altadenablog

750,000

Your first, best, original, ONLY locally-owned-and-operated-and-living in Altadena news website just hit another milestone today: 750,000 pageviews, and we have you to thank for it!

Thanks to our sponsors, our readers, our many contributors who provide commentary, news and pictures in the field.  Thanks to our constants Bill Westphal, Chris Considine, the new kid on the block photographer Gary Altadena, Steve Gerow, columnist Michele Zack, and our correspondents Erika McCarden, Devon Pettengill (who also designs our best-looking ads), Laura Monteros (we still like her) and our new writer (whom you'll meet soon) Lizze Slocum.

Thanks to Capt. McLean and Lt. Dempsey for keeping us informed so we can keep YOU informed.  We are always grateful to hear from Carolyn Seitz, Alice Wessen, the inimitable Monica Hubbard, the library staff (especially Pauli, Maria, and Cassandra)  and we're sure we're missing some others and look forward to being promptly corrected -- we usually are!

You won't find another community like Altadena, and you sure won't find 499 other websites like this one.  Thank you for all your support over the years.  We love this work.  We love Altadena.

Winter Camp at Farnsworth Park Dec. 27-Jan. 7

The LA County Dept. of Parks and Recreation is holding a Winter Day Camp at Farnsworth Park for ages 5-13, running Mon-Fri., Dec. 27-Jan. 7.  Activities include sports, dancing, movies, games, cooking, arts and crafts, and field trips. 

Fee is $55 per week, hours are 7:30-5:30 PM, and your child must bring a lunch.  For more information, contact the park office at 626-798-6335.

A festive (but final) Art Bender this weekend

Pictured: Artist Outi Harama enjoys herself at last night's Art Bender reception.

Ben McGinty's Gallery at the End of the World hosts its final Art Bender this weekend, and our Gary Altadena was there, camera in hand, to capture some of the flavor of the opening night reception.  More pictures after the jump.

Sheriffs offer holiday crime tips

Received this notice from Lt. Joseph Dempsey of the Altadena Sheriff's Station:

During the holiday season we ask that residents of Altadena be even more diligent with their belongings.  A few tips for the holidays:

Require a signature from UPS, FedEx, and the Post Office.  Do not allow packages to be left on your door step.  Historically there is an increase in packages being stolen from residences during the holiday season.

Do not leave valuables in your vehicles or in plain sight (especially newly purchased gifts).

Lock your vehicles (whether it is parked on the street, in a parking lot, or in your driveway.)

Lock and secure your home when you leave.  Close and lock all windows and doors and set the alarm.

If you are going to be out of town, let your neighbors know.  Stop your mail and your newspapers. 

If you see any suspicious persons or behavior please call the Altadena Sheriff’s Station at 626-296-1131.

We wish you a blessed Holiday. 

Shooting on Woodbury, but not the usual kind

Nope, that's not a real SWAT team parked at the Mobil station at the corner of Woodbury and Fair Oaks yesterday.  FilmLA told us that the location was tied up for several days and nights as a crew shot yet another episode of Criminal Minds in Altadena.

Morning jolt: yikes!

