altadenablog

Found: kitten, New York & Allen

Reader Tatiana writes:

I found a lost kitten last night 8-21-11 on New York Dr. and Allen in Altadena. The kitten is a gray striped tabby. Please help us find her home.

Call her at (626)318-4276.

And now ... bears

by Timothy Rutt

Coyotes (and Paco) have been the main topic in town lately, but now the bears are getting restive.

Residents of the Chaney Trail neighborhood report increased bear activity around garbage day, and it's recommended to keep your garbage inside and bring it out the morning of trash collection.  (There was some discussion as to a good deterrant -- a perimeter of predator urine, available online, might keep them away, and so might a "fence" of omnivore -- i.e. human -- urine. How you draw the perimeter is up to you, but small boys might find this chore fun  ...)

And reader Lee Johnson spotted a bear a few feet from the picture window at the 200 block of Taos Road on Aug. 15: "Easily scared away but too close for comfort, especially with open windows."

 

 

Community arts center to open at Loma Alta school site

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Arts Council is planning to open a community arts facility at the Loma Alta School site, and is looking for instructors and volunteers aiming at a late September/early October opening.

The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) board agreed to the Altadena Arts Council's request to establish a center at the site of the school on a one-year basis, with the potential for renewal.  According to Mary Ann Stevenson of the Altadena Arts Council, the district's arrangement with the arts council "is not unique and is similar to one enjoyed for a number of years by the old Pasadena Art Workshop, which later evolved into the Armory Center for the Arts."

Loma Alta School at 3544 N. Canon Blvd. is one of two Altadena schools that was shuttered by the PUSD this summer.  The Loma Alta site will also hold the Pasadena Rosebud Academy charter school starting Sept. 6.

Borrowing lines from the Fort Worth Community Arts Center, Stevenson said in a release that she wants the community to “Imagine a place where children, youth and adults can immerse themselves in creativity - creating and exhibiting art, participating in music, dance and theatre workshops, participating in spoken word events, visiting galleries/museums and other cultural institutions, while gaining an appreciation of themselves and others."

Stevenson anticipates the center being open for business late September/early October.  The arts council is looking for artists (coordinators and instructors for the art, music and dance disciplines are sought) as well as community volunteers interested in becoming a part of the arts center. The Altadena Arts Council can be contacted at 626-797-5798 and info@altadenaartscouncil.org.

NewTown presents PIKA PIKA at One Colorado

NewTown, the Altadena-based arts collective, presents PiKA PiKA!, a free, family-friendly light animation workshop at the One Colorado Courtyard on Fri., Sept. 2.

PIKA PIKA is simultaneously a low-tech light-animation workshop and large-scale screening event. Just bring your sense of fun and wonder.

The creators of this exciting new art form, Japanese artists Kazuo Monno and Takeshi Nagata, or TOCHKA, will provide simple LED flashlights and demonstrate how to use them to magically paint colorful light "graffiti." The techniques are easily learned and within a few short minutes, participants will view the animated results projected on the jumbo screen in the courtyard.

TOCHKA’s goal is to bring joy and inspire people to work together across cultural, ethnic and linguistic differences. They have received numerous awards and have traveled the world presenting workshops and screening their work. Utilizing public video sites such as YouTube, TOCHKA has launched countless PiKA PiKA animations, propelling this accessible, low-tech animation technique into a DIY global phenomenon.

Click here to see the TOCHKA trailer

View more at their website

What: PIKA PIKA, A Free Light-Animation Workshop

Where: One Colorado Courtyard (Bounded by Fair Oaks, Colorado Boulevard, DeLacey and Union Street in Old Pasadena.)

When: Fri, Sept 2, 7-9:30 PM

 

A walk along the Arroyo Seco

By Charles Fleming
Pasadena Sun

Nobody walks in L.A.? Ridiculous! This is one in a series of articles exploring the many opportunities for walking in (and around) a city of 3.8 million.

ARROYO WALK

Distance: 3 to 7 miles

Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours

Difficulty: 1

Transportation: Free parking; Metro bus: Nos. 176, 177

This is a lovely country-in-the-city walk, flat and undemanding, offering rare views of the untamed river — less than five minutes from Old Town Pasadena.

The 22-mile-long Arroyo Seco, a river-bed canyon that begins in the San Gabriel Mountains and runs into the Los Angeles River, was a lot of things before it became home to the world's first freeway and a concrete ditch with water in it.

Today it's a great hiking opportunity.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

Photo: the San Rafael Bridge/Charles Fleming, Pasadena Sun

Tablets, eReaders, and more with "Tech Daddy" Ken Gruberman

Aching to find out about those fascinating gizmos called tablets which seem to do just about everything?  Excited about eReaders and eBooks and how handy they might be on that next vacation, especially with Altadena Library’s new eBook collection launching in September? Or maybe you have some general questions about computers and are looking for sources of help? 

Whatever the case, you may find just what you are looking for at the "Tablets, eReaders & more!" seminar with “The Tech Daddy,” Ken Gruberman which will take place on Fri., Sept. 30 from 6- 7:30 PM. at the main Altadena Library.  Bring your questions and suggestions for future computer classes at the library.

