altadenablog

Schiff hosts Haiti crisis panel at library, tonight at 5

Congressman Adam Schiff will host a panel discussion about the crisis in Haiti and efforts underway to rebuild the country from 5-7 PM tonight at the Altadena Library Community Room, 600 E. Mariposa, from 5-7 PM. The panel will include Dr. Henri Ford, Surgeon-in-Charge at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. Dr. Ford is a native of Haiti and recently returned from the country after performing hundreds of hours of emergency surgery. Other panel participants will discuss the situation in Haiti now and what is being done to help residents put their lives back together in the wake of this horrible tragedy.

Mt. Lowe Railway talk in San Marino Tues.

Got this message from Rex Mayreis, Altadena resident and a librarian at the Crowell Library in San Marino:

A free trip to the glorious past of the Mount Lowe Railway above Altadena

See historical pictures of the Mount Lowe Railway and hear about the marvelous playground that was developed above Altadena by Thaddeus Lowe in the 1890's. David J. Macpherson was the engineering genius that designed the inclined railway to Mount Echo. The Pacific Electric Railway red cars brought people up to the Rubio Pavilion in Rubio Canyon, where they boarded the incline cars for the exciting trip up to Echo. Guests could stay at the Echo Mountain House, where there was a small observatory and other recreation, or get on another railway for the glorious trip to beautiful Alpine Tavern, tucked away higher up.

Michael Patris, of the Mount Lowe Preservation Society, has gathered a wonderful array of photographs in his book, "Images of Rail: Mount Lowe Railway." He shares some of these pictures and gives a dynamic talk about how all of this came to be. He gave this excellent presentation for the Altadena Historical Society a couple of years ago. If you missed it, or would like to see it again, come to the Crowell Public Library in San Marino this Tuesday, March 2 at 7:00 PM to experience this impressive part of local history. Call the Library at (626) 300-0777 for information. The program is free and there is no need to register. The address is 1890 Huntington Drive, San Marino, just 5 or 6 miles down the hill. The Library's web site is http://sanmarinopl.org and the web site for the Mount Lowe Railway Preservation Society is http://www.mountlowe.org.

Land use committee Tues. meeting cancelled

Sometimes the headline says it all!

Teddy bear clinic at the Library March 10, 11 AM

Is your best friend a bit under the weather?  Come down to the Altadena Library at 11 AM March 10 for the Teddy Bear Clinic.  A team of medical professionals from Huntington Hospital will give the teddy's of children age 2-6 a thorough, free examination!  The library is at 600 E. Mariposa.

Webster's Fine Stationers goes video, gives back

We always support Altadena business (especially when it's a business that supports us, like Webster's Fine Stationers!).   Lori Webster has directed us to an ad they've done on YouTube that gives their store's direction and philosophy in a direct and dynamic way.

And, by the way, the picture is of Lori and Scott Webster in front of the sun cover that Webster's donated to Danny's Farm, another of our favorite places!

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Stormwatch: still flood potential, no injuries, one rescue

Highlights from the 11 AM county storm briefing, from ATC chair Gino Sund:

1.  The forecast for today's is for an unstable cold front with the possibility of thunder showers.  No accumulation totals available at this time, but National Weather flash flood warnings remain in effect.  

 

2.  There were no injuries or damage reported as of this time. 

 

3.  The critical catch basins are at around 50% capacity and are receding at this moment.  No significant over flow is expected today, based on the forecast.

 

3.  The hard closures remain in effect for sections of La Canada Flintridge and Crescenta Valley. No closures or evacuation orders in Altadena

 

4. The next briefing will be 7:00 p.m. this evening.

We augment this with this from Carolyn Seitz:

The Sheriff's Department and the Fire Department still have their incident command posts in place at Camp 2 for Fire and at Descanso Gardens for the Sheriff's Department.   Both still are still operating with augmented staffing levels to be sure to keep the evacuation areas closed and to be ready to respond to incidents or issues as they arise.

So far, from this storm event, there have been no injuries reported, no damage reported and there was 1 rescue of the driver of a pickup truck who got caught in mud and debris flows.  He was successfully rescued without injury.

As always, stay safe in the rain. 

The Weathercam is reporting 1.5 inches since midnight this morning.  And latest from National Weather Service:

...THE FLASH FLOOD WARNING HAS EXPIRED FOR CENTRAL LOS ANGELES COUNTY...

RAINFALL HAS TAPERED OFF OVER THE STATION AND MORRIS BURN AREA...HOWEVER...MUD AND DEBRIS MAY STILL REMAIN UP THE DRAINAGE BASINS FOR THE NEXT SEVERAL HOURS...CAUSING MINOR FLASH FLOODING AND DEBRIS FLOWS.

Yes, the NWS notice (flash flood warning expired) contradicts the briefing, but floods are still possible.  When it doubt, proceed cautiously!

