altadenablog

Creating characters, women's history events at Library in March

Events coming up at the Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa:

Free Workshop for Writers:  Creating Believable Characters

The Friends of the Altadena Library  and Sisters in Crime presents award winning author Darrell James, who will be speaking on “Creating Believable Characters” on Sat., March 7, at 2 PM.  James is the author of Body Count: a Killer Collection, an anthology of fifteen mystery short stories. His work has appeared in numerous magazines and his book anthology Landmarked for Murder.

“Darrell James has created unforgettable characters . . . from the sci-fi flavored Lydia, to the hilarious Sweaty Money, to the horrifying Running in Place. And don’t miss the tragic, yet triumphant Motherhouse.”—Sue Ann Jaffarian, author of the award winning Odelia Grey Mystery Series.

Women’s History Program:  Robin Maxwell with Signora da Vinci hosted by Ellen Snortland

Critics have called this seventh in a series of historical novels by Maxwell “utterly engrossing and glittering with color. Lorenzo the Magnificent, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and his courageous, passionate mother, Caterina, walk through the pages of this book, radiating life and touching the heart.   I will never see the Mona Lisa with the same eyes again.”—Sandra Worth, author of The King's Daughter.  This special Women’s History Month event, slated for Mon. March 9 at 7 p.m., will be hosted by news columnist and Altadena resident Ellen Snortland.

SGV Blogger's potluck picnic @ Farnsworth March 28

 Altadenablog proudly joins forces with three of Altadena's greatest bloggers and fabulous babes Susan Carrier (Open Mouth Insert Fork), Karin Bugge (Altadenahiker), and Debbi Swanson Patrick (Altadena Above It All) to host the SGV Blogger's Picnic on March 28 in Farnsworth Park.  Bloggers, family members, and groupies are welcome (we're sure that bloggers have groupies ... theoretically).  Details in the graphic above, and if you're a San Gabriel Valley blogger, pass the word along and join us!

 

Weekend winter weather warning ... and we mean warning!

National Weather Service is raising the alarms. The bullet: expect heavy rains this weekend, starting tomorrow afternoon, possibility of flash flooding, mudslides in the burn areas, snow as low as 3,000 ft., and up to 5 inches (yes, you heard us correctly) of rain in our area.  Details as only the government can give it after the jump:

Poetry & Cookies deadline coming Monday!

The Friends of the Altadena Library present the 7th Annual Poetry & Cookies Program on Sat., April 4, 2009, 2-4 PM.

Hear poetry by local poets & enjoy excellent cookies.  Publish your poem! Raffles for great prizes! Meet Altadena Library’s Poet Laureate! Open readers too.  If you are a poet who lives in Altadena or the surrounding area and would like to be part of the program and anthology, submit family rated poems, short bio and contact information by February 17 to: pdutton@altadenalibrary.

"4 Little Girls" at NAACP film night Feb. 26

The Altadena NAACP is holding a free community film night on Thurs., Feb. 26 at the Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Drive, 6-9 PM.

Spike Lee's "4 Little Girls" is a 1997 historical documentary about the 16th St. Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, AL in 1963 (not rated for graphic photos of violence).

Up telescope

This pic of the day comes from the Hemmings Auto Blog -- they're doing a feature on historic trucks -- in this case, a beauty from 1917 where a truck is going up the Mt. Wilson Toll Road to deliver a 100-in telescope glass to the observatory. (The 200 in. mirror was set up sometime in the 1930's). 

Parks and wreck

We're working on a project with some other Altadena-area bloggers, which involves reserving picnic tables at Farnsworth Park for late March.  So far, it's been an exercise in frustration -- the buck has been passed to an 800 number, which is answered by a machine that tells us to call during office hours (which is when we call), and leave a message (which we do). Not that anyone calls back.

Unfortunately, this is has been our typical response from LA County Parks and Recreation -- if we don't reach a live body, fuggedaboutit.  We've left several messages over our last year and half of bloglife, and have never had a call returned -- even when we are returning a message from somebody at the county parks & rec who called us first.  It's fun and a good use of our time!

UPDATE 2/12 2 PM: Thanks to all those who emailed to give advice or just vent re: experiences with county parks.  We worked up a war plan of escalating conflict, but it only required going to Farnsworth Park this morning and being obnoxious.  I'm collaborating with my co-conspirators, and we will have an announcement shortly.

