altadenablog

Burglary arrest case falls apart

The highly-touted arrest of several burglary suspects by Altadena deputies and the Pasadena Police Department last week is falling apart, according to this PSN story by Dan Abendschein.  Charges have been dropped or suspended, some of the suspects were actually arrested weeks before ... Altadena deputies still think they can make a case against three suspects who are now out on bail. though.

Drums along the foothills

Farnworth Park boomed Thursday afternoon with a rare U.S. performance by the Akafuji Daiko drumming troupe from Otsuki City, Japan.  The group was in the U.S. to play at a Colorado Rockies baseball game in Denver (!) but stopped over here before returning to Japan. 

According to Angela Gallegos of the Los Angeles County Parks, the concert was a gift by Dr. and Mrs. Gregory Lyzenga of Altadena, who rented the amphitheater for the performance -- and whose son Andrew teaches high school English at Otsuki City and is one of the drummers.  Around 200 people attended.

Drummer Andrew Lyzenga of Altadena translates for the troupe.

Lavish costumes marked the opening ceremony ...

... which led to the entrance of the drummers, here playing flutes.

The power and discipline of taiko drumming.

The youngest drummer was five ...

... but she could hold her own!

They even let the crowd play along ...

... some with considerable enthusiasm!

Here's one of their performances, titled "Festival."

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There are more videos (available in HD!) on our YouTube channel.

600,000

We have crossed another threshold today -- 600,000 pageviews since we started. 

Thanks to all of you who made it possible -- our community collaborators, sponsors, readers.  Check our new "about" page for some details.

We love this work.  We love Altadena!

Friday morning jolt: bus routes get thrown under the bus

• 
  A 31-year-old man died after cliff-diving in Chantry Flats on Saturday, according to PSN.
• PSN editor Frank Girardot dons a reporter's hat to cover Altadenan Linnet Akers, who was dispensing free hugs on Lake Ave. above Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena yesterday.  She said she got the idea after attending the San Diego ComiCon last week.  Oh, my.
• Says Girardot, "Among those indulging in the free hug was Madeline Knox, a resident of the San Fernando Valley and Pasadena ARTS bus driver who learned this week that her hours would be cut back."  Yep. Six ARTS bus routes that serve Pasadena and Altadena will be eliminated on Sundays, says PSN.

Land Use Committee to consider monopine cell tower @ Methodist church

The Altadena Town Council's Land Use Committee will consider approval of a monopine cell tower behind the Altadena Methodist Church, 349 W. Altadena Dr.

The tower was originally approved in 2004, but was not constructed.  The new proposed tower is 35 ft. tall with 12 antennae, disguised as a pine tree. 

The committee meets at 7 PM Tues., Aug. 3, at the community center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.

Photo simulation of cell tower at Methodist Church property.

CSI: Altadena at Mountain View Cemetery this week

By Chris Considine
Special to Altadenablog

Altadena continues to host productions of the most popular TV show episodes in the world.

The long-running original CSI (Las Vegas) has been shooting at our famed Mountain View Cemetery this week. A massive union production team of over 120 people transformed a big section of this historic cemetery into a crime scene Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday this week.

A huge grid was constructed in an archeological fashion, while on Monday the pyro-crew went to work on some vehicles on the scene. I wish I had been there for that part of the show, but did wander around in amazement at the number of people that it takes for a production of this magnitude on Wednesday.

It’s great to see Los Angeles people working steadily right here in Altadena, and not being undercut by runaway production to other states or our nemesis location of British Columbia, Canada. Amazing to watch all the vehicles, lighting crews, set designers, writers, PA’s, generators, aircraft handlers, camera operators, sound people, caterers, and the like, working hard to make the deadlines and to keep the show on budget. And it’s easy to see that CSI has a BIG BUDGET for production.

 
 

I don’t want to give away what I witnessed, because after all, it is a police drama with great writing that relies on surprise endings and twists to get those high ratings year after year. I learned also that the Mountain View Cemetery and Mausoleum are used for filming and TV production about 150 days a year! That’s a lot of shooting and a lot of jobs and income for both the location and the County, so let’s hope that continues.

Library announces Friday movies for August

The Altadena Library's Summer Movie Extravaganza continues through August with movies every Friday afternoon, starting at 3:30 PM.  All movies are free.

Aug. 6: Diary of a Wimpy Kid, rated G

Aug. 13: Date Night, rated PG-13

Aug. 20: Furry Vengeance, rated PG

Aug. 27: Last Song, rated PG

'Dena Weekend: July 29-Aug. 1

Keep checking back as more information comes in!


Thurs., July 29

• Teens age 13-17 can make a wave bottle at the Teen Reading Program at the Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa, starting at 3 PM.
• The Akafuji Daiko taiko drumming troupe from Otsuki City, Japan, makes a rare U.S. appearance at Farnsworth Park, 5 PM.
• The Altadena Chamber of Commerce holds its monthly mixer at Bonnie B's Smokin' BBQ and Soul Food Heaven, 1280 N. Lake Ave. starting at 5:30 PM.
• Chase Bank, 2333 N. Lake Ave., is also holding a mixer, 5-7 PM.
• Arroyo & Foothills Conservancy holds a site design meeting at the Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr., for the Eaton Wash Corridor Plan, starting at 7 PM.

Fri., July 30

• Beach bus to Santa Monica starts pickup at 9 AM.
• Library summer teen movie: "Clash of the Titans," rated PG-13, starting at 3:30 PM at the Library, 600 E. Mariposa
• The Tracs play a rock concert for kids, starting at 7:30 at Farnsworth Park.  Free.
• scissors/paper/rock Summer Music Nights continues with The Three Amigos (featuring s/p/r owner Yolande Carson) and Oaxcan Kings (original alternative rock), starting at 8 PM.  Free.

Sat., July 31

• Beach bus to Santa Monica starts pick up at 9 AM.
• Cowboy poetry and song with Gary Robertson and Eddie Villalobos in a private house concert.  Suggested donation $20 includes BBQ dinner.  Dinner starts at 5:30, concert at 7 -- reserve your place early at big.hat@sbcglobal.net.
• "Upstream" Caribbean music at the Sheriff's Support Group of Altadena summer concert series at Farnsworth Park, starting at 7 PM.
• Summer Movie Series at Bulgarini Gelato: $13 for pasta dish, salad, and drink, followed by "Le Diner de Cons"  Dinner starts at 7:45, reservations required; movie starts at 8:30; gelato available throughout.  Call 791-6174 for reservations by Friday.
• Mercy & The Merkettes (R&B, Rock & Roll, Funk) appear at the Rancho Bar, starting at 9:30 PM.

