altadenablog

Maybe it's the black helicopters?

by TImothy Rutt

Whatever that chopper is flying around town at about 9 AM today, the sheriffs say it doesn't belong to them.  

It might be Pasadena PD's chopper, but we wouldn't know about that by listening to the scanner.

Any ideas out there?

 

 

Woman convicted of Altadena slaying, kidnapping sentenced

by Bill Kisliuk
Pasadena Sun 

A woman convicted of killing a man and helping to kidnap a boy from an Altadena home in 2007 was sentenced Wednesday to 49-years-to-life in prison, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office.

Mesha Arnaz Dean, 27, was convicted  March 26 of second-degree murder, child abuse and kidnapping. The child’s biological mother, Vanessa Ochoa, 27, previously pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, kidnapping and child abuse. Ochoa was sentenced to 15 years in prison on April 9.

According to prosecutors, on March 16, 2007, the couple drove from Las Vegas to Altadena to take the child, then 4, from his father. When they arrived the child was with his uncle, Monroe Miles Jr, 33.  Dean shot Miles and fled to Las Vegas with Ochoa and the child.

More at the Pasadena Sun.  

Public safety: early prisoner release may be behind increase in crime

by Carolyn Seitz
Public safety volunteer
cmseitz@mindspring.com

Below are two pages of crime stats that many of you are accustomed to seeing every month.  The first page shows you how Part I crime rates for Altadena compare to crime rates for all areas serviced by the The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and you'll see how crime rates year-to-date to March 31, 2012 compare to crime rates for the same types of crimes and same period of time for 2007 and also for 2011 to give you some historical perspective.

The second page provides a breakdown of Part I crimes so you can evaluate both violent crime rates and property crime rates January 1, 2012 through March 31, 2012, for the same period in 2007 and in 2011.

If you would like to review the entire 119 page report, here is the link:  http://file.lacounty.gov/lasd/cms1_148405.pdf

While the Altadena Station experienced some of the largest reductions in Part I crimes between mid 2010 and the end of 2011, crime rates began to rise in January 2012, consistent with increases in crime across Southern California, and although Altadena's stats show a 45.4% decrease in violent crimes over a 5 year period, we have also experienced a large increase in rapes and robberies.  

As has been previously report by Lt. Duane Allen, the Detective Lieutenant at Altadena Station, the spike in the number of rapes reported is largely attributable to a suspects known to the victims.  

The spike in robberies, like the spike in burglaries and reported incidents of grand theft auto may be in part the result of the prison realignment law which has released convicted felons back into communities all over Southern California and in Altadena at least one parolee released was caught in act of burglarizing a residence in Altadena.  He was wearing an ankle monitor and had only been out of prison a few days.  The methods he used to make entry into several residences was the same he'd employed in previously burglaries which had resulted in the conviction which sent him to prison.

Other law enforcement agencies have also been reporting the same kinds of "knock - knock" burglaries as many of you have reported.  These incidents are consistently reported as someone knocking loudly on the front door and if no one responds, even to let their presence in the residence be known, the burglar(s) quickly look for the easiest way to make entry, sometimes through an unlocked front door, an open window along the side of the residence, an open/unlocked door or window in the rear of the house, and lately, also garages.  

Hearing on boot camp measure spurred by Pasadena case

by Joe Piasecki
Pasadena Sun

A bill that would authorize the state to regulate military-style boot camps for teens is moving one step closer to becoming law.

State Sen.Carol Liu (D-La Cañada Flintridge) and Assemblyman Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge) proposed the legislation after controversy flared around Pasadena boot camp operator Kelvin “Sgt. Mac” McFarland. McFarland was arrested on child abuse, child endangerment, kidnapping and other charges related to work he did for his Family First Growth Camp in Pasadena in 2011.

Subsequently, McFarland was charged with sexually assaulting two teenage girls in 2004.

The bill, SB 1089, calls on the California Department of Social Services to regulate and license boot camps as it does group homes, drug recovery centers and other facilities that attempt to treat troubled youth. A hearing on the bill was set for Tuesday in the state Senate’s Human Services Committee, which is chaired by Liu.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

 

 

Police seeking Altadena man, one other in reported rape

by Adolfo Flores
Pasadena Sun

Pasadena authorities are looking for two men accused of raping a 25-year-old woman on Sunday.

The Los Angeles resident went to a party in the 1000 block of North Los Robles Avenue before partygoers went to Old Pasadena and continued drinking.

The group made their way back to the home and the victim let a 25-year-old Altadena resident drive her because she was intoxicated. The suspect drove her and another suspect, described as a 26 to 27-year-old Latino male, to his residence at an unknown location, police said.

The Altadena suspect raped the victim while the other man watched. When she fled to her car, the second man followed her and offered to drive her because she was too intoxicated.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

Coyotes and bobcats and bears, oh my! This is critter country

The lesson here: don't text without knowing what's ahead of you! A bear was snacking on trashcans in La Crescenta yesterday, causing a media flap.

by Timothy Rutt

It's springtime, and that means the critters are out and about.  That came home multiple times Tuesday:  Dr. Barkman told us about how the coyotes now have young to feed, there was a bear roaming the neighborhoods in La Crescenta (which caused a helicopter flap on the northwest side of Altadena as news choppers jockeyed for position) -- and our neighbor to the north of Altadenablog World Headquarters called to say that she spotted a bobcat IN OUR OWN YARD on the eastside yesterday morning (which may explain why Hansel the dog didn't want to spend the morning in the backyard as he usually does).  Sorry we missed it, tho'!

