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Altadenablog adds CrimeMapping.com local crime map

By Timothy Rutt

Altadenablog is proud to announce that it has added CrimeMapping.com's local crime activity map to our website as we strive to better serve the residents of Altadena.

CrimeMapping.com has been developed by The Omega Group to help law enforcement agencies throughout North America provide the public with valuable information about recent crime activity in their neighborhood.

The Omega Group says: "We are dedicated to enriching the quality of life in all communities by providing solutions for law enforcement, public safety and education agencies. We are the industry-leading developer of innovative Geographic Information Systems software designed to assist public agencies with their daily data driven decisions. Our diverse solution offering distinguishes us in our field and includes demographic analysis, enrollment forecasting, crime analysis, investigative intelligence, COMPSTAT reporting, tactical operations, monitoring critical infrastructure as well as situational awareness."

The Omega Group says that the goal of CrimeMapping.com is "to assist police departments in reducing crime through a better-informed citizenry. Creating more self-reliance among community members is a great benefit to community oriented policing efforts everywhere and has been proven effective in combating crime."

Open thread: WIndstorm 2011 -- one year later

 

Santa Rosa Avenue lost branches of its famous Christmas Tree Lane deodars in the WIndstorm of 2011.

 

by Timothy Rutt

Yes, it was one year ago today that hurricane-force winds blew into Altadena and the San Gabriel Valley, knocking over trees, knocking out power, and making for a frightening night and uncomfortable few days as power was slowly restored.

For weeks thereafter, fallen trees and branches were piled into gutters and eventually carted off by Athens Services or county crews.  

But the recriminations started right away, as Southern California Edison took what seemed to many like a long time to restore lost power to all the houses and places of business that lost it.

Looking back, what do you remember about the great wind of 2011?

 

Traveling mercies

We are on the road to UC-Davis Medical Center and back today, just for routine testing for Jake, but entries will be light today.

Arroyo Food Co-op hosts holiday party Dec. 6 in Old Town Pasadena

The Arroyo Food Co-op will host a no-reservation holiday party on Thurs., Dec. 6, from 7-8:30 PM at the Everson Royce wine store, 55 North Raymond Ave. in Old Pasadena.

The cost is $15, which includes wine, appetizers and one complimentary raffle ticket for prizes from local merchants. Free 90-minute parking is available in the city garage next door, or take the Gold Line to the Memorial Park station.

In addition to offering wine tasting and conversation, the co-op will update attendees on the progress being made toward opening its doors. 

Anyone can shop at the co-op, but those who make an investment and become member-owners receive additional benefits, including patronage refunds during profitable years. The full investment to join is $300; however the co-op offers a payment plan of $30 per year.

AFC has been established as a California Consumer Cooperative Corporation. The effort to open its doors is being spearheaded by a devoted cadre of volunteers, led by an eight-member board of directors.

For more information about the Arroyo Food Co-op, including a membership application and listing of other upcoming events, visit www.arroyofoodcoop.com.

"Advent with Van Gogh" at Altadena Community Church in December

Join the Altadena Community Church adult class in exploring "Vincent Van Gogh as a Spiritual Guide for the Holy Season of Advent" on Dec. 2, 9, 16, and 23.  The 11:30 AN to 1 PM. class includes discussion, meditation, and the opportunity to respond to Van Gogh works with your own artwork.  Pastor Joe McGowan created this class and will lead it.  The Heicher Hall entrance is up the east driveway at 943 E. Altadena Drive.  Childcare will be provided.

A part of the United Church of Christ, Altadena Community Church welcomes people of different faith understandings.  The worship service is at 10 a.m. on Sundays.  For more information, call 626-7988-1185 or visit www.altadenaucc.org.

Farnsworth Park winter camp starts

by Timothy Rutt

Winter break from school is just ahead, and Farnsworth Park is offering a winter camp during the holiday season to keep your 5-to-14-year-old active.

Camp runs two weeks, Monday through Friday from 8 AM-6 PM Dec. 24 through Jan. 4 (it doesn't meet Christmas or New Year's Day, of course).   Cost is $60 per child per week, non-refundable.

Activities include sports, arts and crafts, dance, kid's fitness club, and computers.

For more information or to apply, click on the graphic.

 

MonteCedro event hosts All Saints' Ed Bacon Dec. 13

On Thurs., December 13, Rev. Bacon will presenting a seminar entitled “Love can be habit-forming?” hosted by MonteCedro, a new planned Episcopal Communities & Services (ECS) Continuing Care Retirement Community in Altadena. During the event, he will address the emotional highs and lows that people experience during the holiday season, and share his wisdom with San Gabriel Valley seniors about surrounding yourself with love on a daily basis. 

Rev. Bacon will also provide insights from his book 8 Habits of Love. Attendees will learn ways to incorporate the eight habits of love in their daily routine, which he identifies as stillness, truth, compassion, play, candor, generosity and forgiveness.

Space is limited for this event. To register, please visit www.montecedro.org or call 877-282-1584.

 

Altadena Ale & Wine House holiday wine tasting Dec. 2

Get ready for the holidays: the Altadena Ale & Wine House, 2329 N. Fair Oaks Ave., is having its annual French Champagne, Sparkling Wine and Spanish Cava tasting this Sunday afternoon, from 4-6 PM.   Cost is $20 per person.

And, the Ale House is also a drop-off location for the Altadena Sheriff Station Food and Toy Drive, taking canned goods and new toys until Dec. 7.

