altadenablog

Save the dates: CERT training in January

by Carolyn Seitz

We have dates for a Community Emergency Response Team training for January.  More information will be provided when we have reserved a location.

Here are the dates and times:

Saturday, January 7        8 am to 5 pm

Tuesday, January 10       6:30 to 9:30 pm
Wednesday, January 11   6:30 to 9:30 pm
Thursday, January 12      6:30 to 9:30 pm

Saturday, January 14       8 am to 3:30 pm

Please feel free to share the information with others and let me know if you're planning to participate: cmseitz@mindspring.com

Search and rescue seeking missing hiker

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept. says it's looking for a hiker who's been missing since last night:

Sierra Madre Search and Rescue seeks your help in locating a missing person: 

Matthew Hernandez, 29, Male Hispanic 5'07" 180 pounds 

Last seen: November 19, 2011 6 PM near Chantry Flats located in the Angeles National Forest above Arcadia.  Due to severe weather your help is requested. 

Hernandez was last seen wearing a green shirt, denim vest and black pants. It is possible he hitched a ride from the National Forest to his San Dimas home, but he has not been in contact with his friends or family.

If you have information that can assist in helping safely locate Matthew Hernandez, please call Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department Temple Station 626.285.7171. 

Medieval times and more

Baba the Storyteller weaves a tale at the Pasadena Waldorf School's Elves' Faire Saturday.

by Timothy Rutt

The Pasadena Waldorf School (which is in Altadena) held its 26th annual Elves' Faire at the school campus Friday.  Despite the gloomy weather, spirits were high as music, crafts, food, and fun were enjoyed by people of all ages.  While the faire had a medieval theme, in actuality it was a celebration of different cultures and time periods.  More pictures after the jump.

Victorian Christmas Advent Fair at Westminster Presbyterian Nov. 27

Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1757 N. Lake Ave., will celebrate a Victorian Advent next Sun., Nov. 27, from 2-4:30 PM at Morrison Hall.

Christmas decorations, crafts to make, and Victorian tea time too. Come in Victorian costumes if you like (Costumes are admired but not required). Have a picture taken in a Victorian Christmas scene. We supply the costumes, backdrop and photographer –for free. Why send out the same old Santa pictures this year? Plus make your own Advent wreath, decorate ornaments, and learn about the Victorian language of flowers. Lots of kids crafts too. Fun activities for the whole family. Tea & cakes will be served.

626- 794-7141

www.wpcpas.org

Graphic images from http://antiqueclipart.com/

Altadena Junction: saving the Cobb Estate wasn't "Duck Soup"

Our Valley Sun column is up this morning, recounting the drama of how the Cobb Estate was saved.

Morning jolt

• Five Acres is in dire need of donations for their Thanksgiving food drive.  PSN has the details.
• Our Laura Monteros says she finally has gotten around to emptying out a bag of swag from the Sept. 10 Abundant Harvest festival, and found the key to a Toyota and a remote control -- which somebody probably dropped into her bag by accident.  There's a metal tag on it as well, and the owner probably knows what it says.  If it sounds like yours, send us a line and we'll put you in touch with Laura and maybe your keys. 

Library offers "Holiday for Strings" on Dec. 2

The Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St., will have its annual evening of holiday music on Fri., Dec. 2 at the library community room starting at 7 PM.

Violinist Paul Stein will play holiday favorites, accompanied by pianist Cynthia Williams.

The concert is sponsored by the Altadena Board of Library Trustees and the Friends of the Library.

 

Dog day morning at Santa Rosa Avenue as canines chase, locate suspect

Pictured: Altadena Sheriff Sgt. John Stanley (we think!) with Sam, one of two crime-fighting dogs who got a workout this morning. Photo by Alan Parks.

by Timothy Rutt

As if Paco or Husky didn't send the message loud enough, add two more pups to prove the adage "Don't mess with Altadena's dogs."

That was a message one suspect received late this morning -- twice.

Altadena resident Melody Comfort says that she, her husband, and son heard their dog, Raven, barking and saw a man with a backpack in their Santa Rosa Avenue yard about 11:10 AM this morning.

According to Comfort, the intruder backed away into a prickly holly bush and prickly fern plant as as the dog charged him.  As he tried to free himself, his bag had gotten stuck in the branches, and Comfort said he dumped a handful of items including a screwdriver, wire cutters, and copper couplings and wires, which were later turned over to deputies.

Meanwhile, Comfort's 28-year-old son Patrick Comfort hailed a passing sheriff's car, responding to an earlier call about the same suspect.

According to Comfort, the intruder freed his backpack and tossed it over the wall and tried to follow before she had a chance to let the deputy into the locked yard.  As the suspect jumped the wall, their dog Raven bit down on his pantleg.  

'Raven the rescued dog from the Burbank shelter for 25 bucks," Comfort said.  "She gets steak tonight -- she earned it!"

But the story doesn't end there.  Reader Alan Parks emailed us to say that he and his wife were walking their dog Sam on Mendocino near Santa Rosa at about the same time.  Noting all the police activity in the neighborhood, including a helicopter, they headed south on Santa Anita, and about halfway down the block "Sam started to act funny."  He pulled them on the leash toward a large growth of oleander where they saw a man in a light shirt and dark pants laying face down in the bushes with a bag.  They hailed the deputies, who took the man into custody.

The deputy on duty at the Altadena Sheriff's station told us that this was all part of the same incident.  No information on the suspect was available.  

So when they say Altadena's going to the dogs -- it is.

Webster's Community Pharmacy: an institution becomes new

by Lizze Slocum

There’s a new pharmacy in Altadena and, unlike most new businesses, it can boast a history as a neighborhood institution. This past year has seen the rebirth of Webster’s Pharmacy, as Webster’s Community Pharmacy.

