altadenablog

Back at it Tuesday

Just returned from a wonderful, electronics-free weekend, and are slogging through the inbox for tomorrow's edition ...

Thank you ...

... to all those who have served, and especially those who have made the supreme sacrifice for our country, who we remember today.

Abraham Lincoln called the United States "the last best hope of earth," and it is still so, and God willing always will be.

UPDATE:  Mountain View Cemetery, 2400 N. Fair Oaks,  will have a Civil War re-enactment in commemoration of Memorial Day at 2 PM today.

Altadena Town & Country Club cuts the ribbon on new spa

Us, we'd never join a club that would have us as a member -- but your mileage may vary.  From the Altadena Town & Country Club:

Jacuzzi Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening

Wednesday, June 2 at 6 PM
Hosted cocktails and hors d'oeuvres


Join us as Tom Joyce cuts the ceremonial ribbon and takes the first plunge into the Club's latest and greatest amenity. The Jacuzzi will remain open for "adults only" thru Friday, June 4th and then be available for families beginning Saturday, June 5th.

Saturday in the 'Dena

Two events today (Sat.) that you shouldn't miss:

• Christ the Shepherd Lutheran Church Spring Jamboree going on from 11 AM-3 PM today at the church, 185 Altadena Drive (corner of Glenrose).   Activities include a giant fish fry “with all the fixins,”  bake sale, and arts and crafts from 10,000 Villages, African Team Ministries and local artists.  Proceeds to benefit CTS’ work with community programs and services.  
• Webster's Fine Stationers (Altadenablog sponsor) is hosting an afternoon with journalist/author Andre Coleman from 4-7 PM. Lori and Scott Webster tell us, "Enjoy snacks, libations and stimulating conversation with Mr. Coleman, who will be signing his books that are purchased at this event." Coleman will be autographing his books,  Blackbirds, Vol. 1, and A Liar's Tale. Webster's Fine Stationers is at 2450 N. Lake, Suite B.

"Art on Millionaire's Row" next Sat at the Library

Enjoy a day of fun for the whole family when Altadena Library hosts its first ever art festival featuring local artists, great food, entertainment and a hands on art project installation for kids on Saturday, June 5 from 10 AM. to 6 PM. 

Children attending are invited to participate in turning the library’s entry bridge into the Golden Gate using string, twine, and wire.   This art installation will be supervised by local artist David Lovejoy and remain in place for the public to enjoy following the festival.  Other events include “Barks for Books” where children read to Pearl the Poodle (a real dog!) in the morning and face painting and balloon sculpture in the afternoon.

30 local artists will be showing their paintings (oil/acrylic/mixed media), photography, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics/pottery, quilts and other types of artwork for sale. 18 artists will be participating in a juried salon show. In addition, there will be a silent auction for a donated painting by artist Michael Hall.

Local food vendors offering a “Taste of Altadena” include Martins BBQ, Amy's Patio Cafe, Bill's Chicken, the Coffee Gallery, and Nancy's Pastries.

“Millionaire’s Row” refers to a section of Mariposa Street between Lake and Fair Oaks Avenues that home to dozens of mansions of the rich and famous in Altadena’s early years.  The Altadena Library which sits on the corner of Mariposa and Santa Rosa is neighbor to the Andrew McNally and previous Colonel Green mansion.

The main Altadena Library District is located at 600 East Mariposa Street, Altadena.  For more information, please call 626-798-0833 or check the library’s website at www.altadenalibrary.org

 

New career and job help program at the Library

The Altadena Library has just acquired Career Transitions, a new electronic resource offering a comprehensive guide to career change.

Residents of Altadena may access Career Transitions at the Altadena main or branch Library or from any computer by going to the library Web site and using their library card.

Career Transitions is a complete, guided, self-paced application that walks the individual through the entire process – assessing strengths and interests, exploring new opportunities, preparing a resume, finding educational opportunities and networking advice, performing a comprehensive job search and applying online.  Workers are guided by clear and concise information about career paths, industries, companies, job availability, growth potential and professional associations – organized around simple-to-navigate portals that combine overviews with statistical information and Web tools to help make well-planned career choices.

“Career Transitions is a one-stop resource for people going through career change,” said Barbara Pearson, Library Director.  “It comes at a time when people need help making life-changing career choices and libraries are becoming more and more involved in this process.  This resource helps us increase the quality of our service and meet the needs of our patrons,” continued Pearson.

Across the country, librarians report being overwhelmed with requests for materials to assist users who are making job-related decisions.  Career Transitions encompasses the entire job search process, allowing Altadena Library users and the librarians assisting them to find answers, whether they are dealing with job loss, re-training needs or looking for new career paths.  

This project is supported in whole by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.

The main Altadena Library District is located at 600 East Mariposa Street, Altadena.  For more information, please call 626-798-0833 or check the library’s website at www.altadenalibrary.org.

Have a great holiday

We are enjoying family activities this weekend, so updates will be sporadic.

