altadenablog

Alta/Pasa Soroptimists honor outstanding women

From left: Vanessa Manjarrez, Violet Richardson Award winner; Lonnene Vreede, Women’s Opportunity Award winner; Lena Kennedy, Ruby Award winner; and Lynne Eodice, President of Altadena-Pasadena Soroptimists.

At its third annual “Live Your Dream” luncheon, Soroptimist International of Altadena/Pasadena presented awards to three outstanding women who have made a major contribution to the community. The event was held at the Women’s City Club in Pasadena.

The Woman’s Opportunity Award (WOA), Soroptimist International’s signature award, is given to women who are overcoming personal difficulties and bettering their lives through education and skills training. The program provides women who are the primary wage earners for their families with cash grants to further their education.

This year’s WOA honoree was Lonnene Vreede. Six years ago, she was a participant in the Door of Hope program when she and her family became homeless, and the family graduated from the program within  six months. Since that time, her husband has been unable to find a job and once again turned to drugs and alcohol. Currently, Lonnene is head of household and supports her family, which includes four children, as a case manager for the Door of Hope and is attending school to become a certified drug and alcohol counselor. Altadena/Pasadena Soroptimists awarded her with $2,000 scholarship money to further her education. “Things are getting so much better,” Lonnene commented, “and the monetary award from Soroptimists will help so much.”

Suspicious solicitor on Hollyslope Road Friday

Bill Westphal sent out the following note to the newsgroups Friday night:

There was a solicitor on our street tonight around 8:30 - 8:45 PM. He was allegedly trying to get subscriptions for the Star News. I called the Sheriff's Station to have some deputies come check him out but there was some other higher priority calls at the time.  I walked down the street (with Leila) and confronted him ... . He had a wadded up stack of forms in his pocket and said that other neighbors were signing up.  He had one with a Loma Alta address scribbled on it.

I told him that people are kind of leery about solicitors especially at night.  I told him perhaps it might be better to come back during the day.  He thought that was probably a good idea. He wanted to know if someone called me and I just said that we were a tight knit neighborhood and we watch out for each other. He started asking a lot of questons about which house was mine and how long I lived there. Leila and I escorted him down to Loma Alta and off the street.  On the way down he was texting somebody on his cell phone.

Lynne and I intend to call the Star News tomorrow to check this out.  It could be legitimate or it could have been somebody scouting for potential houses to burglarize.  The fact that he texted somebody makes me suspicious.

Please be alert for instances like this. Do not be afraid to call the Sheriff's Station and have them come out and check out solicitors.  That's what they have asked us to do. If the solicitor is legitimate there won't be a problem.

Be alert.  Report suspicious activity to the Sheriff's Station at 626-798-1131.

 

Found dog on West Altadena Drive [GONE HOME]

Reader Leslie is holding on to this girl for awhile: 

Found Dog March 29 on West Altadena Drive.  Female around 30 lbs.  Black with tan and white markings, very large ears, friendly.  Red collar, no tags, no chip.

Please contact Leslie at scout76@earthlink.net or call 626-791-6826

UPDATE 4/2:  Dog has gone home!

Crime blotter: strong-arm robbery and lots of burglaries

Burglaries and vehicle thefts, one more reason not to park at 24 Hour Fitness, and a bizarre strong-arm robbery highlight the crime blotter this week.  Crime blotter provided by Lt. Duane D. Allen of the Altadena Sheriff's station.

Tuesday, March 20

10:50 AM – A residential burglary occurred in the 900 block of Woodbury Road.  Deputies responded to the area regarding a male who was observed loading items into a vehicle.  Upon arrival, deputies contacted the male who stated he was given permission to pick up the items.  After further investigation, it was determined that the male was not given permission to retrieve items from the property.  The suspect (male, Hispanic, 40yrs, 5ft 8 ins., 180 lbs, black hair, brown eyes) was subsequently arrested.  Suspect vehicle:  white ’94 Mazda B2300 pickup.  Loss:  none – items were recovered at the scene. 

Between 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM – A vandalism occurred in the 200 block of Mountain View Street.  Suspect(s) shattered the bedroom window with a red brick. 

Between 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM – A grand theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred at Loma Alta Park.  Loss:  black Targus backpack, silver MacBook, white MacBook, white iPad tablet, currency.

Between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM, Wednesday – A petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 2600 block of Glen Avenue.  Loss:  silver floral wallet containing personal documents. 

Wednesday, March 21

Between 12:00 AM and 5:00 AM – A petty theft from a locked vehicle occurred in the 60 block of E. Las Flores Dr.  Suspect(s) reached into the vehicle that had the driver’s side window partially down.  Loss:  black Samsung Galaxy tablet with black casing. 

Between 4:45 PM and 5:30 PM – A strong-arm robbery occurred in the 2500 block  of N. Fair Oaks Avenue.  As the victim was exiting the Town and Country Liquor store, she was approached by suspect #1 (female, African-American, 19 yrs, 5 ft 5 ins., 120 lbs.,, black hair) who began to punch and strike the victim in the head, face, and upper torso.  As the victim was trying to defend herself she dropped her wallet and suspect #1 yelled to suspect #2 (female, African-American, 27 yrs, 5 ft. 9 ins., , 135 lbs. , black hair) to start hitting the victim.  Suspect #2 reached down and started to pick up the money that fell from the wallet.  After gathering the money and wallet, suspect #1 and #2 entered a green 1990’s SUV with chrome rims & dark tint which was in the parking lot occupied with suspect #3 (male, African-American).  Loss: Louis Vuitton wallet, identification card, currency. 