As “The Tech Daddy,” Ken helps people understand the personal technology all around them. He wrote for MacUser magazine for seven years and edited his own national, award-winning publication for seventeen years.  Ken’s articles on personal technology can now be seen in AARP Magazine and in his “Tech Daddy’ column on the Huffington Post. 

For more information, visit www.altadenalibrary.org or call 626-798-0833 for the Main library and 626-798-8338 for the Branch.  The address of the Main library is 600 East Mariposa Street, 91001.  The address of the Branch library is 2659 Lincoln Avenue, 91001.

Morning jolt

 

• 9/11 Memorial: Jenette Williams at the Pasadena Star News has a feature on John McDannel’s crusade to make the stretch of New York Drive between Altadena Dr. and Sierra Madre Boulevard into a tribute to the 9/11 victims.  Temporary signs will be set up by the city of Pasadena before the ten year anniversary.  McDannel hopes to have permanent, monumental signs set up as part of a ten year plan to develop the area.
• Dogs and cats, living together: Dan Evans, editor at the Los Angeles Times Community News Group (who oversees our media partner the Pasadena Sun, as well as the Crescenta Valley Sun, Burbank Leader, and Glendale News-Press) is married to one of his competitors -- the La Canada Patch editor.  He’s got problems enough ...
• Don't feed the critters -- any critters: Altadena has problems with people feeding the coyotes -- Burbank has problems with a guy who feeds pigeons -- which then fly into the flight paths at Bob Hope Airport.  An airplane hitting one pigeon is minor -- hitting 30 at a time is a problem.

The Tumbling Tumbleweeds blow through Farnsworth Park Saturday

Next Saturday at 7 PM, the Sheriff Support Group concert series welcomes the Tumbling Tumbleweeds to Farnsworth Park:

Formed in 2005, The Tumbling Tumbleweeds are celebrating their five year anniversary. Since their premiere they have gone on to capture the 2008 Academy of Western Artists Will Rogers Award for Western Music Group of the Year and the Western Music Association Crescendo Award for Most Promising Talent along with the Marilyn Tuttle "Best in Show" Harmony Award. They were also named one of the Top 10 Live Acoustic Acts in Southern California by FolkWorks Magazine. Their debut album titled “The Tumbling Tumbleweeds” hit #1 on the Top 10 Cowboy/Western Music CD charts and their new album titled "Blaze Across the West" is receiving critical acclaim as well as radio airplay all around the World!

The core founding members consist of vocalists “Tumbleweed Rob” Wolfskill, "Big Daddy Cade” Parenti and Chris Acuff with “Babyface” R.J. Mills on guitar and vocals.

As their name suggests, The Tumbling Tumbleweeds are a tribute to Bob Nolan, Tim Spencer and the era that gave us the "Singing Cowboy" such as Roy Rogers, Gene Autry and the great swingtime cowboy band, The Sons of the Pioneers. Although The Tumbling Tumbleweeds feel the Sons of the Pioneers are their "blueprint" they do bring their very own unique brand of entertainment to the world of Western music with a show complete with singing, humor, storytelling and a bit of fancy western footwork.

The Tumbling Tumbleweeds also write, perform and record their own original songs written in the style of the delightfully unique period in which they pay tribute to!

It is also the mission of The Tumbling Tumbleweeds to reach and engage as many young people as possible so that the legacy of Western Music isn't lost in the midst of the ever declining state of "pop culture" but can live on to the next generation of music lovers.

This is among the many reasons The Tumbling Tumbleweeds became members of the Western Music Association. A global organization dedicated to the preservation and perpetuation of Western Music and the image of the American Cowboy. Like the Western Music Association, The Tumbling Tumbleweeds feel that the music of the West is an important component of our collective American heritage and that the genre itself should be celebrated and nurtured and, as Big Daddy Cade puts it, “It’s FUN!”

With a blend of western heritage and movie nostalgia, they are “Family Entertainment” through and through!

Rescue underway Sunday afternoon

The Altadena Sheriff's Station says three stranded hikers have been rescued from Eaton Canyon this afternoon.  All three were helicoptered out to Huntington Hospital, but they don't think anyone was seriously injured.  Developing ...

It's all in The Mixx Saturday night

by Timothy Rutt

The Mixx rocked the house at the Sheriff Support Group summer concert series Saturday night at Farnsworth Park.  Here, lead singer Angela Shepherd belts out that old-time rock 'n' roll to an appreciative crowd.  More after the jump.

New Assembly boundaries offer something for everyone ... to dislike

By Joe Piasecki
Pasadena Sun

Pasadena, South Pasadena and Altadena would share an Assembly district with two San Bernardino County cities under maps finalized this week by the California Citizens Redistricting Commission.

The maps are expected to face numerous legal challenges, and the smoke may not clear for months. But if they survive, they will remake political representation for people in and around Pasadena.

The map for the proposed 41st Assembly District links Pasadena with Upland and part of Rancho Cucamonga via a large portion of the Angeles National Forest. But it leaves out La Cañada Flintridge and many San Gabriel Valley cities along the Foothill (210) Freeway.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

Boys Republic Auxiliary's century of service

The volunteers of Boys Republic don't refuse anything --not donated goods, and not young people in trouble

by Laura Berthold Monteros


If you’ve ever had the unfortunate experience of gathering up all your unused clothes and household items for a charity collection, only to have the place refuse to take it, you will appreciate the philosophy of the Boys Republic Thrift Shop in Altadena.

