altadenablog

Council to hold closed meeting to consider ethics investigation

The Altadena Town Council will meet in closed session Tuesday night, before its regular meeting, to consider mounting an investigation into possible ethical violations.

New councilmember Herbert Simmons (CT 4602) claims in an email that the meeting is "an attempt to secretly stop me .. from bringing positive changes and ideas to Altadena."  Simmons, in a series of emails and personal visits to local businesses over the past month, has been soliciting funds for educational awards and a "a new website that will link Altadenans together and keep everyone informed of current issues and events."  In these emails and solicitations, he has used his title and position on the Altadena Town Council, which some council members feel may be a violation of its bylaws and ethical standards.

Council chair Gino Sund has emailed us that the reason for the closed session is that "We are trying to prevent the unfortunate spectacle of ATC's previous administration when they publicly named multiple Councilpersons as having violated the ethical standards without a shred of evidence or fact. I think that we should investigate all charges, allegations and problems in private, to see if there is anything to them before they are made public.  This is to protect a Councilmember's good name from baseless charges, and to help protect the reputation of ATC. "

Rose Bowl resource fair marks "Global Compassion Day"

Sat., Aug. 29 is Global Compassion Day (who knew?  and where did we stash our decorations?), and the Church of Pasadena in conjunction with the Employment Development Department of California and The Foothill Workforce Investment Board will mark it with a resource fair at the Rose Bowl Court of Champions, from 10 AM - 5 PM.

The resource fair, which goes through through 2 PM, features information about employment, health, financial, housing, education,  youth, parenting,  spirituality,  and more.

Music, art, performances, and food goes on through 5 PM.

All ages are welcome, and admission is free.

thx Monica!

"A USO Show" to benefit Farnsworth programs on Sept. 11

Theatre Americana, a historical theater based in Altadena, and Show of Support Productions, a performing arts organization raising money for charity, will come together for the first time on 9/11 at Farnsworth Park Amphitheatre to perform a USO show in memory of 9/11.  

“A USO Show” will perform on Friday, Sept. 11 at  7:00 PM.  Admission is $10 with proceeds going to the Farnsworth Park After-school Program.

“We are excited to be collaborating with the County of Los Angeles for our first performance at the park”, says Donna Scarantino, president of Show of Support and co-president of Theatre Americana.   “There is such a rich heritage in this area, and Theater Americana has strong roots in the Altadena area as being the resident theater at Farnsworth Park for over seventy-five years.  We have been working to revive the theatre to better serve the artistic and cultural needs of the community.”  

Theater Americana’s cultural contributions in the community go as far back as the early 1930's.    For many years they were involved in producing original plays and musicals by American playwrights both in the amphitheater as well in the Farnsworth Playhouse nearby which had been constructed for their work by WPA labor during the depression.  Theatre Americana is in the process of redefining their mission to broaden the scope of their activities to include educational opportunities to aspiring writers, actors and directors.  The goal is to preserve the valuable legacy and contributions and history of the theater.

Show of Support is a non-profit organization that has been in existence for 18 years. Their mission is to provide culturally enriching theater experiences for the community and help raise money and awareness for local charities.  “Show of Support is made up of all volunteer actors, vocalists and dancers who have a passion for the arts, and for supporting their community”, says Donna Scarantino, founder and President.  “We’ve raised thousands of dollars for charity through the performing arts and continue to collaborate with organizations that provide programs and services that enhance the well-being of our communities.”  

For more information, contact Donna Scarantino at (626) 840-3551 or Jim Hensley (626) 791-8285

 

Positivi-Tea at Webster's Fine Stationers

Webster's Fine Stationers (Altadenablog sponsor) held a tea Sunday afternoon to celebrate their storied past in Altadena.

A good crowd was there (that's artrepreneur Ben McGinty in tats, and local raw food guru Revvell Revati in blue) ...

... and much better photographers than us (Project: Altadena's creative force Molly Tierney, left, with Debi Swanson Patrick, who has too many blogs to count.  Hosts Lori and Scott Webster are behind the counter) ...

