altadenablog

Bobcat, Crescent Drive at Bowring

Reader Doris Finch sent this picture of the backside of a wild tabby who was going through her yard this morning, last seen heading through the backyards on the west side of Bowring.

Ale House offers one last chance to contribute toys for the sheriff's toy drive

by Timothy Rutt

Even though the Altadena Sheriff's Food and Toy Drive ended with distribution Saturday, there's still a need for toys for needy children.  Gail Casburn of the Altadena Ale & Wine House, 2329 N. Fair Oaks Ave., says she will be taking toys for the Sheriff's Station for last-minute distribution, or for you procrastinators out there.  Toys should be delivered to the Ale House tonight for a Wednesday morning pickup.  The Ale House opens at 5 PM today.

 

Crime reductions continue; say safe through the holidays

by Carolyn Seitz
cmseitz@mindspring.com

Below you'll find three pages of crime statistics most of you are now accustomed to seeing.  The first is the page that shows you how Altadena Station's stats compared to all of the other areas served by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for the first 11 months of 2011, and for purposes of comparison, how our current crime rates vary from 2006 and 2010.  The second page shows you a breakdown of all Part I crimes for Altadena for 2006, 2010 and the current year, through November 30, 2011, and the third pages shows you the crime stats for the same period for both Part I crime and Property crimes.

Those of you who have been reading these stats for a year or so were aware that for the period of time which began toward the end of 2010 and continuing through most of 2011, Altadena showed the greatest reduction in Part I crimes of any sheriff's department area.  That happened because of the dedicated deputies and detectives at Altadena Station and the captain, lieutenants and sergeants who took what had been a monumental increase in residential burglaries and thefts from vehicles very seriously.  Over a period of about a year to a year and a half, the hard work done by the Altadena Sheriff's Station got a good grip on those crimes, and the result is what you see today.  We aren't seeing a 49% or 39% reduction in these crimes any longer as we've been catching up to the initial big reductions that showed up in the stats about 15 months ago.

The last two months, Altadena has had the second largest reduction in Part I crimes, and in both instances, it was the Avalon Station that experienced the biggest reduction.  

One major element that contributed to the big reduction in these crimes is you, the members of the Altadena Community and the way you all stepped up to report suspicious activity, your willingness to report any and every form of unusual behavior and the fact that you've all kept such a close watch over your neighbors.

Morning jolt: what's happening at Burbank, and mountain lion sighting

• Hodges move to Burbank delayed: According to a release from the Pasadena Unified School District, the move of the Hodges Children's Center from its current location at 136 E. Peoria St. in Pasadena to the Burbank Elementary School site in Altadena will now take place during the 2012 summer break.  It had originally been planned during the annual winter break, which begins Friday.  To date, the LA Universal pre-school (two classes), Burbank pre-school, PUSD Mental Health Services, and PUSD Early Childhood Service have relocated to the shuttered school.
• Cougar alert: Reader Stephanie Clayton reports that her husband was returning home at 2:45 AM Saturday morning and spotted a mountain lion at Lake and Poppyfields.  Keep your pets inside!

 

 

Two injured -- one human, one dog -- in Sunday dog attack

by Timothy Rutt

A woman and a dog were injured in a Sunday afternoon attack on Glenrose where an unleashed bulldog chased the another dog into his own house and attacked it in the dog's own living room. The woman, 49,  was taken to the hospital to treat injuries sustained trying to break up the fight.

Our friend Debbi Swanson Patrick said that she and her dog Kirby were seeing off some visiting friends Sunday afternoon on the front porch of their Glenrose home.  Two neighborhood bulldogs were running loose, spotted Kirby, and ran after him, Patrick said.  Patrick said the larger of the dogs chased Kirby right into her house and began attacking him in the home, biting his legs where he still had stitches from recent surgery.

Patrick said the bulldog was hard to subdue, as he had no collar.  One of her guests suffered bites on her hand as she tried to subdue the dog, which ran way. The other bulldog did not enter the house but was threatening her guests, who had come up to render assistance, Patrick said.

Patrick said that paramedics, sheriff, and animal control arrived to handle the situaton.  The injured woman was treated at Huntington Hospital and released.  Kirby was taken to the vet, and Patrick says he's doing fine, altho' he's heavily medicated.

Patrick said that the dogs were still in the neighborhood, although confined to their yard, but according to Lt. Duane Allen of the Altadena Sheriff's station, the dogs were taken by county animal control.

UPDATE:  Debbi has added an update in the comments section.

Found dog, Glenrose and Las Flores

Leslie found a dog Friday, around 4 PM, near the corner of Glenrose Avenue  and West Las Flores Dr.  He's a blond, unneutered male, approximately five years old, recently groomed, collared and microchipped (but the chip was not registered).  Does he sound familiar?  Call them at  626-825-8724.

 

 

JPL's version of a classic car show: Mars rovers go for a spin

Flight System Manager Matt Wallace, left, and System Integration and Test Lead for Mars rover Sojourner Eric Aguilar position the test double of Sojourner before a photo shoot at NASA JPL in La Canada Flintridge on Thursday, December 15, 2011. (Cheryl A. Guerrero/Staff Photographer, Pasadena Sun)

By Tiffany Kelly

Pasadena Sun

Jet Propulsion Laboratory officials hauled out models of all their Mars rovers for a rare gathering Thursday, with an Earth-bound version of Curiosity and a model of the twins Spirit and Opportunity occupying the so-called Mars Yard. But all the attention was on an ancient relic that had just emerged from a storage box inside a nearby shack.

About a dozen former and current JPL engineers gathered around a 25-pound model of Sojourner, the rover from the 1997 Mars Pathfinder mission, still adorned with shiny black solar panels. 

Brian Muirhead, the project manager responsible for the design and launch of Pathfinder, has seen pictures of the rover and even has a model in his office.

“But it's not like this,” he said. “You remember how hard it was and all the things you had to do to make it work.”

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

Found (but not caught) pet: rabbit on Wapello St.