As for the bear:  The State Department of Fish & Game sent an email message out this morning that the 400-lb bruin was cornered in a La Crescenta backyard, tranquilized, and sent back into the wild.  Fish & Game also sent these note on bear-proofing your home:

When wild animals are allowed to feed on human food and garbage, they lose their natural ways, often resulting in death for the animal. Bears and other animals are attracted to anything edible or smelly. Humans can take these steps to prevent attracting bears and other animals to their homes or campsites:

• Store garbage in bear-proof containers or in the garage until pick-up. 
• Keep food indoors or in airtight and odor-free containers. 
• Put away picnic leftovers; clean BBQ grills. 
• Keep pet food inside. 
• Pick up fallen tree fruit as soon as possible, or protect fruit trees with electric fencing. 
• Remove cosmetic fragrances and other attractants, including bird feeders and compost piles. 
• Install or request bear-proof trash containers. 

 

UPDATE 9:45 AM: Just received a call from a neighbor on La Paz Road, who said she heard a low feline-sounding growl that seemed out-of-place at about 9:30 Tuesday night.  Her next-door neighbor said she heard the same thing about 2 AM this morning, so something (maybe the bobcat, not-impossibly mountain lion) may be out there -- be vigilant for your pets.

 

California Trails Day April 14 has a working celebration at Red Box

Celebrate California Trails Day on Saturday, April 14,  with a work day at the Red Box/Colby Canyon trail system.

The US Forest Service, National Forest Foundation and Los Angeles River Ranger District volunteer organizations invite everyone to meet at the Red Box parking lot  for four to six hours of trail work. Registration will be from 8-8:30 AM.  There will be a break for lunch (free for trail workers) followed by a short ceremony about California Trails Day at 1 PM at the parking lot.  Activities will end at 3:30 PM.

Bring work gloves, work shoes, work clothes (long sleeve shirts and long pants), sun protection hat, hard-hat (can be provided if needed), Ten Essentials (include a personal First Aid kit), water (2 quarts), and high energy snacks. Be prepared to hike about a mile and work until 12:30. 

To get to the parking lot, from the 210 Freeway in La Canada, go north on Angeles Crest Highway (Hwy 2) to Clear Creek Junction (9 miles). Continue on Angeles Crest Highway and drive 4.6 miles to Red Box. Park in the east parking lot. Allow 45 minutes driving time from the 210 Freeway. Please carpool if possible.

For additional Information, please contact one of the following:

USDA Forest Service, Los Angeles River Ranger District, Little Tujunga Ranger Station  (daytime): Chris Fabbro, Acting Trails Coordinator, (818) 899-1900 X256 email: cfabbro@fs.fed.us

(Evenings): David Ledford, Volunteer Leader, Training (310) 373-2111 email:  GDLedford@verizon.net

Additional training opportunities scheduled for the future:

May 5, 2012, Advanced Leader Training (Front Country)

June 2, 2012, National Trails Day (Basic Techniques)

September 8, 2012, Advanced Leader Training (High Country)

California Trails Day and National Trails Day training activities are open to all.

Coffee Gallery hosts meet and greet for Capt. Benedict Tues., April 17

by Timothy Rutt

New Altadena sheriff Capt. John Benedict will have a meet and greet at "Coffee with the Captain" next Tuesday, April 17, at the Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake, from 8-10 AM.

This is a chance for Benedict to meet the community and an opportunity to ask questions.  For more information, contact Dep. Ronnie Manier at 296-2105 or Sgt. Michael E. Randenberg at 296-2106.

Chopper on northwest isn't the sheriff

by Timothy Rutt

There's been some helicopter traffic in the northwest side of town this morning -- we've been monitoring the scanner, and it's not the sheriffs.  They speculate it's a news chopper because there's been a black bear sighting in the LCs (La Canada/La Crescenta) area.  We're open to other ideas!

Altadena Farmers Market set to open May 30

by Timothy Rutt

We now have a date: after a hard birthing process, the Altadena Farmers' Market plans to launch on Wed., May 30 at Loma Alta Park.

Market manager Joseph Shuldiner said that "I'm super excited about putting this inaugural group of sellers together. They will firmly establish Altadena as the epicenter of the burgeoning urban food movement."

The proposed market has had more ups and downs than a ride at Magic Mountain, with one manager taking the job and backing out, Shuldiner taking on the job and being mired in negotiations  for months with Los Angeles County, opening dates announced and passing without any market to be seen.

So what changed?  Key to getting the market underway was Altadena Heritage agreeing to take on the role of market sponsors and permit holders.  According to Heritage's Michele Zack, "Joseph is organizing the market, Altadena Heritage is sponsoring it and is the permittee. All the back and forth between Joseph and [the] county since last August was getting nowhere until the county and Joseph asked AH to sponsor."

Dr. Barkman: coyotes are looking for a meal about now

Our source for all things canid is Jane Brackman, i.e. Dr. Barkman, who tells us it's spring and the coyotes are hungry:

I watched a handsome coyote trot across Holliston early this morning.  It reminded me to remind you to remind Altadenablog readers that coyote pups are being weaned about now and papa coyote is out scouting for food.  

In our area, most coyotes mate in January/February. Like domestic dogs, gestation lasts about nine weeks or 63 days.  While mother takes care of the young, the male coyote does a large share of the hunting.  He returns to the den and regurgitates the goodies so she can eat.  Pups are weaned at about 6 weeks of age.

