altadenablog

World wine tasting at the Ale House Sat.

Altadenablog sponsor The Altadena Ale and Wine House, 2329 N. Fair Oaks, is holding a World Wine Tasting tomorrow (Sat.) from 3-5 PM.  $20 gets you in, and a variety of wines will be available.  Click the graphic for more information.

 

Water restrictions start next Friday

Next Friday, a major water treatment plant in La Verne will shut down for upgrades, and communities from Claremont to La Crescenta (including Pasadena and most water companies in Altadena) are asked to curb water use until March 27.

The Metropolitan Water District has shared the following consumer tips for coping with the shutdown:

THINGS TO DO NOW, BEFORE FRIDAY, MARCH 18

Beginning Monday, March 14

• Do not plant new landscaping, which typically requires continual watering to establish plants, shrubs and trees. Delay new plantings until after March 28. 
• Set mowers for a higher cut than normal. Longer blades of grass help reduce evaporation. Or, avoid mowing altogether. 
• Avoid fertilizing lawns and plants prior to the shutdown.   Fertilizer encourages growth, which requires more water.   
• Have a deep collection dish at the base of house plants.  Fill the dish Thursday night, March 17, so plants can draw on that water throughout the week. 
• Fill large containers, like trash bins, and use that water for hand watering delicate plants during the week.  Remove water from trash bins and other large containers with a bucket to distribute it to sensitive plants. 
• Until Thursday, March 17, deep-water trees and shrubs by either setting out soaker hoses or watering with a regular hose on a slow trickle.  Water until the soil is soaked to a depth of about 8–12 inches (deeper for trees, more shallow for shrubs).  Use a soil probe or a shovel to determine the depth to which the water has percolated. 
• Do all dirty laundry before Thursday night and then avoid using the clothes washer during the shutdown.   

Exotic Pet Fair in Pasadena Sat.

If you're looking for something fun to do with the kids tomorrow, Carrie Meyers at Steve's Pets recommends the pet fair at the Exotic Animal Center, 2121 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena.  There will be talks during the afternoon about caring for exotics, and if you're not carefull, you may adopt one!

alterdena 3/11/11

alterdena 3-11-11 by altadenablog

by Millard Chaney

Altadena makes the Times today

LA Times' food section celebrates Altadena's urban homesteads today.  (Note: URBAN HOMESTEAD! URBAN HOMESTEAD!  You either get it or you don't!)  A great article, featuring lots of names that frequently appear on this website.  And in the picture, it's hard to tell who's cuter -- Gloria and Steve, or the goats!

ADDENDUM: we went to the Altadena Ale & Wine House last night to pick up some camera equipment we left behind (OK, and to have a beer)  and ran into Michele Zack, Gloria Putnam, and Steve Rudicel (fresh from their appearance on the Arroyo Channel earlier that night).  They tell us that all the interviews with the author of the Times piece were by phone -- rather unusual for an article about the wonders of a place!  Usually you have to at least VISIT the place ...

Weekendin' March 10-14

Keep coming back, as new stuff always comes in!

Thurs., March 10

• The Social Media Club of the San Gabriel Valley will have a brownbag lunch and panel discussion at the Business Technology Center, 2400 N. Lincoln Ave.  Brown bag lunch starts at 11:30, panel begins at noon.  Topic: "How to expand your business in 2011 using Facebook and Linkedin." 
• Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake: front stage, long form storytelling open mic, starts at 8 PM; backstage, Montana Skies, $15, 8 PM.

Fri., March 11

• Peace vigil, 4-4:30 PM, Altadena Community Church, 943 E. Altadena Dr.
• Fancy Food Truck Friday at the Webster's parking lot, Lake and Marcheta, 5-9 PM. Scheduled trucks include: No Reservations, Hungry Nomad, Greenz on Wheelz, Shrimp Pimp, Go Country Chuck Wagon, Kabob N Roll and Coolhaus.  Entertainment by the Irish Volunteers (Those Manning Boys). Parking on the streets and some parking in the Webster's lot. The Websters stores will be open throughout the evening.
• Aveson School's African American Parent Council, 6:30-8 PM at the school.
• Dr. Vanessa R. Sheldon, award-winning Celtic harpist and composer, will appear in a free concert at the Altadena Main Library's Community Room, starting at 7 PM. 
• Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake: front stage, music and variety open mic starts at 8 PM; backstage, Border Radio, $18, 8 PM.

