altadenablog

"Shake, Rattle, & Roll" for Teen Summer Reading July 7

On Thurs., July 7  at 4 PM, take trip to the continent of Africa. Make and decorate a drum or a rain stick nd then we'll have some fun as we Shake, Rattle and Roll. This program is part of the Altadena Library's exciting Teen Summer Reading Program. If you haven’t already signed up, what are you waiting for?

Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St.

In the midst of tragedy, community

Car wash fundraiser is just one of the ways that people from Altadena, Pasadena -- and even Texas -- are helping the Lopez family.  But there's always the complaining neighbor.

Pictured:  It was a busy day at Carl's Jr. in Pasadena at the carwash fundraiser for Katherine Lopez.

There was steady business at today's carwash fundraiser for the family of Katherine Arlene Lopez, the three-year-old from Altadena who died in a tragic Wednesday morning accident .  Although the girl's funeral will be paid for by the personal foundation of Supervisor Michael Antonovich, there are still many expenses for the struggling family in the wake of her death, and the fundraising is still going on.

Raising funds for the little girl's family has become the personal cause of the Altadena Sheriff's Station.

'This is the community coming together," said Altadena Sheriff Capt. Steven McLean, who was attending the car wash, which will be held today and tomorrow at Carl's Jr., 790 N. Lake Ave. in Pasadena.  McLean said that the donations have been coming in steadily at the Altadena Sheriff's station, which along with Wells Fargo Bank is accepting money for the family.  "Altadena, Pasadena, the response has been great."

McLean reported to the office at 6 AM this morning, and found a bunch of messages, including one from a man in Texas who was moved by the family's plight and wanted to donate money.

Katherine had run out of her family's home unexpectedly Wednesday morning and into the narrow driveway just as her mother was backing out the car.  The struggling family could not afford a funeral, and her mother doesn't have much margin to take time off of work.

Although Antonovich's foundation will pay for the funeral, the family still faces expenses for a headstone, wake, and the need to give Katherine's mother Yesenia Lopez some space to grieve without worrying about how she's going to pay the bills. 

"My sister's still trying to do the best she can -- it's still a nighmare," said Katherine's aunt, Yaneth Lopez, who was attending the carwash.  I'm very grateful for everything that's being done for us, especially Capt. McLean, he's very, very good."

Around noon, as the workers were taking turns enjoying lunch -- purchased by Assemblyman Anthony Portantino, who was there to lend his support -- a Pasadena police car drove up.  Office J. Riehl of the Pasadena Police Dept. told Capt. McLean that an "anonymous neighbor" had complained about the activity and he was there to see if there was a permit.

"I'm here to shut you down," he said.

PIctured:  Pasadena PD Officer Riehl talks to Capt. McLean about a permit for the carwash.

The officer  met with the restaurant manager,  a permit was produced, and he went on his way.

The car wash will go until about 4 PM this afternoon, and will be open again tomorrow starting at about 9 AM, according to Yaneth Lopez.  In the meantime, donations are also accepted at Wells Fargo Bank ("Katherine Lopez Donation" Acct #73-21253424), the Altadena Sheriff's Station, 780 E. Altadena Dr., and Webster's Fine Stationers, 2450 N. Lake Ave., Altadena.

Edited 7/3: Cleaned up and clarified some language.

Altadena Urban Farmers Market: growing up, looking forward

by Gloria Putnam
Arroyo Time Bank/Altadena Urban Farmer's Market

When the first group of vendors gathered at the Zane Grey Estate to set up their tables on a drizzly morning last October, none of us knew what to expect. The Altadena Urban Farmers Market is more social experiment than commercial venture. The Market is operated as a fundraiser, and the organizers and workers are paid in Arroyo Time Bank time dollars rather than cash.

For many vendors, participation in the Market is more about community building than making money. Homegrown and homemade food is priceless, in part because producing on a small scale is expensive, but mostly because the result is something that large scale agriculture can’t duplicate.  To grow or cook enough food at home to share with the community is time consuming and labor intensive. To bring it to a market, and sell it for a price that is likely less than it cost to make it if labor were included, is an act of incredible generosity.