Deputies search for prowler

Sheriff's deputies check out a house at the 1300 block of Altadena Dr. at about 3:50 this afternoon.  Deputies were dispatched to a call of a prowler in the neighborhood, and were investigating an open house.  Four squad cars and the helicopter were called in.

Missing for 50 years?

Not sure how we feel about this -- but the Center for Missing & Exploited Children has a Twitter feed.  Today they twittered this address on their website, seeking information on Tommy Bowman, who was missing in Altadena -- in 1957, and in all likelihood was the victim of a serial killer, altho' we may never know for sure, of course (we had an earlier story here).  Interesting that, in some quarters, this is still a live case.

(On an entirely different yet Twitter-related note, we were referenced on the conservative political blog The American Sector based on a twitter we left yesterday -- we only pointed out that, for a serious collector, you really had to get the rookie card ...)

Fuller's Watkins speaks at Altadena Baptist Feb. 15

Altadena Baptist Church, 791 E. Calavaras St. will hold its 23rd annual black history celebration, "Our Hope Endures," at the church at 5 PM Sun., Feb. 15.

Guest speaker is Dr. Ralph C. Watkins, Fuller Theological Seminar's assistant dean for the African American Studies program.  Performing will be the African Zimbabwe Choir, Billy Mitchell & Guests, Higher Learning, and more.

Program begins at 5 PM, soul food dinner served at 6:15 PM.  For more information, contact the church at 797-8970 or www.altadenabaptist.com

Makinto tonight at the library, 7 PM

Join Makinto in the Altadena Library Community Room, 600 E. Mariposa St., for a musical theater, educational and historical journey through African and African American music. In this animated and interactive show, Makinto explains the history of black people in America through the evolution of black music.

 

Makinto is an international recording artist, fluent in 5 languages, and has performed in more than 60 countries and 5 continents. He has performed for Pope John Paul 2, Nelson Mandela, arranged and composed for Miriam Makeba and has been TV host in Germany and France. He has been appointed Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations agency WAFUNIF in 2002. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Altadena Library.

Internet safety magic show at the library Feb. 24

Wayne the Magician uses magic and humor to talk about Internet safety topics such as chat room safety, social networking precautions, dealing with email, computer viruses, phishing scams, protecting passwords and more.  For children 4th grade or older and their parents! Tuesday, February 24 @ 7pm, Altadena Library District, Community Room

Our ace weather guy Bill Westphal sends us this fabulous picture of today's snowfall and this note:

I took this shot from on top of the AT&T Building on North Lake Ave.  Mount Wilson in the center.  Mount Harvard to the right.  And the 972' tall CBS Guyed Mast on the left.

Interesting to note that all antennae are covered in snow or ice.  The CBS antenna on the left has alternating red and white sections but is completely white in this photo.  It's hard to make out, but even the guy wires were white and very visible.

We're not done with this weather yet.  Cool Temperatures and Gusty Winds are developing tonight and there is a chance of more rain later in the week.

Enjoy the weather.

Honk-honk, eh?

Some newsgroup chatter and a couple of direct reports tell us that the latest flying object over Altadena is not a B-2, U-2, or UFO, but the Canada goose.  Some of the more knowledgeable birders in town noticed Canadian geese honking their way over the foothills this morning.

Usually the geese range over the San Fernando Valley during their migration, so this is a little off the beaten path for them.  Let's be alert tomorrow and see if there are more -- maybe it's a trend!

Third annual "Celebration of Unity" at Farnsworth Feb. 21

Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation will present the third annual "Celebration of Unity" gospel music festival at Farnsworth Park on Sat., Feb. 21, 4-8 PM.

Local artists and bands will be featured on the amphitheater stage, as will dancing and spoken word performances.  There will be vendors and refreshments available as well throughout the event.  "Reign" will be the featured band of the event.

Admission is free.

Sheriff's Support Group announces summer concert series

With a few gaps to fill, the Sheriff’s Support Group of Altadena (SSGA) has announced the dates and attractions for the 2009 Concert Series at Farnsworth Park amphitheater.  This 13th annual series, held on  Saturdays through the summer, is still looking for sponsors for this key Altadena event.