Sun., Aug. 1

• Folly Bowl: Ancient Future - Matthew Monfort and Mariah Parker in concert  to benefit women and children in villages in India,  http://www.swanirvarbengal.org, via the American organization at http://www.shareandcare.org.  Suggested donation $20, doors open at 7, concert at 7:30 at the Folly Bowl, 1601 E. Loma Alta Dr.

Library reading program grand finale Aug. 3

All good things must come to an end, and so it is with the Altadena Library's Summer Reading Program (altho' by our calendar, summer has about six-seven more weeks to run!)  Celebrate at both the main and branch libraries with ice cream and the grand prize drawing (that's an iPad, for you teens!)  Celebrations start at 2 PM Tues., Aug. 3.

Altadenan William Morse, chair of Cal Poly theater dept., dies July 18

A mainstay of the Chaney Trail neighborhood, William H. Morse, recently-retired chair of the Department of Theater at Cal Poly Pomona, died Sun., July 18 in Los Angeles of a heart attack.  He was 57.

The Cal Poly website has a full obit here.

Bill worked internationally as an educator and theatre designer, notably in southern Africa. He was an avid SCUBA Diver, and his love of travel took him and his family to over twenty countries across five continents. Bill was an inspiring professor, a beloved father and husband, and a superb waffle-maker.

A celebration of the life of "The Dude" will be held at The University Theatre at Cal Poly Pomona at 4pm Sunday, September 19th. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bill Morse Scholarship Fund (909-869-3900) . He is greatly missed by his wife, Joyce Kohl, and his sons, L.B. and Matt Morse.

The Thursday Morning Jolt: there is a cat, yes [Updated]

• An oddly-written little PSN story about two women who weren't that lost on the Cobb Estate, but rescued anyway Tuesday night.
• Donna Barnes-Roberts is starting another session of Monday evening watercolor classes at the Coffee Gallery starting Aug. 2. Information is on her new website, about which she writes: "Yes, I actually somehow wound up with the domain name www.altadenaartist.com.  So cool, I think."
• Milo, the orange tabby who was reported missing two weeks ago, is now back home -- we love good news!
• After much sturm und drang, we have finally finished our new About page -- check it out. (And for the SSGA and Christmas Tree Lane -- your checks are in the mail!)
• Joe Piasecki at Pasadena Weekly tells the good news about Claudia Turrentine, the Altadena woman who was about to be turned out of her home because of refinanancing by predatory lenders.  Rep. Adam Schiff applied some pressure, her church and a sympathetic mortgage lender applied some help, and she gets to keep her home.  Check out the full story.
• Macaroni Kid is fairly new website of children's activities in the greater Los Angeles area.  With August coming up and most school programs out for the summer, we parents will need all the help we can get!

Times reporter Eric Malnic dies in Altadena home

The LA Times has an obit of Altadenan Eric Malnic, 73, one of those old-school reporters and editors who died Tuesday in his Altadena home.  Malnic was one of the Pulitzer Prize-winning team that covered the 1965 Watts riots for the Times, became an ace rewrite man, and later specialized in aviation and plane crash stories.  His obit is here.

The Lenz diving dynasty does well at national championships

Got some good news about Altadena's diving Lenz girls, who competed in the National Championships in Diving in Tucson, Ariz. -- this information direct from their proud father, Heinz-Josef Lenz:

Annika (15)  (sophomore at Polytech) finished 9^th on 1 m and 2^nd on platform in the 16-18 year group and qualified for Junior World Championships.
Daria (10) (5^th grade Mayfield junior) is the National Champion on 1m and was second on platform and was 4^th on 3m in the 11 year and under.
Cosima (17) (going is to be freshman at Northwestern) was 7^th on platform (same event as Annika 16-18).

Morning jolt: Harambee, San Miguel (again) and news about news

• PSN's Brian Charles has a feature on the Freedom School, the summer enrichment program at Altadena Elementary School.
• At the website eBird, the "eBirder of the Month" for July is Mike San Miguel, the birder and environmentalist who died earlier this month in Angeles National Forest.
• Michele McClellan of the Knight Digital Media Center spins off an entire article from a comment we made on Time Magazine's article about our friends at West Seattle Blog.

Hillsides defenders rejoice in approval of management ordinance

Pictured: composite picture of hillsides looking north from Loma Alta debris basin.  Photo courtesy altadenahills.org

by Michele Zack, Altadena Heritage
Special to Altadenablog

This morning, July 27, 2010, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve the Altadena Hillside Management Ordinance as an amendment to our Community Standards District (CSD).

Members of Altadena's HIllside Working Group, including Chair Patty Mulligen, Mark Goldschmidt, Bernice Brunswick, and Michele Zack spoke in favor of the new plan, as did Gino Sund, chairman of Altadena's Town Council. A few other residents, not so sure about this particular ordinance, also spoke in favor of protecting the hillsides.

This is great news (although it will take another 30 or so days before it becomes law), and comes at the end of a more than five-year-long process that began with Altadena Heritage's "Future of our Hillsides" Community Round Table held at the library in October 2004.  We started with the idea of an ordinance that would prevent development such as occurred on Devonwood Drive — where a few houses were plopped on top of an existing trail and stuck out of the ridgeline like sore thumbs. These have since caused erosion and destruction of the hillside below, as well as loss of privacy for some nearby homes. A look at existing code in 2004 found that no laws had been broken. The group collectively felt this was wrong, and that an amendment to our Community Standards ordinance was in order.

The Hillside Working group met one Saturday a month from 2005-2009 to craft an ordinance that provides for greater scrutiny of hillside grading and development, and balances this with the rights of property owners who wish to remodel, build a garage, or rebuild after a natural disaster. It was a long and collaborative process that was amazingly successful in building consensus.

Homeowners, large property owners, and representatives from Altadena Town Council, Altadena Crest Trail Restoration Working Group, Altadena Heritage, Altadena Foothills Conservancy (now Arroyo and Foothills Conservancy), all worked together and with the LA County Regional Planning Dept. to come up with something everyone could agree on. A large community meeting last year drew over 100 people, most of whom supported protecting our hillsides, ridgelines, and trails from bad development, while allowing property owners some leeway in making improvements or building responsibly.