Pictured: Meredith and Michael Miller

The only fresher face will be Webster’s Community Pharmacy after the store gets the face lift that its owners have planned for early next year. Pharmacist Michael Miller and his wife, Meredith, bought Webster’s in December of 2010. Previously, the Millers had owned several pharmacies, including South Pasadena’s Fair Oaks Pharmacy, which they transformed into the vital business it is today during the eighteen years that they owned it.

In Altadena, at Webster’s, the post office will stay in place, and next-door Webster’s Liquors will remain adjacent. No walls will be going up or coming down. Also unchanged is Webster’s heavy emphasis on customer service, so important to the Millers. They have already reinvigorated the store’s gifts department, and stock is growing and expanding “as we learn more about our customers,” according to Meredith Miller. Selling well are bath and body products from makers like Crabtree and Evelyn as well as Caswell Massey. Those who have shopped at the Fair Oaks Pharmacy will recognize a thoughtfully considered section of classic toys and games for sale.

Webster’s Community Pharmacy has also quadrupled its candy section, which includes “retro” candies that make perfect stocking stuffers for kids and adults alike. The store’s newly large selection of greeting cards is part of the endeavor to bring in what people need and actually miss from having the Hallmark store on the block, such as calendars. Fun “retro” gifts are joined on the shelves by on-trend fashion accessories such as purses, scarves and jewelry. The jewelry includes some of Meredith’s own creations from her Poker Chip Gal line, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces made from vintage poker chips: http://www.pokerchipgirl.com

New Pharmacy Services
At its heart, though, the business is a pharmacy, and new pharmacy services available to the community are slated to include flu shots and other walk-in vaccinations. Webster’s Community Pharmacy now accepts most insurance, offers delivery service and sells and rents medical and home health care supplies. Webster’s has also just installed a full-service, state-of-the-art dispensing system to process prescriptions. The automated system’s accuracy and efficiency frees up time for the pharmacist to consult and talk with the patients and customers.

Open House
Today, Nov. 19, Webster’s will host a very special Holiday Open House, and the entire community is invited. Between 2 pm and 7 pm that day, there will be prize drawings, refreshments,discounts on specially selected items, and egg nog at Webster’s Liquors. Read the Open House details at http://websterscommunitypharmacy.wordpress.com

Food Trucks!
Webster’s Community Pharmacy has already made headlines for something that represents a complete change from what everybody used to know Webster’s Pharmacy as: Friday night fancy food trucks. The Millers have just renewed a food truck permit with Los Angeles County, good through the end of 2012. Once a month, on the second Friday and weather permitting, the trucks will roll into the parking lot. Webster’s partner The Rolling Bistros will bring in six food trucks, which will rotate; sponsor Danny’s Farm also brings its mobile petting zoo to Webster’s parking lot on Lake Avenue. (In January, February and March, 2012, the food trucks event will be dark for the winter season.) For these  occasions, Webster’s sets up tables and chairs in the main part of the parking lot.

“The benefit,” says Meredith, “is more about community building than it is about dollar building. We’re in it just to have fun and to provide a community event. I just love seeing everyone having a good time.” The Friday night events have been drawing mostly people from Altadena, whether they are young food truck followers or older people coming with their grandchildren who otherwise might not give such eateries a try.

"We’re enjoying being up here, and we’re excited to get to know people,” says Meredith.

------

Lizze Slocum keeps busy as a writer, editor, and mom.

New parking ordinance takes effect Dec. 7 for large vehicles

by Timothy Rutt

Starting Dec. 7, large trucks and RVs need to mind their manners on Altadena streets.

That's the date a new county ordinance takes effect, where large vehicles parked on the street need to sport a temporary permit or risk being ticketed and towed.

According to Altadena Sheriff spokesman Duane L. Allen, the county Board of Supervisors passed the ordinance Nov. 7 that seeks to reduce the number of "nonconforming vehicles" that are parked on city streets for extended periods.

Noncomforming vehicles are defined as those those more than eight feet wide, seven and a half feet high, or 20 feet in length, with or without a trailer.

Residents of several streets have complained about large vehicles -- some not even owned by a resident -- parked in their neighborhood for days or weeks at a time.  As long as it was moved every three days to avoid a ticket, there was little local law enforcement could do.

Under the new ordinance, any vehicle parked on the street between the hours of 1 AM - 8 AM without a valid permit is subject to ticketing, and, says Allen, is "instantly towable."

Allen said permits are free, and are issued at the Altadena Sheriff's Station.  The permits allow a nonconforming vehicle to be parked on the street for no more than two consecutive 24 hour periods, and no more than three permits within any three month period will be issued for any one nonconforming vehicle.

Permits will be issued at the station, 780 E. Altadena Dr., between 10 AM-6 PM.  Emergency permits may be obtained by calling the station at 798-1131 for assistance.

 

It's Semester at Sea for Altadenan Kevin Healy this fall

University of San Diego student Kevin Healy of Altadena is participating in the Semester at Sea program this fall.

The program provides a once-in-a-lifetime chance to investigate eight to 12 countries in a single semester, learn from leading faculty and international experts, perform service work in local communities, explore the world's most fascinating sites, earn a full semester's credit and support a nonprofit organization that's been leading global comparative education for nearly 50 years.

USD is ranked first in the nation for the percentage of undergraduate students studying abroad, according to the Institute of International Education's latest Open Doors Report. More than 71 percent of all USD undergraduate students study abroad.

Healy is majoring in computer science and plans to graduate in the spring 2013.

The University of San Diego is a Catholic institution of higher learning chartered in 1949; the school enrolls some 7,800 undergraduate and graduate students and is known for its commitment to teaching, the liberal arts, the formation of values and community service. The fall 2007 establishment of the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies brings the University's total number of schools and colleges to six. Other academic divisions include the College of Arts and Sciences and the schools of Business Administration, Leadership and Education Sciences, Law and Nursing and Health Sciences.

 

Keeping an eye out in the neighborhood

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Town Council honored Altadena's Neighborhood Watch groups at this week's meeting.  Chair Sandra Thomas and councilman Okorie Ezieme (both at the podium) passed out proclamations to the leaders of several Neighborhood Watch groups that attended.

