Yes, we know you're probably NOT thinking about Christmas right now as the temperature marches into three digits, but just think of the relief it brings!
Which means that the Christmas Tree Lane Association is already thinking about the holidays. The 96th lighting ceremony will be Sat., Dec. 8, and the festivities will start with the Winter Festival in the parking lot of the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St.
The Lane is already seeking vendors for the Winter Festival, which in the past have included artisans and food vendors of all kinds. If you're interested in becoming a vendor at the Winter Festival, call LuCinda at 626 798-4678 or Mary at 626 794-4025.
Deputies aren't releasing many details about a reported assault that took place in west Aladena last night.
According to Sgt. Cynthia Gonzales of the Crescenta Valley sheriff's station, deputies received a call at about 10 PM about an assault with a deadly weapon. Gonzales said they set up a containment zone for the suspect in the area of Lincoln Ave. and West Palm St., in the Loma Alta Park neighborhood, but were unable to find him after about an hour.
At this point, deputies don't have much information or description of the suspect, victim or the weapon reportedly used, Gonzales said.
Yes it's hot out, but there's going to be plenty to do in air conditioned splendor or the cool of the evening this weekend. Here's what we've rounded up:
Friday
Fancy Food Truck Friday brought to you by Webster's Community Pharmacy and Webster's Liquors, 5-9 PM, 2450 N. Lake Avenue
While you're in the neighborhood, Webster's Fine Stationers features poet Aldonia Bailey and friends in a poetry slam event, starting at 6 PM. Webster's has also upped its offer -- get 25% off most everything in the store if you bring in a receipt that shows you shopped at another locally-owned Altadena business.
Saturday
Parking lot sale at Webster's Community Pharmacy, 2450 N. Lake Avenue. 50%-90% off seasonal merchandise to get ready for new stuff, 8:30 AM-4 PM.
Local photographers John Balian and Edward Stepanian will be showcasing and selling their works at the Altadena Main Library Community Room , 600 E. Mariposa St., from 10 AM-4 PM in a fundraiser for the Altadena Library Foundation.
Sgt. Pepper performs at the Sheriff's Support Group summer concert series at Farnsworth Park, 7 PM. Free.
The Folly Bowl, 1601 E. Loma Alta Dr, features the funky sounds of The New Unpopable Quartet with Addi Somekh on balloon bass. $10 donation requested, bring a blanket or pillow, and pack out your picnic or the bears will do it for you. 7:30 PM.
Bulgarini Gelato Italian dinner and a movie, "BellaMartha," Movie is free, and begins at dark. Dinner will be offered - by reservation only - for $13.50, which will include a homemade pasta dish, salad, and a drink (dinner starts at 7:30). Gelato available throughout. Reservations may be made by Friday (the day before the film) by email at catering@bulgarinigelato.com or by calling (626) 376-7662.
The weekly Altadena Cash Mob -- where residents are encouraged to show their love to local businesses by mobbing them with sales -- takes place all day Saturday at Hen's Teeth Square, 2057 Los Robles Blvd. (corner of Los Robles and Woodbury Road, actually across the border in Pasadena, but the owners and many businesses have deep Altadena roots).
Instead of one store, all of the retail stores are involved:
Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) announced the appointment of Jeffrey C. Bauer, Ed.D., as principal of Daniel Webster Elementary School. Bauer replaces long time principal Sharon Lefler, who retired at the end of the 2011-2012 school year.
"I am pleased to welcome Dr. Bauer to Webster Elementary and to PUSD," said PUSD Superintendent Jon R. Gundry. "He brings a collaborative leadership style, solid academic credentials and more than 20 years of experience as an educator of students from diverse backgrounds."
Born and raised in Akron, Ohio, Bauer joins PUSD from Orange County Public Schools in Orlando, Florida where he most recently served as principal of Castle Creek Elementary School. He was assistant principal of William Frangus Elementary from 2002-2006 and promoted to principal in January 2007. He began his teaching career in Central Florida at Deerwood Elementary as a fourth grade teacher of English learners.
"I am truly honored to be the new principal of Webster Elementary and will work to build upon the school's long tradition of academic excellence for all students," said Bauer. "My goal is to ensure that all Webster students are learning and successful in school."
Bauer earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Akron, OH and earned a master's and doctorate in education specializing in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Inspired to become a teacher by his parents, family and teachers, Bauer enjoys traveling and spending time with his family and friends in his spare time. He will assume his duties at Webster on August 16, 2012.
The super-hot weather this week has caused the California Independent System Operator to issue a Flex Alert today, asking all power customers to reduce their usage through Sunday.
The alert was called at 9:09 AM today, according to a release from Southern California Edison, "urgently calling for California businesses, governments and residents to reduce their electricity use voluntarily. Today’s declaration, which remains in effect through 6 p.m. Aug. 12, was made because of increased demand for electricity."