To view the new hillside plan, go to http://planning.lacounty.gov/view/altadena_community_standards_district_amendment_hillside_management/
You can also go to http://www.altadenahills.org/  to read more about our purpose, see maps and the ridgelines that are now protected.

Thanks to all who made this happen, including famed, recently deceased photographer Julius Shulman, who originally chided Altadena Heritage into doing something to protect our wonderful hillsides. He commented that heritage organizations too often focus just on saving old houses. But, he said, sweeping his arms towards our mountains at an Altadena Heritage event at Desdy Kellogg's craftsman studio, "Those mountains are your real heritage! I drove through Glendale today to get here from the West Side. Do you want your hillsides to look like that? You have a real treasure here in Altadena. You've got to protect your mountains!"

Supervisors approve Altadena hillsides ordinance

We received this press release from Supv. Michael Antonovich's offfice:

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously enhanced additional development standards to the Community Standards District for hillside areas in the Altadena area, announced Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich. 

“This action, unanimously approved by the Board of Supervisors, ensures the preservation of Altadena’s hillsides,” said Antonovich.  “A public/private partnership with property owners, the Altadena Town Council, Altadena Heritage, and the Altadena Foothills Conservancy was instrumental in the development of this amendment.”

Teens: make waves at the Library Thursday at 3

On Thursday, July 29 @ 3:00 teens can recycle a bottle and create "waves" to remind us of the ocean when we transform an ordinary empty bottle in to a "wave bottle." Teens (13-17) see you then!!!

Make sure to join us in the Community Room for this fun program that is just a small part of the Teen Summer Reading Program which ends August 3, 2010.

Neighborhood meeting, taiko drumming this week

A couple of important things coming up:

Remember: Neighborhood Association Coalition meeting tonight (Tuesday) at the Altadena Library from 7 PM - 8:30 PM. Come and hear what others have done to make their Associations successful and join with others who want to make Altadena the greatest neighborhood in LA County.

And Thursday, Akafuji Daiko drumming troupe from Otsuki City, Japan, will perform at Farnsworth Park at 5 PM Thurs., July 29.

Summer concerts swim "Upstream" Sat.

Take a trip to the Caribbean this Saturday as the Sheriff's Support Group summer concert series welcomes Upstream to Farnsworth Park at 7 PM.

The band UPSTREAM, whose members include two sons of the venerable inventor of Soca music, the late Ras Shorty I, was formed in the republic of Trinidad & Tobago in 1989. They relocated to Southern California in the early nineties and made a name for themselves performing in numerous venues, events and festivals, throughout California and Western States. Their energetic eclectic style of Reggae and Soca has earned them a formidable appellation in the music industry world

The line up is as follows: Haile Blackman (Bandleader, Rhythm Guitar, MPC & Lead Vocals), began his professional career singing and playing drums in his Fathers band The Love Circle in his early adolescence. He has also been the drummer for the band Geggy Tah on Virgin Records. John McKnight (Keyboards, Guitar, Trombone, Bass, Backing Vocals) multi instrumentalist -- has loaned his expertise to various famous artists such as: Etta James, Herb Alpert, English Beat, Ben Harper and most recently Fishbone. Einstein Brown (Steel Drums, Vocals) is extremely talented and proficient. He has performed with the Trinidad Steel Band, L.A. Desperados, and his own bands Caribe and Sapadilla. He has also appeared in numerous television shows, movies and commercials. Stokely Molineaux (Guitar, Bass, Vocals, Rapper) son of the renowned Jazz Pianist Othello Molineaux, is a profound poet and songwriter. He has toured the world with such acts as Pato Banton, Ras Michael, Joe Higgs, Wailing Souls, Calypso Rose and Eek-A-Mouse. Johnny Blackman (Drums, Backing Vocals) played for many years with The Love Circle before moving to Malaysia in the mid nineties to perform with two of his other brothers in a band called Abstract. He toured the entire continent of Asia as well as India before joining Upstream in 2000.

In addition, the following musician’s are on rotation with Upstream: Derek Brewster (Steel Drum, Bass & Vocals) & Adam Arredondo aka Jah Mex (Keyboards, Vocals). Upstream currently has six CD’s. “Upstream”, self titled was released in 1995, “Life” was released in 2000, “Jump To The Rhythm” in 2001, “To Da Maxx” and “Pick Up Yourself” in 2007 and “Here, There and Everywhere” in 2009.

David Pritchard Guitar Quartet at Folly Bowl Aug. 7

The David Pritchard Guitar Quartet will light up the night at the Folly Bowl on Sat., Aug. 7, starting at 7:30 PM.  Suggested donation is $10 at the Folly Bowl, 1601 E. Loma Alta Dr.

Library writer's workshops this fall: Tervalon, Gray, Huneven

The Altadena Library has announced its roster for this fall's writer's workshops:

Sat., Sept. 11, 2 PM:

Write Your Memoir Workshop or Hone Your Skills as a Storyteller with Jervey Tervalon: the best-selling novelist, award-winning poet, screenwriter, dramatist, journalist, commentator and creative writing professor at USC, will be presenting a workshop for writers of all ages and experience levels through the process of telling their story.

The workshop is ideal for participants looking to develop their skill at chronicling their life stories, assist others who hold valuable oral histories in preserving their written history, or who want to jumpstart a variety of writing in a supportive as well as inspiring environment. 

Jervey Tervalon is the author of All the Trouble You Need, Understand This, and the Los Angeles Times bestseller Dead Above Ground. Jervey was born in New Orleans, raised in Los Angeles, and now lives in Altadena, California, with his wife and two daughters.  

Sat., Oct. 9, 2 PM:

Transform Your Writing with Dorothy Randall Gray: This nationally acclaimed workshop leader and motivational speaker has captivated TV, radio and university audiences throughout the U.S. and abroad. Both new & seasoned writers will gain much from her inspired teachings in this stimulating participatory workshop. Gray’s writings have been featured on TV, radio and theater. She is former Poet-in-Residence at Hunter College, National Public Radio commentator, and columnist for NiaOnline.  http://www.dorothyrandallgray.com 

 Tues., Oct. 19, 7 PM:

The Writer’s View of a Short Story—How to Read Like a Writer and Grow Your Writing by Michelle Huneven: Inspire your writing with a  workshop that teaches you to read like a writer. Attendees are encouraged to read “Lady with the  Little Dog” by Anton Chekhov (at the Reference Desk or online at http://www.online-literature.com/widle/1297 and Blame, now in paperback.

