altadenablog

UFO at the Cobb Estate Sunday

Well, maybe not a UFO (altho' it wouldn't be the first time one has been spotted in our skies), but community correspondant John Heinsen tells about this close encounter:

 

At about 4 PM Sunday, I noticed from my front door what looked like a red parachute floating down near the mountains in front of me.  I have never seen that before in my eight years in Altadena, so I knew it was something special.  My son Wulf and I jumped into the car and raced up to the top of Lake. We parked and watched what proved to be a paraglider loop around for about fifteen minutes before safely landing at the Cobb Estate.

But who could this person be????  Not seeing a kilt, I knew it wasn't artist Gary Thomas pulling one last stunt before retiring to NoCal.  No fork on the parachute, so it wasn't Bob Stane.  How about Julie Sandoval, making the ultimate coffee delivery?  Alas, no.  We Altadenans are pretty low-key.

Paraglider "James" said it was the first time he had launched from Echo Mountain and was about 88.7% sure he was not breaking any laws.  (I laughed, asking if he had a conditional use permit from LA County.)  He quickly packed up.

I had heard that in the 80s it was common to see hang gliders launch off of Mt. Wilson and land near Eaton Dam.  Perhaps this will be a new thing for Altadena or just another "sighting" to keep the UFO nuts hiding in their broom closets.

Mother's Day open thread

Happy Mother's Day, a Day of Enforced Joy ^tm. How does your mother show up in you?

------

 

Mom's Congress delegate comes back ready for more

Last month, Cushon Bell was attending a conference in Georgetown where she listened to Michelle Rhee, the controversial education reform advocate, and determined she was going to talk to her.


So Bell chased her down: "She went left, and I went left." 

Pictured: Cushon Bell with sons (l-r) Devan, Dustin, and Dylan. Photo By Gina Bilajiw Long.

Bell made a pitch to Rhee to consider the soon-to-be-open position of Pasadena Unified superintendent: "Some people do fantasy football, I do fantasy superintendent selection," she said.  Rhee wasn't interested, but she did email Bell with some other possibilities.

Leaping into the breach isn't unusual for Bell, an Altadena mom and education activist.  (She was also a write-in candidate at the recent school board election, although she didn't win a seat).  Bell -- whose two oldest sons attend Sierra Madre Elementary School -- was chosen to represent California at the  Moms Congress on Education and Learning at Georgetown University on April 10-13, and came back from the experience with a raft-full of ideas about how to improve education locally.

 

A poem, not so much off the wall, as about a wall

Another amazing poetic commentary on Altadena life by Gloriana Casey, after the jump:

Muir alums hold outreach meetings May 18 and 21

The John Muir High School Alumni Association will hold a pair of outreach meetings to acquaint the Muir community with the association and the various school programs it supports at the school library May 18 and 21.

The  meetings  will take place 7-9 PM on Thurs., May 18  and 10 AM.-noon on  Sat., May 21, at 1905 Lincoln Ave., in Pasadena. Parking on Thursday evening  is available in the faculty lot and on Saturday morning in the student lot.

“We want the hundreds of alumni and community who have expressed an interest in John Muir High School, the students, the campus and its programs to  become more familiar with our organization and the many the programs we support,”  said President Jim Henderson (Class of 1970). It also gives those who have not been involved to get a closer look at the existing programs at Muir and what we do to honor the past, support the present and secure the future of this great campus.” 

Since its inception in 2004, the Alumni Association has raised thousands of  dollars for campus improvements, scholarships, team uniforms and academic supplies. It has maintained the campus Alumni Hall of Fame and Museum, provided funding for an electronic marquee, supported student projects and hosted an annual Hall-of-Fame ceremony and campus picnic.

Call (626) 208-1351 for details.

Fun Flick Friday at the library: "Yogi Bear" May 20

"Yogi Bear" is this month's Friday Fun Flick at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St., on Fri., May 20, from 3:30-5:30 PM.  Yogi and Boo-boo save Jellystone Park from closing in this family-friendly (rated PG) movie.  Admission is free.

 

Saturday afternoon in Altadena ...

... and what better time to visit the Eco-Sale (a sort of yard sale for local artists).  Here, cub reporter Jake is greeted by Alta-artist/photographer Molly Tierney while looking over Ngene Mwaura's drawings and objects.

Town council "pre-election" voting at the library June 7; ballot box to be jailed

The Altadena town council election committee has announced that it will hold "pre-election" polling on the evening of Tues., June 7, at the community room of the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St.  Voting hours will be from 5-9 PM.

Election Committee Chair Eric Pierce said in an email that the committee felt that this was an important step in improving community participation in the town council elections, which have traditionally been held on Saturday.  “This had been an issue for quite awhile, because the election occurs at a very busy time for many people.  June is a popular time for vacations, graduations and of course, weddings.  We’re also aware that many members of the community have religious convictions that don’t allow them to participate on a Saturday.”

The regular election day will be Sat., June 11.

The major hurdle for the election committee was to work out what to do with the ballot box between Tuesday and Saturday.  Banks with secure lockups weren’t feasible, since they would already be closed at 9:00 pm when the poll closed, and may not be open when ballot counting commences at 3 PM Saturday afternoon.

