altadenablog

Simmons' email claims and letter to principals don't match up

In our first story, we looked at a letter from Supv. Michael Antonovich, denying Altadena Town Councilman Herbert Simmons' claim that there was a "confirmed business sponsorship" with Simmons' student and teacher of the month awards.  In our second story,  PUSD Superintendent Edwin Diaz wrote that Simmons incorrectly represented to him that the programs were backed by the Altadena Town Council, and used a town council letterhead in his written correspondence.

Simmons has consistently denied linking his programs to his position as a councilman. To cite his Aug. 14 email to his mailing list:

I have made it clear in my communications that these programs are not affiliated with the Altadena Town Council. I have also included a disclaimer stating that they are solely of my individual initiative .... I have communicated regularly with Chairman Sund in regards to procedure. He stated that as long as I do not speak [sic] or represent other Councilmembers or use ATC letterhead, I am within compliance.

On Aug. 6, Simmons sent a letter to "Dear Altadena Principals" to finalize participation in his programs.  It was this letter that drew the ire of Supv. Antonovich with its incorrect claim that the supervisor had a "confirmed business sponsorship" with the program. 

But, in addition to claiming a nonexistent sponsorship, Simmons makes no direct statement in the letter that these programs are his own personal projects -- the "disclaimer stating that they are solely of my individual initiative"  that he touted in his Aug. 14 email defending his actions.  On the contrary,  Mr. Simmons' town council membership is prominent in the letterhead,  and the programs are called "one of my first projects," in the same sentence as he trumpets his election.

He closes the letter by announcing the official introduction of his programs in "an informal Town Meeting and Celebration ..." to take place in the community center.

Simmons appears to be correct in that he may not be using official town council letterhead -- but he is using a letterhead that identifies him as a council member to promote his personal programs. He also doesn't explicitly link his programs to the town council in the body of the letter-- but he does identify himself as a councilman in the first paragraph as well as the letterhead, and calls his public introduction of the programs a "town meeting" in the same chamber where the council meets, and nowhere makes a clear distinction that he is acting as a private citizen.

A copy of the letter appears after the jump.

Santa is coming to the library Wed., Dec. 16

It's his busy season, but Santa has managed to pencil in a visit to the Altadena libraries on Wed., Dec. 16.  Bring your kids and camera to the Main Library at 11, or the Bob Lucas Branch at noon.

Weather service issues flash flood watch for Monday

With a big rainstorm on the way, folks around the burn areas need to be vigilent.  Here's from the National Weather Service:

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH FOR RECENT BURN AREAS IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH MONDAY EVENING...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN LOS ANGELES/OXNARD HAS ISSUED A

* FLASH FLOOD WATCH FOR THE RECENT BURN AREAS OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY IN SOUTHWEST CALIFORNIA...INCLUDING THE STATION...MORRIS...SANTA ANITA...BIG HORN...MAREK...AND SAYRE BURN AREAS.

* FROM MONDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH MONDAY EVENING

* PEAK RAINFALL RATES BETWEEN ONE HALF AND THREE QUARTERS OF AN INCH PER HOUR ARE POSSIBLE AT TIMES DURING THIS STORM OVER THE WATCH AREA. THESE RAIN RATES APPROACH OR EXCEED USGS DEBRIS FLOW THRESHOLDS FOR THE RECENT 2008 AND 2009 BURN AREAS OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY.

* THE STATION AND MORRIS BURN AREAS AND ADJACENT DOWNSTREAM AREAS WILL BE THE AREAS MOST VULNERABLE TO FLASH FLOODING AND DEBRIS FLOWS DURING THIS STORM.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A FLASH FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS MAY DEVELOP THAT LEAD TO FLASH FLOODING. FLASH FLOODING IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.

YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS BE ISSUED.

Work begins on senior center parking

Work crews tear up the parking lot at the Altadena Senior Center today.

This message has been sent around several newsgroups -- it's a summary by the county architect of his meeting with town councilman Allan Wasserman, regarding the changes going on in the Senior Center.  We have no idea what all those initials mean up front!:

Mr. Wasserman:

DCSS, ISD, and DPW staff met with you on November 24, 2009 to discuss the design of the new driveway and parking.  You were satisfied with our explanation of the design.  You requested that I summarize our discussion in an e-mail to you. 

