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Reader Kathleen writes us:
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The Pasadena Master Chorale will hold its "Home for the Holidays" concert at the Altadena Community Church (United Church of Christ), 943 E. Altadena Dr., on Sun., Dec. 12, starting at 4 PM. The program will also be performed on Sat., Dec. 11, at the First Congregational Church at 464 E. Walnut St., Pasadena.
Fourteen-year-old cellist Harry Wilde Greer will join PMC, playing the cello solo in Vaughan Williams’s Fantasia on Christmas Carols. Other works to be performed include Morten Lauridsen’s O Magnum Mysterium, Britten’s Hymn to the Virgin, a movement from Rachmaninoff’s Vespers and a beautiful setting of Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening by Harvard composer Noam Elkies. The program will also feature Michael Arceneaux, the 17-year-old winner of PMC's 1st Annual Vocal Competition, performing O Holy Night in a new arrangement by artistic director Jeffrey Bernstein.
In addition to the above, 25 PUSD students will join PMC for Bach's Dona Nobis Pacem and Vaughan Williams’s Wassail, the choirs of Pasadena and Muir High Schools will perform their own selections, and there will be an audience sing-along of traditional carols.
Tickets are $20.50 each, and are available here.
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Get up early tomorrow (Dec. 1) and join the president of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Queen and Court as they walk the Rose Bowl at 7:30 AM. The event will be sponsored by Up and Moving, an organization that tries to get people up and out to enjoy the beauty and health of walking 3.6 miles around the Bowl and Golf Course to improve conditioning and synergy amoung the participants. There will be a drawing for prizes and t-shirts. No admission fee.
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The LA County Dept. of Parks and Recreation is starting up "Pounder Wrestling," for kids ages four and up to learn wrestling skills, improve strength and flexibility, and participate in local and statewide wrestling tournaments.
Classes will be held Tues. from 6-9 PM, starting in January at Farnsworth Park. Fee is $30/month, which includes a wrestling T-shirt. For more information, call 626-798-6335.
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It'll be the end of one era and the beginning of another one this week, as the iconic Webster's Pharmacy passes out of Webster family hands and into new ownership.
But, say new owners Michael and Meredith Miller, it will be slightly renamed and rejuvenated to reflect their belief in the continuing value of a community pharmacy.
"We're going to tweak the name a bit -- it'll be Webster's Community Pharmacy, because we're all about the community -- we believe there's still a place for a community pharmacy," said Michael Miller, who has worked there as a pharmacist part-time since 2006.
And he knows what he's talking about -- the Millers bought and rejuvenated the Fair Oaks Pharmacy in South Pasadena, which they owned from 1989 to 2005. Of that business, Miller said, "we basically started from nothing until it became very well-known. We're planning to turn Webster's into the Altadena icon it once was."
Continue reading "Former Fair Oaks Pharmacy owners buy Webster's " »
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Jan Wilson at the Altadena Community Church (United Church of Christ), 943 E. Altadena Dr., has announced a series of events for the Christmas season.
On Mondays, Nov. 29, Dec. 6, Dec. 13, Dec. 20: Centering Prayer sessions. An opportunity to reclaim your spiritual experience of the holiday season; led by Pastor Joe McGowan of Altadena Community Church/United Church of Christ. 7:30 - 8:30 PM at the UCC Conference Office; 2401 N. Lake Ave.
Sat., Dec. 4 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, Dec. 5 at 4 pm - Selah Gospel Choir Christmas Concerts. Selah is a performing gospel choir of 50+ voices based out of Pasadena, Ca. They specialize in all forms of gospel and inspirational music and the choir is culturally and generationally diverse. Altadena Community Church; 943 E. Altadena Dr. Low ticket price
Sun., Dec. 12 - Pasadena Master Chorale 'Home for the Holidays' concert. Includes music by Vaughan Williams, Lauridsen, Britten, Rachmaninoff, and Bach, choirs from PHS and Muir, and an audience sing-along of Christmas carols. 4 pm, Altadena Community Church; 943 E. Altadena Dr. $20.50 tickets
Sun., Dec. 19 - Britton Ensemble concert. 6 pm; Altadena Community Church/United Church of Christ; 943 E. Altadena Dr. Free-will donation.