Fences, Arroyo Pacific, street lights discussed at town council this week

by Timothy Rutt

Not much action, but lots of information items at Tuesday night’s town council meeting:

Taking the of-fence-ive:  The latest code-bombing target: there are over 1,500 front yard fences in Altadena that are more than three and a half feet high and violate county codes, and it was determined that the majority of them were not legally permitted.  The solution for homeowners: remove them, or apply for a conditional use permit.  Cost: more than $8,000 -- more than the fence.

Town council chair Sandra Thomas shared a letter from Supervisor Micheal D. Antonovich giving this information to the council.  Antonovich has asked regional planning authorities to hold off enforcing this regulation until an invesigation is done.  Right now, Thomas said, there’s nothing to do about it.  The county has hired a consultant to work to update the community stndards district that covers Altadena, so it’s now a waiting game to see what will happen.

Arroyo Pacific, again: The Arroyo Pacific Academy -- the Arcadia private school that wants to open a campus on Palm Street, over strong neighborhood opposition -- was asking for a second bite of the apple.  The Altadena Land Use Committee and Town Councl both turned down APA President Philip Clarke’s request to open a second campus on Palm earlier this year.  Clarke requested a joint meeting of the Land Use Committee and the Council to clear up misconceptions about the project and discuss proposed changes to the project as originally submitted.  Thomas said that over 300 letters had come in on the issue in the past few days on the project.

The council said that they were willing to listen, but opted not to call a special joint meeting -- they want the school to follow the regular procedure which people are familiar with: land use, then council.

Street light improvement district: There will be a community planning meeting at the Altadena Community Center on Dec. 7 to talk about a proposed street lighting project (replacing lights) in several eastern neighborhoods. 

 

Morning jolt

• The next meeting of the Hahamongna Watershed Park Advisory Committee has been rescheduled from Tues., Nov. 22 to Tues., Nov. 29 at 6 PM at the Pasadena City Yards, 233 W. Mountain Street, Pasadena, second floor Training Room.
• LA Weekly offers a not-really-family-friendly review of last week's Limerick Festival at the Altadena Ale & Wine House.

Help make Bright Futures Scholars' holiday bright

from Dr. Sandra Thomas,
Quality of Life Center

Dear Bright Future Scholars Mentors, Donors, Partners, Sponsors, and Parents.

As you know the Holiday Season is quickly approaching. We have more than 250 brilliant and gifted young academic achievers in the Bright Future Scholars Program this year. The December 3, 2011 meeting will also be the Christmas Celebration for these outstanding youth.

We want to make it special and a joyous time that they will always remember; therefore we are soliciting your help. If you have any teen-appropriate items that you are willing to donate we will make them “special holiday gifts” and incorporate them into our December Leadership Development Session. If you don’t have items available, any financial contribution that you provide will be used to purchase gifts for the students. All contributions are tax-deductible and may be sent to the Quality of Life Center, Inc., 3544 Canon Boulevard, Room M101, Altadena, CA 91001. Please make checks payable to the Quality of Life Center, Inc. and note, “Bright Future Scholars” on the “memo” line. Since time is of essence, let us know immediately if you will assist and we will make the necessary arrangements to collect your donations and/or to purchase a special gift for the students on your behalf.

As always your contributions, as well as all you do for the Quality of Life Center Inc., Bright Future Scholars Leadership Development Program is greatly appreciated. We wouldn’t be able to do what we do for our scholars if it weren’t for the generous contributions that you so freely give. If further information is needed contact Greg Middleton: (626) 798-5433 at the Center. The Quality of Life Center Inc., boards and staff wish you and yours a Happy and Bountiful Holiday Season!

 

Alternative Christmas Market at Altadena Community Church Sun.

Altadena Community Church celebrates Alternative Christmas at 11:30 AM this Sunday, Nov. 20, in the upper fellowship hall.  Join the congregation for a vegetarian Italian lunch (free-will offering).  Then, shop for cards representing your gifts to Bread for the World (advocacy), Heifer International (livestock and training to families worldwide), For His Children (homes for abandoned children in Ecuador), Peppermint Ridge (giving care and support to developmentally disabled adults), the Friends Outside Toy Drive (gifts for children with a parent in prison), or Pasadena's own Union Station Homeless Services.  There will also be a selection of fair-trade gift items from Ten Thousand Villages.

Altadena Community Church, United Church of Christ, is just east of Lake Ave., on the north side of Altadena Drive (943 E. Altadena Drive).  Sunday worship begins at 10 a.m.  For more information, call 626-798-1185.

 

Shop 10,000 Villages and support the Peace and Justice Academy

from the Peace and Justice Academy

From Nov. 20 to Dec. 4 shoppers at 10,000 Villages (http://pasadena.tenthousandvillages.com) can support fair trade practices and artisans from around the world and The Peace & Justice Academy.  They will find something for everyone on their list.  During this time, if you show the flier or mention The Peace & Justice Academy, 15% of the purchase will be donated to our General Fund.

 

Ten Thousand Villages at 567 S. Lake Ave. in Pasadena, is a fair trade retailer of artisan-crafted home decor, personal accessories and gift items from across the globe. Featuring products from more than 130 artisan groups in some 38 countries, we are part of a network of over 390 retail outlets throughout the United States selling Ten Thousand Villages products.

It's a rare three-fer: Supporting the local 10,000 Villages owners, supporting The Peace & Justice Academy and supporting free trade artisans from around the world. Talk about a Merry Christmas!

 

More suspicious behavior reported

by Carolyn Seitz

Here's another experience being shared, not of a break-in, but very likely another of the many excuses being used by criminals to gain entry into your home. The incident below was shared by the Braewatch Group:

Neighbors - minutes ago a man appeared at the back door of a home at Tanoble and Mendocino. When confronted he claimed that he lived on Homewood and that his mother "Judy" directed him to practice public speaking at local homes. The then left the property. The resident called the sheriff.