Stormwatch Sat. AM: The rain is here, flash flood warning in effect

The Altadena Weathercam at 9 AM says it all!

National Weather Service says there's still a danger of flash floods.  Some weather stations have already recorded over one inch since it began (Bill Westphal's Weathercam station has already recorded 1.26 since midnight):

...A FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 730 AM PST FOR THE STATION...MORRIS AND SANTA ANITA BURN AREAS IN CENTRAL LOS ANGELES COUNTY...

PERIODS OF HEAVY RAINFALL HAVE OCCURRED ACROSS THE RECENT BURN AREAS IN CENTRAL LOS ANGELES COUNTY SINCE 230 AM...WITH SEVERAL AUTOMATED GAUGES REPORTING OVER 1.00 INCH. ADDITIONAL BANDS OF HEAVY RAIN AND A SLIGHT CHANCE OF THUNDERSTORMS WILL CONTINUE TO SPREAD ACROSS THE WARNING AREA...WITH RAINFALL RATES EXCEEDING ONE HALF INCH PER HOUR AT TIMES. IF THUNDERSTORMS WERE TO DEVELOP...RAINFALL RATES UP TO 1.00 INCH PER HOUR WILL BE POSSIBLE. RAIN AT THESE INTENSITIES WILL LIKELY CAUSE FLASH FLOODING AND DEBRIS FLOWS IN AND AROUND THE RECENT BURN AREAS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A FLASH FLOOD WARNING FOR A RECENT BURN AREA MEANS THAT FLOODING AND DEBRIS FLOWS ARE IMMINENT OR OCCURRING. RESIDENTS LIVING IN OR IMMEDIATELY DOWNSTREAM SHOULD TAKE IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONS TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY. QUICKLY MOVE AWAY FROM THE BURN AREA ONLY IF IT IS SAFE TO DO SO...OTHERWISE SHELTER IN PLACE AND MOVE TO A SECOND STORY OR THE HIGHEST LOCATION IN YOUR HOME TO STAY OUT OF THE PATH OF FAST-MOVING WATER AND DEBRIS FLOWS.

Nothing "plein" about Desdy Kellogg

Just a quick entry on a lovely feature in PSN by Queen Mickie Mills about Desdy Kellogg, owner of Altadena Stables and plein air painter.

Rain tonight & tomorrow, flash flood watch in effect

Relaying a message from Carolyn Seitz of the sheriff's Community Advisory Committee:

As of 11 am this morning, the County's Unified Command has issued the following information in preparation for the storm event expected to affect the Foothill burn areas, including Altadena.

The Unified Command consists of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.

WEATHER    Rain is expected to begin around midnight tonight and continue until 4 pm Saturday, February 27th.  Rainfall is anticipated to be up to 3 inches with the possibility of Thunderstorms that may produce rainfall at a rate greater than 1/2 inch per hour.

DEBRIS BASINS    The County Department of Public Works has many of the debris basis fully cleared and at 100% available capacity.   They believe that others that are not yet at 100% capacity have been cleared to the greatest extent possible and they believe the basis will have adequate capacity to accommodate this particular storm event.

ROAD CLOSURES    There are no new road closures expected for Altadena, except the existing closure at the Chaney Trail Gate.

MANDATORY EVACUATIONS    There are no announced nor anticipated evacuations for Altadena at this point, except that Millard Campground remains closed.  There are mandatory evacuation orders for portions of La Canada and La Crescenta.  A total of 244 residences will be under mandatory evacuation orders in those communities, with 85 of these in La Crescenta and the remainder in La Canada.   The mandatory evacuation order in these areas well begin at 4 pm today with evacuation completed by 6 pm.  All of the agencies are asking for mandatory evacuation orders to be honored for the protection of the residents and for the protection of all emergency responders.

INCIDENT COMMAND POSTS    are being set up today.  Los Angeles County Fire will set up a Command Post at Camp 2 by 3 pm and the Fire Department will have augmented staffing to respond if issues arise.  Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department will have a Command Post set up at Descanso Gardens by 3 pm today and will also have augmented staffing in the area to respond to issues, conduct the evacuation and to protect the evacuated areas.  The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works will also be working in the evacuation areas and will continue to monitor all of the debris basins and intakes 24 hours per day.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION    is available at www.dpwcare.org and information on anticipated rainfall, flooding, mud and debris flows is available here:  http://dpw.lacounty.gov/wrd/forecast/file/mud4cast.pdf

As always, stay safe and don't forget to attend tomorrow's Neighborhood Watch Conference at Loma Alta Park to learn more about ways you can protect yourself and your family.

Carolyn

And from the National Weather Service:

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH FOR THE RECENT BURN AREAS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING...

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

* FLASH FLOOD WATCH FOR THE RECENT BURN AREAS IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY. THIS INCLUDES THE STATION...MORRIS AND SANTA ANITA BURN AREAS.

* FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING

* RAIN WILL DEVELOP AFTER MIDNIGHT AS THE MAIN FRONTAL BAND MOVES INTO THE AREA AND WILL PERSIST THROUGH SATURDAY AFTERNOON. RAIN WILL THEN TURN SHOWERY BY SATURDAY EVENING. PEAK HOURLY RAINFALL RATES SHOULD OCCUR AFTER SUNRISE AND PERSIST THROUGH NOON ON SATURDAY. RAIN AND SHOWERS WILL BE HEAVY AT TIMES...AND THERE IS A CHANCE OF THUNDERSTORMS. THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR RAINFALL RATES BETWEEN ONE INCH AND ONE AND ONE HALF INCH PER HOUR. THESE RATES ARE IN EXCESS OF THRESHOLDS DETERMINED BY THE USGS TO BE SUFFICIENT TO CAUSE FLASH FLOODING AND DEBRIS FLOWS IN AND BELOW THE RECENT BURN AREAS.

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.

Weekendin'

And it's all on Saturday:

• The Neighborhood Watch conference starts at 8 AM and goes to 3 PM at Loma Alta Park.  Frank Girardot, Pasadena Star-News editor, is the keynote speaker, and there will be many presentations on crime prevention and emergency preparedness.
• Read to Pearl, a lovable poodle, at Barks and Books at the Library ( 11 AM)
• At 1 PM, there will be a community meeting at Charles White Park to discuss the future improvements and direction of the park.
• At 2 PM, the Crown City Symphony will be in concert at the Altadena Senior Center,  featuring Mischa Lefkowitz, first violin with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.  Admission is free.

Short takes

• Assemblyman Anthony Portantino has introduced a bill to shield teenagers seeking emergency medical attention for someone possibly suffering alcohol poisoning.  The bill comes in the wake of the death of South Pasadena High School Student Aydin Salek, 17, who fell unconscious last December at an Altadena house party.  PSN has the details.
• LA Weekly has an article, "99 Things to Eat in LA Before You Die," and one of them is Bulgarini's goat cheese gelato -- because, it says, it tastes like goat.  Don't know about that, but the gelato is worth dying for!
• Altadena resident Elyssa Tamzyn McElrath was named to the Dean's List for the fall 2009 semester at Georgetown College, a liberal arts college in Georgetown, KY. McElrath is the daughter of Timothy and Dorothy McElrath. Details are here.

Aperture Society has an opening at the Library March 5

The Aperture Society of Los Angeles will feature the works of seven members in a display of photographic works at the Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa.  The Aperture Society is a non-Profit group dedicated to furthering the practice of fine art photography and is open to everyone to join.

There will be a reception on Fri., March 5, from 5-9 PM at the library's Community Room to open the show. All are invited.

Altadena Chamber mixer tonight, 5:30-7

Just a reminder:

ALTADENA CHAMBER MIXER REMINDER

FEBRUARY 25, 2010 

 

Host: Blount's Plumbing

Venue: Health Advantage

 1450 N. Lake Ave. Pasadena, CA

(626) 798-7805

 

HS seniors: March 1 deadline for Edison Scholars Program

NOTE: Here's the online link to a form that needs to be filled out and mailed -- yes, mailed! -- by March 1:
www.edison.com/edisonscholars

High school seniors are encouraged to apply for Edison International’s annual Edison Scholars program, which has a March 1 deadline to submit applications. Each selected student will be awarded a $2,500 college scholarship, renewable for up to $10,000.

The Edison Scholars program focuses on students studying science, technology, engineering and math and provides scholarships for those who show the potential to have successful college careers. Applicants must:
•    Be high school seniors who live, or attend a public or private school, in the 50,000-square-mile service area of Southern California Edison (SCE), a subsidiary of Edison International.
•    Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
•    Be planning to attend a four-year college in or near SCE’s service territory.
•    Be full-time students majoring in math, physics, chemistry, engineering, materials science or computer science/information systems.
•    Be citizens or legal permanent residents of the U.S.
•    Demonstrate financial need.

The scholarship is renewable each year for up to four years, provided recipients meet all eligibility requirements. In 2009, Edison International awarded nearly $178,000 to 71 Edison Scholars.

Applications must be postmarked by March 1. Winners of the scholarships will be notified by June. To download an application and to learn more about the Edison Scholars program, including lists of eligible schools and colleges, visit www.edison.com/edisonscholars

Arroyo Food Co-op Coffee Shop Hop tonight @ Zona Rosa

From the Arroyo Food Co-op:

Please join us at our second stop in our 2010 Coffee Shop Hop series on February 23!

Arroyo Food Co-op's Coffee Shop Hops are a great chance to get to know other community members interested in creating a cooperative grocery store!