Is your church or other religious organization holding events and concerts for the holidays? Please let us know (altadenablog@gmail.com), and keep checking our HoliDena page.
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We've just returned from a family trip (Thanksgiving with family, and celebrating Mrs. Altadenablog's birthday), and are back in the saddle again after being in an undisclosed remote location for several days. Bring it on!
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The Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa, offers sticky family fun on Tues., Dec. 7, starting at 6:30 PM. Come by and make a gingerbread house out of graham crackers, frosting, and candy. All ages are invited.
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9th Annual Open Studio & Holiday Boutique
Come for a visit – do some holiday shopping!
Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 4 & 5 Noon to 6 PM
470 W. Mariposa St., Altadena (We’ll be here, rain or shine.)
Holiday Fare will be served while Local Artisans display their wares!
- A plethora of beautiful, handcrafted beaded & traditional Jewelry designs,
- Mirrors, Ornaments, Art cards & Stationary & Marble Sculptures by Christopher Miller
- Art cards, assorted Prints, Bookmarks & Magnets by Karen Bagnard
- Beaded Jewelry & Hair Ornaments by Wendy Waagenaar
- Exquisite Pottery by Sa Winfield
- One-of-a-kind sets of handcrafted earrings by Diane Laskin
- Hand-knit original designs made with luxury yarns by Candy Calabria
- Home-made Gourmet Rum Cakes by Rocky McMurray
Cash, checks, Visa/MC accepted – children are welcome!
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Yes, the holiday break is coming, but reading isn't an activity that should be confined to school. The Altadena Main Library and Bob Lucas Branch Library are looking for children who love reading to join their winter reading program. Check out and read books, write a review, and win a prize!
The winter reading program starts Dec. 13 and ends Jan. 30. Click the graphic for more information.
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Now that Thanksgiving is over with, we are turning our thoughts to Christmas and Hanukkah, and putting out this bleg (which is a "beg on a blog")"
What is your church or faith community doing to celebrate? We are planning to publish a rundown of Advent, Hanukkah, Christmas Eve and Christmas services going on in Altadena -- this not only includes religious services, but concerts and other events that your faith community gives as a gift to celebrate the joyous season.
Send us an email: altadenablog @ gmail.com, and let us know (include your phone number if we have any questions).
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Ben McGinty's Gallery at the End of the World bids goodbye with its final group show next weekend, Dec. 2-5.
Brian Dario is the featured artist in a weekend that's a combination art show/party/happening, and will no doubt draw a large amount of people to say goodbye to an Altadena institution.
The Gallery is at 2475 Lake Ave.
Schedule:
Thurs., Dec. 2: Artist reception 6-9 PM. Music: HB3 & friends
Fri., Dec. 3: First Friday Art Club Opening, 7 PM-1 AM, $5 cover. Music: The Subs with Chico's Bail Bonds
Sat., Dec. 4: Potluck barbecue - bring a dish to share. Music: Artichoke
Sun., Dec. 5: Brunch. Music: HB3, Nocturra & Rich Sarabia
The Gallery is open every day from noon-6 PM.
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On what is fast becoming an overloaded weekend in Altadena, try to stop by the Odyssey Charter School's annual fundraiser on Sat., Dec. 4.
It's an extravaganza in four parts:
Odyssey Charter School is at 725 W. Altadena Dr.
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The Christmas Tree Lane Association has announced the schedule for the 90th annual Christmas Tree Lane Tree Lighting Ceremony and Parade on Sat., Dec. 11.
The day begins with the Christmas Tree Lane Winter Festival and Boutique, starting at 2 PM in the parking lot of the Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa. The festival includes Christmas Tree Lane memoriabilia, along with vendors selling jewelry, crafts, and art. Santa Claus "Holly Wolly Jolly" will be there taking pictures.