The purpose of the driveway and parking lot improvement project is to improve accessibility to the Senior Center, as well as, traffic safety.  In the proposed design, we have located the parking spaces adjacent to the building so that the seniors will no longer have to cross the sloped driveway to get to the Senior Center from their parked cars.  Major re-grading of the existing slope is necessary to create new level accessible parking spaces and loading areas to comply with accessibility standards.  We have also widened the driveway to comply with County Code.  We have redesigned the sidewalk connecting to the south parking lot improving accessibility.  The removal of the Weeping Willow tree near the street also improves sightline for traffic and will eliminate the lifting of the public sidewalk by tree roots.

The old man and the mountain

Local mountain man Greg Sweet publishes a story in his blog from John Muir, remembering a jaunt up Eaton Canyon above Altadena.

... and yet another holiday boutique

This and rummage sales, all weekend, it seems.  The latest we've heard about: Rituals Salon (865 E. Mariposa) will have a holiday boutique sale today from 4-8 PM: music, a silent auction for unique gifts, and a "beauty bar", among other things.

Mwaura's calendar art

Mickie Mills in PSN has a piece on Altadena artist Ngene Mwaura, who is showing at the Art Bender at McGinty's this weekend.  The omniscient Monica Hubbard tells us that the website now in the article is incorrect -- it should be www.altees.net (how does she KNOW these things?)  Mwaura's website is http://www.ngenemwaura.com/

Spoken like a true wheel

(Okay, that's a really convoluted pun, we know ...)

But the Altadena Sheriff's Station held its second Tour of Altadena this morning, starting at Loma Alta Park (the fun continues with a barbecue that started at 11 AM).  Proceeds go to charity.  We got some pictures of the start of the tour.

Bikes at rest before the tour.

About 35 riders signed up, double last year's participation.

... and that's a lot of bikers!

And away we go!

I'll be HMO for Christmas

Local artist Susan Braig (featured here a few times before) has expanded her "designer drug jewelry" line to include holiday ornaments made from unused syringes.  Proceeds help pay for her medical bills.  Click the picture for the story.

Selah in concert @ Atladena Community Church

Just got in this notice of the Selah Gospel Choir's holiday concert tonight at 7:30 at the Altadena Community Church, 943 E. Altadena Dr.  Admission is $5.

Daylight break-in Thursday afternoon

Gino Sund sent this out to the "neighbors" Yahoo group Friday:

Sorry to inform you that there was a breaking and entry burglary yesterday in our CT (4601).  It was a home on Mendocino Drive, near Morslay Road.  It occurred around noon on Thursday.   Items stolen were TV, computer equipment etc.  The only possible lead is the sighting of a white van or utility truck in the area at the time.  So let's keep our eyes open for any suspicious person or vehicle in the neighborhood.  If you see anything or anyone that looks suspicious, please call the station immediately, the deputies will come and check it out.  The station number is 798-1131.  I will keep you informed when I get any additional information.

Diaz: Simmons used council letterhead to seek PUSD support

Herbert Simmons used an official-looking Altadena town council letterhead in all his correspondence to Pasadena Unified Superintendent Edwin Diaz, as well as telling Diaz that the council was behind the school recognition program he was promoting, according to the superintendent.

The Altadena Town Council as a whole has never endorsed Simmon's personal student/teacher of the month program.

Diaz, in an Aug. 20 letter to Altadena town council chair Gino Sund, said that "It was never revealed to me that the programs were being promoted solely by him personally ..."

In an Aug. 10 email to fellow councilmembers, Simmons stated:

The Student of the Month and Teacher of the Month programs were created by myself as a newly elected Councilmember of Census Tract 4602 and I do not need anything nor am I asking for anything from the Altadena Town Council. I have created this program on my own, and have not represented the Council in the process. It is my gift to the community. In no time in any correspondence have I used the Altadena Town Council or its letterhead. In fact, I have clearly stated that the programs are not endorsed by, or affiliated with, the Altadena Town Council.

In an Aug. 14 email, after controversy over Simmons' programs erupted, he sent out another email to his mailing list:

Though these programs have the support of Superintendent Edwin Diaz of PUSD, the principals of all ten schools in Altadena, the Altadena community, and several local businesses, the Altadena Town Council Executive Committee does not find my individual efforts appropriate. I have made it clear in my communications that these programs are not affiliated with the Altadena Town Council. I have also included a disclaimer stating that they are solely of my individual initiative.