This year's schedule includes:
June 20: Susie Hansen (Latin dance band)
June 27: Downbeat Express (Altadena's big band)
July 4: Patriotic concert, artist TBA
July 18: Surfin' Safaris (Beach party in Altadena!)
July 25: Artist TBA
Aug. 8: Those Manning Boys (Irish music and dance)
Aug. 15: Artist TBA
Aug. 29: The Groove (classic rock from 50's-80's)
Sept. 12:   Hot August Nights, a tribute to Neil Diamond starring Dean Colley. One word of caution, arrive early for this concert as Dean has a huge following and the amphitheater will be packed very early.

The Rotary Club of Altadena has partnered with us again this year providing logistical and financial assistance. Returning sponsors include Georgia Rutherford (in memory of Don Rutherford), M & M Printing, Toyota of Pasadena, Dickson Podley Realtors (Michael Baietti & Linda Seyfert) Myirishpride.com and Trinity Threadworks as well as Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich.

Over the past 12 years, the Summer Concerts have evolved to be a real community event. Additional sponsors are still needed, contact the hosts of the Summer Concerts, the Altadena Sheriff’s Station, Deputy Sam Estrada, 626-296-2105.

Crime Log: Jan 20 -25, 2009

Not much this round, but what there is is intense:

Jan. 20: 2200 block of Midwick Dr., male adults entered the location and stole numerous items while the residents were home.

Jan. 25: Lake Ave. and Altadena Drive, man arrested for possession of cocaine base.

Jan. 25: Crosby St. and Lincoln Ave., man arrested for driving a stolen vehicle.

“The Altadena Station crime log is published for the purpose of providing the community with a sampling of reported crimes within the Altadena Station jurisdiction.  This report does not include all criminal activity occurring within the parameters of this report.  The objective of this report is to enhance community awareness and assist its members in taking proactive steps towards ensuring their safety and the safety of others within the community.”

Descanso Trail dedication Sat. Feb. 28 @ Descanso Gardens

From our neighbors in La Canada Flintridge:

Descanso Trail Dedication
Saturday, February 28, 2009
11:00 a.m.
Descanso Gardens
1418 Descanso Drive
La Canada Flintridge

The La Canada Flintridge Loop Trail around the city, first envisioned by
Clem Glass in the early 1970s, will soon come a giant step closer to  reality.
Please join us to celebrate the dedication of the Descanso Trail  segment of
the Loop Trail, a day many trail activists thought would never  come!  With the
completion of the Indiana Overcrossing over the freeway and the Descanso
Trail, there are only two short segments of the Loop Trail still  unfinished which
should be completed in the next year or two.

Please join us to thank Supervisor Mike Antonovich, the LCF City Council  and
staff, and the LA County Parks and Recreation Department.  Without  their
leadership and hard work, the trail which has been a dream for almost  40 years
would still be only that!

Mary B. and the LCF Trails Council Board

Altadena's antique sheriff station ...

... is one of the featured stations in this PSN piece by Tania Chatila.  Because of the age and size of the station, prisoners have to go to Crescenta Valley to be processed.  When'll this be fixed?   Someday ...

Altadena Trails meeting Tues. 7 PM @ Community Center

The next meeting of the Altadena Crest Trail Restoration Working Group (ACTRWG) will take place this Tuesday, 7 PM, at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E Altadena Drive (just W. of Lake Ave, adjacent to the Altadena Sheriffs Station, and across the street from Rite Aid). All are welcome!

The rain ain't over yet ...

... or so says weatherguy Bill Westphal in this morning's message:

Rainfall amounts at the Altadena WeatherCam from this last series of Storms:
0.94" Thursday 2/5
2.87" Friday 2/6
0.00"Saturday 2/7
0.16" Sunday 2/8
 0.35" Monday 2/9
4.32" Total as of 7:00 am this morning which brings my season total to 12.44 inches. National Weather Service says there is more on the way. This approaching Storm is colder and snow levels will drop to 3000 feet. Echo Mountain is at 3500 feet. NWS Radar shows the storm should reach us in several hours.

