altadenablog

Pasadena Heritage Tour includes Altadena Ains home this weekend

Pictured: a Gregory Ain Park Planned home in Altadena is featured on the 35th annual Pasadena Heritage home tour.

Pasadena Heritage will highlight Modern residential architecture on its 35th anniversary Spring Home Tour, sponsored by Deasy/Penner & Partners and co-sponsored by The Capital Group Charitable Foundation, Kelly Sutherlin McLeod Architecture, Inc., Pasadena Convention and Visitors Bureau and Meyler & Company Locations. Though more rare in Pasadena, wonderful examples of these hidden gems can be found scattered throughout the city. Featured homes were designed by local graduates and teachers from the School of Architecture, University of Southern California and by architects trained elsewhere. 

The Cultural Resources of the Recent Past Historic Context Report for the City of Pasadena, prepared by Historic Resources Group and Pasadena Heritage in October of 2007, states “The term “Pasadena” or “USC style” Modernism was coined by architectural historian Esther McCoy, and reflects the profound impact that graduates of the University of Southern California School of Architecture, many of whom lived and worked in Pasadena, had on the architectural landscape of the region. The Pasadena style reflects the unique combination of factors that contributed locally to the City’s postwar architecture, and is best summarized by historian Alson Clark: The postwar Pasadenans managed to combine, successfully, creatively, the post-and-beam rationalism which ultimately came from Neutra, the Arts-and-Crafts tradition of Wright and the Greenes, and the high standards of design and technique perpetuated here by architects like Myron Hunt, Reginald Johnson and Roland Coate into a fresh, convincing expression of residential architecture.”

Schiff sees red over JPL cuts

By Joe Piasecki
Pasadena Sun 

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Altadena) provoked a tense exchange with NASA Administrator Charles Bolden during a House budget hearing Wednesday on proposed cuts to Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Mars program.

Schiff grilled Bolden for nearly 17 minutes about NASA's plan to scrap two robotic Mars missions that would employ hundreds at JPL whose job duties otherwise end in August, after touchdown of the Curiosity rover.

Bolden touted Curiosity as evidence of NASA's commitment to exploring Mars and said the agency could scale back the Mars program without abandoning its scientific goals, prompting accusations of double talk from Schiff.

“That is a very Orwellian answer, in my view, that says the way to go forward is to go backward, the way to go up is down,” Schiff said.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

Pacific Asia Museum talks about Charles White and other Altadena artists Sunday

by Timothy Rutt

Art historian Lyn Kienholz will talk about "Charles White's Altadena" on Sun., March 25 at the Pacific Asia Museum, 46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, at 2 PM.

Kienholz will be joined by White's son Ian, who will explore the topic of artists living and working in Altadena before 1980 with informal conversation and audience participation.  For reservations, please call the Museum Store at 626 449-2742 x20.

Free for Pacific Asia Museum members, with admission for non-members.  For more information, visit www.pacificasiamuseum.org.

 

 

Art on Palm spring show to offer tours of Charles Green cottage

The 16th bi-annual Art on Palm show takes place on April 28 this year, and they're offering an incentive for coming: a tour of Charles Greene's Valentine Cottage.

Art on Palm hosts Maryrose Smyth and Mark Pickett will give tours of the cottage, a landmark in Altadena's Wildwood Park, the cozy oaken setting of the show. Renovated in 1924, the Cottage rests at the base of an ancient oak estimated to be over 650 years old. The Cottage’s exceptional stone work includes two chimneys and two gracious porches, evidence of the Craftsmen Movement’s seamless integration of indoor/outdoor living for Southern California’s lifestyle. “Art on Palm has something for everyone”, states Mary Jane Elgin, the event’s co-founder. “Art on Palm promotes gifted local artists, attracts a loyal following, builds awareness of Altadena’s vibrant architecture, acknowledges the beauty of an ancient oak canyon, and even raises funds for the Fisher House of Greater Los Angeles.”

Since 2006, Art on Palm artists have donated a portion of their sales to The West L.A. Fisher House; which provides humanitarian support for hospitalized military personnel and their families. “The West L.A. Fisher House acknowledges this generosity. The contributions from Art on Palm artists help us provide much-needed humanitarian relief to members of our military and their families who reside in L.A. County.  We look forward to their continued support.”, commented Tim Byk, Founder/Executive Director, West L.A. Fisher House Foundation.

The exhibit and art show will be on Sat., April 28, from 9:30AM-6 PM at 1419 E. Palm St. The show and sale features ceramics, collage, drawings, encaustic, fabric, fiber, glass, jewelry, paintings, photography, watercolors and woodcarving.

Participating artists are: Annie Aldridge; Tyn Atol; Stephanie Anderson; Erica Batchelder, Marcia Bloom; Ovie and Catherine Cowles, Ellen Dinerman, Mary Jane Elgin, Elisa Goodman, Lynn Hendricks, Jim Heuston, Beverly Jones, Debbie Lawrence; Ron Lawrenz,  Susan Loraine, Lynn Mattiesen; Dawn Mendelson, Dana Sue Miller, Katherine Nakazono, Lucia Pasquinelli, Cielo Pessione, Detra Prete, Cathy Reichel-Clark, Anne Sears, Maryrose Smyth, Kathy Spear, Kathleen Swaydan, Naomi Tratar, Nancy Unruh, Anna Vosburg, Tris Wasserman, Lys Wilcox, Bruce Wilson, Kaylie James Wilson, Stephen Woodruff, Lucia Yang, and Denise Young. Along the meandering drive and paths of Wildwood Park, Art on Palm artists will display their finely crafted work ranging from functional to whimsical, from something to wear, to something to give. Admission and parking are free. Refreshments will be sold by Jones Coffee Roasters of Pasadena.

Breaking: Sheriff Lt. John S. Benedict to be new Altadena captain

by Timothy Rutt

Lt. John S. Benedict, an assistant to Sheriff Chief Neal Tyler, has been named Altadena's new sheriff captain, according to sources close to the sheriff station.