Huneven’s Blame was finalist for the National Book Critics Circle, the LA Times Book Prize, one of Oprah’s Ten Terrific Reads of the Year, & Washington Post’s Best Book of the Year. “The satisfactions Blame offers readers are elegant prose and, deeper than that aesthetic pleasure, intelligence and compassion.” —LA Times

It's a hot time on Pepper Dr.'s block party Sunday

The folks on Pepper Dr. and environs are proud of their annual block party, held this past Sunday at the cul-de-sac at Pepper and Berendo St.  Monica Hubbard provides the copy, and Steve Bass the images:

What a great party yesterday!  Over 50 of us were able to make it. The weather cooperated!  The food was fabulous!  And the company was stellar!  What a great time we all had, from the oldest to the youngest!


A huge Thank You to Jacquie Sullivan for all her organizing, and for bringing us the wonderful musicians - The Safety Girls (http://www.thesafetygirls.com/index2.html ) and Dave Vidal (http://www.davidvidal.net/discog.html ).

Pat Taylor and Paul Nelson did the lion's share of the setup/take down for the party, providing tables and ice and all manner of party supplies!


Drew Dembowski and Tom Oldfield provided the keg!

Jean & Al Buennagel provided the bottled water!

And several people brought extra tables for the food and probably other stuff I'm forgetting!

Thanks to everyone for a great, great evening!!

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Lawmen and firefighters sponsor "National Night Out" next Tues.

It's just one week away from the National Night Out, to be held locally at the Loma Alta Park Equestrian Center from 5-9 PM on Tues., Aug. 3.

There will be food provided, many activities, and information booths sponsored by the Altadena sheriff's station, the California Highway Patrol, and Los Angeles County Fire Dept.

Melena heats up Saturday night

The Sheriff's Support Group summer concert series at Farnsworth Park cheered the return of last year's favorite, Melena and her Latin jazz group.  A large crowd had a good time with hot dancing and Afro-Cuban percussion.

 

 

Millard Creek: and now, foam

Millard Creek suffered yet another insult this weekend.  After being shut off for almost three days last week -- endangering the frogs, newts, and other riparian life -- a large amount of pungent, soapy foam was reported in the creek on Saturday and Sunday.

Emails from wildlife biologist Lori Paul, who has been following the creek story all week, said that she was informed of "a very large quanitity of thick suds and foamy bubbles" that filled the creek starting Saturday morning.  The foam reportedly smelled like "body odor" or "dirty socks,"  and tapered off in the afternoon.  The sighting was also confirmed by Lonnie Fehr, the campground host.

However, on Sunday, Paul reported big clumps of suds were again floating in the creek.  Her calls to Lincoln Ave. Water, which diverted the creek early last week, found them denying it was part of their work, but water company employees did report red and discolored water from their dam above the Millard Creek waterfall, which they blame on chemical fire retardant used to fight the Station Fire.

The source of the foam is being investigated.

Photos:  Lori Paul shares photos she received that claim to document Satuday's foam release.

Tagging: the sheriff wants your pictures

Carolyn Seitz of the Sheriff's Community Advisory Committee emails us this:

Last week, Lieutenant Joe Dempsey distributed information about graffiti removal and about a new page on the Los Angeles County Sheriff's website (www.lasd.org) with information on a "most wanted taggers" list.

The Altadena Sheriff's Station's Detectives are still requesting that you email photos of graffiti you see in Altadena to them. 

To email photos and location information for the graffiti you're reporting, the email address is:  altadena@lasd.org

To call to report graffiti, you can call the Station number at 626 798 1131.  Please understand that our station is undergoing renovation and for that reason, our calls are being routed to the Crescenta Valley Sheriff's station. 

Calls may be answered by someone unfamiliar with Altadena or the want of our Gang Detectives to get the information timely, so if you can do it, photos and location info by email may work better.

Thanks,
Carolyn

Sheriffs, Pasadena PD nab three suspects in Sunday morning burglary [Updated}

We received a reports from our community collaborators about the helicopter and squad cars clustering  Sunday morning about 3:30 AM.  According to Chris Considine, who was on the scene, sheriff's deputies had staked out the area bounded by New York, Morada, Mar Vista, and Holliston.  

Another correspondent from the area said that the copter was using the spotlight, and at one point the loudspeaker.  A deputy on scene interviewed by Chris confirmed that a burglary occurred on Morada (altho' other reports have said Mar Vista) and several suspects were arrested.

PSN reports that three suspects were arrested at the scene: Nicolas Noles,Harold Brown, 19, and a 17-year-old juvenile. The older suspects are being held in lieu of $50,000 bail each and arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday in Pasadena Superior Court.

UPDATE:  Det. Lt. Joe Dempsey of the Altadena Sheriff's station sent out this release:

On 07-25-10 at 3:31 am, Altadena Patrol deputies responded to a residential burglary alarm call in the 1900 block of Mar Vista Avenue in Altadena.  The deputies determined someone did in fact break into the home.Due to a quick response from Altadena Sheriff's deputies and Pasadena police officers, coupled with numerous calls from residents in the area, the suspects were located hiding in the neighborhood.  All three suspects were arrested for various charges including burglary. 

A great example of the result of a true partnership, the Community, Altadena Sheriff’s, and Pasadena Police Department.

UPDATE 7/27: We received this first-hand account from the site of the arrest (the burglary was apparently on Mar Vista, the arrest on Morada):

The ordeal went on for about 2 hours from approx. 3:30 - 5:30 am with helicopters and police search (with guns drawn!) ... One of the offenders was found hiding in the car outside our front gate (with lots of cell phones, ipods, computers in it) and the other one was in the yard next door behind a bush. He had gone through my husband's car then obviously slipped across the fence to hide in the bushes outside their bedroom window. Quite a night and a bit disconcerting.

Needless to say we double checked our locks and windows the last few nights, although hopefully we won't have that sort of action for a very long time again!

Back up again ...

Our Uverse problem was finally fixed yesterday (Uverse customers: there's an electronic filter that goes bad after a couple of years, just to warn you), and we'll have updates up through the morning -- lots of stuff: burglary arrests, foam in Millard Creek, concert photos -- we can't AFFORD to take time off!