Altadena Chamber Golf Tournament set for May 1

The Altadena Chamber of Commerce will hold its 16th Annual Golf Tournament at the Altadena Golf Course on Fri., May 1, at 12:30 PM.   (registration starts at 11:30 AM).  For more information, contact the Altadena Chamber at 626-794-3988 or Altadenachamber@yahoo.com

Christmas Tree Lane Annual Meeting @ Library Wed., 7 PM

The Christmas Tree Lane Association Annual Meeting will take place on Wed., Feb. 11 at 7 PM at the  Altadena Public Library Community Room, 600 East Mariposa St.  Says the  association:

This is the meeting, which we will be setting the calendar for the year. Also if you want to see how the CTLA spends its money for the past year you will get to learn it here. There will be the election to fill the five board positions that are open. These seats are for two years and the board meets once a month. This meeting is open to all as are the board seats.

On the local blogs

• We're always looking for ways to recycle and/or safely dispose of our stuff (we have a mammoth collection of expired fluorescent tubes), and Dan Westphal via Stonehill News has pointed out a couple of good places to find out how to get rid of it all without messing up the environment.
• Lori Webster @ Webster's Fine Stationers (and fine Altadenablog sponsor) has a thoughtful essay up on her blog about the importance of buying locally, especially in hard times, that we highly recommend.

Art and sports: not so far apart

San Jose Mercury News' sportswritert Scott Herhold has a column about Altadena-based artist Michael Chukes.  Chukes talks about how his athletic coaches at San Jose City College instilled in him the discipline and mental toughness that he uses as an artist.  In fact, he will be presenting some scuptures to his old coaches at San Jose City College this week.

Major updates coming today ..

.. after a fractured weekend. Stay tuned!

Amber alert cancelled

This in:

**AMBER ALERT IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HAS BEEN CANCELLED*** ***CANCEL, CANCEL, CANCEL******CANCEL, CANCEL, CANCEL*** SUSPECT AND VICTIMS WERE LOCATED IN IXTAPA, MEXICO.LASO REQUESTED THE AMBER ALERT CANCELLATION. ON FEBRUARY 6, 2009,A CHILD ABDUCTION OCCURED IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY. GABRIEL A. RUELAS IS A 10 YEAR OLD, HISPANIC, MALE. SECONDVICTIM IS EVAN N. RUELAS, A 6 YEAR OLD, HISPANIC, MALE. SUSPECT IS LISA VIGIL RUELAS, A 38 YEAR OLD, HISPANIC, FEMALE, 5 FEET 4 INCHES TALL, WEIGHING 140 POUNDS, WITH BROWN HAIR, BROWN EYES. THE SUSPECT WAS LAST SEEN DRIVING A SILVER SATURN MINIVAN, WITH A CA LICENSE PLATE OF 5SNJ931. IF SEEN, CONTACT LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT AT (626) 798- 1181. CHP ENTAC/DSC

,,, and they STILL don't have the right phone number!

But the AP has the story.

Altadena sheriff station issues Amber Alert

Just got this emergency notice from the state regarding an Amber Alert (for some reason, we get these hours after everyone else):

ON FEBRUARY 6, 2009,A CHILD ABDUCTION OCCURED IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY. GABRIEL A. RUELAS IS A 10 YEAR OLD, HISPANIC, MALE. SECONDVICTIM IS EVAN N. RUELAS, A 6 YEAR OLD, HISPANIC, MALE. SUSPECT IS LISA VIGIL RUELAS, A 38 YEAR OLD, HISPANIC, FEMALE, 5 FEET 4 INCHES  TALL, WEIGHING 140 POUNDS, WITH BROWN HAIR, BRN EYES. THE SUSPECT WAS LAST SEEN DRIVING A SILVER SATURN MINIVAN, WITH A CA LICENSE PLATE OF 5SNJ931. IF SEEN, CONTACT LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT AT (626) 798- 1181. CHP ENTAC/DSC

Now, IGNORE THAT PHONE NUMBER, as it is wrong -- it rings a doctor's office somewhere,  The correct number should be the Altadena Sheriff's Station, 798-1131.

An earlier message gave other details:

DESPONDENT MOTHER LEFT DESPERATE LETTER ALLUDING TO POSSIBLE MURDER/SUICIDE. VEHICLE 2005 SILVER SATURN RELAY VAN WITH BIKE RACK. LICENSE 5SNJ931. MOTHER LISA RUELAS, F/H 38, BRO/BRO 504 140. CHILD #1 GABRIEL RUELAS, M/H 10. CHILD #2 EVAN RUELAS, M/H 6.