In the early stages of weaning both parents eat their fill of a meal, then regurgitate their stomach contents in front of the pups.  Yummy.  After a while, the pups are presented with pieces of meat that they must chew themselves.   By late spring, pups require more food and parents go to great lengths to keep their offspring fed.  

PUSD special education advisory committee looks at transitions, new director

The Pasadena Unified School District/SELPA Special Education Dept. Community Advisory Committee will meet next Monday, April 16,  at 6:15-8:30 PM at the Edison Professional Development Complex, 119 W. Palm Avenue, Altadena.

Dr. Michael Jason, the new Executive Director of Special Education, will be introduced.

Topic will be "Transitions - What to Expect & How to Prepare":

Moving up from grade to grades and school school

A conversation with:

 - Jeff Cerveny, Chair of Special Ed. at Blair High School

 - John Huntley, Special Ed. Teacher, Muir High School

 - Marcie Peoples, Program Specialist for Middle School Special Education

 - Jim Albanese, Principal, Focus Point Academy and PALS

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

Free childcare and translation available.  More details at: http://cac.pasadenausd.org

 

Theatre Americana stages original musical reading April 28

Theatre Americana is pleased to announce a staged reading of the original musical "Mary of the Avenue"  on Sat.,  April 28 in Pasadena.

"Mary of the Avenue" was co-written by Greg Wood and Neil Scanlan, and is a light hearted musical about street people living in New York City. The play is about a woman, Mary, who graces the streets of Manhattan, wearing Broadway Playbills in the lining of her weathered coat to keep her warm. She keeps an array of colorful street characters as her friends who will make you laugh at their delusional, yet refreshing outlook on life. Mary's life is turned up side down when her daughter, Carrie, seeks help in finding Mary to bring her home.

The play is charming, light hearted and filled with wonderful music based on original scores, with such songs as " Designer Clothes, Homeless Not Hopeless, "Sacks" of Fifth Avenue, Life's a Pisser and more. 

Prior to the reading, there will be a wine and cheese reception. This reading is FREE, but will require a reservation.

WHAT: STAGED READING - MARY OF THE AVENUE
WHEN: SAT., APRIL 28TH @7:00 PM (6:30 PM - WINE & CHEESE RECEPTION) 
WHERE: CHURCH OF TRUTH - 690 E. ORANGE GROVE BLVD., PASADENA
R.S.V.P.: donna8461@sbcglobal.net

VISIT: 
www.gwoodmusic.com

www.theatreamericana.com

Schiff holds 29th District high school art competition, with online component

Rep. Adam Schiff will host the annual Congressional Arts Competition Forum & Exhibit for the 29th District, featuring high school student artwork from the region, on Sunday April 15. The Congressional Art Competition is an annual contest, with submissions from across the country. The winner from each Congressional District has their work displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. In addition, Schiff is opening up the competition with a “People’s Choice” award, which will be decided through an online vote.

“Every year, I receive amazing art from high school students across the 29th Congressional District, and this year, I decided to do something different. Now, students, their families and other constituents from across our district will be able to weigh in, just like the panel of judges and pick the inaugural ‘People’s Choice’ winner,” said Schiff. “I look forward to finding out the winners, and to welcoming artists and their families at the exhibition.”

The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for Members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, over 650,000 high school students have participated in the nationwide competition.

The first place winner’s artwork will hang in the U.S. Capitol for one year, the piece awarded second place will hang in the Congressman's Washington, D.C. office for one year, and the piece awarded third place will hang in his Pasadena District Office for one year. The “People’s Choice” winner’s artwork will also be displayed in Schiff’s Washington, D.C. office. To vote for the “People’s Choice,” constituents should go to Schiff’s website, (http://schiff.house.gov/congressional-arts-competition1). Voting will be open from April 2nd through April 12th.

The winners of the contest will be announced at the 29th Congressional High School Arts Competition Forum & Exhibit on Sunday April 15. All student participants will receive a Congressional Certificate of Recognition. The exhibit will be held at Friends Hall at the Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens starting at 3:00 p.m.; the award presentation will take place at 5:00 p.m. In addition, the exhibit will feature music from the Los Angeles Children’s Orchestra, under the direction of Susan Pascale. To RSVP, please contact Rep. Schiff’s District office at (626) 304-2727.

 

 

Community arts center classes registration is open, classes start next week

Registration is open and sessions start next week for after-school creative arts workshops at the Altadena Community Arts Center.

Classes are open for students from age six to 14 in painting, drawing, arts & crafts, drumming, jewelry making and design, hip-hop and break dancing, creative dramatics, and lots more.

Classes will be held at the art's center's location at the Loma Alta School building.  Check the flyer for more information.

 

Morning jolt

• Reforesting after the fire: Louis Sahagan at the LA Times looks at how reforestation efforts are going at the site of the Station Fire.  And the answer is: not well. 
• Face-off: Congressman Adam Schiff is facing six opponents in the June 5 primary.  Mark Kellam has the details in the Pasadena Sun.
• Five Acres: Some board members coming on, some coming off, it's a social thing at Five Acres from Ruth Sowby at the Pasadena Sun.
• Six steppin': Novelist Dan Barden lists his six favorite novels about recovery in The Week magazine, and one of them is "Jamesland" by Altadena's Michelle Huneven -- a book we highly recommend,  as we were present for some of the raw material that went into it. 
• Altadena/Catalina: Sid Gally's local history piece in PSN talks about the surprising Altadena connections to Catalina Island -- since these are two of our favorite places, it's nice to know!

