altadenablog

Weather Eye: lightning and a double rainbow

by Bill Westphal

A high pressure system over the four corners area combined with a low pressure system off the southern california coast steered subtropical moisture into Southern California this evening. This provided Altadena residents with rare summer showers and a thunderstorm this evening. 

We were sitting in the back yard enjoying an evening bar-b-que and were treated to a wonderful weather display.  I got my tripod and camera and captured several beautiful images.  My daughter, Whitney, took the images of the sunset.

More after the jump.

Danny's Farm helps "duck the flu" Sept. 25

The Kidspace Children's Museum and Pegasus Home Health Care will be offering flu shots for kids at Kidspace on Sun., Sept. 25, from 12-3 PM.

Shots are $25 per vaccine for children and ther families, age 2 years and older, which also gets admission to Kidspace.

Danny's Farm will be there, with an assortment of barnyard animals, as well as a chance to meet some former Los Angeles Dodgers.

To register in advance, call Pegasus Home Health Care at (818) 551-1932.

 

Found dog, Maiden Lane & Rubio (UPDATE: Happy ending)

Sharon says:

On my morning walk, I found a small white male dog tied purposely tied to the branch of a small tree on Maiden Lane (just north of Rubio Drive).

He has no tag, no ID and is wearing a collar that is a bit too big for him.

After checking with all the neighboring houses and finding no clues as to the dog's owner, I untied the little guy from the tree and brought him home.

He is marking my kitchen--so apparently, he is not house trained (or perhaps he is just frightened).  He is incredibly frisky so I think he might be pretty youthful.  His fur is something like Poodle fur, but more silky. I think.

He has recently been groomed--has a fresh hair cut.

If you recognize the attached pics, let me know.  I will keep him overnight and then hand him over to animal control if no one claims him.

Thank you for your help.

Email here.

UPDATE:  Doggie's home, all is well.

Six hikers rescued Saturday morning

by Timothy Rutt

Six hikers who were lost along the Sunset Ridge trail were escorted out in the wee hours of the morning by the Altadena Mountain Rescue team, according to the sheriffs.

Sgt. Debra Herman at the Altadena Sheriff Station says that a 911 call came in from a hiker's cell phone about 2:30 AM this morning (Saturday).  The rescue team and county fire were dispatched, along with a helicopter, and the hikers were located within two hours after the call, Herman said.

Sgt. Herman said that, while there was no information on the official report of the hikers being led out, "we wouldn't have left them there."  None of the two women or four men who were part of the hiking party were injured or required medical attention, Herman said.

 

Arroyos & Foothills plans fall hiking series

by Timothy Rutt

The Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy has planned an ambitious schedule of weekly Saturday hikes this fall, looking into the history and features of many of the area's hiking trails.

Docent-led hikes will cover a range of topics, including local history, railroad history, the workings of the Mt. Lowe railway, birds, geology, and local flora and fauna.

Dates, times, and locations are:
Sept. 17, 9 a.m.: Mt. Lowe Railway to Falls
Sept. 24, 9 a.m.: Unexplored Rubio Canyon
Oct. 1, 9 a.m.: Unexplored Rubio Canyon
Oct. 8, 8 a.m.: Birding Hike
Oct. 15, 9 a.m.: Mt. Lowe Railway to Falls
Oct. 22, 9 a.m.: Geology of Local Foothills
Oct. 29, 9 a.m.: Mt. Lowe Railway to Falls
Nov. 5, 9 a.m.: Unexplored Rubio Canyon
Nov 12, 9 a.m.: Mt. Lowe Rail Mechanics
Nov. 19, 8 a.m.: Birding Hike
Dec. 3, 9 a.m.: Hike to Rubio’s East Ridge

Hiking boots, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, a hat, and water in a day pack or holsterare recommended. Dogs are not allowed because some sections of the trails are narrow. You may encounter rattlesnakes, ticks, and poison oak. All hikers will be required to sign a waiver at the trailhead.

For more information on the series (including an individual hike description), go here.