PSN, bless 'em, has more news and pictures on their website.  We totally stole the pictures from them.

Over two and a half inches ...

... of rain today, says the Westphal Weathercam.  And now, thunder!

Underground Arts extends its open call

Just got this message from Underground Arts Society, but we don't know why they're shouting:

UNDERGROUND ARTS SOCIETY IS EXTENDING ITS OPEN CALL FOR THE GALLERY AT THE END OF THE WORLDS MARCH EXHIBIT!

THE UAS AND ITS GALLERY ARE A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION CREATED TO HELP LA AND AREA BASED ARTISTS.

SHOW UP BETWEEN 12-5PM SATURDAY FEB 7th with a small selection of your work.

THERE ARE STILL SOME PRIME LOCATIONS AVAILABLE SO MAKE SURE YOU COME IN B4 THEYRE TAKEN!!!!

www.galleryattheendoftheworld.com

spaces go from $125 up depending on size, all space fees go directly into the exhibit and we take no commissions on sales!

SPACES ARE DONE ON A 1ST COME BASIS SO HURRY IN SPACES WILL GO FAST!

galleryattheendoftheworld@gmail.com
www.galleryattheendoftheworld.com

How sweet it is!

Read what happened when JPL archivist and Altadenan Charlene Nichols went before an LA city commission to tell them that history is like a box of chocolates ...

Flash flood warning

My, how the weather's changed in just a day: National Weather Service warns of roadway flooding:

FLASH FLOOD WARNING NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OXNARD CA 725 PM PST THU FEB 5 2009

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN OXNARD HAS ISSUED A

* FLASH FLOOD WARNING FOR... EASTERN SAN GABRIEL VALLEY IN EAST CENTRAL LOS ANGELES COUNTY IN SOUTHWEST CALIFORNIA.

* UNTIL 845 PM PST

* AT 715 PM PST...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A LINE OF STRONG AND NEARLY STATIONARY STORMS ACROSS THE EASTERN SAN GABRIEL VALLEY. RAINFALL RATES UP TO ONE INCH PER HOUR CAN BE EXPECTED ACROSS THE WARNING AREA...CAPABLE OF PRODUCING SIGNIFICANT AND DANGEROUS ROADWAY FLOODING.

* LOCATIONS IN THE WARNING INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO WEST COVINA... DIAMOND BAR...ROWLAND HEIGHTS...LA HABRA HEIGHTS...AND BALDWIN PARK. INTERSTATES 10 AND 210...AS WELL AS HIGHWAY 60 WILL BE AFFECTED BY THIS STRONG LINE OF STORMS.

DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE INTO AREAS WHERE THE WATER COVERS THE ROADWAY. THE WATER DEPTH MAY BE TOO GREAT TO ALLOW YOUR CAR TO CROSS SAFELY. MOVE TO HIGHER GROUND.

Fire and rain

Workers try to shore up a fire-damaged house  on the south side of Altadena Dr. near Maiden Lane.  The home was extensively damaged in the mid-afternoon fire, and here we see workers applying plastic sheeting to the house to minimize rain damage.

(hat tip: Tom R.)

Update, 9:30 PM:  A witness writes:

Kudos to the L.A. County Fire Dept., including a battalion chief, who responded very quickly and in great force from quite a number of stations. They worked hard for many hours to put out the fire, protect the adjoining properties, and assist the homeowner. Same goes for the sheriffs on the scene; they did an excellent job and served our community very well!

PUSD candidate Nelson profiled

The Razor has a PWeekly feature on Charles Nelson, who is running for school board to replace Steve Lizardo.  Nelson has garnered endorsements from some Altadena luminaries, is posing in front of the photogenic Eliot Middle School, and thinks sheriff's deputies need to patrol the schools in Altadena.  Check it out.

(We notice that the Weekly's tab on our FIrefox calls itself "Part of the Answer."  If the question is, "Where can I find a young Asian girl to give me a massage," that's probably true ...)

Altadena Chamber mixer Feb. 25

This month's chamber mixer is hosted by Photography by Walt and Quiznos Altadena, to be held at Walt's on 2455 N. Lake Ave.  The mixer is on Wed., Feb. 25, 5:30-7 PM,  $5 members and $7 guests.  Bring a raffle prize and promote your business -- we'll be on kid duty and won't be able to attend, unfortunately!