Short takes

• PSN's Mickie Mills has a feature on Deborah Blanco Flores, who will be the featured artist at next weekend's Art Bender at the Gallery at the End of the World.
• Pasadena police arrested  two teens, Ronald Middleton, 19, of Altadena, and Danielle Neukon, 18, after fleeing the scene of a burglary on their bicycles.  PSN has the details.  Seems to be a bad week for burglars, which makes it a good week for everyone else.
• Altadena artist Zofia Kostyrko, "The Brainy Brush Diva," has a fabulous website of her art: youchangemyworld.com.  It's to help to promote her upcoming show at the Coffee Gallery through the month of June (reception on June 13, 7-9 PM).  Kostyrko's pop art seems to consist entirely of Altadenans, and mostly Coffee Gallery owners and habitues, including Bob Stane, Julie Sandoval, Chef Jeff Klein,  Steve Lamb,  and others.  (Zorthian's there, too!) Check it out.

Dirty dogs steal pet business' computer and records

Jaime Rosier, proprietor of Goldilocks and the Hound Hikers, her dog and pet care business, told us that someone broke into her car on Calavaras on Tuesday afternoon, and stole her business bag -- which held her computer and paper files, almost all of her electronic and paper business records, including her accounts receivable, and banking documents, as well as personal documents. 

Then, last night, a good citizen recovered her bag on Palm St. near Fair Oaks.  Her computer and records were gone, but someone else's stuff was in it.

So she's asking people to be on the lookout for her computer (Asus model S37S, white pearlescent cover with a silver mesh print design and a broken left corner, serial no. 7BN0AS074151), and any paper files (documents have her name and/or her business name on them, including manila folders in light green and light tan).

She's also looking for the owner of any of these items that were in the recovered bag:

1. Sunglasses - Panama Jack brand, black, metal rimmed, police style, light/clear tint

2. Sunglasses - Ray Ban (black case that snaps w/ red interior), don't see Ray Ban on frames, mirrored lenses

3. Red rear view mirror decoration, chinese style w/ 3 tassles and knot work

4. 4 black cell phone chargers for cars : 3 are  Verizon Wireless models - 1 for  blackberry style, 1 for LG model (maybe) and 1 not sure what model it goes to. And 4th one is a black Griffin brand taped around cord part with black electrical tape near plug in part.

5. 2 ear phone sets for cell phones: 1) black, Magnavox model with ear shaped ear pieces where speakers are 2) black w/ silver stems to ear pieces, no name brand.

6. Yuu Waa (brand) Flash drive manual, start up guide and registration, REGISTRATION # : 0002-4B7F-07D1-04B6-46

Any of this sound familiar?  Contact Jaime at 626-437-4068.

Food truck Sigalert tonight @ Coffee Gallery

The Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake,  is to food trucks like one of those blue bug zappers are to flies.  Only without the insect death involved.

Tonight, says our Food Truck Maven Matthew Shropshire, Baby's Badass Burgers tweeted that they'll make a surprise visit from 6-9:30 PM.  This is on top of Get Shaved Hawaiian Ice being there from 10 PM-midnight.  And Kogi BBQ from 10:30 PM-12:30 AM.

And CHP will be SOMEWHERE on Lake Ave. tonight for a holiday DUI checkpoint.  So it looks like a full night.

Drive safe, be safe this weekend

We don't know why they announce this in advance -- but the CHP will be out and about tonight somewhere on Lake Ave. with a sobriety checkpoint from 6 PM-2 AM.  But you're too smart to be driving impaired, aren't you?

Coffee Gallery Frontstage -- open mic live on your computer

The bodacious Revvell Revati writes:

Open mic night at the Coffee Gallery on the Community Front Stage, Fri., May 28 beginning at 8 PM. Open to musicians and singers from the community and beyond! If you can't make it, join us live on UStream! http://www.ustream.tv/channel/coffeegallerycommunitystage.

The Coffee Gallery is at 2029 Lake Ave. -- and don't forget the Get Shaved Hawaiian Ice truck will be holding court there, starting at 10 PM.

UPDATE 5/28 6 PM: We've been given an new (and untested) URL:

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/the-coffee-gallery-community-front-stage

A new wrinkle in crime: junk-hauling trucks and "mother ships"

Greg Stanton, master of the Meadows blog, alerts us to a new wrinkle in crime already in play at Altadena.  Our policy is never to cut and paste articles from other websites, but Greg graciously gave us permission to reprint his original article so that the word can get out as widely as possible:

From a Meadows neighbor:

"You may have noticed a proliferation of Junk Haul trucks parked around. There are several big, ratty looking wood plank sided trucks parked around. They are essentially the “Mother Ships” for smaller pickups that cruise the neighborhoods looking for about anything that can be hauled off, whether the owner wants it hauled off or not.


When they find a haul, they haul it off and unload it into the “Mother Ships.”

I’ve seen these “Mother Ships” on Altadena Drive just east of Lincoln and on Woodbury just west of Fair Oaks.  I’ve seen the smaller trucks cruising around as well.

