altadenablog

Read to Pearl at the Library Wed., Nov. 3

Kids ages 5-12 can read to Pearl, a loveable rescued standard poodle, at Barks & Books at the Library on Wed., Nov. 3, at 3:30 PM.

Morning jolt

• Brian League, chair of the town council Land Use Committee, tells us the regular meeting scheduled for Nov. 2 has been cancelled.  See you again on Dec. 7.
• The county Dept. of Animal Care & Control will be sweeping through Altadena for the next few weeks to make sure your pets are licensed.  You can avoid hiding Bowser by beating 'em to the punch and license your pet here.
• Even tho' it's looking like Loma Alta and Burbank elementary schools will be closed next year, they're still receiving $8 million in Measure TT improvements, Brian Charles at PSN reports.
• The Altadena NAACP is holding its 25th anniversary Freedom Fund Luncheon on Nov. 14 at the Castaways Restaurant in Burbank.  PSN has the details.
  
  
  
  

 

Congratulations to the Mothership!

Our friends and constant inspiration, The West Seattle Blog, won first prize for "Community Collaboration" in the Online Journalism Awards.  Not only do they work hard for their community, but their website won the award ahead of projects from CNN, CBC, and the Los Angeles Times.

West Seattle Blog, like Altadenablog/Altadena Online, is a home-grown, advertiser-supported news website that not only relies on skilled freelancers, but community collaborators who are interested in keeping their community informed.  Congratulations to Patrick, Tracy, the Intern, and the entire community of West Seattle, who are simply the best at what they do.

Special needs children can "Duck the Flu" with Danny's Farm at Kidspace

Next Sun., Nov 7, Danny’s Farm of Altadena and Pegasus Home Health Care will create the most fun-filled way to “Duck the Flu” this season at the Kidspace Children’s Museum in Pasadena.

The event, targeted at children with special needs and their families, will be held at the Museum from noon to 3 PM. While no one looks forward to receiving a flu shot, special needs children find the experience particularly scary. And, it is this very special group of children that is at higher risk for the flu infection. “Let’s make it a flu shot party just for these special children and their families,” was the idea of Cathy Gott, founder of Danny’s Farm and Pam Spiszman, founder and president of Pegasus Home Health Care.

The fun and caring nurses of Pegasus will be providing the flu shots and the furry barnyard friends from Danny’s Farm will be on hand to entertain the children and their parents making this a fun experience!

Through the support of the Kidspace Children’s Museum, all children who receive the flu shot and their parents/guardian ($25 per vaccine) will receive a special wristband admitting them free to the Museum for the afternoon. All other family members will receive 50% off the regular admission price of $10 ($5).

Children and families can explore the interactive and educational activities at the Museum and spend time getting to know the barnyard friends from Danny’s Farm.

Former Dodger Pitcher Jim Gott along with other former Dodger players will be on hand to entertain the kids and their families!

Pegasus Home Care will be using preservative-free (no mercury) flu vaccine formulated specifically for children but perfect for their parents too. The flu shot will be available to children 3 years and older.

Yummy food is available at Kidspace Museum but please feel free to bring your own family picnic lunch – there’s plenty of family picnic space available.Danny's Farm, Kidspace Children's Museum, and Pegasus Home Health Care will present "Duck the Flu," a special day for very special children, at Kidspace on Sun. Nov. 7.

Pegasus Home Health Care will donate proceeds from this event to Kidspace and Danny's Farm.  Kidspace is at 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena

700,000

Passing another threshhold: 700,000 lifetime pageviews logged today. Thanks to all our readers, contributors, and sponsors for your support of Altadena's first, best, and only home-grown news website!

Morning jolt

• PSN's Brian Charles interviews Steve Blancart, former Irwindale city manager and Altadena resident.  Blancart is one of several former Irwindale city officials who've gotten hit with five felony counts  of misappropriation of public funds.
• Whittier Daily News does a feature on Altadena resident Nancy Power.  The biology teacher at Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy lives her green lifestyle and passes it on to her students.  She's even getting a diving certificate so she can volunteer to monitor ocean reefs.  That's hard-core!
• Ex-town councilman Herbert Simmons sent out an announcement that his Student and Teacher of the Month program will resume today at Loma Alta Elementary School.  (Simmons resigned from the council following an investigation into his statements made about the program -- a program that PUSD cancelled, then reinstated, something they seem to do a lot).  Simmons also directs readers to his website, where he has requested the LA County District Attorney investigate the council for ... something.

 

Crime log: Oct. 18-22, 2010

Mon., Oct. 18

Between 7:25 AM and 5:20 PM – a residential burglary occurred in the 2400 block of Glenrose Av. Suspect(s) entered the location via the unlocked rear sliding door. Loss: None.

Between 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM – a residential burglary occurred in the 2400 block of Canyada Av. Suspects(s) entered the location via the unlocked south side door. Location was ransacked and the following items were stolen: silver & black iPod touch, black & white checkered iPhone, silver Dell Inspiron laptop, & black Nintendo DS.

Between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM – a residential burglary occurred in the 1300 block of E. Altadena Dr.  Suspect(s) entered the location by shattering the south side window of the residence. Loss: silver & black iMac 21.5” computer, black Sharp 19” TV, beige iMac 21” computer, & black and silver iPod.