Would you like a community-owned grocery store in our area that sells fresh, organic, sustainably produced, locally grown delicious food?

If so, join us at Zona Rosa Caffe (address below) on Tuesday, February 23 - 7:00 p.m. You can ask questions, learn about progress in bringing Arroyo Food Co-op into being, meet current member-owners, become a member-owner yourself, and support a local business!

Zona Rosa Caffe offers a variety of coffee and tea beverages, smoothies, and pastries. Please note: Zona Rosa is a cash-only coffee house.

Arroyo Food Co-op Coffee Shop Hop
February 23, 7:00 p.m.
Zona Rosa Caffe
15 South El Molino
Pasadena, CA 91101

EAT: Los Angeles Book Give-away! Current member-owners who attend and those who join at this event will receive a complimentary copy of EAT: Los Angeles, 2009 courtesy of Prospect Park Books (while supplies last).

Altadena Heritage: Preserve, don't replace, your old windows

 
Altadena Heritage's next "Heritage of Abundance" workshop will be Thurs., March 4 at the Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.  starting at 6:30 PM. "Windows and Doors: Preserve, Don't Replace" is free for members of Altadena Heritage, and $5 suggested donation for non-members.

Historical Society to tour Col. Green's carriage house April 25

The Altadena Historical Society will be touring Col. G.G. Green's carriage house this spring, and the graphic tells you all you need to know!

Sonnenburg found guilty

Mark Walter Sonnenburg, 53, of Altadena, pled guilty Monday to two counts of lewd acts with a child. Sonnenburg had been working as a teacher at the Eagle Rock Montessori school at the time.  PSN has details.

UPDATE: PSN fleshes out the details in a later story:  actually, Sonnenburg PLEADED no contest, but courts CONSIDER it as a guilty plea and sentence  accordingly.  (A "no contest" plea may have some bearing in future civil lawsuits).  We've changed our headline to reflect that.

Girardot named PSN editor

A tip of the hat today to Frank Girardot, senior metro editor for the San Gabriel Valley Newspaper Group (which includes the Pasadena Star-News) and writer of the invaluable Crimescene blog.  Girardot was promoted Monday to editor of the Star-News, which means everybody there reports to him.  Frank is one of the paper's best reporters, and an Altadenablog fan (we use his complimentary quote about us in our ad rate sheet!), and we congratulate him on his achievement.

Reserve NOW for Sat's Neighborhood Watch Conference @ Loma Alta

The Neighborhood Watch conference is this Saturday, and there's still time to reserve your spot. It sounds like a great program, and they've just announced that the keynote speaker will be Frank Girardot, author of the CrimeScene blog and newly-named editor of Pasadena Star News.

From Carolyn Seitz:

Thank you to the many who have already RSVP'd for Saturday's Neighborhood Watch Conference at Loma Alta Park.

For those who haven't yet RSVP'd, we'd love to know if you're coming so we have a chair, materials and food for you.

For those bringing CHILDREN - please tell us the number of children you're bringing and their ages so the County Department of Parks & Recreation has plenty of age appropriate activities planned for them.

For PARKING - there is a lot at Loma Alta and Sunset Ridge (1 block east of Lincoln), another parking lot further north on Sunset Ridge, and a parking lot on Palm, just east of Lincoln, at the Community Garden.  If you park at the lot on Palm, a Sheriff's Department Van will pick you up in that parking lot and bring you up to the park.  The van will also return you to your vehicle.  There should be ample street parking on Sunset Ridge, Loma Alta and Lincoln as well.

Here's the PROGRAM planned for the day:

8:00 am REGISTRATION - INFORMATION BOOTHS - CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

Beginning at 9:00 am . . .

Welcome & Introductions - Director Natalie Salazar and Conference Chair Carolyn Seitz

Keynote Speaker - Frank Girardot, Pasadena Star News

Changing the Face of Neighborhood Watch - Director Natalie Salazar

Ask Your Mentors (How to Start/Maintain/Revitalize a Neighborhood Watch) with Tecumseh Shackleford, Sondra DeJardin, Adam Bell, Bill Westphal and Eric Pierce - a Panel Discussion

Are you Ready?  What role does Neighborhood Watch Play in Disaster Preparedness? - with Deputy Wilson Lee, Lead Volunteer Dudley Rainey, Los Angeles County Animal Care & Control -  Mary Lukins and Equine Response Team Lead Linda Horrell, Department of Public Works - Bob Spencer, Los Angeles County Fire - Chief Matta & Stephanie English, Community Service Liaison

California Crime Fighters, Personal Safety, Vehicle Safety & Target Hardening, Don't be a Victim, or Don't be a Victim AGAIN! - George Gaunty

LUNCH - A delicious hot lunch is provided for your convenience

What Did I See?  Be a better witness - Altadena's Community Relations Deputy Michael Prince and Deputy Douglas DeCesare, Community Law Enforcement Partnership Programs Unit

Gangs & Drugs - How the Community Can Make a Difference! - Detective Christopher Seitz, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

Closing Remarks - end at 3 pm

Arts in Altadena is the topic on "Our Town" Wed. night

Michele Zack will be sitting in for Marie Stein on Our Town, Wed. 9 PM, on Charter’s Arroyo Channel 32 (or watch streaming video on your computer at PasadenaCommunityNetwork.com).

