altadenablog

Volunteers needed for Feb. 1 "walkability audit" of Lincoln and Lake Avenues

by Timothy Rutt

Neighbors Building a Better Altadena is recruiting volunteers for an Altadena "walkability audit" on Feb. 1.

NBBA is working with Justin Robertson, an M.A. candidate in urban planning at UCLA, to conduct a the study at the Lincoln Avenue and Lake Avenue business corridors. 

Robertson's complete audit will gather information about options, existing conditions and best practices " for stimulating retail vitality through pedestrian-friendly improvements."  

The Feb. 1 study will have teams of at least two to walk an assigned block and use observations to answer survey questions.

Welcome in the New Year on the hour at the Ale House

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Ale & Wine House, 2329 N. Fair Oaks Avenue, has big plans tonight:  their annual New Year's Eve Party starts at about 2:45 PM, as they welcome New Year's around the globe.  Bring some potluck for the meal starting at 3:30 PM, and there will be toasts on the hour as midnight makes its way across the globe (European New Year at 4 PM: British New Year at 5 and so on).  

And at 9 PM,  Addi Somekh of Unpopable will bring along a whole new take on what you can do with a balloon -- not to be missed!

 

 

Spiff up for New Year's Eve at Scissors/Paper/Rock

Looking to pump up your New Year's Eve look?  Scissors Paper Rock Salon, 1864 N. Allen Avenue, will be open on New Year's Eve, December 31 to help complete your pumped up, fierce & fun look for all your New Year's Eve festivities !! 

 

We are offering a Hair & Makeup package with Frine & Angel, some of our great stylists and makeup artists. The package includes hair with Frine & makeup with Angel (package, $120) & if you just want to get one done, makeup ($75) & hair ($65-$70). 

 

(Other stylists will also be available on New Year's Eve for hair appointments).

 

Don't be afraid to bring in a favorite picture of a look you love, the stylists will help bring that look to life  !!

 

Call 626.791.5354 to book your appointment & we look forward to helping make your New Year's Eve look come to life !!

 

 

 

Wake-up call: Thunderbirds rehearsing early tomorrow

by Timothy Rutt

Just received notice that the US Air Force Thunderbirds squadron will be rehearsing for their Rose Parade appearance Tuesday morning at 8 AM.  According to a press release from the Pasadena Police Department, six F-16s will be flying in formation from west to east  along Colorado Boulevard tomorrow, warming up fo rtheir parade appearance.

For all you aviation fans.

Still have no idea about the Osprey, tho! 

 

Help the Library become a World Book Night "hub"

The Altadena Library District Bob Lucas Memorial Branch Library & Literacy Center is proud to serve as a local distribution “hub” for World Book Night. In early April, the World Book Night organization will match “book givers” with local book distribution hubs. Volunteers will pick up their 20 free, give-away copies from their designated hub between April 16-23.

If you'd like to be a "book giver" for the Altadena Library, please contact Roberta Lauderdale at 626.798.8338 or rlauderdale@altadenalibrary.org.  by Jan. 5. For more information on World Book Night, visit www.us.worldbooknight.org.

Coffee Gallery window vandalized in early morning attack (UPDATE AGAIN)

by Timothy Rutt

The Coffee Gallery's front window was broken by a hammer-wielding man Sunday morning.

A man wielding a hammer broke the front window of the Coffee Gallery as the shop opened Sunday morning.

According to the barista on duty, the morning barista was opening the shop at 2029 N. Lake Avenue at about 6:30 AM this morning when she saw a man running at her as though to attack.  She unlocked the door to get inside and lock it behind her, when the man shattered one of the front windows with a hammer and shouted an obscenity that some witnesses said included a racial epithet.  

UPDATE:  Community correspondent Susan Foster sends the following:

If you'd like to help Coffee Gallery owner Julie Sandoval with her repair expenses, write a check to the Altadena Community Corporation, a "domestic nonprofit" (ID Number C3499970) established to help Altadena businesses, so the donation is tax-deductible.