Pictured:  The Boys Republic Thrift Shop at 2261 N. Lake

“We do not refuse anything,” says Mella Brienza, president of the Pasadena Auxiliary of the Boys Republic.  “People bring things, they have to load their cars, they’re nice enough to think of us.”

What’s even more amazing is that the auxiliary, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, finds a use for almost everything.  Damaged or stained clothing goes to an Altadena church for the homeless or downtown missions.  Sweaters and blankets are taken to homeless folks in the winter. Blankets with holes go to animal shelters.  “Very rarely do we throw stuff away,” Brienza says.

Sacred Heart's Father Banal is featured in Asian Journal

The Asian Journal (a publication for the Filipino community) profiles Rev. Fr. Jose Vaughn A. Banal, pastor of Sacred Heart Church -- priest and scholar.  The Journal says "he has revitalized this community of 2,500 Latinos, Afro-Africans, Anglos, Vietnamese, and Filipinos" in Altadena, and hopes to do more.

Altadena Junction: dog days in a coyote summer

Our column in the Sunday Valley Sun is up -- and it's about the coyotes. 

Lost dog, Meadowbrook east of Allen

Reader Rhonda writes us:

Please help us find our black lab/pit mix Tyson - last seen on Meadowbrook just east of Allen.  He's about two years old, very energetic, sweet and goofy, not aggressive at all.  If you've seen him, please call us at (626) 840-5084.  Thank you for any information you can offer, and please keep an eye out for him.

Appointment calendar: the Saturday daybook

Here's what's not to miss today:

• Ben McGinty is running a huge Estate Sale, 2346 N. EL Molino, the Taggert house, from 9 AM-2 PM.  We're hearing a lot about this one: furniture, bric-a-brac, and stuff from Victorian era to the present.
• Wine tasting at Webster's Fine Stationers, 2450 N. Lake: Join Anne Bannon and Michael Holland of OddBallGrape.com as we explore the differences of four white wines and how they relate to the foods of summer. Also: locally-produced  Jabberwocky Jerk Sauce Pork Roast by Susann Edmonds. This event is free to customers and friends.
• The MIxx at the Sheriff Support Group Summer Concert Series at Farnsworth Park, 7 PM, free.
• Italian movie night at  Bulgarini Gelato, 749 E. Altadena Dr. Movie TBA.  The film is free, no reservations are required, and starts after dark.  Gelato available throughout.
• Coffee Gallery Backstage: The Folk Collection (acoustic folk) 3 PM matinee, $18, 7 PM show, $20.  Reservations:  (626) 798-6236.

Don't let cheese-making get your goat with fall classes

by Timothy Rutt

The Institute of Domestic Technology (there's something really steampunk about that name) is holding three courses on cheese-making in Altadena In October, November, and December.

Milkcrafting 101 on Oct. 8 teaches you how to make yogurt, kefir, crème fraiche, cottage cheese, paneer and fresh chevre.  Milkcrafting 102  on Nov. 12 will talk about mold-ripened cheeses, how to serve and cook with them, and how to successfully pair them with wine. Milkcrafting 103 looks at how to make hard cheeses as well as how to make butter from both goat and cow's milk. 

The classes all take place at the Mariposa Creamery (aka Zane Grey Estate) from 9:30 AM-2 PM, and include a rustic farm lunch.  Classes are limited to 12 students, and are $225 each or $595 for the series.

More information is here.

Morning jolt

• LA Curbed has a piece on this house on Alzada Road in the Chaney Trail neighborhood that has been massaged by three different architects.  Our views on modernist architecture are rather well-known, but we like this because it's not a bright white stucco monstrosity.
• HGTV's renovation show "Professional Grade" is searching for homeowners in Altadena/Pasadena this summer and fall "who think they can renovate a room better and cheaper than a contractor."  Homeowners are challenged by host Matt Blashaw for a chance to win big cash. The goal is to source high–end materials on the cheap, take on the bulk of the labor themselves and manage their subcontractors to get the best quality work at below market prices.  When the renovation is done their experts price out the job based on the quality.  If their estimate is higher than what you spent, you pocket the cash difference. Auditions are going on now. For an application homeowners should email generalcontractor@highnoontv.com.  

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Altadena Town Council rundown

by Timothy Rutt

We're still on half speed this week, but we present the town council odds & ends rundown:

• Councilmember Alice Wessen (CT 4603.01) has resigned.  Any resident of the census tract who would like to be considered to replace her should contact Doug Colliflower at 626-797-8441 ext 205 or email: doug.colliflower@altadenatowncouncil.org
• Several committee assignments were made, including: a team to overhaul the council website, consisting of councilmembers Greg Middleton and Brent Musson, with volunteers Rebecca Haussling and Bill Westphal.  A committee was appointed to look at proposed community identification (i.e. "Welcome to Altadena") signs: Gino Sund, Diane Marcussen, and Tecumseh Shackelford.
• Marissa Hernandez of the county parks department said that the parks were winding up summer programs and looking into fall.  The Loma Alta pool will close the day after Labor Day, the summer lunch program at all parks will end Aug. 26, and after school activities start Sept. 6.  Loma Alta Park is also looking for more teams for the Thursday night adult basketball league, and is starting adult volleyball Tuesday and Friday nights.  For more information: 398-5451.

