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First Presbyterian Church celebrates its neighborhood b-ball court April 27

First Presbyterian  Church of Altadena is celebrating the grand opening of its new neighborhood basketball court with a neighborhood barbecue and basketball event on Saturday, April 27, from  2-6 PM.

There will be basketball games, lawn games, and a free barbecue for the neighborhood. Get to know your neighbors!

First Presbyterian Church of Altadena is at 2775 Lincoln Ave. The event is sponsored by Team Pasadena, a travel basketball team, and Stepping Into the Light, a ministry of First Presbyterian Church.

 

Boadacious Living Center announces April schedule

It's a full roster of classes at Revell Revati's Bodacious Living Center in Altadena in April.

There will be several Intro to Fitness over 40 beginner and intermediate classes from April 17 to April 30,  as well as classes in how to defeat self-sabotage and losing weight. Click graphic for more details.

Classes are in a private home in Altadena,  cost $10 cash each, and last approximately 45 minutes. Please call or email to reserve your spot: 818-824-4422, or Revell@gmail.com.

 

"Cabana Nights" is Altadena Christian Children's Center fundraiser April 27

The Altadena Christian Children's Center, and early childhood education program that serves over 60 infants, toddlers, and preschool age children, will have a silent and live auction fundraiser at Mijares Restaurant on April 27.

"Cabana Nights" also features salsa dancing lessons, and music and dancing into the night at the restaurant, 145 Palmetto Drive, Pasadena.

Join us for an evening of camera artery as we celebrate ACCC and the children we have served since 1982.

 Price is $75 per ticket, and the event is from 6 PM to 10 PM.

For more information call 626-792-2763.

 

Eliot Middle School holds e-waste roundup April 27

Eliot MIddle School, 2184 N. Lake Avenue, will hold a free e-waste recycling event on Saturday, April 27, from 9 AM-3 PM.

Acceptable items include computers, monitors, laptops, printers, scanners, copiers, televisions, LCDs, DVD players, fax machines, power supplies, rechargeable batteries, and old cell and landline phones.

For more information call 909-591-8408.

 

PUSD looking to fill vacant at-large school board seat

from the Pasadena Unified School District

The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) Board of Education approved an appointment process to fill the soon to be vacant at large PUSD Board of Education seat at its regular meeting on April 9. Kimberly Kenne, who won the election for the new geographic subdistrict Seat 5 in March, will vacate her current Board of Education Seat 4 on May 6.

To qualify for an appointment to the PUSD Board of Education, applicants must be registered to vote at an address within the boundaries of PUSD, complete an application available online at www.pusd.us or at district headquarters and submit a resume. The application and resume must be received by 5 p.m. on May 10, 2013 and can be mailed or delivered to:

Office of the Superintendent

Pasadena Unified School District

351 South Hudson Avenue, Room 222

Pasadena, CA  91109

Applicants may reside anywhere within the boundaries of PUSD. Visit gopusd.com/locator to determine if an address is within the district’s boundaries. The Board of Education is tentatively scheduled to conduct interviews and select the replacement board member on June 4. The new member selected by the PUSD Board of Education will assume office in early July and will serve until May 4, 2015.

PUSD’s at large board districts became geographic subdistricts encompassing Pasadena, Altadena, Sierra Madre and portions of unincorporated Los Angeles County after the passage of Measure A last June. Elections for geographic subdistricts 1, 3, 5 and 7 took place in March 2013 (a runoff for subdistrict 3 will be on April 16) and elections for geographic subdistricts 2, 4 and 6 will be in 2015. Details about the appointment process and timeline, application forms and information about Measure A are available at www.pusd.us.

PUSD's kindergarten registration and readiness fair April 20

from the Pasadena Unified School District

Families can register prospective kindergarten students and learn how to get ready for the first day of school at the Pasadena Unified School District’s (PUSD) Kindergarten Registration and Readiness Fair Saturday, April 20 from 9 AM-12 PM. Parents and incoming students can meet PUSD kindergarten teachers, learn about summer “kinder prep” options and get up to date with required immunizations.

“We invite parents and new kindergarten students to learn about PUSD so that children enter school prepared to do their very best,” said Superintendent Jon R. Gundry. “The teachers and staff of PUSD look forward to partnering with parents in this first step of their child’s journey through K-12 education.”

At this event parents and students can:

·         Register for the 2013-2014 academic year

·         Get free immunizations needed for kindergarten (Medi-Cal eligible and uninsured only)

·         Discover kindergarten preparation summer programs including those offered by PEF

·         Learn about transitional kindergarten options for children with fall birthdays

·         Get tips on helping students and parents get ready for the first day of school

·         Obtain information about PUSD’s school breakfast and lunch programs

·         Meet and connect with other current and incoming PUSD parents

·         Receive free school supplies from PUSD’s Families in Transition

The event will take place in the Rose City High School Great Room at PUSD’s Central Office located at 351 S. Hudson Ave. in Pasadena. Free parking is available in the PUSD north lot on Del Mar Blvd. and south lot on Oak Knoll Ave. Admission is free. All families attending the Kindergarten Fair on April 20 will receive a readiness packet with fun activities for students to prepare for school. Spanish language translation will be available.

Graphic novel club meets at Library April 25

The Altadena Library's Teen Graphic Novel Book club meets on Thurs., April 25, at the Community Room of the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. 