Edison and the Independent System Operator are urging customers to reduce electricity use between 11 AM- 6 PM.
While no other action is planned, the operator "could direct utilities to conduct involuntary rotating outages — for blocks of customers — across their service areas until sufficient reserve levels are achieved."
SCE recommends that customers:
Set thermostats no lower than 78 degrees.
Use electric fans instead of air conditioning when practical.
Turn off unused appliances and equipment.
Shut off lights when leaving a room.
Avoid using evaporative coolers or humidifiers when an air conditioner is running.
Operate energy-intensive appliances during early morning or evening hours.
Limit the opening and reopening of refrigerators.
When possible, businesses should shift power-intensive work processes to off-peak times.
Sgt. Debra Herman of the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Dept. said that a man died Wednesday night after falling from the cliff at the first waterfall at Eaton Canyon.
Herman said that responders were called at 6:11 PM. Medics from the Los Angeles County Fire Department prounounced the man dead at the scene.
The cliff around the waterfall has been the site of several rescues, injuries, and even deaths in recent years.
Herman had no other details on the victim at press time.
The inaugural Devil's Gate Dam 5K Run/Walk and Kiddie Run will take place on Sat., Aug. 25,
The run, which includes a special needs awareness expo, will benefit Danny's Farm.
Registration is $30, kids 12 and under $20, or $275 per team of up to 10 runners. Runners can also collect pledges to help support their efforts.
Danny’s Farm, formerly in Altadena but now on the campus of Cal Poly Pomona, offers a safe and nurturing working farm and social environment for children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Danny's Farm provides meaningful employment opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities to help them reach their fullest potential by developing special skills through their work and mentoring; and serves children on the autism spectrum ages 5-17 by providing behavioral and social experiences through an individualized Specialty Autism Program.
The Devil's Gate Dam event runs from 8 AM-noon. Event organizer is Aztlan Athletics-St8UpTv. Major sponsors include South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD), Molina Healthcare, President Charles Trevino and Upper San Gabriel Water District, Mamma’s Brick Oven Pizza, City of Pasadena, Luchas Comfort Footwear, and Senor Fish.
Registration is open for cultural and vintage dance classes for children age 5-10 at Sue B. Dance Company for the fall.
Instructor Lynanne Hanson-Miller is teaching vintage and cultural dances years of age starting Wednesday, Sept. 5, from 4:15-5;15 PM.
Boys and girls will learn traditional folk dances, songs & games from around the world as well as American Vintage dances from the 1940s to the 1980s.
Fee is $85/student ($20 sibling discount), For more info. & to pre-register by Aug. 31, please send an email to : dancecommunity@earthlink.net
“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.
Sue B. Dance Studio is at 2525 N. Lake Ave., Altadena
You didn't win that: Got a press release from Supv. Michael D. Antonovich supporting the Olympic Tax Elmination Act. Did you know that Olympic medal winners receive honorariums as well ($25K gold/ $15K silver/ $10K bronze)? And that Uncle Sam taxes those winnings ($9K gold, $5.3K silver, $3.5 K bronze?) The Olympic Tax Elimination Act, introduced by U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and sponsored by Representatives Mary Bono Mack (R-CA) and G.K. Butterfield (R-NC), would exempt U.S. Olympic medal winners from paying taxes on their medals. Seems only fair!
Bueno: Bulgarini Gelato's summer mostly-Italian movie night continues Saturday with "Bella Martha," : "An uptight gourmet chef learns to loosen up when she becomes the caretaker of her orphaned niece and meets an Italian chef." Movies are always free, and begin at dark. Dinner will be offered - by reservation only - for $13.50, which will include a homemade pasta dish, salad, and a drink (dinner starts at 7:30). Reservations may be made by Friday (the day before the film) by email at catering@bulgarinigelato.com or by calling (626) 376-7662.
The National Night Out, local version, was held last night at Loma Alta Park. The annual event is a chance for local law enforcement to meet with the public in a relaxed atmosphere with lots of food and fun.
Deputy Greg Gabriel mans the grill for hot dogs and hamburgers.
A gaggle of youngsters check out the horses with the volunteer Altadena Sheriff's Posse. More pictures after the jump.
This information passed on from the Altadena Sheriff's Station: look for temperatures well above normal thru the weekend:
SYNOPSIS: High pressure centered over the western U.S. will shift slightly westward to produce temperatures well above 100 degrees across inland portions of southern California through at least Saturday. High temperatures of 105-110 will occur Wednesday through Saturday in the inland valleys, deserts, and foothills. High temperatures in the coastal areas, such as downtown Los Angeles, will be cooler with daytime highs in the low to mid 90s, and in the 70s at the beaches. Fortunately, temperatures will cool at night to the 60s and 70s across even the areas with the warmest daytime highs. Relative humidity levels, meanwhile, may increase by the end of the week, which will produce increased heat index values (apparent temperature) in isolated areas of the inland valleys and foothills. This increase in moisture and resultant unstable atmosphere may also produce isolated thunderstorms over mainly the eastern portions of the Los Angeles County mountains and the Antelope Valley Friday and Saturday afternoons and evenings.