Altadena Community Corporation
2450 N. Lake Ave Suite 327
Altadena Ca 91001

Put in the memo "Coffee Gallery crisis."

UPDATE II: There is some question as to the accuracy and bona fides of the information presented above, so we've struck it out.  We've also reached out to Coffee Gallery owner Julie Sandoval to see if this is being done with her cooperation and what her preference is for donations.

 UPDATE III: Questions have been answered: please check the updated story here.

Pasadena Humane Society to open expanded shelter Jan. 9

from the Pasadena Humane Society

There’s a new animal welfare standard in town –– the Pasadena Humane Society’s Animal Care Center. The advanced center includes a new Wellness Clinic housing a high-volume spay/neuter clinic, a larger behavior and training center, dog daycare and boarding, the Shelter Shop – a larger onsite pet store; and ample underground parking. The new facility, which is an addition to the Pasadena Humane Society’s existing campus, opens January 9 at 9 a.m.

The goal of this expansion is to keep pets in homes and out of shelters. TheAnimal Care Center features:

• An expanded affordable spay/neuter clinic open Tuesday through Saturday; allowing PHS veterinarians to perform 20 spay/neuter surgeries on dogs, cats and rabbits per day.
• An affordable vaccination and microchip clinic held on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
• Dog daycare, which will be available in February.
• A new Education and Training Center that will hold a series of seminars and training classes.
• A new dog boarding facility.
• The Shelter Shop, an expanded on-site pet store with a variety of food, accessories, clothing and more for pets. All proceeds from retail sales go back to shelter programs.  
• Ample on-site underground parking for customers.

Sheriff warns of New Year's gunfire dangers

from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

Every year, a significant number of people throughout the City and County of Los Angeles engages in the extremely dangerous practice of discharging firearms into the air to celebrate the arrival of the New Year. In an effort to educate and warn the public of the problem, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) have embarked upon an awareness campaign. This campaign is designed to help reduce incidents of indiscriminate gunfire that, while on the decline, has continued to be a deadly tradition in our County and in our City.

The Gunfire Reduction Campaign aims to advise the community that celebrating the New Year with gunfire will not be tolerated in the County and City of Los Angeles. California Penal Code Section 246.3 prohibits negligent discharging of firearms. Any person who violates Section 246.3 will have their firearm confiscated and will be arrested for a felony crime.

Zero tolerance for New Year's gunfire

from the Altadena Sheriff Station 

Celebrating the New Year with gunfire will not be tolerated in the Community of Altadena.

Every year, a significant number of people throughout the County of Los Angeles engage in the extremely dangerous practice of discharging firearms into the air to celebrate the arrival of the New Year.

In an effort to educate and warn the public of the problem, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) have embarked upon an awareness campaign. This campaign is designed to help reduce incidents of indiscriminate gunfire that, while on the decline, has continued to be a deadly tradition in our Communities.

The Gunfire Reduction Campaign aims to advise the community that celebrating the New Year with gunfire will not be tolerated in the Community of Altadena or anywhere the County of Los Angeles. California Penal Code Section 246.3 prohibits negligent discharging of firearms. Any person who violates Section 246.3 will have their firearm confiscated and will be arrested for a felony crime.

We ask for you to celebrate the Holiday’s safely and please don’t fire your gun into the air this New Year’s!

On behalf of the Altadena Sheriff Station, we wish you and your family a safe and Happy New Year!

 

Get ready: Poetry & Cookies deadline Jan. 18, 2014

by Timothy Rutt

 

Current poet laureate Linda Dove will pass on her crown at the April 27 Poetry & Cookies event.

The Altadena Public Library's annual Poetry & Cookies event will be held Sunday, April 27, from 2-4 PM.  There will be poetry readings, a chance to buy poetry books by local poets, and the crowning  of Altadena's new Poet Laureate.

