altadenablog

PUSD proposes to take over faltering Head Start programs

by Joe PIasecki
Pasadena Sun

Looking to stabilize preschool programs that slipped into chaos in the fall, the Pasadena Unified School District is proposing to take charge of area Head Start programs next year.

District officials are seeking a $10.7 million annual grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to serve about 1,100 low-income children from Pasadena, Altadena, Sierra Madre and South Pasadena.The PUSD-run Head Start centers would provide preschool instruction, meals, health checkups and other social services starting in August 2013.

The centers would operate out of two shuttered schools — Allendale Elementary in Pasadena and Burbank Elementary in Altadena — as well as the Hodges and Washington children’s centers in Northwest Pasadena, said Kathy Onoye, the district’s director of elementary education.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

Time's running out for Golden Poppy Awards

by Timothy Rutt

The clock is ticking for the Ninth Annual Golden Poppy Awards, to be held Sunday, June 17, from 3 to 6 PM.

The Golden Poppy Awards and Fete, sponsored by Altadena Heritage, celebrates Altadena's gardeners who increase the beauty of the area while keeping earth-friendly at the same time.

This year's celebration will be at the home of master gardener and Altadena entrepreneur Susann Edmonds at 2593 N. Marengo Ave., where many of Altadena's great gardeners will be honored in her outdoor Llama Lounge. There will be some tasty snacks, and the Craftsman Brewing Co. has donated a keg of artisanal beer for the festivities.

Tickets are $20 each ($10 for members of Altadena Heritage). Please go to altadenaheritage.org for more info and to purchase tickets.

 

Tour American Bungalow's featured home and go to the dogs Aug. 12

The Keyes bungalow in Altadena is an example of the "airplane style" in Arts & Crafts bungalow architecture. Photo by National Register of Historic Places.

by Jane Brackman
Altadena Historical Society

The Keyes Bungalow, one of Altadena’s exceptional Arts & Crafts homes,  is featured in American Bungalow magazine this month. 

The house, placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, is significant as a near perfect example of an "airplane bungalow" - a complete bungalow on the bottom floor with an additional room raised above the roof like the cockpit of an airplane. 

You can tour the home on August 12, 2012, from 2-4 PM, enjoy refreshments, and hear a lecture by canine expert Jane Brackman (aka Dr. Barkman) about how the Arts and Crafts movement aesthetic historically influenced the way we interact with companion dogs today.   Owning a purebred dog was strictly upper-crust in the Victorian era, but the aesthetic was claimed by the middle class when ready-cut bungalows from companies like Sears meant regular folks could have a single family dwelling, a garden and a purebred family dog.  Jane will explain why Yorkies were considered dogs of the lower class, Labrador Retrievers were not recommended as pets, and why the U.S. dog population grew four times faster than the general population during the Arts and Crafts era.

Only 30 tickets are available, on a first-come first-served basis, at a cost of $30.00 for non-members and $25.00 for members of the Altadena Historical Society. All reservations must be made in advance of the date of the tour.  

To obtain tickets, call the Altadena Historical Society at 626-797-8016 or send a check with your request to Altadena Historical Society, 730 East Altadena Drive, Altadena, CA 91001. Tickets will be on a will-call basis on the day of the event.

To find out more  go to the AHS website  http://www.altadenahistoricalsociety.org/

13-year-old achiever Chase needs a hand for early college

by Timothy Rutt

Young Altadenan Chase Musson, 13, just finished 8th grade, and he has a rare opportunity: he was invited to be evaluated directly for admission for college.  Proud dad Brent Musson  said that Chad has scored in the top 20% of graduating seniors nationally (and remember, these are 17- and 18-year-olds).  

Chase successfully completed an interview with the director of the Early Entrance Program at Cal State University, Los Angeles, and will start in the fall.  However, he has a summer session of two seven-week classes, with no college credit, and financial aid won't be available until fall.

So the Musson family has established a fund through the WePay website to raise $2,500 for Chase's summer program.  If you'd like to hear the pitch -- and maybe pitch in a little yourself -- check out the website here.

Pasadena Master Chorale performs Rachmaninoff's "All-Night Vigil" at Altadena Community Church

The Pasadena Master Chorale (PMC) will perform Rachmaninoff's "All-Night Vigil"  at Altadena Community Church on Sun.,  June 17, at 4 PM.  

Comprised of 15 movements, the All-Night Vigil is based largely on Russian Orthodox chants. It is also very rarely performed, owing in part to the demands it places upon the choir.

 “The Vigil is a technical and emotional tour de force,” says Jeffrey Bernstein of Altadena, artistic director of PMC.  says. “Sung without instruments and lasting just over one hour, the piece evokes many moods and stretches the choir to its limits of range and endurance.”

“Rachmaninoff composed the All-Night Vigil in just over two weeks,” explains Bernstein, who will also lead PMC in a performance of the epic work on Saturday, June 16 at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church in Pasadena.  “It reminds me of Handel’s Messiah, in the speed with which it was composed, as if divinely inspired. It’s a towering achievement.”

Morning jolt

 

• Gelato summer: Bulgarini Gelato, 749 E. Altadena Dr., has announced its summer hours:  Monday to Thursday: noon - 9 PM; Fri. and Sat., 11 AM-11:30 PM; and Sunday, 10 AM-9 PM.  Leo Bulgarini told us he will announce the summer "dinner and an Italian movie" series sometime soon, so watch this space.
• Morishita gradates from Colorado College: Jennifer Morishita graduated with a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Colorado College. Morishita is the daughter of Mayumi and Wilson Morishita of Altadena.  Colorado College is a nationally prominent, four-year liberal arts college that was founded in Colorado Springs in 1874. The college operates on the innovative Block Plan, in which its 2,000 undergraduate students study one course at a time in intensive 3½-week segments.