PUSD constructs new entry to Loma Alta Elementary, thanks to parent pressure

by Erika McCarden
for Altadenablog

It’s often been said that it takes a village to raise a child. In this case, thanks to the voices raised by concerned parents and neighbors of Loma Alta Elementary School, students will be able to enter and exit school more safely when the new school year begins in September.

“Loma Alta is a school in the north central part of the District, which is L.A. County land. Until a year ago, the school didn’t even have a side walk on the west side of campus,” said Steve Brinkman, chief of the facilities, planning and maintenance and operations division for Pasadena Unified School District. “There’s no way to safely drop kids off at school. It’s a significant safety issue. The neighbors and parents offered concern, and frequent complaints were made to legislatures.”

(Photo: a new retaining wall and sidewalk are under construction at Loma Alta Elementary School.)

Chalmers Construction Services, Inc., broke ground last month with plans to create a brand new school entrance and sidewalk at Loma Alta Drive and Canon Boulevard. The project, made possible by a 2008 $350 million Measure TT bond initiative to repair and upgrade Pasadena Unified School District's aging and deteriorating campuses, comes exactly one year after the upper end of Loma Alta’s campus received a new fence and steps to prevent students from having to walk through the main parking lot to get into the school. The Measure’s top objective is to make all school campuses safe, secure, and accessible.

While the project seems simple enough, Brinkman informed that it took close to a year to approve because of the necessary Los Angeles County approvals. The hiring of architects and project planning ranged from six to nine months, and a grading difference called for a retaining wall to be built in order to get the sidewalk in place. With less traffic to face, and when all permits were in place, Brinkman said summer was the perfect time to get the job completed in time for the new school year.

“It’s a pretty intricate process. We had to get an encroachment permit, title reports, establish land ownership, and obtain civil engineering plans and state approvals,” said Brinkman.

The retaining wall that had to be constructed called for a permit to restore the county street, change the traffic approach at Canon Boulevard and Loma Alta Drive, and Edison telephone poles had to be removed in order to create the sidewalk and wall.

“There’s a big elevation difference from the top to the bottom, and to create the sidewalk we have to cut into the bank to secure it so that it doesn’t tumble down -so, no hazards to children. This is a safety project, pure and simple. Our No. 1 concern is safety,” said Brinkman.

Morning Jolt: cycles and scams

• Brian Day writing at Whittier Daily News profiles Altadenan Chris Zarow, a neuropathologist at USC.  Zarow is cycling 140 miles in the Alzheimer's Breakthrough Ride to encourage more funding for Alzeheimer's research.  "Let's put ourselves out of a job," says this researcher.
• Laura Monteros, writing for the Examiner, puts out a timely reminder about those official-looking mailers that say they will get you copies of legal documents you need for your home.  They usually ask between $100-$200 for documents that cost less than $20 -- that you don't need urgently -- and may have already. 

Sheriffs confirm six arrests in local burglaries

We were a little suspicious when some news outlets said at least a dozen burglary suspects were nabbed last week -- the press release we received (and a subsequent email confirmation to us by Det. Lt. Joe Dempsey) confirmed that there were six.  Carolyn Seitz from the Sheriff's Advisory Committee sent out this message  Friday:

Late this afternoon, Captain [Steven] McLean and Lieutenants [Shiela] Sanchez and [Roosevelt] Johnson provided the attached press release about the burglars arrested in Altadena between July 20th and July 22nd and asked that it be distributed across all of Altadena ...

Information in the newspapers saying 12 arrests were made in
Altadena is erroneous.

There were 6 arrests made between July 20th and July 22nd in
Altadena, in a joint operation with Pasadena Police Department.

It is possible that Pasadena made other arrests, but any
information published indicating 12 arrests in Altadena isn't
correct.

The Captain and Lieutenants in Altadena are still asking you to
report suspicious activity. Do not confront suspicious persons,
just call the station phone number - 626 798 1131. For now, the
call may be answered at the Crescenta Valley Sheriff's Station.
If you encounter any difficulties explaining to the person
answering the phone that you are observing suspicious activity
and are asking for Altadena deputies to respond, ask to speak to
the watch commander.

Dan Abendschein @ PSN has an follow-up to the arrest story, including the names of suspects, who are tied to the Bloods gang.

Bent but not broken

This will be a light day -- we're coming to you from the confines of Bean Town in Sierra Madre while Spawn 2 has an art class here.  Our ATT Uverse system is malfunctioning -- spent about an hour on the phone this morning before we found a technician who couldn't help us -- and we'll likely be limping until sometime tomorrow.  Until then, we have 90 minutes to get things up, so let's get started .....

Altadena Hardware gets new local owners

(Pictured: Jimmy, Paula, and Jim Orlandini)

After over a year of failed hopes and uncertainty -- not to mention a bus crashing into the front of the store --  Altadena Hardware will remain open with new owners:  Altadena residents seasoned by a lifetime in the hardware business.

Jim and Paula Orlandini took over Altadena Hardware from owner Don Thomas and his family on July 10. The Orlandinis also own Newland Hardware in El Sereno, which has been in the family since the mid-1960's.  They have been Altadena residents since 1985.

Their plans for the store include a combination of old and new.  Says Jim and Paula's son Jimmy, manager of the store: "We don't want to take away from the old fashioned look."  Paula Orlandini, who will also serve as bookkeeper for the store,  calls it "modernization, but with old world flair."

Jimmy Orlandini said that their plans include a thorough restocking of inventory, updating the displays, and freshening up the well-worn interior while keeping its small-town-hardware-store look.

The morning jolt: newts, news, and fighting taggers

• PSN's Larry Wilson writes a paean to Lori Paul, the defender of Millard Canyon wildlife, who moved heaven and earth to restore the flow at Millard Canyon Creek to save the frogs and newts.  In his blog, Larry also includes a different newt orgy picture than the one we used we used in our story.
• Kudos and congratulations to our counterparts at West Seattle Blog.  News goddess Tracy Record is profiled by Time Magazine in an article on the growth of local news sites. (But do they have newt orgy pictures?  I DON'T THINK SO!)

• Graffiti help: The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has created an LASD Most Wanted Taggers website.  You can locate the link on the home page of the Sheriff’s Department’s website (www.lasd.org).  (Or you can go here.) The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works maintains a hotline to report graffiti at (800) 675-4357.  This hotline is available with live operators 24 hours a day seven days a week.