Crime blotter: two cars stolen from 24 Hour Fitness

The parking lot at 24 Hour Fitness strikes again: two stolen cars, along with a shooting and the usual residential burglaries.  Crime blotter provided by the Altadena Sheriff Station.

Friday, November 16

Between 9:45 PM and 12:07 PM (Sunday) – A vehicle was reported stolen from the 3000 block of El Nido Drive. Loss: black 1992 Acura Vigor. ***Vehicle was recovered by El Monte PD on 11/22/12*** 

Sunday, November 18

Between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM – A vehicle was reported stolen from the 24Hr. Fitness parking structure – 2180 N. Lincoln Av. Loss: red 1995 Honda Accord. ***The vehicle was parked on the first floor*** 
12:09 PM – A stolen vehicle from San Bernardino County was recovered in the 400 block of Harriet Street. 

Monday, November 19th 

Between 10:10 AM and 10:20 AM – A petty theft occurred in the 2800 block of N. Olive Avenue. Loss: hedge trimmer. 
Between 6:00 PM and 7:00 AM (Tuesday) – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 900 block of Alta Pine Street. Suspect(s) entered the vehicle via unknown method. Loss: iPad, Dell laptop, jewelry. ***Suspect arrested*** 

Tuesday, November 20th 

12:05 AM – A possible stolen item was recovered in the 300 block of E. Mariposa St. Item: amplifier. ***Still attempting to obtain a victim*** 
Between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1500 block of N. Altadena Dr. Suspect(s) entered the residence via the kitchen window. Loss: jewelry. 
1:18 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2000 block of N. Lake Avenue. Suspect(s) entered the residence via the front door. Loss: unknown. 

Thursday, November 22nd 

3:23 PM – An assault with a deadly weapon occurred in the 100 block of W. Altadena Drive. Suspect(s) described as two male, Blacks, armed with a handgun. Suspect vehicle: black van/suv with Oregon plates. Vehicle last seen southbound on Glenrose Av. 

Friday, November 23rd 

2:25 AM – A residential burglary occurred in the 400-blk of W. Figueroa Drive. Suspect(s) attempted to enter the residence by removing the window screen. Possible suspect described as a male, Hispanic, 504, thin build, wearing dark clothing. Loss: none.

Saturday, November 24th 

Between 9:15 PM and 11:15 PM –24Hr. Fitness – 2180 N. Lincoln Av. The suspect(s) stole the victim’s vehicle which was parked in the gym parking lot. Vehicle Loss: blue 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis. *** The vehicle was parked on the first floor *** 

Visit the Altadena Sheriff's Station Web Page: 
http://www.altadena.lasd.org 

Follow Altadena Nixle: 
http://local.nixle.com/lasd---altadena-station-los-angeles-county-sheriff/ 

Follow Altadena Twitter: 
http://twitter.com/@lasdald 

Follow Captain Benedict's Twitter: 
http://twitter.com/@jblasd 

Like the Altadena Sheriff's Facebook Page: 
http://www.facebook.com/AltadenaSheriffsStation

It's LA Sheriff vs. Pasadena Fire in canyon rescue tiff

by Timothy Rutt

The LA County Sheriff's Department and the Pasadena Fire Department seem to be at odds following Monday's rescue of two Alhambra women at the Eaton Canyon waterfall.

The press release issued by the sheriff -- which Altadenablog received -- said:

The first hiker, who fell approximately 30 feet, sustained what appeared to be two broken femurs, as well as significant head injuries. She was rescued from the canyon by members of the Altadena Search and Rescue team and airlifted to Huntington Memorial Hospital via Los Angeles County Fire Department helicopter. The second hiker, who sustained only minor injuries during the hike, was treated at the scene by Los Angeles County Fire Department paramedics. She was released at the scene.

That is at odds with the story as told by the Pasadena Fire Department.  As reported by Brian Charles in the Pasadena Star-News, the Pasadena Fire Department is claiming that it was Pasadena firefighters who carried the women down from the mountain and transported them both via ambulance, not just one by air.

A photo by the Pasadena FIre Department (see here) would seem to confirm the claim that an ambulance, not a helicopter, was used.

Charles' story says that "Because the incident occurred after dark, L.A. County Fire officials declined to use its helicopter to effect a rescue, Pasadena officials said."

But: in the picture, it is plainly the red-shirted Altadena Mountain Rescue Team (under county sheriff jurisdiction) near the ambulance, suggesting they had a role in evacuating the injured hikers.  In addition, there was a county helicopter deployed that night (we heard it), and scanner chatter included rescuers trying to find a landing spot for it (we also heard that) -- whether that qualifies as "declined" rather than "tried but couldn't" may be a matter of interpretation. 

Charles' story says that Pasadena officials are miffed by what they perceive as the Sheriff's Department taking all the credit for rescues where both agencies are involved.  Eaton Canyon lies partly in Pasadena, and partly in LA County -- meaning that responsibility over the area is a smorgasboard of the city of Pasadena, LA county fire and sheriffs, and the state parks police.

UPDATE: Thx to Frank Girardot for the shout-out.  

 

Two found dogs: Chihuahua and pitbull puppy

Peter found a small male Chihuahua mix on Sunday, Nov. 25, at about 5 PM at Lincoln and Mariposa.   The dog has a collar but no tags, is well-behaved but small dog hyper, black with brown paws. Contact Peter at psychotek@earthlink.net

Cynthia has found a dog (pictured) this morning at the corner of Washington Boulevard and Altadena Drive.  Female pit bull puppy, brownish with white neck and chest.  No collar.  The puppy will be taken to the Pasadena Humane Society this morning.  