Scenes of the old days at the Webster companies lined the wall.

Master Chorale presents "Songs of the World" at Altadena Community Church

Altadena Community Church must be the happening place for music these days -- first Carol Channing on Sept. 6, then the Pasadena Master Chorale's summer choir appearing in a program Sept. 20.  Pasadena Now has the details.

Appeals court says Sahag-Mesrob to remain closed

Part of our catching-up process: Sahag-Mesrob Armenian Christian School's Palm St. campus will remain closed, pending the outcome of the court case on their conditional use permit in September.  The court of appeals ruled July 23 to keep the school closed, overruling a previous court decision in June.

Sahag-Mesrob opened its 200-student Palm St. campus in Sept. 2008, without obtaining the required conditional use permits from the county planning department. Following protests from homeowners in the quiet residential neighborhood, the school, county planning, and later county counsel and the courts have been wrangling over the school's status ever since. 

UPDATE 12 PM: An alert reader points us to the school's website, which says the high school will now be located at 1530 E. Elizabeth in Pasadena, and says:

We are looking forward to new school year 2009-2010. The School will celebrate its 30th Anniversary. Nursery to 8th grade students will attend Maiden Lane Campus, and 9th to 12th grade students will be in a leased facility at William Carey University Campus.

A night to remember at Farnsworth Park

The amazing Bill Westphal sends us pictures from last night's historic Sheriff's Support Group concert at Farnsworth Park.  Not only was the crowd there to enjoy local jazz guitarist Brian Hughes, but they were there to honor Altadena's own legend John Levy, who played bass with, and later managed, so many stars of jazz.  The 97-year-old Levy received recognition from:

The Sheriff's Support Group of Altadena
Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca
Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich
California State Senator Carol Liu
And United States Congressman Adam Schiff

In the picture Levy, on the right, receives a commendation from Los Angeles County from Altadena Sheriff Capt. Roosevelt Blow.

Brian Hughes and his ensemble filled the night with jazz.

 

Hughes takes a solo.

A good-sized crowd was there to see it happen.

Absolutely last, final, absolute deadline for Project: Altadena

Photography by Walt sent us this:

Thank you for those who have dropped off your cameras!I I had extended the deadline to Aug 15th hoping that would give people some more time to drop their cameras off. If you don't bring your cameras in by Tue Aug 18th you won't be able to take part of the show!

There is a slot in the door of PHOTOGRAPHY BY WALT so you can drop it in during off hours attached to your INFO SHEET. We are open Tue-Fri 10:00-5:30 Sat 10:00-4:00. (If you lost your info sheet we have them at the studio!)  

Show is Sept 5th in the Alley by Steve's bike shop from 5:00-10:00. A night filled with fine art activities, food, and music!

Back to the grind ...

Home now, doing a little catch-up, getting ready for bed, but ... just got word over the scanner about midnight Sat. that sheriffs and chopper are on their way to tackle a party of about 150 people making noise at Fair Oaks and Mendocino.

On the road again ...

We're traveling today, will be back in the saddle tomorrow.  Many updates planned thru the week, including a controversy roiling around Town Council.

Altadena Town Council Meeting, Tues., Aug. 18, 7 PM

... at the Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.

Project: Altadena: tomorrow is the last day!

Sat., Aug. 15, is the last day to turn in your camera for Project: Altadena -- 100 dispose-a-cam photographers, 2,700 pictures.  The show will be Sat., Sept. 5, behind Altadena Hardware and at Altadena Junction.

Turn in your camera to Photography by Walt, 2455 N. Lake Ave..

Weekendin'

Even tho' we're on vacation, activities in Altadena go on without us! How can this be?

Thurs., Aug. 13

• Altadena Comedy Festival starts today and runs through the weekend at the Coffee Gallery.  Standup, improv, and general weirdness, all to raise funds for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. Details:

www.altadenacomedyfestival.com/

www.myspace.com/altadenacomedyfestival

www.facebook.com/pages/Altadena-Comedy-Festival/109288262072?ref=ts

Fri., Aug. 14

• Escape to Witch Mountain, rated PG, is the Altadena Library's Fun Flick, 3:30 PM at 600 E. Mariposa
• Spoken word open mic at Farnsworth Park, 7 PM.