Tues., Oct. 19

Between 8:45 PM and 7:15 PM – a residential burglary occurred in the 1000 block of Alta Pine St. Suspect(s) entered the location by removing the rear window door screen. Loss: black Compaq 15” laptop, silver & sapphire ring, silver band with large purple stone, pearl necklace, & gray iPod nano.

Between 5:30 PM and 5:51 PM – a residential burglary occurred in the 2000 block of Holliston Av. Suspect(s) entered the location by shattering the family room window with a rock. Loss: None.

Thurs., Oct. 21

Between 8:15 AM and 7:00 PM – a residential burglary occurred in the 1600 block of N. Harding Av. The suspects(s) entered the location by prying the west side window of the residence. Loss: black Toshiba 19” monitor, black Envision 19” flat screen TV & a Samsung 42” HDTV.

Between 9:00 AM and 5:15 PM – a residential burglary occurred in the 1800 block of Craig Av. The suspect(s) entered the location via the bedroom window. Loss: tan canvas bag containing personal documents, green Swarovski binoculars, brown Nikon binoculars, & black Samsung 40” flat screen.

Fri., Oct. 22

10:40 AM – a vehicle burglary occurred in the 3500 block of Canon Blvd. The suspect(s) shattered the front passenger window and stole the following items: black Gucci purse & personal documents.

Between 3:30 PM and 5:00 PM – a vehicle burglary occurred in the parking structure of 2180 N. Lincoln Av. The suspect(s) shattered the driver’s side window and stole the following items: silver Mac Book Pro laptop, tan laptop bag, dark brown wallet containing credit cards and personal documents, and $150.00 in cash.

10:00 PM – An assault with a firearm occurred at Lincoln Av. & Stonehurst. The victim; a gang member, was panhandling at the location when a late 90’s model tan Honda Accord occupied by four African‐American’s, drove by the location. The victim recognized the males in the vehicle as being gang members with whom he had previous contact. The victim left the location southbound on Lincoln towards Stonehurst Dr. where he was confronted by one of the suspects in the vehicle who was now on foot. The suspect – a male African‐American, 17‐ 19 years, 6’0”, 163 lbs, black hooded sweatshirt and jeans, made eye contact with the victim, reached into his waist band & retrieved a firearm. The suspect then fired 5 rounds towards the victim and struck the victim twice in the hand. Suspect is still outstanding.

Photo by Walt: free Halloween costume photo Saturday

Photo by Walt, 875 E. Mariposa, writes:

In honor of Halloween this weekend, we are opening our doors to anyone who comes in on Saturday the 30th between 10:30am and 4:00pm in a Halloween costume will have a free picture taken and free print to take home with them.

We hope you will join us in spreading the word to the community.

A very spooky and safe Halloween to all!

As the rainy season begins, Rubio Canyon wall still stands

 

Pictured: Altadena Heritage president Mark Goldschmidt took this picture of the retaining wall in Rubio Creek earlier this week.

Over a month after the county stopped construction of a homeowner's unauthorized wall that partially blocked Rubio Canyon Creek,  the wall is still up and the rainy season has already begun.

Janet Fahey, president of the Rubio Canon Land and Water Association,  is still very concerned that the wall will divert the stream during heavy rains right into the water association's pipes, possibly damaging them and cutting off drinking water to a substantial segment of Altadena.

"It's been a month, but [the wall] is still sitting there," Fahey said. "Time is of the essence now."

Deputy-involved shooting this morning, 500 block Terrace [UPDATED]

Altadena Det. Lt. Joseph Dempsey said that deputies are investigating a deputy-involved shooting that occured on the 500 block of Terrace Lane this morning at about 9:20.

Nobody was hit in the incident, Dempsey said.

Deputies had tried to stop a car that was was identified as being taken in a carjacking in San Dimas.   The suspect in the carjacking was an Altadena resident.

Dempsey said they weren't sure yet why the deputy's weapon was fired.

The suspect in the carjacking is in custody.

UPDATE: We've received more information from the sheriffs:  suspect is Kyle Traub, 21, of Altadena, who was booked for carjacking.  According to Lt. Dempsey, the car (which had been reported carjacked) was spotted by a single local deputy who proceeded to follow and called for backup.  The car stopped and the suspect got out before backup arrived.  According to Dempsey, at some point the deputy feared for his life and fired a single shot at the suspect, which missed, and the suspect became more compliant.

Per department policy, deputy's name is not being released while the investigation is going on.  The shooting is being investigated by Altadena deputies, the sheriff's internal affairs division, and office of independent review.

UPDATE: Removed Google map, as readers said it was interfering with their browser -- and we don't need it!

The latest: distraction burglaries on the rise

The Arcadia Police Dept. sent out a message over the Nixle system about a wave of "distraction burglaries" in their area that we think is worth passing on:

The Be Aware of Residential Distraction Burglaries! Do not allow persons in your home without verified identification.

The Arcadia Police Department has experienced an increase in reports of residential distraction burglaries in recent weeks.  The suspects in these incidents are commonly referred to by the victims as “Gypsy” type individuals, or "Travelers".  The method of distraction involves the suspects portraying themselves as officials with various government agencies or sub-contractors through government agencies.  Such vocations represented are:  Department of Water & Power employees, city public works, construction employees, and tree trimmers.

