altadenablog

The Skywatcher: B2 flies by for baseball opening day

The B2 stealth bomber flies over Altadena for opening day this afternoon.  Photo by Steve Durham

by Chris Considine

Are we lucky or what? Our FAA open air zone above Altadena was once again buzzed by the most technologically advanced aircraft in the world just before 5 PM today.

I’m sure most of you saw the incredible aircraft as it circled at least three times over our community. It was timing its flyover at Dodger Stadium to coincide with Placido Domingo’s singing the National Anthem for the opening day of the  baseball season at Dodger Stadium.

Who could ask for anything more than those very low passes which allowed most Altadenans to get out in their yards for a good gander at this most impressive aircraft. Its remarkable shape and size are really "out of this world" compared to all other military aircraft around the world.

I guess we must wonder about the cost of such displays, as this plane flies all the way from White Air Force Base in Missouri to fly over our little piece of 90 degree paradise. That’s a long way and a lot of gas. I won’t bother with those stats. I just consider us very lucky to be the viewers of this special plane with a very dedicated crew that buzzed us this afternoon on its way to Chavez Ravine.

Boy Scout Tyler Boden rises to challenge like an Eagle

The community hall at St. Mark's Church was dimly-lit Monday night as Boy Scouts, their parents, and others proudly watched 18-year-old Tyler Boden advance to the most elite rank of scouting: Eagle Scout.

Eagle is the only rank a scout can carry into adulthood. Of all the boys who have gone through scouting, It has been achieved by only two million scouts in the past hundred years or so. And it 's usually a harbinger of future achievement: two of the 12 Apollo astronauts who walked on the moon were Eagle Scouts. Scouting makes strange bedfellows:  Donald Rumsfeld and Michael Moore were Eagle scouts. Cardinal William Keeler of Baltimore, LDS President Howard W. Hunter, and L. Ron Hubbard all attained the rank, as did film directors Steven Spielberg and David Lynch.

And this night Tyler Boden of Altadena's Boy Scout Troop 1 would join their number in a solemn Boy Scout Court of Honor.

Attaining Eagle requires completion of many achievements and projects of increasing difficulty over years. But it also takes a single-minded dedication to a long-term goal that may be even harder for today's teenagers who live in a fast-paced world of Facebook, video games, and other 24x7 technology distractions.

It's challenging for any boy. And particularly challenging for Tyler, because he's autistic.

April is the coolest month: San Gabriel Valley Poetry Festival

April is the month when trees and flowers open; we celebrate April Fools, Arbor Day, and Earth Day; and do our taxes. It is also the time to celebrate National Poetry Month and the second annual San Gabriel Valley Poetry Festival.  “Last year’s festival was so successful we decided to make it an annual event,” says Don Kingfisher Campbell, local poetry leader and festival organizer. Two of the programs will take place at the main Altadena Library.

The month will include twelve free events such as poetry slams (one for teens), a Chapbook Contest, a Broadside Poetry Contest, an Earth Day poetry program, Poetry and Cookies, the Zephyr Poets, and joint events with the several local poetry groups.

The kickoff begins on Saturday, April 2nd with a reading at Pasadena’s Santa Catalina Branch Library from 2-3:30 PM with a $100 FREE RAFFLE for readers (check the website for how to sign up for this). 

Don Campbell (pictured) is founder of POETRYpeople youth writing workshops; publisher of the San Gabriel Valley Poetry Quarterly;  and leader of the Emerging Urban Poets writing and Deep Critique workshops.  Mr. Campbell has taught Creative Writing in the Upward Bound program at Occidental College and been a Guest Teacher for the Los Angeles Unified School District for 26 years.

Sat., April 2 - FESTIVAL KICK-OFF READING (2-3:30 PM)
Opening event with FREE copies of POETRY MAGAZINE for first ten readers, Santa Catalina Library, Pasadena.

Sat., April 2 - SGV MEETS NOHO (4:30-6 PM)
Pasadena poets read with North Hollywood poets at T.U. Studios (The old Blue Iguana) at 10943 Camarillo Street in North Hollywood (Behind Odyssey Video). Open mic, too. Hosted by Radomir Vojtech Luza and Mary Mann.

Altadena Guild of Huntington Hospital tours Wild Wood Park May 1

The Altadena Guild of Huntington Memorial Hospital will host its 60th Annual Home Tour, “At Home in Wild Wood," on Sun., May 1, from 10 AM-4 PM.. The walking tour, located in the beautiful woodsy area of northeast Altadena, will feature four unique Altadena homes, some built as early as 1912, and two gardens. 

Pictured: the Art on Palm art show
held at Wild Wood Park in fall, 2010

 Tickets for the Home Tour are $25 in advance, and $35 on the day of the tour. The tickets can be purchased at local businesses in Altadena including Altadena Hardware on Mariposa at Lake Avenue , Webster’s Pharmacy at 2450 N. Lake Ave. , Altadena , or at the Huntington Hospital Gift Shop at 100 W. California Blvd. , Pasadena .  For more information and to buy tickets online, visit the Altadena Guild of HMH website at www.altadenaguild.org or call (626) 304-4678 .

Wild Wood Park was originally part of the Porter ranch property. The north 158-acre portion was covered with lush apricot, peach, orange and lemon orchards.  In 1908 Walter Valentine purchased the property encompassing what is now North Holliston Avenue above Palm Street and running down East Palm Street into the Rubio Canyon Wash. The residents of these lovely homes, which include an Italian villa, two Craftsman bungalows, and a custom built mid-century ranch style home, graciously agreed to open their homes for the Guild’s annual fundraiser. 

ACONA speakers talk about code enforcement, community standards [UPDATED]

UPDATED: We have a more-coherent link to the Altadena Community Standards District rules, a pdf copy if you don't want to read it online, and Sussy Nemer sent in some corrections which were incorporated in the story.

County code enforcers don't drive around Altadena looking for problems -- they react to the complaints of residents. And, many of Altadena's code enforcement issues can be traced directly to its own community standards district.

Pictured: Sussy Nemer answers questions at the
March ACONA meeting.  Photo by Elliot Gold.

That's the message that Sussy (pronounced "Susie") Nemer, field deputy for Supv. Michael Antonovich, and planning and zoning consultant Carolyn Seitz gave to the Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations (ACONA). meeting Tuesday night at the Altadena Main Library.