Weekendin'

Dog days of summer are here .... keep checking back as we refresh the offerings!

Thurs., Aug. 18

• The Peace and Justice Academy Open House, 6-8 PM, Pasadena Church of the Brethren, 1041 N. Altadena Dr., Pasadena.
• Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake:  Front stage, Heart of Gold/4 Way Street (tributes to Neil Young, and CSNY), 8 PM, $20. Reservations:  (626) 798-6236.

Fri., Aug. 19

• Beach Bus to Santa Monica: pickups start at 9 AM. $3. See here for details.
• Altadena Library's Summer Movie Extravaganza: "Soul Surfer":  the true story of surfer Bethany Hamilton who lost her left arm in a shark attack and overcame all odds to become a champion again.  Rated PG. Starts 3:30, admission and popcorn are free. Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St.
• Scissors Paper Rock Salon Music Night, 1864 N. Allen, Pasadena, starts at 7 PM, free. In the gallery: "Brush paintings from the minds' eye" by Katherine Tilley.  Music:  Medicine Man (Americana)
• Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake; front stage, open mic night, starts 8 PM, free; backstage, Joey Arbata and the Ivy Leaf, (Irish),  8 PM.  Tickets: $15. Reservations:  (626) 798-6236.

Sat., Aug. 20

• Beach Bus to Santa Monica: pickups start at 9 AM. $3. See here for details.
• Ben McGinty is running a huge Estate Sale, 2346 N. EL Molino. from 9 AM-2 PM.  Furniture, bric-a-brac, and stuff from Victorian to the present.
• Wine tasting at Webster's Fine Stationers, 2450 N. Lake: Join Anne Bannon and Michael Holland of OddBallGrape.com as we explore the differences of four white wines and how they relate to the foods of summer. Learn how to select the wine you'll need at your next summer soiree and know how it will taste with the foods you're serving! Know which white wines are the most refreshing and how you can use them to make summer sippers. If you need another reason to attend, you won't want to miss the sampling of Jabberwocky Jerk Sauce Pork Roast, locally made and produced by Susann Edmonds, among other favorite summer snacks. This event is free to our customers and friends, so come on by and enjoy the camaraderie!
• Sheriff Support Group Summer Concert Series welcomes the The Mixx to the Farnsworth Park stage, 7 PM. Before the concert, you can pick up a dinner from Amy’s Patio Café  http://www.amyspatiocafe.net/id3.html or El Patron  http://elpatrononline.com/.   During the concert, beer and wine are available for purchase courtesy of the Altadena Rotary Club.  Webster's Fine Stationers provides refreshment for the performers. Concerts are hosted by the Altadena Sheriff’s Station and Farnsworth Park.  Sponsors of the summer concert series are: Warner Bros., Rotary Club of Altadena, Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, Toyota of Pasadena, Baietti Seyffert/Podley Realtors, All American Audio Visual,  M & M Printing, Trinity ThreadWorks, My Irish Pride,  Georgia Rutherford in memory of Don Rutherford, and Altadenablog.  The concerts this year are dedicated to the memory of Cue MacKenzie.
• Italian movie night at  Bulgarini Gelato, 749 E. Altadena Dr. Movie TBA. Dinner starts at 7:30 PM, $13 (reservations required) including a pasta dish, salad and drink. The film is free, no reservations are required, and starts after dark.  Gelato available throughout. Dinner reservations must be made by Friday by email at catering@bulgarinigelato.com or by calling (626) 791-6174.
• Coffee Gallery Backstage: The Folk Collection (acoustic folk) 3 PM matinee, $18, 7 PM show, $20.  Reservations:  (626) 798-6236.

Sun., Aug. 21

• Monthly gathering to support the midlife journey, third Sunday of the month at a private home in Altadena, 1-4 PM.  For more information go to www.simpleordinarypresence.com/Monthly.html 
• Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake; backstage, open mic, free, 8 PM; backstage, Houston Jones and Freebo, 7 PM, $18. Reservations:  (626) 798-6236.

 

Don't blame the Crest, officials say: it's the drivers, not the road

By Daniel Siegal

Pasadena Sun

Despite another fatal crash on Angeles Crest Highway over the weekend — the fourth since the lower part of the highway reopened in June of this year — the California Highway Patrol says that it’s drivers who are dangerous, not the road.

On Saturday, Bellflower resident Edgar Martinez, 18, was driving on the highway at 45 to 50 miles per hour when he entered a curve but failed to turn, hitting a mountainside and flipping his car, according to Officer Ming Hsu of the CHP.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

Photo: An SUV passes cyclists traveling southbound on Angeles Crest Highway at around mile marker 32 in the Angeles National Forest above La Canada Flintridge on Wednesday, July 13, 2011. (Raul Roa/Staff Photographer, Pasadena Sun)

Political prodigy Adam Carter worked for Schiff, Portantino -- and now Liu

By Joe Piasecki

Pasadena Sun

Adam Carter is only 27, but he’s already worked for the Pasadena area's top Democratic officeholders. Carter starts work this week as the new district representative for state Sen. Carol Liu (D-La Cañada Flintridge) in the Pasadena and Altadena areas, Liu announced Wednesday.