I have already been victimized. They came up to my property and dug up around 25 feet of old 6” diameter pipes that were exposed when all the brush around them burned during the Station Fire.

When I drove up my driveway I must have surprised them because they ran from around the small hill at the top of my drive way with several pipes, jumped into their pickup and drove off.

Amazingly, I saw those same pipes in the “Mother Ship” on Woodbury later that day.

I notified the sheriff’s office and they came out and took a report.

Keep watch. If you see small pickups with junk in them cruising around, I recommend you notify the sheriff immediately. They will take any metal, junk or not, that they can remove. Beware!"

Millard Canyon in theory and practice

Reader Elliot Gold was one of those who was very excited to learn that the Forest Service announced it was opening Millard Canyon on Wednesday.  But then ...

I'm one of those Altadena hikers, who for decades have hiked up Chaney Trail road toward Millard Canyon.

After the Station Fire, we were all locked out, with the Forestry Service locking the gate above Nuccio's.

I've been an Altadena street walker since then. (Ed. note: must ... stop ... laughing ...)

Soooooooooooooo, I walked up there today (Thurs.) at 4:30 PM, and here's the picture I took- "Nope! Gate still locked!"

Back to being an Altadena Street Walker.

(Most street walkers we've seen don't have the shoes for hiking Millard Canyon, but ya never know ...)

Supv. Antonovich to host "Remembering Our Veterans" in Arcadia

Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich will host the 13th annual "Remembering Our Veterans and their Families" celebration on Sat., May 29, at Arcadia County Park, 405 S. Santa Anita Ave., in Arcadia, from 10 AM-3 PM.

The event is a day-long tribute to our armed forces and a presentation of free services to veterans and their families from numerous agencies, including County departments and governmental, independent and private agencies.  These organizations will provide an abundance of information and resources regarding health, employment, child support, legal services, etc.

A special ceremony at 11:30 AM. will include a presentation of colors, a 21 gun salute, playing of Taps, skydivers, flyovers by vintage World War II aircraft, and more.  There will also be a “Wall of Remembrance” for veterans (bring copies of photos of your loved ones to place on the wall), displays of military vehicles and equipment, a children’s area (face painting, arts and crafts, games and free popcorn), free vaccinations, free haircuts and manicures, food booths, live music, and more.  

For additional information, contact Cindy Duarte at (909) 394-2264 or (626) 967-1441.

Two in custody after noontime burglary

Altadena sheriffs have a male and female in custody following a neighbor's report of a burglary in progress on Marathon St. this afternoon.

Sheriff Lt. Sheila Sanchez said that an alert neighbor telephoned in a report of suspicious activities at the residence, "which led deputies to intercept burglars in the act of their crime."

One suspect was caught immediately and the other contained in the perimeter set up by deputies and subsequently arrested.

Sanchez said that no information was available yet as to the suspects' ages and identities, some property was recovered, and the investigation is ongoing.

Ale, ale, the gang's all here!

Bill Westphal is everywhere -- and he's usually got a story to tell, as this one from last night:

Always wanting to support Altadena Business, my wife Lynne and I  stopped by the Altadena Ale House http://www.altadenaalehouse.com  this evening to check it out.  Judah and Gail Casburn were wonderful hosts. 

They have a new "Digital Juke Box" that is connected to the Internet and you can search for, and play, virtually any song imaginable.  I even found "Season Of The Witch" from the "Super Session" album.  Very cool.

What was an even better surprise was that we were met by Cara Bertone, local sommelier (Wine Specialist).  They were discussing the upcoming Wine Tasting Event at the Altadena Ale House this Sun., May 30 starting at 3 PM.  It sounds like this is an event not to be missed by Altadena Wine Lovers.  So I thought you might like to post it on the altadenablog.  So, don't miss it.  This Sunday, May 30, 3pm till ?  At the Altadena Ale House, 2329 N. Fair Oaks Ave.

Support your local Altadena Businesses.

Short Takes

• Land Use Committee: Brian League, chair of the Altadena Town Council Land Use subcommittee, tells us that the June 1 meeting has been canceled.
• Meals on wheels: Our new Food Truck correspondent, Matthew Shropshire, tells us that Frysmith will be at Vroman's Bookstore in Pasadena, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., from 6-9 PM today (Thurs.), and Get Shaved Hawaiian Ice will be at the Coffee Gallery in Altadena  on Friday from 10 PM-midnight.
• ...but some dishes are best served cold: We're now being Twitter-followed by "The Spot," the political opinion arm of the Denver Post, a paper that thought we were unqualified for an internship in 1979.

Last-minute reminder: chamber mixer tonight

It’s time to mix, meet and greet at the Altadena Chamber of Commerce mixer tonight, from 5:30-7 PM at Steve’s Pets, 2395 N. Lake Avenue

Trade business cards, network and meet fellow business members. Bring a raffle prize and you earn a 30 second commercial.

Ms. Carrie Meyers, Chamber President is your host!