IMPACTS: Although most areas will be below excessive heat criteria thresholds, temperatures will still be well above normal across all areas except the near coastal zones. This is not uncommon for this time of year. Nonetheless, these conditions can be very dangerous to those partaking in outside activities, pets, and the elderly who may be without air conditioners. A secondary impact of this event will be the increased fire danger resulting from the isolated thunderstorms possible over mainly the eastern portions of the Los Angeles County mountains and the Antelope Valley. Vegetation has continued to dry over the summer, which increases the potential for fire starts due to lightning.
TIMING: Hot afternoon temperatures will peak on Thursday and Friday, and continue into Saturday. The high pressure system begins to shift eastward by Sunday for slightly cooler temperatures, then by Monday afternoon temperatures will cool to more normal readings as cooler onshore flow returns.
FORECAST CONFIDENCE: High confidence for hot temperatures inland, valley, and foothill areas. Medium confidence for increasing relative humidity levels and subsequent isolated heat index values 105 degrees and over. Medium confidence for thunderstorms Friday and Saturday due to the uncertainty over the amount of monsoon moisture and atmospheric instability.
Updates and statements about this heat event can be accessed on our web site at www.weather.gov/losangeles
We've dealt with all kinds of animals here, but this is a new request from reader Brent:
... a stray rooster's taken up residence in our yard. He showed up about two weeks ago and has been free-ranging about, getting fat on bugs, and pooping a really impressive amount. I've come to enjoy having him around (my daughter named him Jerry), but those sunrise wake-up calls are starting to wear us out. Particularly in the last three days, as there's now another rooster cock-a-doodle-dooing a few houses away. Jerry is big into call and response.
If he's yours, or you'd like to adopt him, please email bretnicely@gmail.com
The Altadena Chamber of Commerce is trying to clear out its stock of old street signs (which it accumulated when the gereric county signs were replaced with Altadena-specific signs). They're at the rather incredible price of $10 each, so it's cheap decoration for your home or office.
With high temperatures forecast in many parts of Southern California today and throughout the week, Southern California Edison (SCE) is urging customers to conserve power.
SCE anticipates having sufficient resources to meet forecast electricity demand. But with energy use rising during extreme heat conditions, conservation can provide an added reserve should an unexpected power emergency occur, such as mechanical problems affecting a major power plant or wildfires shutting down a major transmission system. Conservation also helps minimize the impact on the distribution system when customers use energy around-the-clock.
Conservation helps customers keep their bills lower during high temperatures — bills can increase up to 30 percent for residential customers who use air conditioning. Conservation also helps reduce stress on the overall electrical system.
SCE recommends that customers:
Set thermostats no lower than 78 degrees.
Use electric fans instead of air conditioning when practical.
Turn off unused appliances and equipment.
Shut off lights when leaving a room.
Close drapes and blinds to keep out direct sunlight during hot periods.
Avoid using evaporative coolers or humidifiers at the same time an air conditioner is running.
Operate swimming pool equipment and energy-intensive appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines and dryers, during early morning and evening hours.
Limit the opening and reopening of refrigerators, which are major users of electricity in most homes.
When possible, businesses should shift power-intensive work processes to morning or evening hours.
Turn off lights in unused areas.
SCE recommends customers try to stay as cool as possible during the heat.
Keep outdoor activities to a minimum, and drink a lot of water during the hottest parts of the day.
During a power outage, turn off and unplug any unnecessary electrical equipment, including sensitive electronics.
Open the refrigerator and freezer only when necessary to keep the food cold.
Low-income and medically sensitive customers can take advantage of “Cool Centers,” which are operated by local governments and community-based organizations. A list of locations can be found at www.sce.com/coolcenters
SCE recommends customers follow these safety tips if a power outage occurs:
Use flashlights for lighting during a power outage; do not use candles because they pose a significant fire hazard.
Never attempt to move or go near a downed power line. Call 911 to report the situation.
Watch for traffic signals that may be out. Approach those intersections as four-way stops.
If someone in your home is dependent on electric-powered, life sustaining medical equipment, have an emergency plan that includes a back-up power source, or make arrangements to relocate.
A 4.4 temblor struck approximately two miles east of Yorba Linda at 11:23 PM Tuesday night, shaking up the area. USGS Map
by Timothy Rutt
A mild earthquake shook the Southland Tuesday night.
According to the US Geological Survey, a 4.4 temblor centered about 2 miles east of Yorba Linda struck at 11:23 PM Tuesday. While it was mild, some of our correspondants in Altadena, Pasadena, La Canada Flintridge and La Crescenta reported feeling it.