The wide-ranging discussion, which touched on liquor stores, party houses, cash advance storefronts, and the sheriff's department, seemed to always land on the idea that it's time to update the local community standards district (CSD).    Nemer said that a CSD overlays county zoning laws -- a CSD can in fact be more restrictive than the county, if the community desires it. "Some deal with mansionization, some with signage," Nemer said, but a community always has the discretion to revisit and rewrite its CSD. For example, Altadena's CSD recently included the hillside ordinance adopted last year.

Nemer said that her office met with the Altadena Town Council and the chamber of commerce in December to discuss the possibility of updating the codes, particularly where they pertain to businesses on Lake. Nemer said that there were many complaints about the existing codes, including signage regulations and others that some felt made it difficult to open a new business.

"What we're going to be doing is holding some community meetings to get input on what you'd like to see in those codes," Nemer said, looking for "consensus in the community."

Open thread: what's going on in YOUR neighborhood?

The agenda for last night's ACONA meeting put together by comments people left last month during an open thread on this website.

So we're inviting you to join in again: what are the issues in your neighborhood?  Can the county/sheriff/town council work with you to help solve them?  Is it the business operating under the radar in the neighbor's garage, the overgrown plant life, the loud parties?  Does that neighbor really keep all those animals?  ACONA wants to know, and here's your chance to sound off!

UPDATE 4/7: Our comments shut off after one week, so if you have anything else to report, send it directly to Elliot Gold: telespan@earthlink.net

Morning jolt

• Drug dealer: Susan Braig, who has been frequently featured on these pages, points us out to this LA Times story about her line of  "Designer Drug Jewelry" made out of old medications, proceeds of which go to pay her medical bills.  We like that it's not only art, it's satire. (Times is going into video, now, it seems.)
• Renovation nation: Something interesting came through the transom, since it's soon going to be renovation season: HGTV's renovation show "Professional Grade" is searching for outgoing and savvy homeowners who are about to start a renovation and  think they can renovate a room cheaper and better than a contractor. The goal for homeowners is to source high-end materials on the cheap, take on the bulk of the labor themselves and manage their subcontractors to get the best quality work at below market prices.  When the renovation is done, their experts price out the job based on the quality. If their estimate is higher than what their homeowners spent, the homeowners pocket the cash difference. The last BIGGEST winner took home $40,000. This could be a win win for homeowners...a chance to be on TV and have your renovation paid for.  Interested candidates should email tseiler@highnoontv.com for an application.

 

Found dog: pinscher/chihuahua mix in the Meadows Sun. [UPDATED]

Day writes us about a dog, found Sunday afternoon in the Meadows:

 

This dog is VERY sweet yet VERY frightened. It's a young female dark and light brown mini pinscher/chihuahua mix with beautiful light yellow eyes. Unsure of her age however, her teeth are very very white. She doesn't appear to be emaciated and I honestly believe that she belonged to someone. Other than her coat/skin having a little redness (maybe due to allergies), she seems healthy. 

 

UNFORTUNATELY, she has taken refuge under my jeep and views that as her "den". I placed a plastic bin with towels and a sheet for her to lay on, she has water as well as I have put food down. She is extremely sweet yet skittish and WILL NOT allow me to touch her OR try to pick her up...every attempt that I have made she has darted off.

 

I am on Day 2 of taking care of her and this morning she came close enough to eat kibble out of my hand. I tried to put a towel over her to scoop her up and again she bolted. What's odd is that she actually likes to play "tag you're it" yet wants to be the one to be chased.

 

I am hoping that this adorable pooch belongs to someone in the Altadena area and she just accidentally espcaped the house or yard and can't find her way back home. If this is ANYONE'S dog I can be reached ANYTIME @ 626.398.1313. I am holding out before calling Animal Control because I don't want her shoved in a cage at the shelter. I also DO NOT want to leave her outside especially since there have been a pair of coyotes who have designated the vacant lot next door as their territory.

You can also email Day at ahotsunnyday@yahoo.com

 

UPDATE 3/30: Day tells us that the dog finally wanted some affection and broke down to be captured.  She was taken to the Pasadena Humane Society (shh!), which is where she is now ...

Long story short, please let everyone know that she is safe now from under my car and from the potential of getting hunted by our newly neighborhood coyote couple. Also share with everyone that this dog is a gem and if I didn't have a beastly Akita I would have kept her...that's how sweet she is. 

Coffee Gallery frontstage holds fundraisers to resume open mic nights [UPDATED}

IIt looks like the Coffee Gallery will celebrate the return of its open mic nights, where comedians, musicians, storytellers, poets, and other performers will have a place to be and an appreciative audience to play to.

Coffeehouse owner Julie Sandoval said that a glut of letters protesting the county's shutdown of the front stage two weeks ago spurred Supervisor Michael Antonovich to have county planning look over the licensing of the shop.  Open mic nights were an almost-nightly feature of the coffeehouse at 2029 N. Lake, which garnered an army of regulars who looked forward to watching and performing in the intimate space.  At the time, county officials said that the coffeehouse was not licensed for entertainment, unlike the Coffee Gallery Backstage, a separate business in the same building that featured almost-nightly musical performers.  Continuing open mic nights would put the entire building and both businesses under the threat of shutting down, it was said at the time.

Sandoval said that county planners looked over the original paperwork, and determined that the coffeehouse could be granted an entertainment license without reconsideration of the building's conditional use permit, which would have cost as much as $12,000 according to some estimates.

Sandoval said that an entertainment license for the coffeehouse would cost $2,267, and two fundraisers will be held in April to raise those funds.  The first would be a "roast" of Sandoval by the comedians who perform in the coffehouse, scheduled for April 16. 

The second would be "music spectacular," Sandoval said, to be held in the auditorium of the Altadena Community Church, which is donating the space on April 28.  Sandoval said that, by April 29, she should have the money to get the license and resume the open mics.

"I'm very optimistic that it will all go OK," Sandoval said.  "We're in progress."

UPDATE 3/29:  Open mike MC Duane Thorin shares some thoughts, after the jump:

"Poetry and Cookies" are coming April 9

The Friends of the Altadena Library will sponsor its annual Poetry & Cookies celebration on Saturday April 9 at 2 pm.  

This free event will be held this year at the Altadena Senior Center, 560 E. Mariposa,  just west of the main library, and feature a reading by the Poet Laureate for Altadena Library,  Alene Terzian. 