Altadena parks will have extra help this summer

In a competitive process, sixty-five young people were chosen to participate in a summer program sponsored by Supv. Michael D. Antonovich that offers training, experience and opportunities working with the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation at parks throughout the Fifth District including Eaton Canyon Park, Farnsworth Park, Loma Alta Park, and Charles White Park.

Participating youth are currently enrolled in high school or college and between the ages of 16 and 24 and will assist Parks staff with:   presentation of arts, dance, music, and theater programs, development of special recreation programs for seniors, youth, and the handicapped, planning and coordination of community center athletic activities and tournaments, leagues and contests. 

 

 

It's trailer season ...

... that's what we call this time of year, because the streets (mostly on the east side) are full of Star Waggons and other accouterments of Hollywood, our neighbor to the west.  And why not?  Altadena isn't palm-tree heavy and thus doesn't immediately scream "California."  We've had Altadenablog World Headquarters scouted by film crews a few times to represent houses from Boston to Seattle (no takers so far, tho'!)

(We thought some kind of record was sent recently by a burned house on Braeburn that was supposed to be in Miami!  And remind us to tell you about the time we ran into some South American tourists taking pictures of Dylan's 90210 house on Altadena Drive!)

That said, we've gotten reports of a couple of McDonald's commercials being filmed recently (filmed one this week at Altadena Hardware).  About three weeks ago we were walking the New Dog and saw some film crew guy (was it on Tanoble?) walking a miniature horse -- who apparently has a starring role in an upcoming iPad commercial.

So this is a plea to let us know if you have anyone filming in your neighborhood!

Liu honors Waste-Less Living founder

Altadenan Christine Lenches-Hinkel, the founder and owner of Waste Less Living in Pasadena, was honored by State Sen. Carol Liu on Tues, May 25,  with the “Salute to Small Business” award.  Liu made the presentation during a California Small Business Day luncheon where state legislators recognized small business operators from their Senate and Assembly districts.

“I am pleased to recognize a green business that helps protect the environment, promote recycling, and create jobs in the 21st Senate District,” said Liu, D- La Cañada Flintridge.

The company’s mission is to improve the health and quality of the environment by promoting sustainable lifestyle habits beginning with reducing waste. Waste Less Living reduces reliance on petroleum-based disposable products, promotes the use of renewable resource-based products, minimizes waste going to the landfills, and educates consumer about the environmental impacts of waste generation.

Lost dog

Another missing pet:

Female, tan/light brown with white chest, Pit bull mix

10 years old, 57 pounds
Last seen on 5/22/2010 in West Altadena.

If you have seen her, please contact:
626-791-8623    626-203-6707  barbaradjones@msn.com

Central Altadena Little League and sheriffs hold fundraiser June 1

The Altadena Sheriff's Station in partnership with the Central Altadena Little League (CALL) are holding a fundraiser  on Tues., June 1 at the 300 Pasadena bowling alley (LOCATION), from 4-6 PM.

CALL players are getting sponsors to support an afternoon of bowling.  Players will be matched with a member of the Altadena Sheriff's Station.  There will be special prizes for the top two players who received the most dollars in sponsorships.


This is an opportunity to bring together the Altadena Sheriff's Station, the Central Altadena Little League, and the community of Altadena for a very special event.

For any questions about this event, or if you wish to make a private sponsorship, feel free to call Dep. Marcos De La Riva, 798-1131 ext. 2629.

Parts of Angeles National Forest will open Wed.

Paul Ayers spotted this in the 818 Blog: the National Forest Service will re-open parts of the Angeles National Forest beginning tomorrow (Wed.), including Millard Campground.  Large parts of the forest will remain closed, however.  Details here.

Glendale News Press has more details here.

Lincoln Crossing on "Our Town" Wed. night

Michele Zack sends us this on tomorrow's show:

Altadena Lincoln Avenue project manager Matt Abney will be Michele Zack's guest Wed. night at 9 PM on Arroyo Channel 32's (Charter Cable) Our Town. They will discuss the long and fractious history of Altadena's largest commercial development.

Transformation of the once-blighted stretch of Lincoln Avenue from Woodbury to Figueora has moved forward through a partnership of the County Development Commission, developer Altadena Lincoln Crossing LLC, and the community, as represented by West Altadena Project Area Committee (WAPAC). The first of five phases on the east side of Lincoln has yielded a 24-Hour Fitness, a Super King Market drawing the masses from surrounding communities, and some smaller businesses.

But implementation has been flawed and not quite reflective of the community visioning process that spawned it. Lawsuits, developer default for unfinished work and unpaid taxes, a parking lot from hell, an ineffective WAPAC, and county government's slow grinding wheels have resulted in the current stalemate.

Tune in to unravel the story of Lincoln Crossing, and call in with your questions the second half. Those without Charter cable can watch live streaming video by going to Pasadena Community Network and clicking on The Arroyo Channel. 