A Pasadena native who studied political science at UCLA, Carter has previously worked as a staff assistant for Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) and as a field representative for Assemblyman Anthony Portantino (D-La Canada Flintridge).

More at the Pasadena Sun.

Photo: Adam Carter attends a memorial service for Ralph McKnight, which took place at the Levitt Pavilion in Pasadena on Friday, August 12, 2011. (Cheryl A. Guerrero/Staff Photographer, Pasadena Sun)

Council hears about living with coyotes in Altadena

by Timothy Rutt

Yes, there are more coyotes -- and no, there’s not much that can be done about it.

In fact, a county official told the Altadena Town Council: “This is a kind of a dangerous place for small pets --- there’s nothing that’s going to change that.”

Raymond Smith told the Altadena Town Council Tuesday night that Altadena’s coyotes are not necessarily refugees from the Station Fire, as is commonly assumed: Altadena’s coyotes are “wild, but they’re not some kind of pack that would normally live in the Angeles National Forest --- they’re urban coyotes, and they live amongst us.”

Coyotes: your neighbors
Coyotes are one of the animals that do very well next to people, said Smith, the deputy director of the Weed, Hazard, and Pest Management Bureau at the state Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures.  Where the urban and wild interface meet, Smith said, the number of coyotes can be 15 times what can be carried in the wild. Homes and neighborhoods bring water, shade, shelter, food sources such as fruit, trash, and the occasional pet -- all things that increase the land’s carrying capacity for coyotes.

In fact, Smith said, because of urbanization, there are “more coyotes now than ever before in the history of the world, both in numbers and in colonization.” 

City-wide festival planned for Sept. 10 at North Lake shopping district

by Timothy Rutt

The Abundant Harvest Christian Center, 2387 N. Lake Ave., is taking the lead on an ambitious community festival Sept. 10 that will bring together many community groups and businesses in a day filled with information, activities, and entertainment.

Phlunte Riddle -- a lieutenant in the Pasadena Police Department in her day job -- is the lead coordinator for the event, which will close down Mariposa Street between Lake and El Molino for the day and promises over 60 vendors in a number of pavilions around the area.  The event will run from 11 AM-5 PM.

Riddle presented the plans to the Altadena Town Council Tuesday night.  According to their literature, the “Altadena City-Wide Outreach & Festival” is will have live entertainment, a food court, an art exhibit, job fair, game booth, and pavilions for health, children, colleges, as well as a farmer’s market and seminars for all ages from senior to teens.

The event will also spread out among parking lots in the area.  Parking for the event itself will be spread among the Rite-Aid parking lot, Eliot Middle School, and others.

Riddle said they had 100 percent agreement among the merchants along Mariposa to close the street during the festival. 

More information is here:

http://www.abundantharvest.info/citywideoutreach.php

 

New supervisor for Angeles National Forest named

Staff reports
Pasadena Sun

The U.S. Forest Service has named Thomas Contreras to be supervisor for the Angeles National Forest. For the past several months, he has been serving as acting supervisor of the Angeles National Forest.

“I welcome the opportunity to manage one of the most heavily used urban forests within the nation,” Contreras said in a statement. “I know there will be challenges ahead for us, but given those challenges, we also have amazing opportunities. I look forward to maintaining and establishing lasting relationships with our visitors, partners, employees and others in the near future.”

More at the Pasadena Sun.

Dog days ...

We've got a chance to enjoy some summer days with our daughters, so we're taking advantage of it this week -- updates will be limited, but steady!

The Hahamongna question

By Sue Horton
Pasadena Sun

As nature goes, the Hahamongna basin is not pristine.

The wide, sandy arroyo, bounded by oak woodlands, sits just north of Devil's Gate Dam on the border of Pasadena, Altadena and La Cañada Flintridge. A gravel operation there, closed decades ago, has left scars on the landscape, and a Frisbee golf course threads in and out of the oaks. Noise from the 210 Freeway on the south end and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory at the north is ever-present. And if all that weren't enough, the Environmental Protection Agency has declared this part of the Arroyo Seco a Superfund site because of groundwater contamination by JPL, which once dumped solvents and rocket fuel in the area.

But what I love about the place is that nature has stubbornly refused to give up. The arroyo provides crucial habitat for stressed flora and fauna struggling to survive along the border between urban land and open space, and every time I go there I see something remarkable. A dense forest of willows has grown up along the seasonal stream bed, and it has drawn an amazing array of wildlife. Once, while walking among the trees, I came upon a fox slowly making its way down the path in front of me. I have seen a bobcat in the stream bed and regularly see deer, coyotes and rattlesnakes. A couple of years ago, workers at JPL were surprised to see a mountain lion sunning itself on a rock near the bridge from their parking lot.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

Mo Martin wins Eagle Classic Sunday, on her way to LPGA in 2012

Altadena's Mo Martin won the Futures Tour's Eagle Classic Sunday in Richmond, VA, earning $14,000 and making her season earnings $48,208.