Between 8:20 PM and 10:21 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 600 block of Mountain View Street.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by tampering with the screen and forcing open the bedroom window.  Loss:  black Century safe 1 ½ x 1 ½ containing currency. 

Thursday, March 23

11:30 AM – A residential burglary occurred in the 200 block of E. Loma Alta Drive.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by removing the bedroom window screen and opening the window.  Loss:  brown jewelry box containing misc. jewelry. 

Saturday, March 24

Between 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 100 block of E. Woodbury Rd.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by breaking the bedroom window.  Loss:  brown jewelry box containing jewelry and misc. costume jewelry. 

Between 4:15 PM and 5:30 PM – Two grand thefts occurred at the 24Hr. Fitness, 2180 N. Lincoln Avenue.  Loss:  white/blue Giants Avail 15sp road bike, burgundy/black Giants Avail 15sp road bike. 

 

 

Altadena Heritage hosts urban lumberjacks (and they're OK)

Robert HIlton demonstrates his musical instruments made from found wood and other materials at the Altadena Heritage meeting Wed., March 28, 2012.  Video  and all photos by Laura Monteros.

by Laura Monteros

So what does one do with the downed eucalyptus tree in the back yard or Chinese elm in front that sorely needs trimming?  Call in the urban lumberjacks!  

These folks can take a chunk of cast-off wood and create one-of-a-kind pieces from designer furniture to desk pens.  Artist Robert Hilton even makes music with branches he has turned into blown and stringed instruments.

Rich Benson, JPL engineer, urban lumberjack, and Altadena Heritage board member opened the program sponsored by Altadena Heritage on Wednesday night.  He got into lumberjacking when his father built a home in Michigan and had to clear away maple trees to make room for it.

Rich Benson's Canada goose is made from pecan wood.  

Benson talked about the steps to harvesting urban lumber and the equipment needed as well as the benefits of using wood that might otherwise end up in a landfill.  He said it reduces pressure on landfills and forest logging, reduces the cost of lumber for woodworkers, enables people to have custom pieces, and is something relaxing to do.

The list of equipment is fairly long and expensive, but there was one tool that might be worth the price: an old-fashioned, two-man handsaw.  Benson noted that if a husband and wife cut down a tree together, “it can save on marital counseling.”

In addition to logging and preserving wood, Benson makes furniture and household items.  He had several samples of cut and sectioned wood to show the difference in grains and color, and displayed a bench made from a tree removed from in front of Vroman’s Bookstore and a Canada goose crafted from pecan wood.

Arroyos and Foothills Saturday hike looks at Mt. Lowe Railway

Learn about the technical workings of the Mount Lowe Railway on a hike along the former route of the rail with the Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy and engineer John Harrigan, author of the book Mt. Lowe Power, at 9 AM on Saturday, March 31. The railway was a feat of engineering in the late 19th century, with a funicular system built by the man who designed San Francisco's cable cars.

Meet at the intersection of Pleasantridge Drive and Rubio Vista Drive in Altadena. The hike is about a mile each way, and is demanding at points. Dogs are not allowed.

Schiff slams Forest Service over delays in Station Fire report

by Bill Kisliuk
Pasadena Sun

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) on Thursday again lashed out at the U.S. Forest Service for its slow action on Station Fire reports, threatening to introduce legislation compelling the agency to turn over a study originally expected by the end of 2011.

“As we enter yet another fire season, the Forest Service's delay poses additional risks to communities adjacent to the forest,” Schiff said in a statement.

The Forest Service was expected to complete a study on night-flying operations by August 2011.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

Holy Week and Easter activities upcoming

Churches and community organizations are planning a variety of activities for Holy Week, which starts on Palm Sunday (April 1) and ends with Easter (April 8). Here are some of the Altadena area activities, after the jump:

Boot camp operator charged with rape

by Bill Kisliuk
Pasadena Sun

The operator of a camp for troubled youth already facing kidnapping and other charges from a 2011 incident was charged Wednesday with sexually assaulting two 14-year-old girls in 2004.

Kelvin McFarland, 42, operator of Family 1st Growth Camp, is being held on $275,000 bail after pleading not guilty to five charges from the 2004 incidents, which did not occur in Pasadena, according to Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney Carolina Lugo.

The charges include forcible rape, sexual penetration by a foreign object and oral copulation of a person under the age of 16. One incident took place on March 19, 2004, and the other on Dec. 12, 2004, according to Lugo,

The charges are separate from a case stemming from a June 2011 incident in Pasadena where McFarland allegedly forced a teen from her parent’s home and attempted to extort money the family in an incident related to his boot camp operation. He has pleaded not guilty to all five charges stemming from that case.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

Mountain lion tries to break-in at the Meadows Thursday

From Greg Stanton's fine Meadows blog comes word that a large (200 lb., although we're not so sure about that) mountain lion tried to break into a home on Risinghill to get at a housecat early Thursday morning.  Be careful!