Morning jolt

• Pasadena Now's Tatiana Toomer has video of Councilmember Alice Wessen on the community and the upcoming election (nice hat!)
• Actor Michael Nouri will host  "Swingin' on a Star" black-tie gala to benefit Five Acres on June 6 at 6 PM. Big band music by the Pasadena Jazz Orchestra , and tickets are $250.  It's all at The Vibiana (you know, the old cathedral!),  210 S. Main St., Los Angeles.  Call 626-798-6792, Ext. 2244 for tix and information.
• PSN's social reporter Pat Diroll has a piece on the May 14 benefit for Altadena Christian Children's Center, which honored community activist Joe Wyatt.
• The next meeting of the Sierra Club at Eaton Canyon Nature Center will feature a panel discussing the efforts of organizations (including the US Forest Service, Sierra Club, TreePeople, and others) to repair Station Fire damage.  It's at 7:30 PM Wednesday (tomorrow) at Eaton Canyon Nature Center, 1750 N. Altadena Drive.  Social time starts at 7 PM.
• PSN also has a Janette Williams update on the fate of the Fork in the Road -- Bob Stane wants to move it up 15 feet to another area.  We say there needs to be a movement to "Bring the Fork Home!" to Altadena (we're all for the Old Marengo pocket park!)
• Reader Tom Kosakowski points us to this LA Times obit on long time Muir High football and girl's track coach Jim Brownfield. Brownfield was elected to the National High School Athletic Coaches Assn. Hall of Fame in 1998.
  

Neighborhood Watch training in Anaheim, June 28

Carolyn Seitz of the sheriff's Community Advisory Committee has sent out this message on Neighborhood Watch training:

Neighborhood Watch Training Anaheim, CA <http://www.usaonwatch.org/events/register.aspx?EventId=41>
Monday, June 28 • All Day Event
Anaheim Convention Center
USAonWatch website - Click here to register <http://www.usaonwatch.org/events/register.aspx?EventId=41>

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

• Sheriffs’ deputies and police officers who work as Neighborhood Watch Liaisons
• Law Enforcement Officers new to crime prevention and the Neighborhood Watch principles
• Community members who take a leading role in Neighborhood Watch in their community
• Anyone who cares about changing the culture of their neighborhoods

Christ the Shepherd Spring Jamboree set for Sat.

The community is invited to attend Christ the Shepherd Lutheran Church’s Spring Jamboree on Sat.,  May 29 from 11:00 AM. to 3:00 PM at 185 Altadena Drive (corner of Glenrose).   Activities include a Giant Fish Fry “with all the fixins,” Bake Sale, and Arts and Crafts from 10,000 Villages, African Team Ministries and local artists.  Proceeds to benefit CTS’ work with community programs and services. 

Remembering the fallen

The annual Peace Officer's Memorial Run, which started at LA County Sheriff's headquarters in Monterey Park on Friday, finished Sunday afternoon at Altadena Station.

The runners finishing the race at Altadena Station.

The torch remembering fallen peace officiers was carried throughout the race.

Altadena Station deputy Gregory Gabriel leads the memorial service. Fortunately, this year, no deputies died while on duty protecting the public.

Alta-artist Carhartt showing at Offramp Gallery

The peripatetic Bill Westphal tells us that Altadena artist Elaine Carhartt will have her prints on display at the Offramp Gallery through Sun. June 20.

The Offramp Gallery is located at:
1702 Lincoln Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91103

http://www.offrampgallery.com/

Gallery Hours:
Friday - Sunday 1pm - 5pm  and by appointment.

http://www.offrampgallery.com/

Gallery Hours:
Friday - Sunday 1pm - 5pm  and by appointment.

Short takes

• The Altadena Community Garden recently contributed $252 to Haiti relief thru Loma Linda University Hospital, and toot their horn on their website (which they should!)
• Cathy Gott, who with husband Jim Gott founded Education Spectrum and Danny's Farm,  was recognized Friday by the Community Advisory Council, a parent's group for special needs students in the PUSD. The Council also honored several teachers and staff members from Altadena and other district schools at their annual awards dinner May 21.
• Nancy Steele takes a look at the Old Marengo pocket park in her blog, In the Watershed.

scissors/paper/rock celebrates expansion, summer music nights

The salon scissors/paper/rock (Altadenablog sponsor) is celebrating its fourth anniversary and salon expansion over the next few weeks.

Owner Yolande Carson says the expansion includes two new treatment rooms and new services, such as manicures, pedicures, acrilics, and gel nails from new manicurist Kenia.

The salon will also celebrate the return of  "Summer Music Nights" : on June 11, Itinerant Locals (from Little Rock, Arkansas) will play at the salon.  Other scheduled acts to date include Dude Mirror on July 9 and Auto Defa on July 16, with more to come.  (Please contact Yolande if you are interested in playing).

There's still time to get in on the May specials: free eyebrow wax with purchase of a manicure & pedicure, 1/2 price off your haircut if you model for one of their haicutting classes (call or email the salon for details).

scissors/paper/rock is at 1864 N. Allen in Pasadena, phone 826-1846.

