altadenablog

Oscarsons in the swim this weekend

Berklie & Oscarson are competitive swimmers at the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center, and they're looking for sponsors for their swim-a-thon this weekend.  It's a great cause.  Get the details after the jump.

Out of the woods and online

We welcome to the blogosphere the Chaney Trail & Millard Canyon website, now up in draft form.  It's still under development, but it looks like it will be a great addition to Altadena cyberspace!

"Slow Down Altadena" hits the PSN

PSN's Robert Hong takes a look at the "Slow Down Altadena" crusade.  Take back the streets!  Power to the People!

JPL Open House this weekend

Alice Sarkisian Wessen sends this note:

My husband and I will be there the entire weekend so
feel free to stop by and say hi!
Alice

JPL Open House: May 3 and 4
JPL rolls out the welcome mat for the public this weekend, May 3 and 4.

Highlights for this year's Open House include watching 700-pound robots glide under artificial stars in the Robodome and close-up views of models of Mars rovers - past, present and future.

Children will be able to participate in many hands-on activities.

The free event runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days.
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/pso/oh.cfm?msource=FL20080429&tr=y&auid=3620336

It's probably already sold out, but ...

... it may be worth a try:

Thursday, May 1
8:00 P.M.
JOHN McEUEN with Matt Cartsonis and Nathan McEuen

The Coffee Gallery
Altadena, CA
2029 Lake Ave.
Altadena, CA
Reservations suggested: 626 398 7917
http://www.coffeegallery.com/

Firewatch Tuesday

On a less-smoky morning in Altadena ....

Sierra Madre public schools are OPEN (and dad says YAY!)

Inside So Cal's LA Outdoors has a map of closed trails.

Altadenablog was taking Spawn 2 to an appointment in Arcadia yesterday afternoon and decided to drive thru Sierra Madre to get the flavor of things. A full crowd was seated at the outdoor tables of The Only Place in Town restaurant, having lunch and watching the spectacle in the foothills.

Altadena Library starts the process

Last night, the Altadena Library District hosted a kickoff for its long-term planning efforts, to determine needs, programming, and library renovations needed to serve the community.

(Full disclosure: the Altadenablogmaster is on the LIbrary's strategic advisory planning committee, probably because he's been doing so much public bitching about access.)

One of the impetuses for the plan is that the main library must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which it doesn't right now.

Linda Demmers, who is one of the consultants in the planning process, Powerpointed some of the newer libraries, their architecture, and interior design.  The architecture firm CWA, which has made a specialty of libraries and other public buildings, will be handling the library's own renovations.  Jan Sanders of the Pasadena Public Library system (who has directed libraries in several states) is also serving as a consultant.

The library's strategic advisory planning committee will be meeting May 17, and a public meeting will be held June 23 to discuss the results of the survey.

Oh, yes, the survey: the library will be taking a survey thru June 10 (available online here and in Spanish here) to help provide direction for long-term planning. Please take the three minutes or so to fill it out.  We will keep you updated on progress in this space.

Judge to La Vina: take a hike!

PSN front-pages last week's decision by Judge Joseph De Vanon that the La Vina Homeowner's Association must open up the trails around the development, as was agreed to when La Vina was originally approved.  La Vina owns 180 acres of open space around the development that was popular with hikers and horsepeople.  In 2004, they posted "No Trespassing" signs in the area, claiming that the fact that the final tract map approved by the county had no hiking trails negated their previous agreements to provide access. 

Altadena Town Councilman Steve Lamb has the trenchant quote:

"I'm glad the court recognized that a clerk making an error cannot override the Board of Supervisors' vote. But there's a long way to go, there will probably be at least one appeal."

La Vina isn't through with court dates: two more access lawsuits are expected to be heard in September.

Victor Wright update

PSN's Melissa Pamer has a good story on the efforts of Rebuilding Pasadena Together to update Victor Wright's home, and telling Wright's story in particular.

Pasadena councilwoman holds district meeting -- in Altadena?!?

Pasadena City Council District 1 rep Jacque Robinson is holding a May 8 meeting for her district -- at the Odyssey Charter School Auditorium at 725 W. Altadena Drive.  In Altadena.  Not Pasadena.

We were alerted to this by the West Coast Grrlie, who is appropriately snarky about it.

Apparently it's a double-secret probation meeting: check out the announcement on Robinson's district website.