These crimes occur during day time hours and focus on elderly victims.  Once the suspect gains the victim’s trust and confidence, the suspect is allowed inside and occupies the victim.  A second suspect then enters the residence and commits the theft.  The victim is unaware their valuables have been stolen and ultimately both suspects leave the residence minutes apart.

The Arcadia Police Department is reminding residents to be aware of these crimes of trickery and encourage them to never allow anyone inside of their homes without positively verifying the individual’s identity and employer.

Three hospitalized in peds vs. SUV accident at Altadena/Glenrose

PSN is carrying this report of a woman and child struck by an SUV while crossing Altadena Dr. near Glenrose.

The accident occurred around 6:30 last night.  The boy, age about 5, was critically injured and the woman appeared to have suffered moderate injuries.  The driver of the SUV appeared uninjured but upset and was hospitalized as a precaution, PSN says.

According to our man-on-the-scene Elliot Gold, the adults appeared alert but the child was airlifted to Children's Hospital.  The Edison School site was used to land the helicopter.

Weekendin': the Halloween edition!

Pictured:  a pumpkin sculpted to resemble owner Judah Casburn holds court at the Altadena Ale & Wine House.

Keep checking back for more goodness!

Thurs., Oct. 28

• Kimberley Valentine, Planned Giving Director at the Huntington Library, discusses how planned gifts can save on your taxes and provide resources that create extraordinary opportunities for the future of the organization of your choice.  This program, co-sponsored by the Friends of the Library and the Senior Center, will be held at 1:30 PM at the Altadena Senior Center, at 560 E. Mariposa Street (just west of the main library).
• Final performances Thurs.-Sat. for 2010 Wicked Literature: A Halloween Theatre Festival at Mountain View Mausoleum and Cemetery.  Three short works will be performed , based on Edgar Allen Poe's The Cask of Amontillado, H.P. Lovecraft's The Unnameable, and Charles Dickens' The Chimes. For tickets and more information, go to wickedlit.org or call 818-242-7910.
• Loma Alta Park will have a Halloween festival for younger children starting at 3 PM, and a  a Halloween-theme teen dance starting at 7 PM. 

Fri., Oct. 29

• An after school "Tiny Tots" costume parade will be held at Loma Alta Park starting at 3 PM.
• Your little spooks will have a chance to enjoy Halloween and Day of the Dead crafts at the Altadena Library, starting at 3:30 PM.  Crafts include decorating trick-or-treat bags, Mexican paper flowers, and sugar skull decorating.  600 E. Mariposa.
• The Bob Lucas Branch Library, 2659 N. Lincoln Ave., will have a Halloween party starting at 3:30 PM.  Decorate a trick-or-treat bag, or indulge yourself with face-painting -- time to get in the spirit of the season, and it's free.
• Christ the Shepherd Lutheran Church will hold a Halloween carnival Fri. from 5-9 PM.  Free games for the kids with prizes, free spook house, and free chili dinner for the whole family.There will also be an all-ages costume contest.   185 W. Altadena Dr.
• The Altadena Senior Center is hosting its own haunted house, with raffles, snacks  and more at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.  Included is a viewing of the movie "Drag Me to Hell" (rated PG-13, so not suitable for younger kids).  The haunting begins on Oct. 29, from 7-10 PM.
• Farnsworth Park: There will be a Halloween carnival from 3-6 PM at Farnsworth Park on Friday, with activities and a goodie bag.  Free.

Sat., Oct. 30

• The fall Art on Palm sale and exhibit will be held 9 AM-4:30 PM at 1419 E. Palm (down in the canyon).  This one-day-only show and sale features ceramics, collage, drawings, fabric, glass, jewelry, paintings, photography and woodcarvings. Admission and parking are free; light refreshments will be available for sale.
• Photo by Walt, 875 E. Mariposa, will be taking free pictures and giving out free prints of your little goblin in costume, from 10:30 AM-4 PM today.
• Webster Elementary School, 2101 E. Washington, Pasadena, will hold its Fall Festival from 11:30 AM-4 PM.  Family fun, a costume parade, and a neighborhood craft fair.
• At Farnsworth Park, in the upper Davies building, "Yourself in Another Life" masquerade ball, a conscious dance and movement event, will be held from 7-11 PM.  Come dressed as yourself in another life, and throughout the night transform into, and leave as, yourself,  No experience with dance necessary.  An intermission of delectable desserts will be served halfway through the evening. $20 includes entrance and desserts, please email jp@IMJam.net to RSVP and for a PayPal invoice.
• Meanwhile, also at Farnsworth Park, the county Parks and Recreation Dept. will turn the lower Davies building into a haunted house between 6-8 PM.  Expect thrills, chills, and more candy.
• The Altadena Ale & Wine House, 2329 N. Fair Oaks, will have a Halloween party on Sat. night with prizes given for best costumes.  The Ale House opens at 3 PM, must be 21 or older to enter the premises.

Sun. Oct. 31

• Happy Halloween!

Coffee Gallery celebrates Leslie Perry book release Nov. 7

It's time to celebrate as the Coffee Gallery (2029 North Lake) is planning a big book signing, performance and celebration for Leslie Perry’s book The Story Man on Sun., Nov. 7, starting at 2 PM.

Altadena-based master storyteller Perry's book was financed through fundraising efforts at the Coffee Gallery and other places, and will be available for purchase at the event.

Storyteller and director Nick Smith is organizing and producing a performance of Perry's book for the afternoon. 