And Altadenans are no dummies; they know a good thing when they taste it. Over 300 people showed up to that first market and took home pumpkins, fresh baked bread, jams, pies and seedlings for their garden. And over the course of the next eight months, the market grew. In May, approximately 1000 people attended the Market, which included over 30 vendors and a packed afternoon of free workshops on topics from home cheese making to the history of urban agriculture in Los Angeles County.

"Coffee with the Captain" at Coffee Gallery July 25

Altadena Sheriff Capt. Steven McLean will hold another "Coffee with the Captain" on Mon., July 25, from 8-10 AM at the Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake.

All are invited to meet the Captain and his staff to talk about issues that are important to the community, learn about recent crime trends, how to start a Neighborhood Watch Program or just say hello.  More details on the flyer.

Day One looking for positive teen role models for Legacy Award

from Day One

“There are no positive role models for us to look up to, what do you expect us to do?” states a 17 year old student from John Muir High School when asked why teens are making unhealthy choices by getting involved in drugs, gangs, unsafe sex, and so many other negative elements that can throw a teen off of the right path.

As Day One Youth Advocates deliberated where to find positive role models for their peers, they arrived at the creation of the Teen Legacy Award.

The Teen Legacy Award was created by teens for teens to highlight the work and contributions that youth make throughout their communities. This award will be presented to four youth during the Youth Summit on August 16, 2011.

Eligibility For Nominees

• Must be a Pasadena /Altadena / Sierra Madre resident or attend a school within Pasadena Unified School District
• Must be between the ages 13-18
• Must have made or are making a significant contribution to our community

Selection Process

• Honorees will be selected by a prestigious group of local youth leaders

Deadline

• Friday, July 15, 2011

To nominate someone you know, fill out the application found on www.dayonepasadena.com and e-mail, fax, or mail completed forms to bgarcia2011@yahoo.com, fax (626)792-8056, mailing address: 175 N. Euclid Ave. Pasadena, CA 91101   attn: Teen Legacy Award.

Body of Dusan Klein found near Las Vegas, ruled suicide

Los Angeles County Sheriffs may have reached the end of a bizarre story that began two weeks ago.

The Clark County (Nev.) coroner's office, using dental records, positively identified the body of Dusan Klein, which was found by hikers on the outskirts of Las Vegas.  The coroner declared the death a suicide.

Klein and his black cocker spaniel, Cindy, had been the targets of a search after the body of Renata Klein, his wife, had been found dumped in the Angeles National Forest June 15.  The Santa Clarita couple's Jeep was found next to an abandoned building in North Las Vegas on June 26.

The fate of the dog is unknown, although reports have said that the dog's blood was found on the Jeep.

Pictured: Dusan Klein.  Source: Nixle.

Sky double-header tonight: fireworks and space station

Just received word: While you're watching the fireworks (which will start between 9:30-9:45 tonight), look to the northwest sky at about 9:53 PM:  The International Space Station will have an "extremely bright" crossing then.

 

County to open up cooling centers for hot holiday weekend

The National Weather Service has forecast very high temperatures for the San Fernando, Santa Clarita and Antelope Valleys from Saturday through Tuesday, and it's going to be no picnic here, either.  To provide relief from the heat for the elderly and others who face heat-related health difficulties and stress, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health will open cooling centers throughout the County, announced Mayor Michael D. Antonovich in a press release today.

The Department of Public Health recommends several ways to manage the heat:

• Never leave children, elderly people, or pets alone in a parked vehicle.
• Wear light, loose fitting clothing to stay cool
• Drink water often.  Avoid drinking alcohol.
• Check on those in your neighborhood who have limited mobility.
• Stay in an air-conditioned area (a mall, park, or library) during peak heat hours
• Avoid unnecessary exposure.
• When in the sun, wear a hat with a wide brim.
• Don’t exercise vigorously outside during the hottest hours of the day.

Symptoms of dehydration and heat cramps include dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headaches, muscle cramps, and increased thirst.