Update 4/28:  The plot thickens -- apparently the address is in Pasadena -- and yet it doesn't exit. Grrlie is on the case.  This is beginning to sound like "Lost."

New! Emergency/Fire Preparedness Page

Thanks to Alice Sarkisian Wessen, we have added a new page of emergency and fire preparedness weblinks among the permanent pages (right column).  As with all the pages, it's a dynamic work in progress, so if there are any links you think we should add, mail us at:

altadenablog (at) gmail.com

Monday Firewatch Update #2: fires beget pollution

Altadenablog's old stomping grounds, the South Coast Air Quality Management District, says that there is an unhealthful level of particulate pollution (or PM10) for sensitive groups, and special precautions should be taken.  Here's a link to fact sheets about particle pollution caused by fires and what you can do about it.

Our friend Monica Hubbard has forwarded this announcement from Pasadena Public Health:

PASADENA PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT #1

As a result of the ongoing wildfires in the foothills above Pasadena, Sierra Madre and Arcadia, air quality continues to remain unhealthful throughout the San Gabriel Valley.

As of today, the South Coast Air Quality Management District has upgraded the local air quality scale to unhealthy particle pollution levels for sensitive groups.

Pasadena Public Health Department is providing the following advisory for anyone children, seniors and anyone with medical issues such as heart disease, emphysema, asthma and other lung conditions: 

* Stay indoors as much as possible.

* Keep windows, doors and fireplace dampers shut if possible.

* If possible, circulate clean air indoors through the use of air conditioners and/or air cleaners and purifiers.  Air conditioners with HEPA filters further reduce the level of particles that circulate indoors.

* Avoid non-essential, prolonged vigorous physical activity outdoors.

* Monitor medical conditions and be vigilant about taking medications prescribed by health care providers.

* Anyone with asthma should keep “as needed” medications with them at all times and contact their health care providers if symptoms develop.

* People who develop persistent coughs or develop breathing difficulties should contact their health care professionals.

For more information visit the city of Pasadena website at www.cityofpasadena.net or the Air Quality Management District website at www.aqmd.gov, or call Pasadena Public Health Department (626) 744-6012 or AQMD at (800) 288-7664.

# # #

Ann Erdman
Public Information Officer
City of Pasadena
Public Affairs Office
100 N. Garfield Ave., Room S228
Pasadena CA  91109

Also: California State fire information site is here (and I guess this is officially dubbed the Santa Anita Fire).

And PUSD reports that SIerra Madre public schools WILL BE OPEN tomorrow.

8000

We have crossed the 8,000 pageview threshhold this morning.  Thank you for making this Altadena's community newsblog!

And special thanks to readers of Crime Scene Blog who are coming to visit.

Monday Firewatch Update #1: Pictures

Two of our favorite webcams, about 10 AM

Bill Westphal's weathercam

Mt. Wilson Cam

Both cams are continuously updated.

Also: KPCC has been delivering excellent on-scene coverage throughout the day.

And some personal shots:

Tha Altadenablog Prius, covered with ash this morning

The Altadenablog patio umbrella.

Pasadena Daily Photo is contributing, too.

An incredible Flickr set (hat tip: Foothill Cities, whose coverage is also excellent)

Firewatch Monday

As we sit, it's almost dawn and you can hear the helicopters flying over Altadena on their way to fight the Santa Anita fire.  TV news reports that firefighters have lost ground overnight, and containment isn't expected until Wednesday or Thursday. 

Sierra Madre schools, both public and private, are closed for the day.  Reports from the field say that Sierra Madre police are trying to keep the streets clear for emergency vehicle traffic, so please no looky-looing.

On a smoky day in Altadena, here are some places to watch:

US Forest Service Incident Web

GeoMac (USGS wildfire support)

Pentitant Ramblings (a SM city employee on the front lines)

Foothill Cities Blog

Frank Giradot's Crime Scene Blog has steady updates on the fire.

In Sierra Madre

City of Sierra Madre Official Site

PSN's list of resources: discounted hotel rooms, information, etc.  Pasadena Humane Society will shelter pets displaced by the fire.

Jazz singer holds forth at Cal State Fullerton

CSF's Daily Titan has a great story about Grammy-winning jazz singer (and former Altadenan) Carmen Bradford, who recently gave a concert and master class at the school.

Cougar update

Bonnie Schumaker (she who warded off a cougar with her Birkenstock) sends us an update on Ford the dog's recovery, the dogs who didn't get away, and the cougar who won't go away in the comments section.

