altadenablog

John Singleton will keynote MPYD fundraiser May 12

by Timothy Rutt

Academy Award-nominated writer/director John Singleton will be the keynote speaker at the annual fundraising dinner for Mentoring & Partnership for Youth Development (MPYD) on May 12 at Brookside Golf Course.

Singleton, director of "2 Fast 2 Furious," "Higher Learning,"  "Boyz n the Hood" and other films, will be part of the late luncheon that raises money for MPYD's programs benefitting high school youth, now commemorating its tenth year.

Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich will be honorary chair of the event, which also honors restaurateur Robin Salzer (Cardinal Paint Award), Robert Farias (Community Partner Award), Manuel Almanza (Angel Award), Muir High School principal Sheryl Orange (Academics for Success Award) and the Real Men Mentoring Group (volunteer award).

Luncheon starts at 6 PM.  Tickets are $75 each, or $700 per table.  Order tickets from MPYD at 1905 Lincoln Ave., E509, Pasadena CA 91103.  For more information, call (626) 396-5600 x 82009, or email: info@mpyd.org.

Photo of John Singleton by Bobak Ha'Eri.  Rights granted under Wikipedia Commons.

Morning jolt

 

• The latest update on the Sunday's burned body is that the victim had been bound.  Coroners are using dental X-rays to try to determine the identity of the man, designated John Doe 60. Thomas Curwen a the LA TImes has details
• Sid Gally's weekly historical piece in PSN looks at Prof. Lowe and his gas-making business.

 

 

Curves drive benefits Altadena Food Pantry

Curves, the world’s largest fitness franchisor, today announced that the 2012 14th Annual Food Drive brought in 1,286 pounds of non-perishable food and $610 which will benefit the Altadena Food Pantry. Worldwide, Curves members have donated more than 66 million pounds of food since 2004.

Rose West, Altadena Curves franchise owner says, "Our members have generous hearts.  So, it’s no surprise to me that they rallied behind the food drive."  She explains, "We set a goal of collecting 2,000 pounds of food and we almost met that goal!  I am really proud of our ladies."

But the food donations weren’t just from the Altadena Curves members. Non-members also brought in bags of groceries in exchange for an opportunity to join Curves with a waived service fee. It’s notable that in these tough economic times, thousands of women took advantage of this opportunity to help themselves become healthier while contributing to the needs of their community’s less fortunate residents.  Last month’s food drive accounted for 11 new memberships at the Altadena Curves.  Also, a new partnership with Ralph's Altadena brought in over 180 pounds of food in just four hours at a table outside the local supermarket.

"Curves and our members are delighted to help our community," said West. "The Food Drive is an excellent program that fits perfectly with the Curves philosophy: promoting the health of the whole woman. The opportunity for our members to give back to the Altadena community promotes the spirit of giving."

For more information about Curves of Altadena, located at 2455 Lake Avenue, contact Rose West at 626-797-9177 orcurvesaltadena@att.net.  For more information about Curves, please visit www.curvesaltadena.com.

 

Pasadena LitFest is on: get a preview Tuesday at Altadena Ale & Wine House

LitFest Pasadena

After being rained out in March, LitFest Pasadena's inaugural festival has been rescheduled for Sat., May 12 at Pasadena's Central Park, 275 S. Raymond Ave.  Admission is free.

Everything (and more!) that was planned for the rained-out event will be part of the May event: a celebratory day of readings and panel discussions featuring well-known local and California authors, hands-on activities for young people, good food, better books, and great fun, all aimed at promoting the literary arts.

Panel discussions will explore topics such as 21st Century Noir; The Rise of the Graphic& Novel; Local L. A. Publishers: Where New York Dominates, L.A. Innovates; The L.A. Canvas; and History, Fiction...Truth?

Confirmed authors include Pulitzer Prize-winners Jonathan Gold and Daniel Howe; novelists Janet Fitch, David Ebershoff, Lian Dolan and  Altadena's Michelle Huneven; poet and Young Adult author Ron Koertge; scholar and Libros Schmibros founder David Kipen; and L.A. mystery writer Denise Hamilton. More than 40 publishers and vendors will have books by these and other authors available for sale at the event.

A children's area will feature Vroman's storyteller Mr. Steve, Brit-Lit Steampunk performed by actors from Foshay Learning Center, and a Quidditch demonstration!

Attendees can look forward to an irreverent and informative festival that incorporates theater, music, poetry, and more. Some of L.A.'s hottest gourmet food trucks, courtesy of Chefs Center, will be located along Raymond Avenue, and public parking is under the Gold Line Del Mar Station directly across the street from Central Park, comfortable green space between Raymond and Fair Oaks Avenues just south of the historic Castle Green.

LItFest at Altadena Ale & Wine House

You don't have to wait until  LitFest Pasadena to enjoy spirited conversation with other like-minded literature lovers. Simply show up at the Altadena Ale & Wine House (Altadenablog sponsor) at 2329 Fair Oaks Ave. (http://www.altadenaalehouse.com/) on Tuesday, April 24 after 6 PM (if you’re 21 or older), and you'll be supporting the literary arts while having a great time.

A suggested contribution of $5 entitles you to a raffle ticket and the opportunity to win books—some signed by their authors—and an assortment of literary ephemera to be raffled off throughout the evening. Brief readings by LitFest co-founder Larry Wilson of the Pasadena Star News and Brendan Constantine, author of Calamity Joe (Red Hen Press) will begin at 7 PM, and other local luminaries may be inspired to put on surprise performances.

Thanks to Altadena Ale & Wine House proprietors Gail and Judah Casburn, a percentage of the proceeds from the evening's festivities will go to benefit LitFest Pasadena.