The public is invited to hear Ms. Terzian and other local poets perform their original poems. There will also be a drawing for some great prizes.  Past attendees have commented on what an “inspiring and fun event” this free program has been.  Following the main readings, there will be an open mic and a poet’s corner where poets may share their poetry publications and offer them for purchase.  

The library’s 2011 edition of Poetry and Cookies, a compilation of poetry by local poets, will also be available for sale.  For more information please call 626-798-0833 x 115 or check the library’s website at http://www.altadenalibrary.org.

 

 

Alta-artist Doris Finch at USC's Institute of Genetic Medicine gallery thru June 24

Altadena fabric artist Doris Finch is having a showing of her fabric art at the art gallery at USC's Health Sciences Campus Institute of Genetic Medicine, now through June 24.

"Eye/Hand/Eye” focuses on natural and man-made issues of global environment, using fragments of imaginary quilts, mounted and framed.  From the website description: 

From her devotion to the study of fabric and natural patterns and her patient dyeing, piecing and stitching, artist Doris Finch has identified life-affirming patterns imperative for assessing beauty, harmony and unity. Kin to myths, parables, visual and performing arts from all peoples across time and place, these works inspire awe of our deep interconnectedness to nature.

 In conjunction with the exhbit, Finch will meet with Palos Verdes Art Center (PVAC) docents who will visit the USC IGM Art Gallery as part of their monthly excursion series to cultural and artistic venues in the Los Angeles vicinity.  Finch will lead the group through the current exhibition and a Q&A session.

 

For more information, check the page at USC's arts and events calendar here.

http://web-app.usc.edu/ws/eo2/calendar/32/event/893188

 

Morning jolt: poetry and doggies

• The library's Poetry and Cookies celebration is coming up April 9, and we think they need to set up a whole session called "Poems about Code Enforcement."  Gloriana Casey has weighed in on this page, and now Alta-poet Tony Peyser has contributed another one to the Pasadena Star-News (along with plugging tomorrow's ACONA meeting).  We think it's time for a folk song ... ADDENDUM:  Why code enforcement?  Tony writes us:
  
   TO ANSWER THAT QUESTION,
  I'LL MODIFY AN OLD LINE:
  MAYBE POETS ARE JUST LIKE
  CANARIES IN A COAL MINE.
•  Amanda, owner of Andy the Dog, writes: "Just wanted to thank the folks who saw the blog and called me with Andy sightings. Special thanks for the two who tried to catch Andy on the 210 freeway and the person who did managed to catch him and take him to the Humane Society.  We are thankful to have our dog back and to have such great caring neighbors. Also, big thanks to Pasadena Humane Society. Andy is a lucky dog and is happy to be home safely."
• Altadena resident Binti Harvey, director of communications and community engagement at PUSD, has tendered her resignation and will take a position as director of institute marketing at Caltech (PSN has more here).  Harvey is the third announced departure from the school district's top ranks in recent weeks, including Supt. Edwin Diaz and  chief academic officer Alice Petrossian.

Imagineer Rohde travels the world for Disney, but comes home to Altadena

by Laura Berthold Monteros

He’s been around the world, spending weeks and even months in exotic locations such as Africa, Asia, and the Himalayas, but when it came to choosing a place to live, Walt Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde chose Altadena.

Senior Vice President in the Creative Division of the Disney corporation, Rohde said “I like to live to the east of where I work.” That’s so the sun is always at his back, but he does appreciate having nature nearby. And well he might, as someone who goes to the farthest reaches of nature to bring it back in spirit to the Animal Kingdom theme park in Walt Disney World.

Pictured: Rohde buys earrings in every country he visits, and though he doesn't wear them all at one time, he did display a rather impressive collection on Friday night at the Pacific Asia Museum.

At Pacific Asia Museum’s Active Cultures lecture series on Friday, Rohde spoke about his quest to bring accuracy and “plausibility” to the latest ride, Expedition Everest. The challenge was to create a thrill ride that would mesh with the organization’s “deeply held principle of the intrinsic value of nature” and educate riders about conservation and culture.

And, of course about the yeti.

Rohde addressed the misconception that the Himalayas are nothing but snow-covered mountains. There are a great variety of climates in Tibet and Nepal, he said, and it changes from one to the other very quickly. Broadleaf evergreen forests, grasslands, valleys, rivers, plains—“It’s like all these islands came together and folded up,” he said. When settlers came, they found their niches according to the lifestyles of their ancestors.

ACONA meets at library tomorrow, 7 PM

ACONA (the Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations) will hold its next meeting tomorrow night, Tues.,  March 29, at the Community Room of the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. , starting at 7 PM.

Sussy Nemer, senior deputy for Supv. Michael D. Antonovich, will cover liquor stores in Altadena, the appearance of neighborhoods, and whether the county can pass a law to fine residences that play loud music or otherwise disturb neighborhoods. (There also may be LOTS of questions about code enforcement.)

Carolyn Seitz will cover nuisance abatement.

 

12 o'clock high over Altadena

The "Liberty Belle" in flight over Sonoma Drive this morning.  Photo: Chris Considine

by Chris Considine
The Skywatcher 

Altadena was visited by one of the most famous airplanes of World War II at 11:09am this Sunday morning. The Liberty Belle came out of Van Nuys airport on its current tour and the pilots gave us a show by flying over southern Altadena with a full crew of nostalgia-seeking Angelinos anxious to get their chance to fly in history.

The Liberty Belle’s four giant engines made a wonderful throaty sound as it flew its paying tourist crew from the San Fernando Valley and turned over Altadena towards Pasadena while viewing our beautiful foothills from a slow moving, low altitude. One can only imagine hearing hundreds of those most important bombers approaching from a high altitude during the war and then unleashing their huge payloads of bombs onto enemy targets all around the globe in both theatres of war.

Here is a link to the same famous plane taking off from Van Nuys just a few years ago.

It’s been a while since we’ve had any really special aircraft in our local skies, and this was certainly one for our history books in Altadena. Be ready and listen, as it’s going to have multiple flights today to raise money for its continued upkeep and preservation. We might be lucky enough to see a World War I Ifighter plane as well that is also flying with a single, lucky passenger in the cockpit.