(BTW, we're trying to create a critter map for 2012, but Google has rearranged all the furniture and we're trying to figure out how to create one without sharing our lives with you!  Still working on it ....)

Altadena students excel in Cesar Chavez art and essay contest

by Timothy Rutt 

The Pasadena Unified School District celebrated Cesar Chavez this month, and Altadena students excelled as winners of the district's art and essay contest.

In art, Jordan Trice of Altadena Elementary School took second place in the Grade 3-5 category.   Cynthia Sandoval of Eliot Middle School took second place in the Grade 6-8 category.

Among the essay winners for Grades 3-5, Anayeli Rodriguez from Jackson Elementary took first place, and Vanessa De La Cruz of Altadena Elementary took second place. First grader Joshua Lee Robertson of Franklin Elementary was the third place winner in the K-2 essay contest.

A full list of winners is right here.

 

Dogs on the loose, and dog found

by Timothy Rutt

Ketty says there are some dogs on the loose in the Palm/Santa Rosa/St. James neighborhood:

They have been around that block for three days. A female, light brown, that looks like she just gave birth, and a brown male with muscles and very big ears. 
I will try to get pictures, but they hide in a backyard when someone approaches them.

No number to call -- they're just at large, if you know who they belong to.

Meanwhile, the handsome specimen in the picture was found a few days ago -- if you know him, call (626) 398-8557.

 

Team Triumph's BBQ for diabetes tickets available now

Team Triumph!’s second annual BBQ for diabetes takes place on April 21, 2012.

Great food, beer and wine, a live band, silent auction, raffles, plate prizes, and a grand prize drawing are all part of the festivities.

 

Advance ticket sales only. Tickets available until April 11, by contacting Anne Bosi:  626-798-1527 or anne_at_aum@netzero.net or mail in the attached form with payment

 

Tickets are also available Sunday,  April 1,  from 9 AM to 1:30 PM at St. Elizabeth’s Church, 1879 N. Lake Ave.

 

JUST ADDED: GRAND PRIZE RAFFLE TICKETS

All tickets purchased for the BBQ are automatically entered in the grand prize drawing, and you can also purchase extra grand prize raffle tickets for $10 each. Winner need not be present for the grand prize drawing, so if you cannot attend the event, you still have a chance to win!

 

Proceeds from this event benefit the American Diabetes Association

 

Stuck in tax hell today ...

... along with some things related to school --- we should be up and running tomorrow!

Crime analyst Cordova is Altadena's "detective without a badge"

by Timothy Rutt

Virginia Cordova likes to call herself "the detective without the badge and the gun."

A civilian employee of the Altadena Sheriff's Station, Cordova has been the station's crime analyst for about two and a half years.  She takes the raw data from police reports, create statistics, and tries to spot trends to help the cops on the street to do their job.

One example was the recent wave of thefts of Chevy Silverado tailgates.  Cordova said they have been targets of thieves for awhile, but the sudden increase in late 2011-early 2012 was "very odd to have in our area," and suggestive that they were being targeted by a specific thief.  Sheriffs deputies identified a Pasadena man as a suspect, and arrested him Feb. 7, reportedly with three of the stolen tailgates in his possession.

"One of my main focuses right now is property crime," Cordova said.  "My job involves looking at crime patterns, trends, formulating patterns based on the information I obtain from reports."

ACONA speakers: emergency prep, Ralphs, and St. Elizabeth noise complaints

by TImothy Rutt

Loud parties at St. Elizabeth’s? 

That was one of the topics that came up at Tuesday’s meeting of ACONA (Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations), held at the Altadena Main Library.

Cole Landowski, chief of the county’s environmental hygiene program, talked about handling noise complaints and permitted noise limits, when the topic came up of loud noise emanating almost every weekend from St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church at 1840 N. Lake Ave.

Sgt. Michael Randenberg of the Altadena Sheriff’s Station said that the department had talked to church officials at the end of last summer about loud music and other noise coming from weekend events, such as quinceaneras, held at the church social hall.  The department issues permits for certain events, and Randenberg said that if noise issues continue to occur in the neighborhood, they will no longer offer permits.

Lori Webster of Webster's Fine Stationery, Ericka Lozano-Buhl, and Ed Meyers of the Altadena Chamber of Commerce answer questions about Ralphs market and the local business scene at the March 27, 2012 ACONA meeting. Photo by Elliot Gold.

In other items:

Huntington looking for blood donors

by TImothy Rutt

Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena is short of blood, and is on the prowl for doners.

Especially needed is type O negative.

To arrange a donation, call the hospital at  626-397-5422.

Huntington's bloodmobile will also be at the Monrovia Family Festival at Myrtle and Olive, from 1 PM to 7:30 PM on Friday, March 30.  In Monrovia, donors will also receive a free bag of kettle corn.