 

Missing person: Robert Luera

The Pasadena Police Dept. says that a 22 year old developmentally disabled man has gone missing, and is looking for the public's help to find him.

Robert Luera walked away from a park located in Pasadena. Robert is developmentally disabled and suffers from seizures. He was last seen wearing a short sleeved gray T-shirt with the word “Life” written on the front and blue denim shorts. Robert is 22 years old, 5’8” tall, weighs 175 lbs. with black hair and brown eyes. Robert speaks English and has a friendly disposition.

There was a confirmed sighting of Robert this same afternoon in the Old Pasadena area. He was still wearing the same clothes and appeared to be in good health. The public is asked to call the Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-4620 with any information they may have or contact their local police department  (Altadena Sheriff 798-1131) if seen or found.

Bordeaux tasting at the Altadena Ale & Wine House Sunday

The Altadena Ale and Wine House, 2329 N. Fair Oaks. is checking out the Bordeauxs this Sunday with a wine tasting starting at 5 PM:

If you are thirsty and like really exceptional red Bordeaux wines, come to the Altadena Ale House this Sunday at 5 PM for a fabulous wine tasting. The cost is $25 per person, it includes one ounce pours and fine cheese with baguette. See the attachment for the line-up. $40.00 - $140.00 bottle.

For the line-up, click the graphics. Please RSVP at info@altadenaalehouse.com or call (626) 794-4577.

Altadena Junction: the Station Fire, two years on

Our latest column for the Sunday Valley Sun is up.

 

PUSD districting task force meets Tuesday to finalize language

by Timothy Rutt

The task force that will draw geographic boundaries for seats on the Pasadena Unified School District board plans to finalize the language of PUSD charter changes at a meeting this coming Tuesday, Sept. 6.  The task force will meet at the  Armenian Community Center, 1060 N. Allen Ave., Pasadena, at 6 PM.

The school district is planning to change from at "at-large" system for school board seats to one that establishes a geographic district for each board member.  The changes are an attempt to head off lawsuits that may be filed if the "at-large" system were to continue.

Once approved by the task force and the board, the District will have to pay for an election to finalize the changes.

The proposed changes in language are in the document after the jump.

Morning jolt

• 
  9/11 remembered: Pasadena is having a free concert and other activities to commemorate the tenth anniversary of 9/11.  The Pasadena Sun has details.
• You don't have to bear it: Former town council member Alice Wessen has information on how Athens Services will provide you with a bear-resistant trash container, if you need it.  (Nothing is bear-proof!)  And that's a good excuse to share this video again.
• And coyotes:  Reader Kathy Sturdevant alerts us to Project Coyote, an organization devoted to educating people on how to co-exist with America's wild dog.  Worth a look, particularly here in coyote country.
• ACT-SO champions: Four gold medalists from the Altadena NAACP competed in the 2011 National NAACP Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) Awards Celebration held July 24 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.  Pasadena Journal has details.

 

 

 

Mars rover continues to exceed JPL's expectations

By Daniel Siegal

Pasadena Sun

Thanks to engineering ingenuity and software updates done from across the universe, NASA’s Mars rover Opportunity has reached a new exploration site 7 1/2 years after it first landed on Mars.

Dave Lavery, program executive for NASA's Mars Exploration Rovers, said Opportunity’s unexpected durability gave the science team a whole new environment to investigate, the crater Endeavor.

“This is like having a brand-new landing site for our veteran rover,” Lavery said during a press conference Thursday. “It is a remarkable bonus that comes from being able to rove on Mars with well-built hardware that lasts.”

Opportunity was expected to travel only a kilometer or two on the red planet. It has now traveled more than 30 kilometers, Lavery said.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

Foothill Municipal Water District seeking new director

Here's an amended version of the Foothill Municipal Water District's notice that there's a vacancy on their board of directors, and they are seeking a replacement to fill in the term, after the jump.