 

Linda Dove is Altadena's new poet laureate

The Altadena Library is pleased to announce the new Poet Laureate for the Altadena Library District will be Linda Dove. 

The official passing of the laurels will take place on Sat.,  April 21 at 2 PM at the library’s annual Friends sponsored program, "Poetry and Cookies."   

Dove holds a Ph.D. in Renaissance literature and most recently taught at Yavapai College in Arizona where she directed the creative writing program.  She is the author of In Defense of Objects (Bear Star Press, winner of the Dorothy Brunsman Poetry Award, 2009) and O Dear Deer, (Squall Publishing, winner of the Eudaimonia Poetry Review Chapbook Prize, 2011). Poems have been nominated for a Pushcart Prize and were a finalist for the Robert H. Winner Award from the Poetry Society of America. She lives in Altadena, California, with her husband, daughter, and two Jack Russell terriers, and has been active in local organizations, such as the Altadena garden co-op RIPE, the community food bank, and with an Altadena-based Girl Scouts troop.

This event is free and will take place at Altadena Senior Center located at 560 East Mariposa Street, just west of the main Altadena Library. For more information please call 626 798 0833 or check the library’s website athttp://altadenalibrary.org.

 

Odyssey teacher now one of top two, voting ends tonight

by TImothy Rutt

A few days ago, we talked about Daryl Bilandzija of Odyssey Charter School being recently nominated to GOOD Magazine’s “Great American Teach-off for America’s Most Innovative Teacher.”

Bilandzija is now one of the top two finalists in the competition, and needs votes to make it to the top (prize is $10,000 for the classroom).   Check out the Great American Teach-off page here, and you have until midnight tonight (April 9) to vote. 

The Asian Journal has a nice piece on Bilandzija as well.

Altadena Bicycle Club rides again Thursday

by Timothy Rutt

The newly-formed Altadena Bicycle Club seems to be going great guns: they will have another ride Thurs., April 12, departing from Steve's Bike Shop, 859 E. Mariposa St.  Meetup is at 5, clip-on at 5:30, reconvene at 7 PM for food and drinks.

Leticia Montanez writes: "Both a mountain and a road bike ride will be conducted with food and drinks at the conclusion - donations for the food and drinks are appreciated."

Also: they are taking orders for jerseys (artist's conception shown).  Montanez says: "Do comment on our Facebook page or at the ride as we will finalize this really soon.  Also, please checkout out the link to order yours (http://www.voler.com/custom/ordering/li/2321)."

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/altadenabicycleclub/

Scissors Paper Rock offers spring nail specials

Altadenablog sponsor Scissors Paper Rock Salon has launched some spring nail service specials (click graphic for details).  Scissors Paper Rock is at 1864 N. Allen Ave. in Borderdena.

 

MS Walk April 15 at the Rose Bowl

On April 15, join the movement at Walk MS to bring us one step closer to a world free of MS!

Come and celebrate with thousands of fellow friends, co-workers and families that, like you want to stop MS in its tracks. There will be fun for the whole family as you enjoy a beautiful 5K walk, roll or stroll around the Rose Bowl. There will also be entertainment on the route and at the finish festival with food, music, jugglers, face painters, team booths, fun give-a-ways and more.

What: Walk MS: Greater Los Angeles 
When: April 15.
Opening Ceremonies: 9:30 am; Start: 10:00 am
Where: The Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA
Email  walkms@cal.nmss.org

Phone  1.800.344.4867

Website http://walkcal.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Walk/CALWalkEvents?pg=entry&fr_id=18105

A special guest at the Ampyra booth at Walk MS will be Kristie Salerno Kent. Kristie is a well-known singer and entertainer with MS. She is also a prominent patient advocate who works to help others understand what it is like to live with this condition. She has toured the U.S. with a special performance piece where she visits malls and asks shoppers to take a moment to find out what it’s like to live with MS.  You can see her in action here:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oraM8IF2Gc

Learn more about Kristie at: http://www.ampyrajourneys.com/storyKristie.aspx

 

 

Easter morn

 

by Timothy Rutt

Pastor John B. Bledsoe of Zion Star Missionary Baptist Church (in the white suit) speaks at the Easter sunrise service at Farnsworth Park this morning.  The Community Easter Sunrise Service brought together pastors from several churches and early risers to hear the Good News of Christ's resurrection in prayer, praise, and song.

Club 21 Easter egg hunt egg-zactly what was needed

by Timothy Rutt

Club 21, the support group for people with Down Syndrome and their families, held their annual Easter egg hunt and picnic on the grounds of the Green Carriage House on Santa Rosa Saturday morning.  Here, an enthusiastic group plays with the parachute.  More pictures after the jump.

Altadena Junction: Arroyo Pacific, visioning, the captain ... and food trucks

Our new column is up at the Sunday Valley Sun, a rundown of the past week and some things to look forward to ahead.

 

Bob Lucas Branch Library open house celebrates 20th anniversary, renovations

by Timothy Rutt

After being closed for renovations and upgrades, the Bob Lucas Branch Library, 2659 N. Lincoln Ave., will have an open house and celebration of its 20th anniversary on Sun., April 29, from 1-3 PM.

 

Crime blotter: shoplifting, El Sereno crime wave

Lots of shoplifting this week, someone was going on a tear on the 2200 block of El Sereno Avenue, and the 24 Hour Fitness parking lot strikes again.  Crime blotter by Lt. Duane D. Allen of the Altadena Sheriff's Station.

Sunday, March 25

Between 7:00 PM and 10:00 AM, Monday – A vehicle vandalism occurred in the 200 block of E. Las Flores Drive.