Sat., March 12

• The Altadena Senior Center, 580 E. Mariposa, hosts a free concert by the Crown City Symphony starting at 2 PM.  "Four Centuries of Music" includes works by Mozart, Prokofiev, Chabrier, and the premiere of conductor Marvin Neumann's "Redux" for string orchestra.  Charles Hummel is violin soloist.  
• World Wine Tasting at the Altadena Ale & Wine House, 2329 N. Fair Oaks, 3-5 PM. $20.
• RIPE Altadena hosts permaculture designer/rainwater harvester Brad Lancaster in a workshop from 7-8:30 PM at  Pasadena SDA Church Fellowship Hall, 1280 E Washington Blvd, Pasadena ($10 at the door).  Learn about how to enhance your pantry with free native and/or gleaned foods, harvested from your yard or right-of-way, your neighbors' yards (with their permission), and other spots where such foods are going to waste 
• Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake: backstage, Salty Suites: Scott Gates, Chuck Hailes and Chelsea Williams featuring The Wimberley Bluegrass Band, $15, 7 PM.

Sun., March 13

• MACH1, a therapeutic riding program for disabled children and adults, will hold its second annual 5K walk-a-thon at Hahamongna Watershed Park on Sun., March 13,   (No horses at the walkathon, but people can bring their dogs!) There will also be some free snacks, a bake sale, and dog trainer Penny Scott-Fox will have a training demo.  Registration begins at 8 AM, walk begins at 9 AM.  Download a registration form at  http://www.moveachildhigher.org/ or call 626-798-1222
• Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake:  bluegrass jam, 12:30-3:30; front stage, music and variety open mic, 8 PM; backstage, Down 4 the Count, $16, 7 PM.

Mon., March 14

• "Coffee with the Captain" (Altadena Sheriff Capt. Steven McLean) at Perry's Joint, 2051 N. Lincoln Ave., Pasadena, 8-10 AM.
• New York Times best-selling author Steve Hodel will be at the Altadena Library's Distinguished Program Series at 7 PM, 600 E. Mariposa St.  Hodel, author of the Black Dahlia Avenger and Most Evil, is a former LAPD detective who collected evidence that the Black Dahlia murderer was also a serial killer -- and his own father! 

 

Third Annual "Primavera in Altadena" is coming March 19

The third annual "Primavera in Altadena" San Gabriel Valley Blogger's Potluck is coming:  March 19 at the north pavilion of Farnsworth Park, beginning at about 11 AM (times -- and everything else -- is loose).  Open to all bloggers, family, friends, and fans, it's become THE event of the year where good food and good company rule!

Sponsored by Altadenablog, Altadena Above It All, AltadenaHiker, and Open Mouth Insert Fork, we're asking all bloggers to spread the word and help make this the best gathering ever!

Reviving North Lake on "Our Town" tonight

Tonight on Our Town (The Arroyo Channel) at 9 PM, guest host Michele Zack will look at an initial effort to rejuvenate Lake Ave. as a commercial center.

Her guests will be members of Altadena Heritage's North Lake Working Group, which is putting together a survey of the commercial stretch of Lake Avenue.

According to Thomas Stahl, a member of the working group, the volunteer effort from Altadena Heritage-- which includes photographing the buildings and identifying the different zoning areas -- is the first step in any discussion of how to revive the area.

"Once your get your facts together, you can identify where action is most needed," Stahl said. 

In an interview last month, Stahl said that the working group was looking to have a public roundtable in May or June to discuss the area and also draw on "some high level expertise who have experience in similar projects."

Right now, he said, the working group is just concentrating on collecting facts, and realizes that any move to revitalize the street would need to be an effort that includes residents, business owners, the town council, and the county.  "There's a lot of fact-finding and scratching the surface at this point," he said.