Reader Shannon says that this guy -- who acts pretty domestic -- is living under the house at 478 Wapello Street.  He hasn't been caught so far, but he allows himself to be fed, and if anybody's looking for him, there he is ...

Altadena author Bricker looks at mid-life reinvention in "Tales from Tavanti"

by Timothy Rutt

In 2008, Rebecca Bricker's son moved out of their Altadena Craftsman house to go to college.  Single mom at mid-life, facing the empty nest.  You know the story.

But that's not this story.  

Bricker, a former magazine writer and columnist for People Magazine, sold the house and moved to Italy for a year.

Bricker writes about her odyssey in her new memoir, Tales from Tavanti.

"It had always been my dream to someday go live in Europe and write about it," Bricker said. " I had traveled in college, I had done a year at the University of Edinburgh and I just hoped to go back and live there again. I  guess about eight years ago I started scouting locations."

She told her son that, once he left home, she'd be right behind him with her passport.  She hadn't planned on selling the house, though: "My idea was to rent my house, because I loved my bungalow, and go off and travel for a year,  maybe teach English," Bricker said. But in 2008, when the housing bubble was starting to pop, she decided to let go of the house quickly: "In the end it was the perfect solution because I was free and clear.

Her house closed on Sept. 11, 2008, and within days she was on a plane to Italy. She returned in December, and applied for an extended visa to stay there. "Italy just seemed to be a warm, inviting place," Bricker said.

In June, 2009 -- with just  three duffle bags, a carryon, and some boxes of books -- she moved to an apartment in Florence along the Via Tavanti, and stayed there for a full year.

If it sounds idyllic, it wasn't:   "It was Italy gone wrong within about three weeks," Bricker said.  "The Under the Tuscan Sun fantasy just evaporated, but the writer in me kept saying, 'we're staying -- this is great material.'"

Altadena Junction: home for the holidays

This week's column is up at the Valley Sun, mostly about celebrating the holidays in Altadena.

Report from Edison at Town Council meeting Tuesday night

The Altadena Town Council will have its final monthly meeting of the year Tuesday night, Dec. 20, at 7 PM at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.

Doesn't appear to be much action to be taken, but of note are a presentation from David Ford of Southern California Edison about the utility's response to the windstorm, and a report from the LA County Assessor's office about tax relief related to the windstorm.

 

 

Altadena Sheriff's food and toy drive: a time for giving

Pictures: deputies and volunteers, including a line of young men from Mentoring and Partnership for Youth Deveopment at Muir High School, prepare to distribute stacks of toys and boxes of food to needy families. 

by Timothy Rutt
Photos by Bill Westphal

The Altadena Sheriff's Station food and toy drive came to its conclusion this morning, as 300 area families were served before the holidays.  A host of deputies and volunteers were on hand to make the distribution go smoothly ... sometimes it did!  More pictures after the jump.

Station fire report faults Forest Service

by Jason Wells
Pasadena Sun 

The U.S. Forest Service did not use all of the water-dropping aircraft at its disposal as the 2009 Station fire spread quickly across the Angeles National Forest the first night of the blaze, but it’s unclear whether doing so would have made a difference, according to a draft federal audit released on Friday.

The report by the Government Accountability Office — requested a year ago by members of Congress, including Rep.Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) — cited a lack of clarity in firefighting procedures that contributed to what many critics have said was an insufficient response in the early stages of the massive blaze.

Schiff has been especially critical of the Forest Service, calling its ongoing internal review of nighttime flight policies unacceptably slow and a “terrible indictment” of the agency.

Reached by cell phone while traveling in Montana on Friday, Tom Harbor, national director of fire and aviation management for the U.S. Forest Service, said his agency was taking a deliberate and thorough approach to re-evaluating a nighttime flight ban that many critics argued allowed the fire to rage out of control.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

 

 

Altadena Library is searching for a new poet laureate

from the Altadena Library

Are you a poet who lives, works, or is active in the Altadena Community? Then you are eligible to apply to be the Poet Laureate for Altadena Library 2012-2014.  The laureate inauguration will take place on April 21 at the library’s annual Poetry & Cookies celebration to be held at the Altadena Senior Center. The laureate’s poetry will be featured at this event and in the library’s annual poetry anthology. If you are a poet or know of a poet in the area, please send sample poems, biography, and an application to Altadena Library District, Attention Poet Laureate Selection Committee, 600 East Mariposa Street, Altadena, CA 91001 or email to pdutton@altadenalibrary.org by January 21, 2012.   

The current Poet Laureate for Altadena Library is Alene Terzian (pictured), an English professor at College of the Canyons where she spearheads the literary magazine, cul-de-sac. Her poetry has been widely published and her book Deep as City’s Ache is part of the library’s poetry collection.

For more information or to download an application see the library’s website at www.altadenalibrary.org. The main Altadena Library is located at 600 East Mariposa Street, Altadena, CA 91001.

 

Found dog on Marathon [Update: dog is home!]

Marsha says she's found a dog:

I've found a hefty little pug with a pink collar, no tags.  A neighbor thought she was mine (I have a little dog) and put her inside my gate.  She's got a beige gray coat with a flat black pug face and gray legs, friendly and playful.   I'm on Marathon, close to Marengo.  Please try my land line first: 626.794.4456, and cell is 626.733.6944.  

And good news: yesterday's little lost dog was returned home.

UPDATE:  And also good news: the pug is home, too!

Meet the man behind the Fork in the Road

from the Pasadena Sun

Bob Stane is the former owner and manager of the Ice House comedy club in Pasadena and is co-owner of the Coffee Gallery and the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena, a live music venue. His friends Ken Marshall and Philip Coombes honored Stane’s 75th birthday in 2009 by creating the Fork in the Road, a piece of public art at 200 Bellefontaine St. in Pasadena. Removed in 2010, the Fork is back and recently has been the locale of charitable food and toy drives. Stane answered questions emailed to him from the Pasadena Sun.

