altadenablog

Town council candidates turn out for NBBA forum May 29

 

Some of the candidates who attended NBBA's town council candidate forum: Anny Liu, William Malone, Nicole A. Ford, Damon L. Hobdy, Carrie Eastman, Brent Musson, Michael John May-Devey, and Jaimie Bissner.

by Timothy Rutt

Neighbors Building a Better Altadena held a forum for the 14 candidates for Altadena Town Council on May 29.  The format was unusual; each candidate who attended made a general statement, and answered questions formulated by the audience, which had broken into small groups divided by census tract.  The candidates then joined the small group that represented their tract for more direct discussions and questioning.

Some of the candidates already have campaign materials, including flyers and, in the case of Ford, a supporter was spotted in a T-shirt.

While there were no earthshaking revelations (except that Damon Hobdy, one of three candidates for CT 4603.01, supports incorporating Altadena into a city), the large candidate pool -- and the 60-some members of the audience -- held lively discussions

Before the event, NBBA submitted a questionnaire to all the candidates about where they stood on Altadena issues.  The answers are available at their website.

 

From left, former councilman Tecumseh Shackelford listens to Carrie Eastman and Brent Musson, who are vying for the seat in CT 4610.

 

 

Danny's Farm gets $500 from Fancy Food Truck Friday

 

Danny's Farm receives $500 in proceeds from Fancy Food Truck Friday. From left: Gary Webster of Webster's Wine & Spirits; Meredith and Michael Miller of Webster's Community Pharmacy; and Cathy and Jim Gott of Danny's Farm.

by Timothy Rutt

 

Danny's Farm, the formerly-in-Altadena organization that provides educational programs and employment for persons with autism and other developmental disabilities, received $500 from May's Fancy Food Truck Friday event.

Webster's Community Pharmacy, Webster's Wine & Spirits, and the participating food trucks raised the money from proceeds of the monthly event. Danny's Farm is the sponsor of the fancy food truck event. 

According to Cathy Gott, the contribution was welcome as Danny's Farm is expanding its mission, as children with autism become adults with autism and will need to find meaningful employment as they age out of school and other services. 

Relay for Life at Farnsworth Park Saturday, 9 AM

 

Luminaria at the 2012 Relay for Life at Farnsworth Park.

 

The fourth annual Altadena Relay for Life takes place tomorrow, Saturday, at the lower ballfield in Farnsworth Park.  Starting at 9 AM, the relay to raise money and awareness for cancer will last 24 hours.

If you're a walker, here's the list of things you should bring:

• canopy
• chairs
• water
• jackets, sweatshirts
• blankets
• sleeping bags
• camping tents
• snacks
• flashlights
• toilet paper
• hand sanitizer
• sunscreen
• bug spray
• hats
• sunglasses
• cash
• games

... and NOT to bring:

• No alcohol
• No smoking
• No pets
• No dogs unless actual service dogs
• No vehicles on grass to unload ... vehicles are allowed on the dirt infield.

Throughout the day there will be food and entertainment available.  At 9 PM, the walkers will take part in a luminaria walk to remember those whose lives have been touched by cancer.  

 

Crime blotter: arrests in cold case murder, and 24 Hour Fitness (of course)

A busy week: besides the usual petty thefts and burglaries, 24  Hour Fitness scored a double-header, and two arrests made in a cold case murder.  Crime log provided by the Altadena Sheriff's Station.

Sunday, May 19

4:04 AM – Suspect Symoun Hawthorne (male/36 years old) was arrested for drunk in public in the 2500 block of El Molino after he was found covered in vomit and trespassing at the location. 

9:43 PM – A suspect was arrested for domestic violence, child endangerment, and vandalism in the 4400 block of Risinghill Road, after his wife reported that the suspect assaulted her and their child and vandalized her car. 

Monday, May 20

Between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM – A petty theft of a bicycle occurred in the 300 block of W. Harriet Street. Loss: 27” bike. 

Between 8:40 PM and 10:40 PM – A petty theft occurred at 24Hr. Fitness, 2180 Lincoln Av. Suspect(s) entered the men’s locker and removed several items for an unlocked locker. Loss: gym bag, clothing, college ID’s, wallet, and credit cards. 

9:23 PM – A petty theft occurred at Walmart Neighborhood Market, 2408 Lincoln Av. Loss: a customer’s black leather wallet. 

Tuesday, May 21st 

12:15 AM – A suspect was arrested for domestic violence in the 130 block of Pine Street, after his girlfriend reported being strangled by the suspect. The incident was also witnessed by their 11 year old child. 

1:01 AM – Suspect Brian Conley (male/50 years old) was arrested in the 2500 block of Fair Oaks Avenue, for possession of narcotics paraphernalia (“crack” pipe) after deputies contacted him for trespassing at the location. The suspect was also on parole. 

Between 10:15 PM and 11:15 PM – A vehicle burglary occurred at 24Hr. Fitness, 2180 Lincoln Avenue. Loss: unknown at time of incident. 

12:00 PM – Homicide detectives arrested Darryl Johnson and Dominique Evans for Murder regarding a 1997 shooting that occurred at Fair Oaks Ave. and Harriett St. 

Wednesday, May 22

Between 12:30 PM and 1:10 PM – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 300 block of Acacia Street. Loss: unknown at time of incident. 

6:09 PM – A suspect was arrested for domestic violence in the 540 block of Stonehurst Drive, after his wife reported that she was assaulted by him. 

9:25 PM – Neighbors reported hearing gunshots in the 100 block of Altadena Drive. When deputies arrived at the location, they contacted the occupants of the possibly targeted residence. None of the persons inside the location saw any suspects and they also could not tell if the rounds struck the house. There were no injuries. 

Altadena Heritage celebrates gardens June 9

by Timothy Rutt

The best gardens in Altadena will be celebrated at Altadena Heritage's annual Golden Poppy Awards on Sunday, June 9, from 4-7 PM.

Altadena Heritage will recognize some of Altadena's best and most creative gardens at the ceremony, which will also be marked by food, libations, music and conviviality.