That problem was solved when Capt. Steven McLean of the Altadena Sheriff’s Station agreed to lock up the sealed ballot box in an unused jail cell.  “We don’t book people at the Altadena station, so the cells are only used for storage, ” according to Det. Lt. Joe Dempsey.

Potential candidates have until 5 PM Tues., May 10, to submit their packet to the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.

 

 

Meanwhile, back at the ranch: Alta-artist Davis takes his brushes to Reagan Ranch

Altadena artist Keni Davis will be leaving Monday for a special event, joining artists around the nation who will gather by special invitation to paint at the Reagan Ranch near Santa Barbara.

"This is the second time I've been," Davis said.  The gathering, sponsored by the Young Republicans, brings artists from all around the country who spend two days at Ronald Reagan's ranch painting and getting to know each other.

The Young Republicans often use the artwork created in their publications, says Davis, who calls himself a political independent.

"It's a common sort of place, a typical ranch like you might see in the middle of nowhere," Davis says of the ranch.  Reagan "sort of had western taste as far as furniture goes -- a common cowboy, I'd kind of say ... it's an interesting place. If it was another rancher, it wouldn't look out of the ordinary."

Davis proudly calls himself a plein air painter, who usually paints on the streets.  "I love to paint outdoors, on street corners and in parks, that sort of thing," said Davis, who has been painting outdoors since the 1970's.

At the Reagan Ranch, he paints "mostly landscapes, a lot of open air stuff, barns and tack room, that sort of thing," Davis said.  Back in Altadena, Davis not only paints but shares his faith on the streets, and at home is equally adept with brush and computer -- he's working on an interactive art program that involves his plein air paintings and GPS technology for iPad, so you can go to the spot where he painted.

 

 

Morning jolt

• LA Times' Emily Green has a piece on Kazi Pitelka and John Steinmetz and their home (and vast garden) in Altadena -- which they're now trying to sell.  Hope the new owner realizes what they're getting into ...
• Alta-blogger and righteous babe Jennifer Cowie King (The Motherscribe) has a piece in the HuffPo (national, not local version) with some words and proper mom outrage about the sexualizing of young girls (honestly, little girls with "Juicy" on the bottom of their pants is disturbing in the extreme).  We told JCK not to spend her no doubt extravagant AOL check in one place, and she had some words to us about THAT, too!
• If you're a supporter of Young & Healthy (which hooks up PUSD children without health insurance with the care they need), you may want to consider eating at elements kitchen, 37 S. El Molino in Pasadena.  The restaurant is donating 15% of their Monday proceeds on lunch and dinner to  Young & Healthy.
• What are you looking for in a new PUSD superintendent?  The school district's search firm wants to know -- and you have until the end of the day Monday, May 9, to take the online survey (which is available in English and Spanish).   They want as many responses as possible, and the survey is right here.

Jack Black headlines Altadena fundraiser next Saturday

Three warehouse sites on Woodbury Road will be the scene and Jack "Tropic Thunder" Black will be the headliner next Sat, May 14, during a 12 hour event to raise funds for one man's cancer treatment.

David Melrose was the longtime manager of Old Town Pasadena's late lamented Espresso Bar (E-Bar) during the 1990's, and is presently an instructor at the San Diego Chess Academy, collecting many friends along the way.  Stricken with cancer, Melrose's friends are throwing the fundraiser to pay for his advanced treatments at the Burzynski Clinic.

His cause is supported by a website (www.keepdavealive.org), a Facebook page, and the Altadena event, which will be held at Hughes Estate Sales at 711 W. Woodbury Rd., across the street from the PUSD yards.  Suggested donation is $20 for the event.


The lineup and showtime are:
12:30 John & Lisa & John
1:00 local no. 3 (Mark Lewis, Mike Morgan, Damon Aaron)
2:00 Holloys (see their FB page)
3:00 Edward Reib (Spoken word, hold on to your chakras)
3:30 Kevin Sandbloom (Sings Joni Mitchell)
4:00 AUCTION I
4:45 Justin Veach Channels Bukowski
5:00 Snotty Scotty & the Hankies
5:45 Ukefink (local twangers)
6:30 Moore Bros. (harmonies/guitar/folk scene Heavies)
7:15 AUCTION II
7:30 Native Fauna (Sexy Psych-sounds)
8:00 Dos (Bestest Bassists Ever, Kira Roessler and Mike Watt)
8:45 John Silver (Standup)
9:00 Jack Black (Black Sabbath Tribute)
10:00 AUCTION III
10:20 Paul Blomeyer (Standup)
10:30 DNATURED

Jane Kaczmarek keynotes CCIS breakfast

(From left to right): CCIS Board members Betsey Tyler and Tonita Fernandez join TV star and keynote speaker Jane Kaczmarek at the Altadena Town & Country Club.

Child Care Information Service held its 28th Annual Policymakers Breakfast at the Altadena Town & Country Club April 29, as legislators, community leaders, donors, volunteers, child care providers and parents convened to hear timely comments from those in the field and on the frontline.