 

"
Michele and Ben McGinty, whose “Gallery at the End of the World” is the center of Altadena’s art scene, will discuss not only the Gallery and its current and upcoming shows, but also Altadena as a vortex for art and artists across our town’s idiosyncratic past. Join us for a discussion about what it is that makes this place such an art magnet, and a look at a few of the interesting characters who have come here to make art. We will also share contemporary and historic images, and take viewer calls the second half of our program, at 626/794-8585.

(The picture is by Kay Neilson.  Michele tells us:

"Kay Neilsen came to Altadena in 1936 from Denmark, and inspired Fantasia while working for Disney. While among the most famous artists of the "Golden Age of Illlustration," he struggled to make a living  because he worked rather slowly.")

It's the arts!

• A nod to Altadena author (and our old Claremont School of Theology classmate) Michelle Hunevan, whose new novel, Blame, is one of the five fiction finalists for the National Book Critics Circle.
• On the heels of that, Hometown Pasadena celebrates Hunevan and many other local authors who've had books coming out, including Altadena's Marla Frazee, Ian Whitcomb, Michele Zack, sometime Altadenan Liz Palmer, and Naomi Hirahara (whose detective character, Mas Arai, is an Altadena gardener)
  
• Edith Roberts, former president of the Pasadena symphony (and a 50-year resident of Tanoble Dr.) died Sunday and earned this obit from the PSN.
• A Montreal musician who calls himself "Catman" has started a blog devoted entirely to Case Study House #20, the Saul Bass house on Santa Rosa.

Wyatt hearing delayed

Per PSN, a preliminary hearing for Ralph Wyatt, 49, of Altadena, was delayed.  Wyatt, a registered sex offender, was arrested last week for stalking, breaking into women's homes, and leaving sexually-explicit messages.

It's Claymation, dammit!

"Claymation - Working with ClayCraft Clay"

Saturday, March 6, 2010
10:30 am - 12:30 pm

Artist Heather Morrow will guide you to create a fun claymation character out of soft clay. Claymation is the term used for movies filmed by moving maleable clay figures. The most recent Claymation film released was "Coraline." Each participant will be provided with the clay necessary to make a small figurine. The clay air dries within 24 hours.

[$30 - includes materials.]

Reservations are recommended to ensure enough materials. Also, space is limited because we are indoors for the winter.

Heart & Soul Healing Art Center
1167 North Lake Ave.,
Pasadena, CA 91104
(626) 798-8337

Burglary @ Florecita Farm neighborhood

It looks like the east side burglers are taking their M.O. to other neighborhoods.  Reader Karen Hovanitz tells us:

A home on Crestford Drive, near Aladena Drive, in the Florecita Farm neighborhood, was  broken into [Feb. 19 in the afternoon]. The burglars came in through an open window at the rear of the house, and left through the front door. A computer, jewelry and a camera were taken. The home security system registered that the intruders were in the house two minutes. A palm print was left, and the Altadena Sheriffs will try to make an identification from that. We send our sympathy to the home owners. Please, be extra cautious about locking your doors and windows.

Sandra Thomas is 5th District "Woman of the Year"

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the Los Angeles County Commission for Women has selected Dr. Sandra E. Thomas, Altadena Council Member and CEO of the Quality of Life Center inc, (home of the Bright Futures Scholars), as one of the award recipients for the 25th Annual Women of the Year Award.

Dr. Thomas was selected from the 5th District which is represented by the Honorable Michael D. Antonovich.

The commission recognizes women who have worked long and hard to bring about social and economic change, served as exceptional role models, worked on behalf of women’s issues, demonstrated outstanding performance within their respective fields and advocated for women’ s rights.

Caregiver conference Sat. at Pasadena Buddhist Church

The Institute for Health Aging at Keiro Health Service and the Japanese Cultural Institute, with the Pasadena Buddhist Church and First Presbyterian Church of Altadena, we hold a Conference and Resource Fair for caregivers on Sat., Feb. 27 at Pasadena Buddhist Church, 1993 Glen Ave., Pasadena.

Also, individual consultations with health professionals, pharmacists, attorneys, resource specialists will be provided (by appointments). 

Breakfast, mid-morning break and "bento" lunch will be provided. Individual appointments and the Fair to 2 pm.  It is free.

Space is limited so reservations are required.  You can register on-line, www.keiro.org/caregiverconference.  For more information, please call (323) 980-2353.

