altadenablog

Altadena Hardware will have a grand re-opening Feb. 11-13

Altadena Hardware, 849 E. Mariposa, is having a grand re-opening next weekend to celebrate its new direction under new owners.

Since Altadena residents Jim and Paula Orlandini took over ownership of the store in July, there's been a frenzy of painting, rearranging, remodeling, and restocking, but without sacrificing the small town hardware store look.  

Manager Jimmy Orlandini says that the grand opening will have free balloons for the kids as well as free popcorn, coffee, food, and soda on Sat. and Sun. from 11 AM-2 PM.

(Pictured: Jimmy, Paula, and Jim Orlandini)

They will also give customers a reusable bag, and you can get 20% off all regular-priced items that can fit inside (some restrictions, of course).

Best of all, customers can enter for a chance at the "wheel of fortune," where multiple prizes will be given away, including a Weber gas grill, seven piece patio set, a gas pressure washer, mower, and some other big ticket items.  Jimmy Orlandini said that "our suppliers really came through for this."

The grand re-opening will be Fri., Feb. 11, from 8 AM-6 PM; Sat., Feb. 12, from 8 AM-5 PM; and Sun., Feb. 13, from 10 AM-4 PM.

 

Exploring faith-full friendships at Altadena Community Church Sun.

Have you ever searched for the right words to say or the best way to reach out to another person in their time of need?  What do we as spiritual people bring to our friends and family when they face such difficult, soul-wrenching times as illness, death, relationship problems, financial difficulties, unemployment? 

The Rev. Dr. Barbara Miner, psychotherapist and UCC pastor, will lead our exploration of  "Being a Faith-Full Friend in Difficult Times"  in the Founders' Room at Altadena Community Church, United Church of Christ, 943 E. Altadena Dr. (next to the Chevron station) on Sun., Feb. 6, from 11:30 AM-1 PM.  All are welcome.  Child care provided.  

 

Used books, CDs, and more at St. Elizabeth's Knights of Columbus sale Sat.

The Knights of  Columbus at St. Elizabeth Church are holding their annual used book sale this Sat,, Feb. 5 from 9 -2 in the St. Elizabeth school hall at 1840 N. Lake Ave., across from the church.

The funds raised at this sale support a scholarship given to the 8th grade graduates.    This is a wonderful opportunity for book lovers of all ages to find treasures at great prices.   Besides books, CDs, DVDs, videotapes, and even cassettes will be available.

 

PUSD Candidate's Forum tonight at Norma Coombs

Just got this last-minute notice for a Candidate's Forum tonight at Norma Coombs Elementary School, 2600 Paloma St., Pasadena.

Sponsored by Invest in PUSD Kids and the League of Women Voters, PUSD school board candidates will speak from 6:30-7:45, and Pasadena city council candidates from 8-9:30 PM.  Free child care available (ages 4 and above) with RSVP.  Click graphic for more details.

Cat Posse yard sale/fundraiser Sat.

Help The Cat Posse Rescue in its mission to save cats.   Renee Walker writes:

The Cat Posse is a group of individuals devoted to rescuing and rehabilitating unwanted and abused cats in Southern California. We educate the community about the importance of spaying and neutering, and believe that all animals deserve dignity and kindness as we work toward the day when all public shelters will be "no kill".

We rely solely on donations, including some grants. There are a small group of us who take care of the cats -- we’re in Altadena, Pasadena, Tujunga and the San Fernando Valley (majority of us are in Altadena). We’ve got over 225 cats that we take care of, while trying to find homes for as many as possible. It is a VERY slow process and many of the kitties will end up spending their whole lives with us. We have “adoptions” at Centinela Feed each Saturday from 12-4 PM. Right now we are over-full and cannot take any more kitties in, until we get some adopted out.

The Posse is holding a fundraiser/yard sale on Sat., Feb. 5, from 8-4 PM at 782 W. Mariposa St.  in Altadena.  Walker says: "At the yard sale will be LOTS of brand new factory sealed toys, furniture, household items, tons of nice clothes, baby items, and a ton of other stuff. We’ve had a lot of people donate stuff for this so that is a good thing!"

 

Photographer Janet E. Dandrige is Library's February artist

The Altadena Library Community Room Presents, “Mchanganyiko” ("mixed" in Swahili), photographic works by Janet E. Dandridge.

Dandridge, a Los Angeles-based artist, began her photography career at age 9 with a point-and-shoot camera documenting the happenings in her community.   Janet is adept with fine art, portraiture, abstracts, and photojournalism; and continues to build upon collections that focus on social-political ideals that not only affect her immediate community, but the world. This exhibit showcases a mixture of some of her earlier portraiture and abstracts. For more information, please go to www.janetedandridge.com or www.evorevophoto.com. Exhibit is on display for the month of February.

Altadena sheriffs promote Crimestoppers program

Crimestoppers is a program that works with the community, law enforcement, and the media to solve crimes. (A pamphlet is available here).

People with knowledge of crimes that have occured can call, text, or log into the Crimestoppers website and provide crime tip information.  The tipster's identity is always encrypted and a private code is assigned to the tipster.  If the information leads to an arrest, the tipster is eligible to receive an award of up to $1,000.

call 800-222-TIPS (8477), or go online:

www.lacrimestoppers.org

Or text (full instructions are in the Crimestoppers pamphlet here)

Please help support the possibility of solving crimes by reporting any information about crime to the Altadena Sheriff's Station at 626 798 1131, or if you prefer, through Crimestoppers which will provide ways for you to share sensitive information anonymously.