 

 

Local faves Wreck N Sow at Coffee Gallery Backstage Saturday night

Wreck N Sow, featuring Altadena natives Pierre and Andre Dupuy, will play a special concert Saturday, March 31at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N. Lake, at 7 PM.  Wreck N Sow, a string quartet, has been presenting their version of country/western/bluegrass music to audiences throughout Southern California for over six years including local shows at The Colorado Street Bridge Party, The Gallery at the End of the World and The Sheriff Support Group’s Summer Concert Series.  Saturday will see them in a rare intimate setting, singing original songs and telling good stories and bad jokes.  Tickets for the two hour show are $15 and are available through the Coffee Gallery and its website.

http://www.coffeegallery.com/showsat.htm

www.wrecknsow.com

Education Spectrum sponsors workshop on healthy internet/video use

Education Spectrum presents Christopher Mulligan, LCSW, in a workshop on "internet Use & Video Games - Healthy Solutions" on Sat., June 2, 2012.  

Mulligan is the founder and clinical director of the Cyber Addiction Recovery Center in Los Angeles.  He provides parent education, school consultation, and a full range of clinical services to address Internet, video game, and cyber-pornography addition in children, teens, and adults.   H eis als founder and clinical director of Groupworks West, which service the social and mental health needs of teens and young adults on the autism spectrum.

See graphic for more information, after the jump.

Looking for master gardeners

Reader Doris Finch shares this job opportunity for a master gardener, but you better hurry!:

We are looking for  4-5 Master Gardeners who would be interested in working on a team with Waste Less Living and Access Pacific, a general contracting company bidding on the LA County Public Works Smart Gardening Program job.  It is up for renewal and they are looking for consultants to manage and expand the program.  The Master Gardeners would be tasked with conducting monthly composting, vermi-composting, water wise gardening workshops to the general public over a 2 year period.  There is a school outreach and education component to the job as well.....building gardens and teaching the students.  

The deadline for proposal submittals is this coming Thursday, March 29th.  If you would be so kind as to forward this opportunity to your contact list, I would appreciate it.  Resumes and inquiries can be sent to:

Tomas Torres of Access Pacific
Tomas Torres <tomas@accesspacificinc.com>
(626) 792-0616  Office
(626) 792-0896 Fax
(323) 855-9811 Mobile

Many thanks!

-- 
Christine
Waste Less Living, Inc.
626-765-6209 office
626-786-5947  cell/business (anytime)

Altadena Heritage's "Logging the Urban Forest" Wednesday

Altadena Heritage's "Heritage of Abundance" series continues with "Logging the Urban Forest" tomorrow: lumberjacking and utilizing local felled wood for something other than the fireplace.  Altadena Heritage members free, $5 for others.  It starts at 7:30 PM at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.

"What new beauty?" Altadena's Charles White: a creative life in turbulent times

Pictured: from left, sculptor Nathaniel Bustion, art historian Lyn Kienholz, and Ian White at the Pacific Asia Museum, March 25, 2012.  Photo: Erika McCarden

by Erika McCarden

“It really was such a privilege to be a part of a creative family that inspired social responsibility through many forms," Ian White, son of artist Charles W. White, told the audience at the Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena on Sunday.  "My father was a creative force and impacted many students.”

Ian White took the stage for an intimate Q&A with arts historian Lyn Kienholz for a discussion about Charles W. White and other mid-century Altadena artists.

The gathering served as a tribute to White, who died in 1979 and was deemed one of America's most gifted African-American artists. White’s work touched millions, and depicted the humanity, social justice and human relationships of African Americans. 

Before a small crowd of art enthusiasts, former Charles W. White students and fans, Ian discussed his childhood, the racial tension his family encountered and his father’s passion for art in a post Harlem Renaissance era, focused on social consciousness and awareness.

“So many artists and entertainers were always over at our house,” said Ian. “The director Ivan Dixon, who lived at the top of Marengo. Sydney Poitier rented a house out here when he was filming.  John Outterbridge, the Watts Towers Director, and Harry Belafonte was a very good friend of my dad’s. In fact, it was Harry that gave my dad the $500 to move to L.A.”

ACONA tonight at 7 at the Library

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations (ACONA) meets tonight at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. , starting at 7 PM.

The final agenda is:

• Cole Landowski, Head, Environmental Hygiene Program for LA County will be there to discuss "noise and nuisance" issues:what you can do about them;
• Open discussion of the Ralphs store in Altadena;
• Steve Reagan, block captain of the New York Drive at Allen Avenue Neighborhood Watch, will discuss an Altadena Shake-Out Drill

 

Morning jolt: driver rescued at Angeles, Erdman is Doo-Dah Queen

• Sheriff's Air 5 rescue chopper was involved Monday in the rescue of a 56-year-old woman who who drove off the road in the Angeles National Forest on Sunday.  Tracy Granger spent the night injured in her car after plunging 300 feet down a steep embankment at the Angeles Forest Highway near mile marker 10.47.  She suffered head injuries and hypothermia.  KTLA has the story and video.
• Ann Erdman, the outgoing Pasadena Public Information Officer (and honoree at the annual spring San Gabriel Valley Blogger's Potluck) was named queen of Pasadena's Doo-Dah Parade Monday.  The Pasadena Sun has details.

 

Barbara Bigby is Portantino's "Woman of the Year"

by Timothy Rutt

Altadena activist and educator Barbara Bigby was honored as "Woman of the Year" for the 44th Assembly District by Assemblyman Anthony Portantino on Monday.