Committee members that are scheduled to appear include Stahl, Mark Goldschmidt, and Stephen Rudicel.

 "Our Town" is on the Arroyo Channel on cable TV and livestreamed at www.pasadenacommunitynetwork.com.  Call in to be part of the discussion at 626-794-8585.

 

 

Found dog: pit bull mix [UPDATED: happy ending]

Pamela tells us they found a young female pit bull mix, mostly black with white marks around her chest and feet.  She followed Pamela and the dogs home, and Pasadena Humane Society says she has a microchip.  If she sounds familiar, check out her photo here:

http://www.petharbor.com/pet.asp?uaid=PSDN.A284655

She is at the Pasadena Humane Society (the story is that she was found on Washington/Hill -- don't ask, don't tell!)

UPDATE 2 PM: Pamela tells us the dog -- who had no collar, but did have a microchip -- has gone home to her rightful owners.

March sponsor team shout-out

We are grateful to the businesses and organizations that support this work in the most direct way -- with their funds.  Our sponsor team keeps Altadenablog going, and they are assured in the knowledge that this is not only the best way to reach an established Altadena audience, but that their support of Altadenablog means the money stays right here in the community.

A big thank you to:

The Altadena Ale & Wine House (which is having a Cajun-style Mardi Gras tonight starting at 5, so check them out!)

Photography by Walt (which is offering a special this month: a mini-sitting and 4x6 print, absolutely FREE!)

Energy Upgrade California (which has identified Altadena as a prime area  to improve home energy efficiency, and they figured this was the best place to spread the word!)

Webster's Community Pharmacy: one of the Fancy Food Truck Friday sponsors

Webster's Fine Stationers:the other Fancy Food Truck Friday sponsor -- c'mon down Friday night.

 

Baietti-Seyffert Realtors

Home Shoot Home

A Chair in the Garden

Altadenans for Quality Education

Dhari Thein Real Estate

Judy Rubin Real Estate

Scissors Paper Rock Salon & Boutique

The Rancho Bar

Mike Gibson Service Center

Thank you all -- if you're a customer, tell them "Thank you" for supporting Altadenablog!

If you'd like to join the Altadenablog sponsor team, email us at altadenablog @ gmail.com, or call 626-791-5327.

Vote for PUSD board today

Today, March 8, is election day for positions on the Pasadena Unified School District school board..  This year, seats 2, 4, and 6 are up for election.

For Seat 2, incumbent Renatta Cooper is running unopposed, altho' Altadenan Cushon Bell has filed papers as an official write-in candidate for that seat.

For Seat 4,  incumbent Bob Harrison will be stepping down and there are two challengers, both Altadena residents:  Kim Kenne, and Gene Stevenson.

For Seat 6, incumbent Tom Selinske is running against challengers Sean Baggett and Gaylaird Christopher.

Find your polling place here: http://www.lavote.net/LOCATOR/

Morning jolt

• Pasadena Now has words and pictures (and Altadenans!) on Sunday's celebratory bash for the Pasadena League of Women Voters at Caltech's Athenaeum.  Here's the link.
• Armenian poet (and Pasadena resident)  Jacque S. Hagopian introduced his new novel, In Love with Liloush, on Sun., Feb. 19 at the Tekeyan Cultural Association’s Beshgeturian Center (Allen and New York Drive). The Armenian Mirror-Spectator has a story on the event.
• Larry Wilson has a shot at Alta-artist Marnie Weber in his Public Eye blog.
• Pasadena Now also has a story on Five Acres' annual meeting, where they honored outstanding community members.  Among them: volunteers of the year Inger Miller and Jill Hawkins of MHPevents.

 

Social Media Club looks at Facebook and Linkedin at BTC Thurs.

The Social Media Club of the San Gabriel Valley will have a lunch and panel discussion on Thurs., March 10, at the Business Technology Center, 2400 N. Lincoln Ave.  Brown bag lunch starts at 11:30, panel begins at noon.

"How to expand your business in 2011 using Facebook and Linkedin" is the topic of the panel discussion.  Both of these sites have been actively rolling out new features and services, and these developments are good news for brands who make use of them.