10:31 PM PDT: Planetfest attendees at the Pasadena Convention Center learn that the Mars Rover Curiosity had safely landed. Cheering crowd of 2,000, with live video from mission control at the Jet Propulsion Lab in the background. An overflow crowd of 1,000 watched in the Civic Auditorium next door. Video by Laura Monteros.
Seven minutes of terror, 14 minutes of jubilation: a night to remember at Planetfest
by Laura Monteros
Seven minutes of terror: seven minutes between the time the Mars Science Lab capsule entered the Mars atmosphere and the MSL team at JPL learned whether the rover Curiosity had safely landed.
Planetary Society CEO Bill Nye hosted the weekend-long Planetfest at the Pasadena Convention Center. Photos by Laura Monteros
Fourteen minutes of jubilation: 14 minutes of nonstop cheering in the Pasadena Convention Center, as the Planetfest crowd heard the news that Curiosity had set all six wheels on the surface of the Red Planet at 10:31 p.m. PDT on Monday. Punctuated by photos flashing onto the screens and urged on by Bill Nye and Bruce Betts of The Planetary Society, 2,000 people in the ballroom and another 1,000 at the Pasadena Civic Center chanted “JPL! JPL!”
The folks at JPL, that real-life sci-fi community nestled at the top of the Arroyo Seco, had done it again, and we were there to catch it live.
Well, not quite live, since the signal took 14 minutes to get to earth, but live for us, and as exciting as all get out. Scientists and engineers embraced each other, folks at the Convention Center high-fived strangers, and the orbiter Odyssey outdid itself by relaying not the “maybe one” photo that was promised, but four splendid, spectacular shots.
Preparing for news of the descent, and excited Nye, CEO of The Planetary Society said, “My friends, this is a shared experience. This is humankind at its very best.” Chief engineer Rob Manning warned people not to get too excited if the rover was silent, since Odyssey was positioned to relay tones as the spacecraft passed different milestones in its descent, but would be out of range soon after landing.
From left: Matt Golombek, Nye, Doug McCuistion, Daniel Geraci
The difficulty of the mission was underscored by Doug McCuistion, director of the NASA Mars Exploration Program and Matt Golombek, Mars Exploration Program Landing Site Scientist. McCuistion said, “The landing system has never been tested one end to the other.”
Golombek noted that choosing a landing site, in Curiosity’s case, the Gale Crater, is always a tension between someplace safe and someplace interesting. “Engineers worry about anything sticking out of the ground,” he said. “Scientists want to go to the coolest place.”
Word came from the JPL mission control center at 10:14 p.m., “We’re hearing heartbeat tones at this time. Things are looking good.”
The mood as earth waited was both tense and excited.
At 10:24, the first tone, indicating the spacecraft had entered Martian atmosphere, sounded. “It’s heading directly for its target,” control said. The crowd cheered and waved with more excitement than the Olympics.
Tonight is the National Night Out, which will be commemorated in Altadena with a community barbecue and resource fair at Loma Alta Park, 3330 N. Lincoln Avenue, from 5-8 PM.
Bring a potluck dish to share and prepare to enjoy hot dogs and hamburgers grilled up by Altadena sheriff's deputies and volunteers. There will be many information and resource booths available, a bouncer for the kids, and the Salvation Army will be there to take your donations of used goods.
There will also be a Community Oriented Policing Survey taken to help the Altadena Sheriff Station better know how to work in the community. Agencies involved in the Altadena Night Out include the LA County Sheriff's and Fire Departments, the California Highway Patrol, and LA County Parks and Recreation.
In addition, Penelope the Pig (from event sponsor Danny's Farm) celebrates her first birthday with "cake" (yes, they have the quote marks -- we don't know what that means!), and a special celebration at 7:30 PM. The Danny's Farm mobile petting farm will also be there so you can greet the animals.
Webster's Community Pharmacy will also preview its parking lot "One Day Blowout Sale," which takes place Sat., Aug. 11, to make room for new merchandise.
Fancy Food Truck Friday runs from 5-9 PM, and is hosted by Webster's Community Pharmacy and Liquor Stores. Webster's is at 2450 N. Lake Avenue.
Lori Webster at Webster's Fine Stationers, 2450 N. Lake Ave., is holding a "savings oppportunity" through Friday, Aug. 10 to promote local businesses:
Customers can save 20% off their purchase if they show a receipt (dated within the week the sale is running) from another local, independently owned Altadena shop, service or restaurant. Savings can't be applied to consigned artists' merchandise, one savings per day, per person. Please see our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/Webstersfs.
After a several-month lapse, the Altadena Chamber of Commerce is putting together a new coupon page and is offering Chamber members free ads on it for the months of August and September.