More information about the Altadena Ale & Wine House LitFestPasadena benefit on April 24—and LitFest Pasadena—is available at http://litfestpasadena.org/

UPDATE: Peggy Sue Davis at LitFest tells us:  "There's an exciting addition to Tuesday's Altadena Ale & Wine House's poetry-reading benefit on behalf of LitFest Pasadena: Linda Dove, Altadena's own newly inaugurated poet laureate, will be reading her work.  Also on the bill are LitFest co-founder Larry Wilson of the Pasadena Star News and Brendan Constantine, author of Calamity Joe.  The event starts at 6 PM on Tuesday, April 24, and will include spirited conversation and book raffles throughout the evening. "

 

 

 

Millard Canyon past and future is historical society lecture May 14

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Historical Society will look at Millard Canyon -- its past and future --  during its quarterly meeting and lecture on Monday, May 14:

Millard Canyon is a gem in our foothills -- a densely wooded area with a perennial stream at the northern edge of Altadena. Home to the Hahamonga people, Altadena pioneers, and more recently a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts, Millard Canyon is an integral part of the Altadena story.  A local landowner is willing to sell 13 acres in the canyon for conservation. The Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy is raising awareness and funds to purchase the canyon. Doing so would complete the preservation of the entire canyon north of Canyon Crest Road, leaving only two major unprotected canyons in Altadena.  

Speakers are  John Howell and Elizabeth Pomeroy.  

Powell is the executive director of the Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy.  He is an attorney and represented The Nature Conservancy in acquiring 14 open-space properties, and the Trust for Public Land in acquiring three. He was a founding member of Open Space Now, an advocacy group for natural open space in Pasadena, and is a member of the Arlington Garden Advisory Committee.

Elizabeth Pomeroy, Ph.D., is a member of the Pasadena Unified school board and is a passionate Sierra Club hike leader, writer and editor and who teaches English at Pasadena City College.  Her recent books include John Muir: A Naturalist in Southern California, Lost and Found: Historic and Natural Landmarks of the San Gabriel Valley, and Pasadena: A Natural History.

The lecture will be Mon., May 14, at 7:30 PM at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.  The program is free and open to the public.

Pictured: a vintage photo of Millard Falls.

Found dog: German Shepherd with floppy ear

Reader Maureen has found a dog:

He is a two year old German Shepherd Mix with 1 flopped ear and very sweet.  Walked into my home at 3000 block of  Olive Avenue between Altadena Dr. & Palm Street on Wed.,  4/18/12 about 5 PM. No collar and no microchip.  Can contact Maureen at 626-240-9312 or 626-405-1777.

Pasadena Sun, KPCC to host May 9 election forum

Southern California Public Radio will host Altadenablog media partner the Pasadena Sun for an election forum Wednesday, May 9, featuring the five candidates running for the 41st Assembly District on the June 5 ballot. The event will also feature a panel of experts on Pasadena’s Measure A.

The event is free and open to the public. It will be held at KPCC’s Crawford Family Forum, 474 S.Raymond Ave., Pasadena. The Measure A discussion will take place from 6 to 6:30 p.m. The Assembly candidate forum will run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Both panels will be moderated by members of the Pasadena Sun newsroom staff.

The newly-drawn 41st Assembly District includes Pasadena, South Pasadena, Altadena, Sierra Madre, Monrovia, San Dimas, LaVerne, Claremont and Upland. All five Assembly candidates have agreed to attend. They are: South Pasadena Mayor Michael Cacciotti (D), Pasadena attorney Edward Colton (R), Pasadena City Councilman Chris Holden (D), Claremont Tea Party activist Donna Lowe (R) and Pasadena businesswoman Victoria Rusnak (D).

Pasadena’s Measure A, if passed, would create geographic voting districts for the seven seats on the Pasadena Board of Education. The panel for the Measure A discussion includes: Ken Chawkins, chair of the Pasadena Unified School District Districting Task Force; Stella Murga, executive director of the Pasadena Youth Center and a Measure A supporter; and William Bibbiani, a former Pasadena Board of Educaton member and an opponent of Measure A.

Members of the audience will be invited to submit written questions for the speakers. To RSVP, visit www.kpcc.org/forum. For more information, call the Pasadena Sun at (818) 495-4016.

Altadena Town Council honors area businesses

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Town Council honored local businesses during this week's meeting.

Above, councilmen Brent Musson (on the left) and Tecumseh Shackelford (on the right) from CT 4610 honor Super King Market as an outstanding business from their census tract.  Manager Vartan Gulasarian received a plaque from council chair Sandra Thomas.

Also, Ray Serafin of the Pasadena Sheraton hotel and Laura Gray from the Pasadena Hilton accepted a commemoration from Dr. Thomas for their business's assistance to Altadena residents who had to temporarily find other quarters in the aftermath of the 2011 Big Wind.

 

County releases flyer, televised warning about Eaton Canyon dangers

 

 

by Timothy Rutt

Following up on this week's warning about the dangers of climbing in Eaton Canyon,  LA County has released a video public service announcement and a flyer to warn the public to be cautious in the area.

Flyer after the jump.

Arroyo Pacific drops appeal, will expand Arcadia campus

by TImothy Rutt

After a hard-fought effort to locate a satellite campus in Altadena, the Arroyo Pacific Academy has thrown in the towel.

The school let an April 18 deadline pass to appeal to the county Board of Supervisors.  In March, the county Planning Commission denied APA's request for a conditional use permit to operate a school at 183-205 E. Palm Street.  The request was also rejected by the Altadena Town Council and Land Use Commission twice before.

APA President Philip Clarke said in an email:  "After all the hearings and meetings I decided not to proceed with plans for a school in Altadena and therefore will not file an appeal to drag out the process. I enjoyed meeting some wonderful people in the Altadena area and wish them every blessing and success."

APA also recently took a $2.8 million Small Business Administration loan to develop a second site close to their current Arcadia campus.  