This month we will be discussing the current landscape for these two huge social sites, plus the best practices, tips & tricks that you can leverage on behalf of your business.
Moderated by Jo Lilore (Disney, Robbins Brothers), guest panelists from the social world will share their learnings and tips for success on these two platforms, and take questions from the group.

YWCA to honor Dr. Angelica Salas in March

The YWCA Pasadena-Foothill Valley  will be honoring Dr. Angelica Salas, Executive Director, Coalition For Humane Immigrant Rights of L.A. (CHIRLA).  For the past twenty-one years, CHIRLA has been at the forefront in the fight for immigrant and refugee rights in Los Angeles and across the state and nation. More about CHIRLA can be found at http://chirla.org/content/our-story.

The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. For these reasons, we are honored to have Dr. Salas join us for an evening of conversation on these topics. 
 
The celebration is scheduled for Tues., March 22 at 6 PM at Neighborhood Unitarian Universalist Church. Tickets can be ordered online here.

Altadena Crest Trail meeting tonight, 7 PM at the Community Center

 

The Altadena Crest Trail Restoration Working Group (ACTRWG) meets tonight at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr., starting at 7 PM.

 

Discussion will include:

-- The DRAFT Los Angeles County Trails Manual... Available for review at  http://lacountytrailsmanual.com/ (click on the "downloads" tab to access the entire document).

The final Trails Manual is due out in April 2011. Sapphos Environmental and county staff have been invited to the meeting, but unknown if they will attend.

-- Possible blockage to ACT access at Glenallen Lane

-- Pinecrest Gate

Support Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy at Patagonia Pasadena this month

The Arroyos and Foothills Conservancy is competing with  two other nonprofits for a grant through  Patagonia Pasadena's "Voice Your Choice" program.  If you're in Old Town Pasadena during March, you can cast your vote at the Patagonia store on 47 N. Fair Oaks, Old Town Pasadena.  AFC will receive $2,500 if they get the most votes.

 AFC board members will be in the store between noon and 5 PM. on Sat., March 19, and Sun., March 20, talking to Patagonia customers about AFC. 

 

 

Crime log: vehicle thefts and cell phones, March 1-5

Tues., March 1

Between 2:00 AM & 2:00 PM, Wednesday – A petty theft occurred in the 2300 block of Windsor Avenue.  Suspect(s) removed a car cover from a vehicle parked in a driveway. Loss: beige CoverCraft cover.

1:00 PM – A petty theft from a vehicle occurred in the 2200 block of Mar Vista Avenue.  Suspect described as a male, Hispanic, dark complexion, 25‐30 years, 5’8”, 190 lbs, short black hair.  The suspect was observed exiting the passenger side of an older model black Ford four-door.  The suspect reached into the bed of a Chevrolet pick‐up, retrieved the item, and re‐entered the Ford.  The suspect was last seen eastbound on Calaveras St.  Loss:  white/orange Echo leaf blower.   

Wed,, March 2

9:30 AM – A strong-arm robbery occurred at Fair Oaks Avenue. & Woodbury Road. The victim was standing at the bus stop holding a cell phone when the suspect walked out to the victim and forcefully deprived the victim from his cell phone.  Suspect described as:  male, African‐American, 14 – 17 years, 5’0”, 120‐130lbs. wearing a dark blue hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans.  Loss:  black and gray HTC touch screen cell phone.   

Thurs., March 3    

Between 7:00 PM & 8:00 AM, Friday – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 2600 block of HIghview Avenue.  Suspect(s) entered a green 2000 Nissan Maxima by shattering the driver’s side window. Loss:  black Garmin NUVI GPS.   

12:00 PM – A petty theft from an unlocked locker occurred at Elliot Middle School, 2184 N. Lake Ave.  Suspect(s) removed a cell phone from a backpack located in an unlocked locker.  Loss:  silver Motorola Incognito flip‐style cell phone.