• Characters: PSN's Larry Wilson rambles about the joys and characters of Altadena, including its millionaires (Col. Green, Andrew McNally), philandering novelists (Zane Grey met his mistress in Eaton Canyon!), and moving into modernity with the Urban Farmer's Market and wrapping up with a plug for the Christmas in Altadena tour for St. Mark's School.
• More characters: Speaking of which, Altadenablog World Headquarters is on the walking route for the tour.  They kindly left us a note not to be alarmed if 500 people start tramping through our neighborhood tonight and tomorrow.  To borrow a Larryism -- "Yikes!"
• Hillsides: PSN reports that an Altadena teenager was taken into custody for causing a disruption at Hillside Education Center on Avenue 64. The 15-year-old allegedly threatened the director with a pair of scissors Wednesday.
• Wikiwork: No Wikileaks here, but the Altadena Library has a "homework help" wiki to help students get going in the right direction for assignments.  "Pathfinders" helps point you in the right direction on websites, books, and databases available; there's a list of books and recommended reading; library card holders can get one-on-one homework help from live online tutors; and there are practices and games available to improve your typing (which, speaking as a 90 wpm typist, is an important skill to cultivate!)
• Give peace a chance: Jan Wilson of Altadena Community Church, 943 E. Altadena Dr., says that the church will move its Friday peace vigil to 4-4:30 PM throughout the winter.  The church has had a Friday peace vigil since the start of the iraq War.  Wilson says: "Bring your own sign or use one of ours.  And thanks for the honks of support from passing drivers."
• Curb appeal: Lots of discussion on Jeff Sedlik's Braewatch blog (membership required) about a new rash of curb painters, i.e. supposed charities that paint your house number on the curb and then try to hustle you for a donation.   They need to ask your permission BEFORE they paint your curb number.  Sheriff Lt. Joseph Dempsey says that "If someone paints your curb and then asks or demands money, please call the Altadena Sheriff's Station and ask them to send a car out."  They can't stop them, but they can give them a warning that they need permission first.

Whitcomb: "Free Coffee and Donuts" at LASO offering

LA Sonic Odyssey will hold two concerts at the Neighborhood Chuch in Pasadena on Dec. 13 and 14,, featuring the music of Alta-troubador Ian Whitcomb.

"Free Coffee and Donuts" counterpoints the music of the great depression with the music of today.  Whitcomb willl be performing a suites of songs from the Great Depression, as well as a suite based on his original songs.  LA's What's Next? ensemble will accompany, and pianist Bryan Pezzone will play several works of the era and other solos.  The full story and ticket information is at : http://www.lasonicodyssey.org/

Burbank, Loma Alta students jump ahead in school choice line

Students who are attending the soon-to-close Loma Alta and Burbank schools will get to jump ahead of other Pasadena Unified students in the priority enrollment lottery.

PUSD released new boundary maps this week to show where students will go once the two Altadena schools have closed in the fall -- Loma Alta students’ new “residential” schools are either Franklin or Altadena Elementary Schools, and Burbank students “residential” schools are Webster or Longfellow.  Burbank’s Mandarin language immersion program will be moved to Field Elementary.

However, starting Dec. 6 and going through Dec. 17, Burbank and Loma Alta parents and guardians can come into the district’s permit office to put in their bid to attend another school, outside of their residential area, and ahead of the district's usual priority enrollment process.  “Priority” enrollment -- a category that includes siblings of students who attend a non-residential school -- starts district-wide Dec. 13.  General open enrollment for all PUSD students runs from Jan. 24, 2011 through Feb. 11.  Transportation to a school outside of the residential area is the responsibility of the parents.

Tribute to two local artists

Our friend Colleen Dunn Bates at Hometown Pasadena has a thoughtful piece today about two artists who have passed:  Altadenan Rusty Derr, and La Canadian (?) Phil Joanou.  She attended both men's recent funerals, and the takeaway quote for us (because that's our story, too!):

If your spouse’s career means you have to be in LA, but you love the mountains and hate the city, Altadena makes for a mighty fine compromise.

Check it out!

Weekendin' Dec. 2-5

Are we ready?  Because it's going to be BUSY! ...

Thurs., Dec. 2

• Art Bender: The last Art Bender starts today at the Gallery at the End of the World, 2475 N. Lake, with an artist's reception, 6-9 PM.

Fri., Dec. 3

• Last day to turn in canned goods to the Library in lieu of library fines to benefit the Altadena Sheriff's Station toy and food drive, Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa.
• Christmas in Altadena: St. Mark's School and Jacob Maarse Florists in a fundraiser for the 50th anniversary of St. Mark's School, 6-9 PM.
• The Art Bender continues at the Gallery at the End of the World with First Friday Art Club, 7 PM-1 AM, $5 cover
• "Hundred Milers at the Finish," opening reception for Larry Gassan's series of photos of ultramarathoners, 7-10 PM,  Altadena Junction, 2524-2526 El Molino Ave..