Sat., Aug. 15

• LAST DAY TO TURN IN YOUR CAMERAS FOR PROJECT: ALTADENA! Turn them in at Photography by Walt, 2455 N. Lake, 626-797-7207.
• Summer Jamboree at Christ the Shepherd Lutheran Church, 9 AM - 4 PM.  Yard sale, craft boutique, activities for the kids, so much more.  Bring canned items for the Altadena Food Pantry.  All proceeds go to support CTS' work with community services and programs.
• The Sheriff's Support Group's Concert in the Park series continues at 7 PM in Farnsworth Park.  It's a special event today, as local jazz guitarist Brian Hughes performs, and jazz legend John Levy is honored.  Levy, 97, played bass for a number of jazz greats and become the first African American personal manager in the jazz or pop field, representing even more jazz icons.
• Bulgarini Gelato's Italian dinner and a movie series continues.  Dinner starts at 8 ($12), a great Italian movie is shown in the courtyard at 8:45 (free and open to all), gelato always available.

Sun. Aug. 16

• Community Barbecue at Farnsworth Park, 2-6 PM. Come enjoy free food and see what the LA County Parks and Recreation department has planned for Altadena's parks.
• Positivi-TEA at Webster's Fine Stationers, starting at 3 PM.

CERT training offered at Loma Alta Park Oct. 13-17

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training will be offered Oct. 13-17 by Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation.  CERT is designed to help you protect yourself, your family, and your neighbors in an emergency situation.  It's a good program, and it's free!  Check the flyer for more information.

Quick geography lesson

Congressman Adam Schiff had his town hall meeting about health care recently, and apparently this commentator can't tell the difference between Altadena and Alhambra.  She says she's going to Disneyland for her birthday.  Based on her knowledge of geography, we sure hope she makes it!

(We also think it's interesting that opponents of "Obamacare," described elsewhere as the "organized mobs paid by the insurance industry" have hand-made signs, whereas presumably more-spontaneous supporters have pre-printed signs!  Wonder who paid for those?)

Perseid shower starts (real early) tomorrow

Bill Westphal relays this news from SpaceWeather.com:

POSSIBLE PERSEID METEOR OUTBURST: This year's Perseid meteor shower could be even better than usual.  According to NASA's Meteoroid Environment Office, a  filament of comet dust has drifted across Earth's path and when Earth passes through it, sometime between 0800 and 0900 UT (1 - 2 am PDT) on August 12th, the Perseid meteor rate could surge to twice its normal value.  Check http://spaceweather.com for details and observing tips.

And for you iPhone users (you know who you are) they have a great app you can use for the Perseid Meteor Shower.  See the details below:

PERSEIDS ON YOUR iPHONE: Spaceweather.com is pleased to announce a new iPhone/iPod application dedicated to the upcoming Perseid meteor shower.  It features a Perseid countdown clock, news alerts, an easy-to-use sky map, and a live gallery of photos from around the world.  Sky watchers of all types will find it a valuable companion when the shower peaks later this month. Learn more: http://spaceweather.com/perseids

Download the app:  http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=325305245&mt=8

Library teen program: Make a collage Aug. 18

Bring magazines to use or share and learn to make a collage as part of the Altadena Library's teen program, 2-4 PM at the Main Library on Tues., Aug. 18.

The incredible lightness of blogging

Blogging will be a little light over the next few days, as we are on vacation.  There is supposed to be wifi where we're going, and we'll probably do some updates, but the point of vacation is ... vacation!

We will be going to the family seat in Colorado to see our relatives, not the least of whom is our grandmother, who turns 99 on Friday!

We'll be back in the groove next week!  See you then!

Not getting the message

There's been some uptick in the newsgroups with people who are just coming up to speed with the wave of graffiti in Eaton Canyon in June.  We get all our newsgroup feeds at altadenablog@gmail.com, our address at Google Mail.  It's a free service, but Google does give you directed ads on the sidebar and at the top of the page.