Clarke said that developing the new Arcadia property was not planned as a replacement for an Altadena location: "We had always planned to develop our school in Arcadia also and our new building there is just part of our expansion plans for fitness, arts, career and technology education facilities," Clarke wrote.  "Our current building in Arcadia is at maximum enrollment and we needed more room to accept the increased applications from overseas as well as the local areas, including Altadena."

Still up in the air is what Clarke plans to do with the Altadena site, which he owns.  

 

Too much to do Saturday: Earth Day at Aveson, Altadena flag, Poetry & Cookies

There's going to be an abundance of activity in Altadena on Saturday, April 21.

Earth Day at Aveson: Aveson Charter School invites the community to celebrate Earth Day at their campus on 1919 E. Pinecrest from 10 AM-2 PM.  Confirmed participants include:

• Eugene Cooke
• Wasteless Living
• Michael Greiner Music
• Label GMO
• RIPE 
• Greywater Corps
• Institute of Domestic Technology
• Arroyo Time Bank
• Arroyo Food Coop
• Nirvana Day Spa
• NELA-North East LA Transition
• Papua Coffee/Food Alchemy
• BECAUSE WE CAN-BECAUSE WE CARE
• Karen Aenlle's Jewelry by Design
• Steve's Bikes

Altadena Flag Day: Starting at 1 PM, we raise the flag at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr. Altadena's own flag will be ready for its closeup in a ceremony that will include Rep. Adam Schiff, state Sen. Carol Liu, and Assemblyman Anthony Portantino.  MIchele Zack will give a talk about Altadena history, and Altadena Heritage and the Altadena Historical Society will both be open to the public that day.

Poetry and Cookies:  the Altadena Library's annual celebration of Poetry Month takes place at the Altadena Senior Center, 530 E. Mariposa St., from 2-4 PM.  There will be poetry readings, an open mic, many poetry books for sale, and the crowning of Altadena's new poet laureate Linda Dove.  The poetry is family-friendly, and there are cookies available, so bring everybody!

 

"Managing the Urban Forest" at Altadena Heritage tonight

by Timothy Rutt

There's still space left for Altadena Heritage's "Heritage of Abundance" presentation on "Managing the Urban Forest" with Frank McDonough of the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden.

Learn about what the 2011 Big Wind did to local trees,a d how to prevent similar tree loss in the future.

Admission is free for members of Altadena Heritage, $5 for others.  The program starts at 7 PM at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.

Harlem Globetrotters to visit Lincoln Crossing 24 Hour Fitness for youth skills clinic

The Harlem Globetrotters -- yes, them -- will conduct a summer skills clinic at the 24 Hour Fitness in Lincoln Crossing on June 29.

According to a press release, the Globetrotters will host 120 such clinics for youth around the U.S. for ages 6-14. The Lincoln Crossing clinic will be one of six in the LA metro area.

“We are excited to partner with 24 Hour Fitness on this innovative program that combines the world’s most entertaining basketball team and a national fitness leader,” Harlem Globetrotters CEO Kurt Schneider said in the release “These clinics are an extension of our brand and allow our fans to experience unparalleled interaction with our talented players, while promoting health and wellness for children in a fun setting.”

Each clinic will be conducted by current Globetrotter players. The Lincoln Crossing clinics will be from 8:30-11:30 AM and 2-5 PM.

Other LA area clinics are:

• 5300 Lankershim Blvd., Ste. 100, North Hollywood, Calif. 91601; June 25-26; 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m.

• 945 E. Dominguez St., Carson, Calif. 90746; June 25-26; 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m.

• 450 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale, Calif. 91203; June 27-28; 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m.

• 589 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, Calif. 92626; June 27-28; 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m.

• 2831 West 120th St., Hawthorne, Calif. 90250; June 29; 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m.

As part of the partnership, the Harlem Globetrotters will offer participants a voucher for a complimentary ticket to a 2013 World Tour game. Additionally, 24 Hour Fitness will offer free 3-day passes and discounts on club memberships to parents of clinic participants.

Registration information about the summer skills clinics can be found at www.harlemglobetrotters.com, where visitors can find a complete list of clinic locations, dates, and times. Kids who sign up for a clinic by April 30 will receive a limited-time discount offer of $49.00.

To supplement the live clinics, the Globetrotters will also run “how to” drills and skills videos on key social media platforms to extend the experience for clinic participants.

“Like the Harlem Globetrotters, 24 Hour Fitness believes in the importance of keeping our children active through physical activity and sports,” said Randy Drake, senior vice president of fitness and business development, 24 Hour Fitness. “We are excited to be able to offer these unique and entertaining basketball clinics to our members and partner with the iconic Globetrotters.”

 

Ham radio class and exam coming up in June

by TImothy Rutt

If you're a preparedness type, you know that ham radios may be the best form of communication in times of disaster.  

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is offering classes for deputies, Volunteers on Patrol, and the general public to prepare you for the FCC examination to qualify for a Technician Class Amatuer Radio License on Fri, June 1, and Sat., June 2.

Cost is only $10 per class and $15 for the exam fee (but you need the book, too!

Information is available at the graphic.

 

Are your citrus trees in danger? NY Times thinks so

 by Timothy Rutt

The New York Times has an alarming story about "citrus greening," a bacterial disease of citrus trees carried by the winged Asian citrus psyllid insect. The psyllid first appeared in San Diego in 2008, and, according to the Times, it could be the death knell of the backyard citrus farmer.  Featured in the story is Martin Koning-Bastiaan of Altadena, who is pessimistic about the survival of residential citrus trees in California.

 

A few changes around here ...

We've added a couple of things on the webpage to keep you up to date.  As always, we appreciate your feedback:

• Town Council Election Page:  On the upper navigation bar, we've added a page for the upcoming Town Council election, which we will keep updated as information comes in.
• Countdown to Market Day: Because we're so excited about it, we've added a countdown widget (left column) for the Altadena Farmer's Market, so we can keep track of how close we are until opening day.

