altadenablog

Food and fun at Summer Wonderland open house

If you're still looking for something for the kids to do this summer, Altadena Christian Children's Center is holding an open house for their "Summer Wonderland":

Food and Fun at Summer Wonderland Open House

The third week in April has been designated the Week of the Young Child-come and help us celebrate. You can also learn about our summer day camp: Summer Wonderland, which is just for young children: children in kindergarten through grade 4. This summer our theme is DISCOVERY! AROUND THE WORLD IN 50 DAYS! From June 23 to August 28, our campers will be exploring continents, countries, bodies of water and means of transportation through our daily enrichment and weekly field trips and speakers. We will learn about the people, places and events of our world through fun academics, fine arts, recreation and sports.

Camp space is limited so sign up now! You will receive a discount if you register at Open House.

Come meet our great teachers and some of our summer campers!

 When: Thursday April 23, 2009  6:00 pm

Where: 791 E. Calaveras St. (between Lake and El Molino)

Contact: Toni Boucher, director. 626 797 6142 or altaccc@aol.com

Website: www.accc-kids.org
Let us know if you are coming to our Summer Wonderland  Open House. We will have munchies and activities.

SE HABLA ESPANOL!

 

Chamber mixer at Altadena Animal Hospital April 29

Save the date!  APRIL 29 2009 6:00-7:30 PM
Altadena Chamber Mixer @ Altadena Animal Hospital
   
Hosts - Dr. & Mrs. Sahi
    2071 N. Lake Avenue
    Altadena, CA 91001
Members $5.00
Guests    $7.00
Bring a raffle prize and get commercial time to promote your business. (or just to be nice).

Historical society offers June 6 mausoleum tour

The Altadena Historical Society has announced their summer tour -- one of our favorite places (but we're a frustrated Goth) -- the Mountain View Mausoleum!

Guided tour of Altadena's most elegant landmark.

Designed by Pasadena architect Clarence L. Jay and built in 1925 for a cost exceeding $500.000, this hidden Altadena treasure is enriched with imported Italian marble, art glass windows, ornate bronze doors and features a 180 foot galleria with vaulted ceiling embellished with 200 mural scenes depicting the story of Christianity.

Rarely available for tours, the mausoleum has been featured many times in Hollywood movies and television productions.

Join us for this special outing.  Refreshments included with admission. 

Tour is 1-4 PM, admission is $10/members, $15 non-members.

The secrets of centenarianism

PSN front-pages today Ethel Engstrom of Altadena, who turned 103 on April 11, in an article about the locally long-lived and how the fastest-growing age group is 85-plus.  (An earlier story about Ethel's birthday is here.)

Altadena town council meeting Tues.

  at the community center, 730 E. Altadena Dr., 7 PM.

UPDATE 4/20: Agenda is up, after the jump, click to enlarge.  Major item:  Possible changes to ATC By-Laws related to recommendations by the Ad Hoc Committee on elections and approval of the 2009 Election Rules.

Travelin' blues

We have a love/hate relationship to Ebay (seeing's how we've won very few auctions).  Anyway, this is up: a 1935 vintage Chevy travel trailer once owned by bluesman Taj Mahal, now for sale from Altadena.  Check it out!

"Get Your Book Published" is May 11 library program

The Friends of the Altadena Library District will be offering a free workshop,“You Can Do It! Get Your Book Published!” with local author and columnist Ellen Snortland on Mon, May 11, at 7:00 PM.

According to Ellen, “There are many out there who have a book in them.  They may have already written it or it may be well on the way to completion. Wherever they are in the process of writing a book, they must confront the question: Now What? How do I get this published?”

Ellen Snortland, Pasadena Weekly columnist and author of Beauty Bites Beast, has experience in both “regular” and “self” publishing. She asks all interested to, “Bring questions and for some of you, your answers too!”

This presentation will be held at the main Altadena Library Community Room, located at 600 East Mariposa Street, in Altadena. For more information please call 626-798-0833 or visit the library’s website at www.altadenalibrary.org.

“Jackie is to Dena as Barack is to Chi Town. Peace up “A” town down.”

Okay, we're a middle-aged white guy, but we think we understood that.  A paen to Jackie Long of Altadena, who has made movies we've never seen.  But we like callin' our 'hood "A-town."