The library parking lot will be closed at 1:30 PM, and Santa Rosa St. will be closed at 4 PM. Parking will be available on the side streets.
The ceremony begins at 6 PM in the library parking lot (coffee, hot cider, and hot chocolate will be available). Linda Lane White will be MC, and also sing the national anthem. The colors will presented by the Pasadena High School Naval JROTC Color Guard.
The President’s Speech will be by Maureen Ward, and there may be other speakers scheduled.
Entertainment includes:
The Blair IB Singers (Benita Scheckel, director)
Pasadena Waldorf School 6th Grade Class Singers (Karen Livingston, director)
Altadena Children's Choir (Dr. Jaren Reinhardt, director)
Following the lighting, the John Muir Alumni Drum Corps will lead the parade down the lane.
Join us this year for family and community fun.
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The Village Playgarden, 1546 N. Los Robles Ave, Pasadena, is having a holiday sale of hand crafted gifts on Sat., Dec. 4, from 10 AM-2 PM.
Come find something beautiful and handmade to share with your family and friends for the holidays. Support locally made, locally grown, hand crafts and art work. Several local artists will have booths of their work.
The Winter Market supports Village Playgarden’s end of the year fundraiser. For more information about Village Playgarden’s nursery and kindergarten school, visit www.villageplaygarden.org.
Homemade food and baked goods will also be on sale.
Please save the date and tell your friends!
Questions? Contact Kelly - keldietzen "at" me "dot" com
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Tina and Bob Stone saw a big kitty Wednesday night:
We spotted a large mountain lion in the driveway at 2770 Porter Ave, between Altadena Drive and Alta Loma, at around 9:00 P.M. on Wed., Nov. 
24th. My husband and myself were driving north on Porter with our 11 year old daughter and her friend when we saw what we at first mistook for a large dog just standing in front of one of the cars parked in the driveway. The size of the paws made us do a double-take, and much to our amazement we saw a large and beautiful mountain lion just standing there looking straight at us.
The cat looked us over for several seconds and then calmly and slowly walked around the side of the house and disappeared. It was thrilling to get such a close look at this gorgeous creature. The girls were especially awestruck!
Nevertheless, worried about the residents and their pets we called 911 from the cell, but don't know if anyone ever showed up to check it out. Wish we would have had the presence of mind to get a picture, but it was very dark anyway.
We just thought the neighbors would want to know to take precautions with children and pets. We have lived up here for over two years now and have seen numerous coyotes, raccoons, hawks, and even a fox one day, but this was a first!
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View Critter Map 2010 in a larger map
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There’s still time to be part of Christmas in Altadena, a walking tour of five exceptional historic homes, all painstakingly restored to their original condition and specially decorated for the holidays.
Jacob Maarse Florists and St. Mark’s School are teaming up for this two-day event, a benefit for the school. The event kicks off with a preview party on Fri., Dec. 3 (6-9:30 PM) and continues through Sat., Dec. 4 (3-8 PM) for general admission. A collaborative effort of the homeowners and the noted designers at Jacob Maarse Florist and Home Accessories, each home will showcase a different Christmas motif that inspires the warm hospitality and colorful spirit of the season.
The homes and estates on the tour, including the garden of an outstanding Wallace Neff residence artfully lit for Christmas, reflect the many architectural styles for which Altadena is famous. Craftsman, Prairie and Mediterranean homes, all authentically restored, are represented. Two homes feature soaring French windows and grand entertainment spaces. This is a tour with plenty of design inspiration created by Jacob Maarse and the homeowners, from eye-popping Christmas trees to beautiful table décor, charming mantle vignettes, and more.
The Preview Party on Friday includes hors d'oeuvres, wine, festive beverages, early-bird boutique shopping and special musical entertainment by an outstanding jazz vocalist. General admission on Saturday includes touring, shopping, nibbling and a toast to the season. Everyone on the tour will receive a holiday discount coupon for use while browsing at the Jacob Maarse store in Pasadena.