High risk sex offender on the run, known to come to Pasadena [UPDATE]

The Los Angeles Police Dept. issued this notice about a high-risk sex offender who cut off his GPS and took off.  He's been known to frequent Pasadena:

VALENTINO RODRIGUEZ JR. (Male Hispanic, 506 /160 with brown hair and brown eyes)

Valentino Rodriguez was paroled to 5819 E. Olympic Blvd in East Los Angeles on 10-04-2010. On 10-25-2010 he removed his GPS tracking device at the ARCO Station located at Century Blvd. and Main Street in South Los Angeles. He frequents the following areas: LAPD 77 Division, LAPD Southeast Division, Pasadena area and East Los Angeles Areas.

ANYONE WITH INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT DETECTIVE ANTHONY CAMARGO
Phone (323)264-4151
East Los Angeles Station 5019 E. 3rd. Street, Los Angeles CA 90022

UPDATE, 10/28: Rodriguez was taken into custody after being found and interviewed by KTLA!  LInk here.

Like a (no longer) rolling stone

Millard Canyon campground host Lonnie Fehr shares this video:  a large boulder that rolled downstream in Millard Creek after the Station Fire, where it landed against three alder trees, was deflecting the water flow during the recent rains into the campground and towards the road. Lonnie took pictures of a work crew breaking the rock yesterday.

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"Halloween" in Altadena, c. 1978

From trail/film maven Paul Ayers:

As most film buffs know John Carpenter’s 1978 classic Halloween, which more or less created the slasher movie  genre, was shot all over the San Gabriel Valley with location shooting in Sierra Madre, Pasadena and South Pasadena.  Less known is the Altadena location of a scene in the film where Dr. Sam Loomis [played by the late, great Donald Pleasance] emerges from the offices of the Warren County Sanitarium, where he has been trying to convince the staff that Michael Myers is on his way to Haddonfield, Illinois to wreak havoc, walks down to the parking lot and drives off in a high dudgeon. 

The first shot gives it away as Dr. Loomis steps right onto mat inscribed with the location’s real name, “La Vina”.  Yes, the scene was shot at the old La Vina Respiratory Hospital now the site of the La Vina housing development. Below are shots from the scene and a orienting photo of the hospital from the 1970s.

Christ the Shepherd Lutheran Church Halloween Carnival Fri.

Christ the Shepherd Lutheran Church, 185 W. Altadena Dr., will hold a free Halloween carnival for all ages this Fri., Oct. 29, from 5-9 PM.  Check the graphic for more details.

Developing: PUSD board says Jackson, Coombs to stay put for now [UPDATED]

Nancy Rose Dufford, executive director of the Pasadena Educational Network, sent this message out to PEN's mailing list about last night's PUSD board meeting:

At the Board Meeting tonight, the Board of Education voted to revise the school consolidation process.

The Board voted to allow the superintendent the flexibility to recommend between 0 and 3 schools for consolidation, rather than a minimum of three schools. 

Rather than committing to having the Ed Center vacated by August 2011, the Board voted to conduct a feasibility study about the move which will be presented to the Board in April 2011.

The Board voted to change the school consolidation timeline. Instead of a recommendation on November 9, a study session on November 16, and an action item on November 23, there will be a special board meeting with the school consolidation recommendations and action item on November 16.
 
The Board decided to take Jackson off the table for consolidation for 2011-2012.  They also voted to leave Norma Coombs at its current facility for the 2011-2012 school year.  The superintendent plans to meet with the communities of those schools that remain on the list.
 

UPDATE 4:30 PM: County supervisor Michael D. Antonovich weighed in with this letter sent to the board Oct. 15.

 

Hallow-dena 2010

Altadena is second to none when it comes to decor for the spooky time of year.  This Gothic tomb at 1704 Braeburn is one of the more tasteful examples, but there are plenty more after the jump.

West side councilmembers to hold town hall at Jackson, Thurs. Nov. 4

The Altadena Town Council members for the West Side are hosting a town hall meeting, sponsored by the Windsor-Arroyo Neighborhood Association (WANA) at Jackson Elementary School, 593 W. Woodbury Rd. Thurs, Nov. 4 at 6 PM.

Our special guest will be Capt. Steve McLean, commander of the Altadena Sheriff Station. Please come and support of this meeting. You will have the opportunity to address any questions with Capt. McLean and get his perspective on our community. This is an opportunity for you to make a difference.

You will also have the opportunity to meet and talk with your local Members of the town council. Those attending from the council are:

Census Tract: 4603.02: Sandra Thomas, Ken Roberts

Census Tract 4610: Tecumseh Shackelford,Gene Campbell

Census Tract 4611: Allan Wasserman, Gaurav Malhotra

School consolidation committee releases recommendations

Pasadena Unified School District's school consolidation study committee released its 68 page report over the weekend, recommending not just the closure of three Altadena schools, but a major shuffle of programs and personnel.

As previously reported, the committee recommended the closure of Loma Alta, Jackson, and Burbank elementary schools, and that Norma Coombs Alternative School relocate to the Burbank campus.

But that doesn’t mean the other two schools will be shuttered. The committee also recommended that Rose City High School relocate to the Jackson building, and that Loma Alta be the site of the district's child care program and perhaps the occupational therapy functions now at Hodges Day Care Center in Pasadena.