Morning jolt

• Feet on the ground, mind in the clouds: Altadenan Isaac Garcia, CEO of Central Desktop and frequent Altadenablog commenter, had this recent profile of his business and the future of cloud computing at Pasadena Star News.
• AFC Garden Party: The big bash at the Bogaard's house for the Arroyo and Foothills Conservancy made PSN's social page.  The May 1 gathering honored Ninarose Mayer, who helped the Conservancy acquire the Rubio Canyon tract.  Pat Diroll has the deets.

Bright Futures Scholars to be honored at June 6 graduation

(Pictured: the Bright Futures Scholars class of 2009-2010)

The Quality of Life Center sends us this, celebrating their scholars:

The Quality of Life Center, Inc. and approximately 1,000 guests will honor local students from the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) during the 5th Annual Bright Futures Scholars Graduation and Awards Luncheon on Sun., June 6 from 1-4 PM at the Pasadena Convention Center.

 
While it has been agreed that true genius is not bound by race, color or creed, there is indeed a fourth dynamic recently proven to be a consideration, that of economic status. The Bright Futures Scholars Support Program, now in its seventh year, provides leadership development as well as personal mentoring to local middle school and high school accelerating achievers, including many with economic challenges. Carefully selected mentors encourage and provide avenues for these scholars to climb above the challenges and focus on improving their quality of life.


Volunteer mentors include U.S. Congressman Adam Schiff, California State Senator Carol Liu, Assemblymember Anthony Portantino, Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich (Honorary Dean of Scholars), Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard, and many other dedicated leaders and volunteers such as physicians, clergy, corporate CEOs, attorneys, scientists, engineers, artists, educators, law enforcement officials, managers and administrators. To date, the program has assisted more than 1500 area students.

Andre Coleman book signing @ WFS Sat.

 
Altadena native son (and ace reporter for the Pasadena Weekly) Andre Coleman will be at (Altadenablog sponsor) Webster's Fine Stationers on Sat., May 29 for a very special afternoon.

Lori and Scott Webster tell us, "Enjoy snacks, libations and stimulating conversation with Mr. Coleman, who will be signing his books that are purchased at this event."

Coleman will be autographing his books,  Blackbirds, Vol. 1, and A Liar's Tale. Webster's Fine Stationers is at 2450 N. Lake, Suite B.

Found dog near Farnsworth Park

  

Reader Tim writes:

Found a female puppy 8 PM on May 20 near Farnsworth Park.  Female, about 25 lbs.  Very sweet.  I hung posters around the area but no calls yet.  Call 818-802-5222 if this is your puppy.

UPDATE:  Dog has been reunited with its family.  We like good news!

Peace Officers' Memorial Run culminates at Altadena Station today

The Annual Los Angeles County Sheriff Department Peace Officers Memorial Run will culminate at Altadena Station today. This annual relay run, in honor of fallen peace officers, began on Friday at Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau in Monterey Park.

The relay run travels throughout Los Angeles County, reaching each sheriff's station, where the torch is passed on to runners from that station. The relay will culminate at Altadena Sheriff's Station, 780 E. Altadena Dr., at approximately 2 PM. Torch runners will be escorted down Altadena Drive from Fair Oaks Ave. by sheriff and fire department vehicles. The Altadena community is encouraged to come out along the route to cheer on runners and attend a memorial ceremony at the station.

Photo: "Officer Down" flag from LA Sheriff's Dept. website

Altadena Chamber Monthly Mixer May 27 @ Steve's Pets

It’s time to mix, meet and greet!
Trade business cards, network and meet fellow business members.
Bring a raffle prize and you earn a 30 second commercial.
 
Thursday, May 27, 2010
5:30-7:00 PM
Steve’s Pets
2395 N. Lake Avenue
Altadena, CA 91001
 
Ms. Carrie Meyers, Chamber President is your host!

Aveson greets neighbors of proposed new campus

Editor's note: we're pleased to welcome our new correspondent, community journalist Devon Pettengill.

by Devon Pettengill
for Altadenablog

Representatives of the Aveson Charter Schools hosted a "meet and greet" with neighbors at Loma Alta Park Gymnasium on Thursday night to discuss the relocation of Aveson’s upper school students to the commercial building at the corner of Lincoln Ave. and Altadena Dr. Aveson hosted the meeting to address any concerns neighborhood residents might have and to hear ideas about the role the school might play in the immediate community.


Aveson Charter School is comprised of two schools: Aveson School of Leaders (ASL), serving grades K-5 and Aveson Global Leaders Academy (AGLA), serving grades 6-12.  Both schools currently occupy the old Noyes school campus on Pinecrest in west Altadena. Aveson has been told it must relocated its older students in response to the concerns of the school’s neighbors, who claim that when Aveson opened three years ago PUSD promised them it would not include a high school.

Aveson co-founder and Executive Director Kate Bean led the discussion with current Aveson students, parents, and staff providing enthusiastic back-up.  Neighbors expressed concern about traffic complications regarding pick-up and drop-off of students. Aveson is planning to stagger the beginning of its school day with that of Odyssey Charter School down the street to address such concerns.