The intruder's excuse is a variation on a story commonly used by burglars when encountering residents in the process of approaching a home to break in. They will knock, then immediately enter if there is no answer.

I do not yet have a description or any other information.  Please keep an eye out for suspicious people, and immediately contact the Sheriff at 626 798 1131 in the event that anyone enters your property, most especially the side or rear areas of your home.

The Sheriff's Department is still certain that many of these burglaries are being committed by gang members. It would be good to note that not all gang members wear clothing representative of their particular gang affiliation, or baggy clothing and have multiple visible tattoos. Many are college educated and have learned to dress very conservatively.

Explore PUSD's Mandarin immersion program Tuesday night

There will be a Mandarin Dual Language Immersion Program Information Night on Tues., Nov. 22 at the Field Elementary School cafeteria, 3600 Sierra Madre Blvd., Pasadena, from 6-7 PM.  The program includes:

• What is Dual Language Immersion?
• Open Enrollment process for Dual Language Immersion Programs in PUSD
• Meet current MDLIP parents

Child care will be provided. RSVP to mdlippasadena@gmail.com

Also,the Pasadena Education Network is hosting "Navigating Open Enrollment" on Tues.,  Nov. 29 at the Pasadena Central Library at 7 PM. This is a great opportunity to learn more about PUSD's enrollment system.

Open enrollment is January 11 - February 1, 2012. This year, the language immersion programs will participate in open enrollment. They will not have their own enrollment periods like they have in the past.

"A Taste of Burgundy" at the Ale & Wine House Sunday

Gail Casburn at the (Altadenablog sponsor) Altadena Ale & Wine House, 2329 N. Fair Oaks Ave., will hold another wine tasting this Sun., Nov. 20, from 5-7 PM.  The price for the "Taste of Burgundy" is $25 per person, includes imported cheeses and baguette.  The menu is below (and the prices are per bottle to go).

Resident reports attempted burglary incident

by Carolyn Seitz

The information below is being shared by an Altadena resident in the hope that it will give all of us an opportunity to check our own security measures and vulnerabilities or otherwise see an opportunity to be a vigilant.

You'll note that the person sharing the information did call the Station to report the incident.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Today [Wednesday] between the hours of 2:30 PM and 4:45 PM someone tried to enter our home via an East facing window, towards the rear of our home. They had removed the screen but did not gain entry. 

They did succeed in entering our unattached garage through the side door and have stolen a Ruckus scooter, motorcycle gloves and helmet. Our barking dog must not have been much of a deterrent and there is evidence that they had thrown a brick at him. Thankfully our dog seems fine. 

Soon after noticing the screen having been removed I went next door to our West neighbor. She hadn't noticed anything and hadn't heard our dog barking. 

As I was leaving her home to return to mine a black twenty-something young man starting quickly walking up her walkway. I was startled yet he turned right around upon seeing me and quickly walked ahead of me towards the street, turning East before running away. 

My neighbor has no idea who this person is and was not expecting anyone, he had no business there.

We are crossing the T's and dotting the I's to our home security and will now be home for the Thanksgiving holiday. Please be vigilant and lock up.

Sheriff Deputy Ortiz was very helpful and will return tomorrow to dust the screen and window for prints.

 

Weekendin': elves, vampires, Transylvanians, and folk musicians, oh my!

There's just a LOT going on this weekend ... and keep coming back as we refresh!

Thurs., Nov. 17

• Twi-Hards: Do you know your Twilight trivia?  Come to the Altadena Library at 4 PM, test your knowledge, and see how you sparkle.  The program, especially for teens ages 12-17, has some awesome prizes for winners.  Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. 
• Year-end tax information and mixer:  The Altadena Chamber of Commerce presents CPA and small business specialist W. Elizabeth Watts  the Altadena Chamber of Commerce mixer from 5:30-7:30 PM at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr. Watts will speak on year-end tax planning for your business.Bring a raffle prize and receive a 30 second commercial to promote your business (or just to be, you know, nice!)
  Admission for chamber members is $5,  guests is $7. 
• Vintage Car Night at the Altadena Ale & Wine House, 2329 N. Fair Oaks Ave.  starting at 6:30 PM. Cruise on by!
• Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake:  backstage, Roland White Band (bluegrass), 8 PM, $20. Reservations:  (626) 798-6236.  

Fri., Nov. 18

• Fun Flick Friday: November's  offering at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St., is "Cars 2," rated G. Star racecar Lightning McQueen, and the incomparable tow truck, Mater, take their friendship to exciting new places when they head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix to determine the world’s fastest car.  Free, starts 3:30 PM.
• Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake.  Front stage, open mic, 8 PM, free; Backstage, Evan J. Marshall & Scott Gates (mandolin virtuosos), 8 PM, $15. Reservations:  (626) 798-6236.