Working together, we can be better protected and better protect our community.

"Race to Nowhere" at Aveson tomorrow, 6:30 PM.

Aveson Charter School is holding a screening of the film, Race to Nowhere on Thurs., Feb. 3 (tomorrow) .  Screening followed by discussion starts at 6:30 PM.  A limited number of tickets are available and can be purchased at the door ($15) or online ($10,  www.RaceToNowhere.com  (click on "Screenings", then "Find a Screening", scroll down towards the bottom of the page under "Domestic Screenings" and you will find "Aveson" located just below "California"):

"A concerned mother turned filmmaker aims her camera at the high-stakes, high-pressure culture that has invaded our schools and our children’s lives.  This remarkable new film shines a light on the price young people pay for this “race to nowhere.” High-stakes testing has replaced meaningful teaching and learning.  Cheating is commonplace. Stress-related illness, depression and burnout are rampant. Many young people arrive at college and the workplace unprepared and uninspired.  Attend a screening and become part of the grassroots phenomenon that is feeding a groundswell for change."

There will be child care available.   Tom Sawyer is asking for families to make their $5 fee payment in cash directly to a Tom Sawyer staff member upon drop off.  The program will be held on the green level in room B1 and B2.

St. Elizabeth Bundle Sunday, Feb. 6

St. Elizabeth Roman Catholic Church, 1879 N. Lake Ave., will hold a "Bundle Sunday" for the St. Vincent de Paul Society this Sun., Feb. 6, from 9 AM-1 PM in the church parking lot.

Bring your useable clothing, household items, and small appliances in good condition.  Proceeds of the sales will benefit people in the community who are in need.  To donate large items, appliances, or furniture, call the St. Vincent de Paul Truck Pick-Up Line at 800-974-3571.

 

 

Morning jolt

• Altadena photog Ibarionex Perello is interviewed in Smartpress.com about building a portfolio, going pro, and the joys of film vs. digital.
• Athens Services (which is in line to be Altadena's trash hauler) has a YouTube promotional video explaining their operation and how they do materials handling and recycling in their City of Industry facility, and composting in Victorville.
• Via Gary Altadena,  Hahamongna wildlife photog Dennis Callet offers one two three photos of a peregrine falcon atop what looks like a power pole, taken yesterday.

 

Thanks to the Altadenablog sponsor team!

It's a First Day of February shout-out to the Altadena Online Sponsor Team:

A Chair in the Garden Salon
Altadena Ale & Wine House
Altadenans for Quality Education
Baietti-Seyffert Realtors
Dhari Thein Real Estate
Friends of the Altadena Library
Home Shoot Home
Judy Rubin Real Estate*
Mike Gibson Service Center
Photography by Walt
St. Elizabeth's Parish School*
Scissors Paper Rock Salon & Boutique
Rancho Bar
Webster's Community Pharmacy*
Webster's Fine Stationers

*New sponsors!

As you can see, some of the top businesses and organizations in town know that the best place to attract Altadena customers is at Altadena's only home-grown independent news site, now almost 850,000 page views strong.  Call or email us today to join the team: 626-791-5327 or altadenablog@gmail.com

Crime Log: Jan. 19-27

People taking things that don't belong to them this week ...

Wed., Jan. 19

1:00 PM – a petty theft occurred in the 200 block of West Calaveras Street.  The items were stolen from the front porch of the residence after being delivered via UPS.  Loss:  black Samsung 22” flat screen and silver TV wall mount. 

Wed., Jan. 26

Between 11:45 AM and 9:10 AM, Thursday – a petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 1300 block of E. Lexington St., Pasadena.  Loss:  black Garmin GPS 6 in.
12:00 PM – a burglary from a locked garage occurred in the 3200 block of Dabney Avenue. Unknown how  suspect(s) made entry.  Loss:  unknown make 32” flat screen.
Between 9:00 PM and 7:30 AM – a petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 1300 block of Roosevelt Avenue.  Loss:  black leather briefcase.

Thurs., Jan. 27

Between 7:30 AM and 7:30 PM – a residential burglary occurred in the 300 block of East Palm Drive.  Suspect(s)  entered the residence via the unlocked rear sliding door.  Loss: white Nintendo Wii game console, four Nintendo Wii games, white Asus netbook style laptop, and black Sony HD video recorder.
9:15 AM – a vehicle burglary occurred in the 1900 block of Beverly Drive.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by  shattering the driver’s side window.  Loss:  black Garmin GPS three in. and  black/silver iPod 30GB.

Marital arts: Two Dragons offers Valentines Day drop-off for a parent's night out

Two Dragons Martial Arts is offering something romantic on Valentine's Day (yes, it's a non-sequitur, but work with us here!) Drop off the kids (age 3 and up) at Two Dragons for an evening of snacks, movies, games, prizes, and of course martial arts from 5-9 PM, enough time for that romantic dinner.  Cost is $30 per child, or $50 for two.  Call 626-398-8853 for information or two reserve space.   First 25 to register get a discount, so act soon!  Click on the graphic for more details.

Two Dragons is at 2490 N. Lake Ave.