 

Summer Beach Bus starts next week

by Timothy Rutt

 Los Angeles County's summer beach bus from Altadena to Santa Monica Beach will start next Tuesday, June 19, and will continue on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, with the last bus on Labor Day.

Pickup starts at 9:15 at Lincoln Avenue and Ventura Street, with arrival at Santa Monica at 11 AM.  Pickup from the beach is at 3:30, with drop-offs in Altadena beginning at 4:45 PM.

All children and adults are $3, and senior citizens and persons with disabilities are $1.50.  Anyone boarding the bus at under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

Service is by reservation only -- to reserve, visit www.LAGoBus.info up to one week in advance, but no later than 24 hours.  Check the graphic after the jump for more information.

Sue B. announces family summer dance classes

by TImothy Rutt

Sue B. Dance Studio, 2525 N. Lake Ave., announces its schedule of family summer dance classes for all ages.  

Classes will be held on Wednesdays, June 20 and 27 and July 11 and 18.  Classes run 55 minutes.

Polynesian Family Dance Class   5:15 PM 

All family members: Girls & Boys, Teens, Moms, Aunts & Grandmas!  Come learn traditional Polynesian dances from Hawaii, Tahiti, & Samoa!

(Please note; minimum age is 5 yrs.; parents may enroll their child without adult participation in class.)

Vintage & Cultural Family Dance Class   6:15 PM 

Boys & Girls & Adults ages 5 to 75 will learn vintage dances from the 50s, 60s & 70s as well as traditional cultural dances, songs & games from around the world!

Choose one or both genres of dance!

Cost: 

Option A: Enrollment in ALL FOUR classes in EITHER Polynesian OR Vintage/Cultural: $35/dancer: $60 for 2 family members, $90 for 3 family members, $120 for 4 family members

Option B: Enrollment on a PER CLASS basis: $10 per adult; $5 per child under 12 per class

Option C: Enrollment in BOTH GENRES of class; Polynesian AND Vintage/Cultural: double the fee listed above less a 50% discount! 

For questions or to pre-register, contact Miss Lynnanne at 626 296 9365 or dancecommunity@earthlink.net A registration form will be emailed to you to mail or deliver with your payment (cash or checks accepted).

Important Class Policies:

1. Min. class size is 8 students.

2. Max. class size is 40.

3. Full refund if registration is cancelled prior to the start of the session.

4. Future class credit available if cancelled after the 2nd class or anytime during the session.

5. Make-up classes are not available.

Instructor: Lynnanne Hanson Miller 

“Miss Lynnanne” has 25 years of dance instruction, performance and choreographic experience. She is a Teaching Artist with the Los Angeles County Music Center’s Education Division, The Segerstrom Center for the Arts, the Los Angeles County Arts Commission Arts for All Initiative, the Pasadena, Paramount & LaHabra Unified School Districts, and Member of the AMAN Dance Educators.

ACONA looks at local business, new sheriff captain

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations (ACONA) will hear from the Altadena Chamber of Commerce, meet new Sheriff Capt. John Benedict, and find out why El Patron has succeeded in a location where many  other restaurants have failed.

Ed Meyers, Lori Webster, and Daniel Harlow of the Altadena Chamber of Commerce will talk about attracting more businesses to town, parking requirements, empty storefronts, permitting issues, and all the other challenges faced by local businesses.  They will also discuss last year's Altadena business survey.

Also featured will be an interview with Alex Cortes, owner of El Patron Mexican Restaurant.

This will also be the first meeting for Benedict, who will address any community issues.

ACONA meets on Tues., June 26, from 7-8:30 PM at the Altadena Main Library Community Room, 600 E. Mariposa St. 

Steve's Pets rescues Downtown Dog Rescue's free clinic

by Timothy Rutt

Downtown Dog Rescue's spay/neuter clinic has been, well, rescued.

DDR had planned to hold a free clinic at Loma Alta Park on June 30, but that conflicted with the Altadena Community Garden picnic the same day, which eats up all the parking, and they were looking for a new Altadena location.

Steve's Pets, 2395 North Lake Ave., has stepped into the breach, and will host the clinic.

Ed Meyers at Steve's said that the clinic will be held at the store's parking lot, off Marcheta Street between Lake Avenue and El Molino (drive down the driveway to the parking lot).

The clinic offers not only free spaying and neutering, but microchipping and vaccinations.  You need to make an appointment at 818-407-4145, and spaces are limited.

Morning jolt

• Local GOP gears up: The Pasadena Republican Headquarters 2012 will hold its official grand opening on Thursday, June 14, 6 PM at 2306 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena.  Keynote speakers are Alan Jackson, candidate for Los Angeles County District Attorney; Kevin James, candidate for Mayor of Los Angeles; Jack Orswell, candidate for Congress, 27th District; Lynn Haueter, Chairperson of the Republican Party of Los Angeles County and Col. John Fer (U. S. Air Force Ret.). Open from 12 PM – 6 PM throughout the month of June; extended hours after July 4.  Supporters are invited to visit the headquarters and get involved in this year’s election.  Mitt Romney yard signs, shirts, hats, pins, buttons, etc are available at the headquarters location.  For further information call 626-793-2018 or visit pasadenarepublican.com
• West Nile Virus in Sierra Madre: A dead crow from the city of Sierra Madre has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV).  This is the first indication of WNV activity in the San Gabriel Valley this year.  Warmer temperatures provide ideal conditions for WNV amplification and transmission.  Mosquitoes pick up WNV from infected birds and spread it to other birds when they bite again.  People can also get WNV if bitten by an infected mosquito.  Dead birds are often the first indication of WNV activity in an area.  Residents are encouraged to report dead birds to the State hotline (877)WNV-BIRD (968-2473) or online at www.westnile.ca.gov and mosquito problems to their local District.     
• ACTWG takes a hike this month: The Altadena Crest Trail Restoration Working Group has cancelled its meeting for tonight, June 12.  
• Party video: Fans of the Upside Down T summer block party can now see the video on YouTube, Elliot Gold tells us,

Found: two chickens

Yes, we deal with all kinds of animals here ...