The page will go the Chamber website, local email news groups, the Chamber distribution list, and other venues (we always run them on Altadenablog, too!) offering coupon deals to your customers.
Please reply by Aug. 13 for your free ad -- if you don't have one put together, contact the Chamber.
The ad rate for non-members is $50 (or you can become a member and make it free!).
Curiosity descending -- EDL team was on tenterhooks at this point!
Now that Curiosity is safely on Mars, Altadenan Adam Steltzner, the Entry/Descent/Landing team leader, can relax with the knowledge of a job well done.
The Sheriff's Support Group of Altadena summer concert series continues at Farnsworth Park Amphitheatre with the British Invasion tribute band Sgt. Pepper. Their press materials say:
Rocking & captivating ... Sgt. Pepper performs music by the Beatles and other British Invasion artists at festivals, concerts in the park, corporate events, private school fundraisers, wedding receptions, colleges & night clubs. Although Sgt. Pepper focuses on Beatles and other British rock & roll, it can also perform many other classic rock, soul & country tunes, as well as standards and bossa nova music for cocktail hour. As a testament to the band's versatility, it can perform songs by the Allman Brothers to ZZ Top & everything in between! Sgt. Pepper's members are well-known L.A. based musicians and singers who have performed with major recording artists, leading music agencies and/or other bands. They came together to form Sgt. Pepper out of a mutual love of Beatles' music. Their timing couldn't have been better. Due to the release of Beatles Rock Band and the re-mastered Beatles catalogue, national interest in Beatles music has surged, proving once again that the Beatles are the most popular recording artists of all time, with fans ranging from teenagers to septuagenarians.
The concert starts at 7 PM Sat., Aug. 11 at Farnsworth Park, Lake and Mt. Curve Avenues, Altadena.
On Saturday, August 11 from 8:30AM- 4 PM., Webster's Community Pharmacy will be hosting The One-Day Only Parking Lot Sale. Summer is underway but in the retail world we have our eyes set for autumn. In preparation, we need to make way for fabulous new merchandise. Seasonal, jewelry and gift items will be at a heart-stopping 50% to 90% OFF!
Shop early for the holidays and save money! We have the perfect Holiday stocking stuffers that will bring big bright smiles to all. Choose from home decor, jewelry, and accessories from past seasons. Outdoor tables will be brimming with bargains full of savings that can only be offered one day a year. Bring your own reusable bags to fill and you'll receive an additional savings. Ask our friendly staff for more details on how to take advantage of this exclusive bargain-hunting event.
As with any out of this world mega savings there are a few details that need to be noted. Only cash and credit cards will be accepted. No exchanges or returns will be accepted for this sale. All sales are final (no exceptions). This Parking Lot Sale is only valid for Saturday, August 11.
Fast Facts:
One-Day Only Parking Lot Sale: Saturday, August 11 from 8:30AM-4PM
Hosted by: Webster's Community Pharmacy
Complimentary Entry and Parking: Webster's lot, adjacent streets, and designated lots.
Location: 2450 N. Lake Avenue, Altadena, CA Corner of N. Lake and Marcheta
The Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations (ACONA) will hold its next meeting on Tue., Oct. 9, at a new location: the Altadena Senior Center, 560 E. Mariposa St..
The agenda is still being firmed up, but Sheriff Capt. John S. Benedict is scheduled to appear, and expect something about Walmart. The meeting will run from 7-8:30 PM.
The third annual festival -- in its second year at the Zorthian Ranch in Altadena -- brings together diverse musicians and fans of new folk.
The folk group Cowboy and Indian performed a the Third Annual New LA Folk Festival at the Zorthian Ranch on Aug. 4, 2012. All photos by Erika McCarden.
by Erika McCarden
It’s the event that features everything, including the kitchen sink! The third annual New L.A. Folk Festival held up to its strong reputation of combining folk music and eccentric art at the Zorthian Ranch, located at the very top of Fair Oaks Avenue.
Getting there was a long hike up a dusty road from the parking lot.
After parking at the foot of the mountain, guests hiked about 15 minutes up a windy road to the secluded ranch, where they were greeted by live folk music, fresh smells of assorted eats, and a hidden world of art comprised of lots and lots of interesting…junk.
A TV Log line for the New L.A. Folk Festival might read something like, “It’s The Renaissance Fair with a Burlesque and 70s twist!”
Nine-year-old Freya Brandvik enjoyed the Zorthian Ranch pool on a hot day.
One thing for sure, it was a major attraction for the Altadena community, attended by families and folk fans of all ages, some dressed Renaissance style, others with a dash of Carnival, and the remaining in casual, California beach attire.
“My wife used to take gardening lessons here, so I’d been hearing about the ranch for a while,” said David Brandvik, sitting poolside with his family. “This event is so much fun, we’re really enjoying it, and I’m very surprised at all of the things around here -- some pretty interesting stuff.”