MonteCedro selling units, moving closer to construction

Pictured: Episcopal Communities and Services president and CEO Martha Tamburrano updates the Altadena Town Council on MonteCedro April 17, 2012.

by TImothy Rutt

MonteCedro, the planned retirement community that will take over the site of the former Scripps Home, is moving closer to construction with a scaled-down plan, and plans to restore the one remaining structure on the site.

Martha Tamburrano, president and CEO of Episcopal Communities and Services, the new name of the organization that owns the site, said that 70 of the planned 186 living units have been reserved, and architects are moving forward with final construction drawings.  Tamburrano said that getting the final building permits from the county would take about a year before construction can begin.

Tamburrano said that construction would now be developed in two phases, with a smaller building planned for the main site, and the three planned villas on Crawford Avenue to be developed at a later time.

The Gloria Cottage, the only surviving structure from the original Scripps Home, will be moved to Crawford Avenue and will be restored to its original appearance, Tamburrano said.  The interior will be renovated and it will be used as guest rooms for the residents, she said.

Of the original Scripps Home residents, about 70 are still alive.  The residents were moved to another Episcopal Home, the Kensington in Alhambra, but when the Kensington was sold last year, they were moved to other homes in the area.  Tamburanno said that the sale of the Alhambra property funded an endowment for their care, and those still living who want to return to Altadena will do so when MonteCedro is complete.

 

Town Council April rundown

Other items at last night's Town Council meeting:

• The Town Council members will meet with the consultants for the Altadena “visioning process” on Tues., May 22 at the Community Center.
• The California Highway Patrol will install children’s car seats (or insure yours is installed correctly) at the Altadena office on Wednesdays, by appointment only, (626) 296-8100
• Sheriff Capt. John Benedict in his first council meeting said that he hit the ground running (standoff, shootings, torched body, etc.).  Benedict said that there was also an uptick in assaults, and they were bringing in a COPS team (Community Oriented Policing) from the sheriff’s department, extra deputies to work in the community.

Officials urge caution for Eaton Canyon hikers

First responders and parks officials held a press conference April 17 to warn about the dangers of hiking in Eaton Canyon.  Left to righ: Capt. Bob Taylor, Pasadena Fire Dept., Capt. John Benedict, Altadena Sheriff’s Station, Russ Guiney, director, L.A. County Parks & Recreation, Lt. Duane Allen, Altadena Sheriff’s Station, Ranger Mike McIntyre from USFS, Capt. Bill Niccum from L.A. County Fire Department, unidentified LAFD.  Photo by Laura Monteros.

by Laura Monteros


Don’t.  That was the operative word at the joint press conference at Eaton Canyon Nature Center on Tuesday afternoon.  

• Don’t try to hike up to the second waterfall, there is no developed trail.  
• Don’t believe what you see on the internet, the hike is beautiful but perilous.  
• Don’t believe the people who tell you it’s okay.  It’s not.

People need to know that the stories about a trail to the second falls are false, Capt. John Benedict of the Altadena Sheriff’s Station said.  “Don’t try it,” he warned.  “It’s not worth losing your life over.”

Representatives from Los Angeles County departments of Parks and Recreation, Fire, and Sheriff joined Pasadena Fire Department and the U.S. Forest Service in announcing a new public education effort to inform people about the dangers of the area above the first Eaton Canyon waterfall.  Director Russ Guiney from Parks and Recreation led the conference.

With 60 rescues in the last 12 months—40 of those responded to by the Altadena Sheriff’s Station according to Benedict—the agencies are trying to get the word out to hikers that the unmarked, unofficial, and unmaintained trail above the first waterfall is not navigable.  Two of the accidents resulted in death and 20 in injury, and two of those hikers had to be flown out.

Though stats for 2010 were not available, the participants said there had been an increase in rescues in Eaton Canyon in 2011.  Capt. Bill Niccum of the County Fire Department attributed this to other parts of the Angeles Forest being closed after the Station Fire, and social media on sites such as Yelp and YouTube that extol the natural beauty of area and convince people there is a trail that can be climbed.

The strategy to combat this misinformation is to distribute three short public service announcements (PSA) to traditional media, on YouTube and other social networking sites, and to hiking groups.  Rebuttals to reviews and videos that entice people to try the hike will be posted as well.  Currently, park rangers walk the area, and there are signs at the beginning of the trail from the Eaton Canyon Nature Center and on the Forest Service trail.

What makes the trail so unsafe is that, in the first place, there is no identified trail to the second waterfall.  Secondly, the trail made by previous usage is rugged, steep, and consists of loose decomposed granite and shale that gives way when stepped on. Sherry Rollman of USFS said that there is a 70 percent slope throughout the San Gabriels Mountains.  

Capt. Bob Taylor from Pasadena Fire said that most rescues are of people who get stuck at White Ridge on the way to the waterfall.  “They can’t go down and they can’t come up.”

Town council election season now underway

by TImothy Rutt

Eric Pierce, chair of the Altadena Town Council election committee, revealed the dates and process for this year's town council election, which was approved by the council without much discussion.

Councilmembers serve two-year terms, and so half the council is up for election any given year. 

Election day will be Sat., June 9, from 9 AM-3 PM at various locations to be determined.  As last year, there will be  "pre-election" voting for those who can't make it on election day, to be held from 5 -9 PM on Tues., June 5, at the Altadena Main Library Community Room.  That ballot box will be held until the Saturday count.

PIerce said that they were planning some changes this year, including bringing back the banner that would hang over Lake Avenue, a new stand-out color scheme for the yard signs that  identify polling sites; and will be using more streaming video.  Last year,  there was a video on YouTube aimed at election day volunteers.

A candidate's forum is set for the May 15 council meeting.