The club, open to all teens ages 13-17, starts at 4 PM.  To learn more, stop by the Youth Reference Desk.  It's fun, FREE, and easy.  Space is limited, so sign up today.

 

"Which One Am I?" looks at personality disorders at Coffee Gallery Backstage

Here's something different: Darrell Jackson and Thomas Smith will have a presentation at the Coffee Gallery Backstage on Sunday, April 21 at 3 PM. The presentation will feature readings from the couple's book, "Which One Am I?" The book details Jackson's life with Disassociative Identity Disorder ('DID). Also featured is Kelly Zirbes from the band Kelly's Lot. The Coffee Gallery is at 2029 N. Lake Avenue.

 

www.WhichOneAmI.net

Ensemble premieres "Shakespeare's Lovers" at Descanso Gardens April 20

by Timothy Rutt

The California Shakespeare Ensemble, which will be in residence at Farnsworth Park this summer, is premiering "Shakespeare's Lovers" at Descanso Gardens on Saturday, April 20.

The ensemble performs the best love scenes from the Bard's work at 3 PM.  The performance is free with admission to the park.

Missing dog, west Marigold Street

Briget's dog, "Fancy," went missing from the family home on Marigold Street April 12. Very small black dog, losing her hair, about eight years old.  Last seen in the backyard, and no idea how she got out.  Any clues?  Call 626-255-9466.

 

"The Hobbit" is the Library's Friday Fun Flick April 26

"The Hobbit," the prequel to "Lord of the Rings" and the first of a trilogy of films adapting the J.R.R. Tolkien children's classic, is the April Friday Fun Flick at the Altadena Library on April 26.

The adventure follows Bibo Baggins' quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom from the dragon, Smaug.  Rated PG-13, the film runs 2 hours 26 minutes.  Yes, there will be drinks and popcorn available.

The movie starts at 3:30 PM, and admission is free.  The film will be screened at the Community Room of the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. 

 

Washington MIddle School to celebrate Jackie Robinson Monday

 

Chris Larson (of the Rancho Bar) shares this picture of his grandfather, William Wyper, and Jackie Robinson: "He grew up on Glenrose in Altadena, and over on Poppyfields as well, and went to Washington Jr High & Muir Tech (as it was know then) with Jackie Robinson. My grandfather is the tall one next to Jackie in this pic. I thought it might be an interesting part of Altadena history to share."

 

 

by Timothy Rutt

Washington MIddle School will host Sharon Robinson, daughter of Jackie Robinson, on Monday, April 15, to share lessons of her father's legacy with students and staff.

Robinson attended Washington MIddle School and John Muir High School in the 1930's.

160 Washington Middle School students participated in a special Breaking Barriers essay contest sponsored by the Jackie Robinson Foundation, Major League Baseball (MLB) and Scholastic. Students wrote about barriers they have faced and how they used values demonstrated by Jackie Robinson such as commitment, citizenship, determination, courage, determination, excellence, justice, persistence, teamwork, and integrity to achieve their goals. At the assembly, Sharon Robinson will speak to the students about how her father broke barriers in baseball and society and discuss her book Jackie Robinson: American Hero.

Sharon Robinson will be at Washington Middle School Auditorium, 1505 N Marengo Ave., Pasadena, at 9 AM.

April 15 is Jackie Robinson Day at ballparks around the country, commemorating his first major league game at at Ebbets Field on April 15, 1947. On this day every player and on-field personnel where Robinsons retired number 42 to commemorate him. There will be special activities at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles and Angels Stadium in Anaheim on that day as well.

 

Altadena Guild's 62nd home tour looks at Midlothian/Meadowbrook May 5

 

Visitors line up for the 2010 Altadena Guild home tour.

The Altadena Guild of Huntington Memorial Hospital will host its 62nd Annual Home Tour on Sunday, May 5.

 

This year’s home tour includes four homes located near the intersection of Midlothian Drive and Meadowbrook Road.  Three of the homes are examples of classic Spanish Revival architecture. The fourth house, built of stucco and wood with a broad second floor balcony, exhibits architectural elements traditionally associated with the California Monterey style.

Built at the height of the Depression, each of the homes contains unique architectural details that give the residences their individual character.

All four homes are located on large lots surrounded by lush gardens with sweeping views of the San Gabriel Mountains.

On the day of the home tour, guests may visit the Tea Garden for their complimentary dessert, enjoy a libation and snack at the Altadini Bistro Bar or browse a variety of antique and craft booths for unusual clothing, gifts and accessories.

The Altadena Annual Home Tour is the longest continuously running home tour operating in Southern California. Funds raised from the home tour and the guild’s other philanthropic events support the Huntington Medical Research Institutes (HMRI) which operates nine research programs focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of breast, colon and prostate cancer, stroke, heart disease, epilepsy, profound deafness, liver disease, migraine headache, sleep apnea, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, scholarships for Huntington staff career development and the Appearance Center affiliated with the hospital’s oncology program.

The Home Tour will be held on May 5th from 10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Tickets are $30.00 per person; $35.00 the day of the event.  Tickets may be purchased online through the guild website: www.altadenaguild.org, by calling (626) 304-4678 or purchased locally at Webster’s Pharmacy (2450 North Lake Avenue in Altadena) and at the Huntington Hospital Gift Shop (100 W. California Blvd. in Pasadena).