Job opening: AOL, the Walmart of local news, has a job opening in Altadena for someone who wants to be "a leader/local celebrity in the community." Hmmm. Running stories about Elephant Awareness Day are apparently required; local concerts in the park, not so much.
Scholar: Altadena resident Kyle Simkovich graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Athletic Training on Fri., July 27, 2012, and joined approximately 635 graduates at the summer commencement ceremonies.
The infectious sounds of Upstream meant a crowded dance floor Saturday night.
Haile Blackman goes aerial in the band's encore.
by TImothy Rutt
There were a lot of empty seats at the Farnsworth Park Summer Concert series Saturday night -- because everyone was crowding the dance floor. They couldn't help it -- it was Upstream!
Back for their third year in a row, the group that hails from Trinidad/Tobago (altho' bandleader Haile Blackman lives in Pasadena now) got the crowd up and dancing with reggae and calypso favorites and originals.
If you missed them -- well, they're odds-on favorites for returning next year.
from Robert Staehle of the Altadena Crest Trails Working Group:
Please note on your calendars that the Altadena Crest Trail Restoration Working Group (ACTRWG) meeting on Tuesday, 14 August has been CANCELED for summer break. Many folks are traveling this month and, hopefully, enjoying trails in far places.
We hope you can join us for the next ACTRWG meeting in September on Tuesday, 11 September 2012 at the Altadena Community Center, 7pm. We have been informed by the County that there will finally be representatives attending that meeting to provide an update on the ACT restoration and to answer long-standing questions. Please plan to be there! All are welcome and, by attending, become participants in the preservation of our historic Altadena Crest Trail.
There will be two LA County hazardous waste/e-waste collections coming up locally on Sat., Aug. 18.
One will be in Sierra Madre at the Mariposa Parking Lot, Mariposa Ave. just west of Baldwin Ave. in Sierra Madre, which will run from 9 AM-2 PM. The other will be at the Santa Anita Racetrack parking lot in Arcadia, running from 9 AM-3 PM.
Household Hazardous Waste includes used oil, unused non-controlled medicines, auto fluids, sharps waste/medical needles, beauty products, mercury thermostats, paint and paint related products, auto and household batteries, lawn and garden products, compact fluorescent light bulbs Electronic Waste includes microwave ovens, CD-players, computers and computer monitors, small household appliances, cell phones, televisions, stereos, printers, DVD/DVR players, VCRs.
A county official has shed some more light on how the locations were chosen for replacing downed trees in Altadena.
In our earlier story, we mapped out that most trees being replaced thru a county grant would be planted on the east side of Altadena. Altadena Heritage has urged the county to not only equalize the distribution, but devote some of those funds to putting trees on the West Woodbury Road parkway.
According to Sussy Nemer, field deputy for Supv. Michael D. Antonovich, the county offered a $100,000 grant to public agencies to plant trees in public property, in part to mitigate damage from the 2011 windstorm. The funds come from Proposition A of 1992 and “Baby A” of 1996, parks monies which in turn come from local property tax revenues.
The winner of the grant was the county Department of Public Works, which released a list of 208 locations where trees will be replaced.
On the list, 68 of the new trees will go to replace damage from the windstorm. The remainder will go to replace trees that have been removed for other reasons over the years -- disease, damage, safety, or a requests that residents have made, Nemer said. The list covers several years' worth of tree losses that were recorded by the DPW.
Mark Goldschmidt, president of Altadena Heritage, wrote to members of his organization that they’re looking for more balance in the allocation of trees. Altadena Heritage particularly wants to plant street trees along the parkway of west Woodbury Road, which is already undergoing a $1.2 million landscaping project on the medians, unrelated to the tree grant.
According to Nemer, there will be 71 new trees planted in the medians for that project. 43 existing trees will be removed, and eight existing trees will be moved to better locations. But there won’t be any new street trees planted along the parkway (the area nearest the sidewalk) as Altadena Heritage wants, Nemer said.
One of the reasons is that the jurisdiction is complicated -- while most of Woodbury Road is in Altadena and falls under county jurisdiction, some parts of it belong to the city of Pasadena, Nemer said. In addition, parkway trees weren’t included because of cost of the existing plan.
However, “if the community is interested in having more parkway trees, we can look into it,” Nemer said. “This grant isn’t the only opportunity for street trees.”
August will be a month of Wendys at Altadena Community Church!
Music director Wendy Caldwell will lead a "pick-up" choir all month for everyone who wants to sing—no long-standing commitments, no need to read music. Arrive at 9 AM., any or every Sunday in August, and try out your voice in Altadena's beautiful, resonant sanctuary.