Well, we were indeed lucky enough as the Liberty Belle just passed over Sonoma Drive once again andthis time really low and slow allowing me to get some more images. You can clearly see each gun turret,the side gunners, and the classic painted lady insignia on the front of the plane. FUN!

"Allusions of Spring" is the Library's April exhibit

"Allusions of Spring," an art exhibit by the students of the Pasadena Atelier Art Studio, will be on display at the Altadena Main Library Community Room, 600 E. Mariposa St., from April 4-30.   Opening reception is April 9 from 5-7 PM.  

This exhibit showcases the teacher and students of the Pasadena Atelier Art Studio and their spring-themed paintings and drawings as interpreted or seen by each emerging artist.

 

CALL holds "Baseball Mania" April 9

The Central Altadena Little League is holding a "Baseball Mania" extravaganza on Sat., April 9 at Farnswroth Park Lower Field, from 9 AM-2 PM.

There'll be a run, pitch and throw competition, player awards and prizes, and it's picture day.

CALL is also looknig to raise funds for its programs, and will finish with a baseball game betwen the CALL Majors and Altadena sheriff deputies.  Click on the graphic for the full lineup.

 

Barks and Books April 6, 4 PM at the Library

Barks and books: Kids age 5-12 can read to Pearl, a loveable rescued poodle from the Pasadena Humane Society at 4 PM Wed., April 6, at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. 

 

Altadena Sheriff’s Station rolls out eight-point plan to address community concerns

by Laura Berthold Monteros

The Altadena Sheriff’s Station held a town hall Thursday night, March 24, at Jackson Elementary School, where its community panel unveiled eight recommendations to improve relations with the community.

Pictured: Dr. Bernardean Broadous outlines the plan.

The eight recommendations are

1. Conduct a community survey
2. Develop mentorships with children and adults
3. Create training opportunities
4. Improve communication
5. Expand the Altadena Station Clergy Council
6. More involvement of the Sheriff’s Station in community events
7. Create social media sites
8. Create more opportunities for community interaction with deputies

The recommendations come after a contentious town hall meeting last November, where the deputies faced criticism for lack of communication and community involvement.  In response, Capt. Steven McLean created a committee made up of community members to address the issues and come up with a plan to improve the relationship between the Altadena community and law enforcement.

The committee met frequently over several weeks to discuss the issues and questions raised at the November meeting, gather more information from the community, and distill the findings into eight recommendations that were presented Thursday night.

Dr. Bernardean Broadous, a professor in the Pan African Studies department at California State University, Northridge, moderated the discussion.  She underscored that the recommendations are still a work in progress. Members of the committee spoke to each point.

“Hopefully, what we present tonight will help with communication,” Broadous said.  “It was enlightening to me as well.”

Altadena film permit concealed identity of director, a registered sex offender

A movie now filming in Altadena filed a permit with FIlm LA that concealed the identity of its  director -- a filmmaker who is a registered sex offender and served over a year in prison for it.

A Film LA staffer says that a permit was filed for a feature film called "Desert Road," directed by Don Fauntleroy, which is wrapping up this weekend on the  2300 block of Highland Ave

However, a check of the Internet Movie Data Base shows no film by this title with Fauntleroy as director.  It does, however, list Fauntleroy as a cinematographer for a film called "Rosewood Lane," which both IMDb and horror movie fan sites say is being filmed right now.  "Rosewood Lane" is written and directed by Victor Salva.

Salva is an acclaimed horror film director ("Jeepers Creepers" I and II) who has also filmed warm-hearted features such as "Powder" (for the Walt Disney Co.) and "Way of the Peaceful Warrior." 

But Salva served 15 months in prison  in 1988-89 for having sex with a then-12-year-old actor who starred in one of his first movies, "Clownhouse."  Salva is still on the Megan's Law website as a registered sex offender.

Altadena Station sheriff detective Ruby Munshi confirmed that Salva was involved in the production.   She was alerted to his identity by a concerned neighbor.  "It would have been nice if they would have told me [he] was in the city," Munshi said.

Munshi said that sex offenders only have to notify authorities if they are moving into the area as a resident.  The laws involving their proximity to schools and daycare centers is presently being litigated.

Weekendin': Farnsworth music festival Sat.

Keep checking back, as we're constantly adding!

Fri., March 25

• Farnsworth Park and the Boss Dog Film Project will be presenting free classic and recent-run movies on the last Friday of the month at the Davies Auditorium.  On March 25, the fun starts with Elvis in Fun in Acapulco, 1-3 PM.  Kung-Fu Panda follows at 3:30-5:45, followed by "urban illusionist" Greg Riley along with snacks, prizes, and fun.  The movies wrap up with the 2010 Karate Kid with Jayden Smith and Jackie Chan, 6:30-8:30.   Admission is free. 
• Fun and Games Friday at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St., 3:30-5 PM. Teens and tweens are invited to come to the Library to socialize, play board and video games, and maybe win some movie posters!
• The Parent Council of the Pasadena Waldorf School presents "Simplicity Parenting" with  Kim John Payne on Fri., March 25, at 6:30 PM at the Vosloh Forum at Pasadena City College. For tickets, go to www.pasadenawaldorf.org

Sat., March 26

• Bring the whole family to Farnsworth Park on Sat., March 26,  for the "Music & Arts Community Festival" from noon-9 PM. The free festival, sponsored by the Los Angeles County Dept. of Parks and Recreation along with Altadena artists and residents, includes music  and performances on the amphitheater stage and art on display at the Davies Building.
• The Allan Wasserman Jazz Ensemble (and it's big -- 15 players!) fills up Pinnochio's Pizza at 1449 N. Lake Ave, starting at 8 PM, $3.50 cover.

Sun., March 27

• Last day of voluntary water restrictions.  Things should be back to normal by 8 AM Mon., March 28.

 

No-holds-Bard at Farnsworth Park this summer

The San Pedro-based Shakespeare by the Sea (SBTS) theater troupe, now in its 14th year, has added Farnsworth Park to its schedule of free performances of classic theater works.

SBTS will perform "King Lear" on Sun. July 24, and "Much Ado About Nothing" on Aug. 7 at the park amphitheater.  Both performances start at 7 PM.

"Shakespeare by the Sea creates magical experiences with bewitching performances in idyllic park settings throughout the Greater Los Angeles Area,” says founding member and Producing Artistic Director Lisa Coffi, “We not only attract die-hard fans of The Bard, but all sorts of people – even some who are experiencing their very first play.  We are really proud to bring these amazing plays to such diverse audiences, particularly to those who normally would not be able to afford this type of entertainment.”