Sat., Nov. 19

• Christmas Tree Lane Lights Up goes from 9 AM-noon. In the morning you will be greeted with donuts, coffee and hot chocolate and after 12:00 lunch will be served. If you are bringing a group of more than 5 on any weekend and plan to stay and have lunch, PLEASE call (626) 403-1123 so that we will have enough food for everyone.
• Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy Hiking Series: Learn about birds of the local foothills with Kathi Ellsworth of the Pasadena Audubon Society. Among bird species that have been observed in the local area are the red-shouldered and red-tailed hawk, the merlin, the wrentit, the northern mockingbird, the California thrasher, the California quail and the mourning dove. Remember to bring binoculars! Meet: E. Loma Alta Drive and Camp Huntington Road, Altadena Trail Description: About a mile each way with a 500 foot elevation gain.  Free, starts 9 AM.
• The Market at St. Elizabeth's Parish School, 1840 N. Lake Ave., 10 AM-3 PM. The day will include a variety of vendors with Handmade Crafts, Caramel Apples, Kettle Corn, Face Painting, Food, and a Kids’ Corner with creative activities for the kids.  The intention is to celebrate the creative spirit by supporting the work of human hands.
• Elves' Faire at the Pasadena Waldorf School, 209 E. Mariposa, Altadena, 10 AM-4 PM. In a medieval setting and atmosphere, elves and minstrels abound, enlivening a full day of merriment, games, craft making, entertainment, feasting, music, characters, plays, puppet shows, and fantastic holiday shopping.  The Elves’ Faire is also known as a zero-waste event, utilizing compostable  tableware, composting all food scraps, and featuring free water to those who bring their own cup. www.elves-faire.com
• Ceramic Art Fair and Sale at Xiem Clay Center, 1563 N. Lake Ave., from 10:30 AM-4:30 PM. (Remember to turn wheels to curb when parking on Lake Avenue to avoid a ticket!
• Holiday Open House at Webster's Community Pharmacy and Webster's Liquors, 2450 N. Lake Ave., 2-7 PM.  There will be prize drawings, refreshments, and 20 percent off gift and holiday items and selected wines and liquors.
• Explore Beaujolais Nouveau at Webster's Fine Stationers with OddBallGrape.com's Anne Bannon, starting at 4 PM.  Prior to the wine tasting, HomeBody Botanical's Marcia Copess will be in store to share her holistic, totally natural and hyper-local line of skin, body and home care products - come prepared to ask questions and sample her line! 2450 N. Lake Ave.
• Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake: Backstage, Claudia Russell and the Folk Unlimited Orchestra, Jill Freeman, and Katie Dahl,  7 PM, $18. Reservations:  (626) 798-6236.
• Rhumba and Flamenco Music Night at the Altadena Ale & Wine House, 2329 N. Fair Oaks Ave., 8:30-11:30 PM.

Sun., Nov. 20

• Christmas Tree Lane Lights Up continues, 9-noon, see Saturday for details.
• Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake: Backstage matinee, Taraful Usturoi (The Garlic Band), Transylvanian folk, $15, 3 PM; Backstage evening, Folding Mr. Lincoln (folk, acoustic, Americana), 7 PM, $15;  front stage, open mic, 8 PM, free. Reservations:  (626) 798-6236.

 

Community Garden plans meeting to revitalize street corner

The Altadena Community Garden is holding a community meeting about plants that aren't even IN the garden.

The "Community Garden Corner Revitalization Project" will redesign and reinvigorate the plants in front of the actual garden at the corner of Palm Street and Lincoln Avenue.  The meeting will be at the Loma Alta Park Community Center, 3330 N. Lincoln Ave., at 6 PM on Tues., Dec. 6.

 

 

Business warned about fire inspection scams

by Timothy Rutt

The Los Angeles County District Attorney has issued a consumer alert that there are scam artists claiming to be fire inspectors making a play in the area.

The scam is, according to Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley, is that the phony "inspectors" trick employees into signing documents that are used to bill the business owner.  Actual fire inspections are conducted by local fire departments, which do not charge fees, Cooley noted.

The District Attorney, in a Consumer Alert, advised businesses and their employees to be on the lookout for the phony inspectors who claim to be inspecting fire extinguishers, smoke alarms or sprinkle systems. 

Those who suspect suspicious activity were urged to contact local law enforcement or fire departments, or the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s Public Affairs Section at (323) 881-2411. 

Case against boot camp operator delayed

by Bill Kisliuk
Pasadena Sun

The criminal case against the operator of a Pasadena boot camp for at-risk youth was delayed for at least a month at a brief hearing Wednesday.

Kelvin McFarland of Family First Growth Camp, who faces kidnapping and other charges related to his dealings with a juvenile client and her family earlier this year, waived his right to a speedy trial. Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Teri Schwartz set a Dec. 14 hearing to plan the trial date.

Evan Dicker, a member of the Los Angeles County Alternate Public Defender’s office who is representing McFarland, said the trial would likely begin within 30 days after the Dec. 14 hearing.

Outside the courtroom, McFarland and Elpidio Estolas, who also works with Family First, said the agency continues to work with at-risk youth and that members will be feeding homeless people this weekend at Pasadena's Central Park. McFarland said the agency has served more than 1,300 meals this year.

McFarland, along with Keith Gibbs, a former Altadena town councilman who is another boot camp operator,  is also facing scrutiny because of his possible role in using aggressive boot camp tactics in a 2009 incident. Pasadena police are looking into the case for child abuse charges after viewing videos showing boot camp operators forcing teens to drink water to excess and yelling at a boy from point-blank range as he is forced to wear a tire around his neck.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

 

JPL honors Muir High's winning solar boat

John Muir High student Rodrigo Lagoretta, right, talks to JPL division manger Willis Chapman on Monday, November 14, 2011, about the power source on a solar boat students built that won a regional competition earlier this year. (Roger Wilson/Pasadena Sun)

by Joe Piasecki
Pasadena Sun

A team of John Muir High School students who built and raced an award-winning solar-powered boat visited Jet Propulsion Laboratory on Monday to talk shop with scientists and engineers.

Muir’s Solar Boat Club won first place in May at the annual high-school Solar Cup competition in Temecula, sponsored by the Metropolitan Water District.

The Muir team’s 16-foot wooden watercraft utilizes four solar panels to charge batteries that power an electric motor. Constructed with the help of JPL and Caltech volunteers, the single-occupant vessel reached speeds of about 15 miles-per-hour, besting craft created by dozens of other high school teams from throughout Southern California.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

 

Chamber looking for citizen, business of the year; nominations close Nov. 30

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Chamber of Commerce has opened nominations for Citizen of the Year, and has added a new award: Business of the Year.

Committee chair Rose West, owner of Curves Altadena (Altadenablog sponsor) says that "The criteria are fairly similar.  As a business organization, we felt it was important to add Businesses and Organizations that make a difference for all businesses in Altadena to this list of honorees."

The chamber will accept nominations until Nov. 30, and will determine the winner on Dec. 2.