 

But before then, you have a chance to appear in the Library's Poetry & Cookies anthology.  Deadline to submit is January 18.

Send poems in body of an email to: PoetryCookies2014@gmail.com, subject: Your Last Name, “Poems”

Or send hard copy to: Altadena Library 600 East Mariposa Street, Altadena, CA 9100; Attn: C Chiu

Complete guidelines and application information is here, but include:

• Poets who live in Altadena or the surrounding area are eligible

• Priority is given to unpublished poets who live or work in Altadena

• Poets must be available to read on Sunday April 27, 2 - 4 pm

• Poets must submit by deadline to be considered for publication

• G-rated poems (assume children are in the audience)

Poet Laureate Application is here.

Questions? Email cchiu@altadenalibrary.org

Farnsworth Park taking signups for spring round-robin tourney

Farnsworth Park is taking seven teams for its 2014 Round Robin Adult Co-Ed softball tournament, to be held March through May, 2014.

Cost is $300 per team, not including umpire fees.  For more information, call 626-798-635.

Osprey overhead?

 

Community correspondent Tony Mizgalski captured the flyover of the CV22 Osprey Friday afternoon.

 

 (bumped to top)

by Timothy Rutt

Yes, that does appear to be an Osprey overhead (12:25 PM) ... we're looking into it, but wondering if it's a practice run for the Rose Parade or something ... share your pictures if you have them!

 UPDATES:  Have some great shots from community correspondents Tony Mizgalski and Ioakim Boutakidis, after the jump.

Two hikers rescued at Eaton Canyon Friday

by TImothy Rutt

Search and rescue teams rescued two hikers spotted hanging on to branches to keep from falling down a cliff face Friday afternoon.

According to a spokesman from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the two hikers were spotted in Eaton Canyon and a 911 call went out at 11:31 AM Friday, Dec. 27.  The two were rescued by combined teams of the fire and sheriff's department with the help of a helicopter, and were transported to the hospital for evaluation.

 

Sheriffs looking for missing elderly woman (UPDATED)

Sheriffs are currently (9:20 PM) looking for an elderly white woman, including a helicopter announcing her description over the loudspeaker (which we can't really hear too well).  Trying to make contact with sheriff station for more details.

Description:  white jacket, blue jeans.  Deputy on dispatch says they don't want to give out her name yet.

UPDATE:  She was found in good shape overnight.

 

 

 

Altadena CERT community readiness workshop Jan. 9

by Timothy Rutt

Altadena's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and the Altadena Sheriff Station will hold the first in a bi-monthly series of presentations on disaster preparedness for the general community on Thurs., Jan. 9, 2014.

The topic this time will be gathering disaster preparedness kits for your home, office, automobile, and your pets.

The presentation will be from 7-8 PM at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.

Libraries close for Barbara Pearson memorial

  The Altadena Main Library and Bob Lucas Branch Library will be closed Friday, Dec. 27, so staff can attend a memorial service for Library Director Barbara J. Pearson, who died Dec. 14. Memorial service will be held at 2 PM Friday at Our Lady of the Assumption, 436 N. Berkeley Avenue, Claremont.

 

Go, Christmas Tree, go, Christmas Tree! Athens will pick 'em up

by Timothy Rutt

Athens Services will start picking up your discarded Christmas trees on your regular collection day from today through the second week of January.  

Please remove stands, ornaments, lights, and tinsel -- place the trees nex to your regular trash containters.  Trees with flocking or fire retardants are acceptable.  Trees over six feet in height must be cut in half.

If you miss the date for recycling, please cut up your  tree and place it in your yard waste containers.

Athens says the trees are ground up and used as mulch or cover material at their landfill.