Sat., Dec. 4

• Odyssey Charter School fundraiser, 8 AM-2 PM, 724 W. Altadena Dr.
• Altadena Sheriff's Station Tour of Altadena Bike Ride, starts at Loma Alta Park, 9-11 AM.  Benefits the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Charitable Giving Campaign.
• Open Studio Holiday Boutique at 470 W. Mariposa, noon to 6 PM.  Holiday fare will be served and the works of local artisans on display.
• Art Bender potluck at Gallery at the End of the World, starts at noon.
• "Christmas in Altadena" continues at St. Mark's School (see Friday's entry)
• North Lake Pole Celebration, 4-9 PM.  Join the merchants of North Lake Ave. in a celebration of the season, including a sledding hill with real snow, a petting zoo, music, and food.
• Selah Gospel Choir in concert at Altadena Community Church, 943 E. Altadena Dr., starting at 7:30 PM.

Sun. Dec. 5

• Art Bender concludes with brunch, starting at noon, at the Gallery at the End of the World.
• Open Studio Holiday Boutique continues at 470 W. Mariposa, noon to 6 PM.  Holiday fare will be served and the works of local artisans on display.
• Selah Gospel Choir concert matinee, starting at 4:30 PM at Altadena Community Church (see Saturday's entry).

 

Morning jolt: Altadena blue

• PSN's Larry Wilson looks at the election stats, and if California is blue, Altadena is "cobalt" -- not only voting overwhelmingly Democratic, but in favor of Prop. 19, the marijuana legalization initiative (54.4 percent of Altadenans saying "yes.")  Don't worry -- if the supervisors have their way, you'll still be able to get a dime bag -- from your local grocery store, if you don't bring your own ...
• Fox 11 recently ran a feature story on Altadena School's efforts to create a new school district.

 

Crime log: Nov. 22-26, 2010

Mon., Nov.  22

Between  7:30 PM - 7:00  AM,  Tues.:  A  petty  theft  from  an  unlocked  vehicle  occurred  in  the 1800 block of Harding  Avenue. Loss: gray  backpack, gray Texas  Instrument  calculator,  black Prismacolor drafting pens, and misc.  documents. The  backpack  was  recovered  by the victim at the northwest corner of Harding Avenue and  New York Drive.

Wed.,  Nov.  24

10:50  AM  –  An  attempt  residential  burglary occurred  in  the  200 block of  W. Loma Alta Drive.  A witness observed a newer model gray Toyota  2‐door, partial  Lic/6HCN72,  parked  in  the  driveway  of  the  residence. The  vehicle  was  occupied  by  a  female  (suspect  1‐ driver),  African‐American, in her 20’s, wearing  a  red    hooded sweatshirt and large  black  sunglasses  and a  female  (suspect  2  ‐  passenger),  African‐American,  in  her 20’s, wearing  a  black  baseball  cap  backwards,  large  diamond  earrings,  gray  sweatshirt,  blue  jeans,  and   red    converse.    Suspect  2  was  observed  exiting  the  vehicle  and  entering  the  backyard  of  the  residence.    A    short  time  later  a  noise  was  heard  which  caused  the  witness  to  step  out  of  the  residence.    The  witness now  observed  the gray Toyota  parked  on  the  street.    Suspect  1 saw  the witness and  honked  the  horn. Suspect  2 exited  the  backyard  and  entered  the  suspect  vehicle.  The  vehicle was  last  seen  east bound on Loma  Alta  Dr.           

Thurs.,  Nov.  25 

Between  2:00  PM  and   12:00  PM,  Fri. –  A  trailer  was  reported  stolen  from  Woodbury  Road  and   Windsor  Avenue. The  trailer contained (26)  pallets  of  clothing.      
Between  12:01  AM  and   10:45  AM  –  An  attempt  residential  burglary  occurred  in  the  3200 block  of  Dabney    Street.    Suspect(s)  attempted  to  break  into  the  residence  by  tampering  the  front  door  dead  bolt.    No  entry was  made.      