• The Register-Guard of Eugene, Oregon, profiles Ian Whitcomb, who is playing at the Oregon Festival of American Music next weekend.

Six gang members arrested in burglary wave, sheriffs say

(This story has been updated from a previous version)

The Los Angeles County Sheriff announced tonight that six men were arrested for burglary and other charges in a joint operation between Altadena deputies and the Pasadena Police Dept.

A sheriff's press release said:

On July 20 through 22, 2010, Detectives from Altadena Station and the Pasadena Police Department conducted a joint operation to combat residential burglaries in both jurisdictions. The operation resulted in the arrest of six male adult suspects on charges such as residential burglary, possession of stolen property and grand theft auto. Two of the suspects were additionally charged for violation of parole.

In addition, several pieces of stolen property were recovered, including a vehicle, laptop computers, big screen television and cellular telephones. All of the suspects are suspected members of a local street gang. The investigation into their connection to additional crimes in Altadena and Pasadena is ongoing.

UPDATE 11 PM: LA Times is saying "at least a dozen" gang members arrested, but we're not sure we trust that number yet.

UPDATE 7/23, 11:45 PM: We were right not to trust that number: sheriffs say Pasadena PD (which LA Times used as a source) is wrong, it's six arrested.  A copy of the press release on this is after the jump.

Magician Jeff Fredricksen makes a splash at the Libraries Tues.

Jeff Fredricksen Magic presents "Splish! Splash! It's All Magic!"  This interactive program incorporates magic, comedy, and juggling in a hilarious presentation that promotes the wonder and magic to be found in books.

2 PM at the Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa, and 4:30 PM at the Bob Lucas Branch Library, 2659 N. Lincoln Ave.

'Dena Weekend

Keep checking back as more is added!

Fri., June 23

• "The Losers" is the Altadena Library's teen movie spectacular, rated PG-13.  Admission is free.  Starts 3:30 at the Library, 600 E. Mariposa.
• scissor/paper/rock acoustic concert series continues with An Uncommon Gentleman  (original alternative music), starting at 7 :30 PM.  Free. 1864 N. Allen, Pasadena.
  

Sat., June 24

• Meet Max the Bunny from the popular children's series "Max and Ruby" by Rosemary Wells at the Altadena Library, 11 AM-noon. Children will be treated to stories and a chance to visit with Max himself.  Don't forget your cameras for this exciting costume character event!
• Mt. Wilson Observatory Assn. program will feature Dr. Edward L. (Ned) Wright, of the UCLA Physics & Astronomy Dept. His subject will be the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) space astronomy mission, for which Dr. Wright is Principal Investigator. Refreshments are at 2:00pm, the program begins at 2:30pm at the Library, 600 E. Mariposa.
• The Afro-Cuban sound of Melena is this week's Sheriff Support Group concert at Farnsworth Park, starting at 7 PM.  Admission is free.
• Bulgarini Gelato Summer Movie Night is "Cinema Paradiso."  Dinner starts at 7:30, movie at 8:15.  $13, reservations must be made by Friday, by email at catering@bulgarinigelato.com or by calling (626) 791-6174.
• The Philabosians at the Folly Bowl, starting at 8 PM.  Admission is free. 1601 Loma Alta Dr.

Sun.,  June 25

• St. Elizabeth's Saint Vincent De Paul Society will be holding a "Bundle Sunday"  from 8 AM to 1:30 PM in the church parking lot at 1879 N. Lake Avenue.   Bring your usable clothing, shoes, household items, books , etc.   Your donations are tax deductible and support the SVDP  thrift stores in Los Angeles, Long Beach and Oxnard.   If you have furniture or large appliances that you might like to donate, please call 213-224-6280 for a special pick-up at your home.  

Rose West honored as a Woman of Empowerment

(Previous story here).

Rose West, owner of Curves Altadena, has been recognized as a Woman of Empowerment by California State Senator Carol Liu, receiving her award July 16 at the Pasadena Hilton.  “I can’t believe I’m being rewarded for helping people into doing the right thing!  Some of them even pay me to do it,” exclaimed the irrepressible West.

West and her staff have grown the Curves membership from zero  to 150 members in just two years.  Clearly this award celebrates her business success, but it also recognizes that, through Curves, West has connected with her Altadena community, too.

For West, women’s health is not just a job, it’s a passion.  To turn words into actions, she has organized a Curves Altadena team for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life for two years.  She hosts an annual “Girls Night In” party to raise more money for cancer.  In March, Curves gathered over 1,200 pounds of food for the Altadena Food Pantry.  And, as part of her own “green initiative,” West collects small electronic devices for recycling.  Because she models such amazing community activism, more Altadena women are getting involved in life in the community.

West also works hard to improve the business climate in Altadena.  She teams with other local businesses for events and cross-promotional activities, and goes out of her way to welcome and support new businesses.  Many local artists have been invited to show and sell their artwork in Curves.  In addition, she is on the board of the Altadena Chamber of Commerce and charged with reaching out to home-based businesses. She has served in various leadership positions in her church – including heading the committee to find and hire a new priest.

West has a BA from Princeton University in East Asian Studies and a MBA from Pepperdine University in Management.  Never one to rest on her laurels, she plans to enroll in a Kinesiology and Nutrition certification program in the fall.  Curves is her third professional endeavor.  She spent 15 years in International Banking at Security Pacific Bank and retired as a First Vice President.  Given her admitted love of pretty clothes, killer shoes and the right make-up, she was a natural for a career in direct sales as an Independent Sales Director with Mary Kay Cosmetics.  West and her husband, Keith West, raised their two sons in Altadena.  Phillip is a newly-minted bachelor of arts from Lehigh University.  His brother, Kevin, is a junior there.

Senator Liu has chosen 25 area women to be honored as outstanding businesswomen and community activists at the 11th annual Women in Business Legislative Update and Awards Luncheon.  Nominations were accepted in a variety of categories for women who have contributed to the economic vitality and quality of life in the two legislative districts.  Women in Business celebrates women who have contributed to the greater good of the region by advancing business and creating new jobs and serving the community. According to Liu, “These women are role models for their community and co-workers.”  Nominees must live or work in one of the appropriate legislative districts.