Altadena Town Council receives updates from Edison, MonteCedro

by Timothy Rutt

Doesn't look like there's any action at the April Altadena town Council meeting, but there will be reports and updates from Southern California Edison, MonteCedro, and Athens Waste.

The Altadena Town Council meets Tuesday, April 16 at 7 PM at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.

Agenda after the jump.

Fish & Wildlife says "leave young wildlife alone"

from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife

During this season of rebirth and renewal, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) reminds people to leave young wildlife alone if they see them in the outdoors. The improper handling of young wildlife is a problem in California and across the nation, especially in spring.

“Many people don’t realize that it is illegal to keep California native wildlife as pets,” said Nicole Carion, CDFW’s statewide coordinator for wildlife rehabilitation. “Never assume when see young wildlife alone that they need assistance. Possibly, their mother is simply out foraging for food. If you care, leave them there.”

Healthy fawns may lay or stand quietly by themselves in one location for hours while their mother is away feeding. Once a fawn is removed from its mother, it can lose the ability to survive in the wild. The same danger applies to most animals, including bears, coyotes, raccoons and most birds.

Crime blotter: home and vehicle burglaries

Cars and homes hit this week.  Crime blotter from the Altadena Sheriff Station.

Monday, April 1

4:30 AM – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 1500 block of N. Roosevelt Avenue. Loss: currency. ***Possibly suspect vehicle described as a black or dark blue sports car, last seen southbound on Roosevelt Av*** 

Between 8:00 PM and 7:30 AM (Tuesday) – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 2100 block of N. Holliston Avenue. Vehicles were unlocked. Loss: sunglasses and personal care items. 

Tuesday, April 2

Between 9:30 AM and 6:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2700 block of Highview Avenue. Loss: laptop and desktop computers. 

Between 5:00 PM and 8:15 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 700 block of E. Morada Place. Loss: watch and currency. 

Between 8:09 PM and 8:20 PM – A vehicle burglary occurred at Super King Market, 2260 N. Lincoln Avenue. Loss: iPad 2 and an iPad Mini. 

Thursday, April 4 

Between 12:10 AM and 4:00 AM – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 2200 block of N. Maiden Lane. Loss: MP3 charger. 

Between 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM – A grand theft occurred in the 2100 block of Casitas Avenue. Suspect described as a male, Hispanic, 25-26 yrs, brown hair, brown eyes stole the victim’s mountain bike. 

Between 5:00 PM and 6:00 AM (Friday) – A grand theft of an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 2300 block of Marengo Avenue. Loss: handgun, Sirius Satellite radio, jacket, and briefcase. 

Saturday, April 6th 

Between 5:00 PM and 11:00 AM (Sunday) – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 2600 block of N. Raymond Avenue. Loss: gym bag, wallet, credit cards, currency. 

Library: It's Poetry & Cookies time at the Senior Center April 27

from the Altadena Library District

Enjoy a delightful afternoon at Poetry and Cookies, the Altadena Library’s annual poetry program, which will feature poems by Linda Dove, the library’s laureate, readings by local poets, cookies, and free raffles for great prizes.

This free event sponsored by the Friends of the Altadena Library will take place on Saturday, April 27 at 2 PM. at the Altadena Senior Center. 

The library’s 2013 edition of Poetry and Cookies, a compilation of the poems read that day, will also be available for sale. Following the program there will also be a short open mic.

The Altadena Senior Center is located at 560 East Mariposa Street, just west of the main Altadena Library.  For more information, please call 626-798-0833 x 115 or check the library’s website at http://www.altadenalibrary.org.

 

Weekendin': Food Trucks and Whiffenpoofs

And who doesn't like saying "Whiffenpoof?" But first, a word or two from our sponsors:

Fun  & Games: It's Fun and Games Friday today for teens & tweens ages 11-17 at the Altadena Library this afternoon.  Come play board and card games (bring your own if you like), enjoy some snacks, and hang out gaming.  Therell be a Wii and RockBand available.It starts at 4 PM Friday, April 12, at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. 

Fancy Food Truck Friday returns:  It's back: Fancy Food Truck Friday, sponsored by Webster's Community Pharmacy and Webster's Liquors, from 5-9 PM tonight.    In addition, customers will enjoy 20% special savings at Webster’s RX Gift Boutique and Webster’s Liquors. This sale is held exclusively during Fancy Food Truck Fridays only.  The Danny's Farm mobile petting zoo will also be there from 6-8 PM, so meet the friendly animals.

The food truck line-up for tonight is:

• Roll N Lobster
• Rosas's Bella Cucina
• Hungry Nomad
• Baby's Badass Burgers
• Me So Hungry
• Sugar Babies Cupcakery

Olive you:  Webster's Fine Stationers will also be  celebrating Fancy Food Truck Friday, as Beyond the Olive oil merchants will be there for a tasting event from 5-8 PM.  

The Webster's complex is at 2450 N. Lake Avenue.  There is limited parking in the Webster's lot, and ample parking in the street.

Recycled Fashion:  Scissors Paper Rock Salon & Boutique presents the recycled,  one-of-a-kind fashion of Rico Adair in a trunk show this Saturday, April 13, from 9 AM-4 PM (examples pictured).  There will be refreshments, raffle prizes, and more.  The boutique is at 1864-1866 N. Allen Avenue.