 

Pasadena police planning saturation patrols for the holiday weekend

from the Pasadena Police Department

Officers from the Pasadena Police Department’s DUI Enforcement Team will be deploying this weekend to stop and arrest alcohol and drug-impaired drivers in the Department’s ongoing traffic safety campaign. DUI Saturation Patrols will deploy on Friday, December 27, 2013 between the hours of 8:00 PM and 3:00 A.M. in areas with high frequencies of DUI collisions and/or arrests. 

Over the course of the past three years, DUI collisions have claimed 5 lives and resulted in 65 injury crashes harming 85 of our friends and neighbors in Pasadena. 

In California, this deadly crime led to 774 deaths because someone failed to designate a sober driver. Alcohol and drug-impaired deaths still make up the largest category of overall vehicle fatalities with 29 percent of all deaths caused by a drunk driver. A DUI Saturation Patrol is a proven effective method to lower these numbers. When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving. 

Pasadena PD reminds everyone that they can assist in preventing this crime from ever occurring. If you are planning a gathering or celebration with alcohol included, or if you are out on the town, plan ahead and designate a non-drinking sober driver. A DUI and drug-impaired arrest can cost up to $10,000 or even more, including time in jail, the loss or your driver license and high insurance rates. 

These enforcement efforts are funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Remember, everyone is encouraged to help keep our roadways safe; Report Drunk Drivers – Call 911!

 

Merry Christmas!

by Timothy Rutt

As is our custom, entries will be light or nonexistent today, as we celebrate the nativity of the Lord with our family.  And we tell our Christmas story;

Almost 20 years ago, we were looking for a creche -- we never had one growing up, and felt that it was time to have one.  Because we are also cheap, we finally found one in the after-Christmas sale at the Folk Tree Gallery in Pasadena for half off -- a simple set of painted terra cotta figurines from Peru.  We liked it very much, so we bought it, they boxed it up, and we took it home.

But as we unpacked the box, we found out that we had a passenger -- a terra cotta cow in a totally different style.  It had a broken-off horn and a leg was just barely hanging on -- obviously from another set, broken and put in the box in the back room to be thrown away later.   But they used the box to pack my set and didn't notice the cow already in it.

This was my first nativity set, and we had a problem.  What do you do with a broken, non-matching piece?  Throw it away?  Maybe -- but there's a protocol for getting rid of worn out American flags -- maybe there's some kind of protocol for broken creche pieces?  I had no idea.  We set up the nativity set, and put the broken cow in the back until we could figure out what to do with her.

Poetry Corner: the Christmas gift

 "THE CHRISTMAS GIFT"

from gloriana casey

Though she was just a little girl,
the stories told to her
of Christmas time---- the 3 Wise men,
frankincense, gold, and myrrh.

A Christmas gift to celebrate,
just like that Drummer Boy.
What could she give her parents then?
They wouldn't want a toy.

And in her piggy bank---not much;
Two quarters and a dime,
10 pennies and a nickel left
 and Christmas Eve did chime.

Crime blotter: vandalism & theft

Merry Christmas: another 24-Hour Fitness break-in.  Crime blotter provided by the Altadena Sheriff Station.

Tuesday, December 17

Between 10:00 AM and 10:47 AM – A petty theft occurred in the 1900 block of Lake Avenue.  Loss:  vehicle registration tab.

Wednesday, December 18

3:00 PM – A grand theft occurred in the 2400 block of Washington Boulevard.  Loss:  black HP laptop, black Sony PSP game console, black Razor computer mouse, black iPhone charger, black HP charger, headset, earphones, black backpack.

Thursday, December 19

Between 10:00 PM and 8:30 AM (Friday) – A petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 3500 block of Leilani Way.  Loss:  Barbie doll, accessories, Legos, PS3 games, game controller, children’s clothing, black storage device, gift card.

What does the fox say? (Update: Hello, Bing users!)

Wynne Wilson and Brian Leach on Anna Maria have a Certified California Native Plant and Wildlife Habitat garden, and their wildlife camera picked up a visitor this morning:

 

Look who is happily visiting our California native garden during the early hours! Our wildlife camera caught one great image of this grey fox under the oaks this morning.