Food truck-a-palooza this weekend

Reader Matt Shropshire is getting to be our correspondent for all things food truck:

I know technically it's not Altadena news, but have info on some food trucks that will be in Pasadena in the next couple of days. On Friday, the The Grilled Cheese Truck will  be at Vromans Bookstore for lunch, from 11:30 AM-2 PM. And then on Saturday both the Qzillabbq Truck and the Dumpling Station will be at the Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena, for the Pasadena Dumpling Festivial

And do not forget that both Kogi BBQ and Get Shaved trucks will be at the Coffee Gallery on Friday night

Aveson "June Jubilee" June 5

Aveson Charter School is holding its annual June Jubilee event coming up on Sat., June 5. It's a family affair featuring games, music, food and prizes for kids and their parents in a low-key festival atmosphere. There will be face painting, bounce houses, kid's crafts, a silent auction and a plant sale. And of course those regular favorites, confetti eggs and snow cones!

This free community event is open to everyone, students, families and our local community. Tickets for food and games can be bought on the day.  Discounted tickets can also be purchased in advance by credit card or PayPal at the Aveson website, aveson.org. 

Come out and experience a slice of what makes Aveson a great place to learn and grow!

Saturday June 5th, 10am- 4pm
1919 E. Pinecrest Drive, just above the intersection of Allen Ave and Altadena Drive

Another bobcat at large?

Reader Doris Finch sends us these pictures (with permission) from Susan Kyro: a bobcat in the backyard on the 2000 block of Crescent Dr., near the intersection with Skyview.

Pictures of a bobcat in the back yard of 2098 Crescent Dr., near the intersection with Skyview. 

I compared this one with the earlier sighting from a couple of weeks ago.  I don't think it is the same one.  We had one in the adjoining yard last November.

La Vina homeowner's throw in the towel on appeal

This topic was touched on at Tuesday's town council meeting, but local mountain man (and Hollywood historian) Paul Ayers, who has been following the case, emailed us:

Yesterday, the La Vina HOA’s attorney informed counsel for plaintiffs in the consolidated cases that the HOA will not petition the Supreme Court for review of the Court of Appeal’s affirmation of the judgment and attorney’s fees award in favor of the County in the case of County of Los Angeles v. La Vina Homeowner’s Assn. (In point of fact, the time for the HOA to file its petition expired last Friday May 14th.) As such the County’s victory is confirmed and there is no legal bar to the enforcement of its judgment. The parties will be back before Judge De Vanon on June 9, 2010 for a status conference. At that time the future course of the consolidated cases including that of the remaining two actions against the HOA will probably be clearer.

What this means is that the La Vina homeowners will not only have to keep open the historic trails around the area, but pay about $784,000 in attorney's fees to the county lawyers.

Crime tips: trash pickers, and don't take your alarm co.'s word for it

It's a crime-o-rama tonight. Just received these timely reminders from Carolyn Seitz at the Sheriff Dept.'s Community Advisory Committee:

ISSUE #1
For those of you who have observed people picking through trash, both what you put at the curb, and for some of you what is in your yard, not in the public right of way, please call the Sheriff's Department as soon as you observe anyone around your trash - in your driveway or at the curb.

Do not take for granted that the frail looking elderly gentleman is just trying to feed his family.  Criminals are sophisticated and know very well how to fly under the radar and capture your sympathy when being skeptical is a better idea.

Please call the Sheriff's Department and report immediately when you see someone going through your trash or someone else's trash.  Don't be a victim of theft of your personal property, and don't be a victim of identity theft.

ISSUE #2
If you have an alarm system and your alarm company calls you to tell you that your alarm has been activated and that they've called the Sheriff's Station, DO NOT assume that they did, in fact call the Station.

This week, a resident received a call from the alarm company.  He arrived home and found his kitchen door standing open.  Fearing - rightfully - that the burglar may still be in his residence, he got back into his car and parked on the other side of the street.

Not more than a minute or two later, a black Cadillac Escalade came up the street and headed straight up his driveway.  The resident observed the driver exit the vehicle and then come out of his house with his TV and his laptop.  What did he do?  He watched it, thinking the Sheriff's would be there any second.

The alarm company didn't call the Sheriff's Department.  The guy watched the Escalade back out of his driveway and he followed it.  He lost the car in traffic and didn't get the license number for the vehicle.

Do not be a victim.

Do not assume that the Deputies are on their way because someone else called them. 

Call yourself and do it quickly.

The Deputies had a very good opportunity to catch a burglar on the premises.  They also had a chance to get the guy's vehicle.

Instead, they know that someone in a black Escalade successfully burglarized someone's home and that resident lost things that were valuable to them.

Please don't put yourself in jeopardy.  Call the Sheriff's Station yourself and do it quickly.

Take care of yourself, your family and take care of your neighborhood.

Call the Altadena Sheriff's Station at 626 798 1131.  If you haven't yet programmed that number into your cell phone, here's your reminder to do that now.