Pasadena Sun: You and your colleagues have recently made the Fork in the Road a hub for charitable activities. What inspired you to do so?

Stane: Who hasn't secretly wanted to jab an 18-foot-tall piece of dinnerware into an intersection of two major roads? It seemed a natural to fill a physical void and create a centerpiece for gathering to do decent things. The Coffee Gallery and the Coffee Gallery Backstage are the equivalent of a village meeting spot. This is what coffeehouses have done since their inception a couple of hundred years ago. This is where we come together to share what is in our baskets.

And, of course, we crave self-aggrandizement.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

Bob Stane, in front of the Fork in the Road artwork at St. John and Pasadena avenues in Pasadena on Wednesday, December 14, 2011. (Tim Berger/Pasadena Sun Staff Photographer)

Library's Poetry and Cookies needs your poems by Jan. 21

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Library is looking for the best local poetry for its annual Poetry and Cookies celebration, but you better hurry -- the deadline is Jan. 21.

Poetry and Cookies is the library's annual celebration of the poetic muse, which includes a poetry reading on April 21 at the Altadena Senior Center, as well as an anthology of poems.  If you have a poem or two you've been hoping to publish -- and you're willing to read your work at the celebration --  see the library’s website at http://www.altadenalibrary.org for more information, or call 626-798-0833 ext. 115, or email: pdutton@altadenalibrary.org.

JPL faces $50 million cut

By Joe Piasecki
Pasadena Sun

A $50-million budget cut for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in La Cañada Flintridge likely won't be enough to spur another round of mass layoffs, a legislative affairs official for the agency said.

Despite massive federal deficits that have put support for space exploration and other science programs in jeopardy, JPL's budget will remain relatively stable at $1.5 billion for the coming year. 

Even with the $50-million hit, the venerable laboratory will likely be able to avoid “another large change in workforce,” said Richard O'Toole, manager of legislative affairs.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

Library announces Distinguished Programs for 2012

by Timothy Rutt

Father Greg Boyle, best-selling author Lian Dolan (Helen of Pasadena), creative writing workshops, poetry ... and cookies -- are all on tap at the Altadena Library in 2012.

The Library has announced its activites for January through June of 2012,  and there will be something to interest and intrigue almost every taste:

• Jan. 7: Playing with Words - Creative Writing Workshop Part 1: Writing teacher/author Esther Bradley-DeTally offers a fun hands-on workshop using various style of writings and prompts for both new and advanced writers of all ages.
• Jan. 21: "What's under the Clutter" - Tracy McCubbin of dClutterfly will address the practical and emotional sides of clutter and offer concrete steps to reduce it.
• Feb. 4: Part II of Esther Bradly-DeTally's creative writing workshop.  In "Finding Your Voice," increase th breadth and depth of what you know about yourself and give written form to it.  Esther's book You Carry the Heavy Stuff will also be available for sale and siging.  
• March 12: Celebrate St. Patrick's day with Celtic harpist Carol Tatum and vocalist David Swan Montgomery.
• April 21: Poetry and Cookies, the annual celebration of local poets, takes place at the Altadena Senior Center.
• May 1: Father Greg Boyle, author of Tattoos on the Heart, will tell the inspiring story of turning around LA's at-risk youth at the Senior Center.
• June 4: Lian Dolan, author of Helen of Pasadena, will be the speaker following the very short Friends of the Library annual meeting.

Unless otherwise noted, all programs are held in the Community Room of the  Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St.  .

------

Brochure.jan.June

 

Weekendin', Dec. 16-18

Gearing up for the holidays this weekend -- keep checking back as we add more!

Fri., Dec. 16

• Library: Fun Flick Friday:  The Smurfs, rated PG, starts at 3:30 PM.  Free drinks and popcorn, too.  Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St.
• Farnsworth Park: "Elf".  Podley at the Cottage Real Estate sponsors this family-friendly evening with the new holiday classic (rated PG).  Free drinks, pizza, and a craft project (make a Christmas tree from popsicle sticks).  Children should be accompanied by an adult, it's free, and starts at 6 PM in the Davies Building at Farnsworth Park.

Sat., Dec. 17

• Altadena Sheriff's Station Food and Toy Drive distribution, 8 AM-noon at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr. (Volunteers should show up at 7 for a briefing). 
• County tree debris drop-off at the lower parking lot of Farnsworth Park, 7 AM-4 PM today and Sunday.  Free! 
• Home Brew Tasting at the Altadena Ale & Wine House, 2329 N. Fair Oaks Ave.  Bring your own beer to share with others.  No cost, but only 21 or older admitted. 3-5 PM.

Sun., Dec. 18

• Parking Lot Holiday Boutique: Need some last minute gifts? Why buy a gift card when you can get/give a work of art from a local artist? Northwest corner of Washington & Hill, 1383 E. Washington Blvd., 8 AM-2 PM.
• The Briton Ensemble will celebrate the season with choral music at the Altadena Community Church, 943 E. Altadena Dr. Doors open at 5:30, concert at 6 PM.
• The Modern Brass of Los Angeles at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1757 N. Lake Ave.. Conducted by Kevin Mayse and joined by members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Traditional Christmas favorites and some surprising and fun renditions. This is a free concert and a long standing Christmas tradition. Always a fabulous show, and it's free!  7 PM.

 

 

 

Lost dog, Pine St. between Lake Ave. and Santa Rosa [UPDATED]

We have another lost one out there:

He got out yesterday around 11:30 when the gardener left the gate open. My neighbors are out looking for him and I offered to send a copy of their flyer to AltadenaBlog.  In the meantime please call 791-8319 if you see him...

 

UPDATE: He's home now.

Morning jolt

• MonteCedro reaches milestone: Episcopal Communities and Services (formerly Episcopal Home Communities) announced that the MonteCedro project has reached 50 reserved residences., and construction is scheduled in begin on the property in late 2012.
• Hollywood helps the Historical Society:  The Altadena Historical Society says they've just received a $500 donation from the Altadena Community Chest.  The Chest, run by Russ Fega of Home Shoot Home, receives money from production companies that shoot in Altadena and returns it to the community.

