at http://www.webstersfs.blogspot.com.

Bright Futures Scholars Christmas celebration Dec. 6

Got this no-nonsense message from the Quality of Life Center for the Bright Futures Scholars, after the jump:

Art Aids Art opens Cape Town community center

PSN's Janette Williams front-pages Altadena-based Art Aids Art's work in setting up eKhaya eKasi, a community center in South Africa that, among other things, establishes micro-businessesand offers places to sell African art in this country. 

Five Acres breaks new ground

Pasadena Now covers the groundbreaking of a new research and training facility for Five Acres.  The new center is planned to open by summer 2009.

Pumpkin festival a smashing success (heh)

Danny's Farm, one of our favorite places in town, sent along a thank-you note to all the volunteers and organizations who helped in their first Pumpkin Festival (click to enlarge).  We took the kids, and it was a really fun event for them.  Hope they do it again next year!

Sheriff's Station food and toy drive underway

Every year, the Altadena Sheriff's Station looks to the community to help them provide food and toys to families they have identified as needing special help this holiday season.  (It's also good for them to have a supply of stuffed animals and other toys on hand to help reassure and comfort children who end up getting involved in assistance calls). 

The annual food and toy drive is now underway, and the deputies are looking for pantry staples and holiday food items as well as toys to help the people who need it.  Please call Dep. Sam Estrada, 626-798-1131 for more information, and Altadenablog will post the drop-off locations once they've become available.

Danny's Farm wins the trifecta!

... or so it seems.  This flyer tells us that Danny's has won "Employer of the Year" from the Pasadena Mayor's Committee for Employment of People with Disabilities,  a commendation from Supv. Mike Antonovich, and a recognition from Assemblyman Anthony Portantino.  David May of Danny's Farm won "Employee of the Year" award from the mayor's committee.

You can see 'em on the flyer, but can't link to them, so we'll help:  this link goes to the NBC nightly news story on Danny's, and this link goes to Fox's feature on the farm.

UPDATE 11/9: Caroyn Graham, editor of LA Parent Magazine, also has good words to say about Danny's Farm in her blog.

Altadena Relay for Life meeting Wed.

We recently met with Sarah Eagle of the American Cancer Society.  The society is planning on holding a fun event, the Relay for Life, at Farnsworth Park in August of '09.

Several communities have been holding similar relays for years, so this will be a first for Altadena, Eagle says.  The actual "relay" will be a 24 walk around a particular track.  Participants will form teams and get pledges to help support the American Cancer Society's efforts.

Eagle says that it will be a fun event, with music, games, and other activities while the relay is going on.  In addition, cancer survivors will be honored as part of the festivities.

Right now, the Altadena Relay for Life is looking for volunteers for a variety of tasks to get started on the right foot.  An information meeting will be held at the Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Drive, at 6 PM on Nov. 12.

You can also contact Sarah Eagle at  626-372-9456 or sarah.eagle@cancer.org

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.

A big blue THANK YOU!

Thanks to generous Altadenablog readers who contributed to our team, Rosie's Blue Lobsters, for the annual Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles Buddy Walk at Santa Anita Park on Sunday. We raised over $1,300 to support families and individuals with Down Syndrome (and there's still time to make a contribution!).  The weather was great and the company was greater!

Thanksgiving centerpieces to benefit Hathaway-Sycamores

The fabulous Mickie has a piece on the Los Altos' Auxiliary's fundraiser to benefit Hathaway-Sycamores' Altadena campus -- Thanksgiving centerpieces delivered to your door.  Details are here.

American Cancer Society plots Relay for LIfe for summer '09

The American Cancer Society is planning an event for Altadena next summer, and planning is starting right now.  An informational meeting will be held Nov. 12 at 6 PM at the Altadena Community Center. 
The Society has provided the following details:

What is Relay For Life?
Relay For Life of Altadena will be a fun and unique 24-hour event to increase cancer awareness while raising much-needed funds for the American Cancer Society’s patient service programs, cancer research, advocacy and community education. Teams composed of 12 to 24 people formed by local businesses, community groups and friends & families will be raising funds before the event. At relay, team members take turns walking around the track, relay-style and enjoy fun activities and entertainment off the track.

We Honor Survivors
Survivors are invited to join us as our honorary guests in the Survivors Lap, which begins Relay For Life. Cancer Survivor’s strength and courage help the community see that cancer survivorship is real- that we are making progress in the battle against cancer.