So while we're reading people's comments about graffiti in our great natural area, Google decides to send us a link to this website. Nice to know that there are now cans of spray paint sized to fit in your pocket ...

Altadena Comedy Festival starts Thurs. to benefit American Cancer Society

The inaugural ALTADENA COMEDY FESTIVAL is a three day event, Aug 13-15, at the Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake Ave., showcasing the very best of comedy talent from Southern California. Spanning a variety of mediums including, stand-up, sketch, improvisation, and online video, established professionals will mix with hot up-and-coming talent.

The festival will also include comedy workshops on stand-up, improvisation, character development & impersonation, and sketch writing led by professional comedians with decades of experience in their respective areas.

The ALTADENA COMEDY FESTIVAL is a production of Bunnygraph Entertainment and The Coffee Gallery.

www.altadenacomedyfestival.com/

www.myspace.com/altadenacomedyfestival

www.facebook.com/pages/Altadena-Comedy-Festival/109288262072?ref=ts

All festival proceeds will go to support the American Cancer Society - Relay for Life - TEAM ALTADENA.

www.relayforlife.org/altadenaca

Positivi-TEA at Webster's Fine Stationers Aug. 16

One of Altadena's signature businesses (and Altadenablog sponsor) Webster's Fine Stationers, 2450 N. Lake Suite B, invites you to celebrate its history on Sun., Aug. 16, starting at 3 PM.

Lori & Scott Webster write:

We'd love you to join us on Sunday, August 16th for WFS' Positivi-TEA, a celebration of Webster's history and a look toward our future.  We'll be serving finger food, beverages and there will be lots of give-aways!
 
Come have some fun - see old pictures of Webster's back in the day.  Come learn about Webster's Fine Stationers and how we can fit into your shopping life.  Mingle with friends, see and experience our newly arrived products and hear what our plans are for the months ahead.  Most importantly, come participate in a discussion of why Webster's made the changes it did and how it affects you.
 
We'd love for you to give us a chance to hear what you think.  We'd love for you to make the time to come see us on Sunday!  We do need to know how much food to serve, so please be kind enough to RSVP.  You can easily do so by emailing lorinscott_1@msn.com.  You may also sign up to attend on Our Facebook Fan Page or sign up at the store.  We look forward to seeing you on the 16th! 

Gotta do something about Those Manning Boys

Every year, Those Manning Boys throw one of the best concerts of the summer season at Farnsworth, and this year was no exception -- they even brought in a few friends.  The Altadenablog CrappyCam had its usual performance problems, but Bill Westphal never fails to save our hash.

The Boys and their friends filled the stage with music and talent, including the Moynahans (on the left) and Barbara Schilling on the Celtic harp (center).

Nothing gives Irish music that distinctive haunting sound like the uillean pipes, here played by the talented young Tim Drake.

Left to right, fiddler Liam Lewis joins Barbara Schilling with Sean and Mike Manning.

A particularly wonderful moment was "Danny Boy" sung by mom Sis Manning, with her two sons accompanying.

A little bit country, and little bit Celtic -- we reckon so.  Oh, that's the name of the band: "Wreck 'n' Sow."

Not to mention the troupe of Irish dancers ...

... with their high-flying steps and kicks!

The crowd -- at least our part of it -- was entertained (Rosie loved the dancing!)

The Lenz dive-asty

PSN has a short feature on Annika Lenz.  The Pasadena Poly freshman is the third member of a dynasty of champion divers from Altadena (including sisters Felicitas and Cosima).  We also like that they seem to be named for Byzantine saints.

Altadena Trails meeting cancelled

Trail Folks--

The Tuesday, August 11th meeting of the Altadena Crest Trail
Restoration Working Group (ACTRWG) Steering Committee has been
cancelled, because many people are out of town.

The next meeting will be on the normal 2nd Tuesday of September,
9/8, as usual at the Altadena Community Center.

Happy Trails!
Robert Staehle

ACTRWG Steering Committee Meetings Chair

It's power outage season!