Golfer Martin, 28, is now a virtual lock to become a player in the 2012 LPGA tour.

The Futures Tour is LPGA's farm club, where the top earning winners earn playing cards for the big pro tour.

More here.

And here's her Futures Tour stats page.

And here's more.

 

Foodie news 1: Institute of Domestic Technology offers "Food Crafting 101" in Altadena

We can't find a dictionary definition of "Food Crafting," but just by checking around, it's all about simple preparation of simple, locally-grown food that at the end results in artisanal bread, cheese, even home-made mustard. 

Joseph Shuldiner's Institute of Domestic Technology will have a one day workshop on "Foodcrafting 101" on Sat., Sept. 10: four class sessions and lunch at an undisclosed Altadena location, but we think it's "the big house with the goats."

Workshops include breadmaking by Erik Knutzen, co-author of "Urban Homesteading";  cheesemaking by Stephen Rudicel (owner of the Press Restaurant in Claremont and proprietor of the Zane Grey Estate): Canning food preserves by Karen Klemens (owner of Mother Moo Creamery, Sierra Madre); and DIY mustard by Joseph Shuldiner.

Cost is $195.  For more information, go here:
http://instituteofdomestictechnology.com/?page_id=10

Foodie news 2: Eat LA talks to Steve Rudicel

Altadenablog friend Colleen Dunn Bates, editor/publisher of Eat L.A. and Hometown Pasadena, interviews local foodie guru Steve Rudicel for KPCC's "Offramp" right here. (Steve runs The Press restaurant in Claremont, owns the Zane Grey Estate, and is usually found wherever there's local foodie event).

Foodie news 3: future of the Altadena Urban Farmer's Market is Aug. 24 discussion

by Timothy Rutt

What's the next for the Altadena Urban Farmer's Market?

The monthly market, a project of the Arroyo Time Bank, was in many respects a victim of its own success:  it provided a place where small businesses and craftspeople rubbed elbows with weekend farmers and kitchen-based hobbyists --sometimes literally --  and it quickly outgrew its home at the Zane Grey Estate.

Now, says the Time Bank's Janine Christiano, it's time to look at what's next.  The Time Bank will have a community meeting to talk about it at the Armory Center for the Arts, 145 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena, on Wed., Aug. 24 at 6:30 PM.

The next phase of the market is "still very malleable right now," Christiano said.  "I have ideas, but it's a community event ... it's an exciting time because it can grow, and it should grow in the ways the community members would like it to grow."

Decisions need to be made about future farmer's markets, Christiano said: does it continue as a private membership event (attendees signed a free membership form for each market in order to circumvent county health regulations)?  Do they advertise? And, as a volunteer organization, is there enough energy to keep it going?

"My goal is to have some sort of event.  I would love to have something put on by November, and do it quarterly," Christiano said.  "There should always be a space for people who want to do homemade homegrown stuff.  .. and that's what we want to cultivate.    It's a space for real small-scale community-produced items."

ACONA online survey for next meeting, and open thread

Elliot Gold tells us that the questionnaire for ACONA (Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations) is up at this address, should only take three minutes:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/X7NJJWJ

And let us know in the comments below what YOU think should be covered in future meetings.

Crime log: July 29-Aug. 12

Sheriff' blotter submited by Lt. Joseph Dempsey, Altadena Sheriff's Station

A definite uptick in vehicle burglaries, with some residential burglaries and thefts mark this period of the Crime Log:

Fri., July 29

Between 10:30 AM and 5:30 PM, Sunday – A commercial burglary occurred in the 300 block of E. Alameda Street.  Suspect(s) entered an unlocked tool shed located in the backyard of a residence.  Loss:  12” wood planer.

Sun., July 31

Between 5:30 PM and 7:00 AM, Monday – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 1000 block of Wapello Street.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the driver’s side window.  Loss:  white iPod 32g.

11:25 PM – A grand theft occurred in the 400 block of E. Calaveras Street.  Loss:  navy blue carry-on bag containing personal documents, apparel, toiletries.

Another hiker rescue from Eaton Canyon Sunday

Staff reports
Pasadena Sun

A 60-year-old woman who suffered an ankle injury while hiking in Eaton Canyon Sunday afternoon, was rescued by personnel from the Pasadena and Los Angeles fire departments and Altadena Search and Rescue. Two hikers have died in accidents at the Altadena park this summer.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

San Gabriel Valley Literacy Council looking for volunteers

Become a caring mentor to a small group of non-English speaking adults who want to communicate more effectively.  The San Gabriel Valley Literacy Council is offering a volunteer  opportunity to anyone who is fluent in English and can volunteer 2-10 hours a week. 

Tutor training for San Gabriel Valley Literacy Council ESL classes is on Saturdays, Sept. 10 and 24, 2011, from 9 AM-3 PM.  You must attend both sessions to receive the certificate.  $25 covers training expenses and council membership. For more information contact  626-795-7987 or 626-298-4731 or www.sgvlc.org.

 

It's summer ...