 

Dog is my co-pilot:  Last night, the Pasadena Humane Society held a sold out fundraiser/lecture at the historic Keyes Bungalow in Altadena, which also happens to be the home of dog social scientist Jane Brackman, Ph.D, whom you may know from these pages as Dr. Barkman.  Dr. B. delivered a humorous talk on the basic, nagging dog questions (Why do they shake?  Why do they wag their tails?  What dogs don't shed? Can they see TV?)  For your erudition, she has gathered the answers to these and other questions on her website, Dr. Barkman Speaks.

Morning jolt

• Park Service/Forest Service plan questioned: Rep. Judy Chu is asking questions about a new joint management proposal between the Forest Service and the National Park Service for jointly manage an area in the San Gabriel Mountains, says the LA Times. The proposal would allow the cash-strapped Forest Service to draw upon NPS's resources for additional law enforcement, signage, trail maintenance and services.   Louis Sahagun at the LA Times has details..
• Women of Distinction:  Speaking of Judy Chu, the congresswoman has hosted her fourth annual Women of Distinction awards or women in her district. Among the awardees is Altadena's Inger Miller: Olympic gold medalist and former Rose Princess, Miller and her business partner moved their Miller-Hawkins Productions event planning company from downtown LA to Altadena, and donate their services to Five Acres.  More here.

 

Altadena student filmmaker looking for actors, crew for PSA

Anne Moebes is an Altadena student filmmaker at Glendale Community College  who is directing a  public service announcement for a charity in New York State that empowers girl through sports.

She is looking for nonunion, volunteer actors and crew for her student project. No pay, but you will get a reel,  potential exposure and it's for a good cause.

Looking for:

1. Actors:  females age 14-24  (minority ethnicities preferred but not required) to play one of three roles which will be shot at Glendale Community College on May 3, will be in studio for about an hour. She needs to get audition tapes ASAP, and needs to cast by April 26.

2. Production assistants: please send statement of interest and note any relevant experience.

3, Boom operator: please send statement of interest and note any relevant experience.

Please email for script and details regarding how to submit short audition videos, by cell phone or YouTube link.

Emails can be sent to banjodancing@gmail.com

Fète does its stuff for Altadena Farmer's Market

 

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Scenes from Wednesday's nights "Fète" at the Altadena Farmers' Market.

 

by Timothy Rutt

Wednesday night's Altadena Farmers' Market  was brimming with people as Pasadena Magazine was there to celebrate its "Luxe Life" issue.

Parking was a little harder to come by as the market featured many vendors, and demonstrations of everything from coffee roasting to knife sharpening. Chef Tim McIntosh from Le Grande Orange restaurant was there to tickle the taste buds with a cooking demonstration while "mixologists" from the 1889 bar at the Raymond Hotel were there to demonstrate new cocktail creations.

Market manager Joseph Shuldiner declared the event a success saying that it drew many people from Pasadena who otherwise would not have visited  the weekly market at Loma Alta Park.

Space budget takes a hit

By Daniel Siegal

Pasadena Sun

President Obama's budget proposal, unveiled on Wednesday, would cut funding for planetary exploration at NASA by roughly $200 million, although it still funds several high profile missions being planned out of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in La Cañada Flintridge.

The proposed budget includes $1.2 billion for NASA's planetary science division, down from the $1.4 billion in its 2013 budget.

The division is especially important to JPL because it includes locally developed missions such as the Curiosity rover project and a planned mission to Jupiter's moon, Europa.

At a news conference Wednesday, NASA administrator Charles Bolden said that the $17.7 billion apportioned to the agency as a whole in the president's latest budget proposal would ensure the United States remained the world leader in space exploration. But it would not be without challenges.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

PUSD graduation rates remain flat

By Joe Piasecki
Pasadena Sun

The dropout rate for Pasadena public high schools remained static at 13% last year despite increases in the percentage of students who graduated on time, according to statistics released Tuesday by the California Department of Education.

The statewide dropout rate decreased from 14.7% for the 2010-11 school year to 13.2% for 2011-12.

In Pasadena Unified, 78.7% of students who began high school in the fall of 2008 graduated last year — a smidge better than the statewide average of 78.6%.

In addition to the 13% of local students who dropped out, 7.9% were still enrolled in school, while a handful of others obtained their high school equivalency certificates or were special education students who aged out of the district.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

Yoga spring sessions at Farnsworth Park Wednesday nights

Kundalini yoga classes are ongoing at Farnsworth Park every Wednesday night from 7:30-9 PM.

Instructor Lauren Heller teaches at the Davies Auditorium at the park on Mt. Curve Avenue. Classes are $10 per session. See the flyer for details.

Altadena Historical Society receives grant from Community Chest

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Historical Society received a $500 gift from the Altadena Community Chest this week, according to AHS President Jane Brackman.

The Community Chest is a non-profit organization created by Russ Fega to collect voluntary donations, specifically from production companies that film in Altadena. Accumulated funds are dispersed to organizations and civic activities that directly benefit the citizens of Altadena. Grants have gone to such organizations as  the Altadena Library, Altadena Heritage,  Altadena Elementary School, the Altadena Sherrif's Station, Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy, Five Acres, and Young & Healthy.

Still time to submit pieces to Library's "Art on Millionaires' Row" June 7-8

Call for artists: the Altadena Library's annual Art on Millionaires' Row show and festival is  accepting applications for local artists for both the festival and the salon shows.