This year's gathering will be held at the McPherson Home, 1075 Topeka Street, built by David McPherson, chief engineer and designer of the Mt. Lowe Railway.  Cost is $10 for members, $20 for non-members, and memberships and renewals can be handled onsite. Make reservations to: altadenaheritage@earthlink.net, or call 626-993-5338.

 

 

Ale House wine tasting looks at the Rhone Valley Sunday

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Ale & Wine House, 2329 N. Fair Oaks Avenue, will have a wine tasting on Sunday, June 2, from 5-6 PM:

The owner's son of Domain Brotte, Thiebault, will be presenting seven wines from six of his wineries located in the Rhone Valley. He is going to take us on a tour that includes two CHATEAUNEUF-DUPAPE wines on top of the other five fabulous wines we are tasting this Sunday. In addition, we will be raffling off one of each of those bottles to those participating in the tasting. The cost is $20 per person, cheese and baguette included.

This is a special tasting not to be missed. Please read the attachment for wine descriptions. There are special bottle pricing out-the-dooron Sunday as well.

ACONA meeting packed full of information

 

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All photos: Elliot Gold

 

by Timothy Rutt

Tuesday night, May 28, the Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations had a meeting jam-packed with information, to wit:

1. Sheriff Lt. Eric Lasko gives an update on policing efforts in Altadena.

2. Altadena resident Ellen Walton talks about appropriate growing appropriate vegetation in Altadena's climate.

3. Mia Dunn of the Arroyo Food Co-op talks about the co-op's mission.

4.  The co-op's Alex Berrie talks about the acquisition of the co-op's building at plans for its development.

5. Mark Goldschmidt of Altadena Heritage talks about ... well, the heritage of Altadena and the efforts of the community standards district committee.

6. James S. Rothrock, chief financial officer of Episcopal Communities and Homes, talks about MonteCedro, which is to start construction this summer.

7. CERT member Holly Rundberg talks about carving Altadena into "zones" to better deploy resources in case of emergency.

 

 

Tickets going quickly to New West June 15

The western music trio New West will hold its "Together Again - One Night Tour" on Saturday, June 15, as part of Big Hat Production's concert series.

Doors open at 6 PM and performance is at 7 PM at a private home in Altadena.  $25 suggested cash donation per person requested at the door, but advance reservations ad required.

Having recently completed a successful 4-week tour of Arizona, this dynamic trio featuring award-winning songwriter. Mike Fleming, renowned lead guitarist, Raul Reynoso, and the incredibly talented David Jackson on bass will make their Big Hat House Concerts debut. 

Winner of three best song awards from the Academy of Western Artists and The Western Music Association, and the Will Rogers Award for Best Western Group, New West has toured the Midwest in as part of the Arts Midwest and APAP touring programs. They’ve been a featured act at the Elko Cowboy Poetry Gathering, the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival, the Strawberry Music Festival in Northern California. It has been way too long since we've had the opportunity to enjoy New West performing their songs that pay tribute to the men and women of the American West. 

What more can we say, it doesn't get any better than New West! We hope you can join us for this very special evening.

Light refreshments will be served.  To reserve your seat, go to : www.bighatonline.com

Author Margo Sorenson, Eliot grad, comes back to her old haunts

Author Margo Sorenson visits her old alma mater, Eliot Middle School, to talk about her books.

from Eliot Middle School

Eliot Middle School graduate Margo Sorenson, author of 28 books for young readers, presented awards to winning creative writers at an assembly on May 28 in the Eliot Middle School library. Ms. Sorenson promoted from Eliot in 1959, and later based a number of her stories on people she met in middle and high school. (She is also an alumna of John Muir HS.)

The Eliot Middle School PTA created the "Time Traveler Creative Writing Contest," a school-wide contest for 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th graders based on Sorenson's time-travel adventure-biographies, published by Perfection Learning Corporation, in which Kenneth and Aleesa, two middle school characters, travel back in time and try to change the course of history. 

The contest was created as part of the PTA’s commemoration of the 150th year anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. School-wide, students have been encouraged to think about the freedoms they enjoy and about the sacrifices others have made for those freedoms.

Students were assigned to read one of Sorenson's books, purchased for the school by the PTA. Using various writing prompts provided by the PTA or their teachers, students have written essays using Kenneth and Aleesa as the characters during the Civil War, during the Reformation, or at Manzanar, California in 1942.  Students were encouraged to be reflective about the experience and to have learned an important lesson about freedom, sacrifice, and the importance of studying history.  A total of seven student writers were awarded Barnes and Noble gift cards, donated by the Eliot Middle School PTA:

6th Grade Winners:1st Place - Phoebe Richardson

2nd Place - Lela Theus

3rd Place - Miranda Hernandez

7th Grade Winners:1st Place - Marcela Banuelos

2nd Place - Donovan Ray

3rd Place - Jewel Theus

8th Grade Creative Winner:Emily Issoglio

More information about Margo Sorenson's books can be found at www.margosorenson.com  

Waldorf students bring the thunder to Taiko drumming

Eighth graders from Pasadena Waldorf School perform with master drummer Koji Nakamura on campus May 13. Photo by Jeffrey Poehlmann

On Monday, May 13, Grammy-winner Koji Nakamura brought his skills as a Taiko drummer to the Pasadena Waldorf School (PWS) campus for a special performance with seven students from the eighth grade class.  Nakamura is the leader of the Los Angeles based Makoto Taiko group, one of approximately 300 Taiko performance groups in the United States.  

PWS Japanese teacher Hiromi Koyanagi had arranged the class for the students to learn Taiko drumming as an after school activity.  Taiko, meaning “thick” or “fat” drum, is a traditional Japanese style dating back over 10,000 years. Initially, the Taiko drum evolved as a sacred instrument in spiritual ceremonies. Later, the drum was used for celebrating harvests and encouraging soldiers on the battlefield. Today it is primarily recognized as a performing art. Most of the drums used in the recital were handmade locally in Los Angeles, with the exception of the central drum that had been fashioned out of a single piece of wood in Japan.