Deadline approaching for Chamber's Citizen & Business of the Year

by Timothy Rutt

The deadline is fast approaching for nominations for Altadena's Citizen of the Year and Business of the Year.

All nominations must be in to the Chamber by close of business this Friday, Nov. 30.

The Altadena Chamber Board of Directors has selected a citizen of the year since 1945. The nominees come from local community-based organizations, Chamber members and local residents. The recipients have been honored at a dinner that also names new Board members and a silent auction that benefits a local non-profit organization. As of this writing, we have not confirmed a date for this celebration but you can mark your calendar for late January, 2013.

The criteria for this selection is a person who has made a significant contribution to the community at large. Last year the Board of Directors also agreed to select a Business/Organization of the year subject to similar criteria. We hope you will help us by selecting a new addition to our list of distinguished honorees as there are assuredly many worthy businesses here in Altadena.

Please feel free to nominate a person, business and/or organization that has worked to make Altadena better. The nominees must live in or operate their business/organization in Altadena, respectively, and may not be a current member of the Board of Directors. Please mail, email or drop off your nominations at the Altadena Community Center by the 11/30/12 deadline. Thank you

We have a link to a pdf copy of the nomination form at our earlier story.

Hallelujah!: Master Chorale celebrates "Baroque Christmas" Dec. 15

The Pasadena Master Chorale, conducted by Altadenan Jeffrey Bernstein, will perform the music of Monteverdi and Handel with a professional barorque orchestra in a Christmas concert on December 15, 7:30 PM.

The Chorale and Orchestra Camerata will perform Monteverdi's "Magnificat" and Handel's "Messiah, Part I."

Soloists include Hayden Eberhart,  soprano; Tania Mandzy, mezzo-soprano;  Arthur Rishi,  tenor; and Scott Graff, baritone.

The concert will be held at the First Congregational Church, 464 E Walnut St., Pasadena.  General admission is $25, seniors $20, students $15, PUSD students and their parents free at the door.

 

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Education committee discusses foster care, group homes Wednesday

The Altadena Town Council Public Education Committee will meet Wednesday, November 28, at 6 p.m. in the Altadena Community Center board room. 

Eric Sahakian, PUSD Director of Child Welfare, Attendance, and Safety, will be present to answer questions about support services for students in foster care or group homes who attend Altadena schools. The March joint meeting of the Altadena Town Council and the PUSD School Board is also on the agenda. 

It's a weekend of art ahead, as Altadena artists shine in galleries, open studios

by Timothy Rutt

This is a busy weekend for Altadena-based artists, with gallery openings and open studio sales this weekend:

• Patrick and Mary Gothard will hold an open studio event on Sun., Dec. 2, from 10 AM-5 PM at 215 Laurel Drive in Altadena.  Over 300 original paintings will be on display along with samplings of homemade textile items.  The studio will be "warmly open so you can plan to sit a spell, have a bite to eat and be surrounded by the aromas and delicious samplings of the holiday season."
• Alta-artist Jane Szabo will be showing her photographs in the LA Art Association's Open Show, a juried exhibition of emerging contemporary art.  Reception will be Sat., Dec. 1, from 6-9 PM at Gallery 825, 825 N. La Cienega Blvd. in Los Angeles, and runs through Jan. 4.
• Open Studio: Kathleen Swaydan and her friends will have a Holiday Art Sale Dec. 1 and 2 at her studio, 3061 Ridgeway Dr. in Altadena.  Artwork includes assemblage, ceramics, collage, hair adornments, handcrafted clothing and jewelry, painting, photography and more.  Artists include Swaydan, Nancy Desmond Armitage, Kate Carvellas, Nina Ehlig, Anita Finnegan, Annie Fourguette, Lisa George, Nancy Halpin, Lisa Houpt, Beverly Jones, Eve Kessler, Heather Morrow, and Lynda Pyka.
• James Griffith triple-header:  the Altadena painter and master of the Folly Bowl will be part of a show called "Under the Influence," works by artists who collect and whose collecting influences their artwork, at El Camino College Art Gallery, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance.  Artist's reception is Thurs., Nov. 29, from 7-9 PM.  Robert S. Hilton, another Altadena artist, is also appearing in this show.
  
  Griffith is also participating in "Small Works" at the Ruth Bachofner Gallery, 2525 Michigan Ave. in Santa Monica. The show runs Dec. 1-Jan. 5, with a reception Saturday, Dec. 1 from 4-7 PM.
  
  Griffith is also showing "small tar paintings" at the Offramp Gallery, 1702 Lincoln Ave. in Pasadena, through Dec. 23, with a closing reception on that date from 2-5 PM.

 

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Village Playgarden Winter Market Dec. 1

from Village Playgarden

We warmly invite the greater community to attend Village Playgarden’s Annual Winter Market – a day of family fun and the opportunity to shop locally!  

Located in Altadena, Village Playgarden is a holistic preschool through kindergarten program and community for young children where learning, creativity, and caring take place in a loving home environment

Winter Market is our largest public fundraiser showcasing local artists and craftspersons, a silent auction, games & activities for children, a healthy café & bake shop, and an entertainment stage.