... and we'll be throttling back a little this week to enjoy some time with the daughters while son & spouse are out of town (don't worry, full town council coverage is planned, and if it hits the fan, we'll be there!) Hope you are having an enjoyable summer, too!

Second fatality in as many days in Angeles National Forest

Los Angeles Times staff
Pasadena Sun

In the second fatality in as many days, a woman died after her car went over the side of a road in the Angeles National Forest early Sunday, authorities said.

A witness at the Coldwater Campground reported seeing a blue Honda go off the road near mile marker 32 on San Gabriel Canyon Road at about 2:27 AM, according to the California Highway Patrol.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

Lita Neumann live at Bulgarini Gelato tonight

Just got word from Bulgarini Gelato, 794 E. Altadena Drive (in the Rite Aid center) that singer/ songwriter/ musician Lita Neumann will perform songs from her newest EP release, "Little Star," starting at 7 PM tonight (Sunday). In the band, Lita will play violin and feature Lorenzo Grassi on guitar, Edwin Galestian on keyboard, Sharon Ray on electric bass, and Taylor Dextor on drums.

And besides, the music, they have peach gelato.  Sounds like a perfect evening!

Pictured: Lita Neumann, from her website.

Foothill communities see rise in rescues

By Veronica Rocha
Pasadena Sun

Unseasonably cool temperatures and penny-pinching may be drawing more hikers to local mountains and trails, triggering an uptick in mountain rescues this year, officials said.

So far this year, there have been 50 mountain rescues for the Verdugo region, which includes Pasadena, Burbank, Glendale and nine other foothill cities, said Glendale Fire Battalion Chief Greg Godfrey. There were 56 rescues in all of 2010.

He said there is a correlation between the number of hikers rescued and the economic recession. 

“People are staying closer to home,” Godfrey said.

Four years ago, the Verdugo dispatch area logged 19 mountain rescues.

Ample water sources in the Angeles National Forest could also be encouraging more hikers to visit their local mountains, Forest Service spokeswoman Sherry Rollman said.

With more residents visiting the region’s mountainous trails, local fire departments have worked double duty to rescue stranded hikers who become overwhelmed or injured.

“During this time of year, it seems like almost every weekend, we are up there,” said Lisa Derderian, spokeswoman for the Pasadena Fire Department.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

One dies in rollover on Angeles Crest Highway

By Joe Piasecki
Pasadena Sun

A driver was killed Saturday in a single-vehicle wreck on Angeles Crest Highway, some 15 miles above La Cañada Flintridge.

The crash occurred near highway mile marker 39, a few miles northeast of Angeles Forest Highway, Sgt. Kim Shelton of the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station said.

“It was a single-vehicle rollover and the driver was pronounced dead at the scene,” Shelton said.

Further details about the wreck, under investigation by the California Highway Patrol, were not immediately available.

In June three people died in separate single-vehicle crashes on the portion of Angeles Crest below Angeles Forest Highway, a winding seven-mile stretch that reopened June 3 after being closed nearly 17 months for repairs.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

Altadena Junction: don't mess with Mother Nature

Our column for the Sunday Valley Sun is up on the Pasadena Sun website.

 

A little bit o' swamp in Farnsworth Park with Lisa Haley and the Zydekats

 

Lisa Haley dubbed Farnsworth Park Amphitheater "the Altadena swamp" for the night as she mixed a spicy gumbo of zydeco music to a packed house.  Lisa Haley and the Zydekats played the Sheriff Support Group's summer concert series Saturday night, and it was yet another night where the dancing started early and went on and on.  More pictures after the jump.

It's in The Mixx at the next Farnsworth Summer Concert

Next Sat., Aug. 20, the Sheriff Support Group summer concert series welcomes the arresting sounds of The Mixx.

 

Angela Shepherd, Vocals / Percussion / Harmonica

Angela pursued a Law Enforcement Career and became a Lieutenant for the LA County Sheriff’s Department. She loves to sing and she has been singing all her life from church choir to rock and roll bands. She even sang in a band of all police officers called “Mutual Aid-The Cops That Rock”. They performed at many community events in Los Angeles in their police uniforms. She now sings Classic Rock and hopes everyone will enjoy the music.

Lowell Palmer Hornung, Lead Guitar / Vocals

Lowell was the winner of a KLOS song writing competition with a song called “Caught in the Act.” He lost the final round of the competition to “Bon Jovi.” Some bands he performed with in the past were “Cloud 9” and “Shaky Jake.” He just finished his first solo CD with all original songs.

Scott Tinturin, Keyboards / Guitar / Vocals

Scott is from the East coast, but made his way to California in search of the big stage and all that came along with it. “Music has been part of my life as long as I can remember.” While serving his country in the U.S. Army, he spent his off time performing in Musical Theater and putting together bands to play at local festivals and competitions. Scott brings his diverse and energetic musical enthusiasm, as well as his signature lead vocals and harmonies to the stage, creating a perfect blend with any band he plays with.

Donald “DJ” Johnson, Bass Guitar / Vocals

Born and raised in SoCal, DJ started playing guitar at age 13. He joined his first rock band in high school and set out to become the next Ted Nugent! After high school and a short term in the U.S. Air Force, he put aside his earlier dreams of fame. He soon rebounded and switched over to bass-guitar, playing in various bands in the O.C. network for over 30 years. This has made DJ a highly skilled bassist. “Playing with the best musicians is the greatest thrill there is.”