After 10 practice sessions with Mr. Nakamura, the students performed “Miyake-Daiko,” a traditional Japanese piece originating from Miyake Island, just south of Tokyo, Japan.  Its energetic style and driving beat is likely influenced by the island’s active volcano. The piece is unique in the way the drummers must position themselves, creating a highly-visual performance.

Mr. Nakamura’s group, Makoto Taiko, is also preparing for a June 29 concert of its own at Occidental College.

Arroyo Time Bank's Repair Café Saturday at Throop Hall, Pasadena

from the Arroyo Time Bank

REPAIR CAFE PASADENA

June 1, Saturday, 10am-1pm  

Throop Hall, 300 So. Los Robles, Pasadena 91101

Join us for another round of rescuing beloved items from heading to the landfill!!

We will have Tinkerers and Tailors for repairs of appliances, electronics, Mac software, clothing, jewelry, and a special new addition: repair your haircut (bangs and split ends trimmed)!

There will be a Really Really Free Market: Bring items in good condition that you no longer need and take what you can use...FREE!

The Arroyo Time Bank Neighborhood Fruit Harvest project will bring neighborhood fruit to share.

 

There will be a Zero Waste vegan potluck in the Batchelder tiled patio, a seed swap, and a garden tour of the permaculture Throop Garden with sunflowers as high as an elephants eye!

Representatives from the Arroyo Time Banks will also be present to answer questions you may have about time banking.

Bright Futures Scholars graduates class of 2013

The 2012-2013 class of the Bright Futures Scholars attend graduation ceremonies May 25 at the Pasadena Convention Center.

from the Bright Futures Scholars

On Saturday, May 25, 2013, before a crowd of over 900, the Quality of Life Center, Inc., “Bright Future Scholars” Leadership Development Program held its graduation and awards luncheon at the Pasadena Convention Center. The processional was led by Dean of Scholars Dr. Sandra E. Thomas, assisted by Honorary Dean of Scholars Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich.

Attending mentors who have been of unimaginable assistance and support included: Congresswoman Judy Chu, California State Senator Carol Liu, Former California Assembly member Anthony Portantino, Mayor of Pasadena Bill Bogaard, Los Angeles County Sheriff Leroy Baca, Pasadena Chief of Police Phillip Sanchez, Altadena Sheriff Captain John Benedict, Los Angeles County Fire Department Battalion Chief Ron Larriva, Pasadena Unified School District Superintendent Jon Gundry, Pasadena City Attorney Michele Bagneris, Pasadena Superior Court Judge Philip Soto,  Superior Court Judge Lia Martin, and two Retired Altadena Sheriffs Captains; Roosevelt Blow and Steve McLean.  

One hundred and fifty proud scholars from all 11 local middle and high schools in the Pasadena Unified School District, as well as academic achievers from surrounding areas, participated in the celebration under the leadership of the 2012-2013 Bright Futures Scholars President Trinity Skinner, a senior at Pasadena High School who will attended St. John’s University, New York in the fall.

The ceremony was brought to life by emotional reflections from graduating senior scholars including: Amanda Becerra -Pasadena High School (University of California, Santa Barbara), 2013 Scholar of the Year Christian Bedoyan-Pasadena High School (California State University, Los Angeles) Evin Davis-Pasadena High School (University of LaVerne), Daniela Garcia-Pasadena High School (California State Polytechnic University, Pomona), Dean Iracheta-John Muir High School (California State University, Northridge), Edana Jones-John Muir High School (Pasadena City College), Victoria Lepesant-Pasadena High School (Princeton University, New Jersey), Jewelia Murrell-John Muir High School (Spelman College, Georgia), Robert L. Palacios III-Pasadena High School (California State University, Northridge), and Justine Yarber-John Muir High School (University of LaVerne).

Returning alumni shared moving speeches that showed their dedication not only to the program, but to their upcoming future. The returning alumni included Samuel Batisla-Ong (University of California, Los Angeles), Nanor Mamdjian (Pasadena City College) and Ruby Karikian (California State University, Los Angeles). A grand total of $20,000 in scholarships was awarded to this year’s graduating seniors. The graduation ceremony was filled with family and friends and was a beautiful way for the Bright Futures Scholars to end a highly successful academic year.  The Quality of Life Center, Inc. is now preparing to receive the 2013-2014 class – where two hundred and fifty new enrollees anxiously wait to enter the Bright Future Scholars Leadership Development Program.

Institute of Urban Ecology announces a June-ful of activities

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena-based Institute of Urban Ecology has announced a schedule of activities during the month of June, educating and supporting all the aspects of urban farming.

The "June Bloom" series will kick off with a potluck dinner on Friday, May 31 from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM at Harambee Ministries, 1609 Navarro Ave., Pasadena.   Leigh Adams will speak on rainwater harvesting.

Other workshops include the Repair Cafe (fix anything), converting an Altadena front yard to an urban farm, an Altadena urban farm tour, and workshops about greywater, beekeeping, and biodiesel.

For more information on times and locations of workshops, go to instituteofurbanecology.org.

 

 

Library: "Reading is Delicious" this summer

from the Altadena Library District

The Altadena Library District is pleased to presents the “Reading is So Delicious” summer reading program. Children and teens are invited to join us for awesome books, weekly events, and cool prizes. This year’s Summer Reading Program will run from June 11 through July 23. Free registration begins June 11 and continues through July 16. Visit the library’s website at www.altadenalibrary.org for a complete listing of events.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, the purpose of these programs is to encourage children and teens to get in the habit of reading every day and to spark in them a life-long love of reading and learning. Participation may also help children and teens retain their language skills through the summer.

The award winning Main Library is located at 600 E. Mariposa Street. The Bob Lucas Memorial Branch Library is at 2659 North Lincoln Avenue. The libraries offer many services including programs for children, teens and adults, a book club, teen advisory board, literacy classes, online tutoring, internet tutoring, passports, public computers and wireless access.  To find out more call 626-798-0833 for the main, 626-798-8338 for the branch, or visit the library’s website at http://altadenalibrary.org.