TV celebrity ("Malcolm in the Middle") and child advocate Jane Kaczmarek presented the keynote address, and captured the audience with her anecdotes and perceptions about her work with various international and local charities and causes.  She underlined the importance of giving back to the community particularly as a celebrity, carrying out her philosophy of "Service is the rent we pay for living" as learned from fellow actors.

Yard sale with a twist: Eco-Sale on Saturday

Altadena-based photog/artist Molly Tierney tells us that tomorrow (Sat.), from 9 AM to 3 or so is a chance to visit the Eco-Sale, a yard sale with a twist.

Part of the charm is a group of local artists who have "upcycled" old furniture and other garage-sale worthy pieces into one-of-a-kind works of art. "We're just making a kind of a bunch of different, interesting things," Tierney said. "We're trying to make something out of things you threw way, redesigning things and giving them a funky twist."

There will also be artworks, unique plant designs, screen printed T-shirts, and other pieces from the local creative community, as well as refreshments including coffee from the Sidewalk Cafe HTS. 

Eco-Sale will be held at 2656 Santa Anita Ave.

 

Morning jolt

• Reader Hannah tells us she is having a yard sale tomorrow, Sat., from 8 AM-2:30 PM at 2129 N. Grand Oaks Ave., one block north of Glen Canyon and Craig Ave. on the west and Roosevelt  to the east. "Come look at some cool goodies!"
• The Altadena Urban Farmer's Market returns after two months of being code-bombed on Sun., May 29, 1-4 PM.  It's at 396 E. Mariposa (the Zane Grey estate), and we'll be glad to see it back.
• Speaking of code-bombed locals, the Websters companies have announced who's going to be at next Friday's Fancy Food Truck event in the Webster's complex parking lot: Greenz on Wheelz, Hungry Nomad, Border Grill, OG Tempura, Aunties Fry Bread and Tango Mango.
• Speaking of which: LA Times has another article about food truck culture.  You know there's trouble when Sizzler is prepping its own truck ...
• Raoul Joseph Germain, 60, of Altadena, pled guilty to one count of bribery in a building inspection scheme.  PSN has more.
• The Altadena sheriffs will be conducting a training with school staff at Eliot Middle School on Mon., May 16.  There will be a lot of sheriff cars parked around the school that day, and they want to make the public aware that it doesn't mean something is happening at the school.

County trails manual final drafts available

Sapphos Environmental, Inc., LA county's consultant, is letting everyone know that the proposed final trails manual for county trail guidelines is available for download in two versions.

The Final Trails Manual (Redline Version) shows the changes made from the Draft Trails Manual to the Final Trails Manual based on public comments received during the six public meetings held between February 16- March 3, 2011, and in letters, e-mails, and Web site submissions. Please note sections that are not included in the red-line version:

1)         New sections/appendices in the Final Trails Manual: Letter from the Director, Executive Summary (Section ES), Section 8, and Appendix M
2)         Appendices that were not revised from the Draft Trails Manual to the Final Trails Manual: Appendices C, F, G, H, I, and L

The Final Trails Manual (Clean Version) shows the Final Trails Manual that will be presented to the County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors. The changes that were made from the Draft Trails Manual to the Final Trails Manual based on public comments received during the Draft Trails Manual Public Meetings and in letters, e-mails, and Web site submissions are incorporated into this version and redline has been removed to show the final resulting text.

The Final Trails Manual can be accessed and downloaded under the Downloads tab at the following Web site: www.lacountytrailsmanual.com.

The Final Trails Manual will be presented to the County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors for consideration on May 17, 2011, beginning at 9:30 a.m at the Hall of Administration, 500 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, California 90012. Members of the public can attend this meeting and present their comments on the Final Trails Manual to the County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors.

For any questions, contact Leanna Guillermo via e-mail at lguillermo@sapphosenvironmental.com or Eric Charlton at echarlton@sapphosenvironmental.com, or at (626) 683-3547.

alterdena by millard chaney 5/11/11

 

alterdena by millard chaney

 

Crime log: thieves picking Apples

Not a good week for Apple products ...

Tues., April 26

Between 8:30 AM and 3:30 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2300 block of N. Navarro Avenue. Suspect(s) entered the residence by removing the window screen and breaking the window latch. Loss: silver MacBook 13” laptop, silver MacBook Pro 17” laptop, and white iPhone charger.

Between 8:00 PM and 10:30 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 800 block of Alameda Street. Suspect(s) entered the residence by removing the window screen and entering via the open window. Loss: gray Macintosh 17” laptop, white MacBook 12” laptop, and a red Sony Cybershot.

Between 7:30 PM and 8:30 AM, Wed. – A vehicle vandalism and petty theft occurred in the 900 block of E. Poppyfields Drive. Loss: black Thule bike

Between 8:00 PM and 9:30 AM, Wed. – A grand theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 1000 block of Alta Vista Drive. Loss: Garmin Nuvi GPS and iPhone with blue case.

Friday, April 29

12:45 AM – Three suspects were arrested in the area of Altadena Dr. & Marengo Av. Deputies responded to area after receiving a call regarding a suspicious group. Upon contact with the subjects, deputies recovered a BB gun, ski mask, and misc tools. Suspects were taken into custody after further investigation. The suspects are from the South Gate area.