Mountain biker missing, hills being searched

SGV News reports that rescuers are searching the hills above Altadena for a 41-year-old South Pasadena man who has been missing since Thursday night.  The search is a precaution -- nobody knows exactly where he actually is.

Friends of the Library annual book sale May 16-17

The annual Friends of the Altadena Library Book Sale will be held on Sat., May 16 from 10 AM-4 PM and on Sun., May 17, from 1-4 PM in the library parking lot and community room, 600 E. Mariposa Street, Altadena, CA 91001.  Recession pricing will be in effect.

Friends of the Library members only sale will be on Fri., May 15, 3-7 PM.

Staged and staffed by the Friends of the Altadena Library, gently-used hard and soft-cover books in all categories will be available at bargain prices.  Also for sale will be records, videos, CDs, music cassettes, and used library furniture.

Proceeds will be used for materials and programs for both the Main library and the Bob Lucas Branch Library and Literacy Center.

"Yoga on the Mesquite Trail" ... or something ... April 25

Zane Grey was our grandfather's favorite author.  Grandpa was an immigrant, and a cop, and he'd probably be honored to be in the man's writing studio -- but it's hard to figure out what he'd think of this!  WE think it's a fun event in a fun place --and something ELSE happening on April 25 (which is going to be a busy day!):

Tired of having to drive to Pasadena for a yoga class? Me too! Certified instructor Alicia Brodie will be teaching a class at the Zane Grey Estate [396 E. Mariposa] ---in Zane Grey's writing studio! The class will start at 10:30am sharp, be 90 minutes in length, and appropriate for beginners. If this event is well-received, we are considering holding classes on a regular basis.

Class is $15, paid directly to the instructor. Cash only.

Bring your own mat, towels, water, etc. Park on the street and walk down the driveway.

And if you'd like to participate in a post-yoga potluck lunch, just bring something to share and arrive early enough to get it to the kitchen.

Antonovich announces summer beach bus schedule

To encourage residents of Altadena to enjoy the surf, sand, and surroundings at Santa Monica Beach, Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich will once again sponsor the Summer Beach Bus.

 

The service will begin June 23rd will run through September 5th on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Labor Day. 

 

"It’s a great way for the family to spend the day at the beach,” said Supervisor Antonovich.  The Summer Beach Bus service costs $3 per round-trip for children and adults.  For senior citizens (age 60 and older) and people with disabilities, the service is $1.50 per round-trip.  Children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by a fare-paying parent or guardian.

 

Passengers can board the Summer Beach Bus on selected days at Lincoln Avenue and Ventura Street, at Loma Alta Park, at the intersections of Mariposa Street and Santa Rosa Avenue, Altadena Drive and Maiden Lane, Allen Avenue and New York Drive, or at Altadena Drive and New York Drive. 

 

For additional information please visit (888) 769-1122 or visit www.lagobus.info.

Writers of the purple page invited for Zane Grey playwriting contest

The Friends of the Altadena Library District and the Moveable Theatre Company announce a collaborative venture: a Zane Grey Playwriting Contest.

Local playwrights will have the opportunity to dramatize the life of the long-time Altadena resident, famed author Zane Grey.  The submitted plays must be original, unpublished works, no longer than 60 minutes in length.

Deadline for submission is December 31, 2009.  The winning play will be performed as a staged reading by the Moveable Theatre Company at the former home of Zane Grey in Altadena in the spring of 2010. The winning playwright will receive a $100 cash prize, a video of their play being performed as a staged reading and will be able to participate in a question and answer session with the audience and actors, following the performance.

For a complete list of contest rules and a Memo of Understanding that must be signed and returned in order to be enrolled in the contest, potential entrants may write to:  The Moveable Theatre Company, 343 W. Central Avenue, Unit O, Monrovia, CA 91016; or email: hollwith@roadrunner.com

Bright Futures Scholars return from Washington, D.C.

Just got this report from the Quality of Life Center:

Twenty-five of Pasadena’s highest academic achievers spent their Spring Break taking Washington D.C. by storm. 

The Bright Future Scholars from the Quality of Life Center Inc. were acclaimed the most outstanding and courteous group on Capitol Hill during their annual Spring Break Leadership Retreat 2009.  These brilliant Pasadena Unified School District students, accompanied by their Dean of Scholars  Dr. Sandra E. Thomas  and staff, shared their opinions and challenged California legislators. 