West side cat found

A cat has been found:

Black and white patchy male cat.  Very friendly  Found near Santa Rosa Ave. and Poppyfields. Contact Nina or Billy: 626-440-9212, leave a message

The blue, the gray, and the grave: Civil War dead honored at Mountain View Cemetery

The shades of Thaddeus and Leontine Lowe -- or at least re-enactors Steve and Patrice Demory - tell their tale at the Lowe family plot at the Memorial Day ceremony at Mountain View Cemetery.

by Laura Monteros

The Civil War divided more than one nation. There was blue and gray, north and south; but the Choctaw nation in Oklahoma was also divided over which side to support.  Reenactor Vickie Guagliardo eloquently presented both sides of the story through the viewpoint of a Choctaw matron at the annual Memorial Day commemoration at Mountain View Cemetery on Monday.

Vickie Guagliardo portrays a Choctaw mother who supports the Confederacy.. 

Guagliardo was one of several reenactors gathered by Nick Smith of the San Gabriel Valley Civil War Round Table to share little-know aspects of the Civil War.  The others were Victorie Milkoff and the MacMillan family, who discussed mourning rituals, and Steve and Patrice Demory as Thaddeus and Leontine Lowe.

A daughter of both the Union and Confederacy and descendent of the Choctaw, Guagliardo first took the role of a mother with two sons of warrior age.  Confederate Gen. Samuel Cooper had come to Oklahoma with promises to provide guns for defense, money to pay for Choctaw missionaries and other wages and expenses, a seat on the Confederate Congress, and, if they so chose, to become a Confederate state.  In the matriarchal society, it was the women who made these decisions.  “I said, aye!” she affirmed.

A minute later, she returned as a woman who doubted the promises Cooper made.  “Does he come as a friend with his wife and children?” she asked.  “No.  He comes with guns and men.”  It was all talk, she said, noting that Choctaw could get along with their differences.  “Can then not white people learn from  us?”

Down to 14 as two drop out of town council race

by Timothy Rutt

The race is now down to 14 as two town council candidates have withdrawn from the race.

According to election chair Eric Pierce, Evangelina Quintana (CT 4602) and Stephen Dale Zeider (4613) have dropped out of the race.  No reason was given.

While two candidates are still running in 4602, this leaves Sylvia Vega as the sole candidate in CT 4613.

 

Relay: pick your spot, and El Patron's fundraiser tomorrow

The Altadena Relay for Life is this weekend, and team members and captains are getting in the last phases of preparation for the big event.

On Wednesday, at 6:30 PM, team captains are requested to be at Farnsworth Park lower ball field to pick out your tent location.

El Patron Mexican Restaurant, 2555 Lake Avenue, is also holding a fundraiser during the dinner hours Wednesday. They will donate 20 percent of the evening's proceeds to Relay for Life.

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life in Altadena begins at 9 AM Saturday, June 1, and goes until 9 AM Sunday, June 2 at the lower ballfield at Farnsworth Park.

 

Town council elections in less than two weeks

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Town Council elections will be Saturday, June 8 (with "early voting" to take place on Tuesday, June 4), and activity is gearing up for that.

Tomorrow, Wednesday, May 29, Neighbors Building a Better Altadena will be sponsoring a candidate's forum at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Drive.  All 16 candidates have been invited to answer a selection of questions, and NBBA says there will be time to take questions from the audience.  The forum starts at 7 PM.

Pre-voting, for those who are unable to vote on the Saturday election, will be held at the community center from 5 PM-9 PM on June 4.  

We have opened our annual Town Council Elections page with a list of candidates, polling places, and census tract boundaries.  As in years past, we are offering space on that page to any candidates who wish to say anything that goes beyond the candidate statement they submitted when they filed (the sales pitch, in other words).   For more information, also check the official Altadena Elections page.

Back in the saddle again ...

We spent three glorious days out of town on Catalina Island and did not look at a computer screen.  But now we're back, and catching up ....

 

 

Memorial Day: remembering those who served

With gratiude for those who gave everything in service to their country.  Entries are light today.

There will be a ceremony to honor the Civil War dead at Mountain View Cemetery today, starting at 2 PM.  There will also be "living history" as actors portray some of the notable people buried in the cemetery.

 

Pet of the Week: Muneca

At the Board of Supervisors meeting, Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich presents “Muneca,” a 3-year old Yorkshire 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 at562-728-4610.

Light days

We are enjoying some family time this weekend, so entries will be light.

Weekendin': Memorial Day

A long weekend, with time to remember those who served and gave their all.  But first, a word from our sponsors:

• Webster's Fine Stationers is still taking donations to help the tornado victims in Moore, Oklahoma. Round up your purchase or come by to make a donation.
• Webster's Community Pharmacyis having a Memorial Day sale through Saturday: selected merchandise 50-75% off.  Both Webster's stores are at 2450 N. Lake Avenue.

• Friends of the Library presents "Beatiful Creatures" as part of Fun Flick Friday at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. , starting at 3:30 PM today.

Here's what else is up this weekend:

Saturday, May 25

Art on Palm, the twice-yearly artists and craftsman show, will be at Wildwood Park from 9:30 AM-5 PM.  Proceeds go to benefit Fisher House.

The Folly Bowl presents the Arohi Ensemble, raga jazz chamber music, starting at 7 PM.  The Folly Bowl is at 1601 E. Loma Alta Drive.  $15 suggested donation at the door, $10 for students.

Monday, May 27

Memorial Day:  There will be a commemoration of the Civil War and other veterans at Mountain View Cemetery, starting at 2 PM.  There will also be "living history" performers, who will tell the stories of some of those buried in the cemetery.  The ceremony starts at 2 PM.

 

"Remembering Our Veterans" at Arcadia County Park Sat.

Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich will host the 16^th Annual “Remembering Our Veterans and Their Families: Past, Present and Future” event at Arcadia County Park on Saturday, May 25.