The selection of Benedict was confirmed by Lt. Duane D. Allen, Altadena Station's public information officer,  and Robert Klomburg, president of the Sheriff's Support Group.

Before moving to headquarters in 2011, Benedict was a watch commander, detective lieutenant and liaison for Westlake Village and Hidden Hills according to The Acorn.

Benedict will replace Capt. Steven McLean, who retires this month.

An official announcement has not yet been made.  More on this as it develops.

Image: Lt. Benedict from his Twitter account.

UPDATE: We used an erroneous middle initial given to us in the first version of this story, and that has been corrected thanks to our new Twitter follower, Stacey (Mrs.) Benedict.

Happy Down Syndrome Day!

by Timothy Rutt

It's 3/21, representing a third 21st chromosome, which is the indicator for Down Syndrome.  Happy Down Syndrome Day to our peeps: Suzanne, Christopher, Lauren, Estelle, Tim, Andrea, Zachary, Blair, Molly,  Luc, all the members of the Tribe and their families, and not the least Rosie. 

 

Primavera in Altadena IV blogger's potluck is almost here!

by TImothy Rutt

It's happening this weekend: "Primavera in Altadena IV," the annual spring San Gabriel Valley blogger's potluck picnic, which will start at noonish Saturday at Farnsworth Park, Mount Curve pavilion (north side covered picnic tables).

Join us as we tear ourselves away from our screens for an afternoon and enjoy an always-delectable round of food, fun, and friendship.  Bloggers, family members, friends, significant others, even dogs are welcome (because it's not a party without Boz, who owns Petrea Burchard).  

This year, our special honoree is Ann Erdman, Pasadena's stalwart public information officer, who will receive a lovely token of our esteem.  Please wish her a happy retirement!

(Here's our Facebook page!)

Hosted by Altadenahiker, Altadena Above It All, Open Mouth Insert Fork, and Altadenablog, it's the social occasion you cannot miss!  See you there!

Town council rundown: Farmer's market getting closer, new member sworn in

 

Town council chair Sandra Thomas, right, swears in new councilmember Judy Mathews, center.  Mathews will serve with Doug Colliflower, left, as representatives for Census Tract 4603.01.

by Timothy Rutt

At Tuesday’s Altadena Town Council meeting:

• Farmer's Market: The almost-but-not-quite Altadena Farmer’s Market seems to be coming over the horizon and may be in view.  Al Evans of the LA County Parks and Recreation Dept. said that they were hoping to sign an agreement with market manager Joseph Shuldiner later this week.  Altadena Heritage has come on board as underwriter, which, as a non-profit, means that there will be reductions in the fees the county charges to set up the market.  Evans said that he envisioned the market at at lower Loma Alta Park will be up within the next month or two, on Wednesday afternoons and evenings.
• Flag Day: Chair Dr. Sandra Thomas announced that April 21 will be “Flag Day,” to introduce the Altadena town flag, in a ceremony at the community center from 1 to 3 PM.  Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, state assemblyman Anthony Portantino, State Sen. Carol Liu, and Congressman Adam Schiff have all been invited to attend.
• Mathews chosen: The council chose Judy Mathews, a 37 year resident, to fill the vacant council seat at Census Tract 4603.01.  Mathews, who is a retired federal court worker, is the Los Angeles chair of the National Congress of Black Women and serves on that organization’s national board.  She is also the regional coordinator for Women for Obama, and is involved with the Altadena NAACP and the Beverly Hills NAACP theater community, and works on diversity for the Pasadena Playhouse.  Mathews' term expires in May.
• PUSD district mapping: Bernardean Broadus, who with Richard Moon are Altadena’s representatives to the Pasadena Unified School District redistricting task force, came back from the last of that body’s public meetings Tuesday night to report that Altadena has strong representation on two of the proposed districts, and invited Altadenans to attend the PUSD board meeting next Thursday when the consensus map will be presented.  

 

 

Council hears of community visioning plan, looking for commercial area survey

by Timothy Rutt

Mina Brown of RBF Consulting told the Altadena Town Council Tuesday night about the visioning workshops that will be part of the plan to update Altadena’s Community Standards District (CSD).  The workshops will be held on Wednesdays, April 4 and 25 at the gymnasium at Loma Alta Park, with a final workshop on June 6.  All workshops are from 7 to 9 PM.

Brown said that a postcard announcing the workshops will be mailed to every property in Altadena within the next few days.

In response to councilmember Gino Sund’s comment that the meetings should take place in other locations to allow more participation, Brown said that the visioning process would involve people working in groups around tables, and the park gym was “the biggest room in Altadena.”

Brown said that RBF, which is holding the workshops for the county Community Development Commission, had already met with the council’s Land Use Committee and Altadena Heritage, and was looking to meet with other organizations that ‘have a large representation in the community.”

In a related move, Mark Goldschmidt, president of Altadena Heritage and chair of the council’s Land Use Committee, talked about the committee’s efforts to create two committees in 2010, looking at residential and commercial properties.  While the commercial committee hadn’t accomplished anything, Goldschmidt said that the residential committee came up with ideas on how to handle such planning issues as setback rules and building swimming pools and spas.

Councilman Doug Colliflower said that one of the Land Use Committee’s suggests was to form a new commercial area subcommittee that would divide into teams, with each team looking at specific commercial areas.  Colliflower said that they were looking for members of the community who could make a commitment to look into a specific area, walk through it, and commit to five evening meetings over the next two months.  If interested in the committee, contact Goldschmidt at 798-8682 or mgdesign@sbcglobal.net or Colliflower at 626-797-8441 ext 205 or doug.colliflower@altadenatowncouncil.org.