One of our readers on the 500 block of Concha St. says that two unfamiliar chickens are roosting there this afternoon.  We'll put a picture up if we can get one, but if two of your fowl are missing, call them at 626 319 3263 to claim them.

Complying with the Brown Act would mean changes to Altadena

Publisher's note:  Every so often, there is a movement to get the Altadena Town Council to comply with the Brown Act about public meetings. Jamie Bissner is  local businessman, a board member of the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, and a member of the Altadena Town Council.  Bissner contributes this view on what Brown Act compliance would actually mean to Altadena. 

by Jamie Bissner

The Brown Act was passed in 1953 and originally was a 686 word statute.  That has grown substantially over the years -- it is now six short of 16,000 words. The Brown Act solely applies to California city and county government agencies, boards, and councils. The state government does not have to abide by the Act.

 

Brown was enacted as a concern over informal, undisclosed meetings held by local elected officials at which matters could be discussed and an outcome formulated without participation, input or information from constituents and concerned members of the public. More importantly was that the public had been excluded from what information contributed to decisions by elected and appointed officials.

While not a silver bullet ending all graft, corruption, and backroom deal-making, the Act is certainly an inhibiting factor while providing the electorate with a means to punish those who seek personal gain at the taxpayers’ expense. While a truly noble endeavor, the Act has greatly expanded over its 58-year life in efforts to curb or eliminate character flaws and flawed characters. That defines a quixotic pursuit as there are those among us immune to morals and abidance of the rules. In point of fact the Act has frequently been used by members of the electorate who, while either well-meaning or themselves morally flawed, employ Brown as a bludgeon to inhibit very qualified and moralistic participants in the law- and policy-making arena.

There have long been complaints in Altadena related to the Altadena Town Council (ATC) and their refusal to adopt Brown as part of their bylaws. Nothing could be better than for us to do so but concurrently nothing could be worse for the unpaid volunteers donating their valuable time and diversity of knowledge in efforts to inform our Fifth District Supervisor of our needs on a consensus basis.

Busy, busy Saturday

 

"Hope" is illuminated at the American Cancer Society's Altadena Relay for Life at Farnsworth Park Sat., June 9, 2012

by Timothy Rutt

There was just too much to do yesterday -- with the help of some of our community correspondants, we tried to capture some of it.  More after the jump.

Free dog spay/neuter clinic needs a foster home

by Timothy Rutt

Downtown Dog Rescue needs someone to rescue its Altadena mobile spay/neuter clinic.

Lori Weise of Downtown Dog Rescue says they raised $5,000 to bring a free spay/neuter community clinic to Altadena dog owners, who need to comply with LA County's mandatory policies.

But the clinic -- planned for June 30 at Loma Alta Park, in conjunction with LA County Animal Control -- needs to be relocated somewhere else.  

Weise writes:

I would hate to cancel the clinic because we already have 20 appointments booked.  The clinic is being organized in conjunction with LA County Animal Control.  Can you post a request on the blog for a location?  We need a parking lot and access to restrooms for the volunteers and staff.  The entire clinic is inside a mobile van.  

Do you have or know of a place that can host the clinic?  Email Weise at loriweise@gmail.com or call  213-448-9961.

Altadena Junction: Visions, revisions, food, fireworks

Our weekly column for the Pasadena Sun is up ...

Poetry corner: A Martian Chronicle

With a nod to the late Ray Bradbury, the latest from Gloriana Casey:

The  MARTIAN CHRONICLES of JPL

from gloriana casey

 Sojourner left the Earth for Mars,
a  shoe box size fit in.
Then Opportunity came next
with Spirit as its twin.

Two hundred pounds or so, those two,
that searched the  Martian Plain.
Now Curiosity's the one
to make the grandest gain.

Two thousand pounds, this latest one
like TRANSFORMERS, the movie.
A truly magical  machine
transitions---really groovy!

Catch Euro 2012 games at the Ale House

Altadenablog sponsor the Altadena Ale & Wine House, 2329 N. Fair Oaks Ave., will be showing all Euro 2012 Soccer (Football) games live at their newly renovated pub. If you haven't seen the new facade improvements, please stop by and have a look.

Sunday's schedule is: 

9:00 AM - Spain vs. Italy
11:45 Ireland vs.Croatia.

Rescue at Coyote Canyon

 

Photo by Tom Willard

by Timothy Rutt

Another hiker takes the plunge in Eaton Canyon, falling from a ridge near Coyote Canyon this morning and sustaining major injuries (PSN's Brian Day has details).  Community correspondent Tom Willard sent this picture of the sheriff department's Air 5 rescue helicopter rising out of Coyote Canyon this morning, taking the hiker to Huntington Hospital.

 

Town council election: not exactly a squeaker

by Timothy Rutt

In what may be the most non-participatory town council vote in memory, the six candidates who ran without opposition garnered only 71 votes -- and one will keep her seat without a single vote being cast.