“It gives me great pleasure to name Barbara Bigby as Woman of the Year for the 44^th Assembly District,” said Assemblymember Portantino. “Mrs. Bigby’s lifelong mentorship of children demonstrates her passion for the safety and welfare of young people and her leadership of the Altadena NAACP shows a long-standing commitment to improving the community. “

Bigby has been owner and director of Bright Eyed Day Care Center for over 30 years.  She has also served two terms as president of the Altadena NAACP, where she focused on education advocacy.  

She has been a member of the YWCA, DeVeal Family Services Foundation, Sybil Brand Commission, and numerous advisory councils and committees. Bigby has received numerous awards for community service over the years including YWCA Outstanding Woman of the Year, Community Leader Award for John Muir High School’s Mentor and Partnership program, and the NAACP State Conference Outstanding Freedom Fund Service Award.

“Mrs. Bigby has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to educating our children and to civil rights. Her mentorship of young people through her church and the many volunteer organizations shows just how dedicated she is.  I am extremely pleased to add a State Assembly honor to her list of accomplishments,” said Portantino.

 

 

Woman convicted in 2007 Altadena murder and kidnapping

by Timothy Rutt

Masha Ashaz Dean, 27, was convicted today of an Altadena murder, kidnapping, and child endangerment following a Superior Court trial in downtown Los Angeles.

Dean was charged with killing Monroe Miles, Jr., in Altadena in 2007.  According to a press release from the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, Dean faces a possible state prison term of life with possibility of parole.

According to the district attorney, Dean and Vanessa Marie Ochoa, also 27, kidnapped Ochoa's then-four year-old son, who was staying with Miles (his uncle) and the boy's grandparents on March 18, 2007.  MIles was shot to death during the kidnapping.

Dean and Ochoa fled to Las Vegas and were arrested with the boy two days later.  Ochoa pleaded guilty to manslaughter, kidnapping, and child endangerment and testified during Dean's trial.  She is to be sentenced on April 9.

Deputy District Attorney Tamu Usher of the Family Violence Division said that the jury, which deliberated two and a half days, found Dean guilty of second-degree murder after finding her not guilty of first-degree murder.  The murder count with handgun carries a 40 years-to-life state prison term, according to the district attorney.

Dean is scheduled to be sentenced by trial judge Lance Ito on April 11.

 

 

Primavera IV brings out the bloggishness

by Timothy Rut

The bloggers of the San Gabriel Valley and environs met for our annual Primavera in Altadena Potluck PIcnic on Saturday.  It was the place to be for good conversation, good people, and more bloggers than you can safely handle in one place!

Here, Susan Carrier (on the right) shows Pasadena Public Information Officer Ann Erdman the "wishing bush," a forsythia generously donated by Lincoln Avenue Nursery.  Erdman, who also ran the legendary Pasadena PIO blog, will retire on March 31.  Her blogmates tied good wishes to the bush to see her off safely and well.

See you all again on for the fifth Primavera next spring!

 

Mt. Wilson superintendent speaks at Sierra Club Wednesday

by Timothy Rutt

Dave Jurasevich, superintendent of the Mt. Wilson Observatory, will speak at the Forest Committee meeting of the Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club on Wednesday night at Eaton Canyon Nature Center.

Jurasevich will highlight the many accomplishments of the Observatory since it was established more than a century ago by astronomer George Ellery Hale. Early visitors included Albert Einstein, whose work contributed to the science of astronomy.  You will also learn about the Sierra Club's efforts to preserve the San Gabriel Mountain Range, where the observatory is located.

What: “Visions of Discovery: The Mt. Wilson Observatory”

WHEN:    7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 28, 2012

WHERE:  Eaton Canyon Nature Center, 1750 N. Altadena Drive, Pasadena, CA 91107

A social reception at 7 PM precedes the  program.  The program is free and the public is welcome. For information, email Don Bremner at donbremner@earthlink.net or Erik Counseller at greathornedowl@gmail.com. 

 

Altadena's Bennie Maupin headlines Caltech Jazz Festival on April 14

by TImothy Rutt

From William Bing, the director of the Caltech Bands, the 12th Annual Caltech Jazz Festival will be held at Gates Patio on Sat., April 14, from noon to 6 PM.

Featured artist is Altadena's Bennie Maupin, who has recorded and performed with such artists as Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Marion Brown, Chick Corea, Horace Silver, McCoy Tyner, Lee Morgan, Freddie Hubbard, Jack DeJohnette, Andrew Hill, Eddie Henderson and Woody Shaw, among others.  Maupin will appear with his group, The Bennie Maupin Ensemble. Also appearing are the Monday Jazz Band, the Thursday Jazz Band, Zucky and the Gang, the Julie Miwa Quartet, the Nick Broten Band, and Javier Gonzalez.

It's an outdoor concert, so bring a picnic and a blanket.  Admission is free.

Look out for "electrode guy"

by Timothy Rutt

From public safety volunteer Carolyn Seitz, who relays a story from the McNally neighborhood:

I just had a strange experience -- a guy came to our front door, knocked in a way that a familiar friend would, and wanted to come in. He claimed to have just been released from the hospital and to be friends with the [name withheld] on McNally. He lifted his shirt and exposed his stomach which had some white circle thing stuck to it. I felt  weird about the whole situation and told him if he were friends with the [name withheld] to go to them. I said I was going to call the police and he got spooked. I did call the sheriff and told them. They said some other person is doing this kind of scam on the east side of town too. BE VERY CAREFUL!!

