altadenablog

Clearing up the piles o' stuff

Getting back up to speed -- our daughter had a birthday to celebrate, and it was just too nice outside, so we played some hooky this weekend.  Hope you did too!

Altadena Junction: coffee, concerts, computers

.... the whole panoply of life in Altadena, in this week's Sunday Valley Sun column.

 

It's only three weeks until the Primavera!

The bloggers of the San Gabriel Valley will hold their annual "Primavera in Altadena" potluck picnic in just three weeks (Sat., March 24), at Farnsworth Park. 

All are invited -- bring a dish or something practical like water and/or drinks, and join us in our annual celebration of the diversity of voices in the San Gabriel Valley blogosphere!

Special guest this year is Ann Erdman, Pasadena's public information officer and a might blogger in her own right.

Sponsors are Altadenablog, Altadenahiker, Altadena Above It All, and Open Mouth Insert Fork.

Patrick Gothard is Coffee Gallery's Artist of the Month

Altadena's Patrick Gothard is March's Artist of the Month at the Coffee Gallery:

A self-taught artist from the age of 13, Patrick has become a prolific painter. Once he has a vision on his mind, he cannot stop painting until the whole concept has been explored. His current medium is acrylic enamel paint on canvas. However, he has been known to paint on other surfaces such as old window frames and other found objects. Experimental thinking is always at hand with Patrick. This current exhibit is a series of trees explored into the surreal. The range of tree images begins with an artistic vision of realism and carries through to the artist’s vision of digital imagery.

THe Coffee Gallery is at 2029 N. Lake

Altadena Community Garden family picnic today

Members of the Altadena Community Garden are having their family picnic today, from 1-3 PM at Loma Alta Park: 

Join garden members, associates, family and friends today at the annual picnic for gardeners.  Bring a dish to share. The Garden will provide for drinks, plates and utensils. The barbecue grill will be ready for use, so bring something you'd like to grill.

 

Lucas Library to re-open March 19

The Bob Lucas Branch Library, 2659 N. Lincoln Ave., which has been closed through February for remodeling, is scheduled to re-open March 16.  

A library spokeswoman said that the extended closure is to allow extra time to install furniture, electrical changes, and the stacks, as well as accommodate final county inspections.

Crime blotter: break-ins and strong-arming an oboe

The usual round of car break-ins and burglaries, with an oboe robbery mixed in.  Crime blotter by Lt. Duane D. Allen.

Wednesday, February 22
Between 7:00 PM and 7:30 AM – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 1100 block of Rubio Street.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the driver’s side window.  Loss:  none.  

Thursday, February 23
Between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM, Friday – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 300 block of W. Loma Alta Drive.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the driver’s side window.  Loss:  silver Macbook Pro 13”, black & gray laptop case, black iPod, green backpack w/military uniform.  

Friday, February 24
Between 8:15 AM and 5:15 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1800 block of Coolidge Avenue.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by prying open the family room sliding door.  Loss:  misc. jewelry, silver bracelets.
Between 9:30 AM and 7:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1700 block of E. Loma Alta Drive.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by removing the window screen and opening the window.  Loss:  unknown at this time.

Saturday, February 25
1:00 PM – A strong armed robbery occurred at Lake Avenue and New York Drive.  The victim was exiting the AM/PM convenience store and walking towards the northbound crosswalk.  As the victim entered the crosswalk the suspect ran up behind him and grabbed the victim’s musical instrument case.  The suspect was described as a male, Hispanic, approx. 40 yrs, 5ft. 8 ins., 180 lbs., tan jacket with a wool white collar, blue jeans, dark work boots and a blue or green tattoo on the right side of his neck.  The suspect was last seen westbound on New York Drive.  Loss:  black oboe with PHS engraved which was located inside a black case with PHS written on the exterior.  
Between 3:30 PM and 3:15 AM, Sunday – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 900 block of Concha Street.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the driver’s side door.  Loss:  Garmin GPS.  

Monday, February 27
2:42 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1900 block of Minoru Drive.  Deputies were responding to the area regarding suspicious males in a blue pickup and were notified of burglary alarm activation on the same street.  While enroute to the location, deputies observed a vehicle matching the description of the suspicious males and the vehicle.  Deputies followed the vehicle to the area of New York Dr. and Altadena Dr. and observed the subjects abandon the vehicle and run in different directions.  After containment of the area and further investigation, two suspects were taken into custody.  The investigation is on-going.   

 

Map of the new (old) Rubio Canyon trails

by Timothy Rutt

Altadena trailmeister Paul Ayers has helpfully sent a map of to the newsgroups of some of the historic trails on land recently acquired by the Arroyo and Foothills Conservancy around Rubio Canyon.  