Sat., March 5

12:36 AM – A vehicle burglary occurred at Mobil Gas Station, 15 W. Woodbury Rd.  Deputies were patrolling the area when they observed a male Hispanic loitering near a parked vehicle at the gas station.  The male observed the deputies, hid behind the passenger side of the vehicle, and later opened the passenger side door, sat in the vehicle and reclined the passenger seat.  Deputies contacted the male to check on his welfare due to the actions displayed.  The male stated that his friend gave him permission to sleep in the vehicle.  Further investigation revealed that the vehicle belonged to an Altadena resident and not a friend of the male.   The male was taken into custody for vehicle burglary and the following stolen items were recovered: pink/purple framed reading glasses, black leather strap Disney Mickey Mouse wrist watch, three CDs.

Weather Eye: the final flight of Discovery: STS-133

by Bill Westphal

The Space Shuttle Discovery undocked from the International Space Station earlier in the day.  I knew there would be some separation on this evening’s pass and wanted to get one last image of the Shuttle Discovery soaring through the evening sky.

Unfortunately the thin cloud layer slightly obscured the pass.  The ISS was visible but the Shuttle Discovery was several seconds ahead of the ISS and much dimmer.  It can barely be seen in this image. 

This image shows the ISS streaking above the San Gabriel Mountains above Altadena this evening at 7:02 p.m.  The Shuttle Discovery is much dimmer and just below the path of the ISS.

Click to enlarge.

This is a 45 Second Exposure, f5.6, ISO 200 using a Canon 5D with the 24-105MM L Zoom Lens at 60MM Focal Length.  The image brightness and color were adjusted slightly in Photoshop Elements.

The Space Shuttle Discovery was NASA’s third Shuttle to join the fleet.  It has made more flights and carried more crew than any other craft and is the oldest Orbiter in service.  It was also the Shuttle that returned the USA to Space Flight following both the Challenger and Columbia accidents.

The final flight of Discovery signals the beginning of the end of NASA’s Shuttle Program. 

 

Food Truck Friday is on, Urban Farmer's Market is safe [UPDATE]

Good news today in the saga of  two of Altadena's biggest monthly events vs. county regulators.

First: "Fancy Food Truck Friday" will go on as scheduled March 11.  The event, which debuted last month, was thrown into doubt after a resident complaint brought up questions about whether it was permitted under county regulations.

However, according to Lori Webster of Webster's Fine Stationers, who with Webster's Community Pharmacy and Webster's Liquors sponsors the event, they managed to get a temporary use permit to allow the event to continue.  Such events can be justified for permits if they are fundraisers for a non-profit organization, and the six-event-long temporary permit will be under the umbrella of the Altadena Chamber of Commerce.

Fancy Food Truck Friday will run from 5-9 PM March 11 in the Webster's complex parking lot.  Public parking will be be available on the street with some spaces in the lot.  Plans call for seven food trucks to be at this event.  The Webster's stores will also be open late during the event.

Second:  county regulators were also looking into the Altadena Urban Farmer's Market, held every month at the Zane Grey Estate.  The event brings together local growers, entrepreneurs, food vendors, and others in a farmer's market held at the historic home of the western writer.  We heard some rumors that the county was looking to shut the market down.

However, according to Gloria Putnam, who lives at the estate and is one of the organizers, the county told her a similar story, that having the event as a fundraiser for a nonprofit would qualify for a permit.  Putnam said that the market has been a de facto fundraiser for the nonprofit Arroyo Time Bank, and she was assured that there should be no problem getting a permit under those auspices. The next  Urban Farmer's Market will be held Sun., March 20.

This story was rewritten slightly March 8 to clarify and correct some information.

Morning jolt

• Outgoing PUSD Supt. Edwin Diaz does a short Q&A with PSN in Sunday's edition.
• Altadenan bass player (and Altadenablog friend) Bo Astrup and song stylist Raspin Stuwart, who frequently do open mics at the Coffee Gallery and are featured artists at many Southern California venues, are on a musical tour of San Francisco for the next few days.  Raspin's "We Do What We Do" and  "The Night is Young" can be heard nationwide at Starbucks. For more on Raspin ~ http://raspin.com/news.html.

Chamber mixer at The Beauty Room, March 17

The Altadena Chamber of Commerce will celebrate St. Patrick's day at its monthly mixer, this time at The Beauty Room, 411 E. Woodbury Rd., 5:30-7 PM.