Sat., April 30

Between 4:00 PM and 10:00 AM, Sun. – A burglary of a storage container occurred in the 900 block of W. Woodbury Road. Loss: black Samsung 55” HD, black Samsung 32” HD, black Sony PlayStation3, and a black Chevy remote control.

Sun., May 1st

Between 9:30 AM and 9:00 AM, Mon. – A petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 70 block of W. Harriet Street. Loss: woman’s gold ring with garnet stones, woman’s gold watch, tool kit and miscellaneous currency.

Between 10:00 AM and 1:45 PM – A petty theft occurred in the 2000 block of E. Washington Boulevard. Loss: expandable fruit picker with orange basket.

Stop crime? There's an app for that

From the LA County Sheriff's Dept:

CrimeReports, creators of the National Crime Map, announced the launch of the TipSubmit™ Mobile application for Android™ and iPhone™.  The app is the first mobile application which allows the public to anonymously submit crime tip information to law enforcement agencies, including the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, to help solve and prevent crime.

Users of the free app may continue to submit secure and anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers programs, law enforcement agencies or school safety officers and administrators.  The TipSubmit applications serves the greater Los Angeles area, local, state and federal law enforcement agencies utilizing its fully integrated anonymous crime tip reporting and management system, TipSoft.

The new mobile application augments the existing TipSoft tools that allow the public to submit anonymous tips via phone, web and SMS Text-a-tip.  The app offers more powerful options than SMS Text-a-Tip, because it has the ability to use Global Positioning System (GPS) to auto-locate the nearest agency or to select an agency manually.  Additionally, users can attach images and video to their tips.  The app also makes it possible to establish an anonymous, ongoing, two-way dialogue and real-time chat with the receiving agency.

There is no cost to the public or any user to use this application.  To learn more or to download the TipSoft application, visit TipSoft.com or visit the Android Market or iTunes App Store.

Community members can continue to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by texting TIPLA plus your tip to 274637 (CRIMES), or by visiting Crime Stoppers on the web at www.lacrimestoppers.org to report a crime anonymously.

For additional information, contact the LASD Crime Stoppers Program Coordinator at (323) 240-9152.

ACONA meeting May 24 at Altadena Library

The Altadena Coalition of Neighorhood Associations (ACONA) will meet Tues., May 24 at the Altadena Library Communty Room 600 E. Mariposa St., from 7-8:30 PM.

Agenda and speakers include:

Group Homes: Tanganica Turner, field representative for Assemblyman Anthony Portantino, who will give a presentation and answer questions.

Sheriff dispatch issues: Sheriff Lt. Roosevelt Johnson will discus issues with the dispatchers who answer the phones at the sheriff's office.

Animal Care and Control: Lance Hunter, animal care and control manager of the Baldwin Park Animal Shelter will address these issues.

Town council candidate deadline coming up May 10.

The Altadena Town Council Election Committee would like to remind potential candidates that there is less than a week until the deadline to turn in your Applications for Candidacy.

Applications must be delivered to the Altadena Community Center no later than Tues., May 10, 5:00 pm to qualify for candidacy.

An Application Packet can be picked up by anyone from the Community Center, 730 East Altadena Drive, between the hours of 8 AM-5 PM Mon.
through Fri., or the documents can be downloaded from our Town Council election page.

Girl Scouts want you to show your patriotism Saturday at Camp Mariposa

Girl Scout Troops 11711 and 14551 are having a Celebration of National Pride on Sat at Camp Mariposa (615 E. Mariposa St., across from the Altadena Library) from 11 AM-3 PM. Troop 11711 leader Robyn Migel writes, "It's a very small family friendly event, staffed by 20 Junior Girl Scouts and some volunteers. We will have games, BBQ, live music and a Flag Retirement ceremony conducted by the American Legion (with help from some scouts). There will also be upper level scouts (from Girls LEAD) making and collecting origami cranes to send to Girl Scouts in Japan. The "Silver Trefoils" will be there teaching about the history of Girl Scouts, and its founder, Juliette Lowe.  We are really hoping for a good turnout, as this is also a fundraiser for these troops."

We say, "Forget Red vs. Blue, Let's Go Red, White, & Blue!"

Summer of science: JPL offers educator workshops

A wide range of educator workshops are being offered this summer by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and deadlines are coming up soon.
Classes will continue to be added over the summer so check this page for updates: http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/education/index.cfm?page=110 .

Educator Workshop: Water Cycle, Ocean Circulation and Climate
Friday, June 3 and Saturday, June 4, 2011

Target audience: K - 12 educators

Location: NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA

Overview: To celebrate the upcoming launch of the Aquarius/SAC-D satellite, a free workshop will highlight Aquarius' advanced
technologies that will make NASA's first space-based measurements of ocean salinity across the globe - an important observation
for ocean and climate studies.

NOTE: Applications are due Friday, May 6.

More information: http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/education/index.cfm?page=266

Weekendin' May 5-8

Keep checking back as we replenish the stock!