Much Ado About Nothing –
The festive Much Ado About Nothing may very well be the first modern romantic comedy.  The play juxtaposes two very different pairs of lovers – the sweet Claudio and Hero are contrasted with the more experienced (and cynical) Benedick and Beatrice who incessantly proclaim their scorn for love, marriage, and each other – until they are tricked into falling in love.

The Tragedy of King Lear –
Considered one of the great theatrical masterpieces of all time, The Tragedy of King Lear is a heart-wrenching story of betrayal, intrigue, and family dysfunction. The title character descends into madness after dividing his estate between the two deceitful of his three daughters. The dark play is based on the legend of Leir of Britain, a mythological Celtic king.

Shakespeare by the Sea (SBTS) is a nonprofit organization that was launched in 1998 by Producing Artistic Director Lisa Coffi.  Partnerships with local city organizations enabled the troupe to offer the performances for free. 

The performances are free, on a first-come, first-served basis.  Patrons are encouraged to come early and enjoy a picnic dinner on site.

The troupe will also be performing locally at La Crescenta and South Pasadena this summer.  For more information, check out their website here.

Morning jolt: now with more fiber

• Mickie Mills looks at Vise Versa, one of the bands that'll be performing at the Altadena Music & Arts Community Festival tomorrow.
• Pasadena Weekly's Andre Coleman looks at the closure of the Coffee Gallery front stage performance space.
• Millard Chaney's cartoon is missing in action this week (somebody probably called code enforcement, and there's an artistic license somewhere we haven't paid ...)

 

AHS offers vintage fruit label reproductions

Jane Brackman, president of the Altadena Historical Society,  is telling us about their latest fundraiser -- reproductions of vintage fruit crate labels:

The featured orange crate labels, one Alta brand, the other Dena brand, were printed by the Pasadena Orange Growers Association sometime after 1913.  They are not original lithographs but are good quality facsimiles of the originals.   

For a donation of $20 plus $4 shipping and handling you’ll receive high resolution photographs (9” x 9.5”)  of both labels.  AHS members receive a $4 discount.  Send a check made out to Altadena Historical Society to the address below or order directly from our new website: 

http://www.altadenahistoricalsociety.org/citrus.htm

The Altadena Historical Society is at  730 E. Altadena Dr.

Altadena imagineer Joe Rohde to speak at Pacific Asia Museum Fri.

Altadenan Joe Rohde, vice president of Walt Disney Imagineering, will discuss the creation of the thrill ride "Expedition Everest" in the wrap-up of the Pacific Asia Museum's "Active Cultures" series at 7:30 PM Fri., March 25.

The lecture is at the museum, 46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena. Free to members, $10 for non-members, and there is a cash bar.

Rohde is an Imagineer – which means he designs attractions, hotels and theme parks for Disney. A few years after graduating from Occidental College, he started out as a model maker for Epcot back in 1980, joining a troupe of young artists and the old-timers who had worked on Disneyland and the opening of Walt Disney World. Joe’s painting skills – combined with a well-honed gift for theatrics and set design picked up from his drama-teacher mom and camera-operator dad – helped him move into the ranks of design executives; he oversaw the design and development of Animal Kingdom, which opened in 1998 in the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

Animal Kingdom is unique among Disney parks in that it takes a realistic (for a theme park!) approach to its varied environments (Asia and Africa as well as “Dinoland” and “Camp Minnie-Mickey”) and stories (poaching, deforestation, overdevelopment, plus A Bug’s Life and The Lion King). The park’s main thesis is that humans love animals; it takes a strong conservation stance, and has been an integral part of Disney’s renewed commitment toward conservation.

Joe’s lifelong affinity for art, adventure and culture has led him on adventures both personal and professional — let’s just say his frequent flyer account is always topped up… way up. He’s been on lots of adventures (including one alongside Jeff Corwin, looking for the Abominable Snowman) and speaks on design all over the world. 

 

Waldorf School presents "Simplicity Parenting" tomorrow night

The Parent Council of the Pasadena Waldorf School presents "Simplicity Parenting" with  Kim John Payne on Fri., March 25, at 6:30 PM at the Vosloh Forum at Pasadena City College.

This crazy world just spins faster and faster. There's too much of everything: too much stuff, too much information, too many choices, too many distractions.

Want to be a better parent? Want a happier kid? Want a better, richer, simpler life?

 

Kim John Payne presents a workshop based on his book, SIMPLICITY PARENTING. He'll show you how simple it is to turn off the "Too Much Machine" and get some order -- and some happiness -- back into your family life.

Tickets available online at www.pasadenawaldorf.org

California-friendly garden contest deadline approaching

Only a few more days are left until the April 15 deadline for application and photo submission to the Foothill Municipal Water District (FMWD) California Friendly Garden Contest.

Three sets of prizes will be given: one in the Crescenta Valley area, one in the La Canada area and one in the combined Altadena and Kinneloa areas.

First place is $500, second place is $250 and third place is $100. Judges will consider overall attractiveness, appropriate plant selection, design, appropriate maintenance and efficient methods of irrigation when evaluating the gardens.

“Water efficient landscaping is quickly becoming an important part of the conservation solution to the water supply problem in California” said General Manager Nina Jazmadarian. “The aim of this contest is to encourage residents to change out water thirsty turf to less thirsty California friendly plants. This contest goes hand-in-hand with our turf replacement rebate where customers receive an incentive for changing out lawns to California Friendly plants or pervious material.”

Customers of Foothill Municipal Water District’s retail agencies can participate.

Applications & photos are due no later than April 15, 2011 with judging taking place April 30, 2011 or soon thereafter in case of inclement weather. Complete rules and an entry application can be found on the District’s website at www.fmwd.com.

One of those days ...

Entries will be slow today -- taxes and dentistry, a deadly combination.

Improv workshop at the Coffee Gallery Backstage starts April 2 [UPDATED]

UPDATE 3/31: Dane emails us that the workshop will be delayed by two weeks -- we'll let you know when we get particulars.

---------

People are discovering improvisation is a fun way to express themselves, build powerful team dynamics, enhance presentation skills, and develop not only new material, but new ways of thinking, all in a stimulating environment.