But Diaz says in his brief Aug. 20 letter (which was confirmed to us by his office):

Dear Mr. Sund,

I am writing this letter to the Altadena Town Council to clarify my understanding of the programs being promoted by Mr. Herbert Simmons.

I was told by Mr. Simmons that the Altadena Student of the Month and Altadena Teacher of the Month programs were supported by the Altadena Town Council; in fact, all of his correspondence to me is on what appears to be Altadena Town Council letterhead.

It was never revealed to me that the programs were being promoted solely by him personally, without the backing of the Altadena Town Council.

Sincerely,
Edwin Diaz
Superintendent

Rain in forecast; be careful in burn areas

This memo out from District Ranger Mike Mcintyre of the National Forest Service:

Subject: Upcoming Storm Event

Date: Thu, 3 Dec 2009 10:30:01 -0800
From: Mike McIntyre <mmcintyre@fs.fed.us>
As we all know by now, there is a rain event forecasted to start as early as Sunday evening with the potential of rain over several days. We are not suspending any permits at this time but want you all to start to prepare for the potential of that occurring. We recommend, regardless of what the Forest Service does, that you seriously consider not to be in areas that burned during this rain event as from our last event, it is impossible to predict which areas will get rain and to what extent.

Bottom line is that personal safety is your responsibility but that does not give you the final say on whether you decide to stay or not within your permitted area. The Forest hopes that you will exercise the sound judgment to not put yourself in harms way and make that decision prior to any threats materializing.

Michael J. McIntyre
District Ranger
Los Angeles River Ranger District
12371 North Little Tujunga Canyon Road
San Fernando, CA 91342
(818) 899-1900 ext. 223
(818) 896-6727 (FAX)

Pasadena's Bruckner to be county planning head

Pasadena City Planning and Development Director Richard Bruckner has been tapped as the final candidate for planning director of Los Angeles County.  If he takes the county position, Bruckner will be responsible for planning in all unincorporated areas of the county, including Altadena.  PSN has the deets.

In the winter, it's READING that's cool!

The Altadena Library Children's Services launches its winter reading program Dec. 13 through Jan. 31.  This year's "Chill Out and Read" theme is "Poetry," and what better time to spend the cool days (or as cool as they get around here!)

Next weekend: Christmas Tree Lane!

It promises to be another extravaganza Saturday for the 89th lighting of Christmas Tree Lane and the first annual Winter Arts & Crafts Festival.

The festival goes on at the Altadena Library parking lot, 600 E. Mariposa, and the lighting ceremony will be at the corner of Mariposa and Santa Rosa at 5 PM, with a full rack of festivities!  Bring the family for an Altadena tradition!

Call to artists to display @ Library Community Room in 2010

Call to Artists

Share Your Art With The Community

The Altadena Library District is seeking artists of all media to display artwork in our Community Room. All experience levels, individual artists, and collaborative teams are welcome.
 
Security/Anti-theft devices are available for framed artwork.
 
Art Displays will be held monthly in 2010 (check for available months)
 

Submit an application and photos of your work (website address or small jpeg files), using one of the options below. The application is available on our website www.altadenalibrary.org.

Mail or Drop-off:
Altadena Library District - Attn: Tina Wallin

600 E. Mariposa Street, Altadena, CA 91001 

Email: twallin@altadenalibrary.org

 
Artists are chosen on a first come first serve basis.
 
A waiver of liability and a list of works for sale will be required from each artist.
 
The District reserves the right to decide what is appropriate for display in the presence of minors. The Library reserves the right to reject any part of the exhibit or to change the manner of display.
 

Antonovich says Simmons used town council's name to seek support

While Herbert Simmons has denied ever using his town council position to solicit funds, a letter from county Supervisor Michael Antonovich said that Simmons “has circulated a letter using the Altadena Town Council name” for his student and teacher of the month programs.

Antonovich also denies that he was a “confirmed business sponsor,” as Simmons claimed in his letter.

Simmons -- now facing potential ouster from the council for violating its ethical rules -- has consistently denied that he has used his title to solicit financial support for his programs, and has denied ever presenting it as a council program.

Antonovich’s Aug. 20 letter to ATC chair Gino Sund seems to contradict Simmons’ claims.  It also affirms the statements of several business owners to Altadenablog that -- until the controversy broke -- Simmons indeed stated or strongly implied that his private effort was a town council project.