Admission for members is $5, guests is $7.  Bring a raffle prize and recieve commercial time so promote your business (or bring one just to be nice!).

 

 

Reminder: Waldorf School offers Kim John Payne lecture/workshop March 25

The Parent Council of the Pasadena Waldorf School will be offering an open-to-the-public lecture/mini workshop by Simplicity Parenting author Kim John Payne on Fri., March 25 at Pasadena City College.  This will be Mr. Payne's only public Los Angeles appearance and he will be available to sign copies of his book at the event.  The school expects this event to be a sellout, so people who would like to attend should book their tickets now.  Details about Mr. Payne's book, the movement behind "Simplicity Parenting", and this workshop in the following link:

http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=g79yqpcab&oeidk=a07e3ddq5qaf7b047e8&oseq=a01pcg4htumgn

RIPE workshop March 12: what is a weed to some is food to others

RIPE Altadena is holding another workshop this weekend, where you can learn about how to enhance your pantry with free native and/or gleaned foods, harvested from your yard or right-of-way, your neighbors' yards (with their permission), and other spots where such foods are going to waste (and where it's not illegal or just not right to help yourself)! 

The speaker, Brad Lancaster, is  the author of the best-selling, award-winning books Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond, Volumes 1 and 2, and creator of the information-packed website www.HarvestingRainwater.com.  A permaculture teacher, designer, consultant and co-founder of Desert Harvesters (www.DesertHarvesters.org). he has helped design integrated water harvesting and permaculture systems for homeowners and gardeners, including the Tucson Audubon Simpson Farm restoration site, and the award-winning Milagro and Stone Curves co-housing projects.

The talk is Sat., March 12, 7-:8:30 PM at the Pasadena SDA Church Fellowship Hall, 1280 E Washington Blvd, Pasadena.  Cost: $10 at the door.

For more information: contact RIPE's Gail Murphy at (626) 689-0593 or see ripealtadena.com To register, please e-mail your name to:  register@ripealtadena.com

Learn about grinding mesquite (and carob) pods with a hammermill or a Suzuki 4 x 4; irrigating food-producing street trees with the street; planting and picking the best tree-beans; throwing pie, mulch, and pancakes parties; creating a thoroughly delicious community-tasted cookbook; regenerating ecosystems in your pantry and landscape, and growing friendships and neighborhood networks while you’re at it!

Says Murphy: "With all of this information on how to eat from the land, soon this group won't need a grocery store!"

Blue Monday

Up all night with a feverish kid (and we'll be up with her all day, too!) so updates will be irregular today.

Friday Fun Flick March 18: Megamind

 

This month's Friday Fun Flick at the Altadena Library is "Megamind" on Fri., March 18, starting at 3:30 PM.  Super-villain becomes super-hero in this PG-rated animated feature.  Free admission, along with popcorn and treats at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. 

 

 

Saturday afternoon rescue at the falls

Per the scanner, Altadena Mountain Rescue is trying to extract a hiker who fell from the first waterfall in Eaton Canyon, broke leg in two places. Rescue is mounting up at the Pinecrest Gate, and sheriff's Air 5 chopper is firing up at 3:15 PM.

UPDATE 3:41 PM: victim now enroute to Huntington Memorial in Air 5 with broken leg and hypothermia, per scanner.

Morning jolt

• LA Times' "Lost LA" section today has a feature by Sam Watters on the McNally House, particularly the Egyptian Revival parlor in its heyday.
• And our correspondent Erika McCarden points us to this article by Emily Green, also in the LA Times, about Leigh Adams' "dry garden," based on utilizing rainfall.  (Why are we not surprised to learn that the county was giving her grief about it?)
• And just FYI, the Reynolds Journalism Institute talks to "hyperlocal" (we are beginning to hate that term!) website operators, and quotes us a few times about grassroots community journalism vs. AOL-oturf in an interview from late last year.

Ale and farewell [UPDATED]

Altadena Heritage held a membership event and tribute to Ben McGinty at the Altadena Ale & Wine House last night.  President Mark Goldschmidt said that a good time was had by all, and about 75 members attended (and included 10 new/renewed members). McGinty recently closed his Gallery at the End of the World, but he tells us he'll still be around.