Between 9:30 PM and 10:21 AM, Monday – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 2300 block of E. Washington Bouleavard. Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the rear windshield.  Loss:  black Garmin GPS.

Monday, March 26

3:00 AM – A residential vandalism occurred in the 1700 block of E. Elizabeth Street. 

Tuesday, March 27

2:40 PM – A shoplifting burglary occurred at Ralph’s, 2270 N. Lake Avenue.  The suspect was apprehended and arrested.  Loss:  package of LifeSaver Gummies, Trolli Sour Worms, Twisty water balloons.  Some items were recovered.

Wednesday, March 28

1:10 PM – A shoplifting burglary occurred at 7-11, 1319 N. Altadena Drive.  The suspect was apprehended and arrested.  Loss:  package of Starburst, doughnuts, bottle of Dr. Pepper soft drink.  Items were recovered.

Between 8:45 PM and 8:55 PM – A petty theft occurred at 24Hr. Fitness, 2180 N. Lincoln Avenue.  Loss:  black/red Driod cellphone. 

Thursday, March 29

11:00 AM – A robbery occurred at Fair Oaks Avenue & Harriet Street.  The victim sat on a bus bench next to a male (suspect).  The male asked the victim for a dollar and as the victim attempted to pull a one dollar bill – the suspect grabbed the money from the victim’s hand.  The suspect – a male, African-American, 25-35yrs, 5'10"  to 6', 180-220lbs, wearing a black shiny jacket, blue jeans, white New Balance tennis shoes,  ran with the money northbound of Fair Oaks Avenue.  towards Wally’s Barbershop.  The suspect was later observed leaving the rear of the barbershop in a silver Trek bicycle with red zig-zag pattern. The suspect was last seen eastbound on Harriet Street. from Fair Oaks Avenue.  Loss:  $10.00.

Between 5:30 PM and 6:00 PM – A petty theft occurred at Ritzy Rags, 837 E. Mariposa Street.  Loss. $100.00.

Friday, March 30

Between 11:00 AM and 3:30 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2200 block of El Sereno Avenue.  Suspect(s) entered the residence via the unlocked door(s).  Loss: unknown.

Between 7:10 PM and 8:45 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 100 block of E. Woodbury Road.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by shattering the rear bedroom window.  No loss.

Between 12:10 PM and 12:25 PM – A grand theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 1200 block of Sunny Oaks Circle.  Loss:  red Honda lawnmower with a black bag, red/black Astro edge trimmer, red/black weed trimmer.

Saturday, March 31

Between 6:30 PM and 8:45 PM – A garage burglary occurred in the 2200 block of El Sereno Avenue.  Suspect(s) entered the garage by shattering the window.  Loss:  black laptop.

Between 7:00 PM and 10:30 PM – Another residential burglary occurred in the 2200 block of El Sereno Avenue.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by shattering the window.  Loss:  gray Toshiba laptop, white Acer laptop.

 

Celebrate Easter at the Altadena Ale House Sunday

The Altadena Ale & Wine House, 2329 N. Fair Oaks, will celebrate Easter Sunday with an Easter Champagne Afternoon Tea from 3 to 6 PM.

$34 includes tea with a glass of Placere Brut NV Champagne; $28 includes a glass of Gerard Bertrand Brut or Rose Brut.

There will be a selection of finger sandwiches, fresh tart, a pot of tea, and a scone.

Check the graphic for the full menu.

 

It's almost here: Library celebrates Poetry & Cookies April 21

Celebrate Earth Day April 21 with Poetry & Cookies, the Altadena Library's annual poetry program.

The program, which starts at 2 PM at the Altadena Senior Center, 560 E. Mariposa,  offers an afternoon of poetry readings, the inauguration of the library's new poet laureate, cookies (of course) and free raffles for great prizes.

The library’s 2012 edition of Poetry and Cookies, a compilation of the poems read that day, will also be available for sale. Following the program there will also be a short open mic

This free event is sponsored by the Friends of the Altadena Library. For more information, please call 626-798-0833 x 115 or check the library’s website athttp://www.altadenalibrary.org.

 

 

 

Morning jolt

• Tracy Granger, 56, who spent the night injured in the Angeles National Forest after her truck slid off the road and plunged 350 feet, got to meet her rescuers last week: the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, the Montrose Search and Rescue Team and Antelope Valley Search and Rescue. Bill Kisliuk at the Pasadena Sun has details.
• Hardy Martel of Altadena, a professor emeritus of electrical engineering at Caltech, died March 29 in his home.  Martel was a pioneer in information science and communications technology.  Caltech has more details.

Aveson School celebrates Earth Day April 21

Aveson Charter Schools, the "greenest schools in California" as winner of the Green Campus Award at the 2011 Green Schools Summit, will celebrate Earth Day at the 1919 E. Pinecrest Dr. campus on Sat., April 21.

There will be eco-friendly exhibits, family fun (including recycled crafts, horse rides, and animals); local food and refreshments.

Speakers include Eugene Cook and Waste Less Living's Christine Hinkel.

The celebration is free and open to all, and runs from 10 AM-2 PM.

John S. Benedict becomes Altadena's new captain

Altadena’s new sheriff captain brings a wealth of experience to the job

by Timothy Rutt

John Benedict was the son of a deputy sheriff.  He was raised in the Pacoima area, and his dad had lots of friends in the LAPD.  But it wasn’t for him: “As a teenager, i really didn’t want to be in law enforcement.  It wasn’t something I thought I’d end up doing.”