Sounds like it might be one of those stick-on electrode things that they use for EKGs -- we've never heard it being used for a scam, though.  As always, if you see anything suspicious, call the Altadena Sheriff's Station at 798-1131.

 

James Griffith's "One Show One Artist" at Alias Books

Altadena painter James Griffith will be the artist at the "One Show One Artist" exhibition at Alias books East, 3163 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles (Atwater Village).  

There will be a "soft opening" for the show from 7 to 9 PM on Fri., March 30 at the bookstore.

Eliot PTA fundraiser Tuesday at Pinocchio's Pizza

The Eliot Middle School PTA is having a fundraiser at PInocchio's Pizza tomorrow -- bring the flyer (right), and the school receives 15% of the proceeds.

 

Bleg: Easter season activities

We're preparing an article on local activities for Holy Week (Palm Sunday thru Easter, April 1-8) and are looking for what your church or organization is planning (special church services, Easter egg hunts, etc.)  Send us your info to: altadenablog(-at-)gmail.com.

Altadena Junction: the vision thing

Our column in the Sunday Valley Sun is right here.

 

Sunset Avenue in Pasadena to be closed today

by Timothy Rutt

If you're out and about this morning, the Pasadena Police Department just sent word that  Sunset Ave. between Orange Grove Blvd. and Yale Street will be closed until further notice. 

According to a press release, "This is due to an on-going police investigation. There are no public safety issues and no request for the community’s assistance." 

Residents in the closure area with questions or concerns should contact Pasadena Police Department Representatives at Fair Oaks Ave. and Orange Grove Blvd. or telephone the Pasadena Police Department at 626-744-4501. 

UPDATE: It opened up again shortly after 11 AM today.

Primavera in Altadena is here!

The fourth annual "Primavera in Altadena: San Gabriel Valley Blogger's Potluck Picnic" starts today at 11 AM, rain or shine, at the covered picnic tables at Farnsworth Park.

Join the bloggers and blog-fans of the San Gabriel Valley in the annual ode to spring, because Altadena always needs a Primavera!

See you there!

 

Altadena Bicycle Club hits the road in inaugural ride

Leticia Montanez writes:

The Altadena Bicycle Club (ABC) inaugural ride and social event occurred on Thursday, March 22 out of Steve’s Bike Shop.   Two rides were conducted:  the road bike was lead by Dorothy Wong and the Mountain Bike by Jeff Herring. 

The Altadena Bicycle Club mission is to help build a more caring community by engaging community members while promoting cycling, fitness and environmental awareness.  The next ride will be on April 12 out of Steve’s Bike shop at 5 PM with clip in at 5:30 pm  Event details can be found on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/groups/altadenabicycleclub/) .   

The club is currently designing a Jersey and is looking for pocket sponsors; if you are interested please contact Dorothy Wong wongwongway@gmail.com.  Hope to see some new riders.

 

 

Arroyo Pacific Academy closes $2.8 million SBA loan

by Timothy Rutt

The Arroyo Pacific Academy recently closed a Small Business Administration loan for $2.8 million, according to a  press release from the lender, Mercantile Capital Corp.,

According to the release, "With its new loan, Mercantile Capital Corporation will enable the school to expand in numbers and invest in additional well qualified staff. It also facilitates development of the infrastructure needed for this growth in the arts, technology, career and fitness components of the curriculum."

Arts and technology are two of the emphases that Academy president Philip Clarke said he would pursue on the school's planned Palm Street campus.

On Thursday, county planning staff recommended that the county turn down Arroyo Pacific's permit application to open that campus. 

Our earlier story is here, and the Mercantile Capital press release is here.

Arroyo Pacific Academy is an Altadenablog sponsor.

 

 

 

Altadena parks plan activities for spring, Easter

Altadena's county parks - Farnsworth, Charles White, and Loma Alta -- are planning a variety of children's activities for spring, spring break, and Easter.

• All three parks will have a spring day camp April 2-6, during PUSD's spring break.  The camps fill up quickly, so please call the park of your choice for information.
• There are also T-ball teams for ages 3-5 starting at each facility,  (Tiny Tots T-ball at Farnsworth Park recently extended its registration to April 18).
• Charles White Park is starting a "Learn to Golf" camp for ages to 18.
• Loma Alta Park is accepting applications for its summer day camp program now

Easter weekend will also be an active time for Easter egg hunting:  Charles White will hold its egg hunt on Fri., April 6, from 3 to 5 PM.  Farnsworth Park will have a nighttime hunt that same evening, from 6-8 PM (bring your flashlight!).  Charles White Park's Easter Egg hunt will be Sat., April 7, starting at 11 AM.

For more information, contact your park:  

Loma Alta Park: 398-5451

Charles White Park:  398-2073

Farnsworth Park: 798-6335

 

 

 

Pasadena Sun becomes Sunday only

by Timothy Rutt

Our media partner, the Pasadena Sun, has announced that they will stop printing the Friday edition, and will continue as a Sunday-only publication.