Sierra Madre schools closed Monday

The city of Sierra Madre website reports that the city council has declared a state of emergency.  They are requesting that everyone keep off the streets to keep them clear for fire  and police vehicles.  All public and private schools are closed tomorrow due to the fire.  About 1,000 people in Sierra Madre have had to leave their homes.  (This totally throws Altadenablog's day, since both his younger children attend S.M. Elementary.)  It's Sunday -- keep up  your prayers for the residents and first responders.  Looks like it may be Wednesday before containment.

Some photos of the staging area at a blog new to us, East of Allen.

Check out 90214, who is blogging just blocks from the fire.

Traffic concerns? Take it to the committee

Commander Linsenmeyer (Pasadena PD ret.) sends us this:

Lots of Altadenana have questions and concerns about traffic related issues. Most do not know that Altadena has a Traffic Committee.The Traffic Committee is a sub-committee of the Altadena Town Council and its purpose is to review traffic related issues such as roadways, signs and signals, speeding, parking, school related traffic issues, residential/commercial overgrown shrubs blocking intersection lines of sight and many other traffic safety issues. The committee Chairperson is Mr. Ken Johnson, who is a municipal traffic engineer, and the rest of the members are Altadena residents. The Los Angeles County Traffic Engineer, who is assigned to Altadena, and the California Highway Patrol also attend the meetings. The committee also makes recommendations for action to the Town Council.

The Traffic Committee meets on the First Monday of each month at 7:00pm at the Altadena Community Center and all residents are invited to attend and participate.

Hot! Hot! Hot!

Temps of 100 degrees are predicted for today, and the fire above Sierra Madre is still raging.  News reports say that it's 5 percent contained, and full containment may not be for 2-3 days.

It's a tinderbox out there, so be careful!

The latest (7 AM):  350 acres have been burned, and about 200 homes north of Carter Ave. are being evacuated.

Staying Strong

SF Gate has the inspiring story of Greg McLain.  Originally from Altadena, McLain, who lives in the Bay Area, is a model of the dedicated African American single dad.

Admission Matters at Eliot April 30

The Pasadena Educational Foundation invites parents and high school students to "Admission Matters: What Students and Parents Need to Know About Getting Into College" on Wed., April 30, at Eliot Middle School Auditoriu, 2184 N. Lake Ave., Altadena.

Registration starts at 6:30, and program begins at 6:45.  Workshops include completing college applications, financial aid, SAT/ACT testing, and "Navigating the College Board Web Site."  For more infomation, contact PEF at 626-795-6981 ext. 595.

Youth violence committee fizzles out

Andre Coleman at P-Weekly pounds a nail into the coffin of the Committee on Youth Development and Violence Prevention.  The multi-jurisdiction committee (which included members of the Altadena Town Council) collapsed under its own bureaucratic weight and lack of funding.  Details here.

Do the Wright thing May 3

The P-Weekly is making a plea for Rebuilding Together Pasadena, which is planning to make a series of repairs at the Altadena home of Victor Wright.  Wright, a JV fullback for Muir High School, was left a quaraplegic after making a tackle in 1976.  Following that, he still accomplished some amazing things, all detailed in the article.

The nonprofit Rebuilding Together Pasadena has planned a series of repairs to his home, not least of which is replacing the wheelchair ramp, which will take place May 3.  For more information, call (626) 798-6176

or visit:

www.rtpasadena.org.

Mt. Wilson bikers pancake @ Cobb Estate Sun.

The Mt. Wilson Bicycling Association will hold its 19th annual  fundraising pancake breakfast, starting with a 7 a.m. ride, then breakfast from 8-10 AM Sunday at Cobb Estate at Lake Ave. and Loma Alta Dr.

This year's fundraiser, which benefits MWBA's Save the Trails campaign, will feature guests Keith Bontrager and Gary Fisher.

Suggested donations are $12 per person. For information, visit www.mwba.org

Students pulled from class to do county public works' job

There are two ways of looking at this Earth Day puff piece from PSN: Alta Loma students spend the morning putting in native plants at Las Flores debris basin to celebrate Earth Day, or their classroom education was canceled so they could become a pressed labor gang for the LA County Public Works.  (No word on if any child was offered the choice of remaining in class).  We're all for offering creative and interesting ways to educate children, but when PUSD's academic achievement is so low, spending a morning doing a public works job hardly seems like it's going to help.