The family event will include skydivers, flyovers, a “Wall of Remembrance” of veterans (bring copies of photos of your loved ones to place on the Wall), displays of military vehicles and equipment, a children’s area (face painting, arts and crafts, games, entertainment, free popcorn), free vaccinations, free haircuts and manicures, live entertainment, food booths and much, much more. 

County departments, governmental, independent and private agencies will provide an abundance of information and resources such as health, employment, child support, legal services, etc. 

The event runs from 10 AM to 3 PM.  A special ceremony will be held at 11:30 AM.

Arcadia County Park is at 405 S. Santa Anita Avenue, Arcadia.   

For further information, contact Mary Villegas at (909) 394-2264 or (626) 967-1441.

ACONA sets speakers for meeting May 28

The Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations (ACONA) meets next week Tuesday, May 28, from 7-8:30 PM at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. 

The updated agenda includes:

• An update on CERT "zones" (Holly Rundburg)
• Green/Food Co-op: Ellen Walton and Arroyo Food Co-op's Mia Dunn will talk about the co-op, what resources are needed to convert to drought-tolerant vegetation in Altadena, and organic foods/groceries.
• Mark Goldschmidt, President of Altadena Heritage and a member of the town council's Community Standards District committee, and James S. Rothrock of MonteCedro will look at lessons from the heritage of Altadena, an update on the Altadena Visioning Study, and update and videos on MonteCedro.
• There will also be a report by Altadena Station Lt. Eric Lasko.

 

Found dog at Chaney Trail, now at Baldwin Park animal shelter

Alice Wessen writes that this guy was found living in the Chaney Trail area for at least a week before being picked up.  He's currently at the Baldwin Park animal shelter, classified as a Rhodesian Ridgeback, altho' he looks a little pit to us.  Obviously a nice guy:

Sweet temperament, wearing a faded greenish gray canvas collar. Very dehydrated and hungry when we finally brought him in. 

He seems to love other dogs and enjoyed belly rubs. Poor guy.  We very much want his owner to find him.

5 year old male, impound # A4580331.

Morning jolt

• Coyotes: we had several coyotes spotted on west Mariposa Street on their way to Fair Oaks early Thursday morning -- a reminder to keep your pets safe.
• Cold case arrest: PSN is reporting that sheriff's deputies arrested two in the 1997 slaying of Johnis Johnson in Altadena.  One of the suspect has ties to the 1993 Halloween slaying of three teenagers in Pasadena.  Brian Day has the scoop.

 

Webster's Community Pharmacy Memorial Day sale starts today

Webster's Community Pharmacy is having a Memorial Day sale today through Saturday.

They're clearing out merchandise and getting ready for summer with discounts of from 50-75% off selected merchandise.

Webster's Community Pharmacy is at 2450 N. Lake Avenue.

 

Art on Palm returns to Wildwood Park Saturday

by Timothy Rutt

Art on Palm, the twice-yearly showcase of local artisans below the oaks of Wildwood Park, returns this Saturday, May 25, from 9:30 AM-5 PM.

Browse for unique gifts from 36 selected artists who will be showing their work.  Entertainment will be provided by Bluefish, and refreshments by Jones Coffee Roasters.

A portion of the proceeds goes to the Greater LA Fisher House Foundation, which provides a "home away from home" to families of service members who are hospitalized for illness, disease, or injury.

Wildwood Park is at the easternmost end of Palm Drive (north on Holliston, right on Palm).

Aveson's June Jubilee at Farnsworth Park June 2

from Aveson Charter Schools

Aveson Charter Schools will hold its sixth annual June Jubilee community celebration on Sunday, June 2, 11 AM-4 PM  at Farnsworth Park.  The school’s annual event offers families a fun Sunday at the park listening to music, enjoying games, contests, crafting and food. 

“Aveson is about building community,” says Kate Bean, Executive Director of Aveson Charter Schools.  “Whether you join us to play games, participate in a craft or just come with a blanket to enjoy the free entertainment, June Jubilee is affordable family fun.” 

The performance stage will be rockin’ with free entertainment from local favorites like The Conductors and The Hollow Trees, Jonathan Berry, Ridel High and Aveson’s own Music Improvisation Class.  The Cool Haus truck will join the Aveson Café, Gypsy Eats, Lupe’s Tacos and other delicious food vendors to tempt folks with tasty treats and savory snacks. 

New games and activities for this year’s event include ball target practice, tennis ball cannon, bounce house, and family-friendly contests like sack races and balloon toss.  Craft booths will give kids the chance to make their own tie-dye shirts, spin art and create a Frankenstein-type stuffed animal at the Frankenstuffer booth.  

Proceeds will benefit Aveson School of Leaders and Aveson Global Leadership Academy, two public schools serving Altadena, Pasadena and surrounding communities.

For more information about Aveson Charter Schools’ June Jubilee go to www.aveson.org/junejubilee or call 626-797-1440. 

Free face-paint-a-looza after school May 29

Katherine Oschin Rodriguez, owner of Party Time Faces in Altadena is hosting a free face painting event for the community at her home on Wednesday, May 29. Local face painters from around the area will be practicing their designs and are looking for children and adults who want to be painted to come and join in on the fun.  Everyone is welcome -- the more participants to paint, the better.  

The event will be at 200 E. Loma Alta Drive from 4-7 PM.

 www.PartyTimeFaces.com

Shots fired, 100 block west Altadena Drive

 by Timothy Rutt

Sheriff's deputies were called at about 9:15 PM Wednesday about shots fired near a house on the 100 block of West Altadena Drive.

According to Lt. Elisabeth Sachs of the Crescenta Valley Sheriff Station, there are no clues as to the suspects in the shooting.  Sachs said that "that particularly house had been victimized in the past."  No one was hurt, Sachs said.

Seven bullet casings were recovered from the scene, Sachs said.

 

Town council election field drops to 16; summer schedules announced

One candidate is out, but that still leaves a healthy field of 16 candidates for eight open positions in the upcoming Altadena Town Council elections.