Candidate application packets will be available at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.;  online at the Town Council website; and on this site after the jump.  Candidates must fill out the application and submit a candidate's statement along with a check or money order for $35 at the community center window by 5 PM May 8.

NOTE: Scribd, our document handling service, seems to be having some internal problems today.  We will upload the documents as we can. Fixed!

UPDATE 5/5: Election chair Eric Pierce says that documents will not be available on the council website, and we are publishing a revised Candidate's Information sheet after the jump.

Farmers Market makes Altadena a center of food culture, council told

 

From left: Elizabeth Bowman, Altadena Heritage president Mark Goldschmidt, Altadena Farmers Market manager Joseph Shuldiner, and Al Evans of County Parks and Recreation announce the opening of the market at the Altadena Town Council meeting April 17.

 

by TImothy Rutt

“Altadena is the new Brooklyn.”

That was the confident message brought by Joseph Shuldiner, manager of the Altadena Farmers Market, scheduled to open May 30.

Shuldiner, along with Al Evans of the county Parks and Recreation Department and Mark Goldschmidt, president of Altadena Heritage, formally announced the opening of the certified market at Tuesday night’s Town Council meeting.

Other than both being feisty communities with a strong sense of identity, what does the New York City borough have in common with a SoCal foothill town?  

They both have a burgeoning local food movement of small artisan producers (see this NY Times story on Brooklyn’s food culture).

“Altadena has become an epicenter for urban farming and food politics,” Shuldiner said.  He said he’s been interviewed by press all over Los Angeles, and even expects some national exposure to the market.

Shuldiner said that the market intially will have 30 vendors, with 20 booths allocated to farmers from as far away as Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, as well as some local  “urban farmers.”  

The remaining booths are earmarked for prepared and packaged food vendors.  Shuldiner also introduced Elizabeth Bowman, who is a graduate student in urban sustainability, who will be working on including urban farms in the market mix.

 

Mysteries of Altadena: who are Buddy's buddies?

from the Altadena Historical Society

On our Mystery Photo Blog, we post pictures that are missing important parts of their stories. Our Mystery Photo for this month is a case in point.  In our files we discovered a picture of Buddy Ebsen with two unknown (at least to the volunteers at the Altadena Historical Society) actresses. Perhaps they were members of Theatre Americana? We would also love to know what show the three were appearing in.  If you have any information or think you might, please let us know.  You can email us or go to our website to see this photo and others.  

Coffee Gallery hosts Capt. Benedict

by Timothy Rutt

Altadena Sheriff Capt. John Benedict held a "coffee with the Captain" meet and greet Tuesday morning, April 17, at the Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake.  A small group was around to tell what they want to see and get some impressions from the new commander of the Altadena Sheriff Station.

Pappalardo to stay put in PUSD

by Joe Piasecki
Pasadena Sun

A Pasadena schools administrator who had announced his departure for a job in Orange County will instead stay put in Pasadena, officials said Monday.

Pasadena Unified School District Chief Finance Officer John Pappalardo was hired last month as deputy superintendent for business and support services at Capistrano Unified School District. He later turned down the job, Capistrano Unified spokesman Marcus Walton said.

Pappalardo, whose last day would have been April 13, had second thoughts about leaving his San Gabriel Valley home or taking on a strenuous commute, said Pasadena schools spokesman Adam Wolfson.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

Altadena Energy and Solar: a homegrown answer to energy efficiency

Pictured: Altadena Solar's Hans Rosenberger at work.

Altadenablog welcomes its new member of the sponsor team, Altadena Energy & Solar.

“Customers approach solar energy from one of three main philosophical positions,” says Hans Rosenberger, owner of Altadena Energy & Solar.  “They want to reduce their carbon footprint, and see solar power as the right thing to do.  Or they want to save money, and see solar power as great long-term investment.  Or they want to be independent of the grid.  Many are somewhere in-between.”

Hans founded Altadena Energy in 2008 and began designing energy systems out of his Altadena office.   He  has worked for a wide variety of clients, such as a 1920 bungalow in Pasadena, a new 10,000 square foot house in Santa Monica, and a rental property in Pico Union.  Projects come in all shapes and sizes, but all his clients want to change their relationship with energy.  One client, a woman in Rancho Cucamonga, was overwhelmed by her $5,000-a-year electricity and utility bills, and didn’t know how to reduce them.  She had 4,500 square feet of floor space, plus a koi pond and a pool.  Hans not only designed a solar electric system for the house, he helped her identify other efficiencies, and when he was done, her electric bill dropped to zero.  

Hans is especially well-versed in how to increase the energy efficiency of older homes, such as those in Altadena, with a combination of high-tech and simple solutions.  His own home was built in 1916 and he has increased its energy efficiency in a variety of ways.  He has installed a small 3KW solar electric system, a solar hot water heater, and efficient lighting.  Along with his simple lifestyle and cleverness, he has reduced his own utilities to less than $30 per year in electricity and less than $250 in gas for the three person household.

Town council looks at farmer's market, gets MonteCedro update Tues.

by Timothy Rutt

The April meeting of the Altadena Town Council starts at 7 PM Tues., April 17, at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.

The agenda includes updates on the Altadena Farmers Market and the MonteCedro retirement community.

 

Body found Sunday at Hahamongna Park

by Timothy Rutt

It was a bad day for finding dead bodies Sunday.

In addition to the man who was torched in Altadena Sunday morning, a hiker found a badly-decomposed body in heavy brush at Hahamongna Watershed Park that afternoon, according to Phlunte Riddle of the Pasadena Police Department.

The Pasadena police were notified at about 4 PM Sunday.  Riddle said that, other than being male, the body was otherwise unidentifiable and is with the coroner for the identification and determine a cause of death.

The Pasadena police also found the body of what appeared to be a homeless man Sunday morning on the 900 block of North Hudson Avenue.  The man appeared to be about 45 years old and the coroner is conducting an investigation, according to a story in the Pasadena Sun.