Join us to shop for yourself and all of your holiday gift giving needs.  At the Winter Market you will find unique handcrafted clothes, jewelry, and accessories; all natural products for the body and home; and various services for the body and soul.

Village Playgarden is located at 3636 Skylane Drive, Altadena, CA. Please dress for comfort – we are located at a beautiful nature interface with un-even ground

More information can be found at our website: www.vpgwintermarket.com.

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Applications still open for community standards committee

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Town Council has extended the deadline for residents to apply for a seat in the Community Standards District Revisioning subcommittee.

The subcommittee will look at the residential and community standards in the light of the 2012 Altadena Visioning document compiled earlier this year.

The application should be returned no later than 5 PM Wed., Dec. 11, for consideration.  It can be mailed no later than Dec. 8.  Applications must be mailed or turned in to the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.

Application after the jump.

Zack will speak at Pasadena Water centennial talk tonight

by Timothy Rutt 

Alta-historian Michele Zack will be one of the speakers tonight at a look at "Pasadena's Water Centennial" at the Pasadena Library, 285 E. Walnut St., Pasadena, starting at 7 PM.

"Pasadena's Century of Influence in Water" will be the topic as "water leaders" and historians discuss  Pasadena's water utility, celebrating its century mark in 2012.

Zack will speak on "The Importance of Municipal Water."  Other speakers include Pasadena vice-mayor Margaret McAustin, Tim Brick (Pasadena's director on the Metropolitan Water District board), John Morris (San Marino's MWD director), and Shan Kwan, water manager for Pasadena Water & Power.

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ACONA meeting tonight: traffic and fire

The Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations (ACONA) meets tonight, and it's about streets, traffic, and fire:

1. Traffic: Paul Barbe, Civil Engineer with the Traffic and Lighting Division of LA County, will discuss traffic issues in Altadena 
2. Highway Patrol: Captain Steven Strull of the California Highway Patrol will also discuss issues related to traffic in Altadena from an enforcement standpoint, and promises to bring a "team" with him to answer your traffic questions. 
3. Fire Safety: Stephanie English, Community Services Liaison for Division III  Fire Station 73 of the Los Angeles County Fire Department will cover fire safety, especially with the Santa Ana winds about to come about. ACONA have also invited Jay Lopez, who is with the Fire Department, who lives in Altadena.

ACONA meets tonight, Nov. 27, at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St., from 7-8:30 PM.

 

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Altadena Mountain Rescue Team recruiting at Eaton Canyon Dec. 2

Two. Million. Page. Views.

Daycare center plan earns ire of neighbors, town council

Poetry/song corner: Two million

A  song  for the next 2 million hits! : )

by gloriana casey
(sung to the tune of "As Time Goes By.")

You must remember this,
a hit  and not a miss,
with  camera's magic eye.
The fundamental things apply.
News makes us high!

And when those  readers, WOW,
you've got the news and how!
Of that we realize!
No matter what the day brings you.
your  key pad flies!

UPDATED: night rescue at Eaton Canyon - one injured, one safe

 

Rescue crews hiked in to Eaton Canyon after dark on Monday, Nov. 26, to rescue two hikers who had fallen. One of the hikers was taken to a local hospital in critical condition. (Courtesy Pasadena Fire Department/Pasadena Sun

 

by Timothy Rutt

Currently (6:45 PM) Altadena Mountain Rescue Team is trying to evacuate an injured hiker from Eaton Canyon.  Based on scanner chatter, the victim will have to be airlifted to the hospital, and crews are trying to move the victim in place for a helicopter extraction.

UPDATE 8 PM: Altadena Station is waiting for the report from AMRT, but says there were two female hikers involved, both safely rescued, details to come.

UPDATE 11/27: The Altadena Sheriff's Station has sent out the following release:

 On November 26, 2012, at approximately 1745 hours, personnel assigned to the Altadena Search and Rescue Team were deployed to Eaton Canyon Falls to search for two female hikers who sustained injuries. The first hiker, who fell approximately 30 feet, sustained what appeared to be two broken femurs, as well as significant head injuries. She was rescued from the canyon by members of the Altadena Search and Rescue team and airlifted to Huntington Memorial Hospital via Los Angeles County Fire Department helicopter. The second hiker, who sustained only minor injuries during the hike, was treated at the scene by Los Angeles County Fire Department paramedics. She was released at the scene.

 

Two. Million. Page. Views.

by Timothy Rutt

Thank you, Altadena!

Sometime during the day, we crossed the threshhold of two million page views.

When we started this site five years ago, we were never quite sure what would happen to it.  This kind of business was relatively new, and our town had lived in benign news neglect for too-many years.  Maybe Altadenans just didn't care about what happened in their town?

We were betting they didn't.  We were betting Altadenans wanted to know what was going on in town council, in local business, in the library, on the streets with crime.  When disaster struck, we were sure you'd want the latest information on what was happening here.

We've never made a better bet.

Thanks first to everyone in our sponsor team, some of the best businesses in the area who serve the people of Altadena with class, professionalism, and unique Altadena flavor.  

Thank you to our civic-minded frequent correspondants who are so generous with their time and their photos:  Bill Westphal, Chris Considine, Steve Gerow, and Gary Altadena rise to the top of the list.

Thank you to our "staff" of regular irregular contributors: Laura Monteros, Erika McCarden, Devon Pettingill, Lizze Slocum, and Michele Zack.

Thank you to all our readers who are our "boots on the ground," sending us tips, on-the-scene reports, pictures and emails.  This is a real community effort, from the community we live in and love.