Lincoln Avenue Water planning Millard Canyon projects [UPDATED AGAIN]

Pictured: planned site of Lincoln Avenue Water Company projects in Millard Canyon.

by Timothy Rutt

The public has until Sept. 30 to comment to the US Forest Service on a draft environmental assessment for two Lincoln Avenue Water Company projects in Millard Canyon.

The Lincoln Avenue Water Company (LAWC) is looking to renew U.S. Forest Service special use permits, in order to support ongoing maintenance and replace and reroute about 1.400 feet of corroded 10-in. steel water pipeline in the canyon. 

LAWC General Manager Robert Hayward said that the project would take about a week to complete, and work could begin with 30-60 days from the end of the comment period.

In an email sent out by canyon activist Lori Paul, the special use permits from the National Forest Service have been expired since 2006, and there were permits from other entities -- such as California Dept. of Fish and Game, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and L.A. Regional Water Quality control board -- that were never obtained but were required to divert water from Millard Creek. 

Diversion of Millard Creek water is a sensitive issue, as an almost-two-day shutdown of water flow in  Millard Creek in July 2010 by LAWC resulted in the deaths of aquatic life in the creek, and left them open to predators. 

One of Paul's objections is her claim that the official notice of the comment period consisted of  a small ad in the Los Angeles Times classified section on Aug. 18.

The entire draft environmental assessment is available here;

http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5325158.pdf

Comments should be sent to:

Graham  Breakwell Special Uses Administrator
Los Angeles River Ranger District (LARRD) USFS  
12371 N. Little Tujunga Canyon Road
San Fernando, CA 91342. 

LAWC's General Manager Hayward referred specifics to the project engineer, and we're awaiting their call.

UPDATE: Jamie Miner of Aspen Environmental Group, who is the environmental assessment coordinator for this project, said that public notification was the responsibility of the U.S. Forest Service.  It was the Forest Service that decided to take out the single classified ad in the L.A. Times as the official notice with the idea that it would attract a wider audience.

This story was also slightly rewritten to get rid of some kluges in earlier versions.

UPDATE 9/3: Lori Paul is on the case, and shares these email addresses for comments on the environmental assessment:

Graham  Breakwell  

USFS Special Uses Administrator

grahambreakwell@fs.fed.us 

Please also CC: 

Jamison Miner, Aspen Environmental Group 

JMiner@aspeneg.com

Victoria Hibbs at the Gallery at the Coffee Gallery in September

Victoria Hibbs is September's artist at the Gallery at the Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake.

There will be a reception on Sept.11, from 4-6 PM at the Gallery.

Artist’s Bio:
Pasadena, CA girl moves to NYC, stays thirty years.  Teaches math and science really well, becomes tri-state area private tutor of choice.  In the middle of all that re-discovers yearning to make art and discovers the Art Students League.  Studies there for several years with Peter Cox, Bruce Dorfman, Richard Pousette-Dart, William Scharf and Fredrick Wong.  Bit of a teacher’s pet sometimes, sometimes not.  Earns some awards.  Family ties pull her back west and she is back in Pasadena.  Hopes you like the art.

Artist’s Statement:
Painting equals a safe place for me in a world where I have never felt safe, even in my own skin.  Read anything, see any movie, play or TV show, listen to any lyric – almost every time there is the seeking of safety or security.  A few people seek danger, heroes seem fearless and take risks, but most of us need a safe place.

Making a safe place for myself has always required the matching of mismatched edges: mine with those of the world.  I find myself bonding together broken fragments, trying to make some sort of new stronger whole structure out of things that were never meant to fit each other. 

I think this is why I feel compelled to make the work as I do.

 

Espinoza on fire for competition

Altadenan Maritza Canto Espinoza will be competing in Tahitian fire knife competition this this weekend at the Weekend in Polynesia Event to be held on today through Sunday in Anaheim (more details, including location and tickets, here.) Pictured is Espinoza both in practice and in full flame.