 

 

 

Pasadena: one book, Arbor Day, and History Lit

Three events of interest at our neighbor south of the border, i.e. Pasadena:

• Author talk: Pasadena kicks off its tenth year of "One City, One Story" with Geraldine Brooks, author of this year's selected novel, "People of the Book," this Thurs., March 22, at 7 PM in the sanctuary at All Saints Church, 132 N. Euclid. Pasadena Library Director Jan Sanders will moderate the discussion, which will include questions from the audience.  Bring your copy for Brooks to sign following the discussion, and if you don't have a copy, they will be available for purchase.  The event is free and open to the public.
• Plant a tree: To celebrate Arbor Day, the Pasadena Public Works Department and Pasadena Beautiful Foundation invite you to help plant trees on Sat., March 31.  Meet at McDonald Park (Mountain Street at Wilson Avenue) at 8 AM.   Planting demonstration at 8:15, and teams will be sent out to plant oaks and camphors in Bungalow Heaven, Historic Highlands, and Mentor/Villa neighborhoods.  Under 14 must be accompanied by adult; wear comfortable clothes and close-toed shoes, bring gloves and shovels if available.  More information: 626-744-4321.
• History Lit: Unbound Productions, the people that produce "Wicked Lit" at the Mountain View Mausoleum and Cemetery every Halloween, are partnering with the Pasadena Museum of History to present "History Lit," three plays that reflect stage adaptations of literature that reflect history in creative ways.  The playlets are based on "The Garden Party" by Katherine Mansfield, "The Two Altars: or Two Pictures in One" by Harriet Beecher Stowe, and "The Yellow Wallpaper" adapted from the short story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman.  As with Wicked Llt, theatergoers will wander around the Feynes Mansion and the Pasadena Museum of History complex to see the plays performed.  The production will be presented May 11-20, but tickets area available now.  More information: historylit.org

Foothill Arts Collective holds March 29 mixer

The Foothill Arts Collective, will hold a “friends” wine and cheese mixer on Thurs. March 29, at the Women’s City Club (160 North Oakland Avenue Pasadena) from 5 PM to 7 PM. There is no charge for attending the mixer, although donations to support FAC will gladly be accepted.

The Foothill Arts Collective (FAC) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing a level of quality and excellence in performing and visual arts programing, which spotlights and engages underserved participants from the San Gabriel Valley and neighboring communities.

FAC strives to offer opportunities and venues for local artists to demonstrate and perform their unique and individual artistry to a community that embraces diversity of the arts. The Collective is especially dedicated to helping youth discover and develop their talents and gifts with confidence and self-assurance in an environment that is nurturing and safe.

The wine and cheese mixer is an opportunity for the community to become acquainted with FAC’s programs and upcoming events, such as the Kids Performing Arts Club which begins April 14th along with the 2012 Second Performing Arts Summer Camp which runs June 11th through August 6th for ages 5-15 years old.

The mixer celebrates a collaboration of local community partners who are vested in continuing local youth’s exposure to the performing and visual arts.

R.S.V.P. by March 23, 2012 to Diane Henry, Executive Director at event@foothillartscollective.org or by calling (323) 331 –1398.

Tickets available for Capt. McLean retirement party

Tickets are now available for the retirement party for outgoing Altadena Sheriff Capt. Steven McLean.

The party will be held Fri., April 13, from 6 PM-10 PM at the Pasadena Masonic Lodge, 200 S. Euclid Ave., Pasadena.

Tickets are available for purchase at $25 per person, and checks should be made payable to "Steve McLean Retirement Fund."  Purchases can be made at the Altadena Sheriff Station, 780 E> Altadena Dr.

 

Altadena Arts Council looking for volunteers, instructors

The Altadena Arts Council is looking for community-minded volunteers with an interest in the arts to become involved with the Council and the Community Arts Center at the Loma Alta school building.

Opportunities include board membership, internships, paid positions for arts instructors, and serving as arts advocates.  

Executive Director Mary Ann Stevenson says she is “especially interested in bringing on board experienced instructors to conduct workshops  for children and teens in visual and performing arts.” Candidates must have an Associates of Arts Degree or higher level training/teaching experience and submit a resume/portfolio.

The Altadena Arts Council is also recruiting candidates for board membership who have a love of the arts, believe that an arts education for youth is essential for providing a well-rounded education and who can promote efforts of the Arts Center to serve Altadena’s residents. Candidates must be willing to accept a two-year commitment, submit a resume or statement of interest, be available for board meetings, and live within the San Gabriel Valley.

If you are interested in becoming involved with the Altadena Arts Council and Altadena Community Arts Center (located at Loma Alta School Center, Loma Alta Blvd. and North Marengo) in either capacity and would like to schedule an interview or would like further information, contact the Arts Council at 626-797-5798

Found cat, missing dog

Reader Valerie found a cat: 

A young male cat who is very sweet and friendly and in good shape showed up at our doorstep at 5 AM Sunday March 18th - VERY hungry and clearly lost.  He wanted in our house in the worst way, so we let him in - a couple of coyotes frequent the neighborhood and we lost our dog last year.  Our lights were on, and my impression is that he's an indoor cat who somehow got out and is lost. He wondered into our yard just north of New York Drive on Mar Vista (corner of Mar Vista and Morada).  Contact me at  626-794-4698

  And reader Bob and his family are missing their dog:

 

Our dog bolted out of the backyard [Monday]  and we have been searching all day to no avail. The dog's name is Ripley.  He is a white poodle mix, around 25 pounds.  He should have a collar with my phone number, and he has a chip.  Attached is a picture.  My daughter Stephanie is crushed.   We are at the intersection of Altadena Drive and Mendocino.  I can be contacted at 626-676-6363.

 

 

Misty morning

Reader Deb Halberstadt shares this picture from the weekend: snow on the mountains, mist, and bright bouganvillea.  Weather should be getting warmer as the week goes on.

 

Photo © Deb Halberstadt.  Used with permission.

"Space archeology" is Mt. Wilson Lecture at Altadena Library

by Timothy Rutt

"Space archeology" -- an emerging discipline to preserve the historic evidence of mankind in space -- is the subject of the Mt. Wilson Observatory Lecture at the Altadena Library.