Application fee to the festival (outside in the parking lot) is $50, and to the juried salon is $25 (can submit up to three pieces).  Deadline for submission is Friday, April 26.

The Art on Millionaire's Row Salon Fine Art Reception will be held Friday, June 7 at 6 PM and the festival will be Sat., June 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa Street. .Applications and information are available on the library’s website at http://www.altadenalibrary.org. For questions, please call(626) 798-0833 or email MHolden@altadenalibrary.org.

Kirsten Edkins headlines Caltech Jazz Festival Saturday

The Caltech Jazz Bands, directed by William Bing, presents their 13^th Annual Jazz Festival featuring soloist Kirsten Edkins. This event will take place on Saturday, April 13 from 1-5 PM at Gates Annex Patio on the Caltech campus.

Featured soloist will be saxophonist Kirsten Edkins, who graduated from the prestigious Eastman School of Music. An inspired improvising jazz musician, Ms. Edkins has performed with Arturo Sandoval, Albert “Tootie” Heath, Geoffrey Keezer, Gary Foster, Joe LaBarbara, Larry Koonse, New York Voices, and Wycliffe Gordon among others.

In addition to her jazz performances, Ms. Edkins has performed with such diverse popular artists as Carrie Underwood, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Natalie Cole, Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, Jennifer Nettles, Anita Ward, Gloria Gaynor and a host of others. She has appeared on the television in American Idol, Duets, The Voice, Knight Rider, Glee, Bones and the Tonight Show with vocalist Katherine McPhee. Ms. Edkins is also in demand as a highly motivating music educator, including associations with the Stanford Jazz Workshop, Occidental College, Cal State Fullerton, Saddleback College, Golden West College and her own private studio, which has encouraged young musicians for over 14 years. Kirsten is the Director of Community Outreach for the American Jazz Institute. Her album is coming out later this year, with all original material featuring Larry Goldings, Mark Ferber, Bob Sheppard, and Ryan Dragon.  Further details can be found on her website atkirstenedkins.com.

Other featured musicians at the Caltech Jazz Festival include guitarist Glenn Hair, the Nick Broten Band, Chris Rolontz, Zucky Zeidner, and the Caltech Jazz Band.

Admission is free and no tickets are required. Some seating will be provided and audience members are welcome to bring food and blankets for a picnic on the lawn.  For further information, please call Caltech Performing and Visual Arts at (626) 395-3295 or visit the Caltech Jazz Bands online at bands.caltech.edu.

Boys & Girls Club issues warning about fundraising scam

 from the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena

The Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena issued a warning Wednesday about a fundraising scam currently targeting the nonprofit organization.

Club officials said a male individual, posing as a Club member, has been observed selling candy outside the Vons grocery store at 155 W. California Blvd. in Pasadena, across from Huntington Hospital. The person is described as a black male in his mid- to late-20s, about 5-feet, 8-inches tall, and weighing between 170- and 185-pounds.

President and CEO Rachel Estrada said she learned this person has asked store customers to purchase candy as part of a fundraising campaign for the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America during the past week. His last known unauthorized solicitation at the shopping center was Tuesday, April 9, at 4:30 p.m.

“The Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena does not have any Club members, staff, parents, or board members conducting any type of fundraising effort at this or any other site in Pasadena on behalf of our organization,” said Estrada. “Shoppers who are approached by this person are asked to report the solicitation to store or property management.”

The Club has notified the Pasadena Police Department about the scam. If approached by this individual, shoppers are advised to avoid confrontation by politely declining and walking away.

Ed. note: someone matching the description of this individual tried to do the same thing to us Monday at the Vons  on Allen Avenue and Washington Boulevard, so be alert in Altadena, too!

Sr. Regina Marie Gorman speaks at St. Elizabeth's April 21

by Timothy Rutt

Sister Regina Marie Gorman will be coming to St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish, 1840 N. Lake Ave. on April 21 from 3 to 5 PM.

A popular speaker with a keen sense of humor, Sr. Regina's  presentation will be "Walking on Water 101: How to Trust God."

Sister Regina Marie, O.C.D. was raised here in Los Angeles where she entered Carmel in 1972. She is known for her tireless commitment to bring Jesus Christ to those with whom she works and serves. She has done this as Vicar General, Superior General, and Directress of Novices, sought-after speaker, and above all, as a teacher. Through the Holy Spirit’s gift of the Carmelite charism, Sister Regina Marie continues to invite countless people into the presence of the living God, touching their hearts, strengthening their faith.  Please bring a bible and your prayer journal. 

Contact: Shelly Morrison 626-797-1167 with questions.

 

"Big Night Out" to benefit AIDS Service Center May 4

 by Timothy Rutt

The AIDS Service Center will have its annual "Big Night Out" on Saturday, May 4, starting with a kickoff gala reception and auction, followed by dinners in different venues around the area.

One of the dinners, A Night in Spain, will be held at a private Altadena home.

The 16th annual fundraiser goes to help provide free care for individuals and families whose lives have been affected by AIDS/HIV.

Tickets to the Gala  reception and dinner parties are $250 each. Tickets to the gala only are $125. Visit www.AIDSserviceCenter.org for tickets and information.

 

The return of the airship: Caltech lecture looks at new/old technology

 

Vintage photo of a US Navy Zeppelin flying over New York City.

Is it time for blimps and zeppelins to make a comeback? Maybe!