We've been getting reports of a power outage that affected some parts of Altadena and La Canada-Flintridge yesterday in the early afternoon.

It's a good reminder that power conservation measures are in order, especially in hot weather.  As well, SoCal Edison is upgrading service in Altadena, so there's the possibility of planned outages (we had one in our neighborhood in June).  Back up your data!

Bad deeds done not-so-cheap

Got an email today form Pamela Forrest and Jennifer Shephard about an old scam that's making the rounds once again: 

We just received a very obvious scam in our mail box today.  The official looking yellow envelope is from the "Title Compliance Board . . . Records Retrieval Division" and they're asking for (demanding) $139 in order to send us a copy of the title to our property.  I could tell it was a scam right away, since it reeks of b.s.,  (and the letter is so poorly written.)  But I'm afraid some of my very well meaning neighbors might not understand the criminal intent behind this mean scheme and send in the money, and I would hate for that to happen.

The scam goes like this: a company with an official-sounding name sends you a letter implying that you need a certified copy of your home's deed, and they will provide it for you for some outrageous sum. But you can actually get it from official channels for a piddly amount -- check the county's registrar-recorder site for details and a list of fees.  

Pamela and Jennifer also referred us to this real estate site, which talks about the scam and asks, "why would you need the deed anyway?"

There's a similar scam, which we've received in the mail, about paying a fee (we were quoted $129) to have your home reassessed for taxes in light of the present housing market.  This is actually something the tax assessor will do FOR FREE!

The thing is, these scams aren't necessarily illegal -- they will perform a service for you -- they'll ask the county to perform the service.  Problem is, you can ask the county yourself and save lots of money!

Weekendin'

All events free unless otherwise noted.

Fri., Aug. 7

• Fun Flick Friday at the Altadena Main Library: Fast and Furious (rated PG-13), 3:30 PM.
• Free family movie night @ St. Elizabeth's Grotto, 6:30 PM
• Spoken word open mic @ Farnsworth Park, 7 PM

Sat., Aug. 8

• Those Manning Boys & Friends, Irish music in concert at Farnsworth Park, 7 PM.
• Dinner, gelato and an Italian movie at Bulgarini Gelato.  Dinner ($12) starts at 8 PM, movie (free) starts at 8:45, gelato available throughout.  This weeks movie: Fellini's "La Dolce Vita."

Sun., Aug. 9

• Bluegrass jam at the Coffee Gallery, 12:30 PM

... and Project: Altadena participants: don't forget to turn in your cameras to Photography by Walt no later than Aug. 15!!

Thanks for your support!

Wow!  And they say August is a slow month!  We'd like to thank all our new Altadenablog advertisers, who help keep this blog going! (Maybe some day we'll actually cover expenses!)  We encourage you to patronize these local organizations:

Curves Altadena, 2525 N. Lake #6, 797-9177

Christ the Shepherd Lutheran Church, 185 W. Altadena Dr., 794-7011

Mike Gibson Service Center, 1701 W. Walnut, Pasadena, 795-3726

McGinty's Gallery at the End of the World, 2475 N. Lake, 794-8779

And of course our old stalwarts:

Webster's Fine Stationers, 2450 N. Lake, Suite B, 797-1135

Binary Monk (www.binary-monk.com)

There's room for you and your budget, too!  Contact us via phone or email and we'll get your ad on Altadena's news source!

Box up your dreams at the library Tuesday

When is a box not a box?  When it's transformed by your own creativity!

The Altadena Library will be holding a "Not a Box" party on Tues., Aug. 11, from 2-4 PM in the community room at 600 E. Mariposa.

Bring your own box -- leave with whatever you make it!

Parks Summer Showcase next Sun., Aug. 16

The Altadena Arts Council and LA County Dept. of Parks & Recreation will hold a "Summer Showcase and Community Barbecue" on Sun., Aug. 16, 2-6 PM.  The event will be held at Farnsworth Park, and will highlight the programs being offered at Altadena parks.

A night out in Altadena

Our local version of the National Night Out took place at the Loma Alta Equestrian Center tonight, where you could smell the smoke from the Glendale fires.  The ubiquitous and invaluable Bill Westphal contributed most photos.