Chapman University instructor Justin Walsh will talk about the cultural heritage of objects and artifacts that happen to be located in space.  While many cultural artifacts and areas are set aside for preservation, certain areas -- such as Tranquility Base, the site of the first moon landing -- do not qualify for protection.  Walsh will talk about what space objects and sites deserve such protection, and whether there are existing models to promote such protection.

The lecture will be Sat., March 24, at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. .  Refreshments start at 2 PM, lecture at 2:30.  Admission is free.

 

 

Arroyos & Foothills host spring hiking series in March and April

The Arroyos and Foothills Conservancy has announced its spring series of hikes through March and April, with a look at history, geography, and geology, and some recent land acquisitions.  For more information on each hike,  click here.

• Sunday, March 25, 9 AM: Learn about the history of the Mt. Lowe Railway and Altadena’s early settlers with local historian Michele Zack. Hike is about a mile each way, and is demanding at points. Meet at the intersection of Pleasantridge Drive and Rubio Vista Drive in Altadena.

• Saturday, March 31, 9 AM: Get acquainted with the mechanical workings of the Mt. Lowe Railway with John Harrigan, author of Mt. Lowe Power. Meet at the intersection of Pleasantridge Drive and Rubio Vista Drive in Altadena.

• Saturday, April 7, 9 AM: Learn about Rubio Canyon’s geologic history and its seismic future with environmental geologist and rock hound John Wros. Hike is about a mile each way. Meet at E. Loma Alta Drive and Camp Huntington Road in Altadena.

• Saturday, April 14, 9 AM: Learn about the history of the Mt. Lowe Railway with Dan Abendschein, editor of the Altadena Patch. Hike is about a mile each way, and is demanding at points. Meet at the intersection of Pleasantridge Drive and Rubio Vista Drive in Altadena.

• Saturday, April 21, 9 AM: Hike a new Rubio Canyon trail loop with Paul Ayers, chief of Rubio Canyon’s trail crew. Hike is about 1.5 miles. Meet at 1101 E. Loma Alta Drive (just east of Camp Huntington Road) in Altadena.

 

Altadena Town Council meeting Tuesday night

by Timothy Rutt

The March meeting of the Altadena Town Council takes place tomorrow night (Tuesday) at 7 PM at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.

Particularly of interest on the agenda is a presentation from RBF Consulting about the update process of the Community Standards District.

 

Spirits undampened as Farnsworth Park Spring Jam moves indoors

by Timothy Rutt

The heavy rain moved Farnsworth Park's Spring Jam from the outdoor amphitheater into the Davies Building Saturday, where a small but enthusiastic crowd saw performances from a variety of acts.  Here, dancers from Mexica Folklorico show the beauty of traditional Mexican dance.  More after the jump.

Living with and using the urban forest with Altadena Heritage March 28

 

by Timothy Rutt

Altadena Heritage's "Heritage of Abundance" series continues with two presentations about the urban forest in the next month.

The first presentation is "Logging the Urban Forest" on March 28.  With all the trees that have been downed in recent wind and rainstorms, there's certainly been an abudance of felled wood.  Altadena Heritage presents four speakers who talk about using the wood in a variety of useful ways: urban lumberjack Rich Benson, instrument builder Robert Hilton, pen maker Bill Peplow, and furniture maker William Stranger.  The presentation runs from 7:30-9 PM.

A second presentation, "Managing the Urban Forest," will be April 19, featuring Frank McDonough of the LA County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, who will speak on the health and longevity of living trees.  This presentation starts at 7 PM.

The presentations are free for Altadena Heritage members, $5 for others. They will be held at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.  For more information, call 626 993-5338 or email: altadenaheritage@earthlink.net

Altadena Junction: Primavera and Paco

by Timothy Rutt

Our weekly column at the Sunday Valley Sun is up: life in Altadena.

PUSD board pressures Aveson, Rosebud Academy to diversify

By Joe Piasecki
Pasadena Sun

PUSD Board of Education members are pushing local charter schools to increase the diversity of their students and enroll more children who are learning English.

Scrutiny of the publicly funded but privately managed schools came while officials deliberated this month on charter renewals for the Aveson School of Leaders in Altadena, Aveson Global Leadership Academy in Pasadena and Pasadena Rosebud Academy, which meets at the Loma Alta Elementary School building.

The board approved the Aveson charters but ordered plans for improving diversity. Rosebud, an 80-student elementary school, was denied permission to expand up to eighth grade and told to diversify its mostly middle-class African American student body.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

Ian Whitcomb turns 'im on

By Timothy Rutt

We found this delightful posting recently from jazz vibes player Arnold Faber.  Faber writes an appreciation of Altadena's own British invader-one hit wonder-musical encyclopedia-raconteur  Ian Whitcomb, which includes some vintage video. 

 

County to start "visioning process" to update Altadena community standards

by Timothy Rutt

A consulting firm hired by the county Community Development Commission will hold three workshops this spring and summer as part of a "visioning process" to update Altadena's community standards district (CSD).

The firm, RBF Consulting, will hold the workshops to get public input as the commission works to update the CSD. The CSD helps determine what is  -- and what isn't -- allowed by zoning regulations.

Zoning and code enforcement has been a sore spot in Altadena for several years, with businesses and private gatherings being subject to threats of closure and fines from county officials, often for doing things that are easily permitted elsewhere.

RBF Consulting is planning what they describe as "a three-part workshop series to help the County of Los Angeles and Altadena leaders understand what community members want to see in Altadena’s future. "

The workshop dates are April 4, April 25, and June 6, all Wednesday evenings from 7 to 9 PM.  They will be held at the Loma Alta Park Gymnasium, 3330 North Lincoln Ave.

After all the workshops, RBF Consulting will produce a "vision report" to be posted on the Altadena Town Council website.  RBF's statement says "The report will summarize the major topics that were brought up and discussed by community members.  It may include general recommendations about changes to the Community Standards District, based on community input.  It may also include recommendations for other actions that could be taken to implement the community’s long-term vision."  The vision report will serve as a guideline as the CSD is updated.