So he majored in psychology at San Diego State University, thinking of going into sports psychology, as he’d been an avid soccer player, even when young.  But he wound up in advertising, and didn’t like it much.  His dad had a suggestion.

“Dad said I should go to the [sheriff] academy,” Benedict said.  “He basically used reverse psychology on me -- ‘I don’t think you could do it, I don’t think you could graduate from the academy class.’”

So he set out to prove his father wrong, Benedict said.  But: “I went to the academy, and I went -- I love this, this is awesome, this is great stuff,” Benedict said.  “I enjoyed it.  I went on some ridealongs and said, you know, this is what I want to do.”

Benedict said this in the comfort of his new location: the Altadena Sheriff Station.  Benedict, an almost 31-year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, became Altadena’s new captain on April 1.

Fr. Gregory Boyle will be Library speaker May 1 at Senior Center

from the Altadena Library

Father Gregory Boyle, author of the inspirational memoir Tattoos on the Heart: the Power of Boundless Compassion, will speak at a program presented by the Friends of the Altadena Library at 7 PM, Tuesday May 1 at the Altadena Senior Center.   A Los Angeles Timesbest-seller for over a year, this award-winning book is filled with life-changing, uplifting stories of faith and redemption.  His cure for what he sees as a “global sense of failure” is as radical as it is simple: boundless restorative love. 

Father Greg is founder of Homeboy Industries, the largest gang intervention and   re-entry program in the country.  This non-profit offers jobs, legal help, mental health services, tattoo removal, and other free programs to thousands each year.  Other enterprises include Homeboy Bakery and Homegirl Cafe and Catering.  

Learn more about this phenomenal man and how his philosophy could make a difference in your life, too, by attending this free program.

The address of the Altadena Senior Center is 560 East Mariposa Street, 91001.  For more information, visit www.altadenalibrary.org or call 626-798-0833.

 

Good egg huntin' today and tomorrow

by Timothy Rutt

Don't forget that the Easter season begins with egg hunts in the local parks today, sponsored by the county Parks and Recreation Department:

Charles White Park Easter Egg Hunt, 3-5 PM.

Farnsworth Park twilight Easter egg hunt, 6-8 PM (bring your flashlight!) at the field near the corner of Lake and Concha.  Ages 1-5 hunt at 6 PM, 6-9 at 6:30 PM, and  ages 10-13 at 7 PM.

Loma Alta Park will also have an Easter egg hunt on Saturday, starting at 11 AM. 

 

 

Arroyo Pacific Academy buys new Arcadia property

by Timothy Rutt

Close on the heels of Arroyo Pacific Academy floating a $2.8 million dollar SBA loan, the Bisnow website says that the school has purchased property at the 400 block of Rolyn Place in Arcadia for approximately $1.6 million (scroll down).  According to the website, the school "plans to use the property as a secondary site for arts, music, robotics, technology, and theater."

Altadenans gather for first “visioning” meeting

Altadena residents gather for the first of three "visioning workshops" on April 4, 2012 at the Loma Alta Park gymnasium.

by Timothy Rutt

About 130 Altadena residents gathered for the first of three Altadena Community Visioning Workshops Wednesday night at the Loma Alta Park gymnasium.

Susan Harden, vice-president for planning and design at RBF Consulting, the county’s consultant for the project, told those gathered that the workshops were intended to “paint a vivid and positive picture of the future” --  not to create an action plan, but a starting point for action.

While the process was not to talk about specific changes to the Community Standards District, which the county want to update, such changes may be included, Harden said.

The process was very simple: on Post-it notes, attendees were to write three ideas about the “treasures of Altadena”: the things they value most about living here.  The notes then went together on a section of the wall where they were sorted into general themes by RBF staffers.

Treasures included diversity, architecture, local businesses, the small town sense of community, nature and the mountains, and the library.

Schiff names Carolyn Seitz and Ellen Snortland "Women of the Year"

by Timothy Rutt

Congressman Adam Schiff has named two Altadenans "Women of the Year"  in honor of Women's History Month in March.

Every March, Schiff honors an outstanding woman from each of the communities in the 29th Congressional District.   This year, there were two from Altadena: community safety maven Carolyn Ingram Seitz and author/playwright/activist Ellen Snortland.

“Recipients of the ‘Woman of the Year award’ come from all walks of life and represent the thousands of women who make a positive impact in our region,” Rep. Schiff said in a press release.

While there are no specific criteria for nomination, Rep. Schiff looks for women who — through their work or volunteerism — have improved the quality of life in our community.

Other 2012 winners are: Alhambra, Joanna Vargas; Burbank, Nancy Guillen; Glendale, Debra Suh; Monterey Park, Diane Gin; Pasadena, Denise Houlemard Jones; San Gabriel, Eleanor K. Andrews; South Pasadena, Kay Mouradian and Gretchen Robinette; and Temple City, Eva Arrighi.

PIctured: Ellen Snortland (left) and Carolyn Ingram Seitz.

 

 

 

Report shows where Edison faltered after the windstorm

A tree completely blocks the 3500 block of E. California Boulevard in Pasadena on Dec. 1. A study commissioned by Southern California Edison showed 70 ways the utility could improve its response for the next disaster. (Raul Roa / Pasadena Sun / December 1, 2011)

By Adolfo Flores and Bill Kisliuk
Pasadena Sun

A study of Southern California Edison's response to the fierce windstorm that ripped through the region last fall found 70 ways the utility could improve its response to the next disaster.