Five Acre's festive holiday open house Tues., Dec. 8

Usher in the season with Five Acre's Open House on Tues., Dec. 8, at the Five Acres Auditorium, 760 W. Mountain View St.

Events start at 6 PM with cocoa, hot cider, and hors d'oeuvres at the main campus, followed by a program and performance at 7 PM and a special wine reception in celebration of the Zeilstra Research and Training Center and tours of the campus.

Entertainment includes a performance by the children, an appearance by the Henson Puppets, and a special appearance by the Rose Queen and court.  Bring an unwrapped gift, and brighten a child's holiday.
RSVP to Margaret at 626-798-6793 ext. 2444 or email mmorici@5acres.org.

Another rummage sale! Pasadena Mental Health Center Sat.

Another rummage sale Saturday, and not too far out of the way:

The Pasadena Mental Health Center will hold its first annual rummage sale on Sat., Dec. 5, 8 AM-1 PM at the center, 1495 N. Lake in Pasadena.

A unique variety of items will be for sale, including clothing, collectibles, jewelry, furniture, and small working appliances. Proceeds from this Rummage Sale will go to benefit the programs and services of the Pasadena Mental Health Center.

PMHC provides services for over 700 clients in the community.  Their mission is to offer quality mental health services to low-income families without access to affordable care as they experience difficult periods in their lives. Proceeds will benefit children, youth and families.

Gemma returned after dognapping and dog-stortion attempt

Remember Gemma, one of the lost dogs we wrote about yesterday?  She's back at home, but not until things took a criminal turn.  Claire sent this out today to the McNally listserv:

Thank you all for your help, good thoughts, encouragement and participation! Gemma has been found! A very special thanks to the Altadena Sheriff department!

Gemma's owners posted reward signs offering $200 for her return. Someone called, said they had the dog but were demanding $500 to return her safely. Sounds like extortion right? The Sheriff got involved, two officers in plain clothes posed as Gemma's owners to pick the dog up!!! So Gemma gets to go home, her owners have not been victimized and the Sheriff went above and beyond in my opinion! If you are a dog owner be aware of these tactics and when in doubt call the Sheriff!

I love happy endings and doggies safe in their home!

We just talked to one of the detectives who worked the case, posing as the dog owner.  She confirmed that the guy had Gemma, asked for $500, and would not release the dog until he was paid.  But who needs money when you have badges, cuffs, and guns?  He got arrested instead, dog was released to the owner, and charges are pending.

"The rain is Tess, the fire is Joe, and they call the wind Mariah ..."

(OK, actually the fire was Station and the song spelled it "Maria," but everyone knows Mariah Carey.  Don't know what the rain is named, tho'!)

Carol Cormaci, writing for our neighbors in La Canada,worries about the post-fire effect of the wind on our lungs and upcoming rains on our foothills. 

PUSD will have to cut bone

The PWeekly redeems itself somewhat this week with an Andre Coleman piece about the hard decisions about cuts to be made to close a $20 million gap at PUSD.  It will not be pretty next year.

Also redeems itself with this Jim Laris piece about his bad Altadena driveways.

Altadena men facing charges in Pasadena gang shooting

PSN's Brian Day has a piece today on the trial of Kamaron Walker, 29, of Duarte and Eric Williams, 32, of Altadena, charged with killing 17-year-old Muir High School student Dion Holloway in Pasadena on Sept. 25, 2007.  A third man, John Villatoro, 24, of Altadena, pled guilty last month to being an accessory.

Also of interest is that a Pasadena police detective testified that Walker has tattoos on his shoulders reading  "Altadena" and "ABC," signifying the Altadena Block Crips street gang.  Read the whole thing.

Wrap around the flag

Beleaguered Altadena Town Councilman Herbert Simmons has a rather lawyerly piece in the PWeekly today, wherein we learn:

• After a 30-year gap, he has recently begun reciting the Pledge of Allegiance again;
• The town council apparently shouldn't hold its members to account (somebody probably should, but not the council);
• Despite the closed meeting of August (which Simmons attended), the establishment of an investigative committee that presented charges against him (which he received), and the council planning to have a closed meeting to hear charges against him and have him offer a defense, there has been no "due process";
• that a group that has no money and no power other than to offer advice to the board of supervisors is a "legislative body;"
• And some wonderful coded phrases, like "Is it a clan of people with special interests representing the few?"  Good one, that.  Not incendiary at all.  Bravo, Weekly!