Thurs., May 5

• The Bob Lucas Branch Library, 2659 N. Lincoln Ave., will celebrate Cinco de Mayo after school today starting at 3:30.  Join them for crafts, pan dulce, and much more!

Fri. May 6

• Xiem Clay Center (where many Altadena potters create their work) will have an art fair and open studio sale from 6-9 PM Friday and 10:30 AM-4:30 PM Sat. Clay art, demonstrations, music, and fun. 1563 N. Lake Ave.

Sat., May 7

• Celebration of National Pride at Camp Mariposa (615 E. Mariposa St., across from the Altadena Library) from 11 AM-3 PM, fundraiser for Girl Scout Troops 11711 and 14551.. Games, BBQ lunch for $4, live music and a flag retirement ceremony conducted by the American Legion (with help from some scouts).
• Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N. Lake, will have a special 3 PM matinee with Tiana Star, who will not only be giving a concert of her original, award-winning songs, but also raising awareness for ECPATusa.org, which is fighting to end child trafficking in prostitution, pornography, and sex tourism around the world.  Star will also be introducing her new music video, "I Am My Own," to the world.  3 PM, $15.
• Moonglow Productions' "The Gift of Jazz" series at Altadena Community Church, 943 E. Altadena Dr., is saxophonist Robert Kyle and his Brazilian trio. The concert starts at 7 PM and donations are accepted.
• Nella Finestra kicks off the Folly Bowl's season with "A salad night of Baroque Music, Improvised Music, Electronics, and Video Art" at 1601 E. Loma Alta Dr., at 7:30 PM.  Performers include Carmina Escobar (voice/electronics), Sepand Shahab (harpsichord), Vinny Golia (winds), Theresa Wong (cello/voice), and Carole Kim (video).  Bring your blankets and a picnic to enjoy the music (and pack out your detritus, it's bear country).  Suggested donation $10.

Sun., May 8

• Bluegrass Jam at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N. Lake, starting at 12:30 PM

Patticakes is latest business to get code-bombed by the county

Patticakes is the latest Altadena business to get the business from the code inspectors.

Community correspondant Philip Angerhofer (via Steve Gerow) shares a letter from Supervising Regional Planner Alex Garcia that was posted at Patticakes, 1900 Allen Ave., threatening fines and jail time over the mural on the side of the building.  Gerow says that the business is mounting a petition drive to try to get the county to change its mind.  More as it develops.

We're getting to it ...

After taking a victory lap over yesterday's 1 millionth page view, and an appearance on Arroyo Channel's "Our Town" (thank you, Michele Zack, our able interlocutor), reality has set in and we have a big pile 'o stuff to go through.  After this morning's doctor's appointment, we're getting to work!  Bear with us ...

One. Million. Page. Views.

Sometime during the night, one of our readers went to Altadenablog for their dose of local news, and logged our one millionth page view.

We started this website in October, 2007, with just a bare idea, inspired by the West Seattle Blog and other neighborhood news websites.  We'd been living in Altadena six years, loved it, and wondered why the interesting things going on here were not being covered by the local media. This is the result. 

Whenever we start trying to write something profound, it just ends up getting pretentious and embarassing, so we won't even try.  So we'll just say thank you.

Thank you to all our sponsors who believe in this project so much they're willing to back it with their dollars.

Thank you to all our community collaborators over the past three and a half years -- your stories, photos, and other contributions make this a part of our diverse, creative, and caring community.

Thank you to our freelance staff -- Laura Monteros, Michele Zack, Erika McCarden, Devon Pettengill, and Lizze Slocum -- it's a pleasure to work with such a talented and wonderful band (we feel like Charlie with his smart and beautiful angels!)

Thanks to Bill Westphal and Chris Considine, who watch the skies for us.  Carolyn Seitz, who keeps us in the public safety loop.

And a special thank you to all of our readers.  This website is yours, Altadena.  No other can say that.

We love this work. We love Altadena.

 (Adjusted some dates since first publication)

 

JPL climate change website gets the Webby

JPL's NASA Global Climate Change Website won the 2011 Webby award for best science site this week.  The Webbys are the leading international honor for the world's best websites. 

"NASA satellites take key measurements of our climate, and the Global Climate Change site gives the public access to that data as a visual, immersive experience," said Randal Jackson, JPL’s Internet communications manager for the Global Climate Change site. "We're grateful for the high degree of interest the public has shown in Earth's vital signs."  NASA's main website, www.NASA.gov, receieved its third consecutive People's Voice Award for best government site.

Altadena Christian Children's Center: "Superhero Soiree" May 21

Altadena Christian Children's Center invites you to an evening of camaraderie and commendation as we celebrate Superhero Educators Al Lowe and Renatta Cooper.

"It Takes A Community" is ACCC's  annual fundraiser that honors and celebrates local individuals who have worked diligently to help improve the lives and education of children.  It will be held Sat., May 21, 6-10 PM at the Pasadena Senior Center, 85 E. Holly St., Pasadena.