Remember that 911 calls you make from your cell phone go to the California Highway Patrol and the dispatcher who answers that call may not know where Altadena is, never mind where your street is.  That will soon change, but the change isn't yet active, so program in the station number 626 798 1131.

Sheriff looking for suspects in car burglary

The Altadena Sheriff's station is looking for suspects who shattered a car window and stole a cell phone in a car burglary that took place in the lot of the AM-PM on 1880 N. Lake Av. on Sunday morning at around 12:45 AM:

Loss: Blk Samsung “Mythic” touch-screen cell phone

Summary: On 5/16 the above subjects were identified as possibly being involved in a vehicle burglary. The subjects were caught on video surveillance arriving at the location in a mid 1980’s older model light gray or silver Toyota Corolla.

The subjects entered the store, purchased some items and returned to their vehicle. Prior to exiting the AM-PM parking area, the suspect vehicle was observed parking next to the victim’s vehicle at which time, a male was observed exiting the Toyota and looking into the victim’s vehicle. As the victim walked to his vehicle, he observed the Toyota exit the parking area at a high-rate of speed. The victim arrived to his vehicle and noticed the driver’s side window had been shattered and a cell phone missing.


At this time, the above subjects are wanted for questioning only. Should you come into contact with the subjects, please  forward the information to Det. D. Gaisford, Altadena Sheriff’s Station.

Any information for Leroy D. Baca, Sheriff, Los Angeles County
780 E. Altadena Dr., Altadena, Ca. 91001
Attention: Detective Dave Gaisford, Phone: (626) 296-2111

Case: 910-01726-0776-340

Palm St. neighborhood weighs in at Town Council meeting

Residents of the neighborhood around the 183 E. Palm St. property registered their objections to turning the property into a school for autistic spectrum children at Tuesday's Altadena Town Council meeting.

The site, formerly used by Sahag Mesrob Armenian Christian School,  is now under consideration by the Almansor Center in South Pasadena to expand their services.  But residents of the neighborhood didn't want the same experience with Almansor as they had with Sahag Mesrob, which added noise and traffic snarls to the narrow streets of the quiet residential neighborhood.

The speakers emphasized that they weren't objecting to Almansor's mission, only the location of a school in a neighborhood that they felt wasn't suitable for one.

It is a "quiet, residential area, with lots of hills, trees, birds, and many narrow streets," said Nancy Rothwell, who lives on Raymond near the property.  "If two cars on Palm need to pass, one usually needs to pull over.  It is this idyllic characteristic that ..[we] are trying to preserve."

Other speakers pointed out that the area does not have a lot of entrances and exits, and no sidewalk yet a lot of walkers who would have no place to sidestep if traffic increases.  Citing their negative experiences with Sahag Mesrob, the speakers said that the property and the area were not suitable for a day school of up to 250 students, as Almansor plans.

Town council chairman Gino Sund said that the council would look at putting the item on the agenda in the near future to get more information from all parties.

In other council items:

• Heard from a county planning consultant on possible expansion of mass transit in Altadena, and the picture isn't good. 58% of residential areas in Altadena are within a quarter mile of a transit service area, which is considered "served"  -- and of the underserved areas, 58% are located on a slope greater than 8% grade.  Approximately 40% are on a slope greater than a 12% grade.  For those people who do use transit,  more than 80% use it for non-work purposes, so the percentage of commuters is quite small. In addition, most underserved areas do not have standard sidewalks, curbs and stormdrains.  Bus noise, particularly in hilly areas, may be objectionable -- and a large capital investment would be required to meet the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act to establish bus stops.
• The council agreed to write a letter to Supv. Michael Antonovich's office requesting that work begin on drafting an ordinance for overnight parking of large vehicles.  Any final ordinance would still be months (and several public hearings) away.
• Approved the slate of candidates for town council elections June 5.  Rev. CR Tillman, who was a candidate for census tract 4610, was removed from the slate as he did not present the required identification.   Candidate statements and polling locations will be published in Altadenablog as we receive them.

EHP looking for host families

Educational Homestay Programs (EHP) is looking for families to host international students for the month of July.  Site director Christine Christoff said that the majority of host families live in Altadena and Pasadena, and they're always looking for more. This year students from France, Italy, Russia and Spain will be looking for host families.  Check the flier for more information.

Altadena Schools @ Coffee Gallery Thurs. at 7 PM

Organizer Bruce Wasson reminds us that the Altadenans for Quality Education will hold their next "coffee shop hop" meeting at the Coffee Gallery tomorrow at 7 PM.  The Coffee Gallery is at 2029 Lake Ave., and Laura Berthold Monteros has an update on the meetings here.

Street smart lunch cart: double header Friday

Thanks to reader Matt, we found out that there'll be a lunch truck double-header at the Coffee Gallery on Friday.  Yes, there are now so many gourmet taco trucks that they're occupying the same place at the same time:

The Get Shaved Hawaiian shaved ice truck will be there at 10 PM until midnight.  And rolling up right behind it is Kogi Korean BBQ, 10:30 PM- 12:30 AM.