  

Some info:  In the summer, the gray fox devours such foods as blackberries,  native grasses, grasshoppers, crickets, and acorns.  In the winter, small mammals comprise the bulk of the diet.  The grey fox eats squirrels, rats and rabbits, along with mice and voles, when the weather turns colder.

 

Happy to share the nature in our garden!  Merry Christmas!!

 

 Welcome BIng users!  Apparently this post is coming up high today when you ask Bing, "What does the fox say?"

Christmas Eve potluck at the Ale House tonight

by TImothy Rutt

The Altadena Ale & Wine House, 2329 N. Fair Oaks Avenue, will have its annual Christmas Eve potluck and wine giveaway tonight, from 6 PM-midnight.  Bring some specialty of yours and drink a few fine beverages -- and maybe win a bottle or two.

Help the Bright Futures Scholars in your year-end giving

from the Bright Futures Scholars

TODAY IS YOUR DAY - make it special by making a difference in the Quality of Life for over 500 hundred of our community's highest academic achievers in the Bright Futures Scholars Leadership Development Program. As you know, knowledge is power and education secures our future. Our programs at the Quality of Life Center, Inc. are designed to develop leaders, build self-esteem while increasing marketability, promote healthy living, and equip youth to become productive citizens.  These dedicated, hard-working young people need our assistance. If we don't help them, who will?

As the year 2013 comes to an end, we hope that you will be heart-driven to join with our mentors and other faithful supporters in donating $25 or more to our "Dollars for Scholars Campaign”.

As you review your annual charitable contributions, please consider the Quality of Life Center, Inc. as one of your choices.  We are a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  Your tax-deductible donations may be made on-line to: http://www.qolcinc.com/donations.htm, or mailed directly to Quality of Life Center, Inc., PO Box 6158, Altadena, CA 91003-6158.  If you wish your donation to be applied to the scholarship fund for graduating high school seniors, please make that distinction when you donate. Please forward this request to any and all that you feel would join with you in supporting our community's brightest scholars. Without donors such as yourselves, we would not be able to provide services to countless youth and others in our communities.

For further information about our organization, visit our website at www.qualityoflifecenterinc.com , call our office: (626) 798-5433 (798-LIFE) / (626) 399-5007, or send an email to: qualityoflifecenterinc@yahoo.com .

We are counting on your support and thanking you in advance for your generous donation.

Obituary: Judy Wheeler

Received this note from Steve Lamb, and photo from Camille Dudley:

 

by Steven S. Lamb

 

It is my sad and unfortunate duty to inform you that our fellow Altadenan, Judith Payson Wheeler died Dec. 20 at 4:20 a.m.

 

Judith was descended from a pair of early New England families, the Wheelers and the Paysons. Judith was a third generation Smith College graduate and a housemate of Gloria Steinem. Early in her working life Judith compiled the Fortune 500 and edited Alan Greenspan's doctoral dissertation.

 

Judith lived the life of a modern liberated woman that others only wrote about. She refused marriage, unlike many of her contemporaries, to wealthy and powerful men, believing she could and should make her own way. Judith worked for the Rand Corporation becoming its first credited female analyst, and she gender integrated the executive lunch and board rooms at Lockheed.

 

Judith was active in the Smith College Alumni Association, the Pasadena Chapter of the League of Women Voters (in both cases she served as newsletter editor), in the committee overseeing the Altadena Community Center, the West Altadena Neighborhood Association and in the effort to revitalize the Lincoln Avenue Redevelopment into a thriving commercial district. For that effort, Judith a consummate researcher, relied on her business experience and crunched all of the numbers of the competing proposals and analyzed each of them, giving the public hard numbers to make factual comparisons.

 

Judith suffered a serious stroke in in 2006 and never fully recovered the use of her body, but her mind remained sharp and brilliant to the end. 