Bulgarini Gelato opens summer "Dinner and a Movie" nights

Now that the World Cup is over, Bulgarini Gelato, 749 E. Altadena Dr. (next to Rite-Aid) is starting it's Italian "dinner and a movie" summer nights:

Enjoy an foreign film every Saturday night in the Summer. Dinner will be offered - by reservation only - for $13.00, which will include a pasta dish, salad and a drink. Reservations may be made by Friday (the day before the film) by email at catering@bulgarinigelato.com or by calling (626) 791-6174.

The movie showing is free and open to all - no reservations required.

The gelateria will be open before, during and after the show.

The first movie is Cinema Paradiso. It is a film by Giuseppe Tornatorre, starring Marco Leonardi.
Dinner will be served at: 7:45pm
The film will begin at 8:30pm

Movie Schedule for Summer:
July 24 Cinema Paradiso
July 31 Le Diner de Cons
August 7 Mogliamante
August 14 Lola Rennt
August 21 Profumo di Donna
August 28 Volver
September 4 Secret of Santa Vittoria

Lincoln Ave. Water Co. diverts Millard creek, endangers amphibians

Millard Canyon Creek went down to a trickle for almost 24 hours Tuesday and Wednesday, endangering the habitat of frogs and a rare California newt during a late mating season.

The creek was cut off by Lincoln Avenue Water, one of the water companies that services Altadena, reportedly making repairs to pipes damaged by the Station Fire above Millard Falls and diverting the water for pressure tests.  According to Lori Paul, a wildlife biologist who lives in the Chaney Trail neighborhood and monitors the campground area, only a cease-and-desist order from the National Forest Service carried by District Ranger Mike McIntyre forced the water company to restore the flow.  The flow started again about 11:45 Wednesday morning.

The stoppage was particularly damaging to the population of endemic California newts (Taricha torosa torosa)  who live in the creek and are having an uncharacteristically late amplexus, or mating and egg-laying season.  Young newts have gills and need the water for survival.  Paul told Altadenablog this evening that the loss was "incalculable."

(Photo: Millard Creek newts in amplexus in April.  Photo by Mario and Brenda Miralles)

The Millard Creek newt population is particularly critical as many newts in the forest were destroyed in the Station Fire.  After surviving the fire, floods, debris flows -- and the increased number of tourists at Millard Campground, including youngsters who have been witnessed capturing, relocating, or simply killing newts for fun -- the sudden loss of water is another insult to the population. 

Paul said, "They're flopping on the surface and every predator on the planet -- crows, owls, racoons -- is eating everybody."

Repeated calls by Paul, McIntyre, and the Pasadena Star-News to Lincoln Water manager Bob Hayward during and after the crisis were reported not returned.  Paul recommended that Lincoln Avenue customers contact the water company to express their concerns about the stoppage.

PSN coverage is here.

Chamber monthly mixer July 29 @Bonnie B's

The Altadena Chamber of Commerce writes:

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, July 29, 2010

Bonnie B's Smokin' BBQ & Soul Food Heaven, 1280 N. Lake Ave. Pasadena, CA 91104  794-0132

5:30-7:30p

"The Tracs" in free kids concert July 30

Rising young stars, The Tracs, will be playing a FREE early evening show at th Farnsworth Park amphitheatere on Fri.,  July 30, starting at 7:30 PM.
.
Kids of all ages will enjoy alternative and classic rock hits from this cool young band aged 12-14 as well as be the first to hear a song from the band's upcoming EP played live for the first time. Meet and greet with the band after the show.

Help out the Relay For Life -- meeting Thurs., 6 PM @ Coffee Gallery

John C. Pings at the Altadena Relay for Life (Aug. 14-15 at Farnsworth Park) writes:

We have a committee meeting Thurs., July 22 at 6 PM at Coffee Gallery and could really use some Altadena support to Fight Back Against Cancer. Our fantastic fun Committee is looking for new participants, new teams and new committee volunteers, all are welcome!!

Altadenan Mark Montague dies in diving accident

Mark "Monty" Montague (pronounced mon-tayg), 43, of Altadena, died in an accident while diving at Shaw's Cove in Laguna Beach Monday.

Montague, who was known as a technical whiz who worked at Caltech and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, was diving with his girlfriend and reported problems with his equipment, reports say.  As they were swimming back to shore, she reportedly lost track of him but later found him face down in the water.  He was dragged out by rescuers and paramedics, but died at the scene. 

According to the Orange County Register, there appeared to be no equipment problems and the coroner is looking at a pre-existing health condition as cause of death.

Montague is remembered by friends and colleagues in this profile by Nathan McIntire of PSN.

(Photo from Montague's website).

Vacation-season town council meeting short and uneventful

Not much to report from Tuesday's Altadena Town Council meeting.  Due to vacations, there was not even a quorum present, so no action could be taken.

New councilmember Diane Marcussen of CT 4613 and the re-elected incumbents were sworn in by field deputy Rita Hadjimanoukian of Supv. Mike Antonovich's office, and the rump council sat to hear reports.

• Councilman Gino Sund said that the request for proposal had finally gone out to about 25 trash haulers who had expressed interest in servicing Altadena.  Their proposals will be due Aug. 23, followed by a process of selection and the county supervisors' approval of winning bidder.  The winning hauler will then have six months to get ready.  Sund said that it looks to be June of 2011 before new trash operations can start in town.
• The Altadena hillside ordinance has been passed by the regional planning commission, and is expected to go before the county supervisors July 27.
• Sheriff Capt. Steven McLean talked some more about the burglary wave, saying that another burglary suspect had been arrested that morning.  He also shared that, while his wife was recently shopping at Walmart, somebody had broken into their vehicle in the parking lot and stolen two rear seats in broad daylight.
  
  McLean reported that ten thefts from vehicles were reported last week, and that nine of the ten were open, including someone with their ID and a considerable amount of cash out in the open.
  
  McLean also said that he was working on a protocol with the Crescenta Valley station to insure a faster response to Altadena calls.  Crescenta Valley is handling Altadena calls while the Altadena station is undergoing a $1.3 million renovation.  While the station is supposed to be closed (except for a trailer office) for sixty days, McLean said his best guess was that renovations would actually be over by the end of the year.