Election committee chair Eric Pierce told the Altadena Town Council that the committee rejected the application of Samir A. Sayegh. Sayegh had called in at the Friday deadline to say he was stuck in traffic, so he was originally allowed to submit late -- but, Pierce said, he hadn’t even filled out the paperwork before the deadline, and the committee rejected his application.

Several of the candidates spoke at Tuesday night's town council meeting, which was also a candidate forum, with Pierce reading the candidate statements of those who weren’t there.  Neighbors Building a Better Altadena will also hold a candidate forum at the community center on May 29 at 7 PM.  The election will be June 8.

Pierce said that polling places will be Gordy’s Garage; S&J Automotive;  the Podley Properties cottage on Altadena Drive; Farnsworth Park; Loma Alta Park; the Altadena Main Library; and a location to be named later somewhere near Woodbury Road and Fair Oaks Avenue.  Polling hours are 9 AM to 3 PM, except the library, which will start at 10 AM.

There will also be “pre-election” balloting for those who can’t make it to the polls on Saturday at the Altadena Community Center lobby, from 5-9 PM Tuesday, June 4.

Also at the council meeting:

• Officer Thomas MIller of the California Highway Patrol said that the patrol will have special enforcement zones along Lincoln Avenue, Fair Oaks Avenue, and Woodbury Road, as well as around local schools: MIller said that parents had been observed driving erratically, double parking, and making U-turns during student dropoff
• Melisza Hernandez of the county parks department said that summer camp at Charles White Park for ages 5-12 runs June 10-Aug. 9, from 8 AM-6 PM.  Registration before the end of the month is $20 per week, starting in June $25.  Loma Alta Park will also have a summer camp, running June 10-Sept. 5, for $75/week. Camp for tiny tots is $70/week, and a teen camp runs $65-$130/mo.  Contact the parks for details.
  
  Henandez also said that the Loma Alta Park pool will open Saturday, June 15.  The park will also hold the “Parks after Dark” program again this summer, with music, movies, free classes, dance, art, and more activities on Thursday-Saturday in July and August.
• Jessica Aldridge from Athens Services said that the curbside cleanup days will be held on Saturdays in June and July.  Athens customers will receive the schedule for when the cleanup is scheduled for their neighborhood.

 

AltaEats: the secret restaurant at the border is not so secret

AltaEats' Chef Paul Ragan brings an eclectic, international sensibility to a neighborhood restaurant.

 

by Timothy Rutt

After a year of his new restaurant hanging in limbo thanks to county rules, AltaEats’s chef and co-owner Paul Ragan was so anxious to get going that, when he finally got approval to open, he went ahead and did it, even though he didn't yet have a sign on the building.

And almost two months later, there’s still no sign, but the customers are coming, anyway.

Andt that’s OK, he said -- some customers bring out-of-guests, and give them the impression that the Altadena/Pasadena border's new restaurant is a secret known only to the locals.

But if it’s a secret, it won’t be much longer:  after spending a year in county permitting and financing hell, Ragan, who opened his restaurant in March, has been doing a steady business, sign or no.  A recent glowing review in LA Weekly is bringing more attention to what some people say Altadena’s vibrant food culture really needs -- an interesting, destination restaurant.

Lack of a sign gives AltaEats the cachet of being something only the locals know about.

From the world to the neighborhood
“it’s food that I like to eat,” Ragan says, and he’s got the background and chops to make it food you’d like to eat, too.  Ragan was trained in culinary school in New York, where he met his wife, AltaEat’s co-owner, Angela Visca.  His career has included a stint as executive chef at the now-closed Derek’s Bistro in Pasadena, and he was one of the team that launched Revolution Foods in the LA Unified School District, to improve school meals.  He was also a private chef for various clients.

His experience also includes a Mediterranean sensibility: he was a private chef for a client who would take him to Portugal every August to cook in their summer home, and he and Visca ran a small restaurant for five years in Madrid.

That restaurant was half the size of his current one, Ragan said -- big enough to squeeze out a living, but just that.  

Ragan and his family (they have a daughter) moved to Altadena two years ago.  He was looking for a location for his own restaurant, and found one right in the neighborhood, at 1860 N. Allen Avenue.  The building, which lived an earlier life as a restaurant named Jack’s Casbah, was being used by a catering business and the building was for sale.

Part of the year-long delay in opening was “a bit of my inexperience of how to go about it,” Ragan admits.  “Find the right people and funding.”

Relay for Life is coming June 1

from Altadena Relay for Life

The American Cancer Society invites individuals who want to celebrate the lives of those who have faced cancer, remember loved ones lost and fight back against the disease to join its Relay For Life, scheduled for Saturday, June 1, in Altadena at Farnsworth Park.  Relay For Life is an overnight community celebration where individuals and teams camp out, barbecue, dance, and take turns walking around a track relay style to raise funds to fight cancer.  

The theme of this year’s Relay is Carnival.  Teams have put together fun games like ring toss and balloon pops.  Additional family friendly activities include face painting, a fun temp tattoo parlor and fortune telling.  Lively entertainment is scheduled throughout the day:  Trumpeter Nolan Shaheed and vocalist Varetta Heidelberg, along with Two Dragon Studio demonstration and Fair Oaks Music Academy.  Fight back activities include the ever popular frozen t-shirt contest.

At nightfall, participants will light 600 luminaria around the track in a moving ceremony to honor cancer survivors as well as friends and family members lost to the disease.  Pasadena Scottish Pipes & Drums will lead a memorable lap.

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life represents hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day cancer will be eliminated.

WHAT -- Relay for Life of Altadena

WHEN – Saturday, June 1, 2013 at 9:00 am (Opening Ceremonies), 9:00 pm (Luminaria)

WHERE –Farnsworth Park (Lower Baseball Field), 568 Mount Curve Avenue, Altadena, CA 91001

We want to show our community support and fight back!  We are “In It to Win It” here in Altadena!  To join a Relay For Life in Altadena, call 1-800-ACS-2345, or visit ww.RelayForLife.org/altadenaca.