Echo Mountain Hike/Picnic April 26

If you're a fan of the Mt. Lowe Railway and assorted ancient tourist spots, Altadena Conservancy has a hike for you this weekend!

ECHO MOUNTAIN RAIL FAN PICNIC

April 26,2008 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM

Meet at the north end of Lake Ave. in Altadena at 7:30 AM.

Carpools will be organized and will depart at 8:00 AM

After arriving at the Cape of Good Hope there will be a one-mile hike 
down the railway grade to Echo Mountain.

Tour of the mountain complex will include

• Seeing remnants of the Echo Mountain House and Chalet Hotels
• The power plants, tennis courts, observatory, Zoo, Section House, 
• Cable house and Incline.
• See ongoing work performed by the volunteer groups.

For reservations email or call Brian at:

emworks@verizon.net or call 562-868-8919

There will be a limited number of visitors.

We will be behind a locked gate and those attending will be required 
to stay with the group from 8:00 AM to 1:00PM

Chaney Trail cleanup May 3

Altadena Foothlls Conservancy has planned a brush clearance along Chaney Trail on May 3.  Sounds like a vigorous spring activity that will help our foothils, too.  The announcement:

            Dear Neighbors & Friends
We're doing it early this year...clearing the flammable brush off 
the Altadena Foothills Conservancy land along Chaney Trail that many 
of you helped purchase.  Growth has been modest, and progress from 
prior years has made the job easier, but we still need all your help 
to make the job go fast, and our neighborhood even safer.

Please contribute a couple of hours of your time to help clear brush 
off AFC's land.  Refreshments will be served, and you'll meet new 
people who also care about our land.

We need your help Saturday, May 3, doing County-mandated brush 
clearance near the road and the two houses opposite the land 
preserved by Altadena Foothills Conservancy on the west side of 
Chaney Trail. The Altadena Crest Trail crosses the NW portion of this 
triangular parcel.

Start time is 8:00 AM; however, you can come later, if need be.   
Meet on Chaney Trail just above the intersection at Alzada Road and 
above the Chaney Trail Gate. You'll see me there, or down on the 
slope below. Please come for an hour, or more if you can.  The 
earlier we start, the cooler it is.  We plan to quit by noon, but you 
can leave earlier if you need to. Many hands make for light work!

I

County approves new rules for Altadena dwellings

PSN reports that the County Board of Supervisors has approved new rules for construction of multifamily dwellings in order to preserve mountain views:

The new regulations, which were approved unanimously, limit apartment or condominium buildings on lots of less than 20,000 square feet to no more than 30 feet in height; require landscaping in front, rear and side yards to shield neighboring single-family homes; and require second stories to be 20 percent smaller than first floors and to be set back from the side or rear of the structure.

The new rules were instigated by complaints from residents, including several in neighboring Pasadena, that some multi-family dwellings were impacting the community's mountain views, said Gino Sund of the Altadena Town Council.

Get all the specifics here.

Muir "reinvention" meeting at Loma Alta Park Thurs.

Pasadena Now reports that PUSD will be holding a second community meeting on the "reinvention" of John Muir High School on Thurs., April 23, 6:30-8 PM.

The event will be held at Loma Alta Park, 3330 Lincoln.  The topic will involve developing "a healthy school climate on the redesigned campus."  It will cover a range of issues, including safety and security, discipline, dress code, and community building.

Details here.

Altadena real estate takes the plunge

Doug Willis at upt2daterealestate (whom we met at the blogger's picnic!) reports that Altadena "is selling fewer homes, at lower prices and its taking them longer to sell."

The median sales price of a single-family home in Altadena in the first quarter of 2008 is $555,000, down from $600,000 at the same time last year.  The number of units sold is down almost 40% from this time last year, days on the market has darn near doubled, and prices are down 2.7%.

There are also almost 200 homes in foreclosure (like this one), most of them west of Lake. Check out Doug's site for all the details.

The end of the Rhythms

PSN front-pages the closure of Rhythms of the Village Charter School. Rhythms closed last Wednesday, two months before the end of the PUSD semester, and the 60-some ninth and tenth graders are being sent to other schools to close out the year. 

The closure comes after enrollment never meeting expectations, the withdrawal of a Gates Foundation program assistance, and pressure from the Pasadena Unified School District to meet enrollment and financial expectations.  In recent weeks, teachers have gone unpaid and Rhythms officials said they would move from their location at the former Edison School.