 

Short story workshop and black music at the Library

Big doin's at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa, over the next couple of days:

Mystery/SF writer Kate Thornton will lead a 2 PM Saturday workshop on short stories -- where to find ideas, how to structure, and where and how to market them.  Kate Thornton, who has published over 100 mystery and science fiction stories, is an active member of Sisters in Crime, an international organization dedicated to supporting authors (both men and women) in their writing pursuits in the mystery and crime genres.

And Tuesday night at 7 PM,  Makinto, an internationally known performer, will present a musical, educational and historical journey through African and African American music! In this animated and interactive show, Makinto explains the history of blacks in America through the evolution of black music. Makinto has performed for Pope John Paul II and Nelson Mandela. In 2002 he was appointed a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations agency WAFUNIF. 

Altadena man convicted of murder in hit-and-run

The ever-reliable Contra Costa Times tells us that Hal Lee Moore, 54, was convicted of second-degree murder and six other counts stemming from a 2006 traffic accident at Hill and Washington.  Moore ran a red light and fled a three-car accident, causing the death of Bertha Vasquez Arias, 30, of Rosemead.  He will be sentenced in April, and could get up to 18 years and 8 months.

Whopper weather on the way

Hard to believe with the 80 degree temps and almost-cloudless sky today -- but the National Weather Service says expect a big 'un tomorrow afternoon:

A BROAD UPPER LEVEL LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM IN THE EASTERN PACIFIC  WILL APPROACH THE WEST COAST THROUGH THURSDAY. RAIN IS EXPECTED TO PUSH INTO THE CENTRAL COAST EARLY THURSDAY MORNING...WITH RAIN REACHING LOS ANGELES COUNTY LATE THURSDAY MORNING OR THURSDAY  AFTERNOON. RAIN WILL TURN TO SHOWERS ON THE CENTRAL COAST THURSDAY  EVENING... BUT NOT UNTIL AFTER MIDNIGHT ACROSS LOS ANGELES COUNTY. AS COLDER AIR ALOFT WITH THE UPPER LOW PUSHES INTO THE REGION BEHIND THE SYSTEMS COLD FRONT...INCREASING INSTABILITY COULD CAUSE A THREAT OF THUNDERSTORMS THURSDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING. RAINFALL FROM THIS FRONTAL SYSTEM IS GENERALLY EXPECTED TO RANGE FROM THREE QUARTERS OF AN INCH TO ONE AND ONE HALF INCHES IN COASTAL AND VALLEY AREAS...WITH ONE INCH TO ONE AND ONE HALF INCHES IN THE FOOTHILLS AND MOUNTAINS. THE SNOW LEVEL NEAR 7000 FEET EARLY THURSDAY MORNING WILL LOWER TO AROUND 6000 FEET BY THURSDAY AFTERNOON. WITH THESE TYPE OF SNOW LEVELS...SNOW ACCUMULATION IS NOT INITIALLY EXPECTED ACROSS  THE INTERSTATE 5 CORRIDOR. HOWEVER... ACCUMULATING SNOW IS POSSIBLE ABOVE 6000 FEET...AND WINTRY DRIVING CONDITIONS SHOULD BE EXPECTED IN HIGHER TERRAIN. THE NEXT IMPULSE ASSOCIATED WITH THE UPPER LEVEL TROUGH WILL APPROACH THE CALIFORNIA COAST ON FRIDAY. THERE IS EXPECTED TO BE A BREAK IN THE STEADY RAIN THURSDAY NIGHT...BUT ENOUGH LOW LEVEL MOISTURE IS PRESENT TO MAINTAIN SCATTERED SHOWER ACTIVITY. RAIN WILL LIKELY INCREASE IN COVERAGE AND INTENSITY ON FRIDAY THEN CONTINUE INTO FRIDAY NIGHT BEFORE TURNING TO SHOWERS AGAIN LATE.  DEPENDING UPON ITS TRACK... THE SECOND IMPULSE HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BRING HEAVIER PRECIPITATION THAN THE FIRST SYSTEM. ADDITIONAL  FLASH FLOODING AND DEBRIS FLOW CONCERNS WILL EXIST FOR THE RECENT BURN AREAS. THIS SECONDARY COLD UPPER LEVEL SYSTEM WILL LIKELY LINGER NEAR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA THROUGH SATURDAY. DURING THIS TIME...LOWER SNOW LEVELS ARE EXPECTED...WITH SNOW POSSIBLY AFFECTING THE INTERSTATE 5 CORRIDOR NEAR THE GRAPEVINE. THE FINER DETAILS WITH THE SECOND IMPULSE STILL REMAIN SOMEWHAT UNCLEAR. HOWEVER...THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR AN ADDITIONAL THREE QUARTERS OF AN INCH OF RAINFALL IN THE COASTAL AND VALLEY AREAS AND UP TO AN ADDITIONAL TWO TO TWO AND ONE HALF INCHES OF RAINFALL IN THE MORE FAVORABLE MOUNTAIN LOCATIONS. SOUTH FACING MOUNTAIN SLOPES ARE EXPECTED TO RECEIVE HIGHEST RAINFALL TOTALS FOR THE STORM SYSTEM. DUE TO THE COLD AND UNSTABLE NATURE OF THESE WEATHER SYSTEMS...THERE WILL ALSO BE THE POTENTIAL FOR WATERSPOUT ACTIVITY.