Town council chair Sandra Thomas, who represents census tract 4603.02,  did not receive a single vote in Saturday's election, according to election chair Eric Pierce.  (Thomas is currently hospitalized and could not even vote for herself).  The candidate with the most votes cast was Bernardean Broadous, who received 25 votes.

Pierce said that a total of 78 votes were cast, broken down as follows:

Okorie Ezieme (CT 4602), 9

Judy Mathews (CT 4603.01), 6

Bernardean Broadous (CT 4610), 25

Reginald Wilkins (CT 4612), 18

Sandra Thomas (CT 4603.02), zero

Diane Marcussen (CT4613), 13.

Census tracts 4601 and 4611 fielded no candidates, and those positions are vacant.

Seven votes were considered invalid, Pierce said.

 

PSYCO plans July 1 concert at PasNaz

by Timothy Rutt

The Pasadena Summer Youth Chamber Orchestra (PSYCO) will hold its Young Artists Concert on Sunday, July 1, at First Church of the Nazarene, 3700 E. Sierra Madre Blvd. in Pasadena, starting at 7:30 PM.

Conducted by Dr. Paul J. Sherman, admission is free.  See the flyer for full details.

 

Crime blotter: it's burglaries again

The usual round of vehicle burglaries, vandalism, and a commercial burglary, too.  Blotter by Lt. Michael White of the Altadena Sheriff Station.

Sunday, May 27
Between 4:00 PM and 7:30 PM – An attempt grand theft auto occurred in the 1000 block of Concha Street.  Vehicle:  gray ’96 Honda Accord – damaged ignition.

Wednesday, May 30
2:00 AM – A vehicle vandalism occurred in the 1700 block of N. Allen Avenue.  
Between 7:00 PM and 9:00 AM (Thursday) – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 1400 block of Valencia Avenue.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the driver’s side window.  Loss:  gray Magellan GPS.

Thursday, May 31
Between 12:00 AM and 7:30 AM – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 3200 block of Olive Street.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the driver’s side window.  Loss:  black ashtray, silver iPod.

Friday, June 1st
3:16 AM – A commercial burglary occurred at Ararat Pharmacy, 2611 Washington Blvd.  Suspect(s) possibly entered the location by shattering the rear glass door.  Loss:  unknown.  
Between 9:00 AM and 11:45 AM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2000 block of Holliston Av.  Suspect(s) entered the residence via the rear door.  Loss:  gold ring w/dragon design, white Singer sewing machine, US currency, black binoculars.

Saturday, June 2
Between 2:30 PM and 4:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 200 block of Ventura Street.  The witness arrived at the location and observed the victim speaking with three subjects in the backyard.  The subjects observed the witness and quickly left the location and entered a dark green Dodge truck.  The victim and the witness entered the residence and observed the bedroom in disarray.   Suspects described as three male, Hispanics, 20-30 yrs, 5 ft. 7 ins.-5 ft. 9 ins, 150-180 lbs, brown hair, brown eyes.  Suspect vehicle – dark green Dodge truck.  Loss:  unknown.

 

Altadena sheriff's meet and greet takes the cake

 

From left, Altadena Capt. John Benedict, Detective Lt. Michael White, Lt. Roosevelt Johnson, Altadena Town Council chair Sandra Thomas, Operations Lt. Duane Allen, Sgt. Marsha Williams, and Sgt. Michael Randenberg.

 

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Sheriff's Station held a meet-and-greet Thursday at the Senior Center for the public and to celebrate several career moves among the officers at the Altadena Sheriff Station.

Part of it was to welcome new Sheriff Capt. John Benedict and Detective Lt. Michael White.  Lt. Duane Allen moved from detectives into the slot of operations lieutenant for Altadena Station, replacing Lt. Roosevelt Johnson, a two-year station veteran who become an aide to Chief Neal Tyler.  Johnson replaced Benedict, who left the position to assume command of Altadena's sheriff station.

Which resulted in probably the most long-winded cake inscription you've ever seen.

 

There was just barely enough cake to handle the inscription at Thursday's meet and greet.

 

 

Packed weekend ahead

It's Altadena's "Too Much To Do" weekend, starting today!

Friday

•  Fancy Food Truck Friday at the Webster's parking lot, 5-8 PM:
• Summer Family Dance Nights at Sue B., 6:15 PM: 

Saturday

• JPL Open House, 9 AM-4 PM
• Altadena Town Council election 9 AM-1 PM
• Altadena Relay for Life 9 AM Sat - 9 AM Sun., at Farnsworth Park
• Art on Millionaire's Row at the Altadena Library, 10 AM-6 PM

 

 

Thanks to citizen's tip, sheriffs nab burglary suspect [UPDATE]

by Timothy Rutt

Here's a day brightener for your morning:

One of our friends and community correspondents said she was out on her porch, about to take the dog for a walk, when a truck pulled in front of her house and a tall man came out and approached her:

He walked in front of his truck onto our front lawn, and he proceeded to walk towards me.  I asked him if there was anything I can do to help him.  He stopped and then started walking towards me again.  I told him that was far enough.  I asked him if I could help him.  He told me that there was a burglar on the run and that he's looking for him.  I ask him if he called the cops.  He said, "I am the cops!"  I asked him to tell me what the guy was wearing. 

The man said he was looking for an African American man with a red shirt, then got in his car and drove the next block up.  She continues:

I crossed the street to walk northbond on Fair Oaks towards Altadena Drive, and then I saw a black guy with a red shirt on, hiding in the bushes.  When the public transportation bus approached this crook, the guy jumped out of the bushes, began waving his hands feaverishly, running faster than I've seen any guy run in my life to catch a public bus, trying to flag the bus down. The bus stopped and he caught the bus.