NewTown looks at Brakhage works

The always-interesting Altadena-based arts consortium NewTown is holding an event in Los Angeles on March 10:  "Blast Phemy #2"  (oooh! how edgy and transgressive!) , but it's a mashup of the films of Stan Brakhage and new music by a variety of artists.  (We knew Stan and his ex-wife Jane back in the day, so we support any attempt to celebrate his work!)

It also has an open artist's call for installations at the Armory Center for the Arts, show opening Sept. 12.  Details here.

Lost pet

Garrett MIlls (who found the rabbit a couple of weeks ago -- no owner was located, but it was adopted out) writes us:

Coming down Palm Ave near Fair Oaks in Altadena on Wednesday night, 2/17, I found this Chihuahua in the road.  She has a blue collar but no tags. She was just laying in the road and then started limping to the curb, but pretty soon looked fine and walks normally after I took her home.

Please email me at gmills78@gmail.com or call me at 626-993-4173 if you have an idea of whose dog this is. 

Waldorf school holds high school panel discussion Sat.

The Pasadena Waldorf School, 209 E. Mariposa St., Altadena, is holding a panel discussion on campus Saturday morning  about the benefits of a 12-year Waldorf education (currently a pre-K thru 8th grade school, PWS is planning to add a high school in 2012.)  Click on graphic for details.

One toke over the line

One of our readers wants to know if there is an Altadena group supporting the passage of AB390.  We don't know if there is, but we BET you can probably find some in line at the grilled cheese truck  ...

UPDATE:  Altadenalog's brother, who can find the weirdest stuff ... just found the weirdest stuff:

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"Barks & Books" at the library this Sat.

This Saturday at the Altadena Library, read to the lovable poodle Pearl for "Barks & Books," starting at 11 AM at the library, 600 E. Mariposa.

The cheese stands ... with a crowd

Bill Westphal and the lovely Mrs. were out and about last night, and caught the crowd gathered in front of the Grilled Cheese Truck at McGinty's.  We confess that the lure of waiting in a long line to pay a premium price for something you'll devour in about two minutes escapes us, but it looks like a fun scene (and a great opening for McGinty's Characters show).

Black History Parade starts today at Charles White Park @ 10 AM

The Pasadena Independent has the details of today's Black History Month parade, starting at 10 AM today at Charles White Park and ending at Robinson Park in Pasadena. (The guy on the right used to live in Pasadena when he went to Oxy -- wonder whatever happened to him?)

LA Auto Show 1910

The LA Times blog The Daily Mirror, which talks about local history, has a feature on the 1910 Los Angeles Auto Show, and references the Pasadena-Altadena Hill Climb (which we today call "driving north up Los Robles"). 

Stormwatch: everything seems to be in place

Yes, we know the sky is blue and partly cloudy right now.  It won't last.  Carolyn Seitz relays some public safety information:

As of 11 am today, the following information is being provided by Incident Command for the coming storm:

Rainfall is still being anticipated at 1 to 2 inches in the foothill areas with rain expected to begin between late this afternoon and early this evening.

Thunderstorms are also possible, between the late evening hours and early Saturday morning.  Thunderstorms have the potential to produce greater rainfall amounts in shot periods of time.

There are no evacuation orders in place for Altadena, except that Millard Campground continues to be closed.

There are no road closures in effect for Altadena except from the Chaney Trail gate into the National Forest area.

The debris basins and inlets continue to be monitored.  In some areas, the County crews continue to remove debris or loose materials where they can do it safely, but the heavy equipment will be removed from the streambeds and drainages before the rain begins. 

For those of us who have friends and family in La Canada/Flintridge and La Crescenta, there are evacuation orders in place for portions of La Canada/Flintridge and La Crescenta. 

The Sheriff's Department has a command post set up at Descanso and has extra resources available to patrol the evacuated areas and will continue to do risk assessment to make sure they keep these areas secure.

The Department of Public Works is also working diligently to put additional K-rail in place to direct mud and debris flows from areas with the greatest risk for impact.

More information will be provided when it is available.

The County agencies - Fire Department, Department of Public Works and the Sheriff's Department - are set up for management of this event and have additional personnel already on hand.

Stay safe and be prepared.

Carolyn

Short takes

• Follow the bouncing PUSD ball:  after abruptly canceling the Teacher/Student of the month programs spearheaded by former Altadena town councilman Herbert Simmons, PUSD has reinstated them, according to Simmons' website. And in return, Simmons is calling for Altadenans to separate from PUSD and vote down the parcel tax.
• Border crossing: Town councilwoman Susan Goldman writes us to correct our story (involving the arrested sex offender) where the Pasadena/Altadena border lies along Woodbury:
  
  The north AND south side of Woodbury, at least between Catalina and Mar Vista, are both Altadena. The line is one house on Catalina on the east side, and 2 houses south on the west, both in Altadena.  Some backyards are in either, but the south side of Woodbury is Altadena.
  