Al Lowe and Renatta Cooper will receive ACCC’s Community Partnership Award.  These two outstanding individuals are representative of a series of creative leaders on our School Board who fought for the best opportunity for all our children over the past four decades, a time of struggle in the District against great odds.   Al Lowe led the way for Pasadena schools to become racially integrated.   Renatta Cooper, a current PUSD Board Member, is known in the community for her professional and personal commitment to young children.  Both honorees share the tremendous challenges of serving the children of the community under difficult circumstances.

There will be a silent auction and also a special musical tribute by Superheroes in the Making, which includes ACCC Alumni. Delicious food will be catered by Peggy Dark of “The Kitchen for Exploring Food”.  Price per ticket: $75.  To attend the event, please contact Kathy Cady at 626 798 0574 or 626 927 2505. Or by email at kathleencady@gmail.com.

ACCC serves over 60 infants, toddlers and preschool age children who reflect the socioeconomic and ethnic diversity of the Altadena and Pasadena ommunities.

Chantry Flats body identified as murder suspect; sheriffs say case closed

The Los Angeles County Coroner has identified the body found by a hiker in Chantry Flats Monday morning is that of Kevin Pochter, 55, of Huntington Beach.  Pochter has been sought in the shooting death of his longtime friend, Dean Albert of Arcadia, whose body was found in Chantry Flats Thursday.  Pochter died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

According to a statement from the sheriff's department:

The massive search for Pochter stretched over 62-miles of rugged terrain and involved patrol deputies from several sheriff's stations, Mounted Enforcement Detail deputies, K-9's, sheriff's reserve deputies on Search and Rescue Teams, U.S. Forest Service rangers, and the Arcadia, Sierra Madre, and Monrovia Police Departments. Of particular assistance was the Sierra Madre Search & Rescue team, which included a large number of dedicated community volunteers.

A member of the public saw the victim's vehicle on Saturday near Mount Wilson and alerted deputies. He had read about the search for the car and the armed and dangerous suspect in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

On Monday morning, yet another alert member of the public who was hiking in the Chantry Flats area, saw a man who he thought was sleeping and told authorities. Sheriff’s Mounted Enforcement Detail deputies went to the described area and located Pochter, who was deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. A handgun was found near the body.

The second member of the public had read about the wanted suspect in the Pasadena Star News newspaper. He read that the Sheriff's Department had said he was armed and dangerous, so he wisely did not approach him.

"The two members of the public are directly responsible for the Sheriff's Department locating the victim's car and the suspect when we did," said Captain Mike Parker, Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau. "They handled it exactly as asked, and helped to ensure the safety of everyone, without unnecessarily endangering themselves. We extend our thanks to both of them. Futhermore, they received this important information through the news media, whom the Sheriff's Department works closely with in order to share information to help keep the public informed. We appreciate this partnership in the interest of public safety. This case certainly showed how important it is."

"We want hikers, area workers and the public to know that no other suspects are being sought in this homicide. The case is closed," said Sheriff's Homicide Detective Ray Lugo.

Arroyo Pacific details CUP preparations, denies destroying signs

The president of the Arroyo Pacific Academy has denied that any of his workers destroyed "No School On Palm" signs facing his property last week.


Philip Clarke told Altadenablog that the information flyers recently distributed to the Palm Street area were delivered by a company that he had hired, and he denied that they were responsible for the destruction and removal of signs that occurred the same day. 

Clarke said in a statement, "There was an unsubstantiated allegation that someone from our organization may have interfered with some neighborhood signs.  We categorically deny this.  Period."

Several residents of the neighborhood said that people distributing the school's information sheets -- illegally, into mailboxes -- had also removed or vandalized the signs facing the school property that Clarke acquired last year.  Clarke said that he was displeased that the company responsible for distributing the flyers did so by putting them in mailboxes.

The signs have since been replaced and their number increased.

Clarke released another information update dated April 30, detailing the preparations he is making to meet the county's conditions for a conditional use permit.  Among them:

Altadena code enforcement on "Our Town" Wednesday

Michele Zack will host "Our Town" on The Arroyo Channel this Wednesday at 9 PM.  Your Altadenablog publisher will be the guest (and we're trying to get somebody from the county, too) where the main topic will be code enforcement and other Altadena news.  If the technology gods are with us, we will take your calls.  It's on Charter channel 32, Uverse channel 99 (Pasadena/The Arroyo Channel) or online here.

 

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at the Bob Lucas Library Thurs.

 

The Bob Lucas Branch Library, 2659 N. Lincoln Ave., will celebrate Cinco de Mayo after school Thurs., May 5, starting at 3:30.  Join them for crafts, pan dulce, and much more!

Morning jolt

• Catching up: PSN's Sandy Barrera has a nice piece about creating natural-looking California native and Mediterranean-adapted gardens, or how to let your garden look wild and natural.  Altadena gardens are the centerpiece of this movement, of course!
• On a related note, the Junior League of Pasadena will have its annual "Kids in the Kitchen" event on May 14 at the Armory Center for the Arts.  "Go Bananas! From Farm to Table" is a place where middle school children can learn about where their food comes from, with information about health, nutrition, and active cooking demonstrations.  Former NFL player Derek Norman will also be on hand to host a fitness workshop.  More info: http://kidsinthekitchen.ajli.org/
• There will be a meeting at Burbank Elementary School tonight starting at about 6 PM to talk about their Mandarin immersion program (which will move to Fields Elementary next year).  More information here.