Seconds later, I saw the guy who said he was a cop, and I got his attention, as I pointed to the burglar running.  The (off-duty cop) pulled around in front of me and I told him what I saw.  He pulled out his cb radio and called other cops -- cops came out of the woodwork it seemed! --  and chased the bus down.  I believe they caught the guy too!

Thought I'd share.  Glad I had the sense of mind to question this off-duty cop about the description, etc.  I feel like I helped the community!

We've got a call in to the sheriffs to get more details, but we love citizens who keep their eyes open.

UPDATE: Lt. Michael White of the Altadena Sheriff Station says that Darren Bagby, 34, of Altadena, was arrested on the 3200 block of N. Fair Oaks Ave. White said that Bagby, a parolee known to the local deputies, was spotted by a deputy tugging on a car door as though to open it at about 6 AM this morning.  White said that Bagby fled the deputies and was caught running home -- White did not know if Bagby had been taken from the bus.

Bagby was charged with battery on a peace officer, being under the influence of a controlled substance, and resisting arrest.

We've changed the headline to reflect new information.

Athens announces curbside clean-up days in June and July

by TImothy Rutt

Athens Services has sent out a flyer to customers that their first annual curbside cleanup will take place in the next few weeks, offering residents a chance to get rid of some items that may not go in the normal trash pickup.

Items that can be left at the curb include buky items (furniture, appliances, and up to two car/truck tires); electronic equipment (but not light bulbs nor batteries); and extra bagged trash.

Athens says it cannot collect household hazardous waste such as paint, motor oil, paint thinner, turpentine, pesticides, herbicides, or anything that requires a proper disposal.  If you have any questions, call Athens' customer service ad 877-764-5551.  Household hazardous waste disposal questions can go to 888-CLEAN-LA or visit www.CleanLA.com

Curbside cleanup schedule is as follows

If your trash day is                   Curbside Cleanup Day

Monday                                       Sat., June 16

Tuesday                                       Sat., June 23

Wednesday                                 Sat., June 30

Thursday                                      Sat., July 14

Friday                                           Sat., July 21

Athens asks to put items at the curb not later than 6 PM the night before.  PIckup will begin at 6 AM.

Kids are out of school -- help keep them on the right road

by Carolyn Seitz
cmseitz@mindspring.com

The incident related below is from a resident in north central Altadena and I thank the person who wrote it for sharing the details they do.  

It is a good idea to understand how difficult it can be to tell the difference between kids being kids and kids and kids being criminals in support of their gang.

Please read what is written below and think about what you would do when you observe the same thing several people in this neighborhood observed today.

Captain Benedict, Lieutenant White and Lieutenant Allen are asking you to please call the Sheriff's Station when you see this kind of behavior.

It's better to call the station and let the deputies find out that the kids were just being kids, than it is to determine later that your neighbor suffered a break-in and loss of their valuables because they weren't kids just being kids, they really were an organized group of criminals, likely working in service to their gang.

Despite how young they might look, it is not unusual to have 12 to 16 year olds committing crimes for their gangs because the older gangsters know that they'll be treated as juveniles and get the equivalent of an adult wagging their finger at them telling them, "naughty, naughty!! Don't do that again!".

Why take a chance that they might have been up to no good?

Please also help us get these kids on the right track as early as possible when they may very well be 10 or 11 or 12 years old and are already making poor decisions and committing crimes.

Many thanks to the person who shared the info below.& Call the Sheriff's Station at 626 -798-1131 -- and call early and often when you see this kind of behavior.  It's summer.  School's out and some kids will be tempted to stray.

It may sound odd, but please help these kids.  Call! You could be saving a kid who's walking on the edge.

About 4:00 PM today, my mom and I heard someone shouting outside and we thought it might be our neighbor Joe across the street. When we went outside, there was a young Latino kid in his teens, sitting on a bike outside G***'s house. He was calling to some unseen person nearby. As my mom watched, the kid on the bike rode further down the street to join two other Latino youths on bikes, sitting outside another neighbor's house. Mom said it looked as though one of them came from behind the neighbor's house. Then they rode off down the street. Don't know if the kid on the bike was a lookout for a break-in, I don't want to draw conclusions or make assumptions. Could be nothing, but just be careful. If anyone knows them, please let us know. It just looked odd.

Shakespeare By the Sea returns to Farnsworth with "Two Gentlemen"

by TImothy Rutt

Shakespeare By the Sea players perform "King Lear" in Farnsworth Park last summer.

Shakespeare by the Sea, the theatrical troupe that makes the summer circuit of parks in Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura counties, announced that it will perform "Two Gentlemen of Verona" at Farnsworth Park Amphitheatre on Sun., Aug. 5, at 7 PM.

Celebrating its 15th year, SBTS is a nonprofit organization launched in 1998 by Lisa Coffi. Since its inception, the company has provided admission-free Shakespeare productions to nearly 210,000 audience members.

 

“I’m excited to be celebrating our 15th Anniversary – it’s hard to believe I’ve been presenting this festival for so many years. As always, I look forward to seeing old friends and making new ones as the summer season progresses,” muses Lisa. “SBTS has many loyal audience members who look forward to gathering family and friends for a summer evening picnic and theatre under the stars. For many, these productions were their first introduction to live theatre, and they return year after year. We are proud to have earned a place in the lives of so many Southern Californians.”

The performance is free.  For more information: http://www.shakespearebythesea.org/

 

Town council election tomorrow

 

 

Saturday, the Altadena Town Council election will take place from 9 AM to 1 PM.  It's a sad little election -- of the eight seats, two have gone vacant, and the remainder are running unopposed candidates.

But it's democracy, it's how we make decisions, it's how we choose those who represent us, so it's still important that you show up.  Make a statement about how important it is and take a few minutes to vote in your census tract.