RBF has spent the past few weeks meeting with such groups as Altadena Heritage and the Altadena Town Council, as well as certain individuals, to get some preliminary input into the report (disclosure: RBF Consulting has met with the Altadenablog publisher during this process). 

Translation into Spanish and sign language are available at the meetings if requested. 

The full announcement of the workshops and contacts is available at the Town Council website.

Portantino named 'Legislator of the Year' for open carry ban

L. A. County Supervisor Mike Antonovich, center, talks to Acting Secretary of the California Emergency Management Agency Mike Dayton, right, with Assemblyman Anthony Portantino on the left as they leave the Altadena Golf Course on Friday, December 9, 2011. (Roger Wilson/Staff photographer, Pasadena Sun)

by Mark Kellam
Pasadena Sun

The California Police Chiefs Assn. recently named Assemblyman Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge) “Legislator of the Year” for his public safety measure banning the open carry of unloaded handguns in public places.

“As someone with many relatives in law enforcement, this means a lot to me. I know and respect the dedicated men and woman in uniform and the work they do to keep our communities safe,” Portantino said in a statement.

Portantino’s measure was backed by the police association and rank-and-file police officers who said that openly carrying weapons in public places is a safety threat and a waste of police officers’ time.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

Crime blotter: more burglaries

Burglaries, a stolen vehicle, and another loss from the 24 Hour Fitness parking lot.  Crime blotter provided by Lt. Duane D. Allen of the Altadena Sheriff's Station.

Tues., March 6

10:05 AM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2200 block of Galbreth Rd. The victim who was inside the residence called 9-1-1 after hearing voices in Spanish coming from inside the residence. Deputies responded to the area and were unable to locate the suspects. Suspect(s) entered the residence by removing the window screen of an open window. A witness contacted deputies and advised that a light gray Chevrolet Astro Panel Van was observed leaving the driveway of the location and eastbound on Galbreth Rd. The suspect was described as a male, Hispanic, slicked back black hair, heavy set with a moustache and wearing an orange vest with bright yellow stripes. Loss: Sony Bravia 46”, Sony Blu-Ray DVD player, silver Apple PowerBook 13”, sunburst Squire Fretless acoustic bass guitar, brown Mossman Acoustic 1975 guitar, small wooden jewelry box, black fire safe containing personal documents.

Wed., March 7th

Between 4:00 PM and 5:45 PM – Two vehicle burglaries occurred in the parking structure of the 24 Hour Fitness, 2180 N. Lincoln Av. Suspect(s) entered the vehicles by punching the door lock. Loss: rose gold Michael Kors wrist watch.

Thurs., March 8

Between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 800 block of E. Sacramento Street. Suspect(s) entered the residence via unknown means. Loss: (2) gold necklaces with white pearls.

Saturday, March 10th

8:35 AM – A vehicle was reported stolen from the 1200 block of E. Calaveras Street.

 

Spring Jam still on at Farnsworth Park

by TImothy Rutt

We got a note from Angela Calleros at Farnsworth Park -- and she says, rain or shine, the Spring Jam will still go on at Farnsworth Park Saturday starting at noon.

Morning jolt

• Ain home on Pasadena tour: Pasadena Heritage is holding its 2012 spring home tour on March 25, looking at American Modern style homes.  Our friend historical architect William Ellinger said that a very special feature of the tour is one of the Park Planned Homes by Gregory Ain at  the 2700 block of Highview Avenue.  You can find out more about the tour and get tickets here.
• TIny Tot T-Ball: Registration ends soon for Co-ed Tiny Tot T-ball (for ages 3-5) at Farnsworth Park:  $50 registration ends tomorrow, March 16 (when it will increase to $60)  registration fee will end on March 17 after that, the fee will go up to $60 (registration closes March 21).  Coaches/Parent meeting is 7 PM on March 23, practice starts the week of April 9, and  opening day is April 21. Fee includes uniform (jersey, pants, socks, and cap), referee fees, trophies to all players, and a banquet.  Volunteer coaches are needed, too. It's all at Farnsworth Park -- for more information, call 626 798-6335.
• Drought tolerant plant class: Foothill Municipal Water District is hosting a Free Drought Tolerant Plant Class for those interested in designing and maintaining beautiful gardens with water conservation in mind. The class will be held on Saturday, March 24 from 9 AM-noon at the La Canada Presbyterian Church,  626 Foothill Blvd., La Canada Flintridge. The class is open to the public, but due to limited space, you should call (818) 790-4036 to reserve your spot or email to koblak@fmwd.com and enter "Landscape Class" as the subject.

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Threat of rain cancels LitFest Pasadena

by Timothy Rutt

LItfest Pasadena, the area's first community wide book festival, has been rained out for this weekend.

LitFest organizers said that the forecast of heavy rain pushed their decision to reschedule the event, which was to take place at Pasadena's Central Park on Saturday.

The new date is Saturday, May 12, from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM in Central Park.

Altadena mystery No. 1: standing stone altar

by Timothy Rutt

We have no explanation for this mystery yet, but ... let's see what the Altadena hive mind can come up with!

Matt Wright took a photo of this mysterious object in his neighborhood on Tanoble Drive.  He says that there appear to be offerings of colored stones and loose change around it.

Another neighbor reports that he saw a gathering of about 15 teens in various medieval costumes standing on the corner on Tuesday evening about 7:30 PM:  " Two or three more were walking south on Tanoble to parked cars, one with a motherly-appearing adult.  I waved at both groups as I slowly passed; several waved back, and appeared quite innocent ... I teach high school kids, and showed this picture to a few game enthusiasts this morning.  They didn't recognize the symbol, but said it probably comes from initiating newcomers to a game."

The symbol on this standing stone appears to be a caduseus topped by an alchemical/astrological image of Mercury.  That's our guess, but what it means, we don't know.

So -- any ideas as to what this is and what's going on? Comment away! (We're looking both for accurate answers -- and "creative" ones!)

 

 

Altadena Mystery No. 2: mysterious lights

by Timothy Rutt

We received some emails about mysterious lights toward the mountains last night (Wednesday).