Obituary: Remembering Sue Redman, Altadena Chronicle editor

by Christopher Nyerges

 

During the second week of December, I got a message: Sue Redman had died. This came as a great shock.  Sue (and her husband Rich) were longtime friends.  Sue was 72 years old, but I still had the sense that she would live forever.  Here are my thoughts about Sue as I reflected over the years.

 

It was 1976 and I had just moved out of my home with my parents. I’d gone to my grandfather’s farm in Ohio to live for 6 months after high school, came back to California, and then decided it was time to set out on my own. I was living in a small hut in Highland Park, searching for the meaning of life, and needing a job.

 

I walked into the office of the Altadena Chronicle on North Lake Avenue looking for work.  I met Sue Redman, and we got along great. She wasn’t anything like the front desk secretary at the Star News, whose job was to repel anyone who walked in the front door.

 

Sue spoke with me like a real person, and we quickly became friends. I became a typesetter and a columnist for Altadena’s only hometown paper. It was the beginning of a great relationship

 

 

Sheriff and volunteers making Christmas bright

Sheriff volunteers, seated, and members of MPYD get ready to start the Altadena Sheriff Stations' Toy and Food giveaway Dec. 21 at the Altadena Community Center

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Sheriff Station gave away about 280 "care packages" to deserving familes Saturday, Dec. 21, after a successful 2013 toy and food drive.

Families (who filled out forms at schools and the Sheriff Station in order to qualify) received a selection of toys and a box of food to help make the holiday a little brighter.

Volunteers -- largely Volunteer on Patrol members --  checked in the recipients, and members of Mentoring and Partnership for Youth Development from John Muir High School and county jail trustys did the heavy lifting.  More pictures after the jump.

Rhythms of the Village celebrates Pan-African heritage

 

Marilyn Chukwurah shows off some of the colorful clothing available at Rhythms of the Village.

 

 

by Timothy Rutt

Rhythms of the Village at 2279 N. Lake Avenue represents a labor of love:  the Chukwurah family’s love for all aspects of Pan-African culture.

The business offers gifts, clothing, oils, crafts, and classes, all with an African beat. Not bad for something that, until recently, was located in the family’s garage. 

 

Onochie Chukwurah leads a free freestyle drumming class on Friday nights.

According to Emeka Chukwurah, the business (Rhythms of the Village Productions) was started by his parents, Onochie and Marilyn Chukwurah, over 30 years ago as a performing arts ensemble, later branching into arts and crafts reflecting their interest in African heritage.

 

Born in Nigeria, Onochie Chukwurah is a folklorist who shares singing, dancing, drumming, and storytelling traditions from his background.  Rhythms of the Village perfomed and sold at schools and cultural marketplaces in the Pasadena area until they opened their Altadena shop this year.

Marilyn Chukwurah specializes in products from the Caribbean and the Old South.  Emeka and his wife Zjaleece represent the younger generation, curating the urban and hip-hop manifestations of African culture.

Search and rescue looking for four missing bikers [UPDATE: Found uninjured]

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Search and Rescue team is still (7:30 AM) looking for four  mountain bikers who went missing Sunday night.

According to a press release from the Altadena Sheriff Station, search and rescue was activated at about 7 PM Sunday when the bikers were reported several hours overdue from a bicycle ride from Mt. Wilson to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory turnout on Windsor Avenue.

The four men, ages 28-38, left for the ride from approximately 10 AM-3 PM Sunday.  According to the press release,  family members located the grouop's automobiles at the Windsor turnout.  The release says that  Montrose Search & Rescue team members were requested at about 9 PM.  One sheriff's department helicoper aided in the search, which went on through the night until 4 AM this morning.

According to the release, other search and rescue teams will be requested and search aircraft resumed this morning. 

The missing cyclists are from Glendale, North Hollywood, Rialto, and Sunland.