They were warmly welcomed by Congressman Adam Schiff, Senator Barbara Boxer and Senator Diane Feinstein.  Very special tours to the White House, Kennedy Center, Lincoln, Jefferson Franklin Delano Roosevelt and numerous other memorials were enjoyed by all.  The youth also had the opportunity to visit Arlington Cemetery for the changing of the guard, as well as spending an entire day at Independence Hall to view the Liberty Bell. 

The scholars had worked diligently to raise their own funds for this “chance of a lifetime” experience.  Dr. Sandra E. Thomas had these words to say when asked to reflect on the week in Washington: “We view this as an incredibly positive experience for our of  amazing youth.  Our goal was to provide them the opportunity of a lifetime.  All of the scholars behaved in an exemplary fashion, and I am sure that they will not soon forget the memorable time they spent at our nation’s Capitol.”

For further information on the Bright Future Scholars or other Quality of Life Center Inc. programs, visit our website:www.qualityoflifecenterinc.com, or  call  (626) 798-5433 or e-mail  qualityoflifecenterinc@yahoo.com.

Altadenablog welcomes new sponsor: www.binary-monk.com

Altadenablog welcomes our new sponsor, www.binary-monk.com.

Binary-Monk is an Altadena-based web hosting service run by, appropriately, an Abbott --  K. Zachary Abbott, a 17-year Altadena resident.  With three levels of plans (The Novice, the Brother, and the Abbot), binary-monk can set up a business or personal website that's easy to manage, with easy-to-set-up email accounts, FTP accounts, and mailing lists.  Features are totally customizable according to your needs.

The Abbott says, "I've been building/selling/repairing computers since 1994, have been in business as MyPCBiz since 1997, and in the web hosting business for about a year now.

"MyPCBiz grew out of a hobby and has been my primary "side business" since 1997 - I build custom desktop and laptop computers, sell pre-built computers and other hardware, and also do repairs and consulting. 

"I followed the adage 'Find something you love doing so much you would do it for free, then make yourself so good at it that people will pay you to do it.'  I guess it worked, because as well as running MyPCBiz for 12 years, I've spend my weekdays as a Senior Systems Administrator at Caltech since September 2003."

Why Binary Monk?  "Binary Monk was started by a good friend who has moved on to the priesthood; I took over the business so he would be free to dedicate his time to ministry.  I liked the name, though, and since I also have an M.Div. (from Fuller)  but work in computers, I thought it was a good fit.

"We take our cue from Jeff Smith, a.k.a. The Frugal Gourmet - that is to say, while we will not always be the least expensive, we strive to provide our customers with the best value for the money in all things - whether that be our products, service, or advice. "

If you're looking for a good web hosting service that can fit itself to your needs -- and want your problems to be solved from Altadena, not India -- you've got it at www.binary-monk.com! Phone number: 626-354-3032.

First grade teacher sweeps pro photo awards

From our friends at the Hometown Pasadena blog, a profile of Suzanne McNulty-- she was our oldest daughter's kindergarten teacher back in the day (when we were living in South Pasadena), and teaches at Marengo School there.  She recently swept first, second, AND third places at the Professional Photographer's of California 2009 Expo.

For us, the interesting quote:

There are just too many beautiful places here! It’s all about the light. There’s a walk I take with my dogs ending on Mendocino east of Allen, at twilight. The curve of the palm tree-lined street… the orange-red light hitting the mountains right there, so close — it’s got this quintessential old California craftsman feel that I’d love to figure out how to capture someday.

Since that's in our neck of the woods (and she's right about the light), we thought it was worth mentioning that she's probably a local!  Congrats, Suzanne!

Buy Local Pasadena profiles Webster's Fine Stationers

The local shopping weblog profiles Altadena's own (and Altadenablog sponsor) Webster's Fine Stationers today, a big booster of shopping locally (which we encourage!).

"Pride" is this month's NAACP family film

This month's free movie night, courtesy the Altadena NAACP, is "Pride" (2007) starring Terence Howard and the late Bernie Mac (rated PG).  The movie starts at 6 PM on Thurs., April 23, at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.