 

Altadena flag vote ends midnight Friday

Pictured: the not-entirely-serious Tim Dundon flag

by Timothy Rutt

There's still time to vote for a flag for Altadena, but you'd better move quickly.

Town council chair Sandra Thomas said at Tuesday's meeting that voting would end at midnight Friday, Nov. 18, and the results would be sent to the town council Saturday morning.  You can see all 13 serious candidates and vote for your favorite at the town council website.

(We're also interested in looking at your creations: send us a graphic at altadenablog@gmail.com.)

Resource fair draws a crowd looking for a new start

by Timothy Rutt

There was steady attendence at Wednesday's resource fair, with many agencies and organizations that work with people who are trying to get past a troubled life.

The event was co-sponsored by the Altadena Sheriff's Station Clergy Council.  The event was held at 2161 N. Summit Ave., at Woodbury Road, a building that is shared by four churches: Zion Star Missionary Baptist Church, Restaura Zion, Greater New Guide Baptist Church, and Tabernaclo de Dios Linage de David.

According to Pastor John B. Bledsoe of Zion Star, the churches were working with the sheriff's station, which has targeted the area bounded by Woodbury, Sacramento, Marengo, and Summit for special attention due to the amount of crime and gang activity that originates there. Twenty-one vendors were involved, offering everything from tattoo removal to HIV/AIDS testing, job education and training, and expunging criminal records.  

 

Altadena Arts Council silent auction and open house Dec. 10

The Altadena Community Arts Center (ACAC) will hold its first Silent Auction and Open House on Sat., Dec. 10, from 2-4:30 PM.

Proceeds from the event will be dedicated towards supporting the center’s programs, art supplies requirements as well other start-up and operational requirements. There will also be a raffle to win one of two framed and signed limited edition prints by a nationally-reknowned artist.

The list of artists contributing works to the event includes Kent Twitchell, John Outterbridge, Dale Davis, La Monte Westmoreland, Ben Sakoguchi, Michael Chukes, Michael Messenberg, Oliver Nowlin, Raoul Del La Sota, Ian White, Aldonia Bailey, Laddie John Dill, Olga Seem, Richard Wyatt, Timothy Washington, Mark Steven Greenfield, Joe Sims, Dale E. LaCasella, Bernard Hoyes, John Martin and many others.

“We are very excited about this event and the fantastic support received from the many accomplished artists who are lending their support. It’s going to be a veritable art lovers’ feast”, said Mary Ann Stevenson, ACAC Executive Director.  

In addition to the silent auction, the Community Arts Center will host an open house and tour of its facilities  and will provide an overview of its plans to establish the center over time as the “go-to” location in Altadena for the development of artists, for workshops and classes for young people and adults and for exhibits and special events. Attendees at the event will also be offered the opportunity to be the very first members of the public to be issued an attractively designed Altadena Community Arts Center Founding Membership Card, that will only be available for a limited time.

The Altadena Community Arts Center is located on the grounds of the Loma Alta School Center. Access to the Center is on North Loma Alta, near North Marengo, through the parking lot  entrance. For more information, visit www.altadenaartscouncil.org or call 626-797-5798.

 

May be a tight squeeze on Canyon Crest today

Reader Sloane Mann in the Meadows says there will be filming for "The Mentalist" on their property, so getting through Canyon Crest may be a challenge at times -- fair warning!

Police blotter: handbags and jewelry

Several break-ins this week where jewelry, watches, and expensive handbags have gone missing.  Crime report by Lt. Duane D. Allen of the Altadena Sheriff's Station:

Fri., Nov. 4

Between 5:00 PM and 3:30 PM, Saturday – A residential burglary occurred in the 600 block of W. Altadena Drive. Suspect(s) entered the residence via the unlocked front door. Loss: black/gold Chanel shoulder bag, brown/black Gucci handbag, brown/tan Louis Vuitton satchel, brown/tan Louis Vuitton medium handbag, brown/tan Louis Vuitton small handbag, brown Louis Vuitton drawstring bucket handbag.

Mon., Nov. 7

 Between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM – An attempted burglary occurred in the 2900 block of N. Glenrose Avenue. Suspect(s) attempted to enter the residence by removing the window screen. The residence is equipped with a burglar alarm which possibly alerted the suspect(s). No entry was made.

Between 9:30 AM and 1:30 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 200 block of Acacia St. Suspect(s)entered the residence by removing the window screen and pried open the bathroom window. Loss: none.

Between 11:00 AM and 7:15 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1200 block of N. Craig Avenue. Suspect(s) entered the residence via the rear door. Loss: burgundy Dell 14” laptop, silver necklace  with diamond “M” pendant, white gold solitaire engagement ring, white gold wedding band with six  diamonds.

Between 12:20 PM and 12:25 PM – A grand theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 1700 block of E. Sonoma Drive. Loss: (2) orange/black Echo leaf blowers.

Tues., Nov. 8

 Between 9:30 AM and 11:15 AM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1600 block of E. Mendocino Street. Suspect(s) entered the residence by removing the window. Loss: gold with diamonds Raymond Wheel watch, gold Raymond Wheel watch, blue/white jewelry box, pearl necklace. Suspect(s) initially tried to enter the residence by removing the air conditioning brackets.

Wed., Nov. 10

Between 5:00 PM and 10:00 AM – A petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 3200 block of Mount Curve Av. Loss: gray satellite radio.

 

Morning jolt

• Power: Gloria Feldt writes about women and power, and her latest blog entry is a good one for that: the writing/ fighting/ acting/ baking Altadena powerhouse Ellen Snortland.
• Foodcrafters:   the L.A. County Master Food Preservers program is holding a fundraiser Dec. 4 at the Homegirl Cafe in Chinatown: "Gifts for the Holidays." An afternoon of foodcrafting: food ornaments, liqueurs, gourmet mustards, and more will be demonstrated, and there are refreshments, too.  Cost is $45, reservations are required, and the LA Times has more information here.  Proceeds benefit the Master Food Preservers program in support of volunteer community education.
• Forks News: Bob Stane writes us that five tons (yes, TONS) of food was collected at last weekend's "Put a Fork in Hunger" food drive at the Fork in the Road in Pasadena.  Next: "Bury the Fork in Toys" toy drive, which will be on Dec. 10-11.  More as it develops.