Says Principal Marilyn Chukwurah:

"When it is not fitting right, it is best to try on another shoe."

Unless the shoe has dropped.

7,000

We celebrate 7,000 page views today.  (Special thanks to all those visiting from the many linked Pasadena bloggers).  Thank you for making this Altadena's community newsblog!

Larry Wilson asks:"Do you really want to hurt me?"

PSN's Larry Wilson batted .500 today. The good: he compliments Susanna Dadd and James Griffith for their Folly Bowl amphitheater here in the high 'Dena today. 

But then he sticks his foot in it.  The bad:  First, he rewrites history a bit, saying he "reflected community concerns" in his recent column urging that the Altadena Library retain its Modernist sensibility (children in wheelchairs and old people in walkers can be soooo tacky!).  That's funny: it reads like he was talking for himself, not the community.  Larry is a big fan of the work of architect Boyd Georgi (left), who also designed the old Noyes School to insure that the handicapped kids stay far, far away.

Now, the ugly.  Here's our money quote: "Will the famous sunken reading area be banned out of ADA concerns?"

No, Larry, I think it's a GREAT idea that there are parts of the library my kid can't go to.  I like paying my taxes for it, too.  I know what'll make the kid feel better -- feed him some cake. 

But you know, people like us cling to things like library books and accessibility -- because we're bitter ...

Shout outs ...

Altadenablog was overbooked today, but at least had some time to put in an appearance at today's Pasadena Blogger's Picnic at Sunnyslope Park. Caltech Girl seems to have the definitive attendee list -- it was great to see so many people who have amused, confused, and stimulated us for so long.  Looking forward to the next one, and plan to spend more time there!  Special thanks to Miss Havisham for hookin' us all up.

P.S. Petrea has the group shot up.

"There's No Place Like Homewood" May 4

The Altadena Guild is holding their annual Home Tour, visiting three homes on Homewood Drive. Tickets are $25 in advance, or $30 the day of the tour.  PSN has a good writeup, or call 626-304-4678 or visit the Guild website for details.

Climbing up Mt. Lowe

The "this is not a diet" warriors have video of a hike on the Sam Merrill Trail.

More details on April 28 library meeting

The Word comes down about the Altadena Library renovations:

The “Let’s Talk about Libraries” kickoff for the Strategic Planning and Facilities Master Plan will be held at the Board of Trustees meeting on Monday April 28^th in the Library’s Community Room at 7p.m.

At this meeting the Strategic Planning process and Facilities Master Plan process will be outlined for the community. The first in a series of meetings, we are asking the community to express their opinions of the current facility as well as services’ priorities they envision for their library. Once community needs have been identified, there will be a series of all-day “Design Camps” at which the community will actively study, plan and design a master plan for the facility. Meetings will be held over the next four to six months and will be advertised on our website www.altadenalibrary.org  as well as in the media and within Altadena community organizations.

Don’t have time to attend the meetings? Community members can participate in the Strategic Planning process by taking our online community survey. Visit www.altadenalibrary.org for more information. 

 

Petty thefts on the rise

This note has been making the newsgroup rounds from from Carolyn Seitz, chair of the Altadena Sheriff's
Community Advisory Committee:

People in the Northeast part of Altadena/Pasadena, Sierra Madre Villa
area, are reporting theft of valuables from vehicles in their garages -
and the garage door was open.  Not sure if these incidents are happening
during the daytime or night, only that they report having left the garage
door open and returned to discover that keys, wallets, cell phones or
other valuables were missing.

In the same neighborhood, they've also observed young men with backpacks
going through trash cans and recognized that these young men were likely
not collecting recyclables.

This same neighborhood has also experienced theft from mailboxes and
failed to report these incidents to the Altadena Sheriff's Station or to
Pasadena Police Department.

Here's your reminder to shred mail or other documents before you deposit
them in your trash, even junk mail that has your name on it, credit card
solicitations or anything else that might in some way be used to steal
your identity.

An even more important reminder - call the Sheriff's Station - 626 798
1131 when you spot what appears to be suspicious activity in your
neighborhood, and please report any incidents that occur - including
theft from mailboxes, theft from your automobile or any other criminal
activity.

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.

Scripps Home site plans unveiled

Just had time to stop in at last night's meeting at the Community Center. The Episcopal Homes (which merged with the Scripps Home corporation last year) unveiled their preliminary plans for MonteCedro, the new retirement complex that will occupy the site of the Scripps Home. Scripps residents relocated late last year to the Kensington Episcopal Home in Alhambra, and a spokesman for the home said that Scripps Home residents will be offered the option of moving to MonteCedro when it is completed, probably about 2013.