Fire resistant and drought tolerant planting workshop May 24

 

The Meadows Fire Safe Council is hosting an informational workshop on fire resistant and drought tolerant plantings.  This free event will be held at Loma Alta Park on May 24 at 7 PM.  There will be speakers and informational materials available.  Everyone is welcome, and refreshments will be provided.  For more information, contact Maya Golden-Krasner at mdgoldenkrasner@gmail.com.

 

"Swing for the Cure" at Torres Memorial Golf Tournament May 16

 When Andrew Torres of La Cañada received a Congressional appointment to the United States Naval Academy to join the Class of 2002, little did he anticipate a diagnosis of cancer in his senior year. Torres persevered and graduated with his class with a B.S. in History, and was commissioned into the United States Marine Corps as a Second Lieutenant.

For the remainder of his life, he served as an assistant to the Senior Marine at the Naval Academy. In the hours before his death in 2004, Torres asked his family and friends to help find a cure for cancer. In his honor, they have organized six fundraisers, including five golf tournaments. He was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his courage and contribution to cancer research.

That contribution to cancer research continues Mon., May 16, at the sixth golf tournament to be held in Torres’ memory, this year returning to La Cañada Flintridge Country Club, 5500 Godbey Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011.

Tournament entry is $250 per person, and includes a barbecue lunch, awards banquet, plus carts and greens fees. Extra banquet tickets are available for $55 each. Call (626) 792-3175 or write to info@torresbrenner.org for more information. Registration is also available at http://andrewtorres.org/golf/.

Critterdena: killer coyotes in Florecita neighborhood

View Critter Map 2011 in a larger map

 

From the newsgroups comes word that a coyote jumped a six foot fence on Florecita Drive Sunday morning about 5:30 AM and killed the family dog.  We've also had reports of coyotes operating in daylight in the area, so be extra-cautious with your pets.

Murder suspect may have committed suicide at the scene of the crime

The LA County Sheriff's Dept. sent out a release this afternoon that an apparent suicide victim was found in Chantry Flats this morning about 11 AM. 

Identification of the remains has not yet been made, pending identification by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office, but initial reports say that it is likely Kevin Pochter (pictured), who was being sought this weekend for the murder of Dean Albert of Arcadia last Thursday.

Authorities were seeking Pochter after Albert's body was found in Chantry Flats and Albert's 1993 silver BMW was missing last Thursday.

Albert's car was found abandoned on Mt. Wilson area.  Yesterday (Sunday) afternoon, deputies were searching the Henninger Flats area above Eaton Canyon after Pochter was reportedly sighted by a hiker in the area.

According to the sheriff's department release:

At about 8:30AM Monday morning, May 2, a hiker saw a male in the Chantry Flats area who he thought might be sleeping. However, he remembered reading in the Pasadena Star News newspaper about the search for a murderer in that area. He also remembered that the article included the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department cautioning the public that the suspect was armed and dangerous, and to not contact anyone they considered suspicious. Instead, they were asked to alert authorities.

The hiker walked to the closest ranger station and reported his suspicions. Rangers contacted the sheriff’s command post, which dispatched deputies to investigate.

Sheriff’s Mounted Enforcement Detail deputies went to the described area and located the deceased male. A handgun was found near the body. Sheriff’s Homicide investigators and Coroner’s investigators are at the scene.

The area where the body was found has a panoramic view of a nearby city. It was approximately six miles from Mount Wilson, where the car of the victim of the murder was found abandoned. The distance between the two locations is a steep slope of rugged terrain, about 3000’ vertical feet lower than the where the car was found.

An AHA! moment at Old Marengo Park

Neighbors and others came out Sunday afternoon to honor those who turned a neglected triangle of dirt into Old Marengo Park, a pocket-sized demonstration California native garden in Altadena

The dirt triangle -- formed when Marengo was rerouted around 1965 -- was "a hot-looking eyesore," according to Michele Zack of Altadena Heritage. When she joined the town council in 2004, she didn't realize that the dirtpile belonged to Altadena, in  one of those places where the town boundary dipped south of  Woodbury Road.

"So a little committee I formed began to think about turning this waste ground into a park, a park where we could show off the beauty of California friendly, drought-tolerant plants," Zack said.  "We could add beauty to the neighborhood, and maybe even inspire people waiting for the bus, and drivers in the 24,000 car trips estimated to pass by this space every day."

The little committee teamed up with what was then the Altadena Foothills Conservancy (now Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy)  to raise money for the project.  Soon Pasadena Water and Power added a water connection, and the project could begin.

Illegal hunting blind found, destroyed in Prieto Canyon

One of our readers (who asked to remain unidentfied) emailed these pictures to say that her husband found an illegal hunting blind up Prieto Canyon, which he destroyed.  They believe it could be the work of Joe Clay (aka "Ram-bro'"), a suspected illegal bowhunter who has been frequently spotted near the Meadows area.

 

Land Use Committee meets Tuesday, 7 PM

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

While there are no action items, there will be discussion on a process to update the Community Standards District ordinance for both residential and commercial.