According to editor Dan Evans, their online edition will continue to be lively:

"Our breaking-news blog, The626Now.com, is also getting an upgrade to give Pasadena, South Pasadena and San Marino residents more, and more timely, news about the communities in which we live. Finally, look for our sports coverage to get a digital boost, with up-to-the-moment information about the high school and college teams you care about."

Our column, "Altadena Junction," will continue to appear in the Sunday edition.

 

 

Crime blotter, March 10-17: car thefts, burglaries, and car burglaries

The usual round of burglaries with some car thefts and some attempted entries to spice things up.  Crime blotter by Lt. Duane D. Allen of the Altadena Sheriff's Station.

Sat., March 10
7:56 AM – A vehicle was reported stolen from the 1200 block of E. Calaveras Street.  The vehicle was recovered on 3/19/12 in the 600 block of E. Pine Street.

Sun., March 11
Between 4:00 PM and 9:30 PM – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 1100 block of Morada Place.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the front passenger window.  Loss:  black car stereo.

Tues., March 13
2:45 PM - A residential burglary occurred in 1700 block of Craig Avenue.  The victim was home at the time and heard someone walking along the side of the home.  The suspect opened the unlocked bedroom window and saw the victim.  The suspect quickly left the area heading eastbound from the location.  Suspect described as:  male, Hispanic, 18-25 yrs, short crew cut hair, clean shaven, medium complexion, thick build.  Loss: none.
Between 9:30 PM and 8:30 AM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1800 block of N. Grand Oaks Avenue.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by breaking the bedroom window latch.  Loss:  pearl 15” necklace, aquamarine stone bracelet, 4x3 ½ mirror.

Wed., March 14
10:15 AM – A vehicle was reported stolen from the 1700 block of E. Atchison Street. in Pasadena.  

Poetry Corner: the lake on Lake

"Nature Abhors a Vacuum"

from gloriana casey

In olden times, we read of life
in Altadena town.
Michele Zack shared this history.
Surprises do abound!

For once upon a time , it seems,
on Avenue named LAKE,
there really was a lake found there;
a perfect street namesake!

County planning staff recommends denial of Arroyo Pacific's school bid [UPDATED]

by Timothy Rutt

Los Angeles County planning staff is recommending that the regional planning commission deny the Arroyo Pacific Academy's bid to locate a campus at 183-205 East Palm St.

A staff report issued Thursday said that "The proposed project is inconsistent with the goals and policies of the Altadena Community Plan … The proposed project would be a drastic intensification of use compared to the previous group home for children on the site.  The project would equate to a 434% increase in the number of people using site and a 62% increase in vehicle trips expected on Palm Street."

The increased activity "would adversely impact the existing neighborhood by altering established traffic and noise patterns currently enjoyed by the low density character of this neighborhood."  The staff said that establishing a school on the site was "incompatible with the surrounding neighborhood pattern and would adversely affect the health, peace, comfort, or welfare of persons residing or working in the surrounding area."

The staff recommendation to deny a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) means the school is 0-5 as it makes its way through the approval process.  The Altadena Town Council and its Land Use Committee have each denied the request twice.

The county Planning Commission is scheduled to hear Arroyo Pacific's request on April 4, and will send its recommendation to the county Board of Supervisors.

Among the factors working against the school, according to the report,  are the location's proximity to residences, the quiet suburban character of the neighborhood, lack of sidewalks, and the strong objections of the neighbors.

The complete package of analysis, along with public comments and other documents, are available at http://planning.lacounty.gov/case/view/r2008-00985

The hearing is scheduled for 9 AM on Wed., April 4, at Room 150 in the Hall of Records,  320 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles.

UPDATE:  Arroyo Pacific President Philip Clarke emailed us Friday morning: "We are studying the planning staff report and will bring responses to the planning commission at the April 4th hearing."

Note: Arroyo Pacific Academy is an Altadenablog advertiser.

 

 

ACONA looks at noise, nuisances, and Ralphs Tuesday night

by Timothy Rutt

The next ACONA meeting will be Tues., March 27, from 7-8:30 PM at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. 

Ole Landowski, head of the Environmental Hygiene Program for Los Angeles County will discuss "house and nuisance" issues.

There will also be an "open discussion" of the Ralphs market in Altadena.  ACONA organizer Elliot Gold says that Ralphs "expects to send a spokesperson to respond to any issues you have with the store."

 

Altadena Sheriff's Station looking for Explorers

from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

Since its inception in 1969, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Law Enforcement Explorer Program has created new inroads of understanding between youth, law enforcement, and the community. 

Deputy Explorers are not just "talkers." They receive extensive training and then actively participate in community affairs and non-hazardous law enforcement activities.

What is Law Enforcement Exploring? The Law Enforcement Explorer Program is a Sheriff's Department youth oriented program. It is affiliated with the special interest phase of the Boy Scouts of America. It's primary purpose is to provide, through actual experience, a means by which young men and women may determine if they would like to pursue a career in law enforcement. The program also provides the Sheriff's Department with additional human resources and it opens an important avenue of understanding with an energetic, concerned society of young people.