Webster's parking lot sale this Saturday

Now that you've got that big tax refund (sound of crickets chirping), it's time to spend it -- and what better place than Webster's Parking Lot Sale on Saturday?

The Webster's companies sent us this:

Celebrating 83 Years!

PARKING LOT
 SALE
Saturday
APRIL 18, 2009
8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.

FEATURING PRODUCTS FROM:
Webster’s Pharmacy
Webster’s Liquor
Webster’s Hallmark (Pasadena Store)
Webster’s Fine Stationers
Karen’s Hallmark Shop
KatScrapFever

THE EVENT WE ALL
HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR!

Happy Tax Day!

Don't forget to mail your tax forms today, if you haven't already (the Pasadena post office will be open to ungodly hours tonight for procrastinators).

Crime Log: April 1-14, 2009

Now compiled from the Altadena station crime log and Crimereports.com:

April 2: Assault with a deadly weapon at unrevealed address.

April 2: Breaking and entering on the 1900 block of N. Lake.

April 3: non-aggravated assault (domestic violence) at the 200 block of W. Calavaras St.

April 4: 400 block West Alta Loma Dr., male adult arrested for felony evading and parole violation.

April 5: Fair Oaks and Woodbury Rd: man arrested for selling pirated DVDs.

April 5: Vehicle stolen, Figueroa Dr.

April 5: Child assaulted, 900 block Alta Pine Rd.

April 6: Woman arrested at Lincoln Ave. and Calavaras St. for driving under the influence and possession of PCP.

April 6: 3200 block Mt. Curve Ave: petty theft.

April 7: 700 block E. Altadena Dr., assault reported.

April 8: 2100 block Casitas Ave., non-aggravated assault.

April 9: Man arrested for brandishing a knife in a threatening manner at the 2100 block of Summit Ave.

April 9: man arrested at the 800 block of E. Mendocino St. for assault with a deadly weapon (knife).

April 9: Lincoln Ave. and Ventura St., non-aggravated assault (domestic violence)

April 10: Vehicle stolen, 2500 block Page Dr.

April 10: Assault reported, Alberta St. and Canada Ave.

April 11: Burglary on E. Taos Rd.

April 12: Petty theft (auto parts and accessories) 3200 block N. Lake Ave.

April 12: West Terrace St., aggravated assault (knife)

April 12: Fair Oaks and Marathon St., petty theft.

April 13: 900 block Parkway St., petty theft from auto.

April 13: 1400 block New York Dr., grand theft  (over $400) from unlocked auto.

April 13: 3200 block Mt. Curve: grand theft from unlocked auto.

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.

Trails meeting Tues. 7 PM

Altadena Crest Trail Restoration Working Group (ACTRWG) will have its monthly meeting tomorrow at the Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr., 7 PM.

Altadena Chamber Golf Tournament coming up May 1!

It's coming -- a great day of golfing (or watching golfing), dinner, and mixing with friends.  All the details are on the flyer (click to expand).

Farnsworth to receive $53,000 in upgrades

New seats at Farnsworth! This just in from Supervisor Michael Antonovich's office:

To enhance the outdoor amphitheater experience at Charles S. Farnsworth Park, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich’s proposal to refurbish and replace the park’s amphitheater seating and two air condition ventilators.

The project is slated to be completed in Fall 2009, and will cost $53,000.

(We presume the ventilators are for the Davies building -- otherwise, we're trying to figure out how to air condition an outdoor theater!)

Mapping Altadena crime

On the heels of the CHP's traffic accidents map, the Crime Reports website has a map of crimes in Altadena over the past month.  (Thanks to reader Snow for pointing us to this).  The source listed is Altadena station, and we've made some inquiries to find out more.  We'll let you know when (and if!) they respond. 

UPDATE 5:30 PM: just heard from one of our sources at the sheriff's station -- neither he nor his lieutenant know about this, and they're looking into it.  We figure this information is coming from an official source (i.e. not swiped from our crime log or the sheriff's station's crime log) because it includes a couple of crimes we personally know that occurred but didn't make it into the crime log -- including a theft from OUR VERY OWN CAR!  Stay tuned!