Dane Stauffer of Playzone Productions is offering a six week improv workshop on Saturdays at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N. Lake.  The workshop costs $180, and runs from 10:30 AM to 1 PM, April 2 through May 7, followed by a showcase on May 7 from 2-4 PM.

Are you new to "instant theater," but want to "play in the zone," connect toyour creativity and express yourself?  Then this workshop is for you.

For more information, contact Stauffer at dsimprov@gmail.com.  To register, go to http://playzoneproductions.blogspot.com/

 

"Young Americans" hold grade 4-12 workshop at Webster next weekend

Daniel Webster School will bring a long-running music education program to its students for the third year in a row, as they welcome the Young Americans to their campus on March 31-April 2.  

The Young Americans is a company of 46 singers and dancers, ages 18-24, who will present a three-day workshop to any Pasadena students who wish to attend.  The workshop will culminate in a two-hour concert, where our students will perform alongside the Young Americans in front of parents, teachers and community members.  

The performance will be held at the John Marshall Fundamental School Auditorium, located at 990 N. Allen Avenue, Pasadena, on April 2 at 6:30pm.  Tickets for this performance cost $8.00 for adults, $5.00 for students.

The Young Americans Workshop is designed to teach kids the basics of musical theater, while giving each student the opportunity to shine.  The Young Americans workshops are typically open to any student in grades 4-12, whether or not the student is enrolled in the host school.  The Pasadena workshop is open to Pasadena students of all abilities, grades Pre-K-12.  No prior experience is needed. Through their outreach tours, the Young Americans have worked with more than 300,000 young people in public and private schools, including youth detention centers and prisons, and performed for millions of audiences worldwide.

The Young Americans were founded in 1962, by successful Hollywood music composer and arranger, and former schoolteacher, Milton C. Anderson.  They have performed for Presidents and heads of state, won an Academy Award, been on national TV and appeared before a worldwide audience of millions.  Among the group’s 3,500 alumni are professionals on Broadway, in motion pictures, television, radio and the recording industry.   

The workshop costs $57.00 per student, which includes a commemorative T-Shirt.  For more information, or to register online, please visit our website at www.webster.pasadenausd.org. For more information about the Young Americans, please visit their website at www.youngamericans.org.

Missing dog from the Meadows: "Smoke"

Meadows resident Joanna tells us that her dog got out of the yard on March 13 and hasn't returned.  

He is a three year old black and white husky with blue eyes. He is friendly and will answer to the name "Smoke".   She tells us that there are posters out and that he has been seen in the area north of Loma Alta St. and Glenrose.  

Please call (626) 319-6609 if you can help her out.

Sheriffs urge vigilance to prevent burglaries and thefts

Altadena Sheriff  Lt. Joseph Dempsey has sent the following message around:

We are still experiencing residential burglaries, vehicle burglaries, and thefts from unlocked vehicles in the Altadena area. The Sheriff’s Department believes strongly in community partnerships to prevent and solve crimes. We want to remind everyone to be vigilant in protecting our homes, vehicles and families.

Last night, Captain McLean was working patrol with another deputy, when they received a burglary alarm call on the east side of Altadena. They responded immediately to the home and discovered the door wide open with keys in the lock. They checked the house for any possible suspects and found a safe open in one of the rooms. As they were checking the house further, they noticed that there were instructions on how to disable the alarm posted next to the keypad. Fortunately no burglary had occurred, the residents merely left the door open when they left.

While I would like to say this is an anomaly, unfortunately it is not. Too many of our residents are not putting into the practice the safety tips we have been preaching. Often times our deputies find cars unlocked, valuable property left in plain view on the front seat of cars, houses left open, burglary alarms not set, etc. Even though these are busy times, we need to be all the more vigilant in protecting our homes and families.

Bicycle boulevard part of county plan; community meeting April 5

Altadena resident Amanda Klotzsche, who is also Assistant Planner for the City of Burbank, has forwarded to us this map of projected bikeways in Altadena as part of Los Angeles County's bicycle master plan.

She tells us: 

I think it’s interesting that the county would like to plan to have a bicycle boulevard (basically a route on which they will put a ton of traffic calming measures to make it safer for bicyclists) run through Altadena. [Ed: that's the dotted line on Harriet, Calavaras, Mendocino, and Midwick]  I’m totally in support of it, although I think it would have a greater more positive community impact if it was to run along Altadena Drive, as that road is already heavily used by bicyclists and could use traffic calming measures to slow down automobiles.

As well as the bicycle boulevard, Altadena is marked for bikeways in Class II (a marked path between parking and autos) and Class III (lanes shared with autos, but indicated by signposts and sharrows, or stenciled designs, on the street).

There will be a community meeting on this issue on Tues., April 5 at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. , from 6:30-8 PM.  For more on the plan, go here:

 http://lacountybikeplan.com/meetings/

 

 

 

Sheriff town hall Thursday at Jackson, 6 PM

The Altadena Sheriff's Station will hold a town hall meeting at 6 PM tomorrow at Jackson Elementary School, 593 W. Woodbury Rd. The sheriff's station Stakeholder's Committee will present recommendations based on the Nov. 4 town hall, followed by a sheriff's department response and a brief question-and-answer session.

Ed note: this was supposed to go up Thursday, but went up today, so we had to fix it!

Library Parent-Child workshops registration opens March 25

The Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa St., is pleased to announce a new program for families and young children to share together. The five week Parent-Child workshop is set up as a one-to-one program and will be held at the Library on Tuesdays, April 5-May 3 at 11:00 AM. The workshop features toys, crafts, books and play. Community resource people will be on hand to discuss weekly topics and answer to parenting questions and concerns. In-person pre-registration at the library is required. Space is limited to 20 registered children between the ages of 6 months-41 months and their parents/caregiver. Older siblings up to age 5 may also attend.

This project is supported by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian. For more information please contact the Children’s Services Department at 626-798-0833.

 

Draft watershed and mountains special resource study to be available

The National Park Service has sent us this information about the upcoming Watershed and Mountains Special Resource Study:

The Draft San Gabriel Watershed and Mountains Special Resource Study will soon be available for public review. We expect to publish it in summer 2011. A link to the full report on the website will be sent to everyone on this email list. In addition, a printed copy of the executive summary will be sent to everyone on our mailing list.  If you would like a physical copy of the executive summary, the full draft study report or a CD-ROM for your individual use, please use the link below to let the study team know your preferred format and provide us with your mailing address. We need to receive your request by April 29, 2011, in order to guarantee that a copy will be available for you. You may also e-mail us your preference at: pwr_sangabriel@nps.gov.