Our town council election page is here with a list of candidates and voting locations.

 

Auditions this weekend for new Altadena-based youth jazz ensemble

by Timothy Rutt

Some local jazz fans and players are looking for high school and middle school students in the San Gabriel Valley to become part of the John Tirabasso Youth Jazz Ensemble.

Tirabasso was a jazz drummer who lived in Altadena, and died in 2010.

The Ensemble will start during the summer, training and mentoring young instrumental students to play jazz in a variety of venues and genres, from big  band to trio.

Auditions will be held this Saturday, June 9, and next Saturday, June 16, from 10 AM-1 PM at Loma Alta Park.  To rserve your audition time, contact Penny Daniels or Sam Estrada at 626-398-5451 from 9 AM-8 PM.

Wind, brass, keyboard, and mallet players should be prepared to: play a major scale (in C,G,D,A,F, B flat, or E flat); perform an etude or short prepared piece; and sight read material provided by the judges.  At the judges discretion, you may be asked to improvise to a 12-bar blues progression in C.

For percussionsts. be prepared to play basic drum rudiments, keep time in 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, and 6/8 time, and play a 2, 4, and 8 measure solo.  A drum set will be provided, but you must bring your own sticks.

For further information, email: Dwight Garcia at saxogeek@ymail.com

Loma Alta Park is at 3330 N. Lincoln Avenue.

 

Public safety: crime rates going up

by Carolyn Seitz
cseitz@mindspring.com

On the first page below you can compare Altadena's Part I crime rates against all other areas serviced by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.  You'll note that our Part I crime rates are 15.5% lower than they were in 2007, but 13.4% higher than they were last year when we were still experiencing a month to month decrease in crimes, especially burglaries and thefts/burglaries from vehicles over 2009 and 2010 reported crimes.   Burglaries have generally increased over all of Southern California, and other parts of the country.  One of the biggest increases in Part I crimes are robberies.  You will have noted in the last few Crime Blotters distributed by the Sheriff's Station that the local grocery stores, drug stores and convenience stores have experienced robberies.  In many of those instances, the "robber" was caught shortly after the crime was committed, thanks to quick notification to law enforcement that a robbery was in process or had just been committed and the quick action by the sheriff's deputies.  

You find the breakdown of Part I crimes on the second page below and in the attachment.  Robberies are up 50.3% over the same period of time last year.  We continue to show a consistent rate for the number of rapes reported.  The detective lieutenants at Altadena Station, and ours is now Lt. Michael White, continue to indicate that in almost every instance of rape reported, the rapist is reported to be known to the victim or the rape was committed as an act of domestic violence.  

For those of you who haven't yet heard the news, a burglar was apprehended Wednesday morning, thanks to the vigilance of neighbors.   Some of the local listservs included information being shared between neighbors about someone suspected of breaking into vehicles.  The deputies and detectives at the Altadena Sheriff's Station have made many arrests of burglars over the last few months, and when we find news stories about Altadena residents who have been arrested in nearby cities, caught in the act of burglarizing homes or vehicles, we've reported that as well.  New burglars continue to show up and the only way we can have an impact on them is to continue taking the following actions:

DUI checkpoint in Altadena Friday

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena office of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will conduct a sobriety/driver license checkpoint on Friday, June 8, within the unincorporated area of east Altadena, according to a press release.

“The start of the summer season comes with increased traffic as motorists embark on vacations. We would like to remind everyone to designate a sober driver. Driving under the influence is inexcusable and has cost the lives of too many people,” said Captain Steve Strull, CHP's Altadena area commander in the release. 

Morning jolt

• Community Garden tickets:  Looking for tickets to the community garden picnic on June 30?  They'll be available at Fancy Food Truck Friday at Webster's tomorrow, and at the Altadena Farmer's Market on Wednesdays.
• Community Chest hits milestone:  The Altadena Community Chest has just hit a milestone: with its latest $500 donation to Altadena Elementary School's LEARNS program, the Community Chest has hit the $10,000 mark in donations to local nonprofits and institutions.  The Altadena Community Chest, started by Russ Fega of Home Shoot Home, is funded by contributions from film studios and producers who shoot in Altadena.
• Senior Games: MonteCedro will host a private screening of the award-winning documentary "Age of Champions."  This inspirational documentary features an 86-year-old vaulter, 100-year-old tennis player, and a team of grandmothers who dominate the basketball court as they train for the National Senior Olympic Games.  The documentary also discusses the mental and physical benefits of continuing to exercise as you age.  After the screening, attendees will meet and discuss the film with producer Keith Ochwat and meant local former National Senior Games Champions.  The film will be at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music, 100 N. HIll Ave.,  at 2 PM on Thurs., June 21.  Seating is limited -- to register, visit www.montecedro.org or call 877-282-1584.

 

Primary 2012

Since we're neighborhood-focused, we don't usually carry big stuff, like election news -- that's why we rely on our media partner, the Pasadena Sun, to do that heavy lifting.  Here's their rundown of this week's election:

Holden, Lowe make Assembly runoff

Incumbents Schiff, Liu, Gatto finish first

Voters OK term limits, appear reluctant to raise tobacco tax

Voters show support for Measure A

 

 

 

Third visioning workshop draws few, but discussion is lively

 

Only about 50 members of the public attended the final meeting of the Altadena community visioning process, at Loma Alta Park gym Wednesday, June 6, 2012.

 by Timothy Rutt

Wednesday’s third and final meeting of the Altadena community visioning process drew only about 50 people as it presented a draft of a document that the county hopes will serve as a blueprint for future planning and development in Altadena.