Missing cat: "J"

Beth writes about her missing kitty:

Last seen Tues., 7/19/10, around 9 PM, on Santa Anita Ave near Athens St. He responds to "J". please check your trees, garages, and streets. He's very sweet and social. About 2 years old. Any information of where and when seen could help find him. Please contact murinae_squish@yahoo.com or call 626-696-5891. He's been reported missing, his microchip number is: 4A26681B65 15lbs
brown tabby, groomed with a lion cut
turquoise collar with yellow Home Again tag and black ID tag (Jack)
soft like a bunny
loves food (he even knows the word)

Cowboy poetry and song in Altadena July 31

Bob and Marie Mann, Altadena's cowboy culture promoters, write us:

Well, after the sizzling hot show we had with Gary Allegretto and Ian Espinoza on Saturday night, we're going to switch gears and invite you to join us at our home in Altadena in closing our 2010 Summer season with an

"Evening of Cowboy Poetry and Song" featuring Gary Robertson and Eddie Villalobos
July 31, Saturday
Backyard House Concert in Altadena, CA
Doors Open at 5:30pm. Show at 7:00pm


One of our favorite Cowboy Poets, Gary Robertson has been writing about the daily trials and tribulations of the cowboy and rancher for over 25 years. His poetry has appeared in the Chickasaw Times, Capriola's Catalogue, American Cowboy Magazine, and several local newspapers. One of his poems was chosen to be included in the book "Cowboy Poetry: the Reunion" and he is a featured poet on CowboyPoetry.com. 

Gary has entertained audiences at the Colorado Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Arizona Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival, Cowboy Hall of Fame, Autry National Center, The Conejo Cowboy Poetry Festival, and Big Bear Cowboy Poetry Gathering. 

Eddie Villalobos rounds out the evening with fine Western song. Eddie is gifted with a wonderful voice and fine guitar playing. As soon as Eddie begins to sing, he has the audience in the palm of his hand. Eddie has entertained audiences at the Autry National Center, Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival and the Visalia Fall Roundup.

Gary and Eddie are the genuine article and we are proud to have them back. This will be Gary's third performance in our backyard concert series, and the second appearance for Eddie.

Please make plans to join us at our home in Altadena for this relaxed evening of Cowboy poetry and song. If you haven't yet made your reservations, please do so now by emailing us at big.hat@sbcglobal.net.

Suggested donation is $20.00 per person and, of course, that includes a BBQ dinner. Visit bighatonline.com for all the details.
We'll be looking forward to seeing you.
Bob and Marie

Melena's Afro-Cuban grooves return to Farnsworth Park Sat.

The Sheriff's Support Group concert series at Farnsworth Park welcomes the return of Melena on Sat., July 24, at 7 PM.:

Melena, born in Havana Cuba, has mastered the traditional rhythms that have traveled from Africa to Cuba, to the dance floors of America. Her Afro/Cuban sound is a conversation of melodies which she plays with fierce passion. Whether she is playing Congas, Timbales, Batas or a range of other percussion instruments. Melena is someone to be recognized as one of the most accomplished and proficient female percussionist in the music community.
Melena has been traveling the world and performed with legendary artists such as: Stevie Wonder, Barry White, Macy Gray, Chayanne, Julio Iglesias, Eva Ayllone, Chucho Valdes and Irakere and many others. Melena returned to her native Cuba in 1997 and 2000, to study with Conjunto Folklorico Nacional de Cuba, as well as with many other gifted percussionists on the island. Melena has also studied with Roberto Vizcaino Guillott, Miguel “Anga” Diaz, Yaroldy Abreu, Jose Miguel Melendez, Adel Gonzalez, Mario Jauregui and Daniel Herrera. Melena has been blessed to share the same stage with her biggest inspiration, Giovanni Hidalgo!

In 2005, Melena performed with her Afro Cuban band at the Ninth Annual Brownsville Latin Jazz Festival in Texas. Melena, was the opening act for both Giovanni Hidalgo and Chuchito Valdes. During her visit in Texas, she also conducted a percussion clinic at the Brownsville University.

Melena has been FEATURED as a guest musician for several recordings and Live DVD/PBS specials for artists such as: John Tesh, David Longoria, Eva Ayllone, Peru Negro, Joel Holmes and Unwrapped Vol. 2 & 3 for Hidden Beach Records and many more.

Most recently, Melena was the featured percussionist on the Fox Television show, “Prison Break” playing congas and dancing alongside actor, Amaury Nolasco. Melena is also a featured percussionist with singer/ songwriter Janel Parrish who plays Jade in the Bratz movie.

Festivals Melena has performed at include: Jazz at Drew, African Village Festival, Latin Music Festival, Puerto Rico Percussion Festival, Santa Barbara Carribean Festival, Montreal Drum Festival and more.

Melena also conducts workshops and clinics nationally and internationally. She has specialized her studies in the Afro-Cuban tradition and on the Sacred Bata Drums and has taught her students the importance of the history and knowledge of Afro-Cuban drumming and the language of the Batas.

The following companies endorse Melena: DW, Sabian, Vic Firth, Remo, Hansenfutz, Beato, Rhythm Tech and Flawless Vodka.

Town council meeting Tues., 7 PM, Community Center

Major order of business will be swearing in the new electees and getting the council organized for next year (lots of vacations, so even raising a quorum may be iffy).

Coalition of neighborhood associations forming July 27 @ Library

Elliot Gold writes:

Long time residents of Altadena will remember that years ago there was a coalition of Neighborhood Associations which met each quarter to discuss common issues.

Well, it’s backkkkkkkkkkkk!

While there are indeed regular meetings held by the Sheriff’s Department about crime issue in Altadena, attended by heads of Neighborhood Watch, there just hasn’t been a forum for more “neighborhood issues” such as:

• How do we keep folks from littering our streets
• How do we get to know our neighbors
• What events (pool parties, barbeques, and pot luck dinners) work to keep neighbors “neighborly”?
• How do we prepare for an earthquake?
• And most importantly- How do we keep up communications between neighbors?

Two months ago, Elliot Gold contacted the heads of all Neighborhood Associations in Altadena, and after a small planning meeting attended by heads of a half dozen neighborhood associations, it was decided it was time to form a Coalition of Neighborhood Associations.

The first meeting will be held on Tues., July 27 from 7- 8:30 PM at the Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa.

Five Block Captains will present "What has made our Neighborhood Association a success", followed by an open discussion and Q&A.
If you’re interested in how to make your neighborhood association more successful, you should plan to attend.

Questions: Ask Elliot Gold (Elliot@telespan.com)