  Sorry we even WENT there ...
• The ukulele maestro Kenny Yapkowitz shares with us that his son Fionn, a boy soprano with the St. Mark's Choristers and Altadena Children's Choir, is one of the singers in Andrew Cannon & Lexi Visco's art video, "Time Ghost".  In the piece, twelve children, ages 6-10, keep a scream/yell/shout going continuously for sixty minutes.   Here's a five-minute excerpt. Don't say we didn't warn you.
  

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Our own children perform this piece pretty much on a daily basis, variously for solo, duet, and trio.

Found: friendly kitten @ Braeburn and Porter

Reader Diane says she found a kitten Wednesday night at the 1500 block of Braeburn near Porter, which she describes as an "adorably sweet kitty," a gray tabby with light calico markings and white belly, who gets along with her dog.  If it sounds like anyone you know, please give her a call at 791-4702.

Stormwatch: rain tonight, watch for mud and debris, Canyon Crest impacts

Our local contact on county matters Carolyn Seitz has sent us the following:

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works has released information on the storm expected to arrive in our area around 6 pm Friday, February 19.

The National Weather Service is predicting rainfall of 1 to 2 inches in the foothill areas between Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, with a slight chance of thunderstorms Friday night and early Saturday morning that may produce higher rainfall amounts.

The mud and debris flow alert reminds us all that we should anticipate that mud and debris may flow down the canyons below the burn areas, in the watercourses and streams.  In Altadena, it means that there is still a potential for impact on Canyon Crest.

The County continues to prepare, and will be monitoring the debris basins during the storm, and as many of you are aware, will continue to clean the basins and inlets, before, during and after the storm.

There is no evacuation anticipated for Altadena, except that the Millard Campground area remains closed.

There are no road closures in Altadena except the existing closure at the Chaney Trail Gate.

As the agencies release updated information, I'll pass along what is released.

If you're interested in seeing the mud and debris flow predictions - the "mudcast" as it's being called, you can find the information at this location:  http://dpw.lacounty.gov/wrd/forecast/file/mud4cast.pdf

As always, stay safe and stay prepared.

Carolyn

Schiff to hold panel on Haiti at Altadena Library Feb. 28

Congressman Adam Schiff will host a panel discussion about the crisis in Haiti and efforts underway to rebuild the country on Feb. 28 at the Altadena Library Community Room, 600 E. Mariposa, from 5-7 PM.

The panel will include Dr. Henri Ford, Surgeon-in-Charge at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. Dr. Ford is a native of Haiti and recently returned from the country after performing hundreds of hours of emergency surgery. Other panel participants will discuss the situation in Haiti now and what is being done to help residents put their lives back together in the wake of this horrible tragedy. 

Redistricting and statisticing

Reader Chip Ossman is just giddy (well, that may not be the word) about his new appointment, and shares some thoughts:

I just received an email confirming I breathe, am able to email, and have promised that I am eligible to submit a Supplemental Application to serve on the "Citizen's Redistricting Committee" - of course, a lot of other people received the same email.

We now get to fill out the Supplemental Application.  It, appropriately, asks a lot of prying questions, wants long answers, and will require a decent amount of time to thoughtfully respond.  As the Committee to which we apply will be a huge commitment - no problem with using the application process as self-screening. However...

According to the website, there are ...  77 Altadena residents eligible to submit the Supplemental Application. Wow! There are 25,908 tentatively eligible applicants, state wide.  State population is roughly 37,000,000, so .07% representation, while Altadena population is represented (77/45,000) at .17% - more than double the state average! No surprise to most of us Altadenians.

Really fun, mind-numbing activity:  click on www.wedrawthelines.ca.gov, then click through to list the Altadenians who have applied - anyone can add public comment to any applicant's name.

Discover Altadena!

Meadows maven Greg Stanton has launched a new website, www.Discover-Altadena.com, which gives a rundown about all the things to do, places to go, and what's cool about town (and a couple of driving shortcuts we're going to definitely use!)

Cameron Turner to speak at Altadena Baptist Black History celebration Sun.

Cameron Turner, a rising journalist and social commentator, will be the keynote speaker at the 25th annual Black History Celebration sponsored by Altadena Baptist Church, on Sunday, February 21, beginning at 5 PM.

Turner is a native of Pasadena, where he attended public schools before earning a Bachelors Degree in Communications at Stanford University. His column “Turner’s Two Cents,” is published regularly in The Pasadena Journal. He also contributes to two web sites, Urban Thought Collective (UrbanThoughtCollective.com) and Electronic Urban Report (EURweb.com).

Recently, he has launched a career as a television commentator, partnering with well-known anchor Fred Roggin in the groundbreaking KNBC news program “The Filter with Fred Roggin.”