In addition, Norma Coombs would become the new site of PUSD headquarters, as well as early childhood education offices now located in Hodges.

As for the current students in the schools: Loma Alta students are to be split up between Franklin and Altadena elementary schools, while Jackson students are to be split between Franklin and Cleveland.  Burbank students will be split between Altadena, Webster, and Longfellow, and the Mandarin dual language immersion program there will be relocated to Longfellow or Field.

The report also gave some of the reasoning behind why the schools were chosen for closure:

 

Christmas in October? Hollywood magic, of course!

by Chris Considine
Special to Altadenablog

Christmas came early to Altadena on Saturday. A full crew of special effects specialists, film crew, and set dressers descended on Boston Street  late Friday night and continued their magic transformation of two homes across from each other all day and night on Saturday. 

Morning jolt: what does the bear do on the firing range?

• Altadena-based ticket provider Goldstar opens business today in Atlanta, making its first entrance in the South, and giving a little bit of competition to the big dogs TicketMaster and Live Nation, says the Atlanta Business Chronicle.
• A 19-year-old man was shot in the hand Friday night in a possible gang-related shooting at Lincoln Ave.and Figueroa Dr..  PSN has sketchy details.
• The weekly "Touching Base" email message from Pasadena Police Chief Phillip Sanchez notes that the range master at the police firing range near Eaton Canyon Park found evidence of an unauthorized visitor -- a bitten-into red plastic container and two mounds of what bears do in the woods. 

Halloween tips from Pasadena Fire Dept.

Ann Erdman, public information officer of the City of Pasadena, passed us these tips from the fire department that we think are worth sharing:

Many hallmarks of Halloween – lit jack-o-lanterns, candle decorations and billowing costumes – pose fire safety hazards.

As children and families select costumes and decorate their homes, the Pasadena Fire Department encourages everyone to implement simple safety precautions to ensure that this year’s festivities are fun and fire-free.

Halloween is one of the top five days when candles are used.  According to the National Fire Protection Association, From 2003 to 2007 an annual average of 15,260 home structure fires were started by candles, causing 166 deaths, 1,289 injuries and $450 million in direct property damage.  Overall, candles caused four percent of reported home fires, six percent of home fire deaths, 10 percent of home fire injuries and seven percent of direct property damage in reported home fires during this period.

Here are tips for keeping your family, home and all trick-or-treaters safe from fire this Halloween:

Next Altadena Urban Farmer's Market at the Zane Grey estate Nov. 21

Gloria Putnam, mistress of the goat farm also known as the Zane Grey Estate, announces the next event:

The next Altadena Urban Farmers Market will be held on Nov. 21, from 1-4pm. The Market focuses on homegrown and homemade stuff, mostly food. If you live in Altadena and would like to be a vendor next month, please email zanegreyestate-altadena@yahoo.com for an application.

The Market also makes space for non-profits who serve the Altadena community to table. Applications are due November 1 and the vendors for November's market will be finalized by November 5.

 

The Arroyo Time Bank is requesting donations of old t-shirts, from which they will make produce bags for shoppers at the Altadena Urban Farmers Market. You can make a donation by putting your old shirts in a bag and dropping them off by the mailbox at the Zane Grey Estate, 396 E Mariposa St. Spread the word!

More information about the Arroyo Time Bank: www.arroyotimebank.org

More information about the Altadena Urban Farmers Market: www.facebook.com/AltadenaUrbanFarmersMarket

Reminder: Chamber mixer tonight at Haber Acupuncture

Just a reminder that this month's Altadena Chamber of Commerce mixer is at Haber Acupuncture from 5:30-7:00 PM.  Gina Haber writes: "We are offering free chair massage samples by our new massage therapist. Yummy!” Bring a raffle prize and get a free commercial. 

Gina Haber writes:  “We are offering free chair massage samples by our new massage therapist. Yummy!”

Haber Acupuncture is at 1450 N. Lake Ave. (@ Rio Grande) park in the rear off Rio Grande.

 

A snowball's chance

Yes, believe it or not, this was last weekend in Altadena.  No, you didn't miss a once-in-a-lifetime blizzard --  our Skywatcher Chris Considine gives us the full scoop (or shovel) behind this picture tomorrow morning!

Lost cat, E. Crary and Bellford [Updated, good news]

Reader Carrie writes:

Our cat went missing Sat. Oct 24th in the afternoon around East Crary and Bellford in Altadena/Pasadena. 

Skitter is a small all-black female cat with yellow/green eyes and not wearing her collar.   She is quite shy, living true to her name and likely didn't travel far. We miss her dearly so if you have seen her please call us at: 626-696-3083 or 626-375-2406.

UPDATE 10/27: Skitters is skittering at home now.

PUSD consolidation committee issues final report

The PUSD consolidation committee -- which recommended closing Burbank, Jackson, and Loma Alta Schools in Altadena, and transferring the Normal Coombs program to Burbank -- has just released its final report.  No major surprises so far, but we're chewing over the text right now and will present a summary soon.

Rubio Canyon hikes underway

Reader John Heinsen shares some pictures of Saturday's guided hike of Rubio Canyon sponsored by the Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy.  Sean Howell subbed for Paul Ayers as hike leader, and John said he came back inspired.  There are hikes scheduled for the next two Saturdays led by historian and Altadenablog columnist Michele Zack -- to RSVP, e-mail Sean Howell at seanhowell@arroyosfoothills.org.