UPDATE:  Watch commander Lt. Angela Shepherd said that  the four were spotted in Bear Canyon by the helicopter, and were walked out by search and rescue.  There were no injuries, she said.  Scanner just said (10:08 AM) that they're in a van, warming up.

 

 

Good scouts: six from Troop 1 earn highest honors

 

Eagle Scouts from Troop 1 at their court of honor: L-R, Jesse Adamczyk, Alan Sun, John Boden, Joe Tang, Justin Budge, and Kyle LaBrecque.

 

by Timothy Rutt

Making Eagle Scout is a rare achievement:  depending on who you ask, only 5-7 percent of scouts make it to that level.  Those achievers include Gerald Ford, Neil Armstrong,  and Steven Spielberg.

Boy Scout Troop 1 at St. Mark's Episcopal Church has an even rarer achievement: honoring six Eagle Scouts at once, which they did during Court of Honor ceremonies Saturday, Dec. 21.  The scouts are:  Jesse Adamczyk, John Boden, Justin Budge, Kyle LaBrecque, Alan Sun, and Joe Tang.

Speakers at the ceremony included:  Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, Peter Theisinger (JPL project manager for the Mars Curiosity Rover), and US Forest Service Battalion Chief Oscar Vargas,  who had just returned from fighting the Big Sur fire.

 

Pets of the week: Dave and Mark

from the office of Michael D. Antonovich

 At the Board of Supervisors meeting, Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich presents “Dave,” a 1-year old Rat Terrier Mix and “Mark,” a 1-year old Chihuahua Mix, a couple of the many pets available for adoption now. 

For more information about adopting a pet, please call the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control at 562-728-4610.

Another opening, another show at McGinty's

Gallery McGinty features many vintage items - including the sign from Ben McGinty's previous gallery.

 

 

by Timothy Rutt

Gallery McGinty held a holiday celebration and grand opening Friday night, Dec. 20, which was also a fundraiser for ArtAIDSArt.  It was the scene Friday night, a chance to scope out the latest effort from owner Ben McGinty.  More pictures after the jump.

 

Michele Zack looks at the longevity of roses

by Timothy Rutt

We seem to spend a lot of time this week keeping up with Michele Zack, and here's another one:  Altadena's historian tracks down the secret of the longevity of the Tournament of Roses in the newest Pasadena Magazine (and we have a link here). 

Lost dogs: Loca and Scurry

We have two dogs that left our yard Dec.19 around 2:30 PM.  One dog named Loca is an Alaskan Husky mix with a caramel colored coat and white face and legs.  She is about 14 years old.  The other dog named Scurry is jet black with a black spot in the middle of her tongue and a sore on her back near her tail.  We're not sure what breed of dog she is.  She is about 5 years old.  Please contact us at (626) 712-7659 Rachel Spurgeon or (626) 712-7662 Tim Spurgeon.

The Chosen Few: Elliot Gold's new book looks at outlaw bikers, then and now

The Chosen Few outlaw motorcycle club on a run in the 1970's. Photo: Copyright Elliot Michael Gold, Gold Mustache Photography

  

by Timothy Rutt

Elliot Michael Gold is mostly known around Altadena as one of the forces behind the Upside Down T Neighborhood Association and the Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations.  He recently retired after 33 years as a “teleconferencing guru” with his own business. 

Altadenan Elliot Michael Gold's new book looks at biker club The Chosen Few -- then and now.

And as with many retirees, it’s a time to catch up on things -- in his case, finishing the book he started 40 years ago.

It started for Gold when bikers came roaring into a school gym 

An engineer and statistician with JPL, “in the late 60s-early 70’s, I was involved in the sheriff’s department in Altadena, and I used to go to their community meetings,” Gold recalled.  One meeting in 1971, held in a local school gymnasium with sparse attendence, was interrupted by a loud noise.  

“As we started to ask questions, there was a noise that became a rumble, became a roar, and became the sound of motorcycles riding INTO the gymnasium ... riding  down the center aisle, in the building,” Gold said.