Reader Joe Pagan, who lives around Morada and Lake, reports:

This evening I was sitting in my back yard & I saw this brighter than usual light through the clouds facing the mountains ...  At first I thought it might be the moon but the moon phase is half full.

 

Do you know if they’re perhaps filming or doing some work close to the mountains? Has anyone else in altadena noticed this? Its cloudy so there’s no way for me to tell the distance of the light. It might not be a big deal but I’ve just never seen the sky that bright...

Meanwhile, Matthew Shropshire shares his own picture and an explanation: he was saw the lights, but traced them to a film production at Mariposa and El Molino.  This mystery is solved!

Angeles Crest to close due to weekend weather

by Bill Kisliuk
Pasadena Sun

Several roads within the Angeles National Forest will be closed this weekend, as county officials anticipate snow and icy road conditions as a result of a major storm expected to hit Friday night.

The closures will start at 5 a.m. Saturday on Upper Big Tujunga Canyon Road from Angeles Crest Highway to Angeles Forest Highway and on Angeles Forest Highway from Aliso Canyon Road to Upper Big Tujunga Canyon. Access will be maintained for emergency vehicles only until the weather and road conditions improve, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.

Pasadena is preparing for the big rainstorm expected this weekend by opening sandbag stations and warning residents to take safety precautions. The storm is expected to rain and thunderstorms to the area, starting Friday evening and lasting throughout the weekend.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

Rain, wind predicted for St. Pat's weekend

Public safety maven Carolyn Seitz has shared the following message she received from John Pinedo, Disaster Management Coordinator for our part of the County.  Looks like there may be a damper on all the St. Patrick's Day activities:

NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard is predicting a significant fast-moving storm system to impact southwest CA from Friday night through Sunday. Please check our website for the latest details on precipitation amounts and any highlighted statements or weather story graphics associated with this event.

MAIN IMPACTS:
1. Very low snow levels. There will be high potential for transportation problems on Sunday. Snow levels will be 5000 to 6000 feet Friday night and Saturday then lower to 2000 feet at times by Sunday morning. Travel may be impacted Saturday night through Sunday along Interstate 5 over Tejon Pass/Grapevine, Highway 14 over Soledad Pass and Highway 138 in the Antelope Valley, and Highway 33 in the Ventura County Mountains.  

2.  Cold temperatures. Day-time highs for Sunday will be as much as 15-20 degrees below normal with the potential for widespread frost and/or freezing temperatures Saturday and Sunday nights. Black ice on freeways and crop damage may occur during these colder periods.

SYNOPSIS:  A cold low pressure system will drop down the west coast on Friday with a cold front moving through southwest CA on Saturday. Heaviest precipitation will occur along/near the cold front on Saturday then turn showery late Saturday afternoon through Sunday. Showers on Saturday afternoon and Sunday will likely contain small hail or ice pellets which could briefly make highways slick in coastal and valley areas.

SELPA/Special Ed community advisory committee looks at bullying Monday

The March meeting of the Pasadena Unified School District/SELPA Special Education Dept. Community Advisory Committee will be held at the Edison Professional Development Complex, 119 W. Palm Avenue, Altadena, from 6:15-8:30 PM.

This month's topic is "How can we stop bullying?"

There will be a panel discussion with:

 - Ms. Sharon Lefler, Principal, Daniel Webster School 

 - Ms.  Marisa Sarian, Principal, McKinley School

 - Dr. Jennifer Smith, Vice Principal, Marshall Fundamental High School

 - Ms. Sonia Rodarte, Director of Child Welfare, Safety and Attendance,  Pasadena Unified School District

Questions and comments will be dealt with anonymously and can be sent to: joycac1@gmail.com

In particular:

* What does bullying look like in elementary school? 

* What does it look like in middle school?

* What does it look like in high school?

* What does cyber-bullying look like?

* Have they witnessed it?

* Have they been the victim of it?

There will be free childcare and translation.

More details at: http://cac.pasadenausd.org

 

MonteCedro sponsors spring cleaning/moving workshops for seniors

from MonteCedro

With the onset of Spring, many San Gabriel Valley residents will be conducting their yearly “spring cleaning” either to prep for a BIG move as they begin to transition from a family home to another residence, or to reclaim new-found space now that their children are on their own. On Wednesday, March 21 and Thursday, March 22, 2012, during a   “right-sizing” event hosted by MonteCedro, a new planned Episcopal Community and Services (ECS) Continuing Care Retirement Community in Altadena, two of Los Angeles’ notable organizing and moving experts, Greg Gunderson and Tracy McCubbin, will provide  tips on how to reduce the stress of moving, downsizing and decluttering. 

During the workshops, Gunderson and McCubbin will address a variety of topics  including floor planning, sorting, packing, resettling and how to cut through the chaos! Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to win free hours of service from these two companies.

Space is limited for this event. To register, please visit www.montecedro.org or call 877-282-1584.

WHEN/WHERE:  

Wed., March 21, 2012 at 2 PM.: MonteCedro Presentation Gallery, 153 E. Holly St., Pasadena, CA 91103

Thurs, March 22, 2012 at 11 AM: The University Club of Pasadena, 175 N. Oakland Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101

Arroyo Food Co-op on the air this morning

The Arroyo Food Co-op team was interviewed on KPFK this morning, and we have the video. From left, "Uprising" host Sonali Kolhatkar; Patrick Reagan, Co-op founder and president; Brian Chiu, labor team leader; and membership head Mia Dunn.

Altadena authors shine at LitFest Pasadena Saturday [UPDATE: Rescheduled]

UPDATE 3/15: LitFest has been cancelled due to the threat of heavy rain -- it has been rescheduled to May 12.

by Timothy Rutt

LitFest Pasadena, the area's first community-wide book festival, may be taking place in central Pasadena, but it has an Altadena sensibility.

Or at least a lot of Altadena authors, says Michele Zack, who is one of them, and has been heavily involved in pulling the March 17 event together.