The Friday Preview Party is $40 per person before Thanksgiving and $50 afterward. Saturday’s general admission is $25 before Thanksgiving and $30 afterward. Additional information and tickets are available at www.ChristmasinAltadena.com or by calling (626) 791-5610.
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This Sunday afternoon, Nov. 28, from noon to 2 PM, Altadena Community Church will hold its Alternative Gift Market:
Take care of your holiday shopping and make a donation to local and global causes (Altadena Food Pantry, Union Station Homeless Services, and others) in one easy transaction. For your donation, you will receive a card to send to your boss, Uncle Harry, or grandkids telling them of the groceries, housing assistance, disaster relief, etc., that you have purchased in their name. There will also be Third World handicrafts available for purchase.
Altadena Community Church/United Church of Christ is at 943 E. Altadena Dr.
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Altadenablog sponsor Scissors/Paper/Rock Salon and Boutique, 1864 N. Allen, is in the midst of a holiday benefit for URDC Human Service, Casa Maria, and Choices.
From now until Dec. 18, if you donate a new and unwrapped gift for a woman or child (ages 0-18), receive 20% off all product purchases.
The salon also continues its tradition of live music with a free concert on Sat., Dec. 11, from 3-5 PM. Local artist Cynthia Null will play traditional songs, folk, and rock on her mandolin and fiddle.
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The Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa, invites children age 5-12 to read to Pearl, a loveable rescued standard poodle, on Wed., Dec. 1, starting at 3:30 PM.
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We will be engrossed in family activities thru the weekend, so entries will be light. May you and yours have a wonderful Thanksgiving season.
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... and the Christmas Tree Lane Assn. is asking for your help this weekend:
This year because of the weather we are behind and need all the help we can get. We will be working if the weather is with us this coming Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, November 26th though the 28th. Because we are behind unlike other work days we will be starting at 8am instead of 9am. If there was just one day or weekend you wanted to come out, this is the weekend we need you. In the morning you will be greeted with donuts, coffee and hot chocolate and after 12:00 lunch will be served. If you cannot come out this coming weekend we will be wrapping up the work on Dec. 4th and 5th so we can finish for the lighting on Dec 11
Right now we are on the block between Calaveras and Alameda and working our way down every day until finished.
Two things to know before you come:
1) If you are bringing a group of more than 5 on any weekend and plan to stay and have lunch, PLEASE call (626) 403-1123 or E-Mail us beforehand so that we will have enough food for everyone;
2) We can only move as fast as our tree climbers, so, if you would be willing to climb about one story up a ladder, please tell us when you come and we will show you what to do. (To get an idea of the height, go to any tree on the Lane, look up and see the metal box…that’s about how far up you’d need to go).
If you have any further questions about the specifics of screwing in bulbs and hanging lines in the trees, give us a call.
Thank you and we hope to see you on the Lane!!
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The skeletonized body recovered from the Cobb Estate Monday belongs to a male, the county coroner tells PSN, but his identity -- and how he died -- remain a yet mystery.
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The Altadena Library is helping out the sheriff's food and toy drive this season, and maybe help you clear some karma along the way.
Until Dec. 3, bring new toys or non-perishable food items to the main library, 600 E. Mariposa, or the Bob Lucas Branch Library, 2659 Lincoln Ave., and get your library fines waived. Check the flyer to see how much you can give to get your fines forgiven. A great way to start the year and eliminate some guilt as 2011 starts!
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The bodacious Revvell Revati wants us to know that singer/songwriter Raspin Stuwart will be appearing at the Coffee Gallery Backstage on Thurs., Dec. 2, at 7:30 PM -- and not just because her husband Bo Astrup will be playing bass (altho' we're sure that helps!) Check it out!
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Frequent corresondent Steve Gerow shares this dramatic photo of Altadena in the storm last night. Between the rain and the helicopter, it was an active evening. Should be clear for Thanksgiving weekend, tho'.
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Some lucky shopper found a jar of classic Zorthian Ranch honey at the Altadena Urban Farmer's Market Sunday. Larry Wilson says: "mmm -- tastes like Altadena."