 

Open thread: what would you like to ask Edison?

by Timothy Rutt

Altadena town councilman Greg Middleton tells us that a representative of Southern California Edison will make a presentation at the Dec. 20 town council meeting.

Edison spokeman Dave Ford will be putting together a presentation, and, Middleton says, "[he] was trying to get a sense of what the public would like to know about so he can prepare a proper presentation."

So we're opening up a thread: what would you like to know from Edison about their response to the windstorm?  Comment away!

Points of light

by Timothy Rutt

The Balian Mansion went light's-on Wednesday night, as Altadena moves the wind debris out and the the holidays in.  The Balian Mansion, the Close Encounters Mothership of Christmas lighting, is on Mendocino Lane, east of Allen Ave.

35 arrested in Wednesday morning weapons sweep

by Timothy Rutt

Police arrested 35 and confiscated 23 firearms in a Wednesday morning sweep of probationers held in Altadena, Pasadena, and the Antelope Valley, according to release from Supv. Michael D. Antonovich.

News reports say the sweep involved 250 officers from the Sheriff's Department, Pasadena Police Dept., U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. The agencies conducted 158 searches in the sweep.

The sweeps were part of the DISARM program initiated by Antonovich, says the release.  DISARM involved unannounced searches of probationers and their homes, with the goal of confiscating guns, drugs, and other contraband. The DISARM program has seized almost 8,000 weapons, made over 16,000 arrests, and confiscated more than $350 million in illegal drugs and drug money since its inception in February 2000.

The D.I.S.A.R.M program entails pairing Deputy Probation Officers with local law enforcement personnel to perform unannounced searches of probationers and their homes, as a condition of probation, and targets the confiscation of guns, drugs, and other contraband.  

 

 

Sheriff blotter: home break-ins never go away

It's the same old song: residential burglaries.  Keep vigilant!  Information provided by Altadena Sheriff Lt. Duane D. Allen.

Mon., Dec. 5

 
Between 11:00 AM and 11:00 AM, Thursday – A residential burglary occurred in the 500 block of Colman Street.  Suspect(s) entered the residence via unknown means.  Loss:  brown/yellow Fender bass guitar, yellow Tapco music mixer.

Tues., Dec. 6

2:55 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 3400 block of Fair Point Street.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by removing the rear window screen.  Loss:  unknown.
11:44 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 3200 block of Villa Knolls Drive.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by prying the side door.  Loss:  unknown.

Wed., Dec. 7

Between 7:45 AM and 1:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1500 block of Crest Drive.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by removing the bathroom window screen.  Loss:  unknown.

Thurs., Dec. 8

Between 9:15 AM and 12:30 AM, Friday – A residential burglary occurred in the 200 block of W. Loma Alta Drive.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by removing the bathroom window screen.  Loss:  black Apple Mac Book.
Between 7:30 PM and 7:30 PM, Friday – A burglary from an unlocked garage occurred in the 400 block of E. Alameda Street.  Loss:  silver Craftsman lawn mower.

Fri., Dec. 9

Between 8:00 PM and 7:30 AM, Saturday – A petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 1500 block of E. Morada Place.  Loss:  black digital camera, internet card.

 

Poet Peyser reading on South Pasadena next Thursday

Alta-poet Tony Peyser tells us he is doing a reading of his poems next Thurs., Dec. 22 in South Pasadena.

The reading will be at 7 PM at The Battery Books & Music, 1005-B Mission St., South Pasadena,  (626) 376-9913, near the Gold Line Metro Station.

Peyser says: 

The Battery is a pioneer in used book stores opening,  not closing. It's an exceedingly funky and comfortable  place to visit, conveniently located on the nicest street  in South Pasadena.

 

If you like serious and pretentious poems, you will hate  this. If you like ones that are funny and breezy, you will  have a swell time. Hope to see you there!

 

 

Mountain roads re-opened Wednesday

Los Angeles County Public Works has re-opened the roads that were closed earlier this week due to snow and icy conditions.

A news release from the county says the following roads were re-opened Wednesday at noon:

• Angeles Forest Highway from Aliso Canyon Road to Angeles Crest Highway (SR-2) 
• Upper Big Tujunga Cyn. Road from Angeles Forest Highway to SR-2 (Angeles Crest Highway) 
• Big Tujunga Cyn. Road from Vogel Flats Road to Angeles Forest Highway 

The county advises motorists to use caution when traveling all mountain roads during the winter as icy conditions will be present. 

The Rancho Bar: a neighborhood place with a nod to the past

by Timothy Rutt

Chris Larson and his Rancho Bar cover a lot of history.

Larson comes from a long-time area family.  His grandfather, William Wiper, immigrated from Scotland, riding on a steam train across the country.  He and his brother started a local sign company, Wiper SIgn and Neon, whose best-known work is the sign on the Rose Bowl.  Larson's grandfather, William Wiper, was a long time member of the Tournament of Roses and designed, installed, and maintained the world-famous sign.

Pictured: Rancho owner Chris Larson next to a display of Mt. Lowe railway memorabilia at the bar.

His father's side of the family, on the other hand, was already established in the area.  Larson's grandparents operated Larson Shoes on Lake and Washington.  

The Rancho Bar building started out as a real estate office, and then became a beer and wine bar in 1953, Larson said.  He father, Ron Larson, purchased the bar in 1983, got a full liquor license and had a kitchen in the back that served food for a time.

"He was good at what he did, he was a real personable guy," Larson said.  "He kind of made the place what it is and did a helluva job on it, for as small as it is."

Ron Larson was also a collector of Mt. Lowe railway memorabilia.  On display at the bar are some of the artifacts of the dismantled railway that he picked up during hikes, including a selection of spikes that is embedded in a window table at the Rancho.

Larson's parents had divorced around that time the elder larson bought the bar.  Chris had attended Altadena Elementary School, Eliot MIddle School, and spent two years at Muir before graduating from Monrovia High School, and moving out of town.