Altadena Sheriff Capt. Roosevelt Blow addresses the crowd to start the festivities.

The Altadena Mountain Rescue team was on hand to answer questions.

A member of the mounted posse takes a tumble ...

... but manages to rise again and get back on the horse!

The obligatory embarrassing picture of Capt. Blow on a pony.

Altadena Foothills Conservancy to receive Edison grant

Via PSN, the Altadena Foothills Conservancy is to receive $25,000 today from Southern California Edison for its Corridor Plan, a network of parks and trails leading from Eaton Canyon to the Rio Hondo River.

Lawsuit settlement to benefit Hathaway-Sycamores

Hathaway-Sycamores, which runs a residential treatment program for children in Altadena, recently received funds from a lawsuit settlement to help dfund a grief counseling program in LAUSD schools.  PSN's Alfred Lee has details here.

Update on July 31 Lincoln/Figueroa shooting

Carolyn Seitz of the Sheriff's Community Advisory Committee has sent out this update to the local newsgroups about last week's shooting:

Many of you have been asking for information about the shooting that occurred on Thursday, July 31, at Lincoln and Figueroa, near All-Star Liquor.

The shooting is considered a gang shooting.

The Detectives at Altadena Sheriff's Station identified a suspect by Friday, but the suspect is not yet in custody.

He is aware that he is being sought, and he is being encouraged to make arrangements to turn himself in.

He is currently out of the area.

Those Manning Boys & Friends at Farnsworth Park Sat.

The Sheriff's Support Group of Altadena's summer concert series continues Sat., Aug. 8, at 7 PM with THOSE MANNING BOYS AND FRIENDS.

Formed in 2002, Those Manning Boys, an Irish duo, has been dedicated to the furthering of the American-Irish culture. Since then Brothers Mike and Sean Manning, native Altadenans, have been playing at events and pubs all across the San Gabriel Valley and the surrounding areas. Mike’s 60s-rock inspired guitar and Sean’s ethnic -styled vocals have delighted and intrigued audiences of all ages.

In 2005, stepping in as a last-minute replacement, the Boys made their debut at the Concerts in the Park at Farnsworth in Altadena. Greeted by a rousing reception, they have been an annual installment since. Each year the show has grown in scope and depth by adding more musicians and instruments with an ever-increasing repertoire of Irish cultural music.

Returning this year will be fiddler extraordinaire, Liam Lewis, playing his classically inspired jigs and reels. Last year’s hit on drums, Pierre Dupuy returns with his brother Andre, also brothers native to Altadena, and their band Wreck ‘n’ Sow. Another exciting young find, Altadena’s own Tim Drake, will bring his mastery of the truly Irish instrument, the uillean pipes, Ireland’s form of the more famous Scottish bagpipes. And back for the fifth straight year the Aniar School of Irish Dance and their award winning troupe will present a very special half-time show to live session music.

Newcomers, the Moynahans -- Jesse , Eli and their father Tim -- will delight us with the penny whistle and other stringed instruments.

Also joining the Boys this year is Barbara Schilling on the Celtic harp, the national symbol of Ireland. Cead mille failte-(a hundred thousand welcomes) to you.

Update to the Bear Map

Reader Kirk Skadden writes:

I live halfway up Windfall Ave. and wanted to let you all know that we had a bear on our back porch around 11:00 Sunday night. I heard something disturbing the trash cans by the side of the house and thought it was just the usual raccoons. But it alarmed our cat which ran over to our back screen door. A minute later I heard a low growl and new it wasn't the cat or even a large raccoon. I got up, turned on the light and saw the bear from a distance of about 12 feet. After it made eye contact with me, it turned and walked towards the back of our property and down an embankment towards the fire road that runs along Gooseberry Creek. I woke my wife up for her to see but by the time she reached the window it had vanished.

So we've updated the Bear Map, and will keep updating it as circumstances warrant!