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Tues., Nov. 16
Between 8 AM and 8 PM – a residential burglary occurred in the 2200 block of E.Washington Boulevard.The residence displayed no signs of forced entry. Loss: brown Louis Vuitton purse.
Wed., Nov. 17
Between 9:00 PM and 7:20 AM, Thurs. – a grand theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 400 block of E. Las Flores Drive Loss: gray Garmin GPS, white Apple iPod, gray Canon camera, and miscellaneous U.S. currency.
Between 5 PM and 7:30 AM, Thurs. – a petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 600 block of E. Las Flores Drive. Loss: U.S. currency approximately, $10.00.
Thurs., Nov. 18t
Between 11:30 AM and 4:50 PM – a residential burglary occurred in the 2000 block of Lovila Lane. Suspect(s) entered the location by damaging the window latch. Loss: black Sony digital camera and (50) miscellaneous DVD’s.
Fri., Nov. 19
Between 3 and 3:10 PM – a vehicle burglary occurred in the 1000 block of E. Mariposa Street. Suspect(s) shattered the front passenger window of a white ’07 Audi. Loss: black Juicy Couture purse, brown BCBG purse, (2) diamonds, and $1,000 U.S. Currency.
Between 1:30 PM and 6 – a residential burglary occurred in the 2200 block of N. Allen Street. Suspect(s) entered the location by shattering the rear bedroom window. Loss: silver and black Pierre Renoir men and women’s watch, and black and silver Pulsar men’s watch.
Sat., Nov. 20
Between 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM – a vehicle burglary occurred at the 24 Hr. Fitness (2180 N. Lincoln Ave.) parking structure. Suspect(s) shattered the rear driver’s side window of a ’07 Range Rover. Loss: black purse, black Marc Jacobs wallet containing U.S. currency and personal documents.
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Is it that skinny, wiry, sweaty look? That air of triumph over incredible odds? Or the crazed look of determination?
Whatever it is, ultra-marathoners -- runners who laugh at the length of a mere marathon, running for 100 miles or more -- are a special breed.
Photographer Larry Gassan has been capturing that look with a series of photos of ultramarathoners who've crossed the finish line. He'll share them with the public at the new gallery show at Altadena Junction Dec. 3- Jan. 2, 2011.
Opening reception is Fri., Dec. 3, 7-10 PM. The gallery is open Sat. 12-5 and by appointment.
Altadena Junction is at 2524 and 2526 El Molino Ave. For more information, call 626-818-4241.
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We're old enough now to know when not to push it, and the world's worst cold is getting better. We suspect we'll be back in the saddle again tomorrow, knocking down this major pile o' stuff.
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We were very concerned about the helicopter orbiting around about 4:30, but not much scanner traffic -- sheriff's station says it's part of a filming going on.
UPDATE: Check the comments -- apparently the pilots are not being good neighbors.
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Been fighting a cold, and will spend the morning doing good deeds (really!). But lots of updates to come -- let's just say the Dec. 3-4 weekend is going to be really busy around these parts ...
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The Los Angeles County Coroner and the sheriff’s homicide investigators are looking into human remains that were found near a trail above the Cobb Estate Sunday.
Altadena Sheriff Det. Lt. Joseph Dempsey said that hikers notified authorities Sunday afternoon that they had found human remains near a trail north of the popular hiking area. Altadena Search and Rescue team members went to the site last night and determined that the coroner and homicide should be involved. According to Dempsey, the remains were to be recovered this morning, and the case is now in the hands of homicide investigators.
Thanks to our readers who alerted us to this story. One of our readers wrote to say that there were coroner trucks, including a K9 unit, parked near the Las Flores reservoir this morning about 7 AM. Several of our avid hiker readers said that deputies stopped them from entering the Cobb Estate this morning.
UPDATE: Here's the official press release from the sheriff, which went out about 2 PM:
Sheriff's Homicide Bureau investigators responded to the Mount Lowe Railway Trail, located in the Angeles National Forest, along with Altadena Search and Rescue Team members, to investigate the circumstances surrounding found human remains.