Larson went college in Oregon and lived there for ten years.  He then moved to Boulder, Colorado, to be close to one of his brothers who sold airplanes there, and worked to get his pilot's license.  He was running a taxicab and shuttle company that operated between Boulder and the Denver airport  when Ron Larson died in 2005, leaving the bar to his three sons.

But the bar wasn't operating as well as it should under the bar's manager, so Larson moved back to Altadena after 20 years to take charge of it in 2008, "having no experience in the bar business," he admits.   "I had to try to whip things back into shape, and I've been here ever since."  It's still co-owned by the three brothers -- besides Larson and his brother in Colorado, another brother lives in California.

"It's kind of funny in the bar business," Larson said.  "They think it's just fun, and I like being my own boss ... but the bar business has its own challenges."

Larson has kept the neighborhood bar feel, with wood paneling, lots of neon signage, a big TV, and a cozy bar area. The Rancho Bar has a full bar, including what Larson says is "some real nice single malt scotches," and a wine list that includes carbernet, zinfandel, pinot noir, and chardonnay.

"We have people who work in the movie industry who come here -- everyone is kind of equal, that's one of the special things about the place.  We get some techie people in here, sometimes they'll go into a corner and make some kind of business deal.  

"What's great about it is that you get people from all walks of life who walk in here, and they sit next to each other.  They might come in to watch a football game or a baseball game or something that usually turns into a conversation with the one who sits next to you ... it's a mellow place to come, have a drink or two, and talk with people in the community."

Located at  2485 N. Lake Ave., the Rancho Bar is open every day.

This is one of an occasional feature we run on members of the Altadenablog sponsor team.  If you'd like to be a sponsor, email us at altadenablog@gmail.com or call 626-791-5327.

 

 

 

Santa kicks off library's winter activities today

The Altadena Library is ready for the holidays with a full slate of activities.

Santa Claus is coming today for the little ones, 11 AM at the main library and 12 PM at the Bob Lucas Branch.

The fifth annual Winter Reading Program started this week and runs through Jan. 31.   Check out and read books, write a review, and win prizes.

This Friday,  Dec. 16, "The Smurfs" is the fun flick of the month at the Altadena Main Library community room, starting at 3:30 PM.  Rated PG, it's free.

The Altadena Main Library is at 600 E. Mariposa St.  The Bob Lucas Branch Library is at 2659 N. Lincoln Ave. 

Athens wants Altadena to bag its waste; Pasadena, not so much (with mulch!)

by Timothy Rutt

Ed Chen, director of governmental affairs for Athens Services, want to spread the word:

Altadena residents: please put green waste in carts, boxed, bagged or bundled and be able to be picked up by one person.  This green waste will be picked up on your collection day.  The larger pieces and piles of debris on the street will be cleaned up by the County public works crews.  We are asking that people be patient due to the large demand of clean up required.  For more information please call Athens Services 1-877-764-5551

Meanwhile, from Ann Erdman, the city of Pasadena's public information officer, the city has cleared 18,000 tons (yes, tons) of storm debris in one week -- normally, it would take a year to accumulate that much.  

Pasadena is asking residents with additional storm debris not placed at the street  to break it up to fit in yard-waste bins or take it to drop-off sites at the parking lots of Robinson Park, 1081 N. Fair Oaks Avenue, or Eaton Blanche Park, 3100 E. Del Mar Boulevard, by Friday, Dec. 16. Unlike Athens, Pasadena is saying all green debris should be un-bagged.  Starting Dec. 16 through Dec. 29, residents can bring a shovel and pick up free mulch at those locations as the stuff is ground up for disposal.

 

 

Weather service predicts potential high winds Thursday

by Timothy Rutt

Uh-oh, here it comes again.  National Weather Service shouts that strong northerly winds will develop over the San Gabriel Valley and elsewhere in the county Thursday night.  And here's the kicker:

THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR  DAMAGING WIND GUSTS OF 60 MPH OR GREATER THROUGH FAVORED MOUNTAIN  PASSES... AND STRONG WIND GUSTS TO 50 MPH ACROSS WIND FAVORED COASTAL  AND VALLEY LOCATIONS. STRONG AND GUSTY OFFSHORE WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO CONTINUE FRIDAY NIGHT INTO SATURDAY AS WELL.  IF THIS STRONG OFFSHORE WIND EVENT DEVELOPS... THERE WOULD LIKELY BE SUFFICIENTLY LOW HUMIDITIES TO CREATE HEIGHTENED FIRE WEATHER CONCERNS. OTHER POTENTIAL IMPACTS WOULD INCLUDE DOWNED TREES AND  POWER LINES ESPECIALLY IN THE MOUNTAINS... AND STRONG CROSS WINDS FOR MOTORISTS WHICH WOULD AFFECT HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES.

So stock up on batteries now ...

 

Milkcrafting at the Zane Grey Estate in 2012

OK, time to start filling up the 2012 calendar ...

The Institute of Domestic Technology will be holding a new series of milkcrafting classes, teaching you how to use store-bought milk to make your own yogurts, kefir, chevre, cheese in three classes to be held in January, February, and March.

All classes take place at the Mariposa Creamery on the Zane Grey Estate, and instructors are Steve Rudicel and Gloria Putnam, who happen to live there and are graduates of the Artisan Cheesemaking course at the Dairy Products Technology Center, California State Polytechnic University at San Luis Obispo.

More information and signup is right here.

 

 

Briton Ensemble holiday concert at Altadena Community Church Sun.

The Briton Ensemble will celebrate the season with choral music at the Altadena Community Church, 943 E. Altadena Dr. this Sun., Dec. 18  Doors open at 5:30, concert at 6 PM.

 

Portantino calls for better public utility emergency planning

from the office of Anthony Portantino

Assemblymember Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge) has proposed legislation to improve emergency and disaster preparedness by California’s public utilities.  The proposed bill calls on each utility to report with every county in its service area every two years for the purpose of reviewing, updating and improving their emergency disaster and preparedness plans.