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View Bear Sightings in a larger map

Bear at large

 A couple of bear sightings last night and this morning:

One of the members of the Altadena "neighbors" listserve reported a bear about 9:30 PM Sunday at the Woodglen cul-de-sac; and reader Mary Trunk spotted one about 4:30 this morning from her home, near the intersection of Palm St. and Holliston.

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View Bear Sightings in a larger map

Altadena Foothills Conservancy needs funds for Rubio Canyon purchase

Received this email from the Altadena Foothills Conservancy -- a rare opportunity, but a short window for action:

Dear Friend of the Altadena Foothills Conservancy,

Last Friday something important happened that I think will make you smile. The AFC signed an agreement to purchase 20 acres of prime habitat at the mouth of Rubio Canyon (see attached photo). This key parcel will secure trail access and ensure that the creek and surrounding habitat right up to the Forest boundary is preserved for all time. This is an urgent deal and the owner has required that we complete the purchase by the end of September. But we will get an even better deal if we can buy the land by August 25 - 20% off the purchase price. Our goal is to raise $50,000 to complete this sale and provide for a small land stewardship fund. Already we have raised almost $6,000 from board members and friends.

The clock is ticking - we have less than one or at most two months to raise this money. If land conservation in the foothills is important to you - and I believe it is - we urgently need your help right now. I hope you will make as generous a contribution as you can.  In addition to funding this purchase quickly, we need to raise even more to be ready to move the next time a conservation-minded landowner comes to us with an urgent deal. Having money in the bank enables us to act quickly. Even outright donations of land cost money, for escrow and other services, insurance, surveys, and a modest endowment to pay for cleanup and upkeep.

You can make a secure on-line donation right now by going to http://www.altadenafoothills.org/support.html or you can mail a check to: Altadena Foothills Conservancy, P.O. Box 3, Altadena, CA 91003-0003. You can also hand a check to any of our board members. If you would like to know more, don't hesitate to contact me by e-mail or at 626 791 8458.

You can make a difference today.

Nancy Steele, President

On behalf of the board:
Lori Paul, Vice President
Mary Barrie, Treasurer
Michelle Markman, Secretary
John Howell
Lawren Markle
Robert Staehle
Marc Stirdivant
Tim Wendler

Check out the summer teen scene at the library

Heather Firchow of the Altadena Library's teen program has some great pictures on her blog of the "Foodtastic" event last week, and "Recycle It!" before that.  (She also has some pictures of Comic Con in San Diego, which make us totally jealous.)  It's always worth checking out Heather's blog, as she regularly reviews the best new books for teen readers.

National Night Out at Equestrian Center Tues.

Just a reminder that Altadena's National Night Out event will start at 5 PM at the Loma Alta Park Equestrian Center.  Please bring a potluck item and enjoy the hot dogs and barbecue items provided by the Sheriff's Dept.

Sheriff's Support Group of Altadena (SSGA) member and town councilman Jamie Bissner writes:

Last winter I fabricated and welded up in my shop a trailer BBQ from a military surplus wagon (high-graded from Sheriff's fleet HQ) for community outreach and Tuesday will be its christening. The SSGA paid for all the materials. We'll see how I did and I'm really glad the Fire Department will be there just in case "I didn't". Dogs, burgers, soda and snacks. Bring your own fillet and Ralph will cook it to a turn and if you bring an extra I'll have mine medium rare, thank you.

Zane Grey goes green

Vickey Kalambakal is a writer specializing in local history.  Her History, Los Angeles blog takes a flattering look at the Zane Grey mansion and how it's "greening" into the future.

Melena makes a hot night at Farnsworth Park

The Afro-Cuban sounds of Melena rocked Farnsworth Park Saturday night in the Sheriff's Support Group concert series.  Bill Westphal was there, camera and all, and filed this illustrated report:

It was a pretty good (and enthusiastic) crowd.  Lots of people were dancing and enjoying themsleves.

The Band was pretty hot. (Ed. note: we'll say!)

Melena played a variety of drums and percussion instruments.

She put on a great show, even going out into the audience and bringing them into the act.

I think the only person that enjoyed the show more than the audience was Melena.  She was definitely having a good time.