Foothill Municipal Water District puts out the word on supply projects

Denis Walcott, president of the The Walcott Company public relations firm, tells us that he's working with Foothill Municipal Water District to increase public awareness about their long-term water supply and reliability program.  (Foothill supplies water to Altadena's local water districts).  Foothill has identified more than $60 million in projects to increase the ability to use local water supplies, reduce dependence on expensive imported water and make the overall water system more stable.  As a portion of the funding for these projects may come from a parcel tax, Foothill wants to put the facts out to the public.

Details on Foothill's plans can be found at www.fmwd.com, and speakers are available for any group or organization that wants a presentation. Contact Walcott at 213-200-1563.

Counterfeit $100 bills circulating in the area

This message has been passed along from the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce by Altadena Sheriff Lt. Steven McLean:

Attention Businesses:

The Monrovia Police Department has sent us this information to pass on to our businesses.  The attached is what the altered bills look like.

Secret Service has issued a warning about counterfeit bills being used in our area.   One hundred dollar bills are being reproduced from $5.00 bills.  Counterfeiters are bleaching $5.00 bills and reprinting them as $100.00 bills with ink jet printers. 

Check for the correct watermark. It should be Benjamin Franklin NOT Abraham Lincoln on a $100.00 bill. Check the security thread. It should show as a PINK strip NOT Blue and read "USA 100" when held to the light.

LA County crime is down ... Altadena, not so much

Buried in this Brian Day story about the LA Sheriff's new chase policies in today's PSN is the following:

Data revealed that every San Gabriel Valley sheriff's station except Altadena showed a decrease in major crimes, such as homicide, robbery, rape, burglary and auto theft.

The sheriff's Altadena Station handled 7.6 percent more major crimes in 2009 than the previous year, and 21.2 percent more than in 2004.

The increases were due to more reports of assaults, burglaries and arsons.

Aveson relocating to Edison?

The fabulous Deb relays a message from Elliot Gold at the Upside-down T neighborhood about an upcoming meeting at his house -- seems that Aveson charter school is considering relocating to the Edison School building.  Details are here.

Grilled cheese at McGinty's -- umm, umm good!

Yes, this has been happening often enough now that we think it deserves its own graphic! Reader Eric Wilson writes:

My coworkers have been raving about the Grilled Cheese Truck (http://thegrilledcheesetruck.com/) and I just found out that it is coming to Altadena tomorrow (Friday) night from 7:00 to 10:00.  Let’s give them a reason to keep coming back.  Grilled cheese fans unite!

It's at 7 PM-10 PM, as part of "Drink and Draw Art" at McGinty's Gallery at the End of the World, 2475 N. Lake.

 

Summer Concert Series lineup announced

The Altadena Sheriff's Support Group is promising another lively & exciting concert season this summer, including several repeaters. SSG's Bob Klomburg  tells us:

I know it's way to early to begin publicizing the 14th Annual Summer Concert Series but I wanted to give you a heads up. For the first time in 14 years I have all the acts booked now! This normally doesn't happen until late March or early April.

 

I had nearly 40 applicants to fill just 9 concert dates. It was a tough choice as nearly all were within budget and very talented.

And the summer lineup is:

July 3: Elk's 99 Concert Band playing patriotic music for the July 4th Holiday.

July 10: The Downbeat Express will again put on a fantastic Big Band show.

July 17: Crown City Dixieland Band will give us an evening of foot tapping Dixieland Jazz

July 24: Melena and her phenomenal Latin Jazz Band will perform

July 31: Upstream will perform Caribbean music

August 7: Wreck N Sow Bluegrass, Country and Americana

August 14: Those Manning Boys and Friends will entertain with music and dance from the Public Houses of Ireland

August 28: The All American Flyers will entertain with Classic Rock 'n Roll

And for our Grand Finale...

September 11: Randy Caputo's Legends Show Band featuring tributes to: Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Louis Prima, Connie Francis and a special tribute to the Andrew Sisters. It will be a swinging good time!

Sheriff's station changing signs

Well, they're wasting no time with the improvements to the Altadena Sheriff's Station.  Sgt. Marsha Williams sends us this:

Along with other proposed improvements to Altadena Sheriff’s Station, the front neon sign will be undergoing renovations.   On Friday February 19, 2010, between 7-11 AM, the sign will be removed and renovated during the week.  The front door and lobby of the station will be inaccessible for approximately one hour during this time period.  Accommodations have been made to ensure that citizens can continue to obtain any services and assistance needed.  Signs will be posted directing the public to another station entrance, where they can contact personnel and conduct any business needed. 

Sign renovation will continue with its replacement on Friday, February 26,  between 7 AM-3 PM.  The same accommodations will be in place to allow for public access.  Any questions, please contact Altadena station at (626)798-1131.