Crime blotter: Aug. 21-25 -- burglaries on the rise

After a spell where burglaries died down, we now have nine in a four day span. Your car isn't safe either.  Information supplied by Lt. Joseph Dempsey of the Altadena Sheriff Station:

Sun., Aug, 21

Between 10:00 PM and 12:00 PM, Monday – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 300 block of Vinehill Drive.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the rear passenger window.  Loss:  black Targos backpack containing personal documents. 

 

Mon., Aug. 22

Between 07:20 AM and 12:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2300 block of of Sinaloa Avenue.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by prying the rear door.  Loss:  black Sony PlayStation, silver coin collection, gold necklace with 3 diamond pendant.

Between 08:00 AM and 12:30 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1700 block of Roosevelt Avenue.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by removing the window screen.  Loss:  silver HP laptop.

Between 10:45 AM and 3:15 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1400 block of Coolidge Avenue.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by prying the rear door and shattering the window.  Loss:  none.

Between 11:20 AM and 11:40 AM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2000 block of E. Crary Street.  Suspect(s) entered the residence via the unlocked rear door.  Loss: silver Apple MacBook Pro 15” laptop. 

Between 5:30 PM and 10:45 AM, Tuesday – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 2500 block of Boulder Road.  Suspects(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the driver’s side window.  Loss:  black/gray Garmin GPS.

 

Tues., Aug. 23

Between 7:00 AM and 3:30 AM, Wednesday – A residential burglary occurred in the 2600 block of N. Fair Oaks Avenue.  Suspect(s) entered the residence via unknown method.  Loss:  black Magnavox 50” tv, silver Apple laptop, black HP laptop.

 

Wed., Aug. 24

Between 7:00 AM and 6:40 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2700 block of Glen Avenue.  Suspect(s) entered the residence via the unlocked rear door and damaged the window screen.  Loss:  black Nike nylon backpack.

Between 12:30 PM and 7:30 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 70 block of W. Terrace Avenue. Suspect(s) entered the residence via the unlocked garage.  Loss:  black Xbox 360, Xbox games, gray/black Dell desktop. 

3:40 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2700 block of N. Marengo Avenue.  Suspect described as male, Hispanic, 5’09, 165 lbs, black shoulder length hair, full beard, wearing a white t-shirt and light blue jeans w/a dark sweater wrapped around the waist.  Suspect was observed jumping over the fence after the victim noticed the suspect on the lawn.  Loss:  pink suitcase. 

 

Thurs., Aug. 25

4:30 AM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1700 block of Sierra Madre Villa Avenue.  Suspect(s) entered the residence via the unlocked rear sliding door.  Loss:  red vase.

Between 9:30 PM and 3:30 AM, Friday – A petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 2100 block of Parnell Way.  Loss:  personal documents. 

 

 

Altadena Elementary's API up 63 points in latest scoring

By Joe Piasecki
Pasadena Sun

For the eighth straight year, San Marino Unified School District remains the highest-achieving public school district in the state, according to rankings released Wednesday.

Pasadena and South Pasadena public schools also showed overall gains in the state’s annual Academic Performance Index, released by the California Department of Education.

Academic Performance Index, or API, scores are assigned based on aggregate state test results weighted by subject and the number of students taking each test. Scores range from a low of 200 to a perfect 1000, with a state-imposed target of at least 800.

San Marino Unified scored 955, a six-point gain over 2010. The Pasadena and South Pasadena school districts each had a one-point gain, to 759 and 912, respectively.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

Morning jolt: selling, and The Way of Paco

 

• The government wants your bag of gold: The county has been pretty quiet on the code-bombing front lately -- would it be too much to say that going after murals of muffins, kid's pictures on a fence, bohemians playing the guitar in a coffee shop has finally reached the level of instiutional embarassement?  (Probably not.)  At any rate, The Atlantic has come out with an article by Conor Friedersdorf that says "Americans Should Be Able to Sell Stuff Without a Permit" that's worth your read.
• Clash of the Titans:  Well, not really a clash, but Ellen Snortland, Altadena whirlwind and self-defense expert just back from Edinborough, tells us to look at a technique that you could call The Way of Paco.