 

Tthe Institute for Space Studies at Caltech presents Prof. Robert A. Fesen of Dartmouth University in a free public lecture, "Airships: A New Horizon for Science."

Over the last decade, a few commercial telecommunication ventures as well as several well-funded military programs have attempted to develop autonomous, solar powered, high-altitude light-than-air (LTA) vehicles known as airships, which could maneuver and station-keep for weeks, months, or even years. Wireless communications using a single, high-altitude airship could provide commercial high-bandwidth data services to consumers over a large area cheaper than via satellites, and there is increasing military interest in airships for real-time communications and long duration, persistent ‘over-the-horizon’ surveillance capabilities. For science applications, there are several distinct advantages using such a LTA platform over conventional high-altitude balloons and spacecraft and I will outline how this technology might be used to develop a remote sensing Earth observing post or as an astronomical observing platform which could return high-resolution data rivaling those from space-based systems at a fraction of the cost.

Robert Fesen is a professor of Physics and Astronomy at Dartmouth College where he has been since 1989. He received his B.S. in astronomy from Villanova University, a M.S. from the University of Hawaii, and a Ph.D. in astronomy from the University of Michigan.

The free lecture will be Thursday, May 2, at Hameetman Auditorium, California Institute of Technology, 1216 E. California Boulevard, Pasadena, starting at 8 PM.

No registration is required for this free event. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis.

 

Altadena Mountain Rescue retrieves injured biker Saturday

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Mountain Rescue Team, with the help of two other agencies,  brought in an injured mountain biker from El Prieto Canyon Saturday afteroon, April 6.

According to AMRT's website, the biker sustained an ankle injury and was located about a half mile up El Prieto Canyon.  AMRT, along with LA County Fire and National Forest Service Fire were called in to the rescue.  Once out of the canyon, the biker was put in an ambulance and taken to a hospital for treatment.

 

Shots fired, none hurt at Altadena Drive and Glenrose Tuesday night

by Timothy Rutt

Altadena detectives are investigating reports of shots fired at a home on the 100 block of west Altadena Drive  near GlenroseTuesday night.

According to the Crescenta Valley watch commander, several reports of shots fired were called in to the Altadena sheriff station at about 8:30 Tuesday night.  No one was injured in the shooting, he said. 

Sheriffs are saying that the residents of the home involved "were uncooperative at providing information," according to the watch commander.

 

Park Service recommends adding San Gabriel foothills to Sta. Monica recreation area

from the National Park Service

The National Park Service today released the final recommendations for the San Gabriel Watershed and Mountains Special Resource Study, which includes a recommendation for designation of a San Gabriel unit of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. The purpose of the congressionally-authorized study was to determine whether all or part of the study area in the Los Angeles metropolitan region was eligible for inclusion within the National Park System and to make a recommendation to Congress on the most effective and efficient means of protecting nationally significant resources and providing for visitor enjoyment.

"I am pleased to recommend to Congress the designation of a San Gabriel unit of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area," said Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. "The addition of this urban area to the National Park System would provide Los Angeles County - the most populous county in the country - with increased access to the significant natural and cultural resources of the San Gabriel Valley while strengthening our partnership with local agencies."

The study area included approximately 700,000 acres of land in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan region, including urban communities, local and regional parks and open space, and 415,000 acres of the Angeles National Forest.  The study explored a range of alternatives to protect significant resources, enhance habitat connectivity, and improve recreational opportunities for communities in the Los Angeles metropolitan region.  The National Park Service worked closely with the U.S. Forest Service and considered input from many agencies, organizations and the general public.

Special education advisory committee talks "Social Inclusion" Monday

"A  Path to Social Inclusion at School" is the topic at the April meeting of the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) on Monday, April 15 starting at 6:15 PM.

Barbara Palilis, Executive Director of Circle of Friends,  will talk about that organization's unique approach to developing social inclusion for students with special needs at the elementary, middle, and high school level.

The meeting will be held at the Elbie J. Hickambottom Board Room, PUSD Education Center Room #236, 351 South Hudson Avenue, Pasadena.  free child care and translation available.

Questions and comments can be sent to: joycac1@gmail.com

More details are available at: http://cac.pasadenausd.org

Yale's Whiffenpoofs at Altadena Community Church Saturday

by Timothy Rutt

The  Whiffenpoofs,  the a cappella male singing group from Yale University, will appear in concert at Altadena Community Church on Saturday, April 13 starting at 8:30 PM.   The Whiffenpoofs are completing a swing through Southern California.  Tickets are $20 or $10 for students, and are available here.

The Altadena Community Church is at 943 E. Altadena Drive.

Poetry Corner: fit for a queen

" BOW DOWN! "

from gloriana casey

A Queen from Altadena town,
in Pasadena rule!
The Doo- Dah Queen from here resides,
a  googol much of COOL!

For Susann Edmonds---- title won,
she puts us on the map!
From  Rand-McNally history,
Her skills? An endless tap.

For Susann won for singing  skills,
this  master garden fixer;
but true she also won hands down,
with true cocktail elixir!

But wait, there's more skills coming now,
salon with hair design.
So after work in your garden---
to her--make a beeline!

Pasadena woman arrested in Altadena identity theft investigation

By Timothy Rutt

A Pasadena resident is being held on $345,000 bond following an investigation into an Altadena burglary and identity theft case.