Trail hikers discovered the remains and alerted Alta Dena Sheriff's Station personnel.
No evidence of foul play was detected.
There is no further information available at this time.
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Alta-troubador Bill Burnett and friends will be holding court at the Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake Ave., on Thanksgiving Eve (Wed., Nov. 24):
I feel thankful in so many directions I wanted to just let my voice fly free on Thanksgiving Eve, the day before we all gather with our loved ones and overeat. Please joint me and some very talented friends at 8 PM to sing songs of gratitude and joy and all that we have to be thankful for. It's FREE.
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Chapter One: A Chicago millionaire’s fireproof mansion. Chapter Two: a celebrity author’s monument to himself. Today, the Zane Grey Estate is writing a new chapter: sustainable urban farm.
Pictured: Steve Rudicel, Gloria Putnam, and the goats of the Zane Grey Estate.
Steve Rudicel and his fiancee, Gloria Putnam, are in their back yard showing off their pride and joy: their herd of goats, and the new flock of chickens. Chickens are understandable -- who doesn’t like fresh eggs, altho’ their flock is still too young to produce yet -- but goats?
“I like fresh milk,” Gloria explained. She developed a taste for raw cow milk, but “then I started buying goat milk, and that was delicious, too.” Then the woman who was selling her the goat milk told her she had to get rid of two goats -- and that’s where it started.
So the Mariposa Creamery -- their home goat milk and cheese enterprise -- was born. Just north of the goat enclosure is the home. And it’s no mere hobby farmer’s house -- it’s a vast, three-story building with a library in the east wing that could comfortably serve a small community. And it’s on the National Register of Historic Places, as the Zane Grey Estate at 396 Mariposa.
Today, Steve and Gloria are writing a new chapter in the history of one of the most famous homes in Altadena: sustainable urban farm.
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The Pasadena Waldorf School's Elves' Faire went on despite the rain (everyone just ran for shelter when it got too wet). A fun and magical day for all.
These young knights are bringing back the manly art of cudgel fighting.
A young maiden tries her hand at jousting in our annual John C. Reilly-doing-Dad-duty picture.
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The Pasadena Arts League (PAL) is now accepting applications for its 2011 grants to non-profit arts organizations in the Pasadena area. Awards will be announced in May and will be presented at PAL's annual meeting in June.
All arts-related requests will be considered, with preference given to projects and programs benefiting youth. An application should be in the form of a letter providing information about the organization and the specific purpose of the grant request. It should also in include the name, address, and phone number of the official representative of the organization.
Additional materials - photos,videos,brochures,etc. - will not be reviewed and cannot be returned. Letters should be mailed in time to arrive by March 31, 2011, to:
Pasadena Arts League
c/o William Goldmann
3668 Figueroa St.
La Canada-Flintridge, CA., 91011
Questions may be directed to Goldmann at 818.952.4967 or villie@earthlink.net
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Looking for something festive BEFORE Thanksgiving?
Gail Casburn at (Altadenablog sponsor) The Altadena Ale & Wine House, 2329 N. Fair Oaks, says that they are giving away 10-15 bottles of wine and sparkling wine on Thanksgiving eve (Wed., Nov. 24) for those who purchase a glass or bottle of wine. Each glass will receive one ticket, and each bottle will receive four tickets. Snacks will also be provided.
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National Weather Service is putting into effect a flash flood watch for Station Fire burn areas, from 6 AM Saturday through Saturday afternoon. They say rainfall rates of between one half and one inch per hour will be possible with the next wave of rain, and that flash flooding and debris flows will be a threat in and below the recent burn areas.
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This is a bit far afield for us, but worth watching: one of our readers (who calls himself Suitmen) had to share this picture and video.
Apparently a bus or some other vehicle clipped off a fire hydrant at the corner of Lake and Orange Grove in Pasadena this afternoon at about 1 PM. We do NOT want the job of shutting it off.
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The school site at 183-205 Palm St. is expected to change hands today.