UPDATE 4/15:  Says our sheriff's source:

The detective sergeant chooses what to list in [the crime log].  The website does seem to have more complete info.  It appears they get it directly from dept. records somehow.  The website says it comes straight from the CAD (computer aided dispatch) system but I notice it has been edited some (ie. showing hundred blocks instead of house numbers).  Nothing from today is listed so I bet they actually get a daily summary from our Communication Center which is in East LA.  CAD is in real time and unedited so they can't be directly tied to the CAD or they would have addresses, names, everything.  Very interesting though, the dept. didn't bother to tell anyone they were going to do this.  I wonder what they get in return?

JPL Open House May 2-3

Something we look forward to every year is when the Jet Propulsion Laboratory opens its doors to the public in the spring.  So, space buffs, get ready:  the JPL Open House will be Sat-Sun, May 2 and 3, 9 AM-5 PM:

This popular event celebrates JPL's accomplishments with exhibits and demonstrations about the Laboratory's ongoing research and space exploration. Many of the Lab's scientists and engineers are on hand to answer questions about how spacecraft are sent to other planets, how scientists utilize space technologies to explore Earth and how researchers are searching for planets beyond the solar system.

The Open House is a fun and educational experience for children too, with special hands-on activities designed for kids.

For more information, check the website here.

Good day for skywatchin'

LA Fire Dept. Twitters us that vintage aircraft will be overhead this afternoon as part of the Dodger Stadium opening day festivities.  The Skywatcher (Chris Considine) has already e-mailed us that he's ID'd a B-2, and at 1:30, we can still hear things in the air.

Waldorf School hosts second annual Festival of Art

The Pasadena Waldorf School (which is actually in Altadena, at 209 E. Mariposa St.) will hold its second annual Festival of Art on Sat., April 25, 10 AM-5 PM.  They say:

Welcome to the 2nd Annual PWS Festival of Art, where unique and diverse artisans offer their own amazing works for sale. Set on our beautifully wooded campus on the historic Scripps Estate in Altadena, with live music; organic, local food; and art workshops, this family-friendly festival is like no other art faire. Come and see:

Painters     Sculptors     Knitters     Quilters     Dollmakers     Jewelry artisans     Ceramicists     Weavers     Glass artists     Furniture artists     and more!

Admission for the public is FREE! Be our guest and enjoy a relaxing, beautiful day for the family!

Spring has sprung

... and a belated Happy Easter to you all.  The Lord has risen indeed! (It's OK to say "Hallelujah!" now!)

Simon Burrow, the master of the Mt. Wilson Toll Road Informer, sends us this lovely Eaton Canyon bloom as part of his Flickr site, chronicling the spring growth there.  And also check out the Informer, as shares with us the great progress being made on restoring the trail.

squeezed!

Having some problems with the website -- it appears OK in Firefox on all our 'puters, but Safari and Explorer are not so good.  We've got a call in to tech support.  Hang in there!

Every Bunny loves Easter

The Easter Bunny is workin' the streets in front of (Altadenablog sponsor) Webster's Fine Stationers this afternoon.  Come on in for a chance at an Easter basket!

Dear Danny's Farm: you're welcome!

Danny's Farm just sent out its newsletter about last week's visit from Dodger Orlando Hudson.  We like Danny's very much, but we do have to note that they, uh, appropriated our photos without asking permission or offering credit!

Weekendin'

Triduum, the cap of Holy Week.  Christians will be celebrating Easter this Sunday (yay!)  But there're other things going on:

• Webster's Fine Stationers will host the Easter bunny Sat. at noon.
• The Altadena Library will host Gayle Bartos-Pool, author of Media Justice, and numerous short stories, will discuss "Writing Convincing Dialogue" in a writer's workshop at 2 PM Sat. at the library Community Room.

Spring Fling at the Library Tues.

Let’s celebrate the arrival of spring by making some fun, springy, crafts! We invite you to drop by the library and join us. Activities will take place in the Altadena Library Community Room.

"GIfts for Guns" April 25

The Altadena Sheriff's Station is having an anonymous, no-questions-asked "Gifts for Guns" turn-in on Sat., April 25, at the Rite-Aid parking lot.  Details are in the flyer (click to enlarge).

Housefire going on now ...

on 1838 E. Braeburn, will get pictures and video up ASAP ...

UPDATE:  We've got the video up:

and now some stills:

 

(sorry we can't add more right now -- it's spring break and we have two kids in tow -- kinda discovered this by accident, and don't really want to work a fire scene with two little kids!)