Found Husky, Calavaras & Alameda

Allan sends this:

DOG FOUND IN ALTADENA ! Garfield between Calaveras and Alameda. Altadena.  Have him safe and sequestered.  No tags. Fed him. Scared.

Recognize him?  Contact me ASAP: 626-203-3786

 

Crime blotter: drinkin' & druggin' arrests this week

People have been using substances and going out on the street this week; some domestic disturbances; and the usual burglaries, vandalism, and 24 Hour Fitness fun.  Crime blotter provided by the Altadena Sheriff's Station.

Sunday, May 12

Between 9:00 PM and 6:30 AM (Monday) – A residential burglary occurred in the 900 block of E. Poppyfields Drive. Loss: purse, credit cards, currency. 

Monday, May 13 

Between 10:00 PM and 11:00 PM – A vehicle vandalism occurred at 24Hr. Fitness, 2180 N. Lincoln Avenue. Suspects unknown broke the victim’s car window. 

Between 11:00 PM and 8:00 AM (Tuesday) – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 900 block of Alta Pine Dr. Loss: book bag, USB cords. 

Tuesday, May 14

2:07 AM – Suspect Francisco Marin (male/33 years old) was arrested near Fair Oaks/Las Flores Drive for public intoxication 

Between 10:20 AM and 11:45 AM – A residential burglary occurred in the 700 block of Crosby Street. Loss: currency. 

5:32 PM – Suspect Gregory Gates (male/20 years old) was arrested in the 2200 block of Lincoln Avenue for public intoxication after creating a disturbance at the location (“Super King”). 

Wednesday, May 15

9:00 AM – Deputies arrested a female (28 years old) in the 1700 block of Vistillas Road for domestic violence after her boyfriend alleged that he was assaulted by her. 

Between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM – A petty theft occurred in the 300 block of Ventura Street. Loss: black/green Mongoose 18 sp. bicycle. 

Co-op approves board, introduces store manager at annual meeting

by Timothy Rutt

The Arroyo Food Co-op membership approved new board members, a proposition to handle product issues, and met the new general manager of the Co-op's store.

Mia Dunn, Joe Masiero, Laura Floom Manning, Tricia Keane, and Rachel Reed were elected or re-elected by 100% margins, according to a message from Dunn.

The membership also approved a procedure to address concerns that may be brought up by members about food the co-op provides. That proposition, which involves escalating concerns up the chain beginning with market employees and managers, was approved by a 98.5% margin.

The co-op also introduced Doug Zilm, who was hired as general manager.  Zilm was previously general manager of the Silver City Food Cooperative in New Mexico.

The co-op annual meeting took place Saturday, May 18 at the store location, 494 Wilson Avenue, Pasadena.

 

New yoga class session starts at the Community Center

The next session of Ann Bosi's yoga classes at the Altadena Community Center starts this week.

Here are the dates of the session:

Weds. at 5:30, 5/22 - 6/12

Thurs. at 1:00, 5/23 - 6/13

 

If you are joining for the first time, please contact her ASAP and bring your registration form to your first class. Phone: 626-798-1527

The Altadena Community Center is at  730 E. Altadena Dr.  For more information, click the flyer.

Pasadena Rotary honors Teachers of Excellence

The  Pasadena Rotary Club  honored five Pasadena Unified School District teachers in its 23rd annual Teachers of Excellence Program (TOE) on May 15.

This year's honrees are:

Regina Major, Altadena Elementary School; Christine A. McLaughlin, Blair High School; Ella Farinas, Cleveland Elementary School; Richard Eric Mulfinger, Marshall Fundamental Secondary School; Dany Richey, Sierra Madre Elementary School.

The goal of the program is to foster and encourage excellence in teaching and dedication to education in the Pasadena Unified School District. In addition, Rotary wishes to demonstrate in a concrete way that the community cares about the quality of public schools by conducting a competition to select those exceptional teachers that deserve special recognition.

Winning teachers are awarded $1,500, with $500 presented to each recipient's school.  

 

Altadena: responding to disaster

by Timothy Rutt

In the wake of the devastating tornado damage and loss of life in Moore, Oklahoma, we have a roundup of information:

• Helping:  Webster's Fine Stationers, 2450 N. Lake Avenue, is collecting money to donate to tornado victims (see the Hugo Arteaga logo on top). Lori Webster writes: "We'll be asking people to round up their sales to the nearest dollar, or to drop their change into a donation box, or just donate directly into the box.  WFS will be adding to the donation as well."
• Information: The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has rounded up a list of useful disaster preparedness links 
• Communications: Altadena CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) is still looking for licensed ham and GMRS radio operators to create an emergency communications plan for the Altadena area for when there is a serious emergency and normal channels of communication are down.  (You do not have to have completed CERT training to be on the network). Please contact the Emergency Communications Committee of Altadena CERT at communications@altadenacert.org  For more information about Altadena CERT (which also includes other nearby areas), see http://www.altadenacert.org

Hey, foxy!

Doris Finch contributes this backyard visitor to the Altadena hall of wildlife -- a gray fox, chillin' in the spring sunshine.

Briton Ensemble at the Folly Bowl June 2

by Timothy Rutt

The Folly Bowl takes us back to the Renaissance with a free concert by The Briton Ensemble on Sunday, June 2.  

The Ensemble, directed by James Briton Hendricks, sings 16th-19th century madrigals plus original compositions.  They perform at the Renaissance Fair and Dickens Christmas Fair, and give two concerts a year in Altadena.

Admission is free, but bring something for the potluck thereafter.  

The Folly Bowl is at 1601 E. Loma Alta Drive.  Doors open at 4:30, concert starts at 5 PM.

 

 

Critter-dena: look who's walking

by Timothy Rutt

Bill Westphal's critter-cam caught a few interesting visitors to the neighborhood in recent days: a bobcat, a bear (a wet bear, by the looks of it -- check your hot tub!) and an animal control officer.  The latter have been  seen around town lately checking for unlicensed pets, so now's a good time to take care of that ...