Next week: Fancy Food Truck Friday

Our friends at Webster's Community Pharmacy/Fine Stationers/ Liquor tell us that there are some sweet trucks coming to Fancy Food Truck Friday next week, Sept. 9.

The event, 5-9 PM in the Webster's parking lot, features stalwarts Greenz on Wheelz and No Reservations, with Nom Nom Truck, Curb A Peel, Sweet Arleen's, and the return of The Grilled Cheese Truck to Altadena.

The Webster's stores are going to hold a drawing for 3 fantastic Back-To-School Gift Baskets, so don't be tardy!

For more information please call: 626-797-1163.

Pictured:  A Bill Westphal picture from 2010 of the line at the Grilled Cheese Truck at Lake Avenue, which was there for an art opening at the late lamented Gallery at the End of the World.

Records show complex finances for lawmakers

By Joe Piasecki
Pasadena Sun

Assemblyman Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge) and Assembly Speaker John Pérez are facing off in a high-profile clash over legislative staff budgets, but the numbers behind the battle are complex, with multiple funding sources adding to the bottom line for many lawmakers.

Legislators get funds for their staff offices and their leadership roles, according to documents disclosed by the Assembly Rules Committee last month. In some cases, the Democratic or Republican parties pony up to help pay for legislative staffers.

Records for the first eight months of the legislative year reveal that lawmakers from the San Gabriel and San Fernando valleys have spent widely varying amounts.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

Trying out something new

We're always rejiggering and refining the website.  We thought we would try a new referral widget on a trial basis (the "You might also like..." thing at the end of the stories).  Feel free to feedback on this in the comments.

Earthquake near Santa Clarita upgraded to magnitude 4.3

By Jason Wells
Pasadena Sun

Seismologists have upgraded the earthquake that hit near Santa Clarita today to a magnitude 4.3.

The temblor was logged five miles southeast of Santa Clarita at 1:47 p.m. today, according to the US Geological Survey.

Mild tremors were felt in downtown Glendale, and there were no immediate reports of damage.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

Housefire victim needs some help

C. Jake Truman gives us some follow-up on this weekend's house fire:

Virginia Lance, a native Altadena resident, suffered an unfortunate accident this past weekend.  First she fell and broke her arm, then the following night there was a tragic fire and her house on North Lake Avenue burned down.  Virginia lost all of her possessions and her home.   Luckily she was not injured further in the fire.

Virginia owned several businesses in the Altadena area over the years:  The Barber Pole (clothing store for men), Park Bench Deli, Lance & Lee Real Estate.  She was named Altadena Citizen of the year and has given a great deal to the community of Altadena, contributing to the Altadena Chamber of Commerce, Christmas Tree Lane and many other organizations.  She also devoted many years to the real estate community, serving on many committees and was the President of the Pasadena Board of Realtors in 1993.   Hopefully you will see it in your hearts to give back to Virginia.

Virginia is going to need everything:  clothes, furniture, etc but the most important thing that she needs at this particular time is a place for her to live while the house is being rebuilt.   Virginia is 87 (her birthday was the day after the fire) and she has live-in help 24-7.   She doesn’t need a very large space; one bedroom will suffice.   She also has a small “lap dog” named Scrappy.  He is a Havanese, house broken and well trained.

She will probably need to rent from 6-12 months and the insurance company will pay the rent.   If it is necessary to go beyond 12 months the family will make the necessary arrangements to pay.

If anyone has anything in the Altadena area in a safe area that they would be willing to rent to Virginia as she recovers from this tragic event please C. Jake at 626-791-0475 or c.jake@sbcglobal.net.  

(I am doing this as a friend and no real estate commissions will be expected from my side of the transaction.)

Ugandan VP arrives late, but meeting is judged a success

Edward Ssekandi, vice-president of Uganda, was to be the keynote speaker at a business luncheon held at the Altadena Community Center yesterday, but arrived after the meeting broke up.

However, according to Okorie Ezieme of Ngok Global Consultants, as well as an Altadena town councilman, Ssekandi showed up just as the luncheon meeting was breaking up, but managed to talk to several of the businesspeople who were there to look at opportunities in Uganda.