Choppers above!

Chris Considine "The Skywatcher" is on patrol again, and reports the latest:

At exactly 10:07 the second wave of extremely low flying military helicopters came rumbling across Altadena at what seemed like less than 500' altitude (the legal limit).

A first wave of 6 flying just as low was seen and heard over the Pasadena Altadena border heading once again to the South East at 9:30 or so and barely visible as they were almost below the trees. Then this wave of 6 Apaches (this time I could SEE the pilots as they literally were over my roof top in single file formation followed by one BlackHawk pulling up the rear. Quite exciting, but still not exactly clear about their current missions and why there are so many so recently.

It's 10:45 right now, and we can still hear some chopper activity from our location.  Curioser and curioser!

Shout out to Steve Buscemi ...

one of our favorites -- he Twittered that he would be in the 'dena this morning to film "Pete Smalls is Dead" with Sam Rockwell.  If you see him, say hi!

Irma Strantz to receive women's clubs award

Dr. Irma Strantz of Altadena, Advocacy/Action Director, League of Women Voters, Pasadena, will receive the Council of Women's Clubs' Volunteer Service Award in April.

Dr. Strantz has also been active in Emergency Care Now, a group which is trying to put an emergency/urgent care facility on the old St. Luke's hospital property, and is organizing a "Single Payer Health Care" conference in Pasadena in May (pdf flyer here).

(hat tip to Monica!)

Altadena journalist Ainsworth dies

PSN reports tonight that Diane Ainsworth, a writer and editor who most recently worked for USC, died March 29 in her Altadena home of a brain aneurysm.  She was 56. Ainsworth also did time at JPL, RAND, UCLA, and UC-Berkeley.  The story is here.

The Easter Bunny visits Webster's on Sat., April 11

Egg-zactly what you were looking for ... Webster's Fine Stationers (an Altadenablog sponsor) is bringing over the Easter bunny on Saturday to celebrate the season!  Lori Webster writes us:

Please join us Saturday, April 11 at 12 noon, as we salute the season with an Easter party for our littlest customers, and a hoppin' good time for our ummmm...older ones!

Come enjoy the little one's excitement at our Coloring Contest raffle of 3 gorgeous, goodie-filled baskets. If your child hasn't entered yet, bring them down to the store to choose which picture they'd like to color, bring it back all prettied up and we'll enter them into the raffle. All artwork will be showcased in the store.

The Easter Bunny, that venerable master-of-ceremonies himself, will be on hand to meet and greet, pose for pictures and hand out the prizes. Adults won't miss the fun, either....door prizes will be given throughout the day! Indulge in tasting Isabella Cookie Company's fabulous Sugar Rush cookies, specially decorated for the season. Sample from our gourmet appetizer line, Wind & Willow....once you've tried Wind & Willow, you'll never open up another can of grocery-store bought, processed dip again. Groove to the ever-young sounds of XM Radio's Soul Street while you look around the shop and see what's new.

Scott and I and the staff of Webster's Fine Stationers - Michelle, Leilana, Betsy and David - invite you to share with us the fun of this Easter season. We'd love to see you and your children having a great time....do make time to come in and see us!

Lori also reminds us that Webster's food drive for Five Acres comes to an end tomorrow (Mon.), so if you've been procrastinating with your donation, it's time to get hopping!  A list of needed items is available at the Webster's blog.

Farnsworth Park open mic night begins April 24

While the weather is right and stars shine bright

An open mic awaits artists every Friday night.

Poems and stories, folklores too

Novice and famed writers, the mic welcomes you.

Children are on first; adults ... a little later

Where's the spot? Farnsworth Park Amphitheater.

Pack a snack or a meal if you choose to dine

Invite your friends; it's summertime!

Open Mic Night starts at 7 and ends promptly at 9.

(Artist sign-up begins 6:45).

... and now the cookies

Full house this afternoon for the Altadena library's 7th annual Poetry and Cookies bash.  Local poets had a chance to share their work, sell their books, network, and pack on the calories, too!

Cookie breaks are a necessary part of the creative process.

Spawn 3 looks over the selection of books by local poets.