Aqualina Jaime, 28, of Pasadena, was charged with 14 felony counts on Tuesday, April 9.   According to the district attorney's office, sheriff's detectives were alerted when an Altadena resident  reported several unauthorized high dollar credit card transactions on January  31, 2013.

A press release from the Altadena Sheriff's station says that Jaime gained access to the victim's credit card accounts and fraudulently obtained thousands of dollars in cash advances.

The press release says that detectives searched a location on March 11 and two other locations on April 9. Jaime was arrested on April 4 for  for burglary, identity theft, and grand theft.

According to the Altadena  Sheriff's Station, the suspect made several purchases at stores in Pasadena, Duarte, and Los Angeles.

 

"Pasadena Magazine" fete at the Altadena Farmer's Market tomorrow

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Farmer's Market continues Wednesday, April 10, with a little something extra: Pasadena Magazine's "Fète at the Farmer's Market" with cooking demonstrations from La Grande Orange Café, and cocktail demonstrations from the mixologiest of the 1886 Bar at the Raymond.  The Institute of Domestic Technology will also feature jam-making and coffee-roasting demos, as well as live music, raffles, and more (for cocktails you must reserve:: rsvp@pasadenarose.com.  IDs wil be checked).  The fete starts at 5 PM.

But you don't have to reserve to go to the market, where newer vendors include GypsyEats (Persian/Indian-inspired food) and Sticky Rice (see this rave from the LA Weekly).

The Altadena Farmers' Market is held Wednesdays from 4-7 PM at Loma Alta Park.

UPDATE: Here's the itinterary, via the market's Facebook page:

3:45 - Coffee Roasting with Daniel Kent from Plow & Gun
4:00 - Altadena Farmers' Market Tour with Joseph Shuldiner
4:30 - Bread Baking with Erik Knutzen from Root Simple
5:00 - 1886 Bar at The Raymond Farmers' Market Cocktail Demonstration
5:00 - Altadena Farmers' Market Tour with Elizabeth Bowman
5:15 - Sauerkraut Making with Uri Lao from Brassica & Brine
5:30 - La Grande Orange Cafe Farmers' Market Cooking Demonstration
5:45 - Butter Crafting with Chris Vamos from Milk Man
6:00 - Altadena Farmers' Market Tour with Joseph Shuldiner
6:00 - 1886 Bar Farmers' Market Cocktail Demonstration 
6:15 - Knife Sharpening with Ben Potter from Ben Potter, Knife Sharpening
6:30 - La Grande Orange Farmers' Market Cooking Demonstration

 

Altadena properties involved in wide-ranging fraud scheme

by Timothy Rutt

 

LA County Sheriff's booking photo of Anna Moskovyan.

Fraudulent liens on Altadena properties were part of a wide-ranging fraud scheme that involved over 100 properties in Los Angeles County, according to the district attorney.

 

The DA filed charges against Anna Moskovyan of Van Nuys, 30, on March 21.  The 36-count indictment alleges "multiple counts of Grand Theft, and the Recording of False and Fraudulent Documents," according to a press release.

Moskovyan is charged with recording fradulent grant deeds and mechanic's liens on foreclosed properties, and fraudulently transferring real estate to herself.  Officials say the actions took place between April 2010 and June 2012. 

Mechanic's liens were recorded on properties in Altadena, Canoga Park, Canyon Country, Cerritos, Diamond Bar, Downey, Hacienda Heights, La Canada, La Mirada, La Puente, Lakewood, North Hollywood, North Hills, Northridge, Monterey Park, Valencia and Valley Village. According to the district attorney, Moskovyan would record the liens for painting work that was never done on the titles of real estate properties that were in foreclosure.  Several financial institutions paid Moskovyan to remove the fraudulent liens in order to clear the titles so the properties could be foreclosed upon and resold.

Moskovyan is currently in custody with a bail of $1.24 million. The next court date is April 16, 2013. 

Free face painting Wednesday

Party Time Faces owner Katherine Oschin Rodriguez is having a free face painting event tomorrow, April 10, from 4-6 PM. 

Local face painters will be getting together to practice their skills in designs and are looking for children and adults who want to be painted. The event will be at 200 East  Loma Alta Drive.  RSVP to

info@partytimefaces.com or call 818.402.2412

Altadena Junction: co-opting local food

Our column in the Pasadena Sun is up (better late than never!), looking at the Arroyo Food Co-op and the Folly Bowl's 10th season.

Also, the folks at the Sun told us that, due to budgetary constraints, the column will now only appear every other week.  So we'll be back in two ...

 

Altadena all the Doo-Dah Day!

 

Altadena's Susann Edmonds was named Queen of the Doo-Dah Parade Sunday. Photo by Peggy Sue Davis. 

by Timothy Rutt

Altadena's Susann Edmonds was named Queen of Pasadena's Doo-Dah Parade Sunday during tryouts at the American Legion bar.  

With the selection of Edmonds, this year's Doo-Dah Parade will be Altadena-centric, as Alan Zorthian was named grand marshal last month.

A press release from the Lightbringer Project, sponsor of the Doo-Dah Parade, said:

Susann Edmonds was given the royal nod by a motley assembly of 50 judges and 250 spectators at the American Legion Bar in East Pasadena tonight. She got stiff competition from Mialaka Bonadara who incorporated four large pizzas into her performance and another contender who danced in burlesque style with pasties set to a punk rock tune. Susann, an Altadena resident, woowed judges with her singing enthusiasm and homemade cocktail elixirs.