Kevin “KK” Karamitros, Drums / Vocals

KK's music career has taken him all over the world; from major concert performances and touring with the legendary Iron Butterfly, to performing in top Las Vegas show groups. He has numerous television credits including performances on “The Howard Stern Show”, “The E! Channel,” and “The Big Breakfast Show” in London.

The Summer Concert Series starts at 7 PM Sat., Aug. 20, and admission is free.

 

Coyotes, community festival at town council meeting Tuesday night

The Altadena Town Council monthly meeting starts at 7 PM Tuesday, Aug. 16, at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.

Up on the agenda are a presentation by Raymond Smith, deputy director of the Weed, Hazard, and Pest Management Bureau who will talk about the coyote problem.

Also: Phlunte Riddle (public information officer for the Pasadena Police Dept.) will talk about the Altadena City-wide Outreach and Festival organized by Abundant Harvest, to be held Sat., Sept. 10.

Also to be discussed is a replacement for councilmember Alice Wesson (CT 4603.01).

 

On the court for a good cause

by TImothy Rutt

The Brandon Jackson Memorial Scholarship Basketball Shootout is going on all day today, to raise money in the name of the slain Altadena teen.  Here, the John Muir Mustang girl's basketball team (in yellow, from Jackson's own school) takes on Los Osos in some supercharged basketball action. More after the jump.

Living La Vida Paco at Fancy Food Truck Friday

by Timothy Rutt

Paco the Crimefighting Chihuhua, Altadena's fiercest domestic dog, met with his public Friday night.  Paco was the featured attraction at Fancy Food Truck Friday sponsored by Webster's Community Pharmacy, Webster's Fine Stationers, and Webster's Liquor, and he met and greeted many fans.  There were also plentiful TV cameras around to record the event. Oh, and there were food trucks.  Here, Paco and his impresario Eric Knight handle paw-tograph requests. More after the jump.

Altadena Community Church Seuss-sermons: "I am"

Do you like green eggs and ham?  

Then go to Altadena Community Church (943 E. Altadena Drive) on Sunday, Aug. 14, at 10 a.m.

With readings from John 6, Pastor Joe McGowan will explore Jesus' "I am" teachings.  Using Dr. Seuss' Green Eggs and Ham as a guide, he will talk about how Jesus invites us to embrace him as Savior and friend. 

Altadena Community Church practices an open table.  All are welcome to celebrate communion and to learn more about "Sam I am."   Nursery care and Sunday School for children are provided.

 

Morning Jolt: 5 Acres retirement, coyotes at the Town Council

• 
  Five Acres: PSN's Janette Williams has a feature on Bob Ketch, who is retiring as executive director of Five Acres after 34 years at the helm.
•  Coyote Watch: A head's up: we were talking to Sussy Nemer, field deputy to Supv. Michael D. Antonovich, who tells us that there will be a representative from the Dept. of Agriculture at Tuesday's Town Council meeting to discuss coyotes.  This is a good time to bring your questions and concerns -- it's at 7 PM Tues., Aug. 16, at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.

Brazen coyote attempts attack Friday morning on Avocado Terrace

Reader Jim Minges, who lives at the 1200 block of Avocado Terrace below New York Drive, sent us a warning this morning:

Our property is completely fenced with a 5 - 6 foot high chain link fence. .At 10 AM today we had a coyote jump the fence, probably in pursuit of our dog. Fortunately, I and two gardeners were in the yard, and were able to chase the coyote around the house, at which point he again jumped the fence and ran across my neighbor's yard to escape. 

I have advised those of my neighbors with small pets ... The problem seems to be getting out of hand, since I have also seen groups of 3 - 4 coyotes at Mendicino and Holliston, as many others have reported. Isn't there anything we or the authorities can do?

Morning jolt

• Watercolor reception: Donna Barnes-Roberts let us know that she and her students are displaying their artwork in the conference room at the Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake thru August.  There will be a reception on Sun., Aug. 14, from 5:30-7:30 PM.  Displaying with Donna are: Barbara Field, Terry Swanson, Mary Weidner, Jody Berges, Pat Rollie, Jane Brackman (Dr. Barkman!), and Marianne Rodriguez. Come and enjoy the reception. Donna's website which has class information is at http://www.altadenaartist.​com/. Phone her at 626-344-3488.
• Pasadena Master Chorale: led by Assistant Conductor Lauren Buckley lead an inspiring program entitled "My Spirit Sang All Day". Literary luminaries such as Longfellow, Campion and Shakespeare are brought to life by composers such as Elgar and Vaughan Williams.  It's at La Crescenta Presbyterian Church on Sun., Aug. 14, starting at 4 PM.  Tickets are available here.
• Danny's Farm will bring its new barn-like trailer to CBS Studios, 4024 Radford Ave., Studio City, for "Stephanie's Day" (a resource fair for families with children with autism and other special needs) from 10 AM-2 PM.  They're planning an official unveiling of the new trailer this fall with Alec Baldwin, so stay tuned!