Choppers on the move above Altadena

Chris "Skywatcher" Considine sent this note about this morning's activity above our heads:

The Skywatcher was busy this morning with the incoming rumble of multiple military helicopters in formation at 9am... it lasted quite a while with 4 in formation helicopters heading southeast over Altadena followed shortly thereafter by 6 more helicopters heading to the same general direction.

Nothing to report of which group or why, although one would have to suspect Marines being moved to or back to Camp Pendleton in Oceanside.

"Ain't gonna work on Danny's Farm no more ..."

Apologies to Bob Dylan, but Danny's Farm is all about the fun, not the work!

Dodger second baseman Orlando Hudson was at the Altadena kid farm this morning to support C.A.T.C.H., his foundation for autistic children, and it looks like a good time was had by all.

Hudson posed for photos and signed autographs, while the musical group The Conductors entertained the crowd.

Hudson was also profiled in the LA TImes today.

UPDATE 4/6: Karin the Altadenahiker points us to some pictures of Hudson taking the ride of his life at the Altadena Stables next door (attrib ution corrected, thanks Karin!)

Teen gaming fest at the Library next week!

Looking for something to do this spring break?  The Altadena Library has the answer!  Click the graphic to enlarge.

The cost of cancer

Altadena's Susan Braig is one of the interviewed in this NPR story on the sometimes-bankrupting cost of cancer.

(Thanks to Monica Hubbard -- we stopped listening to NPR years ago!  We just feel we put in our time!)

Crime Log: March 20-24, 2009

New entries on the crime log:

March 20:  Grand Oaks and Garfias Dr., man arrested for domestic violence.

March 21: Mountain View St. and Glenrose Ave: woman arrested for possession of methamphetamine.

March 23: Harriet St. and Olive Ave: man arrested for possession of marijuana for sale.

March 24: Lincoln Ave. and Vermont St., victim shot in the leg my rival gang members.

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.

April family activities at the Altadena library

All library events are free and open to the public. Programs are subject to change without notice. The Altadena main library is at 600 E. Mariposa St.,  (626)798-0833. Current information is available at www.altadenalibrary.org.

Spring Fling Craft Event

Tuesday, April 14th 3-6 PM (Altadena Library Community Room)

Let’s celebrate the arrival of spring by making some fun, springy, crafts! We invite you to drop by the library and join us. Activities will take place in the Altadena Library Community Room.

Fun Flick Friday – The Tale of Despereaux

Friday, April 24 @ 3:30 P.M. (Altadena Library Community Room)

Little Despereaux the mouse is born tiny, wheezy and with comically oversized ears and is very different from his family. His love for a princess leads him on adventures which involve him with an unhappy rat who schemes to leave the darkness of his dungeon and a bumbling servant girl with cauliflower ears in this beautifully crafted animated film. (Rated G; 93 mins.)

Super Saturday Family Storytime

Saturday, April 25 @ 10 A.M. (Altadena Library Community Room)

Join us for stories, songs, and fingerplays followed by a Scholastic film adaptation of an award-winning, classic children’s picture book. Film screen times range from 5-15 minutes. Appropriate for children ages 2-8 years and their families.

Barks & Books

Saturday, April 25 @ 11 AM. (Altadena Library Community Room)

Children ages 5-12 are invited to visit the library to read to Pearl. This reading enrichment program makes reading fun, boosts confidence and encourages respectful humane treatment of all animals. This event will take place in the Children's Room.

 Day of the Child / Day of the Book

Thurs., April 30 (Altadena Library Community Room)

The day's events will include:

 A special bilingual storytime at 11:00 AM featuring bilingual stories, songs, and fingerplays.

 From 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM drop in and make papel picado, crepe paper flowers, and your own piñata!

 At 3:30 PM Storytellers from the We Tell Stories group will be here presenting Cuentos de la Familia (Stories of the Family) to celebrate family values through Latino folktales.

 All children who participate in any of the day’s activities will receive a free book! Light refreshment will be provided. All activities will take place in the Community Room.

 

Weekendin'

Altadena's got more culture than a fridge full of yogurt this weekend ...

• Poetry & Cookies:  Hear local poets and enjoy excellent cookies, starting at 2 PM Saturday at the Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa.
• Fiddler Colyn Fischer and Bay Area composer/pianist Shauna Pickett-Gordon at Beckett Hall, 7 PM Saturday.