Weekendin'

The holidays are revving up the activities:

Fri., Dec. 4

• Art Weekend starts at Lake and Mariposa with Walt Trephasko's own photography at Photography by Walt, and the Art Bender Weekend continues at McGinty's Gallery at the End of the World.  Click on the link for for info.

Sat. Dec. 5

• Rummage Sale at Altadena Elementary School, 743 E. Calavaras St., 7:30 AM - 1:30 PM. Link
• Big Fall Fundraiser at Odyssey Charter School, 725 W. Altadena Dr.,  8:30 AM-1 PM, with a pancake breakfast, rummage sale, and Scholastic books for sale. Link.
• Altadena Sheriff's Station Tour of Altadena bike ride, starts and ends at Loma Alta Park: registration starts at 8, bike ride starts at 9, barbecue at 11. Link.
• Altadena NAACP will hold a presentation on "Raising Educational Achievement for Foster and Probation Youth"  at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr., from 9:30 AM- 12 noon.

Sun., Dec. 6

• NAACP Youth Council meets at 4 PM at the Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.

McGinty's Art Bender weekend kicks off tonight

McGinty's Gallery at the End of the World (Altadenablog sponsor) will kick off its quarterly Art Bender Weekend tonight with a reception for the artists starting at 6 PM at the gallery, 2475 N. Lake.  Activities continue throughout the weekend (check out the ad on the left hand column for details).

Art weekend starts Friday at Lake & Mariposa

Just received from Walt Trepashko from Photography by Walt:

SAVE THE DATES!  Art Weekend! Dec 4th-6th and Dec 12th North Lake Pole "Shop Hop" Festival! 

Dec 4th-6th! 

At the corner of Lake & Mariposa! 

PHOTO SHOW AND FRAME SALE!!!!!

Photography by Walt  will be having a photo exhibit of owner Walt Trepashko's Travel work. 

Frame Sale!! 50-90% off 

December 4th Friday 4pm-9pm
December 5th Sat 10am-4pm
December 6th Sun 10am-1pm
Friday evening join us for snacks and refreshments


Gallery at the End of the World Dec Group Show
GREAT ARTWORK FOR SALE! 
Gallery At The End Of The World will be hosting its December Artbender Weekend, a group show featuring over 40 artists on the 3rd,4th, 5th and 6th

2475 N Lake Ave Altadena CA 91001 (JUST UP FROM PHOTOGRAPHY BY WALT)

gallery will be open daily 12-6pm

Thursday- artist reception 6-9pm
Friday- first friday art club opening 7-1am 5.00 COVER
Saturday- potluck barbecue
Sunday- brunch

Thursday night's entertainment will be Single Trak
Friday night Wreck & Sow will be playing

www.galleryattheendoftheworld.com

Still time to enroll for the 2009 Tour de 'Dena!

LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT,

ALTADENA SHERIFF’S STATION and LOS ANGELES SHERIFF’S
ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION PRESENTS

2009 Tour of Altadena Bike Ride
Saturday, December 5, 2009
9:00AM - 1:00PM

10 Mile FAMILY FUN RIDE or
12.5 Mile HILL CHALLENGE

Start and end at Loma Alta Park, Bronco Pavilion
Palm Street, east of Lincoln Avenue, Altadena
Bike Ride Entry- $10.00
Registration - 8:00-8:45AM, Bike Rides Start - 9:00AM
Opportunity Drawing Tickets $1.00, or (6) for $5.00.
11:00 AM - Barbecue - $6.00 (Includes burger or hot dog, chips, salad and a drink.
***All proceeds will benefit the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Annual Charitable Giving Campaign***
For further information contact: Sergeant Daniel Bartlett at Altadena Station (626)296-2106

Winter Solstice celebration at Farnsworth Park Dec. 20

Something for everybody!  We found this activity (to take place at the Davies Building) from the Men's Center of Los Angeles.

Branding and the Altadena Symphony

Jim McCarthy writes an interesting piece about branding on this webpage, also using as an example the ficticious "Altadena Symphony Orchestra" -- but says that "our greatest cultural asset in Altadena is the Quizno’s."

Good Lord, man!  Apparently he's unaware of the Coffee Gallery, McGinty's, Altadena Junction, Folly Bowl, Zorthian Ranch, Beckett Hall ... or even (if we just stick to food) Bulgarini Gelato!