Yeah, we don't give you recipes, lifestyle tips, news from Sierra Madre or City News Service.  But we're the first and still only website that gives you nothing but Altadena news from our Altadena headquarters. 

We love this work.  We love Altadena.  Now, more than ever!

 

Morning jolt

• Walmart driven out, the poor hardest hit: We're using this parody NY Times headline (which probably originated with Mort Sahl) because we believe the pot needs more stirring:  We found this interesting discussion re: Walmart's effects on a community, especially in lower incomes.  We're less impressed with the idea that a Trader Joe's or Whole Foods should move in to the Altadena location  instead (they weren't interested, and they appeal to a higher-income demographic),and this offers some counter-arguments to frequent talking points used by the anti-Walmart groups. Worth looking at.
• Thanksgiving memories: Altadena's doyenne of letters Michelle Huneven offers this memoir in the LA Times of Thaksgivings past.
• MIllard Canyon close to deadline:  The Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy says that they were only $16,060 shy of their goal to raise $675,000 to purchase lower Millard Canyon.  State agencies, local organizations, certain individuals, and even the landowner have chipped in, and they're looking for individuals to close the gap.  Deadline is Nov. 30.  Please click here for more information or to donate. 

 

Altadena Mountain Rescue Team recruiting at Eaton Canyon Dec. 2

A sheriff's rescue helicopter helps the Altadena Mountain Rescue Team save a mountain biker in this undated photo from AMRT.

by Timothy Rutt

 

If you live in Altadena, you know that rescuing errant hikers is a too-frequent occurance.  But have you ever wanted to be one of the rescuers?

The Altadena Mountain Rescue Team is holding a membership drive on Sun., Dec. 2, at the Eaton Canyon Nature Center, 1750 N. Altadena Dr. in Pasadena from 10 AM-2 PM.

Headquartered at the Altadena Sheriff's Station, the team is staffed by reserve deputies and is operational 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  On average, the Altadena Mountain Rescue Team assists approximately 100 lost or injured hikers and conducts almost 40 searches and rescues every year. In addition to those rescues within Los Angeles County, the team has also participated in rescue operations throughout California, and in New York, Hawaii, and Mexico.

The team conducts weekend patrols of the mountain areas within its jurisdiction, namely the 20 canyons behind Altadena and Pasadena. Members are assigned weekend duty on a rotating basis, which averages once every month. These patrols ensure a quick response to emergencies during a time when they are most likely to occur, and serve as a means of fire prevention and mountain safety.

Established in 1951, the Altadena Mountain Rescue Team is the oldest organization of its kind in Los Angeles County. The Altadena Mountain Rescue Team is a nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to saving lives through mountain rescue and safety education. It has been a member unit of the Sheriff's Department Reserve Forces Bureau since 1956.

To learn more about the organization, meet members of the team, see rescue demonstrations, and learn how you can help, come to the membership drive Sunday. For more information, please visit the team website at www.amrt.org.

 

Altadena sheriff's station offers tips for "Cyber Monday"

from the Altadena Sheriff Station

One of the biggest online shopping days of the year is “Cyber Monday”. Cyber Monday is a marketing term for the Monday following Black Friday, created by companies to encourage people to shop online. Shopping online is an extremely convenient way to purchase your holiday gifts and the Altadena Sheriff’s Station wants you to remember safety tips while shopping online: 

• Shop at secure websites. When paying, make sure the website address begins with https (the “s” at the end means it’s secure). It also means the website encrypts the information it sends. 
• Packages that sit on a porch or door step are more likely to be stolen. There have been cases where thieves will drive behind a delivery truck and wait for the driver to leave the package on the porch or doorstep and then steal the package. 
• If possible, send the package to a relative or neighbor that is home during the day and is expecting the package. 
• Always try to request signature confirmation on deliveries. This will ensure that the delivery person won’t leave the package unattended. 
• Send packages to your work rather than your home. This will ensure that you receive the package or someone will sign for it if you are not available. 
• If you prefer to shop in the store, remember the holidays are a busy time of year and everyone has a lot on their mind. Criminals are looking to take advantage of you while you are at your busiest. 
• Remember these tips when you’re out shopping for your holiday gifts: 
• A woman should hold her purse close to her body, with the opening facing toward her. When walking with another person, the purse should be held between the two. 
• Stow your purchases in the trunk of your vehicle. You may be tempted to throw your purchases in the back seat of your vehicle and return to continue shopping. If your purchases are in plain view, you may return to find your car windows smashed and your presents stolen. 
• Save your most expensive purchases for last, so you can head straight home. 
• Never leave your purchases unattended, even for a few minutes. 
• If you see any suspicious activity either close to your home, or while you are out shopping, call the Altadena Sheriff’s station at (626) 798-1131 or 9-1-1 in an emergency. 

Arts Council call for artists for new exhibit space

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Arts Council marks an important stage of its development on Sun., Dec. 16. with the opening of its new Community Arts Center at 2460 Lake Ave.

The arts center, in the Websters complex on North Lake Avenue, will open with the exhibit, "Artists from the North," featuring works by artists from Altadena, Pasadena, and foothill area communities.

Executive Director Mary Ann Stevenson says that “After so many years of operating out of our home, we (she and co-founder, Gene Stevenson) wanted to make the first official event in our own facility ... one which serves as a tribute to the many talented artists residing in our community who struggle, as we do, for the love of art.”  