Ezieme said that a couple of Altadena-based businesses managed to get one-on-one meetings with Ssekandi, which he hoped would translate into business opportunities.  Many of the businesspeople also made valuable connections with each other. 

The hastily-set-up Altadena luncheon went through several name permutations, but seemed to settle on "Building Strategic Partnerships in Emerging Markets: Opportunities in Uganda."  It was organized by Moses Katakanya of Ruach Social Enterprise.

Ezieme said that Ssekandi did invite everyone to where he was staying in Los Angeles and hosted a "nice dinner" afterwards.

 

Sheriff station re-opening and ribbon cutting Sept. 24

We just got word from community volunteer Carolyn Seitz that the Altadena Sheriff Station will have a grand re-opening and ribbon cutting on Sat., Sept. 24, from 10 AM-2 PM.  (After the interminable remodeling, this is good to see!)

Sheriff Lee Baca and Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich have already confirmed their attendance, and other local dignitaries have been invited.  The station is at 780 E. Altadena Dr.

 

Weekendin': Labor Day

A subdued Labor Day weekend -- last chance for summer relaxation before reality hits.  Keep coming back, we're always putting more up ...

Thurs., Sept. 1

• Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake: Backstage,  Theresa Tudury and Nancy & Phil (singer/songwriters).  $15, show starts at 8 PM. Reservations:  (626) 798-6236.
  
  

Fri., Sept. 2

• Beach Bus to Santa Monica: pickups start at 9 AM. $3. See here for details.
• Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake; front stage, open mic night, starts 8 PM, free; backstage, Conjunto Los Pochos,  (Tex-Mex), 8 PM.  Tickets: $18. Reservations:  (626) 798-6236.

Sat., Sept. 3

• Beach Bus to Santa Monica: pickups start at 9 AM. $3. See here for details.
• Bulgarini Gelato's "Dinner and an Italian Movie" night continues with "Ciao, Professore!" a comedy directed by Lina Wertmuller and produced by media mogul Silvio Berlusconi. For light-hearted Italophiles -- a teacher is sent to work in a town near Naples. His first challenge is to increase attendance, collaring his students one by one from homes, jobs, or delinquent idleness....more info at www.bulgarinigelato.com/movies.html. The film is free and no reservations required. It will begin when it gets dark. Dinner will be offered at 7:30pm - by reservation only - for $13.00. Dinner will include a pasta dish, salad and a drink.  Reservations may be made by Friday (the day before the film) by email at catering@bulgarinigelato.com or by calling (626) 791-6174.
• Sheriff Support Group Summer Concert Series  is going dark this week, but will return next week with the grand finale, The Beach Toys.
• Coffee Gallery Backstage: Taber Shy (R&B-flavored pop/rock). Starts 7 PM, Tickets $15. Reservations:  (626) 798-6236.

Sun., Sept. 4

• Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake; front stage, open mic, free, 8 PM; backstage, OHANA - MAI NA KUPUNA MAI (Hawaiian) shows at 6 and 8 PM, $15. Reservations:  (626) 798-6236.

Mon., Sept. 5

• Labor Day
• Final Beach Bus to Santa Monica for the season: pickups start at 9 AM. $3. See here for details.

 

Found cat at the country club

Reader Elizabeth has found a cat:

Light brown female tiger cat, medium hair, about one year old, found around the tennis courts of the Altadena Country Club on Wednesday night.   Beautiful, friendly cat who loves to purr.  If she belongs to you, please call 626-398-3120.

Authetically local sponsor shout-out

Happy September, and here's out monthly shout-out and thank you to the Altadenablog sponsor team! 

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

Altadenablog wouldn't be here doing what we do without these fine local businesses and organizations supporting us.  Next time you're there, thank them for supporting Altadena's only authentically local news site.

And if you'd like to be on this roster of leading local businesses, and be in the best place to reach your Altadena customers, give us a call at 626-791-5327.