If all goes as planned, the site of the former Bienvenidos Children’s Center on Palm St. will be sold today to the president and principal of a private Arcadia prep school.
But, says Arroyo Pacific Academy president Philip Clarke, he does not intend to repeat the mistakes made by the previous owner, the Sahag-Mesrob Armenian Christian School, which operated a 200-student day school at the site in 2008-2009 without proper county permits and without warning the neighborhood.
The county ordered Sahag-Mesrob closed at the end of the 2009 school year, the students moved to a location in Pasadena, and the property has been vacant ever since. Earlier this year, the Almansor Center expressed interest in buying the property, but ran into strong opposition from the neighbors, who have organized as the Palm St. Area Residents Association (PSARA). The residents are still smarting from the Sahag-Mesrob experience -- “No School on Palm” signs are evident all over the neighborhood, including across the street from the property itself.
But Clarke says he going to be sensitive to the concerns of the neighbors: “I want to make sure they’re fully informed ... I want to be sensitive, because I do have a lot of sympathy for what the Palm St. residents have put up with.”
Continue reading "Deal expected to close today to purchase Palm St. school site" »
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It's time to start thinking about the holidays, and in a prolonged economic downturn, the need is always greater. Many Altadena-based groups are involved in ensuring a happy holiday for all, especially children, and here are a few that need your help right now to do it:
Altadena Ale & Wine House
The pub is holding its second annual Thanksgiving Food Drive in cooperation with the Altadena Sheriff's Station.
Looking for: nonperishable holiday food items: gravy, stuffing mix, canned yams, cranberry sauce, as well as staples like baby food, cereal, beans and rice, peanut butter and jelly, pasta and pasta sauce, or supermarket gift cards.
Bring to: Altadena Ale & Wine House, 2329 N. Fair Oaks Dr., or Altadena Sheriff's Station, through Nov. 22.
Altadena Sheriff's Station
The sheriff's station holds an annual food and toy drive to help families that are struggling. In the last couple of years, they've served about 250 families in need, and this year they are anticipating the need is much greater. As a result, they're hoping to serve as many as 350 families. Distribution will be Sat., Dec. 18, 8 AM-12 PM the Community Center,
Looking for: non-perishable foods normally associated with a big turkey dinner -- except the turkey. You can also donate cash or checks payable to Altadena Station Fund to help them purchase grocery gift cards to give families in place of a turkey. They are also looking for new, unwrapped gifts for children up to age 12.
Bring to: Altadena Sheriff's Station, 780 E. Altadena Dr., through Dec. 11.
California Highway Patrol - CHiPS for Kids
Looking for: toys for underprivileged children, which will be passed out at parks and recreation events. Also monetary donations -- please make checks out to "Mattel," which will be used to purchase toys.
Bring to: Collection bins at the Altadena CHP office, 2130 WIndsor Ave., or any Walgreens (there are two in Pasadena).
Farnsworth Park - LA County Parks & Recreation
Looking for: toys appropriate for children age 5-13 years for their annual toy giveaway. Toy drive and registration will begin Nov.29. If there are any children of those ages that would like to participate, they must register at the park office. They will receive a ticket voucher that must be presented the day of the event, Sat. Dec. 18 from noon-5 PM.
Bring to: Drop-off boxes in the Davies Building at Farnsworth Park. For more information, call 626-798-6335.
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We've removed the story previously here because some ethical issues were raised. We're keeping this placeholder until we finish our investigation.
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The National Weather Service says a storm system developing off the coast will bring “significant rain and mountain snow” this weekend. A cold front associated with the storm is expected to move across Ventura and Los Angeles Counties Saturday, bringing wind (gusts around 35 MPH, possibly 60 MPH in the mountains) along with rain and lots of it: preliminary estimates are 0.75-1.5 inches across the coast and the valleys, with 1.5 to 2.5 inches in the mountains.
Snow levels will drop by Saturday night to around 4500 ft., and about a foot of snow is predicted. Weather Service says there will be a lull Saturday night and Sunday morning, but then another front is predicted to move in, bringing with it more rain and mountain snow.