Helena Banks, Kathy Swadan, Ben McGinty, and Priscilla Benson.

McGinty and Jim Fischer.

UPDATE: Altadena Heritage also prepared a very impressive proclamation, visible after the jump.

Fat Tuesday festivities

Shrove Tuesday is March 8, and we're collecting Altadena activities to mark the time before Lent.

St. Mark's Episcopal Church is holding its annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, 5-7 PM at the church.. 1014 E. Altadena Dr.  Pancakes, sausages, and drinks are available for the whole family.

On the other side of town, Gail Casburn at the Altadena Ale & Wine House, 2329 N. Fair Oaks, says they are celebrating Fat Tuesday with Louisiana beer specials, Cajun food, and fun festivities, going from 5 PM-2 AM.

Is your business or organization planning something?  Let us know!

Water shutdown March 18-27: the latest

The Foothill Municipal Water District has presented a slightly-revised matrix of how local water companies are requesting customers to handle the March 18-27 shutdown from Metropolitan Water District:

The City of Pasadena is lifting watering restrictions from March 11-17 to allow residents to give their thirsty lawns a good drink before shutdown. (Some southeast Altadena residents receive their water from Pasadena).  Pasadena is hoping to use 150 million gallons during a period where 250 million gallons is usually used.  For more details, visit Pasadena's shutdown website.

The Metropolitan Water District, which helps feed Foothill and Pasadena, is giving their plant in LaVerne a seismic upgrade and maintenance during that period.  Foothill in turn feeds several water districts in the San Gabriel Valley and Glendale.

Morning jolt

• The Iowa Writer's Workshop is celebrating its 75th anniversary, and is holding a reunion and panels.  Included are such local favorites as T.C. Boyle, and Michelle Huneven.
• The LA County Board of Supervisors agreed to seek an environmental impact report for the removal of sediment from Devil's Gate Dam at the Hahamongna Watershed.  PSN has details. 
• PSN also looks at the 20th anniversary of the beating of former Altadena resident Rodney King.  Sandra Thomas is among those interviewed.
• Donna Barnes-Roberts is starting a session of her new "Watercolor Wow" classes at The Coffee Gallery on Mon., March 7:  both an afternoon and evening class series is being offered.  There are still spaces available for both of these small classes.  For details, see:  http://barnesroberts.com/other1.
• The Women's Room (the daytime refuge for homeless women sponsored by the Ecumenical Council of Pasadena Area Congregations) is teaming with Ten Thousand Villages 567 S. Lake, Pasadena, to create a line of lavender sachets made by the women.  There will be an informal reception to launch the line at 2 PM on Wed., March 9, and come back at 7 PM to hear Pasadena City Councilmember Jacque Robinson and speaker Harmony Dust in a presentation, "What You Can Do To Stop Human Trafficking in Pasadena."
• Millard Chaney seems to be missing in action this week, so no cartoon :(

Weekendin' March 5-7

Always stuff being added, so check back!

Fri., March 4

• Peace vigil at Altadena Community Church, 943 E. Altadena Dr., 4-4:30 PM.
• Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake: Front stage: music and variety open mic;  back stage, Michael McGinnis & Friends, $15, both events start at 8 PM. 

Sat., March 5

All happening more-or-less at once, so pick one:

• Christmas Tree Lane take-down, 9-noon, Santa Rosa St.  Donuts and hot coffee in the morning, and lunch will be provided after noon.   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  so that we will have enough food for everyone.
• Hahamongna Walkabout, 9-noon: The free escorted walking tour will give a good look at the habitat, wildlife, birds, and water resources of the area and talk about new threats the watershed (300-400 trucks a day comes to mind). Tours will leave every half hour from 9 AM-10:30 AM, and take about two and a half hours.  Make a reservation here.  http://www.savehahamongna.org./walkabout
• Central Altadena Little League pancake breakfast and opening day ceremonies.  Pancakes start at 9 AM and go to 11 -- opening day ceremonies start at 11:15.
• And in the evening, Coffee Gallery Backstage: The Chris Burgan Trio, tickets $15, starts 7 PM.