The troika that started the event consists of  Pasadena Star News public editor Larry Wilson, who was raised in Altadena; Altadena resident, novelist, and USC creative writing teacher Jervey Tervalon; and Tom Coston, president of the Light Bringer Project and the man behind Pasadena's Doo-Dah Parade.  Zack says that "the idea in the beginning is to do the Doo-Dah Parade version of the LA Times' Festival of Books."

Other Altadena participants include novelist Michelle Huneven (Blame), Peggy Sue Davis, and Joseph Shuldiner (book designer, one of the founders of the defunct Altadena Urban Farmer's Market, organizer of the Institute for Domestic Technology, and manager of the not-yet-happening Loma Alta Park Farmer's Market).  Zack, author of the definitive histories of Altadena and Sierra Madre, will moderate a panel on writing local history

Zack says that the event will also have two Pulitzer Prize winners: historian Dan Howe, and restaurant reviewer Jonathan Gold (whose review of Altadena's Bulgarini Gelato was one of the reasons he received the award).

Busy St. Patrick's Day in Altadena [UPDATED]

by Timothy Rutt

Yep, St. Patrick's Day, another Day of Enforced Joy^tm is this Saturday, and you probably need to be three people to take in everything:

• The Rancho Bar (Altadenablog sponsor), 2485 N. Lake Ave., turns Irish for a day:  it opens at 11 AM with corned beef and cabbage, Guinness on tap, and shamrock mixed drink specials all day.
• Another member of the sponsor team, the Altadena Ale & Wine House, 2329 N. Fair Oaks, will open at noon, with more corned beef and cabbage in a British pub atmosphere.  Must be 21 or older.
• The Farnsworth Park Spring Jam starts at the amphitheatre at noon, with the Evangenitals (that's what it says), HolloH, the amazing Addi Somekh (master of the balloon bass) along with the Sue B Dance Company, Mexica Folklorico, the Zoggs, Gary Hirn, and many more for a free family fun day at the park.  Food trucks, BBQ areas, and more.
• And in Pasadena's Central Park, it's LItFest Pasadena, which starts at 9:30 AM and goes through 5 PM, with so many Altadena authors and connections, it might as well be here. LitFest has been cancelled due to rain, and is rescheduled for May 12.
• The Crown City Symphony  presents violin soloist Linda Deutsch in a program that includes the Khachaturian Violin Concerto and Bizet's “L’Arlesienne Suite No. 2.” The concert will be held at 2 PM Saturday at the Altadena Senior Center, 560 E. Mariposa St; and will be repeated Sunday at  2 PM at the First Baptist Church of Pasadena, 75 N. Marengo, Pasadena.

UPDATES: We'll keep updating as things come in ..

• Webster's Community Pharmacy, 2450 N Lake has a "wearing of the green" sale Friday and Saturday -- come in your greenest finery and get 20% off your gift boutique purchase.

 

 

Quake, rattle, and roll

by Timothy Rutt

Spectators check out the interior of the new "Shakey-Quakey" earthquake simulators that debuted Monday at Eliot Middle School.  Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich and LA County Fire Chief Daryl L. Osby debuted three of the simulators, towable trailers with hydraulic systems that can replicate an earthquake of up to 8.0 on the Richter scale.  The new simulators, which will tour area schools, replace the originals which were built in 1986.  The simulators are used to teach elementary school children about earthquake preparedness.  Last year, the county said that the "shakey-quakey" schoolhouse educated over 25,000 participants in 51 events.  

Altadena Elementary supporters urging the state not to "blow it" Thursday

by Timothy Rutt

Thursday, March 15, is "pink slip" day at the Pasadena Unified School District,  where teachers will get their lay-off notices.  (In years past. not all teachers who got notices were actually laid off -- but if they're in danger of losing their jobs, the notice has to go out this week).

Altadena Elementary School isn't taking it lying down:  it's joining about 50 other schools around the state with a "Don't Blow It" event that morning during drop-off:.  According to Altadena Elementary parent Cushon Bell, the bubble-blowing event is to "educate parents and community members and encourage them to write to their legislators regarding the urgent need for a balanced budget that does not further negatively impact our California public schools."

The bubble-blowing event is sponsored by Educate Our State!, a parent-led statewide campaign to support high-quality K-12 public education.  

Photo by Jason Kingsbeer, stock.xchng.

 

 

PUSD's finance chief to step down

by Joe Piasecki
Pasadena Sun

The Pasadena Unified School District is seeking a new head of finance to replace Chief Finance Officer John Papallardo, who is leaving to become a deputy superintendent for San Juan Capistrano public schools.

Papallardo’s last day in Pasadena is April 13, said district spokesman Adam Wolfson.

Since coming to the Pasadena district in February 2009, Papallardo has been forced to grapple with more than $20 million in state budget cuts. 

In his latest report to the board, Papallardo projected that in a best-case scenario the district will have to cut at least $3.5 million from its $180 million 2012-13 budget. But if Gov. Jerry Brown moves forward with cuts to education in his January state budget proposal and voters reject his proposed tax initiatives, the district could face a minimum of $13.5 million in cuts.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

 

Get in the spin: Young & Healthy launches spring fundraiser at Breakthru FItness

Breakthru Fitness and Young & Healthy announced the launch of online registration for a spinning cycle fundraiser to be held at Breakthru Fitness benefiting the uninsured and underserved children in our community.

This inaugural fundraising event is scheduled for Sunday, April 15, from 3– 5 PM. at Breakthru Fitness, 345 So. Lake Ave., Pasadena, CA 91105. There are one hour time slots available for cyclists to choose from (3 – 4pm and 4 – 5pm). For information on how to register cyclists may contact Elizabeth or Jan at Young & Healthy (626-795-5166) or go to www.StayClassy.org and type Young Healthy to locate the event page. Young & Healthy is thrilled to join with Breakthru Fitness as a partner on this event.

Young & Healthy’s mission is to provide access to high-quality healthcare for uninsured and underinsured children and to improve the quality of life for all children in the Pasadena, South Pasadena and Altadena area through prevention, education, and enhanced healthcare services.