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UCLA, the Watershed Council, and the US Forest Service have released more details on their Dec. 16 symposium, "The Station Fire: One Year Later: Post-Fire Habitat Restoration and Recovery."
The symposium will be held at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr., from 9 AM-4:30 PM:
Join the Watershed Council, the University of California Cooperative Extension and the US Forest Service as we discuss the ecology, conservation and recovery lessons from the 2009 San Gabriel Mountains Station and Morris Fires. Expert presenters will help Watershed Council stakeholders understand how we can better protect the biodiversity of the Angeles Forest while preserving its recreational uses. Key topics will include fire frequency, type conversion, soil, habitat, and biodiversity loss.
Speakers will include:
Jody Noiron, US Forest Service
Rick Halsey, California Chaparral Institute (Invited)
Cliff and Gabby McLean, California Native Plant Society (Invited)
Scott Stephens, US Forest Service (Invited)
Lani Alfonso, LA County Department of Public Works
Katie Van Zant, US Forest Service
Bill Stewart, UCCE Center for Forestry
Sabrina Drill, University of California Cooperative Extension
Andy Lipkis, TreePeople (Invited)
Moderator: Nancy L.C. Steele, Los Angeles & San Gabriel Rivers Watershed Council
Registration is $25, and lunch will be provided. Go here to register.
http://lasgrwc2.org/programsandprojects/upcomingsymposia.aspx
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Altadena author Miles Corwin, who specializes in the true crime genre, has recently released his first novel, Kind of Blue.
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The Selah Gospel Choir will give two performances next month at Altadena Community Church, 943 E. Altadena Dr.
The performances will be Sat., Dec. 4, 7:30 PM, and Sun., Dec. 5, 4:30 PM. Tickets are $5/person - Presale (go to http://selahgospelchoir.weebly.com/ for information) or $7 at the door.
Selah Gospel Choir is joined by Broadway performer extraordinaire Harrison White as emcee, and their fantastic band (Zachary Provost on keys, Eric Holden on bass, and Tim Curle on drums) in this powerful collection of traditional and contemporary gospel favorites.
Selah has been called "fervent and poignant, emotive and bewitching". Join them on a musical journey you'll not soon forget!
Selah (founded in September of 2007), while stressing the importance of community and diversity, is a vibrant, fun, and challenging ensemble that strives to remain true and authentic to the form. For more information, contact us at selahgospel@gmail.com. To hear some of our most recent work, visit http://www.youtube.com/selahgospelchoir
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Don't forget that TONIGHT at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr., a panel of health providers will discuss nourishing your mind, body and spirit to prepare for the holiday season, and any time.
Panelists include:
Gina Haber, Licensed Acupuncturist - "Demystifying Energy Medicine"
Maggie Bryant, MFT - "Healthy Relationships for the Holidays"
Josette D'Orazio/Melinda Thomas, Vastu Wellness - "The Health of Your Environment at Home and Work"
Dr. Dennis Buckley, Chiropractor – “Your Body’s Special Needs in Winter”
Tarnie Fulloon, Physical Therapist – “Feel Your Body, Heal Your Life…What Is Your Stress or Pain Telling You?”
Tina Thornton, Holistic Health Coach – “Feed Your Body and Soul”
Light refreshments will be provided.
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Omar Lopez, 22 years old, a Pasadena resident, was arrested today in the robbery and assault of a 50-year old Altadena woman at a bus stop Tuesday afternoon..
Altadena detectives served a search warrant on the 1100 block of Bella Vista Avenue, where they arrested Lopez. He has been booked at the Temple Sheriff's Station for robbery on $100,000 bail.
The victim was assaulted and robbed at about 5:20 PM Tuesday at the bus stop on Altadena Drive and Washington Boulevard. She was approached by a man, described as Hispanic, who attempted to steal her bag. A struggle ensued, where the suspect kicked the victim several times and threw her to the ground before taking the bag, say the Altadena sheriffs.
Detectives will present the case to the Pasadena district attorney’s office on Monday.
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