According to a press release from the Arts Council, this will be a juried exhibition limited to artists  artists residing in Altadena, Pasadena and the foothill area communities, working in all traditional and non-traditional media.  All artwork must be original in concept, design and execution.  Acceptable entries include paintings, drawings, collage, print work, assemblage and photography and all work, if selected, must be ready to hang.  Sculptures as well as assemblages will be accepted. Sculpture should not exceed 3x3x3 and must be accompanied by a pedestal of 3x3x3. Assemblages that cannot be hung must also be accompanied with a pedestal.  All selections for the exhibit will be based on the discretion of the Community Arts Center Committee. 

Interested artists are invited to bring three pieces of their work for consideration to the Altadena Community Arts Center, 2460 North Lake Ave.  Entries will be accepted Monday, Nov. 26  through Thurs., Nov. 29, from 5-7 PM.  Entries will be received no later than 7:00pm.  The jury selection process will take one (1) week to complete.  Notice of acceptance or non-acceptance of work will be made on Sat., Dec. 1,  or by phone if no e-mail available.  A signature confirmation will be provided upon receipt of art work.  Selected entrants will participate in a collective exhibition at the Altadena Community Arts Center. The exhibition period will be Dec. 16, 2012, through Jan. 18, 2013. 

For questions/further information concerning the "Artists From the North" Exhibition, call (626) 797-5798. 

Ed. note: we were given a non-working website address for entry forms -- we have requested a correction, and will put it up once we receive it.

Crime Stoppers warns of buying counterfeit goods

from Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers

With the holiday shopping season here, Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers is warning consumers about the dangers of buying counterfeit goods such as DVDs, CDs, computers, designer purses, clothing, jewelry and other items. 

Crime Stoppers, a non-profit organization, has partnered with law enforcement and a number of companies to combat counterfeiting and piracy in Los Angeles County. This anti-counterfeiting initiative increases public awareness, education, and provides communities with the means to anonymously report counterfeiting and piracy. 

Counterfeiting and piracy crimes are a growing problem in Los Angeles County. As many consumers have found out, counterfeit items are often poor quality, and if they break, there’s no return policy from the seller. Black market tobacco products, drugs and pet food also pose health risks to consumers. 

What consumers may not know is that organized crime, including street gangs, are a major part of the counterfeit merchandise sales market. The profits from counterfeit merchandise sales can be higher than drug sales profits. The penalties are much lighter than traditional crimes such as drug dealing. 

Clear your library fines and help out the sheriff's food and toy drive through Dec. 8

by Timothy Rutt

Help out in those in need this season -- and maybe get some good karma thrown your way, too!

The Altadena Library is offering a chance to clear out your fines by participating in the Altadena Sheriff Station's annual holiday food and toy drive.

Starting Monday, Nov. 26, through Friday, Dec. 8, bring non-perishable food or new toys to the Library to help wipe away your library fines (the schedule is on the graphic).  For example, six canned goods, three non-perishables, and three toys will clear up to $50 in fines -- not a bad way to make a clean start for 2013!

Bring your donations to the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. , or Bob Lucas Branch Library, 2659 N. Lincoln Ave. 

 

 

Farnsworth Park collecting new toys until Dec. 19

by TImothy Rutt

Farnsworth Park is collecting new toys from now until Dec. 19, to help brighten the holiday of children in struggling families.

Please bring your toys to the park office from 10 AM-5 PM.

 

Altadena Junction: 'tis the season

A first look at the holidays in Altadena this week (and yes, we know that Thusday is the 29th, not the 26th, but we were still recovering from turkey overload when we wrote that ...)

Altadena groups join Black Friday anti-Walmart protests

 

Members of Neighbors Building a Better Altadena put up a sign near the site of the Walmart Neighborhood Market on Black Friday, Nov. 23. Photo: Monica Hubbard.

 

 

by Timothy Rutt

Members of Neighbors Building a Better Altadena took part in Black Friday demonstrations against Walmart labor practices.

A contingent of NBBA members put signs up near the site of the Walmart Neighborhood Market now under construction at Lincoln Avenue and Figueroa Street in Altadena, before carpooling to Paramount to join a demonstration there.  NBBA's Monica Hubbard reported "lots of marching, chanting, short speeches from Walmart workers and others; hard to hear due to the PA system."

LA Times has a story about the Paramount rally here.

Adolfo Flores of the LA Times Newspaper Group covers a protest at the Duarte store here where another local anti-Walmart group, SaveAltadena, participated.

 

Poetry corner: Bobcat ramble

"MaryEllen and  Bob"

from gloriana casey

In KINGDOM ----Animalia,
PHYLUM--------- is Chordata.
Now,  look around your backyard then,
maybe one you've gotta!

MAMMALIA ---is the Class, you see,
ORDER---------Carnivora!,
 He eats up those small rodents then;
Gopher kind--he'll  score-a!

Pet of the week: Sheeka

 At a recent Board of Supervisors meeting, Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich presents “Sheeka,” a 4 month-old Husky/Terrier Mix – one of many pets available for adoption now.  For more information about adopting a pet, please call the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control at 562-728-4610. 

 

NAACP Veteran's Seminar/Workshop Dec. 15

The Altadena Branch NAACP Veterans Committee will hold a seminar/workshop on Sat., Dec. 15, at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr..

Information will be shared about veteran's benefits, including burial and memorial, dependent and survivor healthcare benefits, education and training, women's health, PTSD, store discounts, VA healthcare benefits, and many other topics.