Sahag Mesrob files in federal court

Thanks to a correspondent, and not for the faint of heart, we have linked to a PDF of Sahag Mesrob Armenian Christian School's cross complaint, filed in federal district court.  As we've noted earlier, LA County has filed suit against the school because it is operating without a valid permit; the school is responding with the cross-complaint by claiming, among other things, violations of its right to free practice of religion. 

The county is trying to bring the matter back down to the superior court level. A hearing on this matter is scheduled for Feb. 23rd at 1:30 PM in federal court in downtown LA.

Hillside ordinance hearing Feb. 18, 7 PM @ Community Center

LA County Dept. of Regional Planning will hold a hearing on the draft Altadena Hillside ordinance on Wed., Feb. 18, 7 PM at the Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.

According to a flyer that made it around the neighborhoods (click to enlarge), the county and the Altadena Hillsides Ordinance Committee have developed a series of zoning regulations "intended to protect the hillsides and unique views in Altadena."

The most important changes suggested by the draft:

• Nearly all types of future development will require a conditional use permit to be built on hillside areas.  The only exceptions will be for home additions and outbuildings under 1,000 square feet.
• Grading (digging or filling) of more than 2,500 cubic yards of soil will require a conditional use permit.
• Any development within 50 vertical or horizontal feet of a Significant Ridgeline will require a variance.  The proposed Altadena Significant Ridgelines Map will be presented at this meeting.

The draft is available online here, and the relevant county website is here.  For more information, contact  213-974-6479 or email ehoward@planning.lacounty.gov.

New "Altadena Connection" released

LA County has just published and distributed its 2009 edition of the Altadena Connection (link goes to a pdf document).  The ubiquitous Bill Westphal contributed many photographs to this year's edition, which details important phone numbers, addresses, programs, and other services that the county provides to our community, and provided us with the document as well (which we'll have on our server all year).

Copies are available at the libraries, community center, senior center, county parks, and Eaton Canyon Nature Center.

And we thought WE were late taking down the Christmas decorating ...

Courtesy "The Singing Realtor" Linda Lane White, we have word that the Feb 21 and 22 from 9 AM-noon, the Christmas Tree Lane Assn. is looking for volunteers to help take down the lights for another year.  For more information,  call 403-1123.

"The Voice of Martin Luther King" at Lucas Library Feb. 10

Celebrate Black History Month with speeches and songs from Dr. Martin Luther King and the civil rights movement with Rev. Dennis Brown. Rev. Brown has performed at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, The Rosa Parks Museum, and the Tuskegee Institute.

The event starts at 4 PM at the Bob Lucas Branch Library, 2659 N. Lincoln Ave.

The Undiscovered Country: the Sam Merrill Trail

We have this friend of over 30 years duration, and have had several experiences where his car caved in when we were far from home.  On one of these occasions, he was visiting me in Monrovia, and we were driving somewhere, and his car kicked the bucket somewhere around Downey.  He called on a friend, a fellow Westsider, to come over and give us a ride back to Monrovia.