 

The Panther Gremlins play for the championship Saturday

The Pasadena Panther Gremlin Youth Tackle football team is going on to its conference championship game Saturday, Panther dad Adam Bell emails us.

The Pasadena Panther Gremlins are 8-10 year olds, and 80 percent of them are from Altadena.

They will play the East LA Bobcats for the San Gabriel Valley Junior All American Football Conference Championship this Sat., Nov. 19, at 10 AM at Mountain View High School,  2900 Parkway Dr. in El Monte.

Both undefeated teams are two of 28 cities in the conference.  Bell tells us:

Come out and show them some support.  They need a strong cheering section.  Entry to the game is only $3.   The Pasadena Panthers Youth Football and Cheerleading program and its dedicated volunteers have been serving the youth of Altadena and Pasadena for over 20 years.  Altadena resident Ryan Graves is the President.

 

Scissors Paper Rock Salon starts holiday gift drive to benefit URDC

Scissors Paper Rock Salon (Altadenablog sponsor) has started its annual Holiday Gift Drive benefiting URDC Human Services Programs of Pasadena. Donate any new gift item suitable for woman (any age) or youth (ages 12-18 in great need). Monetary gifts or gift cards also appreciated.  Contributors will be entered into a raffle with a chance to win prizes.

The salon also has a new manicurist:  Ana brings 30 years' experience offering manicures, pedicures, &  now gel polish manicures. on Tuesdays, Fridays & Saturdays (please call for appointment)

Scissors Paper Rock Salon is at 1864 N. Allen Ave., phone 626-825-1846.

 

BREAKING: Mountain lion spotted tonight, Chaney Trail/Alzada Road

Altadena Sheriff's Deputy James Matsuoka emails us that a "a full grown mountain lion" was spotted around dusk tonight (Wed., Nov. 16) in the area of Chaney Trail and Alzada road.  Anyone walking their dog alone near dawn or dusk need to be extra careful and walk in groups.  He also says that "pet owners who normally leave their dogs and/or cats out after dark may want to bring them inside for their safety."

 

Lots of running around today ....

... and we'll try to get some stuff up later tonight, and there'll be lots more tomorow!

Resource fair today, 10 AM - 2 PM

The New Guide Baptist Church, 2162 N. Summit Ave., (corner Summit and Woodbury) is hosting a "Neighborhood Resource and Opportunity Fair" today, from 10 AM-2 PM.

The fair will provide resources and referrals for tattoo removal, job skills development, health screenings and testing, GED or high school completion, substance abuse services, educational and vocational training, and much more.

Sheriff food and toy drive now underway

by Carolyn Seitz

As you know, the Sheriff's Department does an annual food and toy drive.  

Because the economy is still having an adverse impact on many Altadena families, we are planning to provide food and toys for 250 families this year.  Last year we served 200.

Our efforts rely on the generosity of the community and Altadena has historically been very generous.

Here are some options for donating:

• You can drop off non-perishable food or toys at the Altadena Sheriff's Station, 780 E. Altadena Dr.  You can also drop off cash or checks payable to "Altadena Station Fund" at the Station.
• You can drop off non-perishable food at the Bank of America or Chase Bank on Lake Avenue and at the Altadena Library until December 3rd.
• Some neighborhoods will also be organizing themselves to collect toys and non-perishable food.  If your neighborhood is interested, please let me know.  We'd be happy to arrange pickup.

One of the things that few people know is that the Altadena Sheriff's Deputies also feed hungry families out of their own pockets on Thanksgiving.  If you would like to help them, all donations of cash or checks would be welcome at the Altadena Station over the next week to 9 days.  

Many Altadena families are in dire straits and any contribution to help us take care of them would be dearly appreciated.

-----

Carolyn Seitz is a community volunteer and Altadena Chamber Citizen of the Year.

Institute of Domestic Technology does foodcrafting at Los Feliz Sat.

The Institute of Domestic Technology goes off-campus this Sat., Nov. 19, with "Foodcrafting 101" at the Atwater Crossing Arts Complex near Los Feliz:

This full-day, hands-on workshop will prepare you to start making your own artisinal bread, pickles, jam and mustards from scratch. Your d.i.y. ambassadors/instructors will be some of the city’s finest food crafters. The workshop includes four, 1-hour foodcrafting sessions a catered lunch and continental breakfast. Each participant will be sent home with a sample of bread made in class, a jar of fruit preserves, a container of mustard, a jar of chipotle pickled carrots and a custom instruction manual with recipes and resource guide.

The Institute will be back at the Zane Grey Estate on Sat., Dec. 3, for a course in "cocktail crafting" with Joshua McIver, the director of "mixology" at Palate Food and Wine.  Followed by cocktails, of course.  6-8 PM.

Reservations and more details at the website.

 

The Colossus of Roads (and the Fork therein)

"The NEWEST Colossus"

from gloriana casey

In New York Harbor, there she stands,
Statue of Liberty.
And yet-- on Pasadena streets,
COLOSSUS new, you'll see.

FORK IN THE ROAD--this public art,
homage to language true.
Both literal and figurative!
What friendship fine can do!

Bob Starnes now has a monument
for humor so exact.
Cemented for posterity
from friends in loving act.

Morning jolt

• Sid Gally's history piece in PSN this week is about TSC Lowe's Echo Mountain House, and its ignomious fall 111 years ago.
• The Book Lover at the Wall Street Journal has some good links and resources for people who use libraries (as opposed to buying books outright), and gives some love to Michelle Huneven's "Blame." 