The Conservancy has been on a land acquisition tear lately -- it also recently acquired 13 acres around Millard Canyon that connect with the trails around La Vina, which are in the process of being transferred to the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.  

Ayers warns that some trails may be unmaintained and unmarked, and there is some unprotected exposure to heights of 100 ft., so don't do more than you can and keep the helicopters away.

 The legend is as follows:

TRAILS OF THE AFC RUBIO PARCELS

1”=308’; Original-February 2012-PRA

LEGEND

A-Trailhead-Pleasantridge Dr. and             G-Lone Tree Trail-[1888]       

Rubio Vista Rd., Altadena, CA                     H-SCE Tractor Road-[1926]

B-Lower Old Echo Mtn. Trail-[1892]            I-Loma Alta Connector-[1952]

C-Rubio Right-of-Way Trail-[1892]             J-Trailhead-1101 E. Loma Alta Dr.,

D-Camp Huntington Trail-[1938]                         Altadena, CA

E-Rubio Creek                                               K-Altadena Crest Trail

F-RCLWA reservoir                                       L-Boundary-AFC Rubio Parcels

         

 

Day One Parenting Conference in Pasadena Sat.

March 1 celebrates the 17th year of Parenting Awareness Month in the City of Pasadena. A month dedicated to honoring parents for all they do to help raise positive, healthy, thriving youth.  In an effort to celebrate this month Day One and partner agencies will host the 17th annual Parent Conference. The Parent Conference will be held at All Saints Church (132 N. Euclid Ave., Pasadena 91101) on March 3 from 8 AM to 3 PM. All parents, grandparents, foster parents, caregivers, and mentors are invited to attend free!

The conference is an excellent opportunity for parents to join leading experts in exploring current youth focused topics, gain new parenting tips, and engage with other parents.  Parents will have the opportunity to choose from an array of workshops that will be provided in both English and Spanish. Topics include: Self Esteem, Anger Management, Communicating with Children about Tough Topics, Technology in your Children's Lives, Raising Children in a Modern Family, Health and Nutrition, Lowering Expenses in the Home, Education, Alcohol Drugs and Your Children, and Parenting with Love and Limits.

The ultimate goal of the conference is to ensure that parents are happy, healthy, and self-assured so that they may model positive behaviors for their children to follow.

Free breakfast, lunch, and child-care will all be provided for at no cost to attendees.

Register for the Parent Conference by calling Day One at 626.229.9750 or online http://dayoneparentconference.eventbrite.com/.

To receive more information email us at carolina@dayonepasadena.com.

For more information about Day One, visit our website at www.dayonepasadena.com. 

Parenting Awareness Month partners include: Armory Center for the Arts, City of Pasadena Human and Recreation Services, Flintridge Center, LEARNS, Neighborhood Connections, Pasadena Latino Forum, Planned Parenthood Pasadena and SGV, Pasadena Public Health Department, Pasadena Unified School District, TEEN FUTURES

What:                   Parent Conference

When:                  Saturday March 3, 2012

Where:                All Saints Church

                                132 N. Euclid Ave., Pasadena, 91101

Time:                    8:00am to 3:00pm

Cost:                      FREE (childcare and meals provided at no cost)

Theme:                It Starts at Home

Sheriffs share safety tips for children

from Lt. Duane D. Allen
Altadena Sheriff's Station

Parents, do your children know about strangers? Are you comfortable letting your children answer the telephone or front door if you are home or if they are home alone?

Take a minute to go over the following safety tips with your children. They could prevent your child from becoming a victim of crime. It is important that you give them examples that they will understand. Use your home, neighborhood, and school area as settings. Make sure that your children understand that their safety is important to you, and use the following points to encourage discussion about this issue.

WHO IS A STRANGER?

A stranger is someone that your child does not know.  Parents and guardians need to determine who is and isn't a stranger. Explain that strangers come in many shapes and sizes. They can wear nice clothes, different clothes or even a uniform. The uniform issue is confusing to children, so take time to explain that yes, the mailman is a stranger even though he comes to the door almost every day. This does not imply that people who wear uniforms will harm children, but children need to know that if they do not know the person in uniform - that person is a stranger.

MonteCedro to sponsor Pasadena Senior Games

MonteCedro, a new planned Episcopal Communities & Services (ECS) Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in Altadena,  announced that it will be the Founding Sponsor of the 20^th Annual Pasadena Senior Games. As a part of its sponsorship, the senior-living community will host the Opening Ceremony at its Presentation Gallery, scheduled for June 2, 2012.

“At MonteCedro, we believe that maintaining an active lifestyle will have positive effects on a person’s health and longevity,” states Peggy Buchanan, Director of Sales and Marketing at MonteCedro. “By sponsoring the Pasadena Senior Games, we are promoting our mission of enriching the lives of seniors within the greater San Gabriel Valley.”