While planning is still in the early stages, the concept drawings show a Mission-style complex of no taller than three stories, along with four "villas" along Crawford. Episcopal Homes is planning on investing $200 million in the complex. Episcopal Homes is looking at providing $1.5 million a year or so in charitable care at MonteCedro.

A 330-vehicle underground parking garage is planned for the main complex, as well as above-ground parking for the villas. There will be some parking for visitors, but no space for RVs. About 190 apartments are planned for the main building, which will range from 750-1500 sq. feet. The villas will each hold 12 apartments. There will also be 38 assisted living units.

The planners hope to get their entitlements by fall of this year. It will take about two years to sell units and secure financing. Construction start is planned for 2011, and opening by 2013.

In the meantime, more community meetings are planned as the design is finalized. Stay tuned.

Note: corrected the number of apartments!

Children's Day/Book Day at Bob Lucas Branch April 28

Starting at 1:30 PM at the Bob Lucas Memorial Branch Library, 2659 N. Lincoln Ave., enjoy an afternoon of Latin American songs, stories, poems, and fables from award-winning bilingual children's storyteller and singer/songwriter Suni Paz. Children will receive a free book and pan dulce while supplies last.

Muir teacher had a hit list, cops say

PSN front-pages the latest on Brandon Michael Landreth, 30, a history teacher at John Muir High who was charged with killing an Arcadia man who had dated his ex-wife. Police say that, when arrested, he had $9,000 cash in his car, camping equipment, and the name of another man who allegedly dated his ex-wife. Landreth has pled not guilty.

Here's the Dramatic Irony paragraph:

Landreth taught history at 1,200-student Muir High. One day before his arrest, he had been rehired as a teacher there - part of a reorganization in which teachers at the troubled school were made to reapply for their jobs.

Details here.

When cougars attack

It must  be global warming or something ... but there's a new cougar sighting .. in CHICAGO!  And he apparently migrated from the hills of South Dakota, 1,000 miles away.  Makes our local cats seem to lack ambition ...

JAED Bookstore hosts Frederick Williams April 19

Monica Hubbard, who always has her finger on the pulse of the community, sends us this:

You are cordially invited to attend a wine and cheese book release party for San Antonio based author Frederick Williams. His new novel Just Loving You is due to be released on April 19, and our customers will have the first opportunity to review and purchase this phenomenal novel that actually takes place right here in Pasadena, California. Frederick, who spent 15 years in Pasadena, and graduated from John Muir High School, spent last summer in our city to write this wonderful story.

The event will be on April 19, from 2-5 PM at JAED Bookstore, 1920 N. Lake Avenue, Suite #104, Altadena, California 91001.

Please come out to meet and greet Frederick and welcome him back to Pasadena.

Improvements in progress

We're adding some new categories based on recurring topics: "Altadena Library" and "St. Elizabeth's Cell Tower."  It'll take a few days to add previous stories to the new categories, but we thought you should know, if you're tracking these.

More on the library

Library board member Tom Hubbard puts in his 2 cents on Altadena Library renovations in today's PSN letter column.

Town council kicks back cell tower

In a rather brief (two hour) monthly meeting, a rump Altadena Town Council kicked back the proposed T-Mobile cell tower to the land use committee.

Representatives of two groups (Altadenans for St. Elizabeth's, and the Altadena Neighborhod Alliance) urged the council to reconsider its approval of a cell phone tower to be located at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church at Lake and Woodbury.  Steve Escobar of Altadenans for St. Elizabeth's presented the council with the signatures of 385 neighbors who were opposed to the tower.

After some discussion, the council voted to ask the land use committee to readdress the tower in light of the strong community opposition.

Altadena fire safety groups get federal grants

The U.S. Forest Service has awarded two grants to Altadena-based neighborhood fire safety associations.

The Altadena Foothills: Chaney Trail/Millard Canyon Fire Safe Council received a $133,100 grant for fuel reduction.  The Meadows Fire Safe Councll was awarded a $158,900 grant for an expanded fire protection project.

Return of the foreclosure house

Now ABC News is running a picture of the same house under forclosure that Canada's National Post did.  Apparently this Altadena house is the only place in two countries that's being foreclosed ....