 

There is no joy in Mudville ...

LA Times had a great overview Sunday of the Hahamongna Watershed/ Devil's Gate Dam controversy, well-researched by Rong-Gong Lin II, and giving both sides their due. Our picture is courtesy Jane Brackman from the Altadena Historical Society, a postcard from the mid-1920's that shows the reservoir in its full state.

Sluggish Monday

We're getting a late start this morning (up to all hours with the Osama bin Laden news), and it's PUSD STAR testing, so we gotta get the kids to school on time, but good stuff is coming up today.

Sheriffs looking for suspect around Eaton Canyon now [UPDATED: stopped for the night]

UPDATE: At 7:30 PM, scanner tells us that the deputies are wrapping it up for the night.

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6:15 PM: Sheriffs are now looking for Kevin Pochter, 53, of Huntington Beach, who is the suspect in the murder of Dean Ron Albert of Arcadia, 55 who was found beside the road on Chantry Flat Thursday.  Sheriffs are at the Pinecrest Gate, and are looking around the area of Henninger Flats and Mt. Wilson Toll road right now.

UPDATE: Following is a message that went out this afternoon over the Nixle system about the search.  Apparently the suspect may have been seen in the area above Eaton Canyon.

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Sheriff's Special Enforcement Bureau - Special Weapons Team deputies are continuing the search for a man suspected of murder in the San Gabriel Mountains above Arcadia and Monrovia.

Suspect Kevin Pocher is a 53-year-old White male resident of Huntington Beach. He is 6 feet tall, 175 pounds, and bald with blue eyes. He is wearing dark clothing.

He is considered ARMED and DANGEROUS.

He is an experienced hiker and was last seen hiking in the San Gabriel Mountains above the cities of Arcadia and Monrovia on Saturday evening, April 30, 2011.

 

Magical, musical, heart-felt Saturday night in Altadena [UPDATED]

UPDATE 5/2: We've added some pictures from another "Big Night Out" event.

A young female mariachi sings her heart out at one of the Altadena sites for "Big Night Out," a fundraiser for the AIDS Service Center. There was lots to do last night, and we managed to get some pictures, after the jump.

Crown City performs in Altadena and Pasadena in May

The Crown City Symphony is presenting three free concerts this month.  Conductor Marvin Neumann has picked music from Armenia, Bohemia and Italy for the program, which will be:

Rossini—Overture to “La Gazza Ladra”

Bagdasarian—a Rhapsody for Violin—U.S. Premiere

Arutiunian---Concerto for Tuba

Dvorak---“Husitska Overture”

Concerts will be Sat., May 14 at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church, 2215 E. Colorado, Pasadena;  Sat, May 21, at the Altadena Senior Center; and Sun., May 22, at The First Baptist Church of Pasadena,  75 N. Marengo.   All concerts begin at 2 PM, and are free.

Violin soloist, Ophelia Nanagyulyan,  began her studies as a child in Armenia.  She received her Bachelor and Master degrees from the State Conservatory of Music in Armenia.   She was a member of the Yerevan Chamber Orchestra and was violin soloist with the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra.   In 1968, she performed under conductor/composer Aram Khachaturian.   Also, Bagdasarian, the composer of her solo, “A Rhapsody for Violin”, was her teacher at the conservatory and the performance at the Armenian Church is a United States premiere. She is an active performing member of The Tuesday Musicale of Pasadena and teaches violin and viola at the Los Alamitos Conservatory of Music.

Tubist, Stephen Wood, a professional magician who has toured the world combining magic and music, is a graduate music student at Long Beach State College.  He has been a brass player most of his life and  played with many groups including the famed Salvation Army Band, church groups and touring bands.   His teachers include Beth Mitchell, Patrick Sheridan and currently, John Van Houten.  He will be performing the Concerto for Tuba, by Arutiunian.

Also on the program is the familiar overture to “La Gazza Ladra” by Rossiniand the less well-known but very dramatic, “Husitska Overture” by Dvorak

Crown City Symphony, whose motto is Ability not Age, has received grants from The Pasadena Tournament of Roses Foundation and the City of Pasadena Cultural Affairs Division, and the Pasadena Showcase for the Arts.     It is sponsored by The Tuesday Musicale of Pasadena.

The web site is crowncitysymphony.org.   For more information email Roberta Wilcox, manager, at manager@crowncitysymphony.org, or call,  (626) 797-1994.

Household hazmat & e-waste roundup May 21 at county yards

There will be a hazardous waste and e-waste roundup in Altadena on Sat., May 21 at the L.A. County Department of Public Works Fleet Maintenance Yard, 252 West Mountain View Ave. in Altadena from 9 AM-3 PM.

Household hazardous waste includes used oil, unused non-controlled medicines, auto fluids, sharps waste/medical needles, beauty products, mercury thermostats, paint and paint  related products, auto and household batteries, lawn and garden products, compact fluorescent light bulbs.

Electronic waste includes microwave ovens, CD players, computers and computer monitors, small household appliances, cell phones, televisions, stereos, printers, DVD/DVR Ppayers, VCRs.