Found dog: pit bull near St. Mark's [UPDATE: happy ending]

Reader Jay writes to say he found a pit bull running around the neighborhood near St. Mark's Saturday at around 3:30 PM.  Please call him at 626 296-0431.

UPDATE: Happy doggie was reunited with owner.

Everyone's gone to the moon

(Pictured: Annie Sprinkle processes down the steps of Farnsworth Park amphitheater Saturday night)

Annie Sprinkle and Beth Stephen's "eco-sexual purple wedding to the moon" went off with nary a hitch Saturday night at Farnsworth Park Amphitheater.  True, one of the three brides didn't show (the Moon, which was under the horizon the whole time), but it was an interesting mix of neo-paganism, performance, satire, music, burlesque, and probably half a dozen other things.  Park staff estimated the crowd at around 300, and one sheriff's deputy reported the crowd as "mellow." More, including video, after the jump.

Apologies again

... we're still trying to iron out our technical problems, but bear with us  ...

Altadena living: weekend festivals

In three years of covering this beat, we know Altadena has a LOT of weekend festivals -- usually several at once.  There was so much going on this weekend, we didn't have a chance to get to Sacred Heart Church's annual fiesta, but here's what we did get to this weekend:

St. Mark's School held its annual Country Fair this weekend, with rides, games, and broken confetti-filled eggs.

Rosie did enjoy riding the ponies.

Danny's Farm held its annual Pumpkin Festival on Saturday.  Here, Danny Gott and mom Cathy Gott pose with Altadena Sheriff Capt. Steve McLean.

 

100 years of Altadena Town & Country Club at the Community Center tomorrow

Jane Brackman, President of the Altadena Historical Society, sends this reminder about their program tomorrow:

Five years in the making, the Altadena Town and Country Club book is a detailed history of the club’s first one hundred years. The book includes hundred of photos (many from the Altadena Historical Society collection) and stories about the club and surrounding community including struggles during the great depression, post war growth and current times. Please join AHS, our program partner Altadena Library and author Kathleen Tuttle who will be autographing books ($45) on Mon., Oct,25, at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Drive, at 7:30 pm. As always, our programs are free and open to the public.

Yep, we know...

lots of technical problems with the website today, which we're trying to get a handle on.  Thank you for your patience!

Webster School fall festival Sat., Oct. 30

It's the school festival time of year, and this time it's Webster Elementary School, 2101 E. Washington, on Sat., Oct. 30, 11:30 AM-4 PM.  Family fun, a costume parade, and a neighborhood craft fair.

Found dog: Farnsworth Park area

Reader fjohn writes:

Here are a couple of pictures of a small dog without collar. The dog was found Mount Curve Ave/Farnsworth Park. Seen "around" since Oct 18.

Contact  (6) 797 9615

Sheriff Dept. give tips to reduce Halloween crime

Carolyn Seitz, our conduit to the sheriff's department, sent us this:

In response to some residents who have expressed concerns about Trick or Treaters having a potential to case our homes in preparation for a return visit as a burglar, Captain Steve McLean offers the following thoughts:

• Most criminals know that lots of families will be out trick or treating and will leave family members at home to hand out treats.  The risk is generally very low that criminals might use the opportunity to get an early peek into your residence to decide ahead of time what they'll take with them on a return burglary visit.
• The Sheriff's Department usually sees an increase in vandalism incidents on Halloween or in the days before Halloween.  That may mean eggs being thrown, trash cans being overturned, or vandalism on vehicles
• He is recommending that you lock your vehicles and make sure you don't leave anything of value visible in your vehicle.  He is also suggesting that vehicles parked on the street are much more likely be subject to vandalism, so park in your garage and if your garage won't accommodate your vehicle(s), park in your driveway if at all possible - and once again, be sure to lock your vehicle and don't leave anything valuable in it.
• A bigger issue around Halloween is the theft of Halloween decorations.  It is quite common for yard decorations to be stolen, and of course, the bigger, more elaborate or more fun they are, the more likely they are to be stolen.  Please keep an eye out for your own decorations and for your those in your neighbor's yard as well.

Because we have experienced another spike in burglaries this month, it is very important to stay vigilant.  Captain McLean is reminding all of us to report suspicious activity.  The majority of recent burglaries or attempted burglaries have occurred in the daytime. 

If you have questions or concerns at any time, please feel free to let me know.  If you have questions you'd like to have answered by Captain McLean or Lieutenant Joseph Dempsey, feel free to ask.

Altadena’s future: bedrooms and offices, or more shops and services?

We welcome historian/author/activist Michele Zack as our new columnist on all things Altadena.

 

by Michele Zack

Many of us are puzzled and disappointed by Altadena’s sparse commercial life. We love the place, wouldn’t live anywhere else, but feel aggrieved at the dearth of places to locally and enjoyably spend our money. We can’t will restaurants and interesting shops and services into existence, even though when it comes to food, there’s a lot of interest.

A healthy alternative economy in home-produced and grown food is rising. About 350 turned up at the first Altadena Urban Farmers Market at the Zane Grey Estate last weekend, all happily signing up for a “club” that really just means we trust our neighbors  — since everything at the market was home-produced and thus outside of California’s regulatory system. (My fruit pies, at $12 a pop, were gone in half an hour!)