Sun., March 6

• Prairie Home Companion favorites Robin & Linda Williams, 7 PM at the Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake, tickets $25.  Music and variety open mic at the front stage starting at 8 PM.

 

Lost dog: Rex

Rex, a dachsund/Chihuahua mix, just went missing around Altadena Dr. and Fair Oaks.   If you find him, call Mary at 626-862-0701.

 

Crime log: Feb. 24-26

Thurs., Feb. 24

11:55 AM – a residential burglary occurred in the 1100 block of Morada Place. The victim was  inside the residence when she heard someone knocking on the front door.  Once the knocking  stopped, the victim heard the suspect(s) trying to open the front door.  At this time, the victim  called 9‐1‐1 and heard the suspect(s) trying to break into the residence via the rear door.  The  victim yelled at the suspects and heard them running towards the rear opened gate.  The  suspects were described as two maleHispanics, one wearing a baseball cap and jacket.  The  suspects were observed entering a white vehicle which was parked in the south end of the  property on Mar Vista Avenue.  No entry made into the residence, no loss.  

Between 11:15 AM and  11:54 AM – a residential burglary occurred in the 1500 block of Allen Avenue.   The victim responded to the location after being notified that the burglar alarm had been  activated.  Deputies arrived at the location, cleared the residence and observed that the  suspect(s) made entry by prying open the rear door.  Loss:  silver back cameo w/woman’s face  made out of ivory/coral and a gold cuff bracelet w/ semi‐precious stones.      

Sat., Feb. 26:    

Between 11:30 PM and 7:30 AM – a vehicle burglary occurred in the 400 block of E.  Mendocino Street.  Suspect(s) shattered the driver’s side window and reached into the vehicle.  The  following items were stolen:  brown and gold Louis Vuitton purse and wallet, silver Dell portable  computer, black case, black iPhone charger, various gift cards  and misc. currency.

 

ACONA looks at neighborhood nuisances March 29

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

There will be two guest speakers: 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.

 Carolyn Seitz will cover nuisance abatement.

 

Coffee With the Captain at Perry's Joint, March 14

Altadena Sheriff's Station commander Capt. Steve McLean is hosting a small number of meet and greets for Altadena residents.  You can also call it coffee with the Captain.  The first one is at Perry's Joint, 2051 Lincoln Ave., Borderdena, from 8-10 AM March 14. 

Public safety maven Carolyn Seitz tells us : "And, yes, we know Perry's Joint is just over the border in Pasadena, but Perry and Melanie Bennett who own Perry's Joint live in Altadena and are great supporters of our community."

Pinning down Cholo

Cholo, the ten year old Australian shepherd, is still missing, but we've received some tantalizing clues -- a dog who resembles him was seen being walked by a couple in the neighborhood on two occasions.  If you see him, call his owner Gina on her cell, 626-733-3244. 

Catch-up day

The now seven-year-old had a birthday extravaganza yesterday (and it was billing day), so we'll be spending the day catching up.  Stay tuned!

Hahamongna: wildlife and walkabout

Via Gary Altadena, Denis Callet (he of the long lens) has captured some more breathtaking shots of wildlife in Hahamongna Watershed:

 

http://www.pbase.com/vermenton/image/132829961

http://www.pbase.com/vermenton/image/132781464/large

http://www.pbase.com/vermenton/image/132781462

 

And don't forget that the Hahamongna Walkabout has been rescheduled to this Sat., March 5, from 9-noon. For more information or to make reservations, go here.

 

CALL opens the season at Farnsworth with a pancake breakfast

Central Altadena Little League is kicking off the season with its annual Pancake Breakfast and Opening Ceremony this Sat., March 5, from 9-11 AM at Farnsworth Park.  Tickets are a reasonable $5, and opening day ceremonies start at 11:15.

Sheriffs are saying body in Eaton Canyon was a suicide

Just checked in with the Sheriff Headquarters Bureau today, and all indications are that the body found last night in Eaton Canyon was a suicide.  No other details at this time.