Teaming Up for the Fight…How you can help!
Form a team. Teams come from businesses, clubs, families, hospitals, faith-based groups, schools and service organizations.

Join us for our Survivor and Caregiver special activities
Volunteer to help with the event. What better way to give back, than to volunteer!
Join the Event Planning Committee.

•  Become a sponsor. Show your community that you care!
•  Become a volunteer for some of our other local programs and services such as Road to Recovery, Look Good Feel Better, Man to Man, Reach to Recovery and many more!

For more information about Relay For Life please contact Sarah Eagle on 626 372 9456
sarah.eagle@cancer.org

Blue lobster captured, will avoid coating with butter

Carolyn Seitz points out this CNN story that a rare (1 in 3 million ) blue lobster was recently captured, and will be spending its days on exhibit at a Connecticut aquarium.

The blue lobster, of course, is our inspiration for Rosie's Blue Lobsters, our walkin' team at the Down Syndrome Assn. Buddy Walk on Nov. 2.  We are so grateful for all those Altadenablog readers who have contributed to the cause, and there's still time to join us on the walk or sponsor our team!  Details here.

White sings at Muir fundraiser tonight

Linda Lane White, "The Singing Realtor" from Altadena and a John Muir alum, will be performing at a fundraiser tonight with Muir's jazz ensemble at the Pasadena Jazz Institute at the Paseo Colorado in Pasadena. 

Writes Linda:

The John Muir High School Jazz Ensemble will be playing and I will warble a few tunes with them. It’s a mere $20 (tax deductible) fundraiser that the John Muir Alumni Association is sponsoring to help raise much needed funds to complete some cosmetic improvements to the school where funds are not available elsewhere.  If you are a fellow Mustang, you really need to be there!

Breast cancer awareness event @ Curves Oct. 21

From our friend Rose West, owner of Curves, 2525 N. Lake Ave. No. 6, comes this notice of their event next Tuesday:

Join us Tuesday, October 21st  from 4:00 - 7:00 pm for food, fun, massages & shopping in honor of  Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Proceeds from these activities  will be donated to The American  Cancer Society.  Bring a friend and  receive a FREE "Liv Aid" Self Breast Examination Kit.

For more information, please call (626)797-9177

PS...our club will be closed Tuesday afternoon, October 21st to support this event.

Buddy Walk coming up, too

This is not only Breast Cancer Awareness Month (above), but Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Altadenablog is fielding its team, "Rosie's Blue Lobsters," for the fourth year in a a row to walk in the Nov. 2 Buddy Walk to benefit the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles.  There's still time to participate if you'd like to make a contribution OR join us in the walk -- an afternoon of food, fund, celebrities, and the best smiles you'll ever see.

Thanks to all the Altadenablog readers who have contributed so generously so far.  Click here to help out or join our team!

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)

Five Acres golf tourney Monday

Pasadena Now has a piece on the Five Acres Invitational Golf Classic, to be  held Monday at the San Gabriel Country Club.

Join Altadenablog and get Down with it Nov. 2

We don't usually put in much about our personal life and causes in Altadenablog, but occasionally we do break the wall.

For the fourth year, the Altadenablog family and friends will be going to the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles' Buddy Walk, to be held Nov. 2 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia.  DSALA provides support in the form of information, resources, and activities for individuals with Down Syndrome and their families. (And since this is Hollywood, they also run "Heart and Halo Talent," which matches actors with Down Syndrome to roles -- DSALA actors have appeared in Saving Grace, CSI, Nip & Tuck among other programs).

Our team is Rosie's Blue Lobsters IV, and our captain is four year old Rosie (aka Spawn 3), who continues to inspire us with her progress, sunny nature and sense of fun.  It's a challenge, raising a kid like this, but it's also a source of unending joy.  We learn a lot from her every day.

If you are so moved, we've included a link in our sidebar that will direct you to the team page.  While you can make a donation, we also encourage joining our team for the walk (which is kind of more of a "mosey" around the inside of the park).  T-shirts and lunch is provided, celebrities are abundant, and most of all, it's a lot of fun for a Sunday afternoon -- or anytime.

And why Blue Lobster's?  It's because of  this story, which we first read in the Boston Herald.