If you or your family member is a veteran from any theater of conflict, including the war on terror, Kosovo, Iraq or Afghanistan, this is for you.

RSVP preferred, but all are welcome.  Call 626-791-4745 or 626-794-7999, or email Nat Haynes at: lr2422@earthlink.net.

 

 

Altadena Community Church offers Advent centering prayer

Thursdays in Advent season, starting next week, the Altadena Community Church is offering centering prayer at the church's Jesus Chapel, from 7-8 PM.

Centering Prayer will be offered on Nov. 29 and Dec. 6, 13, and 20 at the church, 943 E. Altadena Drive.  For more information, call 626-798-1185.

Olympic bell ringers to perform holiday concert at Library Dec. 11

from the Altadena Library

Not many bell ringers ever get to show their stuff at the Olympics, but the Mark Twain Middle School Bell Ringers performed not once but five times in London as part of a national bell-ringing extravaganza that opened last summer’s games and gave four other Olympic performances as well.  They returned home to even further acclaim when the Los Angeles City Council proclaimed October 4 as Mark Twain Bell Ringer Day. 

Twain Music Director Ron Theile says of all their accomplishments, “Hard work pays off…I am the one who's supposed to coach them in that direction. They know what they want to sound like… And they've never been wrong."

You are invited to hear these young performers who are in such great demand in all their bell-ringing glory at the Altadena Library’s holiday concert on Tuesday, December 11 at 7 PM This free program is sponsored by the Friends of the Altadena Library and is sure to be delightful evening for all ages.  The Altadena Main Library is located at 600 East Mariposa Street.  For more information, visit www.altadenalibrary.org or call 626-798-0833.

 

On the hunt for some holiday .... gopher

MaryEllen Schoeman shares this picture of a bobcat visitor to her Meadows yard:

Saw this lovely creature hanging out on the hill behind my house on Thanksgiving - I am thankful that he is there, as he seems to be helping me with my gopher problem!

It's Small Business Saturday

by Timothy Rutt

After surviving Black Friday, it's time to give some support to the local small businesses in Altadena that help provide jobs and bring character to our town.

The Altadena Chamber of Commerce is promoting "Small Business Saturday," a promotion from American Express, that urges you to make some of our holiday purchases (heck, some of your everyday purchases) from local merchants.

Many of the local participants will have "Small Business Saturday" welcome mats at the door, but you don't need the mats to shop small and local today!

In that spirit, we're passing along this editorial about buying from local business by Tom Prete, a fellow local news publisher whose Ocean Beach Bulletin covers the western edge of San Francisco.

Family fun at the Library: decorate a graham cracker gingerbread house Dec. 4

The Library kicks off a month of holiday fun with an activity for the whole family:  a "gingerbread" house decorating party on Tues., Dec. 4.

It's not really gingerbread -- it's graham crackers, which you can assemble using frosting and candy into the holiday house of your dreams.

Sponsored by Friends of the Library, it starts at 6:30 PM at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. 

 

Sheriff looking for public's help in Thanksgiving shooting

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Sheriff's Station has put out a public appeal for help on Thursday afternoon's drive-by shooting of two men on west Altadena Drive.

Our earlier story is here.

According to a press release, the station is asking the public for any information regarding the shooter's vehicle, described as a full-size van with Oregon license plates, occupied by two black male adults.

If you have information about the assault, call the Altadena Sheriff's Station at 626-798-1131. 

Or if you wish to remain Anonymous, call “LA Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the website  http://lacrimestoppers.org 

Gas Co. offers tips on how to spot utility worker imposters, avoid CO2 poisoning

from Southern California Gas Co.

As preparations begin for the holiday season, Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) is reminding its customers of important safety tips to keep friends and loved ones safe during the holidays and year-round.

Customers should be vigilant and question anyone who presents themselves as a representative of SoCalGas. The following tips can help you protect your home from utility-worker imposters:

• All SoCalGas employees carry proper photo identification when called out to any job. 
• Verify the employee's uniform and identification before letting anyone in the home or on their property. Most field employees also drive a company vehicle.
• Customer safety is a top priority for SoCalGas and employees will always be happy to wait while the customer confirms their identity.
• Never leave the house unlocked and unattended. SoCalGas does not ask customers to leave their homes unattended.
• Most of the time a SoCalGas employee visits a home or business in response to a service request. If no one scheduled an appointment, call SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200 (or 1-800-342-4545 in Spanish) before allowing anyone inside the home or property.

As temperatures drop, another threat to safety is carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. CO poisoning can occur as a result of a poorly ventilated heater or a CO leak from another source. Symptoms can include nausea, headaches, paralysis and even death. SoCalGas wants its customers to remember the following tips to help prevent CO poisoning:

Two wounded in drive-by shooting Thursday

by Timothy Rutt

Sheriffs are looking for two suspects in a Thursday afternoon drive-by shooting that left two wounded.

A sheriff's spokesman said that a black full-size van with Oregon plates drove up to a house at the 150 block of West Aldadena Drive at about 3:20 PM Thursday.  According to the spokesman, no words were exchanged, but the suspects in the vehicle -- described as two African American males -- fired at the two male victims and sped away westbound on Altadena Drive.

Both victims were treated at the scene.  One victim was released at the scene, and the other was taken to Huntington Hospital where he is expected to make a full recovery, the spokesman said.