Established in 1992 by the Pasadena Senior Center, the Pasadena Senior Games encourages adults over  age 50 to challenge themselves and reach their personal best through sports and group activities. The Pasadena Senior Games are supported by the National Senior Games Association, which is a non-profit member of the United States Olympic Committee. 

This year, the Pasadena Senior Games will feature twenty-seven competitive sporting events, including track and field, swimming, volleyball, golf, cycling, table tennis, and shuffleboard. The events occur within Pasadena, San Gabriel Valley and throughout the greater Los Angeles area over a three week period. The 2012 local competition will serve as a qualifying site for pickleball and shuffleboard in the 2013 Summer National Senior Games in Cleveland, Ohio.

“We are excited to have MonteCedro support the 2012 Pasadena Senior Games and our mission of motivating senior men and women to lead a healthy lifestyle,” states Cynthia Rosedale, Director of Events and Senior Olympics at the Pasadena Senior Center. “With this being our 20th Anniversary, we  look forward to having an exceptional season of competition and camaraderie amongst our participants.” 

For more information about participating in the Pasadena Senior Games, please contact Cynthia Rosedale with the Pasadena Senior Center at (626) 685-6724 orCynthiaR@pasadenaseniorcenter.org. 

 

Tuesday Musicale concert at Pasadena Central Library March 6

Tuesday Musicale will present a free concert in the Donald Wright Auditorium of the Pasadena Central Library, 285 E. Walnut, Pasadena, at 12:30 PM, Tuesday, March 6.  

A clarinet, violin, & piano trio will play "Sonsa Suite" by Rick Sowash;  Nancy Work will play "Album for the Young" for piano, by Schumann;  Carol Lande wil sing opera selections, accompanied by Jo Ann Haycraft; and duo-pianists Deborah Erftenbeck and Geraldine Keeling will perform "Rhapsodie Espagnol" by Ravel.  The concert is free.

Encryption verses

Our resident poet's ode to police scanners:

"The  Encrypted Sounds of Silence"

from gloriana casey

Before that date of New Year's Day,
the year twenty thirteen,
I hope Encryption does not make
a nightmare from our dream.

The Press, it must be privy to
disasters in the city.
Encryption leads to silence then.
Results? Not so pretty.

For Winds of Change have shown to us
strange weather and its wrath.
We need to know what's going on.
Encryption then is daft!

And fire we know will run non-stop
or earthquakes come to pass.
Enigma was that war machine
in which no news could pass!

Commit II Achieve Fundraiser April I4

On Saturday, April 14,, Commit II Achieve, a life skills training program, will be hosting a dinner and fundraising gala at the Sheraton Pasadena Hotel, 303 East Cordova Street. This is the organization's third year presenting this event. Previous events have included celebrity comedy acts and keynote speakers of highly decorated military personnel.

Commit II Achieve is a component of Sarges Community Base, Inc., a non-profit organization designed to develop and encourage at risk young men and women to become leaders. By using a highly structured military model, participants become committed to reducing violence in their lives, and learning basic life skills, leadership principles, respect, responsibility, and personal discipline. Sarges Community Base, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Donations are tax deductable to the full extent of the law.

For more information, call 626-797-4882 or email: sarge@sargescb.org

EatWell Market shuts down

by Timothy Rutt

The Eat Well Market -- after a single appearance on Jan. 29 -- may have shut down for good.

Market manager Aimee Silver said that the scheduled March 10 market has been cancelled and she's in the process of notifying vendors, volunteers, and others.

"I'm gonna lose money on this," she said.  "There's a lot more goes into putting on a market than people realize, and a lot goes into dismantling it."

Silver blamed two anonymous complaints lodged with the county health department, one before the Jan. 29 market, and one after.  In an email to the market's mailing list, she said that "Some malicious person has turned us in repeatedly to the Health Dept in an intentional effort to get the market shut down."

She wrote that "this wasn't the Health Department's fault, so please don't complain to them - all the people we dealt with at the Health Dept. itself were exceptionally reasonable and decent human beings, they were only following their legal obligation to respond to complaints like this."

The Jan. 29 market had a variety of vendors and food items for at the membership-only market.  Silver was encouraging people to eat the food onsite as well, as a general community gathering.

However, the prospect of dealing with complaints and investigations each time she held a market went into the decision to shut it down.  "The health department investigation was lengthy and time-consuming, and although the complaint was eventually closed, this was so disruptive to our organizing efforts and so upsetting to our vendors that we are forced to cancel the March 10th market," Silver wrote.  

Silver told Altadenablog, "I put like 800 hours into putting this thing together," as well as her personal funds, so closing the market, to be held at the Girl Scout camp, Camp Mariposa on Santa Rosa Avenue and Mariposa St., is a disappointment, but she didn't want to put her vendors in potentital jeopardy.