Kneisel, Merritt to receive Winter Award for historic preservation

The Blinn House Foundation, a Pasadena non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of the historic Edmund Blinn House, has selected its 2012 recipients for the 9th Annual Dr. Robert Winter award, named after the famous Pasadena architectural historian and author.

The award winners are John Frederick Merritt of Berkeley, Calif., and Dr. Robert Kneisel of Pasadena. The two men are linked by the success story of Bungalow Heaven, Pasadena’s first and largest Landmark District.

(Dr. Kneisel is a frequent habitue of the Coffee Gallery). 

The two men will receive their awards Saturday, May 5, at the “Run for the Roses” KentuckyDerby event, held annually to benefit the Blinn House Foundation.

Scissors Paper Rock now offers spa services

Scissors Paper Rock, a member of the Altadenablog sponsor team, is now offering spa services, according to owner Yolande Carson.

The salon now offers a body scrub, anti-cellulite treatment, and slimming treatments, as well as discounts on facials and a complimentary waxing service.  Check the graphics for details.

Scissors Paper Rock is at 1864 N. Allen, just south of the Altadena border.

Register for Space Station educators workshop by March 16

"International Space Station - Engaging Your Audiences in Low-Earth Orbit" is a two-day workshop for informal and formal educators to be held Sat. and Sun., March 24 and 25, at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Von Karman Auditorium.

NASA's International Space Station (ISS) and the ISS National Laboratory provide unparalleled opportunities for informal and formal educators to connect students and other audiences directly to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. On March 24-25, 2012, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif. will host an informal educator workshop that will include science presentations by NASA experts, demonstrations of hands-on activities, ISS Live! website activities, educational resources and best practices for creating content and educational activities in informal settings. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to network with fellow participants to enable future collaborations.

Register by March 16, 2012 to attend. A $35 registration fee includes continental breakfast, beverages, snacks, a box lunch and incidentals.

For more information, directions and to register visit: http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/education/index.cfm?page=329

Image courtesy NASA.

Odyssey's Bilandzija looking to win teaching competition

from Odyssey Charter School

Daryl Bilandzija, Odyssey Charter School’s middle school language arts and history teacher, was recently nominated to GOOD Magazine’s “Great American Teach-off for America’s Most Innovative Teacher.”

Bilandzija has been teaching Language Arts for ten years in Los Angeles and San Francisco. He became part of our Odyssey Community three years ago and has taken the Middle School to new heights. Since his arrival students have expanded the edible learning gardens, planted fruit orchards,performed Shakespeare plays for the school community, and improved state test scores. Mr. Bilandzija has inspired his students to not only go above and beyond in their academics, but to reach outside themselves to improve their communities and the world. He is honored and grateful for the acknowledgement of GOOD Magazine’s competition and hopes to win the needed funds for our school.

What can you do to help him become America’s Most Innovative Teacher?  From March 5 through April 9, GOOD Magazine will upload a new video every Monday at 9AM (PST) from the finalists. Final voting closes at 11:59PM (EST) on April 9. Simply go to GOOD Magazine’s website http://www.good.is and click on “The Great American Teach Off” on the right side of the webpage. You can vote up to once a day during each voting period. The two teachers with the fewest votes each week will be eliminated, until we have one last teacher standing! For more information call (626) 229-0993 or visit www.odysseycharterschool.org

 

Dr. Barkman speaks on dog blog

Jane Brackman, Ph.D., aka Dr. Barkman, our expert in all things canid, has re-launched her dog blog, which she describes as "all dogs all the time.  Basically it's just shameless self promotion ..."

It includes:

• links to the all time funniest dog videos (if you have some please send so I can post),
• dog science
• links to my articles and the magazines and websites  where I publish
• parts of my collection of vintage photos of dogs and the people who love them
• vintage photos of breeds (the way they looked a hundred years ago and how they look now)
• photos and information about street and stray dogs in foreign places
• The book my sister and I wrote ("The Dog in the Picture")
• Stuff about guide dogs
• and links to good dog sites (some sites are about bad dogs)

Check it out at http://doctorbarkman.blogspot.com/

Save the date: Capt. McLean retirement party April 13

by Carolyn Seitz
cmseitz@mindspring.com

As you know, the Commander of the Altadena Sheriff's Station, Steven M. McLean announced his retirement, effective March 31, 2012.

Come help us celebrate Steve as he closes one great chapter in his life and opens the next.

Here are the details:

Date:        Friday, April 13, 2012
Time:       6:00 to 10:00 pm
Place:       Pasadena Masonic Lodge
                  200 S Euclid Avenue
                  Pasadena, CA  

Tickets will be $25 per person and will be available for purchase soon.  More info will be provided about that.

Tickets will cover appetizers, a buffet, tax and tip.

Dress for his celebration is casual.

Please save the date and come help celebrate the great contribution Captain McLean made to Altadena.

Please feel free to let me know if you have questions!

Christmas Tree Lane is done ... until fall

Elizabeth Nelson at Christmas Tree Lane sent us the following message:

We are sending this email to let everyone know that we are done with taking down the lights for the year. 

Thanks to the hard work from students from South Pasadena High School, Pasadena High School, and Flintridge Preparatory, as well as the hard work from the Cool Kids Care from Saint Mark's School. Plus people from as far away as Arcadia and Los Angles as well as people from all over Altadena -- we have finished in the fastest time ever.

We would like to thank all the people who came out and helped make the work go so very fast. We would also like to thank you for all the good thoughts and messages we received because of the wind storm and the damages we have received. 

We at Christmas Tree Lane hope to see you at our next volunteering opportunity.

Poetry corner: space and budgets

"A Stitch in Time"

from gloriana casey

Now budget fiends, I say to  you
of things you want to cut.
This cutting off the MARS project?
A sword to nation's gut!

For JOBS we need, and here's the point
in REAL "Trickle Down,"
From NASA space technology
inventions do abound!

One  dollar spent exploring space,
in eight or nine comes back.
Inventions spread from outer space,
NEW business is on track!