 

Abandoned cat on Beverly Way

Heartbreaking story, this. Reader Dan emails:

While walking our dogs, we noticed an abandoned cat at a house that has been foreclosed. The cat is very friendly. If you walk up to the house, it runs up to the front door waiting to be let in. We've been feeding it (along with some other neighbors) for the last week waiting for the owners to come get it. It's been a week, so I think this poor guy's on his own. If anyone is interested, go by the house, the cat is usually near the front porch.

The house is at 916 Beverly Way.

 

Altadena sheriff station offers holiday crime prevention tips

from the Altadena Sheriff's Station

Captain John Benedict and the men and women of the Altadena Sheriff’sStation wish you a happy holiday season and offer these reminders for a safe and crime-free holiday season. 

Always 
• Remain aware of your surroundings, at home, in parking lots, in your driveway, in stores, everywhere you go. 
• Keep records of your credit/debit card numbers and phone numbers in a safe place in case you need to report a stolen or lost card. 

Shopping Safety 
• When shopping, take only what you need--identification and the credit card or debit card you intend to use. 
• Don’t carry large amounts of cash; carry only the amount you need. 
• Stay alert! Be aware. Pay attention to activity around you.  Busy and distracted shoppers are a target for any criminal looking for an easy opportunity. 
• Park in well lighted areas. 
• Lock your vehicle. 
• Do not leave your purse or any other valuables in a shopping cart unattended. 
• Do not leave items in plain view. 
“Window shopping” thieves will break vehicle windows to get your valuables.
• Do not carry a purse or wallet that has long straps that dangle. 
• Carry your purse/wallet close and tight to your body. 
• Put a wallet in an inside pocket of your jacket or front pants pocket. 
• Have your car keys in hand and ready to use when you reach your vehicle. 
• When you arrive home from a shopping trip, have your keys ready to use when you approach the door.  Don’t be digging in your purse or shuffling packages to get to your keys. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Have a wonderful holiday with those you love.  We will be having the same, so entries will be light today.

Poetry corner: Thanksgiving, turkey

   " Ode to Tom Turkey"

        from gloriana casey

Dear Tom: this day we celebrate;
this dinner it is blessed.
A cornucopia of foods
within each family's nest.

Now Tom, you are the bigger bird,
much bigger than the hen.
Big celebration rates big bird
in households full of kin.

There are two turkeys we don't eat,
tradition will decree;
a Presidential Pardon too!
Those turkeys will live free.

Wild Toms are almost all dark meat;
the breast meat is that too.
Light meat or dark, the choice is twain,
if factory farm is you.

Champions for CERT

The Altadena Community Emergency Response Team was honored at Tuesday night's town council meeting for their outstanding performance in triage during a CERT competition in Burbank last month.  Altadena Sheriff Capt. John Benedict, on the far right, gave certificates honoring team members for their performance.

Town council wants local hearings on day care center site

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena town council agreed at Tuesday night’s meeting to send a letter telling the regional planning commission that the applicant for a planned day care facility at 3311 Canyon Crest Dr. has not been before the town council since their plans were revised. 

The application for a conditional use permit for the property, on a busy corner, was turned down by the town council in 2006 and 2007, according to former councilman Dennis Bridwell, who spoke at last night's meeting.

The application has since been revised and resubmitted to county planners without going through Altadena’s land use committee or town council. According to council member Diane Marcussen, who spoke with county staff, the applicant has said that they will not come before the Altadena bodies in seeking approval for their day care center.  As the Altadena bodies are only advisory, no applicant legally has to go through approvals in Altadena -- only the county planning committee and board of supervisors have thumb’s-up or -down power to approve permits.

Ever since an announcement for a county hearing went up on the property, neighbors have registered objections to allowing a permit. The single-family residence, which plans to take in 28 children, is without sidewalks and is at the corner of the only entrance and exit roads to the Meadows and La Vina neighborhoods. Marcussen said that, due to county schedules, the planned December county hearing for the day care center will probably be delayed at least until January 15.

 

 

Gov. Brown appoints Altadenan Landolph to health commitee

 

Dr. Joseph R. Landolph

Gov. Jerry Brown has re-appointed Joseph R. Landolph, 64, of Altadena to the Carcinogen Identification Committee, where he has served since 1993, according to a press release from the governor's office.

 

Landolph has been associate professor of molecular microbiology, immunology and pathology and associate professor of molecular pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences at the University of Southern California since 1987. He is a member of the University of Southern California, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center at the Keck School of Medicine. Landolph earned a doctorate degree in chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Landolph is a Democrat. 

Two juveniles detained in Altadena burglary

by Timothy Rutt

Officers of the Pasadena Police Department arrested two 17-year-olds at John Muir High School Tuesday afternoon when the youths were found with items linked to an Altadena burglary.

According to the Altadena Sheriff's Station, officers were investigating a report of marijuana possession on or near the campus of John Muir High School.  During the course of the investigation, officers discovered the suspects in possession of an iPad and iPhone, along with women's jewelry.  It was discovered that the items had come from a residence on the 3200 block of Thurin Avenue in Altadena, which had not yet reported a burglary.

The 59-year-old victim was contacted, and confirmed that her home had been burglarized.  She was transported to the school where she identified the stolen items and the two suspects, whom she'd seen loitering around her home before the burglary occured.

Both suspects were taken into custody by Altadena deputies and were booked for residential burglary.  They were eventually released to famly members, according to the sheriff's station.  Both are scheduled to be arraigned in January.