Locally, cooling centers include the Altadena Senior Center, 560 E. Mariposa St., which is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM-5 PM (which means it won't be open this weekend!); the Pasadena Senior Center, 85 E. Holly St., Pasadena, Mon.-Fri. 8:30 AM-4:30 PM, Sat. 8:30 AM-3 PM; and the South Pasadena Senior Center, 1102 Oxley St., Mon-Fri. 8 AM -5 PM, or -7:30 PM when temperatures are 96 degrees or above.

Local libraries are also a good place to stay cool (so you can walk to the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St., when the senior center's closed!)

 

UPDATE: Altadena family needs help in wake of tragedy; Antonovich to pay for funeral

UPDATED: See details at the end of the story

Carolyn Seitz sent us the following:

[Wednesday], an Altadena family suffered the loss of their child, a beautiful 3 year old girl named Katherine, in a tragic accident.

It is devastating for them and it was for the Altadena Sheriff's Deputies and Captain McLean who arrived on the scene shortly after the accident occurred.

This family does not have the means to pay for a funeral for their daughter and Captain McLean, the leadership team at the Altadena Station and the Deputies are asking for your help.

You can help in one of three ways:

• Drop money off at the Altadena Sheriff's Station and tell the person at the desk it is for the fund for Katherine.
• Go to the car wash being planned for Saturday, July 2 at 11 am at the Carl's Jr., 790 North Lake Avenue in Pasadena
• Go to Wells Fargo Bank and make a deposit to the fund for Katherine's funeral.  Here is the info: "Katherine Lopez Donation" Acct #73-21253424

Any help will be gratefully appreciated by this family.

Checking with Altadena station, the on-duty sergeant said that the girl was injured in an automobile accident at the home, and her grandmother was hospitalized later in the day due to the tragedy.  The station's deputies have taken the family under their wing and are putting out this call to the community.

UPDATE 4:30 PM: Carolyn Seitz sent this updated information:

To those of you who have contributed to the fund for the family of Katherine Lopez, the three year old tragically killed in an accident, thank you.

Supervisor Michael Antonovich has been very moved by the story of this tragic accident and the family's great loss, and has offered to pay for the funeral out of his own pocket, not county funds.

The family still has other extraordinary expenses to cover, including medical costs and to help cover the gap since they have missed time from work.

Any help you can provide will still be much appreciated.

The fundraisers listed above are still going on, so there are many opportunities to help the family.

CLARIFICATION: Sietz tells us that the funeral will be paid for by the Michael Antonovich Charitable Foundation.

 

It's the first of July: a whole new bag

Happy First of July!  Here's what's happening:

• Los Angeles County is commemorating our independence from an oppressive government by banning plastic bags in unincorporated county areas (such as Altadena), beginning today.  If you don't bring your own, it will cost you 10 cents for a paper bag.  Businesses also must track and report bag sales.  Let freedom ring!
• On the other hand, sales tax goes down one percent, to 8.75% today.
• The Altadena Town & Country Club will have its annual fireworks display tonight, starting sometime between 9:30 and 9:45 PM, over the county golf course.  Put your pets inside, and come on out to have a good time!

And a first of the month shout-out to our Altadenablog sponsor team!  Please patronize these local businesses, and let 'em know you read about them here:

Energy Upgrade California
Scissors Paper Rock Salon
Friends of the Altadena Library
Baietti-Seyffert/Podley Properties
Altadena Ale & Wine House
Webster's Community Pharmacy
Greg Stanton Real Estate/Teles Properties
Home Shoot Home
Webster's Fine Stationers
Dhari Thein Real Estate
Curves Altadena
Altadena Schools
Mike Gibson Service Center
Judy Rubin/Coldwell Banker
Rancho Bar
Binary Monk.com

Finally: is your neighborhood planning a July 4th parade?  (We know of a couple, but we're not sayin' where 'cause we know they'll be Poached).  Let us know about your Authentically Local neighborhood festivities: altadenablog@gmail.com.