No matter our income level, we all must spend money to live. Why don’t we spend more of it closer to home? I and my pie money were soon parted: before leaving Zane Grey Estate my home-based culinary efforts were transformed into hand-knitted and felted slippers, fabulous bread, earth-friendly cleaning products, and seeds and plants for our winter garden. I’d rate myself  “extremely satisfied” with the day’s commercial activities, services, and economic transactions.
 
So why don’t our 43,000 inhabitants also vigorously support conventional Altadena shopping and services? Looking at a few exceptions is instructive: The Coffee Gallery is generally well-animated, with patrons hacking away at novels or meeting up in pairs or groups, the latter in rooms thoughtfully provided by management. Expeditions to Super King can be perilous, but bargains trump parking and other obstacles to provide fodder for conversation. This morning I survived a walnut riot that broke out as I attempted to exit the produce section. I generally go there following visits to another lively Lincoln Crossing business: 24-Hour Fitness. Some of us turn up our noses at national chains, but this is a success story and clear response to community needs and desires. It is always busy. Along with Super King, it anchors Lincoln Crossing, and ideally should draw patrons to a plethora of small, more individuated businesses. (That was the vision; parking and other problems have so far prevented its realization and will be the focus of a separate column.)

Why don’t we have more successes? Why don’t we patronize the businesses we have to help turn them into going concerns?

Looking under the hood

Typepad, our internet provider, has made some changes to to the way it works that we don't fully agree with or understand.  We're going to be working with a 500 px format for awhile (rather than fluid pixel format) on the main copy while we work some things out!

Healing movement classes starting

Tarnie Fulloon, movement teacher and mind/body therapist, will be holding healing movement classes in Altadena in a new studio: Thurs. mornings from 9-10:30 AM (for women only) and Saturdays from 11 AM-12:30 PM.   For more information and venue address:www.bodyfreedom.com  - visit classes page.  Call 626 296 2002, or e-mail tarnie@bodyfreedom.com 

Morning jolt: hope and Crosby

• Pasadena Weekly's Bliss has a feature on Altadena jazz artist James Raymond, who we discovered is also the son of rock legend David Crosby.  Raymond plays the Coffee Gallery Backstage at 8 PM today.
• The Cleveland Plain Dealer, of all places, has a picture of kids at the Altadena Christian Children's Center doing the duck-and-cover thing at the Great California Shakeout yesterday.
• John Jones of Altadena received third place in his age group at the Western Justice Center's Southern California Poetry contest, in recognition of the 5th annual International Conflict Resolution Day at Pasadena’s Peace and Justice Academy.  All of the poetry is available online at www.mypeaceofpoetry.com .
• Janette Williams at PSN takes a look at the MonteCedro presentation gallery in Pasadena.  The story also says that escrow closed on the sale of the Kensington in Alhambra to a group of local physicians.  Episcopal Homes, which owns the site, moved most of the residence of the old Scripps Home from Altadena to the Kensington. Just something else added to the mix ...

Lost dog: looking for Jack, Altadena Dr./Maiden Lane [Update: Good news!]

Chris emails us:

Our dog went missing this evening (October 21st) around 6pm near Maiden Lane and Altadena Drive. His name is Jack. He is a black collie mix with brown fur around the face and legs and is about 8 years old. Friendly to people, not great with other dogs. Should have a bright pink collar with tags on. Please call (626) 791-3033 with any news.

UPDATE Fri. 9:30 AM:  Jack is home!

Urban farmer's market raised $260 for foundation

Gloria Putnam, who put together Sunday's Altadena Urban Farmer's Market, tells us that thanks to its success, they were able to make a donation to the Farm-to-Consumer Foundation:

Last Sunday, over 330 people braved the rain to shop for homegrown and homemade food produced by their neighbors at the first ever Altadena Urban Farmers Market. Although vendors at the market are not charged for space, a percentage of sales is collected to support the Farm-to-Consumer Foundation. The FTCF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides educational and charitable services including education for consumers and farmers in sustainable farming, new distribution models, food safety and security, and other topics to help protect and expand sources of fresh farm food for consumers. The FTCF also provides financial aid to farmers who engage in sustainable agricultural practices and have demonstrable financial need as a result of government harassment, including unjustified raids and/or product seizures. The Oct.17 Altadena Urban Farmers Market raised $260 to support the FTCF.

More information about the Farm-to-Consumer Foundation can be found at http://www.farmtoconsumerfoundation.org

More information about the Altadena Urban Farmers Market can be found at

http://www.facebook.com/AltadenaUrbanFarmersMarket

Sheriffs provide details of five burglaries in two days

Lt. Joe Dempsey of the Altadena Sheriff's station passed on this information about the rash of burglaries this week:

Oct. 18

• Between 9 AM-3 PM: 1300 block Altadena Dr.  Point of entry: rear window.  Loss: television, computer, iPod
• Between 7:25 AM - 5:20 PM: 2400 block Glenrose Ave. Point of entry: rear sliding glass door.  Loss: No loss reported at this time.
• Between 8 AM-2 PM:  2400 block Canyada Ave.  Point of entry: rear door  Loss: iPod, cellular telephone, laptop computer, Nintendo video game player.

Oct. 19

• Between 5:30 PM - 5:51 PM: 2000 block Holliston Ave.  Point of entry: Suspect(s) broke rear window and unlocked rear door. Loss – No loss reported (Alarm activated)
• Between 8:45 AM- 7:15 pm: 1000 block Alta Pine Dr.  Point of entry – rear window.  Loss – Laptop computer, jewelry.