“We just saw firsthand that our public utilities can do a better job. Clearly, they were not prepared for a disaster of this magnitude. We need to use the recent wind disaster to improve our readiness and better prepare for future disasters such as a large earthquake. Having a review every two years will force better coordination, better service and better public safety.” commented Portantino.

The proposed bill asks counties to inform cities within their jurisdiction about each meeting so that cities and the public can provide input into emergency planning. The legislation also calls on the California Public Utilities Commission to use its regulatory authority to set preparedness standards; for example, the use of weather reports to pre-position manpower and equipment before a storm and methods of improving communication between government agencies and the public.

“We learned some things from this calamity that will forever change the way we look at these disasters,” added Portantino. “Like most ratepayers, I know that a portion of my bill is intended to pay for emergency preparedness and response; let’s make sure it does. A review every two years will hold utilities accountable, increase coordination, public awareness and scrutiny.  It’s a practical and prudent course of action.”

The bill is being written as an “urgency measure” and would go into effect once it’s signed by the Governor. It would require that California public utilities conduct these disaster preparedness meetings within 3 months of the legislation becoming law.

 

Five Acres looking for help for families in need

from Five Acres

Facing a higher demand than ever and a shortage of donations, Five Acres seeks the community’s support to help grant holiday wishes for 250 area families in need. This number, up from 150 families last year, is an all-time high for the Altadena-based child and family services agency who is working to ensure that each family is able to take part in a special holiday celebration. Families who receive services from Five Acres are relying on the support of the local nonprofit’s “Family Angels” program, where each family member requests items on his or her wish list and a special “angel” helps to grant at least one of those wishes. Less than half of the 250 families have found “angels” at this time.

Families range in size, from 2 to 10 people. The deadline for collecting all gifts is Monday, December 19. For more information on how to participate, contact Danielle Barr at 626.798.6793 ext. 2250 or dbarr@5acres.org.

Five Acres is a child and family services agency that strengthens families and prevents child abuse through treatment and education in community-based and residential programs. Originally established as an orphanage in 1888, today Five Acres offers an array of services including a residential treatment center, a non-public WASC-accredited school, mental health services, foster care, adoption services and domestic violence prevention. For more information on ways to help, contact Kristina Sarenas at ksarenas@5acres.org or (626) 798-6793 ext. 2279.

 

Morning jolt

• Gaule studying in Florence: University of San Diego student Mary Gaule of Altadena is studying in Italy this fall. The semester-long program at the Florence University of the Arts (FUA) is located in the historic Palazzo Doni, which housed famous works of art during the Renaissance, including works of Michelangelo. Modeled on the liberal arts curricular tradition, FUA offers a wide variety of courses in business, humanities, fine arts, social sciences and natural sciences. Students are able to participate in campus activities such as academic field trips, Friday evening hilltop walks that visit various Florentine neighborhoods, and activities with the cultural associations. Gaule is majoring in English and plans to graduate in spring 2013.
• Altadena Trails taking a break: The December Altadena Crest Trail Restoration Working Group (ACTRWG) meeting (scheduled for today) is cancelled -- be back Jan. 10 at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.
• Ho-ho-helicopter: The Pasadena Police Dept. Air Operations Section and the Foothill Air Support Team (FAST)  will distribute the toys collected for their 6th annual Christmas Toy Drive on Thursday.  Recipients will be the pediatrics ward of the Huntington Memorial Hospital and Hathaway-Sycamore Facility in Altadena. Pasadena Police Chief Phillip L. Sanchez will escort Santa Claus and his flight suit clad “elves” as they arrive in at both locations -- by helicopter.
• Wind: The City of Pasadena has collected all of its Windstorm Gabriel information on one convenient web page: http://www.cityofpasadena.net/Windstorm_2011/
  
  

 

Two CERT trainings coming to Altadena in January

by Carolyn Seitz
cmseitz@mindspring.com

Altadena is now very lucky to have TWO  Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Trainings scheduled for January, 2012.

The first will be presented by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department on these dates:

Sat., Jan. 7              8 AM to 5 PM
Tues., Jan. 10          6 PM to 9:30 PM
Wed., Jan. 11          6 PM to 9:30 PM
Thurs., Jan. 12        6 PM to 9:30 PM
Sat., Jan. 14            8 AM to 3:30 PM

You must complete the entire class in order to receive a certificate of completion.

You can register by emailing me your name, address, telephone number and letting me know the best email address to use to provide you with more information about the class and by visiting this website:  http://www.rcpi-ca.org/calendar/list/  The Altadena/Pasadena area class is at the top of the list.  

The facility we'd plan to hold this class lost its roof in the windstorm on Nov. 30, so we'll have a new location arranged later this week and will provide that info as soon as it's available.

The second will be presented by the Los Angeles County Fire Department on these dates:

Sat., Jan. 21       9 am to 4 pm
Sat., Jan. 28       9 am to 4 pm
Sat., Feb. 4         9 am to 4 pm

The class will take place at the Davies Building at Farnsworth Park which is located at Lake Avenue and Mount Curve.  

You can register for the class here:  http://fire.lacounty.gov/cert

As with any CERT class, you must complete all of the class sessions to receive a certificate of completion.

There is no fee for participation in these classes.

If you have questions about CERT and why you should do it, please feel free to let me know.
cmseitz@mindspring.com

Sheriffs investigate possible suicide on Angeles Crest

by Joe Piasecki and Carol Cormaci
Pasadena Sun 

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department investigators are responding to an apparent suicide on Angeles Crest Highway above La Cañada Flintridge.

An unidentified man was found seated in a vehicle with what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, said Capt. John Kades of the Los Angeles County Department of Coroner. The body was found near mile marker 26, above the Angeles National Forest snow gate.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

Altadena area sites holding tree debris for disposal

from Los Angeles County Public Works

LA County Public Works is working with the cities of Pasadena and Arcadia to safely and efficiently remove trees and debris from local public roadways. Several County Flood Maintenance facilities have been designated for this purpose, and the County has allowed these cities to temporarily stockpile tree and debris material. 