 

 

Greg Stanton: real estate agent and active neighbor

by TImothy Rutt

Altladenablog welcomes Greg Stanton, real estate agent at Teles Properties, as a member of our sponsor team.

Stanton, a consistent top-producing, award-winning real estate agent, he specializes in the greater Altadena and Pasadena areas.  Stanton sees his role as a team member who works closely with sellers and buyers to meet their real estate goals.

“Successful transactions are based on great communication,” Greg says. “That means really listening to the client, offering clear explanations and making sure that every detail is handled so the transaction moves along – and closes – without a hitch.”

Greg is well-known in Altadena as the keeper of the "Welcome to the Meadows" blog, one of the first neighborhood blogs in the area.  He is also a member of the Meadows FireSafe Council, and was formerly on the Altadena Town Council and was president of the Board of Trustees for Unity Church of Pasadena.  In his prior career,  Greg was senior vice president at Bank of America, where he worked for 25 years, and had a second career as a Jazz/Pop/R&B singer and songwriter.

“From my earliest days in real estate, my background in finance and project management helped me understand the complexities of offers, financing options, budgets and investment strategies,” Greg says. “Banking and real estate have a similar skill set: attention to detail, tracking of tasks, negotiation with the principals, resolution of difficult issues and the ability to bring the entire process to a successful conclusion.”

An attentive and responsive listener, Greg is deeply committed to his clients and his community. “I consider fairness, integrity and a sense of humor to be paramount. My business sense is acute, aggressive when appropriate, consistent and reliable. Overall, I’m a happy, well-balanced guy.”

Greg Stanton  |  Teles Properties Pasadena  |  p 626.644.4760 |  f 626.628.3895 | 

http://www.gstanton.com

 

 

Cowgirl in the sand

by TImothy Rutt

Western singer Juni Fisher entertained enthusiasts at the Altadena Stables Sunday afternoon.  Bob and Marie Mann's Big Hat Promotions, which brings cowboy and western singers to the Altadena area,  held the first concert of the season at the stable's arena, which added some ambiance (and the proper, uh, atmosphere!) to classic American music.  More pictures after the jump.

Man on fire found on 2600 block Windsor, pronounced dead at scene

Pictured: a char mark on the curb at Windsor Avenue and Kent Street, where a man's body was found ablaze Sunday morning.

by Timothy Rutt

Sheriff's investigators are looking into the death of a man whose body was found ablaze on the 2600 block of Windsor Avenue on Sunday morning.

According to Deputy Lillian Peck of the Los Angeles County Sheriff Headquarters Bureau, a passerby  saw an object on fire at the scene and found that it was a human body. 9-1-1 was called at about 6 AM, and the body was extinguished by a squad from the Pasadena Fire Department.  The vicitim was pronounced dead at the scene, Peck said.

Sheriff homicide investigators are on the scene.  The victim was identified as male, but age, race, general description and cause of death haven't been determined at this time.

If you have information or any observation that may be helpful in the investigation of this death, please contact the Altadena Sheriff's Station at 626 798 1131 or the Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

 

 

Altadena Junction: farmers, critters, poets, and other wildlife

Our column is up at the Sunday Valley Sun: the farmer's market, coyotes, Poetry & Cookies, and a few frank opinions about the Altadena flag.

School librarians are becoming an endangered species

Librarian Maura Large shows Emely Arroyo, 13, the book "Hoot" by Carl Hiaasen in the library in Eliot Middle School in Pasadena. Large has been a librarian at the school for two years and could be laid off this year. The Pasadena  Unified School District has proposed to eliminate seven teacher-librarian positions. (Tim Berger / Staff Photographer, Pasadena Sun / April 9, 2012)

By Megan O'Neil
Pasadena Sun 

Maura Large trains students at Eliot Middle School in Altadena in the language of dictionaries, encyclopedias and almanacs. 

They might soon be able to find her title — credentialed teacher librarian — listed under “extinct species.” 

Large's position, along with six others in Pasadena Unified, is slated to be eliminated at the end of the school year, a move that would save the district about $590,000, spokesman Adam Wolfson said.

It is a common scenario in districts up and down the state, and with numerous studies linking library services to academic performance, experts say students stand to lose. 

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

 

Sheriffs investigating two drive-bys in as many days

by Timothy Rutt 

The Altadena Sheriffs Station is investigating two drive-by shootings in the past two days, where there were no injuries, and at this point no suspects.

According to Sgt. Debra Herman of the Crescenta Valley Sheriffs station,  the first incident was reported at 4:51 AM Thursday, April 12, on the 600 block of W. Altadena Drive.  Herman said several shots were fired at the residence, but there were no injuries and there is no suspect at this time.

Herman said that there were bullet holes in the resident's car, parked in the driveway.

The second incident was reported Friday night April 13 at 9:45 PM on the 600 block of Ventura Street.  Herman said several 911 calls were received, no one was injured, and there is no information on a possible suspect.

Herman said several shell casings were recovered from that incident. 

Altadena detectives are investigating, but so far, Herman said, "we got a whole lot of nothing."

 

Sheriffs, community gather to honor Capt. McLean

Kathryn McLean joins her husband Steve at the podium during the dinner and ceremony honoring his 31 years with the Sheriff's Department and his stint as Altadena's captain on April 13, 2012.

by Timothy Rutt

Steven McLean, Altadena's departing sheriff captain, was honored Friday night at Pasadena's Masonic Lodge in an emotional tribute marking his retirement after almost 32 years as a deputy sheriff.

In his two years as captain, Altadena's crime rate dropped, outreach to the community increased, and McLean kept himself visible in the community by going to a vast number of public meetings and even worshipping in local churches on Sunday.  During the course of the evening he received multiple honors and tributes from members of the sheriff's office and the community.  We have more pictures after the jump.