On the way back, Mr. Westside was exclaiming that he never knew there was anything this far East.  Finally, we said, "Yep, it's pretty nice out here, except for the occasional Indian attack."

Which is just a roundabout way of saying that people on the west side of LA have a different way of looking at us here in the San Gabriel Valley.  We can't tell you the times our friends on the Westside demur coming over here to visit us:  "But it's so far!  Why don't you come over here instead?"  Because, you know, it's much shorter to drive from Altadena to West LA than vice versa.

So here's the second mention we've found in a week about the "secret" Sam Merrill Trail -- practically a savage, unexplored land, except for the squads of hikers and their dogs who traverse it every day.  What distinguishes this LA Weekly story is that it's written by Wil Wheaton, who is actually a very funny writer (and has a pretty smart wife, as the article demonstrates).  And as an added bonus, we remember him best as the much-despised Wesley Crusher on Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Antonovich extends $10K reward in Lofton murder

Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich has extended the $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the death of Floyd Anthony Lofton, a 24-year old man.

On January 13, 2004, Mr. Lofton was fatally shot while at Jim’s Burgers located on Lincoln Avenue near Woodbury Drive in Altadena.

Two witnesses reported seeing an African American male in a hooded sweatshirt running from the burger stand immediately after the gunshot was heard.  No suspects are in custody.

The Los Angeles County Sherriff’s Homicide Bureau is seeking information to assist in their investigation.  Supervisor Antonovich encourages witnesses of this crime or anyone with information to contact the Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-550.

Altadena Library needs letters of support

We received this request as a member of the Library's Strategic Advisory Planning Committee, and think it needs to get wide exposure.  From Barbara Pearson, Library District Director:

We need you to write letters of support for the Altadena Library District Main Library Renovation and Expansion Project.

We have met with the Deputy Director of Congressman Schiff's Office and we are requesting $1.2 million in funding for our construction documents, which the Deputy Director said the Congressman will take to the Appropriations Committee.

A sample letter is attached, but you should try to put your own thoughts about the need for remediation of ADA issues and current/future services.

Please address the letter to Congressman Schiff and e-mail it to me by Thursday, February 12, 2009 at   bpearson@altadenalibrary.org"  I will then put it in PDF format and send it to Schiff's Deputy Director, per his request.
 
Thank you for all of your support and contributions to this process.

Barbara J. Pearson
District Director

County offers crisis management services

This has been in our file for a bit, but we've received a reminder from Supv. Antonovich's office that the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health provides crisis support and management following tragedies similar to the Wilmington family shootings that took place last week.  

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the Department’s ACCESS Center provides phone access to a licensed mental health professional able to provide vital information on services, referrals, dispatch, and crisis and mobile response teams. 

The County’s Department of Mental Health’s ACCESS Center’s toll free phone number is (800) 854-7771. 

Co-op to hold social meeting tonight

The Altadena wants a co-op folks, who just premiered their handsome new website, will be holding a social meeting tonight, starting at 7:30 PM at the Rancho Bar, 2485 N. Lake Ave. over at Hipster's Row (our name for the McGinty's/Rancho/Ace's Smoke Shop complex).

Metro to hold public hearing Feb. 9 on cancelling 256

Town councilor Ruth Nielan alerts us to a plan by the Metro (LA County Transportation Authority) to cancel the 256 bus on or about June '09.  In Altadena, the bus travels on Hill, Holliston, and Mendocino, and provides access to the Gold Line Allen St. station, among other stops.

Metro will be holding a public hearing on Feb. 9 at 6 PM (during rush hour???) at their San Gabriel Valley office,  3449 Santa Anita Av, 3rd Floor, El Monte.

Persons unable to attend the hearings may submit written testimony postmarked through February 14, 2009. Correspondence should be addressed to:

Metro Customer Relations,
One Gateway Plaza, 99-PL-4
Los Angeles, CA 90012-2932

Attn: June 2009 Service Changes

Comments sent via e-mail should include in the subject line:
“Service Changes June ‘09” to customerrelations@metro.net or fax to: 213.922.6988.

Good night ...

... making an early night of it (and we can't keep a coherent thought in our head, anyway).  Look for several updates tomorrow AM, including the new Altadena Connection, the hillside ordinance, more about Sahag Mesrob, and special appearance by Wesley Crusher!