The study, commissioned by Edison and released Wednesday, determined the utility responded appropriately in some ways to the windstorm, which knocked out power to more than 220,000 Edison customers, toppled thousands of trees and 250 power poles and caused tens of millions of dollars' worth of damage to businesses, cars, homes and government property.

But it found Edison must ramp up its emergency planning and communications efforts, including making emergency planning a top-level executive priority.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

... and Edison responds to windstorm report

by Adolfo Flores
Pasadena Sun

A report commissioned by Southern California Edison and released Wednesday found the utility could have handled last fall's major windstorm more quickly and determined the utility must be more prepared for major storms.

On Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 windstorms reaching hurricane force whipped through the San Gabriel Valley, downing power poles and causing outages that in some cases lasted more than a week. The outage is the subject of an on-going California Public Utilities Commission probe, which could result in fines or penalties for Edison.

Wednesday's report by Davies Consulting said Edison could’ve shortened restoration time by at least one day and up to two days by preparing better on "blue sky days." It also commended the power company for preventing injuries to workers or customers.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

Kristine Schomaker is Library's artist for April/May

The Altadena Library Community Room Presents: “Don’t Blink” :paintings by Kristine Schomaker.

Kristine’s paintings are founded upon an ongoing investigation into the transforming the modern abstract expressionist mark into the postmodern vocabulary. In her current paintings she uses the pour and drip as a trope by changing them into a language influenced by graphic design, pop art, virtual reality and animation. They become a hybridization of these elements.

Work will be on display in the Community Room for the month of April and May 2012

For Questions or information regarding Art Exhibits and Events, contact  Tina Wallin,  626-798-0833 (x116) or email: twallin@altadenalibrary.org.

 

 

Planning commission turns down Arroyo Pacific's permit bid [UPDATED]

Palm Street Area Residents Association members Coleen Sterritt, left,  and Nancy Rothwell testify at the county Planning Commission meeting this morning, from county video feed.

UPDATES: We have new comments from PSARA and Arroyo Pacific at the end of the story.

by Timothy Rutt

By a 3-2 vote, the county Planning Commission turned down the Arroyo Pacific Academy's (APA) application for a conditional use permit to open a school on Palm Street.

Those who opposed the school, many members of the Palm Street Area Resident's Association (PSARA), cited the neighborhood's experience when another, unrelated,  school illegally opened on the same property with 250 students in 2008, creating problems with traffic and noise that residents said were evidence that a school would never fit on the property.

Arroyo Pacific President Philip Clarke's assurances that the school's traffic plan would have little impact on the neighborhood didn't convince the residents, who not only cited the traffic problems from the illegal school, but conducted their own critique of APA's traffic plan.

One of the speakers from PSARA quoted an analysis by Bruce Linsenmeyer, an Altadena resident and retired Pasadena police commander who was formerly a traffic lieutenant with that department.  Linsenmeyer estimate that one student would have to be unloaded every nine seconds for the traffic plan submitted by Arroyo Pacific  to work.

APA biology teacher Nancy Hauser speaks in favor of the permit.

Several residents also said that daily traffic jams on the narrow, sidewalk-free street could affect emergency vehicle access, particularly on Raymond Avenue, the narrow street just east of the Arroyo Pacific property.

Arroyo Pacific supporters said the town council, PSARA, and other opponents of the school "rebuffed … every opportunity to dialogue," said Elizabeth Hanks, an attorney for Arroyo Pacific.  Hanks said that the school implemented many changes and conditions on its own in the course of the application, but "received absolutely no feedback on it."

Arroyo Pacific's attempt to get a conditional use permit to operate the school has been rejected twice in different versions by the Altadena Town Council and Land Use Committee. 

Proponents generally talked about the quality of education Arroyo Pacific delivers, although some spoke more against the opposition.  Others affirmed the school's traffic plan, pointing out that traffic would only be an issue twice a day during the 180 days a year school would be  in session.

APA Principal Joe Blackman said that  his school should not be judged by the example of the previous illegal school, as that school did not have a CUP, a traffic plan, did not encourage carpooling, nor cared about the neighborhood -- all things that APA says it has addressed.

On tap for today: Arroyo Pacific hearing goes live at 9 AM; visioning meeting at 7 PM

by TImothy Rutt

Two big items today:

1. The county Planning Commission will hold a hearing at 9 AM today to consider Arroyo Pacific Academy's application for a conditional use permit to operate a school at 183 E. Palm St.

The school's application has been rejected by the Altadena Town Council and Land Use Committee twice.  County staff has also recommended that the commissioners deny the plan.

You can watch it live right here, starting at 9 AM. 

2.  The first "visioning process" meeting will take place tonight as the county seeks Altadenans' ideas for a revised Community Standards District.  That meeting starts at 7 PM at the Loma Alta Park Gym, 3300 N. Lincoln Ave.

 

It's Flag Day in Altadena on April 21

by TImothy Rutt

The Altadena Town Council will formally premiere its new Altadena flag on Sat., April 21, from 1-3 PM at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.

Council chair Dr. Sandra Thomas will raise the flag, which was the winner of a poll at the Altadena Town Council website.  The designer's identity has not been publicly revealed.

Others confirmed to attend include Congressman Adam Schiff, State Sen. Carol Liu, and Assemblymember Anthony Portantino.

 Flags will be available to purchase at the event, and we're tracking down details right now.