The draft “Vision Report” teased out six “primary characteristics” of Altadena, as determined by the input from community members at the two April meetings, online, and in meetings with the consultants and community groups and individuals:

• Diverse, eclectic, unique character 
• Views and access to the mountains and nature 
• Town/district centers with thriving businesses 
• Safe and peaceful neighborhoods 
• Community cohesion and strong institutions 
• Opportunities for walking, biking, hiking, riding, and play 

As was every meeting in this process, the liveliest discussion involved business in Altadena.

Each of those characteristics was then given some “guiding principles,”  followed by “key topics to address” in future planning.

For example, one of the key topics to address under “Views and access to the mountains and nature” was completion of and access to the Altadena Crest Trail.

After a presentation of the high points of the report, there was a table for each of the “characteristics” for people to further comment.  As in the previous meetings of the process, the table devoted to Altadena business drew most of the lively discussion.

Susan Harden of RBF Consulting, which is managing the project for the county, said that they would be taking more input by phone and online for the next few days.  They will then meet with the Project Committee (which consists of town council members and other community leaders) to prepare the final report, which she said should be available in about a month. She said that it was not determined if there would be some kind of event to unveil the final report.

The draft report is available here, and the county’s website on the project is at http://tinyurl.com/altadenavisioning.

 

Open thread: visions and revisions

After taking a look at the draft of the Altadena Community Visioning document (which we have here), or attending last night's meeting, what are your impressions?  Are we heading in the right direction?  Or is there something missing?  Comment away!

Last day for PUSD students

... which means posts will be erratic today ... we have to watch grade promotions ... there will no doubt be tears involved.  

Transit of Venus

 

Community correspondant William Korn provided these shots of Tuesday's transit of Venus taken from his home.

 

Summer Concert Series will have food by El Patron

With the summer concert series at Farnsworth Park only a month away, Sheriff Support Group President Robert Klomburg announced that there's now a food vendor:

It is with great pleasure that the Sheriff’s Support Group of Altadena can announce a new addition to the 16^th Annual Summer Concert Series, El Patron Mexican Restaurant will be cooking and serving in the Mt. Lowe Pavilion throughout the entire SCS!

The menu has not be finalized, but it will be a limited menu of some of your favorite items including burritos, tacos and more all at very reasonable prices. Rather than picking up your dinner at El Patron, you will now be able to pick it up dinner right in Farnsworth Park. Hot and ready to eat!

The Rotary Club of Altadena will again be doing beer and wine sales. What could be better than a couple of tacos and a beer on a warm summer night under the stars listening to some great free music!

Just to be clear, SSGA does not receive any remuneration from El Patron, it is just one more item that makes the Concert Series even more inviting and we are thrilled to have them.

Deputies arrest burglary suspect at Glen Canyon and Roosevelt Wednesday morning

 

Sheriff's deputies round up a burglary suspect Wednesday morning. Photos by Steve and Judy Bass.

Community correspondants Steve and Judy Bass caught this one this morning:

 This morning at 7:30 AM, at the intersection of Glen Canyon and Roosevelt, Sheriffs deputies caught a man suspected of breaking into numerous vehicles. He was handcuffed, sitting in the back seat of a patrol car, and looking quite glum.

He was driving a late model, black pickup.

Deputies reported that they'd been tracking the man since 5:00 AM. They said they recovered lots of stolen items.

Score one for the Altadena Sheriff's department.

 

Suspect's vehicle stopped by deputies.

Deputies arrested suspected burglar at about 7:30 this morning.

 

 

Draft vision report available for tonight's meeting

by Timothy Rutt

Tonight at 7 the people behind the Altadena Visioning Process will hold the third and final scheduled public meeting about that process, presenting a draft document that incorporates comments and ideas from the April meetings.

That final meeting will be at the Loma Alta Park gymnasium at Lincoln Avenue and Loma Alta Drive.

Mina Brown of RBF consulting has sent us a copy of the document (which we haven't had time to look at in depth), which is available at the link after the jump.

Sheriffs warn of distraction burglars at large

We received this message from Virginia Cordova, crime analyst at Altadena Sheriff Station, about some recent crimes and suspects :

We recently received a report of a distraction burglary (definition: suspect(s) contact the victim who’s home – begins talking to them while the other suspect(s) enter the residence and begin searching for items). The incident occurred on June 2 between the hours of 2:30 PM and 4:00 PM in the 200 block of Ventura Street – suspects described as:

- Male, Hispanic, 30 yrs, 507, 150, brown hair, brown eyes

- Male, Hispanic, 30 yrs, 509, 170, brown hair, brown eyes

- Male, Hispanic, 30 yrs, 509, 180, brown hair, brown eyes

- Suspect Vehicle: green Dodge truck

As for vehicle burglaries the only suspect info we’ve received is as follows:

- Male, White, 37 yrs, 511, 180, dark hair, unshaven, black beanie with a bill, multicolor jacket, blue jeans.

- Suspect Vehicle: late model gray Mercedes, possibly 2007.

If you have information regarding the above descriptions, please feel free to call or email me.  Distraction burglaries are fairly common and have been seen throughout the County. Please remain vigilant and if you notice anything out of the ordinary, please contact the station at: 626-798-1131.

Chamber offers food trucks with fireworks at Altadena Golf Course July 2

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Chamber of Commerce invites you to munch on food truck delights in a prime viewing zone during the annual fireworks display on July 2.

The Chamber, DC Golf, and Goliath Graffix is sponsoring a caravan of six to eight food trucks at the Altadena Golf Course parking lot from 6-10 PM on Monday, July 2.  The golf course is next door to the Altadena Town & Country Club, which celebrates an early Independence Day that evening with its annual fireworks display. This year's display is scheduled to start at 9:30 PM.