 

>> Request a Printed or CD-ROM Copy of the Draft <<

Looking for green exhibitors for Pasadena Earth & Arts Festival

Exhibitors providing green services or selling green products are encouraged to display their wares at the ninth annual Pasadena Earth & Arts Festival.

The free event is scheduled Saturday, April 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Memorial Park, Armory Center for the Arts and along Raymond Avenue between Walnut and Holly streets.

This year’s festival promises more exhibitors and eco-friendly vendors. Businesses and nonprofit organizations have the opportunity to display information or sell items that promote green lifestyles, composting, organic foods, hybrid and electric vehicles, alternative energy and green building design. Last year’s event had more than 80 exhibitors and drew in nearly 5,000 visitors.

The festival is also the place to learn more about the city of Pasadena’s resources and plans for waste reduction, recycling, water and energy conservation and other Green City initiatives.

Entertainment will include music from local bands, an interactive drum circle and dancers. Children can enjoy arts and crafts and more.

Sponsoring the event are the city of Pasadena, Armory Center for the Arts and Conscientious Projector.

For a registration form or more information visit www.cityofpasadena.net and look under FYI Pasadena or call (626) 744-4721.

 

Poetry corner: "we want our glass slipper back"

It's been awhile since we're heard from Gloriana Casey, whose poetic muse seems to strike when something gores her ox.  Here's the latest:

Dear County Princes : Cinderella City Wants Her Glass Slipper Back

   from gloriana casey

There is a Cinderella town
against the Angeles.
Though life is fine and people kind
a "Shadow" does exist!

This "Shadow" is a secret thing,
it hides behind complaint.
Nefarious! This voice it carps,
Democracy? It ain't!

While speaking up is good for all,
this "Shadow" voice charade,
it leads the County by the nose
in egotist parade.

Young musicians present "spring fling" at Longfellow Friday

The VYMA Music Project @ Longfellow Elementary School, Pasadena, in partnership with PasadenaLEARNS, invites you to its Spring Open House and Concert this Friday.

The young musicians have prepared a musical feast and invite you to visit behind the scenes. Meet the teachers, the students and listen to each orchestra section in an intimate setting.

The event is free and open to the public. Donations are always accepted. Bake Sale Too!

The concert begins at the Longfellow Elementary School Auditorium, 1065 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena, on Friday at 5:30 PM.

 For further information contact:

 Louise Ghandi, Board President

Verdugo Young Musicians Association

323 258 3552  

323 633 7259

www.vyma.org

 

Help bikers against diabetes April 16 in Pasadena

Team Triumph (a bunch of bikers, obviously) is having a BBQ bash to raise money for "Rip's B.A.D. Ride 2011" (Bikers Against Diabetes), to benefit the American Diabetes Association.  

The barbecue will be held Sat., April 16, from 3-7 PM at 75 South Oak St., in Pasadena.  Adult presale tickets are $20 by April 3, $25 after (children under 12 $10).  You get a beef short rib or chicken plate, grilled veggies, brown rice, garden salad, and desert, bottled water and homemade ice tea, or beer and wine.

There'll be a live band, raffle drawings for prizes, and a silent auction.  Cash only please, altho' checks are OK for the silent auction items.  All proceeds go directly to the 2011 Rip's B.A.D. Ride campaign, committed to strengthening the fundraising efforts of the American Diabetes Association.  For presale tickets, call Anne Bosi at 626-798-1527.

 

ACS Relay for LIfe holds luncheon for cancer patients/survivors

The American Cancer Society is extending a special invitation to cancer patients or survivors and their caregivers to join them for a special lunch at Brookside Golf course this Friday, March 25, from noon to 2 PM.  Complimentary tea, coffee, scones, and sandwiches and more will be served.

"Come and join us as we celebrate a world with more birthdays!"

Please RSVP by Wed., March 23 to Andrea Sweet at 626-372-9456 or email at andrea.sweet@cancer.org.  

Crime log: March 10-19: shootings, burglaries, and 24 Hour Fitness, again

A couple of shootings (one at a man, one at a building), a suspicious black truck on the move, and yet another vehicle burglary at 24 Hour Fitness -- it's a week of crime in Altadena.

Thurs., March 10  

Between 9:00 AM & 5:00 PM, Tuesday – A petty theft occurred in the 2800 block of Highview Avenue. Loss: garden hose.

Sun., March 13 

 Between 4:00 PM & 11:40 AM, Friday – A vandalism occurred at First Presbyterian Church, 2775 N. Lincoln Ave. Suspect(s) shattered a window located on the ground floor.  

10:22 PM – A shooting at an inhabited dwelling occurred in the 2800 block of El Nido Drive.   Damage was reported to the exterior wall of the residence. No injuries reported.   

Tues., March 15  

Between 8:00 AM & 6:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1200 block of E. Woodbury Road.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by shattering the rear kitchen window.   Loss: silver bracelet with various colored stones, silver bracelet with white pearls, green antique oval bowl, gold chain necklace with heart locket engraved with “M” on front “1967” on back, misc. jewelry.  

Between 9:00 AM & 4:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1800 block of Harding Avenue.  Suspect(s) cut the screen and shattered the window of the rear door.   No entry was made.   Loss: None.  

***On both incidents witnesses observed a black truck in the area of where the above crimes were reported***

6:30 PM – An assault with a deadly weapon occurred in the 100 block of E. Sacramento Street.   Deputies responded to the location after receiving a call of a victim being struck by gunfire.   The victim sustained a non‐life threatening injury and was transported to the hospital.  Possible suspect vehicle: silver 4‐door occupied with four male African‐Americans.  

Thurs., March 17

Between 6:45 PM & 8:30 PM – A vehicle burglary occurred at 24 Hour Fitness, 2180 Lincoln Avenue.   Suspect(s) entered a silver GMC Yukon by removing the door lock from the front passenger door.   Loss: Jensen CD stereo, black Apple iPod, black Apple iPhone & black leather wallet containing personal documents.  

Fri., March 18

Between 10:00 AM & 1:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1800 block of N. Grand Oaks Avenue.    Suspect(s) entered the location via the unlocked rear bedroom window.  Loss: black Sony PlayStation 3 & gray Nintendo XBox 360.   