Fri.,  Nov.  26

Between  7:30  PM  and   12:30  AM,  Sat.  –  A  vehicle  was  reported  stolen  from  the  2300 block  of  Navarro Avenue.  Vehicle  described  as white  2005  Toyota  Sienna.

Register for Farnsworth Holiday Program by Dec. 6

Registration closes this coming Monday for the Farnsworth Park Holiday Program and Toy Giveaway, sponsored by the Los Angeles Dept. of Parks and Recreation.

The program, on Sat. Dec. 18 between noon and 5 PM, features refreshments and entertainment.  Children ages 5-13 will receive a free stocking and a toy, but must register by Dec. 6.

Parks is also looking for donations of new toys: drop-off boxes are in the Davies Building at Farnsworth Park.  For more information, call 626-798-6335.

ADDENDUM:  Parks and Recreation is looking for other donations to make sure the event is a success, including: packaged cookies, plastic sandwich baggies, napkins, candy, holiday novelty items, water, cups, and hot chocolate.

Tour of Altadena bike ride Saturday morning

  Don't forget that Saturday is the annual Tour of Altadena bike ride, sponsored by the Altadena Sheriff's Station and the Los Angeles Sheriff's Athletic Association.

There'll be a ten mile family fun ride, and a 12.5 mile hill challenge for the serious biker. The ride starts and finishes at Loma Alta Park on Palm St. east of Lincoln Ave.

Registration starts at 8 AM, and the ride begins at 9 AM.  Registration is $10, and proceeds the LA County Sheriff's Annual Charitable Giving Campaign.  There will also be an opportunity drawing with tickets $1 each or six for $5.

 

 

"Living Room" - bass clarinet and Hang drum duo -- at Beckett Hall Tues.

Edward and Sharon Bailey Beckett will host "Living Room" in concert at their home, Beckett Hall, 1051 E. Altadena Dr., on Tues., Dec. 7, at 8 PM.

Living Room is Manu Delago, one of the most accomplished and popular PANArt Hang players with top rated and multi-million view YouTube videos; and bass clarinetist Christoph Pepe Auer, Austrian Newcomer of the Year 2007.

Formed in 2006, Living Room focuses on the enchanting sound of the PANArt Hang set against the bass clarinet's huge tonal range and have toured the world performing in more than 20 countries.

(The PANArt Hang is like two steel drums welded together in a UFO shape.  Invented in the year 2000, the tonal possibilities of the instrument are still being explored).

Coloring Book, their new CD/DVD, is a diverse and colourful compilation of 11 newly-recorded tracks, ranging from fresh compositions to selected songs from the "Mega-Hits" series on Youtube , to grooves accompanied by Zimbabwean rap. The included DVD is of the seven 2009 Living Room concerts. Each one with its own energy, history and palette of sounds and sights.

The 2010 Colouring Book World Tour will be in Los Angeles for only three performances. Attend one and experience the sonic wizardry of this accomplished duo. More details and links here:

http://GotHang.com/ColouringBook/

Meet Santa at the libraries Dec. 15

Santa Claus is taking some time out of his busy crunch-time schedule to appear at the Altadena Libraries on Wed., Dec.15.

At 11 AM, Santa will be at the main library, 600 E. Mariposa.  At noon, Santa will be at the Bob Lucas Branch Library, 2659 N. Lincoln.  Parents, bring your kids and your cameras for this event!

Holiday music program at the Library, Dec. 14

The Altadena Library presents a delightful evening of holiday music for the entire family with the Handbell Choir and Dulcet Singers of the First United Methodist Church of Pasadena.  Performance is at the Library, 600 E. Mariposa, starting at 7 PM on Tue., Dec. 14.