The food truck event will help support the Chamber's Marion Lee Wullschlager scholarship fund, which goes to a deserving high school senior every year.

June business partner team shout-out

A shout-out and thank you to our sponsor team, local businesses and organizations who keep Altadenablog coming to your computer every day:

Altadena Ale & Wine House

Altadena Solar

Baietti-Seyffert/Podley Properties

Curves Altadena

Dhari Thein Real Estate

The Dog in the PIcture by Dr. Jane Brackman

Friends of the Altadena Library

Greg Stanton/Teles Properties

Judy Rubin Architectural & Previews Specialist

Rancho Bar

Scissors Paper Rock Salon

Webster's Community Pharmacy

Webster's Fine Stationers

Welcoming two new members of the team this month:  Altadena Heritage, sponsors of the Altadena Farmer's Market on Wednesday afternoons at Loma Alta Park; and the Arroyo Food Co-op, which starts with us this week.

We are Altadena's only home-grown, locally-owned news website: the ONLY one headquartered in Altadena, the ONLY one living in Altadena, and the ONLY one that depends on sponsorships from local businesses and organizations from Altadena/Pasadena/La Canada, etc. -- we don't do Target, Bank of America or American Express.  When you sponsor Altadenablog, you sponsor a local business like your own, that keeps its money in the community as much as possible.  We'd love to have YOU join our sponsor team and send YOUR message to your local customers.  Write to us at altadenablog@gmail.com or call 626-791-5327 to get onboard!

 

 

Fancy Food Truck Friday coming up

by Timothy Rutt

Fancy Food Truck Friday is here for June, and it looks like a good mix of food and fun.

This month's trucks are Nom Nom, Komodo, Auntie's Fry Bread, Greenz on Wheels, Book BBQ, and Sweet E's Bake Shop.

It's family style dining you can eat right there or take home (but you'll want to eat right there, because it's a lot of fun).

Sponsored by Webster's Community Pharmacy, Webster's Liquors, and Danny's Farm, Food Truck Friday is in the parking lot of the Webster's buildings, 2450 N. Lake Ave., from 5-9 PM.  (Unfortunately, Danny's Farm won't be able to come to this month's event, but will return next month).

 

Tickets available for Community Garden Annual PIcnic June 30 [UPDATE]

by Timothy Rutt

One of the summer’s main events, the Altadena Community Garden Annual PIcnic and Resource Fair, takes place Saturday, June 30, from 1-5 PM at the garden, corner of Palm Street and Lincoln Avenue in Loma Alta Park.

Besides excellent barbecue and homegrown food, there will be garden tours, raffle prizes, music, a grand prize, and  many resource booths.  Bring your own tableware and get a free pack of seeds.

TIckets are $8 in advance (age 13 to adult), or $10 at the door.  Children age 6-12 are $5, and children age five and under are free.

For tickets, email silveragrant@gmail.com or roachapr@sbcglobal.net.

UPDATE:  Tickets will also be available at Fancy Food Truck Friday this week in at the Webster's parking lot; and at the Altadena Farmers Market.

 

Kundalini Yoga classes start at Farnsworth Park June 20

Kundalini Yoga classes are starting up at Farnsworth Park in the Davies Building on Wednesday nights, starting June 20 from 7:30-9 PM.  Lauren Heller, a certified yoga instructor, says that Kundalini Yoga consists of simple yogic tenchicques that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age or physical ability.  

Classes are $10, with multi-class discounts.  For more information, check the graphic or contact Heller at laurenheller@sbcglobal.net.

 

Youth Rugby Festival at the Rose Bowl June 16

The Pasadena Rugby Club wants to build a youth program starting in the fall, and they're offering a taste of it on Sat., June 16, to anyone who's interested in checking out this international favorite game. 

The Rugby Festival will be held from 9 AM-11:30 AM at Area H of the Rose Bowl.  More information on the flyer.

 

Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy needs some elbow grease Saturday

As if there wasn't enough to do on Saturday, Nancy Steele, president of the Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy,  says they need some help this weekend:

Neighbors and Friends,
Ever since the Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy purchased the Andrea  Wilson Triangle on Chaney Trail, we have used volunteers to help us comply with County-mandated brush clearance (aka fuel reduction). Many of you have helped out in the past and we need your help again.

When: Saturday, June 9, from 8 - 11 am.
Where: Near 3696 Chaney Trail, Altadena; parking is available in the turnout (just below Alzada Road).

You should wear gloves, long pants, long-sleeved shirt, hat, boots or sturdy shoes, and sunscreen. Bring hand tools if you have them - if you don't we will provide. There is poison oak in the area - if you are sensitive you need to be able to identify it and keep away. Please leave your small children at home. You will be asked to sign a liability waiver. And you will get a good workout!

If you can't participate but still want to help, contributions to Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy, P.O. Box 3, Altadena, CA 91003-0003 are always appreciated.

To RSVP or ask any questions, contact John Howell (johnrhowell@earthlink.net) or Ginny Heringer (ginnyh@ix.netcom.com).

Morning jolt: it's hiker rescue season again

• KCBS has story and video about another Eaton Canyon hiking incident -- in this case, a 25-year-old woman plunged 100 feet down the canyon, but miraculously survived, all this happening Monday evening.
• There's voting today for the primary, AND there's voting Saturday, for the Altadena Town Council. The election committee is looking for a few more volunteers to staff the polling places, help the ballot count, and provide some transportation assistance.  To view the available slots and to volunteer, please go to: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0A4DACA62EA75-2012  Times range from forty-five minutes to a couple of hours.