Using All the Colors: journey of faith across the years and continents

by Laura Monteros

Not all spiritual journeys are spiritual.  Sometimes they take the pregnant wife of a missionary across the frozen tundra of Alaska in a dogsled, turn a teenager into a seagoing cowboy, land a retired minister on the stage at Carnegie Hall, encounter an angry Taliban commander in Kabul, or reveal the wealth of diversity on Los Angeles trains.

Using All the Colors is a vibrant collection of stories and recollections from more than two dozen authors who have shared their experiences in a weekly writing group at Monte Vista Grove Homes in Pasadena, California.  The collection is edited by the writing group’s facilitator, Anna Walker.

Monte Vista Grove is a community of mostly Presbyterian retired church workers who have lived on six continents and served as pastors, missionaries, executives, and support workers.  They bring a wealth of experiences to the class, and now share them with a broader audience in the release of Using All the Colors.  

Told with rare humility and grace, the stories are historical, philosophical, humorous, personal, and at times theological, but never preachy.  They resonate with the joys and fears we all have as human beings, offering a hand in friendship to the reader.

Missing cat: Dino, Fair Oaks/Loma Alta

Carissa writes that she's missing her kitty:

My cat, Dino, is a lean, short-haired, white kitty with black spots.  He is very fast and very clever and has been missing from our home on Fair Oaks near Loma Alta since Friday, Nov, 11th.  Dino is an indoor/outdoor cat who wanders during the day and always sleeps at home each night.  Any news is greatly appreciated.  626-808-2483 or revcarissa@gmail.com.

The Webster's stores ring in the holidays Saturday

by Timothy Rutt

The Webster's companies are getting a jump on the holidays, with an open house and a wine pairing at the different stores on Saturday, Nov. 19.

Webster's Community Pharmacy (Altadenablog sponsor) and Webster's Liquors will hold a Holiday Open House from 2-7 PM.

There will be prize drawings, refreshments, and 20 percent off gift and holiday items and selected wines and liquors.

Meanwhile, next door, Webster's Fine Stationers (Altadenablog sponsor) will host OddBallGrape.com's Anne Bannon as she takes you a journey to France to discover the nuances of Beaujolais Nouveau and its history. Tast this delightful wine, which is best served chilled, with a roster of holiday specialties. Don't miss this very special pairing - the fun starts at 4 PM! Prior to the wine tasting, HomeBody Botanical's Marcia Copess will be in store to share her holistic, totally natural and hyper-local line of skin, body and home care products - come prepared to ask questions and sample her line!

Beaujolais has its own romance, Webster's says:

At one past midnight on the third Thursday of each November, from little villages and towns like Romanèche-Thorins, over a million cases of Beaujolais Nouveau begin their journey through a sleeping France to Paris for immediate shipment to all parts of the world. Banners proclaim the good news: Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrivé! "The New Beaujolais has arrived!" One of the most frivolous and animated rituals in the wine world has begun!

By the time it is over, over 65 million bottles, nearly half of the region's total annual production, will be distributed and drunk around the world. It has become a worldwide race to be the first to serve to this new wine of the harvest. In doing so, it has been carried by motorcycle, balloon, truck, helicopter, Concorde jet, elephant, runners and rickshaws to get it to its final destination. It is amazing to realize that just weeks before this wine was a cluster of grapes in a growers vineyard. But by an expeditious harvest, a rapid fermentation, and a speedy bottling, all is ready at the midnight hour. By French law, Beaujolais Nouveau is to be released no earlier than the third Thursday of November.

The Webster's stores are at 2450 N. Lake Ave.

 

Ibarionex Perello offers photography workshops UPDATE: with better discount!

by Timothy Rutt

Altadena photographer Ibarionex Perello, whom we've featured in these pages, is holding a three hour photography workshop, an accessible and hands-on approach to understand and master the fundamentals of photography, and help beginning and intermediate photographers to see and use light.

You can register for his "Digital DSLR Boot Camp" through his Candid Frame website page -- normally $129, it includes coupon codes that will save you $50, for a total cost of $79 for hands-on instruction -- quite a deal!  Workshops will be held Nov. 19, Dec. 3, and Dec. 10.

UPDATE (with a better discount): If you go to the candid frame website, click on "Workshops and Seminars" to enroll in the Nov. 19 class -- and, says Cynthia Perello, use the code "perellovip" to get $79 off (which means it only costs $50 to attend this workshop, a $79 discount!)  There are only ten slots left, so sign up now!

Jesus is my homeboy

by Timothy Rutt

Father Greg Boyle, executive director of Homeboy Industries preaches Sunday at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Altadena.  Homeboy Industries helps gang-involved and at-risk youth through education, training, and job training.  Homeboy also runs a variety of businesses, from printing plants through catering to teach job skills to gang-involved youth.  Boyle talked about his experiences serving in hard-core gang areas, and the triumphs and tragedies of his work.

 

Town council looks at general plan, bike boulevard, street lighting improvments

by Timothy Rutt

A revised community general plan, street lighting improvements, and a presentation about the planned "bike boulevard" through Altadena are all on the docket at tomorrow's Altadena Town Council meeting.

The council is also planning on recognizing all Neighborhood Watch groups for their contributions to the town.

The Altadena Town Council meets Tuesday at 7 PM at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.

And in the Sunday Times ... Altadena!

It's an Altadena kind of day in the California section of today's LA Times:

• Ricardo Lopez has a piece about beleaguered "Sgt. Mac" McFarland and his boot camp woes, taking a side trip into the troubles of "Sarge" Keith Gibbs;
• Teresa Watanabe looks at the Educate Our State training in Los Angeles this weekend, quoting Altadena education activist Cushon Bell at the very end;
• And Matt Stevens has a piece on the renewed Fork in the Road. (We consider "Fork Plaza" where it lives to be a colony of Altadena inside Pasadena).

 

Altadena Junction: priming the pump for the holidays

by Timothy Rutt

Our column is up at the Valley Sun -- who knew the holidays were so close at hand?