As Pastor Joe McGowan begins his three-month sabbatical, the Rev. Wendy Tajima will lead the 10 AM. worship service at ACC throughout August, exploring what it means to be "church" together. On Aug. 5, Tajima will also teach the 11:30 AM adult class, on the art of "speaking the truth in love." The class will talk about techniques and processes for discussing sensitive topics.
Altadena Community Church, 943 E. Altadena Drive, is a welcoming community, celebrating freedom of conscience in faith. For more information on the United Church of Christ denomination or on ACC, see www.ucc.org or www.altadenaucc.org.
There's a black and white cat stuck way up in a big oak tree on the north side of Wapello just a few houses east of Marengo. Apparently he or she has been up there for days. I caught a glimpse of her/him the past couple of days but mostly I've just heard distressed meowing whenever I walk by. Anyone missing a black and white cat? Anyone have any ideas about getting her/him down? I've knocked on the neighbor's door but I haven't gotten any response.
David Davis, St., and David Jr. (Reg) make mouth-watering treats locally at the Dutch Oven Bakery. Photos by Maryam Hosseinzadeh.
by Maryam Hosseinzadeh
The Altadena Cash Mob this week makes its way to the Dutch Oven Bakery, providing both breakfast and dessert to Altadena for nearly 55 years!
This week’s cash mob will take place Saturday, August 4, at Dutch Oven Bakery, 2281 N. Lake Ave.
The bake shop was founded in 1957 and might just be one of the longest running bakeries still in business under the same name in the Pasadena area. Since August of 1990 the head bakers/owner-operators have been David Davis, Sr. and David “Reg” Davis, Jr., a father and son team who live on Mountain View Street. They specialize in continuing baking traditions and developing new ones for those who live in Altadena and those who visit the community (including hikers in need of refueling for up or down the hill!).
Items you can find at the Dutch Oven Bakery include both full size and small tea cakes, pecan pies, fruit pies and cobblers, turnover fruit pies, blueberry muffins, chocolate chocolate chip muffins, German chocolate cake, cinnamon rolls, birthday cakes, Monkey Bread, Seven-Up and Sock It To Me bread, bran muffins, and varieties of pound cakes. Day-Old items are also available at $1.50 per bag. The Day-Old shelf is right by the door, which makes it easy to run in and pick something up quickly.
Photo cakes are available as special orders for occasions, as are custom birthday and wedding cakes with real buttercream frosting.
The Davis’s specialties are sweet potato pies— available as full size or mini-pies— and wide variety of honey muffins. Honey muffins include honey lemon, honey blueberry, and honey pineapple in a yellow cake. The recipe was derived from the former owner Judith Talbert’s* original honey bran muffins without yellow cake, which the Davis’s still bake as well. At one point, the Davis’s owned three bakeries in the area, including the Hillcrest Bakery at Lake and Washington, but Dutch Oven Bakery is the only bakery where you can still get items baked by the Davises.
Spent a day in Sacramento for our son's drug trial Friday, so there's a big pile o' stuff here today. We're getting to it!
(And to clarify, thanks to a reader: he's in a double-blind study trial for a new muscular dystrophy medication out of UC-Davis Medical Center -- he's not being tried for a criminal offense!)
Vehicles seem to be getting the brunt of criminal's attention this week. Crime blotter provided by Lt. Michael White of Altadena Sheriff Station.
Sunday, July 22 Between 8:00 AM and 10:00 PM (Monday) – A petty theft from an unlocked storage occurred in the 2100 block of Marengo Avenue. Loss: black leaf blower. Between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM – A petty theft occurred in the 2300 block of N. Grandeur Avenue. Loss: yellow & black Champion gas generator.
Monday, July 23 7:53 AM – A pink and purple Magna single speed bicycle was found in the area of Highview Avenue. & Altadena Drive. Between 6:30 PM and 11:00 AM (Tuesday) – A petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 2300 block of Sinaloa Avenue. Loss: silver iPod, gray iPod Nano, currency.
Tuesday, July 24 Between 12:30 PM and 12:30 PM (Saturday) – A residential burglary occurred in the 100 block of E. Sacramento Street. Suspect(s) entered the location by prying the front door. Loss: none. Between 11:00 PM and 8:00 AM (Wednesday) – A petty theft form an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 1300 block of E. Mendocino Street. Loss: personal documents.
Thursday, July 26 11:20 AM – A petty theft occurred at Ralph’s 2270 N. Lake Ave. Loss: bottle of Patron Silver tequila.
Friday, July 27 Between 7:30 PM and 11:15 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1900 block of Allen Avenue. Suspect(s) entered the location via the unlocked kitchen door. Loss: blue wallet, red wallet, black purse. Between 10:30 PM and 1:30 AM (Saturday) – A vehicle vandalism occurred in the 2000 block of E. Altadena Drive.