Sat, March 19

Between 3:30 PM & 8:30 AM, Sunday – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 500 block of Las Flores Drive.    Suspect(s)entered a black ’05 Scion by shattering the front passenger window.   Loss:   silver Apple iPod, black Magellan GPS, blkTom‐Tom, & green duffle bag.  

Between 7:00 PM & 9:30 AM, Sunday – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 2500 block of N. Fair Oaks Avenue.   Suspect(s) entered a white ’89 Buick Century by shattering the rear driver’s side passenger window.  Loss:  None

Rubio Cañon Land & Water Assn. annual meeting today ...

... at 4 PM at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.

Photography by Walt keeps you in the picture

by Lizze Slocum

Walt Trepashko has been a photographer for 25 years – the last 17 of them in his family portrait studio on Lake and Mariposa right here in Altadena. 

This native of New York City and Long Island got his early professional experience at the New York Daily News. He worked in Washington, D.C., with ABC television news for four years and then worked as a photographer in television production for seven years.

 In 1994, he opened the doors of his Altadena studio. Walt and his freelance associates photograph weddings and special events as well as portrait work, including family portraits, of course. Walt especially enjoys photographing parents with their children (and he offers that as a tip for getting the little ones to smile for their pictures: get in the photos with your children).

Walt and his staff also shoot quinceañeras, bar mitzvahs and bat mitzvahs, as well as corporate events, and they do publicity photos. Copy and, especially, photo restoration work represents a large--and growing--segment of Walt’s business, and Photography by Walt also offers a large selection of frames and albums in all price ranges.

But it isn’t just professional, beautiful portraits and special-event photography that emerge from Photography by Walt. At Walt’s family portrait studio at the corner of Lake and Mariposa, you can get your passport photo taken, professionally lit, for the same price you’d pay if you went to the Auto Club or a drugstore or the packing and shipping store. 

Whether you need an affordable 8 x 10 photo print or a passport photo, the major advantage to coming here, says Walt, is portrait lighting--lighting that flatters the face. In flash photography, the flash creates shine, shadows and wrinkles. Walt’s studio offers portrait lighting and the chance to get photos taken just as quickly and inexpensively as at those other places, but with better looking results.

3/21: Happy Day!

Somebody turned seven!

 This is March 21, or 3/21, which is Down Syndrome Awareness Day (because Down Syndrome people have an extra 21st chomosome), and we like to shout out to two local organizations that have been helpful to many families dealing with the problems/blessings this brings:

The Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles

Club 21 

... and we like to include this essay by David Falcone (reprinted in the Momologist), which helped us a lot when we needed it!

Chamber gets ready for golf tournament fundraiser May 6

The Altadena Chamber of Commerce is readying its 18th annual golf tournament on Fri., May 6.  The proceeds raised at the event go to the Marion Lee Wullschlager scholarship fund, which is presents a monetary award to a local college-bound high school senior.

Even if you don't play golf, consider being a tee sign sponsor, donate a raffle prize, or just come for the dinner and raffle.  All details are on the flyer.

 

 

Never cry wolf

There was considerable discussion on one of the newsgroups Sunday when someone thought they spotted a large wolf-like dog on Loma Alta near Chaney Trail.  "Does anybody know if we have wolves in the 'hood?" they asked.

We took the question to our actual Altadena resident Ph.D. canid expert, who responded thusly under her nom de chien:

No sir.  No wolves.  There have been no wolves in California since the 1800s.  Unless of course some yahoo purchased a “wolf-hybrid.”  Don’t get me started on that.

Yours truly,
Dr. Barkman

Morning jolt

• Meadows resident and defender of the big cats Mary Ellen Schoeman alerts us to the Wild Wonders/Zoofari golf tournament in Escondido, to reach money for wildlife conservation and rescue, and partners with her favorite cause Cheetah Outreach.  More details on the tournament here.
•  The Altadena Mountain Rescue Team passed its technical rock certification this month.  Search and rescue teams from all over California met for testing and recertification near Lone Pine on their technical rock rescue skills.  They've got a picture and a story on their website.
• The Hahamongna Watershed Park Advisory Committee will next meet Tues., March 22, at 6 PM at Flintridge Retreat Center, room 117, 236 W Mountain St., Pasadena (across from the Pasadena City Yards).
• Altadena's indispensible Monica Hubbard will receive the Altadena/Pasadena Soroptimist Club RUBY award April 23, which comes with a  $100 grant to a nonprofit. The nonprofit she has chosen is the Bright Futures Scholars, and is trying to raise $4,000 in six days so this year's class of scholars can go to Washington, D.C. Check out her page here and contribute to our young people!

 

Stormwatch: burn area forest roads closed

Got the following from the LA County Dept. of Public works:

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works has announced that based on the forecast of heavy rain, it will close public access to all County roads within the Station Fire burn area at 11:59 PM Saturday, March 19, 2011. 

As a result, the following roads will be closed to all traffic with the exception of emergency vehicles, including Public Works personnel: 
• Angeles Forest Hwy from Aliso Canyon Road to SR-2 (Angeles Crest Hwy) 
• Big Tujunga Canyon Road from the City of LA/County boundary to Angeles Forest Hwy and 
• Upper Big Tujunga Canyon Road 

Local access will not be permitted until the road closures are lifted. 

The closure will be in effect until we can make the roads safe for passage. 
Residents can also visit the CARE website at www.dpwcare.org for further updates on road conditions or sign up through Public Works’ eNotify system to receive instant notifications. 

Residents, business owners and persons with access or functional needs may also call 2-1-1 for LA County information and referral services regarding post disaster resources that are available to those affected by the floods and debris and mud flow. The toll-free 2-1-1 number is available 24 hours a day and seven days a week. 211 LA County Services can also be accessed by visiting www.211la.org. 

Rain dog: Andy's missing [UPDATED]

Amanda emails:

My dog Andy broke out of the yard during a thunder clap 3/20/11 at around 8:30 am. He was sighted by Loma Alta Park. He weights 95 lbs and is blue merle in color. He has one blue eye and a tag with my phone number. He is friendly but may be hard to catch.  My phone number is 213-700-3520

UPDATE 10 PM: Andy was picked up by the Pasadena Humane Society along the 210 Freeway, and is now safely home.