But he's right about branding, and this is why we don't publish a lot about Pasadena, Eagle Rock, Sierra Madre, video gaming, and many other things we've been asked to print.  We're still learning how to handle Altadena!

Rummage sale to benefit Cat Posse this Sat.

Renee Walker emails that there will be a major rummage sale this Sat., Dec. 5, to benefit Cat Posse, a local rescue group: www.catposse.org

When: Saturday 12/5  from 8-4

Where: 782 W. Mariposa St. Altadena (cross St. is Casitas)

LOTS of stuff including brand new clothes/toys, plus furniture, antiques, collectables, vintage clothing, household items, etc. and a TON of nice books!

Art & jewelry Christmas boutique Dec. 13

'Tis the season for Christmas boutiques, for sure!  Here's another one:

Art and Jewelry Christmas Boutique
927 E Poppyfields Drive
Altadena, CA 91001

Sunday - December 13, 2009
10am to 4pm 

Browse and relax while shopping for unique Christmas gifts items for that special someone or for yourself.  All items are hand-crafted by local artist.

Jewelry, ceramics, and glassware art by 8 attending local artists.

Missing critters

Trying to reunite pets and their homes:

[Tuesday] morning I found a beautiful, friendly, Pekinese dog wandering the neighborhood around Glenrose and W. Loma Alta. See attached photo.
Color: Light reddish, brown
Size: Small--about 23lbs to 28lbs
Sex: Male
Blue collar, no tags or ID
Shy, but friendly.
Because I have two dogs at home, I had LA County (Baldwin Park) Animal control pick him up. The telephone number to that office is 626.962.3577.

If anyone needs more info, they can call me on my mobile: 949.350.6225.

I hope you can post this so he can be reunited with his people!

And another:

Hello all, hope you are having a great holiday season! As many of you know we have moved. I am very pleased to report we have wonderful tenants Hailey & Bryan at our Little House on Calaveras between Fair Oaks and Marengo!!

 Unfortunately their Husky Gemma got out during the wind storm. If you have any information, a sighting or have picked her up please let us know ASAP! She is about 4 months old with an I.D. tag that has a disconnected number on it.

 Thank you so much in advance for keeping an eye out for her and hopefully we can reunite them soon!!!!

email me or call me @ 626.318.1546 if you have any information!

Christmas ornament class @ Heart & Soul Healing Art Center

Altadena artist Heather Morrow will lead a session to create Christmas ornaments on Sat., Dec. 5, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM at Heart & Soul Healing Art Center, 1167 North Lake Ave., Pasadena.

In this session we will create holiday ornaments. You will leave with something fun to decorate the tree.

Artist Heather Morrow will guide you to create a unique work of art, inspired by your own vision. Each participant will be provided with the necessary supplies; however, you are welcome to bring any objects or embellishments to add to your work (or share).

[$30 - includes materials.]

Please call (626) 798-8337 to make reservations. Reservations are needed to ensure enough materials.

Oriental fusion handcrafts for teens @ the library, Dec. 22

On Tues., Dec. 22 @ 5:00 PM, teens (12-17) come to the Library and transform an empty pint-sized milk carton into a beautiful box perfect for the presentation of that special gift or as a nice keepsake box in during this festive holiday season.

This fun Teen Program begins at 5:00PM in the Community Room and is limited to 25 participants.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Altadena Library and facilitated by Reiyukai America.

 

Holiday music program at the library, 7 PM Dec. 11

The Altadena Public Library, 600 E. Mariposa St., will host an evening of holiday music with the the First United Methodist Church of Pasadena's Handbell Choir and Dulcet Singers on Fri., Dec. 11, starting at 7 PM in the Community Room.

Greeting card-making workshop Dec. 6

On Sun., Dec. 6, 1-4 PM, there will be a Greeting Card Making workshop at the home and studio of artist Karen Bagnard (www.morethanmermaids.com), 517 Wapello Street, Altadena.

$30 – all materials provided - Make as many cards as you like

Bring your imagination and sense of play…bring a friend (or two)… make new friends… create cards to give to all your family and friends… amaze yourself!

Reserve your space now:  626-798-9307 … or just show up!

.