"A white boy with the black press"

Boyd Lewis is an Atlantan turned Altadenan, who's talking about his years as a white reporter who worked for black newspapers in Atlanta for almost 30 years.  He has a handsome new website-in-progress that he's putting together about his experiences in Atlanta, as a inner-city schoolteacher in Los Angeles, and everything before, after, and in-between.  Check it out!

Also check out the Ethel Louise Armstrong Foundation website.  Executive Director Deborah B. Lewis, Boyd's wife, runs this Altadena-based foundation to include people with disabilities in the arts, advocacy, and education.

Hat tip to Monica Hubbard, who just keeps going and going and going ...

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.

Support your local sheriff

Bill "Forrest" Westphal points out this article in today's PSN, about being a volunteer at the county sheriff's Walnut Station.  But you don't have to go that far -- you can join the hardy volunteer crew here at the Altadena Sheriff's Station.  Bill writes:

I have been a volunteer there for several years and it's an interesting, exciting and rewarding way to give back to the community.

I wonder if you wouldn't mind posting something on Altadenablog to let readers know that if anyone is interested in more information about volunteering at the Altadena Sheriff's they can contact Sgt. Yolanda Palomo or Dep. Sam Estrada at the Altadena Sheriff's Station at 626-798-1131.

A story about kids and dogs

A personal, non-Altadena-related aside.  PSN has a great story about South Pasadena speech pathologist Amy Johnson, who uses Sylvie, a laborador/golden mix from Canine Companions for Independence, in her practice.  Amy has worked with our two youngest kids, and Spawn 3 and Sylvie are thatclose.  Amy's smart, a great professional, and adding Sylvie to the mix was a great choice.  (Little Estelle in the pictures is our friend, too).  Canine Companions is a great cause -- and we were privileged to have Spawn 3 appear in one of their upcoming television public service announcements (working with Sylvie, natch).

Another chance to do some good

An addendum to this weekend's heart-warming story (mentioned below).  We received this message from one of the players, Dr. Joyce Kohl:

Besides a new Godson from Malawi, I'm also trying to keep a family from starving in Zimbabwe, where the inflation rate is 2.2 million percent! They send me things they make & I try to sell them. I have some beautiful hand carved Shona stone sculptures and also some horn jewelery. If I sell it directly to you (cheap), all the money goes to the family--if I take it to a store, it will be marked up. Want to come see before I try to see if the Folk Tree wants to buy it? Call me at 791-4221. I'll be home until Tuesday. Thanks. Joyce.

From an Altadena dinner party, to Africa, to motherhood

A heartwarmer for your weekend --  P.J. Johnson, a Pasadena-based filmmaker,  was challenged at a dinner party at Dr. Joyce Kohl's Altadena home to accompany her to Africa.  End result -- his name is Patson, he's a healthy boy, and Johnson could use a little help.  Ellen Snortland at the Pasadeana Weekly has all the details.

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)

Five Acres' art therapy

Whittier Daily News has a piece on Altadena's Five Acres program, using art as a way for the kids to get the healing they need.  Altadena artist Leigh Adams took on six kids, teaching them the art of mosaic for a project for Five Acres.

Trash to treasure for a cause

Cleaning out your closets and garages?  The League of Women Voters is holding a giant lawn sale to benefit ONECARENOW,  which seeks passage of  SB840 (Kuehl), the California Universal Healthcare Act.  Treasures can be delivered on Sat., July 5, and the sale is Sun. July 6 at 1474 Oakdale, Pasadena.  All the particulars are right here.

Coffee Gallery 's canned laughter

PSN has an article about Coffee Gallery's "Cans for Comedy"  show, which collects food for Friends in Deed, and updates us on the new owners, Roque and Julie Sandoval. 

The nut quote, from Julie Sandoval:

Community outreach and fostering creativity is in the spirit of what the Coffee Gallery has always been and what the community hub hopes to remain, Sandoval said.

"When the last owner retired, my worst nightmare was that a Starbucks or something big would come in here and take over. I couldn't let that happen," said Sandoval. "I love this place. It's the nexus of Altadena right here."

Cans for Comedy will be Saturday.  Get your can into Coffee Gallery!

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.

Ex-gangbanger carries tradition of compassion

PSN's Robert Hong has a heart-warming story about Jimmy Lewis, who overcame a troubled youth to help people out of the back of his Bronco at the Fair Oaks and Woodbury ARCO.  He's carrying on a tradition started by his grandfather, Isaac Walker.