A thief’s eye: Michelle Huneven on reading, writing, and Chekhov

Pictured: Michelle Huneven (center) talks about the writing life at the Altadena Library Tuesday night.
 

by Erika McCarden

Altadena-based novelist Michelle Huneven made a hometown appearance Tuesday night, sharing her insights with local book lovers on how reading makes a better writer as part of the Altadena Library’s writer’s workshops.

A popular freelance writer for the Los Angeles Times, LA Weekly, Harpers and New York Times, Huneven has written three novels: Round Rock, Jamesland and her latest, Blame.  Blame has made a huge mark, becoming one of Oprah’s “10 Terrific Reads of the Year,” a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award, and one of the Washington Post’s Best Books of the Year. 

Now, as one of Oprah.com readers' favorite contemporary women writers, Huneven returned home to help other writers and avid readers polish their skills.

Weekendin' Oct. 21-24

Keep checking back -- always something fresh!

Thurs.,  Oct. 21

• The Great California Shakeout is today: at 10:21 AM, drop, cover, and hold for 21 seconds.

Fri., Oct. 22

• The Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa celebrates the end of Teen Read Week with the  We’ve Got the Beat Talent Show & Contest, starting at 5:30 PM.
• Sacred Heart Church of Altadena, 2879 Lincoln Ave., holds its annual Parish Fiesta this weekend, with rides, food, and entertainment.  Admision is free;  hours are: Fri., 5 PM-10 PM, Sat. 10 AM-10 PM, Sun. 10 AM-7 PM.

Sat., Oct 23

• Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy hosts the first of its hikes through Rubio Canyon, this one hosted by trails expert Paul Ayers, starting at 9 AM, following the Mount Lowe Railway trail to waterfalls and historical sights in the canyon.  To RSVP, email seanhowell@arroyosfoothills.org
• Danny's Farm Pumpkin Festival, 3064 1/2 Ridgeview Dr., 1-4 PM. The festival includes arts and crafts, the petting farm, farm activities, carriage rides, and music. There will also be free pumpkins for special needs kids (while supplies last).  Admission is $5.
• St. Mark's School annual Country Fair features fun and activities for the whole family with all-American treats like barbecue, popcorn, burgers, and corn on the cob, as well as activity booths, kiddie bumper cars, crafts, and live entertainment.  Admission is free. 2-8 PM.
• Mt. Wilson Observatory Association lecture, Altadena Main Library, starting 2:30 PM.
• It's here: Performance artists Annie Sprinkle and Elizabeth Stephens will hold their eighth "eco-sexual wedding" as they marry the moon in Farnsworth Park Amphitheater, , 6-9 PM.   Admission is free, carpooling encouraged, and admission restricted to 500 guests.
• The violin/piano duo Peat-Fire Flame will perform in Celtic music and beyond in a private house concert, starting at 7:30 PM.  Call 626-398-8706 or email DrCarla45@yahoo.com right away for reservations or information.  Donation $12 and bring a wee potluck snack to share with your fellow guests at intermission.

Sun., Oct. 24

• Don Benito School's first annual Autumn Carnival goes from noon to 5 PM today at the lower field Hastings Ranch entrance.  Gus' BBQ and Pie 'N' Burger Pies will be available, with a rock wall, feris wheel, sack races, pumpkins, and silent auction.
• RIPE Altadena meets for this month's food swap at 5 PM: "We meet at a picnic table in the NE part of Farnsworth Park. Come by and trade fruit, veggies, eggs, bread, canned foods, etc with your neighbors. Please follow fruit fly quarantine rules. For more information, visit www.ripealtadena.com"

Morning jolt: shake, rattle, & roll

 

• Whatever happened to the Great California Shakeout?  Not as much publicity this year -- but it's happening today.  You're encouraged to drop, cover and hold for 21 seconds at 10:21 AM today (which also happens to be 10/21).  Let everyone around you know what you're doing first!
• And on that note, a new program about emergency preparedness is running on the city of Pasadena cable channel and streaming video.Topics include the Pasadena Local Area Emerency Alert System, Pasadena Emergency response Team (PERT) training for adults and teens, and how to stock an emergency kit. The program runs Mon. 8:30 AM, Tues. 10 M, Wed. 11 AM, Thurs. 5:30 PM, Fri. 7:30 PM, Sat 1 PM, and Sundays at noon.  Streaming address is  www.cityofpasadena.net/publicaffairs (click on the KPAS logo).
• The LA County Board of Supervisors received a $300,000 grant from the U.S. Dept. of Justice for the county's Gang Cop/Link/Gang Intelligence Information Node Project:  a gang data and analysis database network which allows the sheriff's department and 46 other municipal police departments to effectively generate tactical leads and intelligence to help solve and thwart crime, gang activity and terrorism. 
• PSN's Micki Mills interviews Altadena musician James Raymond, a TV/film composer and pianist who's got an interesting new project: instrumental versions of songs by David Crosby (which he will perform with his group Lit by Fireflies at the Coffee Gallery Friday night).  Raymond is also Crosby's biological son.  Crosby is also the bio-dad of Melissa Etheridge's children, which makes us wonder how many other kids he's got out there and by whom!