 

Fancy Food Truck Friday returns to Webster's next week

Fancy Food Truck Friday, seen here from September, 2011, will return to the Webster's parking lot next week.

by TImothy Rutt

After a winter lull, Webster's Community Pharmacy, Webster's Fine Stationers, and Webster's Liquor will once again host Fancy Food Truck Fridays next week, on Fri., April 13.

Fancy Food Truck Fridays happens on the second Friday of the month, where half a dozen food trucks park in the Webster's lot starting at 5 PM.  Also scheduled is the mobile petting zoo from event sponsor Danny's Farm.

The April lineup will be:

Komodo 
GreenzonWheelz
Nom Nom Truck
AuntiesFryBreadTacos
Bool BBQ
Sweet E's "the mini bake shop"

There will also be a reception for local artist Fei Liu at Webster's Fine Stationers.  According to an email from Lori Webster,  Liu's "whimsically beautiful designs on paper, canvas and jewelry evoke a smile every time I see them.  Fei will be joining us from 5:00 pm on, so come on in, admire her art, say hello and enjoy some delicious appetizers while someone else waits in the food truck line for you!"

Arroyos and Foothills Saturday hike looks at local geology

Learn about the geology of the local foothills on a hike with the Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy and environmental geologist John Wros in Rubio Canyon at 9 AM on Saturday, April 7. Meet at the intersection of East Loma Alta Drive and Camp Huntington Road. The hike is about a mile each way.  Free.

 

Intermediate Victory Gardener classes start April 28

The "Grow LA Victory Garden Initiative," which held beginning classes last fall, will hold a series of intermediate certified gardener classes starting April 28 at the Altadena Community Garden in Loma Alta Park, 3300 N. Lincoln Ave.

Topics to be covered include permaculture, harvesting seeds, California natives, fruit tree pruning and berries.

Classes are held 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM on Saturdays, April 28, May 5, May 12, and May 19. Classes are $50 for the series or $15 per class.  For more information, contact Jeri Huston,  (626) 584-0442 or email:  jeri.huston@yahoo.com

 

Keni Arts new book of poetry now available

The Academy of American Poets has designated April as National Poetry Month. In celebration of this event, Keni Davis of Keni Arts has released his newest book, Living Loom.

Living Loom, Threads of Life Woven into a Spiritual Tapestry is a book of poetry and prose that seeks to connect us to God and one another. Poems include Haitian Train (the 2010 Haiti earthquake), Pedophile Priest (the gist is in its name) and Busy Brains (reflections of a sleepless night)

Living Loom, the paperback, is available at Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena.

E-book available on Keni’s website at http://www.keni.com/books/ 

Keni, a resident of Altadena, is the author of other books including Back Lot Talk (a lexicon of Hollywood jargon) and Adena Dena (Pasadena & Altadena en plain air). He is currently publishing his novel, She Can See on-line as it is being written. Go to: www.shecansee.com

Keni is a veteran of the motion picture industry, having worked for 30+ years as a set painter and scenic artist. His lunchtime watercolor series takes you behind the scenes on studio backlots in Hollywood and on film locations. Go  to: www.hollywoodbacklots.com

 

Sandra Tsing Loh to emcee Pasadena's Earth and Arts Festival April 14

from the City of Pasadena

Celebrate a world of nature, art and live music at the Pasadena Earth and Arts Festival, Saturday, April 14, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Memorial Park and the Armory Center for the Arts, 145 N. Raymond Ave.  This year’s master of ceremonies is noted author, performer and KPCC radio commentator Sandra Tsing Loh.

Marking its 10th anniversary as one of the biggest Earth Day events in the Southland, the free family festival features activities, exhibits and entertainment for all ages.

Browse through a huge eco-marketplace where local businesses and non-profit groups will promote green living, energy and water efficiency, composting, organic foods, green building design, alternative transportation and renewable energy. City staff will be on hand to answer your questions about waste reduction, recycling, water and energy conservation, and parks and nature preserves.

Green Truck and Coolhaus, two of the region’s most popular specialty food trucks, will sell affordable (and sustainable!) meals and snacks throughout the day.

Speaking of sustainable and eco-friendly business practices, locally brewed beers will be available inside the festival’s first-ever Sustainable Beer Garden, serving up exceptional artisan lagers and ales from Pasadena’s own Craftsman Brewing Company and Los Angeles’s Eagle Rock Brewery. Fourteen-ounce beers for $5 will be served in fully compostable, corn-based cups. Pita Pita of Pasadena will serve food inside and outside the beer garden.

Hahamongna Walkabout videos are up our tree

by Timothy Rutt

Last Saturday, March 31, was the annual Hahamongna Watershed Walkabout, and the Arroyo Seco Foundation has made available some videos of the event.

Here, our own Michele Zack talks about the history of the area:

 

N

And here's a visit with Mr. Tree:

 

See the rest of the videos here.

Missing hiker found Tuesday night

What was all that helicoptering about last night?  The overnight crew at Pasadena Star-News says it was a missing hiker, found about 10 PM at the Cobb estate.

Altadena Christian Children's Center fundraiser set for April 28

by Timothy Rutt

Looking at our inbox (and the envelope from our local school), it must be School Auction Season!

Altadena Christian Children’s Center is celebrating its 30th year with a wine tasting and auction event on Sat., April 28, at the Neighborhood Church. 301 N. Orange Grove Blvd. Pasadena, from 6-10 PM.

In addition to the wine tasting, there will be food stations, music, and silent and live auctions.

Tickets are $75.  For more information, contact Kathy Cady at 626 798 0574 or 626 927 2505 (email kathleencady@gmail.com), or call the school at  626 797 6142.