Rose Bowl traffic double-whammy Sunday

If you're driving in the area of the Rose Bowl Sunday, the City of Pasadena has sent out a traffic warning for the area:

The "Walk for MS", which will attract about 8,000 participants, will run from 8 AM-noon on the rose Bowl loop.  

St. Sophia's Easter Picnic will utilize Brookside Park and attract about 2,000 participants.  That will run from 1 - 7 PM.   

The city of Pasadena says expect delays and detours while driving near the stadium.

 

Grigsby, lost Aussie Shepherd, Fair Oaks/Altadena Dr.[UPDATE: Found!]

UPDATE 4/14:  Grigsby was found by an alert Altadenablog reader!  We have the best readers in the world, but you knew that!

Something about the weather has befuddled all the dogs.  We have another one lost:

Grigsby is a four-month old, approximately 25-pound Australian Shepherd.  He escaped from a home on North Fair Oaks Avenue today, Friday, April 13th at approximately 1 PM.

 

Grigsby belongs to Kelsey and Dave, who are traveling to Washington DC today. Grigs was staying with Kelsey's father Tom, on North Fair Oaks Avenue, north of Altadena Drive, very close to the end of the road.  Anyone who finds the dog should call Kelsey (626) 808-2926, Dave (626) 230-6844, Juliana (626) 862-4663, Tom (626) 818-1643 or Diana (626) 441-9518.

 

 

Housefire may have been caused by lightning

by Timothy Rutt

A lightning strike and a gas leak may have been the cause of a housefire this afternoon in west Altadena.

According to county fire inspector Quvondo Johnson, firefighters were called at 1:19 this afternoon to a housefire on the 900 block of West Kent Street.  According to Johnson, firefighters are speculating that the cause of the fire may have been a lightning strike that ignited a gas leak on the back of the single storey, single family structure.

Johnson said that a building and safety team had been sent to the house to see if it needs to be red-tagged.

 

 

Carolyn Seitz, Ellen Snortland honored by Schiff as outstanding women

by TImothy Rutt

Congressman Adam Schiff today honored eleven Outstanding Women of the Year from the 29th Congressional District in a luncheon in Pasadena, including two from Altadena.

Zoning and planning consultant and uber-volunteer Carolyn Ingram Seitz and author/performer/activist Ellen Snortland were both honored for their contributions to the community in the luncheon.

Schiff also entered each of the women's tributes in the Congressional Record.

Crime blotter: not a good week for the markets

Residential and vehicle thefts, and it was a bad week to go to the market.  Lt. Duane D. Allen of the Altadena Sheriff's Station provides the crime blotter.

Monday, April 2
Between 7:15 AM and 11:50 AM – A residential burglary occurred in the 4100 block of Canyon Crest Drive.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by prying the rear door.  Loss:  six gold color dollar coins, misc. jewelry, black/silver HP laptops.
8:04 AM – A commercial burglary occurred at Ralph’s (2270 N. Lake Ave.).   Deputies responded to the location and arrested the suspect.  Loss:  two bottles of alcohol (items were recovered).
2:44 PM – A petty theft occurred at Ralph’s (2270 N. Lake Av.).  Loss:  Oscar Mayer lunchables, soda, candy (items were recovered).
5:30 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 300 block of E. Sacramento Street.   Deputies responded to the area and apprehended two suspects which were observed by a witness breaking into a residence.  Suspects attempted to enter a residence by removing the rear window screen.  Loss:  none.   Suspects are possibly related to recent burglaries in/around the area.

Wednesday, April 4
Between 2:00 AM and 8:00 AM – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 1300 block of Sinaloa Avenue.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the rear driver’s side window.  Loss:  blue Yegy money bag, black Sony laptop, gray lunchbox.
Between 8:30 AM and 8:44 AM – A petty theft occurred at Super King Market (2260 N. Lincoln Ave.).  Loss:  brown wallet, misc. currency.

Thursday, April 5
Between 2:00 PM and 12:10 AM (Friday) – A residential burglary occurred in the 400 block of Devirian Place.  Suspect(s) entered the residence via unknown method.  Loss:  misc. jewelry.

Friday, April 6
Between 8:00 PM and 10:30 PM – A grand theft occurred in the 3100 block  of Rubio Canyon Roadd.  Loss:  white Apple laptop.

Saturday, April 7
Between 5:00 PM and 2:00 AM (Sunday) – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 400 block of Crosby St.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the front passenger window.  Loss:  checkbook.

 

Angeles Crest, Forest Highway closed due to rain

From Angeles Forest Highway and Angeles Crest Highway (Highway 2) are closed to Aliso Canyon; Angeles Forest Highway and Angeles Crest Highway (Highway 2) at Big Tujunga Canyon Road, till further notice.

Found: yellow lab at Altadena/Marengo

Reader Megan said she found a female yellow lab with no collar, very friendly but scared, on the corner of Altadena Drive and Marengo Avenue.

She says she has one black tonenail.  If she's yours, call Megan at 626 756-6998.

 

 

Morning jolt: Bar Altadena, ACONA survey

 

• Bar Altadena?  Nope, has nothing to do with the bears:  there's a sparsely-populated Facebook page up for Bar Altadena, Stephen Rudicel and Gloria Putnam's planned new restaurant/café.  It will be located at 2477 N. Lake Ave., the site of the late lamented Gallery at the End of the World, so we know the location has good ju-ju.  It'll be fun to watch this grow. And to see what hoops the county will have them jump through.  Wait, that won't be fun at all.
• ACONA survey: If you attended the March 27 meeting of the Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations (ACONA), they want you to fill out a quick one-minute survey (to help prep for the next meeting June 12)

Foothill Water announces "Water is Life" student art contest

Foothill Municipal Water District is proud to announce its participation in the 2012 Water is Life Student Art Contest.