UPDATE: SIlver called to say she is a little less willing to drive a stake through it than she was at our initial interview -- she said that she is reassessing the options for the next couple of weeks.

 

Coffee Gallery is permitted to celebrate tonight

by Timothy Rutt

The Coffee Gallery coffeehouse and Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N. Lake, are celebrating their new Conditional Use Permit with a party tonight.

According to Justin Christman of the Coffee Gallery, the businesses that share the same address needed to raise about $15,000 to renew their conditional use permit with LA County.  

On Tuesday, "Julie (Sandoval, owner of the coffeehouse) and Bob (Stane, owner of the Backstage) went down to the county office and paid the permit in full," Christman writes us.

To say "thank you," the coffee house is holding a party in conjunction with its weekly Thursday night Artisan Alley show, starting at 7 PM. The Coffee Gallery will be giving away free coffee mugs and free Ice House Comedy Club passes to everyone in attendance tonight ($5 purchase required for Artisan Alley).

Altadena Rotary gives 35, $300 grants to local teachers

Rotarian Ed Jasnow presents teacher Mary Hines (PHS) with grant check while her class looks on. Hines is a 4-time grant recipient.

February is the month that Altadena Rotary gives money to local teachers to enhance their teaching experience and the learning experience of their students.

This year Altadena Rotary gave $10,500 in grants to local teachers. This divides into thirty-five $300 grants: Twenty-five are unrestricted grants, and ten are Americanism grants. The teachers fill out a one-page form that describes the envisioned project for which the grant will be used.

Altadena Rotary received 40 grant requests from eight schools in the Pasadena Unified School District – 25 for unrestricted grants and 15 for Americanism grants. Their budget was for 25 unrestricted grants and 10 Americanism grants. Ed Jasnow, Altadena Rotary's Community Service Chair, assembled a committee of four Rotarians to help him evaluate the 15 Americanism grant applications and choose the 10 that would be funded.

The teachers will be Altadena Rotary guests at a meeting at the end of the school year, where each instructor will share how his/her grant was used.

Unrestricted grants have been used to purchase such things as sets of audio and printed books along with CD players so children could listen to and read books at the same time, boosting their ability to recognize words. Elementary math teachers have purchased sticks and orbs that come apart to help their students visualize fractions.

Dreier decides not to run again

By Daniel Siegal
Pasadena Sun

Longtime Rep. David Dreier (R-San Dimas) announced Wednesday that he will not run for reelection this fall.

Dreier, one of California's most influential Republicans in Congress, has served in the House since 1981. For nine of the last 13 years, he has been chairman of the powerful House Rules Committee

Dreier announced his retirement on the floor of the House of Representatives.

“My decision has been a deliberative one,” he said. “Three years ago I contemplated leaving at the end of the previous Congress, but I ultimately chose to seek reelection for the sake of pursuing four key objectives.”

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

Forced slow day ...

Two, count 'em, two sick kids today, so entries will be light!

Lost dog: a Maltese/Yorkie named Tilney

Reader Tami writes:

We lost out little Maltese/ Yorkie dog. His name is Tilney but the number on his tag is wrong (outdated) We live on Mariposa Street ...,  If anyone has info contact Ron: (626)485-8264 He is 7 lbs, grey and tan, with a blue collar.

UPDATE 3/9:  Tilney's back home again.

Pasadena police looking for missing person

Pasadena Police are looking for a  investigating a critical missing adult. 

Mark Fronerotta II, male, white, 20 years old 5-9, 160 pounds, black hair, brown eyes, medium complexion, clean shaven, last seen wearing a white t-shirt, black pants and a black hooded sweat shirt. 

Fronerotta is believes to be suffering from depression and takes medication daily. He was last seen on 2-28-12 at about 11:50 AM. in the 3000 block of E. Del Mar Blvd. His family does not believe he has friends in the Pasadena area and believe he may be hiding in the area where he was last seen. 

If anyone has any information, please contact the Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-4241.

 

Athens to hold e-waste and clothing drop-off March 17

by TImothy Rutt

Altadena's waste collection provider Athens Services will hold a free e-waste and clothing drop-off event on Sat. March 17, from 9 AM-2 PM at the Farnsworth Park lower parking lot.

Proof of Altadena residence (a bill or driver's license) is required.

Athens will accept anything powered by electricity or batteries.  

They will not accept batteries, light bulbs, medical, toxic, hazardous, or liquid waste.

Clothing and shoes should be should be gently used, unsoiled, and functional. The clothing wil be going to Planet Aid, which uses the clothing in international development efforts.

Electronics will be handled by E-Recycling of California, a state certified electronics hauler, which will dismantle and recycle the electronics in the U.S.