Saturday, July 28 Between 1:00 AM and 6:30 AM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1300 block of Morada Place. Suspect(s) entered the residence by cutting a portion of the screen to access and unlock the door. Loss: gray Toshiba laptop, black Targus computer case. 12:28 PM – A vehicle vandalism occurred in the 700 block of Colman Street. (Suspect possibly known). 10:30 PM – A vehicle was reported stolen from the 3000 block of Olive Avenue.
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The "Parks After Dark" program at Loma Alta Park continues through the month of August starting tonight.
Thursday through Saturdays, the park will have a variety of activities for all ages and interests, from sports to the arts to family events and movies.
There will also be presentations on community preparedness on Aug. 9 and 25, a teen dance on Aug. 10, the performing and fine arts showcase on Aug. 18, and the adult basketball showdown on Aug. 25. Check the graphic for a complete schedule.
EXPLICIT (EXtracurricular PLayers at Caltech, the "i" is imaginary) will present "A Midsummer Night's Dream" starting tonight at 7 PM and continuing in performances this weekend and next. Tickets are $10 for general audiences and $5 for students. For schedule and to reserve tickets, go here.
Shuldiner's definition of vegan includes cocktails and chocolate. "The title of the book is Pure Vegan, not Puritanical Vegan," he says in a release about the launch party. The book is described as:
A vegan cookbook that celebrates eating and enjoyment rather than emphasizing the politics of a vegan lifestyle, Shuldiner's Pure Vegan proves that embracing a vegan diet doesn't mean you can't enjoy sweets and cocktails ... His beautiful compilation features 70 novel, vibrant recipes that are both plant-based and indulgent. While all of the ingredients are non-meat-egg-dairy, Shuldiner's unique combinations will appeal to meat lovers and committed vegans alike. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are represented, but so are special "Late-night" and "Very-late-night" chapters dedicated to sexy indulgences like chocolate truffles and herbal cocktails. ("Vodka is vegan, after all," says Shuldiner.) Seventy-five gorgeous photographs round out this beautifully packaged book.
Besides managing and curating the every-Wednesday Farmer's Market at Loma Alta Park, Shuldiner is director of the Institute of Domestic Technology, a Home Ec University offering classes, tours and programs dedicated to the study and exploration of the lost domestic arts. A graphic designer, photographer, writer and visual artist by training, Shuldiner has always had a passion for ethnic, gourmet plant-based dishes, D.I.Y. cuisine and locally sourced ingredients. As well as being a certified Master Food Preserver with the UC Cooperative Extension, Shuldiner has also chronicled California’s artisanal food-craft movement and is a contributor to EAT:Los Angeles, the Food Lover's Guide to Los Angeles.
"Lindy and Grundy" (Amelia Posada and Erika Nakamura) are sustainable butchers, who, according to a press release, "believe it's necessary to support local California agriculture. Eschewing huge factory farms and distributors, Lindy and Grundy support small family-run farms that do not use antibiotics or hormones on their animals nor allow pesticides or herbicides to treat grass the animals feed on. Amelia and Erika are pioneers in sourcing and supporting small start-up artisanal food producers in Los Angeles, oftentimes offering these Food-trepreneurs their first commercial exposure."
The book launch party will be Sun., Aug. 19, from 6-8 PM at Lindy and Grundy, 801 North Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046. The event is open to the public, but an RSVP is requested: rsvp@purevegancookbook.com
There's even a trailer for the book, after the jump (don't say Shuldiner doesn't do it with style!)
The National Night Out will be held in Altadena on Tues., Aug. 7, from 5-8 PM, and the newest participant is the Salvation Army.
In addition to enjoying the barbecue and information available, you can clear your closets and make a donation to the Salvation Army.
In addition, there will be a Community Oriented Policing Survey to help the local sheriff's station know how to benefit the community, and informational exhibits from the sheriff's department, fire department, California Highway Patrol, county Parks and Recreation, and Target.
National Night Out will be held at Loma Alta Park.
Members of the Altadena CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) are hosting a meeting for the public on Sun., Aug. 19, from 4-6 PM at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr. The purpose is to help educate the public on disaster preparation, show them what CERT can do, and organizaing a Neighborhood Watch group.
But they're also looking for help inside and outside of CERT to make the meeting a success.
According to CERT team member C Jake Truman, they're looking for vendors (must supply own table and pop-up tent, no charge to participate); door prizes, donations of refreshments (or money for same), help with set-up and break-down, and at least 10 facilitators who are CERT-trained or sheriff volunteers.
Reader TIffany had two dogs follow her home this week:
These two dogs followed me all the way home on my run this morning. One almost got hit by a truck. I took them in and was hoping you could post their photos' on the blog to find the owner. They are not wearing collars. They are very nice dogs, house trained and were obviously someone's pet. My number is 724-799-7777 if anyone may know who they may belong to! Thanks!
Yes, we know you're probably NOT thinking about Christmas right now as the temperature marches into three digits, but just think of the relief it brings!
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