This is a fun and educational project that serves to inspire student creativity while considering the stewardship of our precious water resources.  Students and Teachers may visit our website at www.fmwd.com (click on “Art Contest”) for additional contest information including detailed information on prizes and examples of past submitted art entries.

Entries may use the following art media: crayons, markers, pencils, paints, watercolors, pastels, cut paper, or fabric.  Photography or computer generated artwork is not permitted.

Please complete the attached entry form and affix it to the back of each submitted entry.  Parents/Guardians must sign the “Student Artwork Rights/Approval” section for each submission.  Each artwork submission must identify a teacher sponsor before submittal to Foothill Water District.

Send artwork to: Foothill Municipal Water District
ATTN: Daniel Drugan
4536 Hampton Road
La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

Deadline for entries is May 25, 2012, including postmarked submissions. For further information, contact Daniel Drugan or Karen Oblak at (818) 790-4036 or ddrugan@fmwd.com or koblak@fmwd.com.

Altadena Heritage looks at "Managing the Urban Forest" April 19

 by TImothy Rutt

Altadena Heritage will present Part II of its look at the urban treescape with  a discussion on "Managing the Urban Forest" with Frank McDonough.

McDonough, from the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden, will discuss the Dec. 1 windstorm and what to do to prevent similar tree loss in future winds. 

The presentation starts at 7 PM on Thurs., April 19, at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Drive.  Free for Altadena Heritage members, $5 for non-members.  For more information, call 626 993-5338 or email: altadenaheritage@earthlink.net

 

 

Tax day upcoming? Wine tasting at the Ale House will take your mind away

April 15 comes on a Sunday this year, postponing the inevitable for 24 hours.  So why not spend it at the (Altadenablog sponsor) Altadena Ale & Wine House, which will have a special Tax Day Wine Tasting from 4-6 PM Sunday.  

The theme is "Southern Wine," and varieties include reds, whites, sparkling, and ports from the south of Spain, Italy, Argentina, and France.  

$15 gets you in.  The Altadena Ale & Wine House is at 2329 N. Fair Oaks Ave.

 UPDATE:  We've added the wine menu, after the jump.

CHP looking for senior volunteers

by Timothy Rutt

Altadena's California Highway Patrol commander S.R. Strull says the local office is looking for senior volunteers.

CHP's Senior Volunteer Program is looking for seniors  who want to be part of "the largest internationally accredited law enforcement agency whose mission is to provide safety, service, and security to the citizens of California."  

In a release, Strull says that "Our volunteers have also enhanced traffic safety and service in the surrounding communities by performing tasks that support the goals of the CHP. Currently, the statewide program boasts more than 740 volunteers who contributed in excess of 150,000 volunteer hours in 2011.

"As the Altadena Area commander, I would personally like to invite seniors, age 55 or older, to be a part of our Senior Volunteer Program. This is a unique volunteer program that allows participants to share their life’s experiences, while making a solid contribution to the community in which they live. Those interested in applying are asked to contact Officer Kevin Denmon at (626) 296-8100."

Found dog, Alta Pine and Lake

One of our readers found this lost soul:

This little dog was found on Alta Pine Drive. at the top of Lake Avenue. in Altadena.  She is very small, not sure if she is a puppy ! She was very hungry, so could have been lost for a few days.  My neighbor, Mary, is going to keep her through the weekend but then must find an alternative (she already has dogs).  The dog had no collar and was terrified of being caught.  Mary's phone number is: (626) 794-6437.

The LA buzz: Altadena farmers markets

by TImothy Rutt

What’s the buzz?  It’s Altadena farmers markets, that’s what!

First, the dormant Altadena Urban Farmers Market run by the Arroyo Time Bank has won the “Make Your Mark” competition.  MYM was a project of the Think Farm and MAC+COB, creative services companies (they call it “business therapy”) that held a competition among worthy nonprofit causes for  a free “rebranding package.”  That includes, they say, “a brand strategy, key messaging and logo system,” as well as a print package sponsored in part by the Silver Lake Chamber of Commerce.  Look for AUFM to come roaring back with a new look sometime soon.

Also, the Altadena Farmers Market, sponsored by Altadena Heritage and managed by Joseph Shuldiner’s Institute for Domestic Technology, is already all the buzz in LA area press: the LA Times food blog has already taken notice; LA Magazine likewise;  and PSN weighs in on both.

 

Bear with us: living with bruins in the foothills

by TImothy Rutt

Now that it's springtime, the animals are getting restive, and hungry: we've already had sightings of coyotes and bobcats on the prowl, and there was the La Crescenta bear.

Lori Paul in the Chaney Trail neighborhood (i.e. Altadena Bear Country) shares with us a safety tip sheet they use around the neighborhood, and offers some advice:

Local black bears travel trails and even streets at night back and forth between natural terrain in the Verdugo Mts. and along the front range of the San Gabriels. Urban sprawl has closed in on wildlife corridors and habitat. We live in bear country. ALL residents need to request, and properly use, bear-resistant trash cans (which are free in Altadena under the new trash services contract) and keep tempting sources of food out of sight and smell of bears, including crusty BBQ grill tops, bowls of pet food outdoors, overripe fruit on the ground, open compost piles, and even pies or other food cooling on counters with windows open. A fed bear is a dead bear. The bear captured by the CA Dept. of Fish & Game is now tagged and will be euthanized it returns to local neighborhoods. We all share responsibility for assuring that bears remain wild and un-habituated to people and their food.

Bear alert flyer after the jump.

Graphic: artist's conception of an opportunistic bear feeding.

 

Fancy Food Truck Friday cancelled

by Timothy Rutt

Just received word from Meredith Miller of Websters Community Pharmacy that Fancy Food Truck Friday, scheduled to return tomorrow, has been cancelled due to the threat of rain.

She also writes "the good news is that the same truck lineup will be coming up on June 8 - so all is not lost!"