The Doo-Dah Parade will be April 27 on Colorado Boulevard between Altadena Drive and San Gabriel Boulevard, starting at 11 AM.

 

Weather service revises wind warning: it'll be breezy instead

Latest from the National Weather Service is that the high wind warning for today has been cancelled -- it will be breezy later in the day (gusts up to 25 MPH), but nothing like the winds predicted yesterday.  It'll be mostly sunny, with highs around 78 predicted.

Altadena rescue team fundraiser in Pasadena April 20

by Timothy Rutt

The hard-working Altadena Mountain Rescue Team will hold a fundraiser on Saturday, April 20, at the Dog Haus Bier Garten in Pasadena.

Bring the flyer or mention AMRT when you order and the Bier Garten will donate 15% of your food and drink purchase.

The Dog Haus Bier Garten is at 93 E. Green Streeet in Pasadena, and hours are 11 AM-1:30 AM.

 

NFL's Rameses Barden returns to Boys & Girls Club

NFL wide receiver Ramses Barden visited the Boys & GIrls Club of Pasadena last week, paying a spring break visit to the place where he spent so many hours himself as a youngster.

Rameses Barden's draft picture from NFL.com

The Altadena-born Barden was a member of the New York Giants Super Bowl XLVI championship team in the 2011 season, and is currently a free agent.

Barden, an alumnus of the Boys & Girls Club Mackenzie-Scott branch at 2020 N. Fair Oaks Avenue in Pasadena, spent two hours visiting with club members and answering a host of questions, according to a relea

se from the club.  He also spoke to the members about the importance of doing their best and staying in school.

Barden was a member of the Mackenzie-Scott branch in the late 1990s, where his favorite activity was basketball.  He attended Flintridge Prep high school in La Canada on a full scholarship, where his mastery of several sports earned him the title of High School Athlete of the Year for small schools.

Barden later attended Cal-Poly San Luis Obispo, and was drafted by the New York Giants.

“Ramses is proof that great futures start at the Boys & Girls Club, and he is a wonderful example of how our alumni continue to make a positive impact on the Club and the community,” said Boys & Girls Club Executive Director Rachel Estrada.  “It was such a pleasure to see how positively our teens reacted when talking with Ramses as they realized that anything is possible when they follow their dreams.”

The Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena was founded in 1937 and today serves more than 4,000 youth, ages 6 to 18, annually at two branch sites in the city of Pasadena. Our mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. It offers programs in five core areas: Education & Career Development; Character & Leadership Development; Health & Life Skills, Arts, and Sports, Fitness & Recreation.

Mommy & Me classes (daddies, too!) start in Altadena April 17

Cherry writes:

Come join us at our beautiful backyard for a RIE and Waldorf inspired Mommy and Me class. We'll discuss a parenting topic each week such as potty training/EC, Educaring, nutrition, nurturing environment, age appropriate toys, discipline, school options. Mommy/Daddy and children ages 1 through 4 years meet every Wednesday at 9:30 AM in Altadena (New York Drive). We'll have a circle time before children play freely on our three play structures while adults discuss topic of the week. New 6-week session starts April 17 for $125. Please call Cherry (626) 344-9826 if interested.

Fun & Games Friday at the Library April 12

It's Fun and Games Friday coming up April 12 at the Altadena Library for ages 11-17.

Come play games (bring your own if you like), enjoy some snacks, and hang out gaming.  Therell be a Wii and RockBand available.

It starts at 4 PM Friday, April 12, at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. 

 

Altadena's Bobby Bradford at Allendale Library April 27

In celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month, the popular “Speaking Of” series at Pasadena's Allendale Library features a discussion with one of our area’s great musical treasures: legendary jazz trumpeter, cornetist, bandleader, composer, and educator Bobby Bradford.  

An Altadena resident, Bradford grew up in the heart of the Mississippi Delta in the 1930s, settling in Los Angeles in 1963 after finishing college studies in Texas. Assimilating the musical language of such jazz greats as Louis Armstrong, Fats Navarro, and Charlie Parker, Bradford emerged as one of the most important jazz trumpeters in the 1960s and ‘70s, articulating a modern post-bebop, avant-garde sound while performing with Ornette Coleman, Eric Dolphy, and John Carter, and, in recent years, heading his own ensemble known as The Mo’tet.  

For over thirty years, Bradford has taught jazz history and improvisation at Pasadena City College and Pomona College, inspiring and mentoring a generation of outstanding jazz musicians, including David Murray, James Newton, and Mark Dresser.  Bradford, whose daughter Carmen is also an accomplished jazz singer, received the Festival of New Trumpet Music’s Award of Recognition in 2009.

Further information: (626) 744-7260 or visit pasadenapubliclibrary.net

SPEAKING OF: BOBBY BRADFORD

Allendale Branch Library, 1130 S. Marengo Ave., Pasadena
Saturday, April 27, 2013, 2:00 p.m.

Breaking: injured hiker rescue underway

by TImothy Rutt

3:11 PM: Rescue crews are on the scene and more coming for at least one injury in Eaton Canyon. Scanner reports a 10 year old with head injury from a fallen rock.

UPDATE 3:14: Pasadena Fire is in contact with victim, apparently minor injury, crews are being returned home, per scanner.