St. Mark's Church hosts Alternative Christmas Market, soldier care packages

COME TO THE ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS MARKET!
The spirit of giving fills the Holiday season with joy! This year, why not choose to give the gift of HOPE? Saint Mark's Episcopal Church annual Alternative Market will be held on December 6 and 13 in the Community Hall from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

This is an opportunity to purchase items or in-kind donations for loved ones, friends and family members during the holiday season. We will be supporting the Heifer Project, Habitat for Humanity, African Team Ministries, Episcopal Relief and Development, Altadena's own Altadena Church's Together Serving (ACTS) Food Pantry.  The Saint Mark's high school youth group is also collection items for holiday care packages for our soldiers.  We hope all of you will come and shop to give the gift of HOPE for people here and around the world by helping them on the road to self-reliance.

Saint Mark's Church

1014 E. Altadena Dr.

Altadena, CA  91001

626-798-6747

The tan church on the south side of Altadena Drive just East of Lake Avenue.

Portantino holiday celebration @ Armory Dec. 13

Snortland to keynote Human Rights Day event

Altadena author and human rights advocate Ellen Snortland will be the keynote speaker at Pasadena's International Human Rights Day Celebration on Thurs., Dec. 10 at the Gold Room in the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.

The 7 PM keynote address will be followed by a reception at 8 PM. For more information, call (626) 744-7147.

Advent: now, the time of waiting

Matthew Lumpkin, a congregant at Altadena Baptist Church, shares some wonderful short sketches on his blog that were done as part of the worship service, in immediate response to haiku written and read by Tim Eby-McKenzie.  The sketches and haiku are on the web page, they're all beautiful, and a good way get ready for the season ahead!

Just added to N. Lake Pole Event: photo exhibit @ Altadena Junction

Have we reminded you that the Altadena Arts Coalition and the merchants of North Lake Ave. will be holding a community "shop-hop" event on Sat. Dec. 12?  And that there will be food and music, drawings, and other activities, including sledding on real snow at Galloway Alley?

Well, Altadena Junction (Lance Anderson and Marisol Martinez's performance/healing space at 2524 & 2526 El Molino) will be holding a photo exhibit during the event.  This joins the photo and art exhibits at McGinty's Gallery at the End of the World and Photography by Walt to make Altadena the arts place in Southern California that day! You have to go -- and it starts right after the lighting of Christmas Tree Lane, so you'll be out and about, anyway!

Altadena NAACP holiday potluck Dec. 12

The Altadena NAACP will have its holiday membership celebration potluck dinner and culinary contest on Sat., Dec. 12, from 2-5 PM at the community center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.

Annual membership party, open to the community, supporters, members, their families and friends.  Show your culinary skills by bringing your favorite dish to be sampled, be it a dessert, appetizer, main dish or salad and enter it to win a prize.  Everyone in attendance will have an opportunity to select a winning food item in each category and prizes will be awarded. In addition, everyone in attendance will be eligible to win two tickets to the 2010 NAACP Image Awards.  You must be present to win. For more information and updates, call 626-794-7999.

Farnsworth Park Winter Camp registration starts Dec. 7

Wondering what to do with the kids over the holidays?  Farnsworth Park will be taking registrations starting Mon., Dec. 7, for the Dec. 21-31 Winter Camp.

The camp (which is closed on holidays) will run from 8 AM-6 PM every day, and cost is $50 per week.  Space is limited to 40 campers ages 7-14, a snack is provided, but children must bring their own lunch.

Activities include:
 
    •    Arts n’ Crafts
    •    Computers
    •    Educationally based activities
    •    Outdoor recreation
    •    Computer club
 
For more information, call the Farnsworth Park office at (626) 798-6335.

Request: want to form a neighborhood Yahoo group?

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View Proposed HAHA boundaries in a larger map

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We subscribe to most of the neighborhood newsgroups to keep up with what's going on, and have been very impressed with how well they communicate and what they do -- the neighborhood groups were very active during the Station Fire, they share burglary information with each other, and the President Streets group just launched a toy drive for the sheriff's station (thank you, Lisa Gibson of Altadenablog sponsor Mike Gibson's Service Center for that one!)

We've decided that we want to start one for the area around Altadenablog World Headquarters, tentatively named HAHA (Holliston Area Homeowner's Assn.).  It's not restricted to homeowners, of course -- just residents of the area.  At this point, the final name is unknown and the boundaries are fluid, altho' Altadena Dr. and Mendocino sound like a logical north-south boundary.

So this is a trial balloon to see if there's any interest and feedback.  If you're in the area, send an email to our altadenablog@gmail.com address and share your thoughts!