Training:

After acceptance into the Program, initial training for new Deputy Explorers takes place at one of the Sheriff's Explorer Academies. They are located at 11515 South Colima Road, Whittier, and at The College of the Canyons, 26455 N. Rockwell Canyon Road, Valencia. The Explorer Academy consists of approximately 184 hours of instruction during 18 weeks of training on Saturdays.

Subjects such as community relations, criminal law, demeanor, firearms safety, narcotics control, police procedures and weaponless defense must be mastered. The trainees are required to undergo drill and physical training as well as their classroom work.

Satisfactory completion of the Academy earns the Deputy Explorer ten high school unit credits. In some cases, college credit can also be earned by post-graduation Academy involvement.

Commit II Achieve Fundraiser April I4

Sarge's Community Base, Inc., Commit II Achieve will hold its third annual "Spirit of Achievement" Awards and Fundraiser on Sat., April 14 at the Sheraton Pasadena Hotel, 303 E. Cordova St., Pasadena.

Host will be Dorian Harewood, actor and three time NAACP Image Award winner,   Those honored will be Marianne Sfreddo, CPA (Community Service), Don Bailey (Organizational Honoree), and cadets Sheppard Grant and Olivia Sena.

Tickets are $125 each, or $200 per couple.  For more information, call 626 797-4882 or email sarge@sargescb.org.

 

 

Lake Avenue: from vacant land to vacant stores? A commercial history of Altadena

Reader Eric Wilson's photo of the North Lake Avenue business district after an unusual mountain snowfall in Feb., 2011.

The Lake Avenue commercial district was once a thriving hub -- now it is choked by code enforcement, lack of parking, and empty lots and buildings.  Can it be turned around?

This paper was written by Michele Zack as part of Altadena Heritage’s North Lake Committee, formed to study aspects of our community’s commercial life. The emphasis is on North Lake for reasons both historical and practical. Other committee members are Thomas Stahl, Mark Goldschmidt, Stephen Rudicel, Eileen Alduenda, and Alan Zorthian, who bring professional backgrounds in architecture, business, urban and landscape design, urban agriculture, and community sustainability to the project.   

by Michele Zack
 

Lake Avenue has been a boundary as well as a major thoroughfare. Its north-south orientation follows a section line created when all California land was first surveyed and grided into square-mile chunks. This occurred after the end of the Mexican-American War when the territory was ceded to the U.S in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. California’s fast track to statehood two years later in 1850 was the direct result of discovery of gold in the north.

Lake Avenue (called Prospect in its upper reaches until the mid-1880s) acquired its name at this time because the section line describing it, extended south on the map, ran into an artificial lake built by mission Indians around 1800. A wagon track led north from the lake toward the mountains. San Gabriel Mission administrators had used Gabrielino Indian labor to dam one end of the land depression (now Lacey Park in San Marino) to increase its capacity from a sag pond into a reservoir. Water seepage from the Raymond fault to the north filled “Mission Lake” and soon provided water to irrigate the Rancho El Huerte de Quati.

The Spanish Empire in North America ended (1821), California became a state of the new Republic of Mexico, and by the 1840s, this rancho passed to American Benjamin “Don Benito” Wilson who renamed it “Lake Vineyard.” He extended its vineyards and orchards as he built an agricultural and real estate empire that by the late 1850s included (in the San Gabriel Valley alone) most of the future Altadena, Pasadena, South Pasadena, San Marino, Alhambra, as well as parts of other communities.

Community Standards District Land Use Committee documents

From Mark Goldschmidt of the Altadena Land Use Committee, we are sharing two documents regarding proposed changes to the Community Standards District: a report on residential properties (date July 5, 2011); and the March 6 minutes of the Altadena Town Council Land Use Subcommittee, which talks about both residential and commercial properties.  Both documents after the jump.

Retired Oakland police chief talks about law enforcement encounters Sat.

by TImothy Rutt

In a timely meeting in the light of the killing of Trayvon Martin in Florida,  retired Oakland police chief Anthony Batts will address the issue of how young men, especially African American men, can safely relate to law enforcement.  The presentation will be at the Altadena Seventh Day Adventist Church at 2609 N. Lincoln Ave., at 6:30 PM.

 

Animal control targeting pets in Altadena

by Timothy Rutt

In a press release from the county Department of Animal Care and Control,  officers ill be in Altadena and environs checking your pet's licenses.

The release says that the officers "will be in the unincorporated areas in the vicinity of Altadena checking for current rabies vaccinations, ensuring residents are in compliance with licensing requirements as well as the mandatory spay/neuter and microchip ordinance. California State law requires that all dogs and cats over the age of four months be vaccinated against rabies and be licensed. Securing a dog or cat license is an important part of identification and can assist animal control agencies if your pet becomes lost."

Noncompliance with county ordinances means license fees, delinquency charges, and a $40 field enforcement fee.  You can secure a new animal license by printing the application online at http://animalcare.lacounty.gov. If your license is not delinquent, you can also renew it through the Internet.

The release says that animal control "offers low cost vaccination clinics and low cost assistance (for individuals who qualify) for spay and neuter surgeries. Please visit our website http://animalcare.lacounty.gov or stop by your local County animal care center for more information about these services."

You can also visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CountyofLosAngelesAnimalCare.