The plan of action for the roadways and temporary storage sites are:  1) remove trees, branches and debris from roadways to open them for traffic and clear them of debris that could clog catch basins and storm drains during rain storms; 2) use chippers and other equipment on these sites to reduce the volume of material; 3) remove the piles from these temporary storage sites and return County Flood Maintenance facilities to their previous condition.  

The locations currently being used are: 

• West Ravine Sediment Placement Site (TG 535-H3) - Chaney Trail and Alzada Drive
• Lincoln Sediment Placement Site (TG 535-G4) - Loma Alta Drive, west of Sunset Ridge
• Eaton Sediment Placement Site (TG 536-F7) - New York Drive at the intersection of Eaton Canyon Drive and Kinneloa Canyon Road
• Hastings Sediment Placement Site (TG 536-H7) 
• Sierra Madre Villa Sediment Placement Site (TG 566-G1)
• Eaton Spreading Grounds (TG 566 – F2) - Washington Boulevard and Sierra Madre Boulevard. 
• Santa Anita Sediment Placement Site (TG 567 E1) in the City of Arcadia

How long will material be stored at these facilities?
County and city crews continue work to clear streets as fast as possible.  The current estimate for emergency use of County facilities as storage sites is about 3 months.  The material on the sites will be reduced to mulch and removed concurrently with street cleaning operations.  The City of Pasadena and County are renting a large grinding machine to reduce the material to mulch as fast as possible.  The machine will be rotated through each site.

What is the final destination of this material?
The cities and County will attempt to find alternative uses for the mulch, including possible use by residents.  The material that they are unable to find a use for will be taken to local landfills for possible use as ground cover.  

Will the material be gone by next fire season? 
Yes.  Moreover, County Fire has reviewed and approved the four sites temporary storage sites within County Unincorporated Area. City of Pasadena Fire Department will review the two locations within the city.

What are the current hours of operation?

County Public Works hours of operation are Mondays thru Saturdays during daylight hours.  The City hours of operation are 7am to 6pm at the Eaton Canyon golf course site (Sierra Madre Villa SPS) and Eaton Wash site at Washington/Sierra Madre.  The City will be working 7 days a week to clear the Rose Parade route and Mondays thru Saturdays for other locations. 

Residents of Altadena and other unincorporated communities affected can contact David Diotalevi, Road Maintenance District Engineer, 626 337-1277.  The primary contact for the City of Pasadena is Dan Rix, City Engineer, 626 744-4267.

 

Women's Club of Pasadena invites you to build your legacy

The Women's City Club of Pasadena invites you to learn how you can build your personal legacy while making new friends, networking your business, and supporting your community commitments.
 
Please join us on Thurs., Dec. 15, for a short introduction on the benefits of club membership and an explanation of how rewarding it can be for you to be part of our “Legacy Three Be” program.
 
Don’t miss this opportunity to mingle with a great group of like-minded women in an elegant historic building and the promise of an atmosphere where you can “Be Yourself, Belong to a community, and most importantly, Become your Legacy.”

WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, December 15
WHERE: The Historic Blinn House, 160 N. Oakland Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101
RSVP: Call 626-796-0560

The Blinn House was built in 1906 and designed as a private home by architect George Washington Maher in a variation of the Prairie School style. The building features exquisite original lighting fixtures, leaded-glass windows and a glass tile fireplace and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Women’s City Club was established as a non-profit organization in 1945. In addition to hosting a variety of member events, it serves as the meeting venue for numerous non–profit member organizations and has donated financial and in-kind support to select local non-profits.

Free parking is available in the lot in the rear of building by entering off Madison Avenue, second driveway south of Walnut on the west side of the street.

 

UPDATE: Sheriffs arrest one, seek two others in attempted break-in, Sinaloa and Morada

by Timothy Rutt

As of about 1 PM, Altadena sheriffs, assisted by deputies from Temple City and La Crescenta stations and Pasadena police, are looking for two men dressed in dark clothing who attempted to break into a home near Sinaloa Avenue and Morada Place, according to the Altadena Sheriff's Station.

The dispatcher said that K-9 units will be deployed, and the sheriff's helicopter is keeping an eye on things for now.

UPDATE: Community volunteer Carolyn Seitz relays from the sheriffs that at about 1:20 PM, deputies took in one suspect in the break-in, and two others got away:

The only information gleaned from witness is that both of the other suspects are African/American.

One was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt or black hooded sweater.

If you see anyone matching that description or you were in the vicinity of Sinaloa and Morada Place in the last hour to hour and a half, please call the Altadena Sheriff's Station at 798-1131.

 

 

Eliot Winter Festival tomorrow night

Charles W. Eliot Middle School PTA invites the community to join students and their families on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011 for an evening of music, art, and pre-holiday cheer.

The Winter Festival will kick off at 5:30 PM. Come and get a cup of cider or cocoa in the new student garden on Calaveras St., get a bite to eat in the Parent Room near the school’s front entrance, check out student art work, the Pix-by-Tweens photobooth, robotics demonstration, and more – then join us in the auditorium at 7 PM for the winter concert featuring our Concert & Jazz Bands, Orchestra, and Spirit Team.

This event is open to the community. No ticket purchase or RSVP is required. Features of the festival include:

• Seasonal songs & warm beverages in the new student garden
• Student art exhibit
• PTA bake sale and crafts from local artisans
• Information for parents and community members
• Student robotics demo
• Room 13 Art Studio – holiday portrait photos and art sale
• Raffle (spa package, Trader Joe goody-bag, and more)
• Visit Eliot’s new Parent Resource Room
• Winter concert

Eliot Middle School is at 2184 N. Lake Avenue.

Westminster Pres to host Modern Brass Christmas Concert Sunday

The Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1757 N. Lake Ave., will host its annual Chrismas concert of The Modern Brass of Los Angeles on Sun., Dec. 18, at 7 PM.