Remembering the fallen at Altadena Station

Runners go by the Altadena Sheriff Station Sunday afternoon to finish the Peace Officer's Memorial Relay.

 

by Timothy Rutt

Altadena Sheriff Station Captain John S. Benedict carried the torch for the final leg of the annual Peace Officers Memorial Relay Sunday afternoon.  Runners carried a torch from sheriff station to station to remember the officers who have fallen in the line of duty.

Sunday, four names were remembered by the runners: Deputy Constable Charles A. De Moranville, who was killed during an arrest in 1909; Chief Henry P. Tracy of the Pomona Police Department, who was killed in a motorcycle accident in 1915; and Los Angeles Sheriff Deputies Harry S. Guard and Emma Benson, who were killed when their Model T  was struck by a trolley in 1919. More pictures after the jump.

 

 

End of the season big score for the East Altadena Challengers

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Once again, the East Altadena Challengers finish the season with a perfect score, 34-0; With 20 team members and 24 coaches, the Challengers' strategy included blanketing the diamond with fielders when the other team was at bat; Challenger Rosie comes in to score.

by TImothy Rutt

The East Altadena Little League's Challenger Angels team -- a team for children with special needs -- held its big game Sunday against EALL's senior Angels team.  As every year, the seniors apparently lost all ability to play baseball, meaning the Challengers had a chance to hit, run, score, and field and feel the sweet feeling of victory.

Special thanks to the senior Angels for ensuring the little ones had a good time, and to all the coaches who commited their spring afternoons to teaching and being mentors to these children.  Wait 'til next year.

 

Farm-to-Table Dinner at Muir Ranch June 1

Muir Ranch’s third annual Farm-to-Table Dinner will be Saturday, June 1, from 4-7 PM at the ranch, on the campus of John Muir HIgh School.

Come eat a locally grown and harvested, gourmet meal and support Muir Ranch's summer intern program! (Heels are not recommended for mulch pathways!)

The dinner features speaker Robert Egger: As former president of the DC Central Kitchen, and founder of LA Kitchen opening this year, Egger will speak on food justice, food access, food waste, and the importance of involving the youth in growing their own food.

Food  will be catered by Large Marge Sustainables and the Muir Ranch catering class.  Music will be provided by Beex of Icy Lytes.

Muir Ranch is a combination school farm, community-supported agriculture business, and culinary school acting as a teen jobs program.  

The Ranch is seekign donations of kitchen items ( CLICK HERE to check out our gift registry --  First name: Muir Last name: Ranch)

Price is $57, with a $4.13 ticket fee.  Sign up at http://summerinterns.eventbrite.com/

 

With craft and ingenuity, Sarah Allegra creates art from deep places

All photos © Sarah Allegra.  All rights reserved and used with permission.

by Timothy Rutt

Sarah Allegra's "Crossing the First Threshold" uses Photoshop and her own costuming and crafts skills to put her model, actress Lauren Cohan, into a mythological landscape in an Altadena back yard.

They say that artists must go deep into themselves when they create.  Altadena artist Sarah Allegra pulls her art out of some very deep places.

Allegra’s work currently focuses on her photography, but her goal is not just to create pretty pictures:  her latest emphasis is exploring mythological themes, drawing on the work of Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell, creating dreamlike pictures, frequently of women in elaborate costumes, having journeys in a primordial landscape.

But the gowns and elaborate decoration are all done on a budget.  And the forest primeval is frequently her Altadena backyard, enhanced by creative angles and Photoshop.

Enter the camera
“About three and a half years ago,” she said, “I first picked up a camera to use for artistic purposes as opposed to just documenting somebody’s birthday ...I had done a little art modeling for other photographers in the area and found myself with some ideas that would make some really good photos -- but they weren’t the photographer’s ideas.  And it’s usually hard to make a photographer do your ideas as opposed to theirs.  I’m the same way now that I’m a photographer, so I understand.”

Using the name “Artos the Bear” (a figure from mythology), the 4 ft. 11 in. brunette with naturally curly hair posed for several edgy local photographers (including Geoff Ashley, who became her husband).  As an art model, she was fearless, taking everything from vintage costumes in studio to nudity on city streets in stride.

Henninger Flats namesake descendants honor the forest fire division

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The Henninger family attended a ceremony at Henninger Flats to recognize the100th anniversary of the  LA County FIre Forestry Division. 1. The descendants of the Henninger family. 2. From left, Chief Mike Takeshita, Ranger Johann Loockhard, Alana Longoria, James Aguirre, Tim Murphy and Chief Frank Vidales 3. From the left, Takeshita, Aguire, Chief Frank Vidales, and Deputy Jose Martinez present the plaque. 4. The plaque commemorating the fire division 5. Correspondent TIm Murphy's 50-lb. 1950 vintage Schwinn bicycle made it up the hill.  Note the modification on the handlebars for the beverage of your choice.

 

by Tim Murphy
Community Correspondent 

I was honored to be part of a very special event at Henninger Flats on Friday, May 17. Rangers, deputies and chiefs from LA County Fire Forestry Division drove 11 of the original Henninger family members up the Mt. Wilson Toll Road to Henninger for a reunion and ceremony. They were there to install a commemorative plaque they had donated to recognize the 100th anniversary of LA County Fire Forestry Division which has owned the flats since 1928.

In attendance were Dean Henninger and Corine Henninger, James Aguirre (who has written a book about the Henninger family) Julian Aguirre, Lucille Henninger Aguirre and her son Danny, Linda Henninger Escobeda, Donna Galvan, Tim Miguel, Jannine Longoria and her daughter Alanna. James Aguirre's family are the direct descendants of William Henninger, the original owner of Henninger Flats. In attendance for LA County Fire, Forestry were Chief Frank Vidales, Chief Mike Takeshita, Deputy Jose Martinez and Ranger Johann Lockhard.

After the ceremony and installation of the plaque, LA County Fire provided a great BBQ lunch. For anyone interested, James Aguirre has donated many photos and artifacts that are on display in the small museum at the site.