Conducted by Kevin Mayse and joined by members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Traditional Christmas favorites and some surprising and fun renditions. Additional performance by the Westminster Bell Choir and Organist Imre Szilas with narration by Dr. Twine Campbell. This is a free concert and a long standing Christmas tradition. It has grown over the years from a brass quartet to over a dozen musicians of note who come together to form the ensemble. Always a fabulous show, and it's free!

 

Podley at the Cottage sponsors "Elf" Friday night at Farnsworth Park

Don't forget that Linda Seyffert at Podley at the Cottage Realty is sponsoring a free showing of the family film "Elf" this Friday, 6:30 at Farnsworth Park.  Free pizza, popcorn, and punch will be provided.  Bring the family (but children must be accompanied by an adult).

 

 

County closing Angeles Forest Highway, Big Tujunga Canyon roads

from the office of Supervisor Antonovich

Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich announced that due to snow accumulation on County roadways, the Department of Public Works will close the following roadway segments before noon today:

• Angeles Forest Highway – Aliso Cyn. Road to SR-2 (Angeles Crest Highway)
• Upper Big Tujunga Cyn. Road – Angeles Forest Highway to SR-2 (Angeles Crest Highway)
• Big Tujunga Cyn. Road – Vogel Flats Road to Angeles Forest Highway.

Gates will be closed on Angeles Forest Highway at Aliso Canyon Road and SR-2 and both sides of Upper Big Tujunga.  Gates on Big Tujunga Canyon Road will not be closed in order to allow anyone in the closed area a low elevation route out.

County road crews are working on major roadways which may also become impacted including Sierra Highway, Pearblossom Highway, Soledad Canyon Road, etc. 

Closures will be noted on the Road Closure website: http://dpw.lacounty.gov/roadclosures/.

Citizens can sign up for text message notifications regarding road closures through eNotify at: http://dpw.lacounty.gov/general/enotify/userPages/registration.aspx .

Community, volunteer generosity makes Sheriff toy and food drive a success

by Carolyn Seitz

Pictured: the President Streets neighborhood association collected toys and food for the Altadena Sheriff's Station food drive Saturday.

Thanks to the generosity of the Altadena community, the Altadena Sheriff's Station Food and Toy Drive generated enough feed at least 300 families this year.  That is 100 more than we served last year.

On Friday, it looked like we might not have enough toys to take care of 100 families, but because of some very generous neighborhoods yesterday, we have plenty of toys to take care of 300 families, except for about 40 boys and girls aged 9 to 12. 

You all stepped up generously with an unprecedented number of people participating in Saturday's events in the President Streets area, La Vina, the SENCH Neighborhood (one of oldest and largest Neighborhood Watch Groups in Altadena), the Pinecrest area (and that was a surprise we didn't know about until we saw it on Altadena Blog that morning), and last weekend even in the middle of chaos and no power, the Palm Street Area Residents Association.

All of the Station's volunteer groups were involved in the effort to not only gather food and toys, but to pack them.  On Friday and Saturday, if you weren't at the Community Center, you missed the opportunity to also see the Lieutenants, Deputies, our Parking Control Officer and the Stations Professional staff in civilian clothes working side-by-side with our great Volunteers and community members sorting toys and foods, packing food boxes and toys.

Captain McLean would like to thank all who participated in the effort this week and would like to extend special thanks to some neighborhoods and volunteers who have worked tirelessly, some for many years, to make the food & toy drive a success. 

The rise and fall of the Rose Bowl Motel

by Jane Brackman
President, Altadena Historical Society

Although Pasadena lays claim to the Rose Parade, Altadena also had a part in its beginning.  Michele Zack wrote that the concept came together in the Altadena home of Banyard  Smith (now the site of the Theosophical Society on the northeast corner of Santa Rosa and Mariposa, across from the McNally house). "It was at Smith's home that the Valley Hunt Club was founded in the early 1890s, from whence grew Pasadena's Rose Parade." ( Altadena: Between Wilderness and City, 2004, p. 122)  

The elite Club may not have had the Pasadena Rose Bowl Motel in mind as their idea of upscale lodging (see attached history), but it’s the motel that became part of Altadena’s inheritance.

BTW -we still have Michele Zack’s Altadena history book available. It makes a great Christmas gift.  Go to  http://www.altadenahistoricalsociety.org/bookorder.htm  or call us at 626-797-8016.

And finally, as you do your end of the year tax planning, please consider making a charitable contribution to help us keep Altadena’s history alive. Gifts can be an excellent means of not only making meaningful donations for the public good, but also establishing the basis for potential tax benefits to you, the donor.

On behalf of all of us at Altadena Historical Society, have a wonderful holiday.  See you in 2012!

"Blue Christmas" service at St. Mark's, Dec. 19

Christmas is not a joyous season of celebration for everyone. If you’ve experienced the loss of a loved one, your health, a relationship, your job, or a deeply held dream, if you are far from those you love, or if you have painful memories of Christmas in years past, the holidays can be agonizing and isolating.

Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church will offer a “Blue Christmas” service at 7 PM on Monday, Dec 19.  Our worship will be quiet and reflective, accepting the hurts we bear, and offering the hope of comfort and healing.

St. Mark's is located at 1014 E. Altadena Drive

For more information, contact the Rev. Betsy Hooper, 626-798-6747.

The wind in the deodars

Gloriana Casey puts in her vote, as only she can:

"Blowin'  in the Wind"

from gloriana casey

WIND In The WILLOWS---it was not,
yet not quite WINDS of WAR.
So what to name this local storm,
now part of local lore.

Gabby is a lovely name
and stems from Gabrielle.
A synonym for talking too,
as on and on words spill.

That crazy, twisting, manic storm
of the San Gabriels,
it seemed to last eternally,
before the sky stood still.

Wind Gabby,  just went on and on,
which serves that "wordy"  fit.
Plus Gabby in our real life too,
survived a vicious hit.