About a dozen bikers came through the back doors and into the gymnasium, engines roaring. The deputies drew  their guns, but were waved off by Lt. Clarence “Sonny” Elmore of the Altadena Sheriff’s Station.  Elmore, it seems, had invited them to the meeting -- and he was a bike rider himself. 

Obituary: Barbara J. Pearson, Altadena Library District Director

from Pauli Dutton, Principal Librarian
Altadena Library District 

On Saturday, December 14, at 10 PM., Barbara J. Pearson, Director of the Altadena Library District for the previous nine years, passed away.  She had been at Pomona Valley Hospital recuperating from pneumonia.

 

Barbara J. Pearson

While at Altadena Library, Ms. Pearson updated its integrated library system, modernized the interior of both main and branch libraries, and renovated the infrastructure with new wiring to expand the library’s public computers from ten to 40. She began the library’s Art on Millionaire’s Row annual arts and crafts fair and salon. She had also worked hard on planning and raising funds to update the main library facility to bring it into ADA compliancy but passed before this goal could come to fruition.

 

Previous to her position at Altadena Ms. Pearson also served as chief librarian for the city of Burbank Public Library.  While there, she oversaw the construction of Buena Vista Library Branch which was labeled a high-tech yet homey example of excellent library design and quickly became a popular destination for its community and librarians throughout California. Before this time she served as the library director for the city of El Segundo for ten years where she was credited with leading a library renovation and expansion project.

Altadena Chamber names Mark Goldschmidt Citizen of the Year

by TImothy Rutt

The Altadena Chamber of Commerce and Civic Association has named a long-time planning and preservation activist as Altadena's 2013 Citizen of the Year.

 

Citizen of the Year Mark Goldschmidt, left, presents Altadena Heritage's Golden Poppy award to guerilla gardener Cody Howard in 2012.

 Altadena Heritage Chairman Mark Goldschmidt, a retired landscape architect, was named Altadena’s Citizen of the Year for his work on the town council’s Land Use Committee and as a board member and chairman of Altadena Heritage.  Goldschmidt’s honor is notable in that he is married to last year’s Citizen of the Year, local historian Michele Zack.

 

Goldschmidt, 67, has been active in Altadena Heritage as a board member and two-time chairman, as well as serving on the Altadena Town Council’s land use committee from 2007-2011.  

 Altadena Heritage describes itself as a “non-profit, volunteer-based advocacy organization dedicated to protecting, preserving, and raising awareness of the rich architectural, environmental, and cultural heritage of our foothills community.”

Goldschmidt comes to his interest in place after a life of international travel.  Born in Berkeley and raised in Brentwood, Goldschmidt spent his early grade school years living in a hut in Uganda where his anthropologist father was doing field work.  “Later, we drove to Capetown in our 1953 VW microbus via the Congo and the Rhodesias. That's what sparked lifelong interest in land and landscape,” Goldschmidt says. 

The Altadena Farmers' Market named 2013 Business of the Year

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Chamber of Commerce and Civic Association has named the Altadena Farmers’ Market as Business of the Year.  In just a short time since the market's opening in May 2012,  the Wednesday market has become the crown jewel in Altadena’s growing reputation as a center for food culture in Los Angeles.

 

Altadena Farmers' Market Manager Joseph Shuldiner.

Altadena’s Farmers’ Market gets rave reviews in the LA Times, LA Weekly, and Bon Appétit Magazine for its mix of organic small farmers, urban growers, and artisanal food vendors. Only a year-and-a-half old, it’s already a local institution.  Not bad for an enterprise that was unlikely from the start.

 

Altadena and Los Angeles County officials spent years trying -- and failing -- to set up a local farmers’ market. Until Joseph Shuldiner stepped in.

Shuldiner is a most unlikely market manager.  He isn’t a farmer, chef, or restauranteur by training.  A former art director for the Los Angeles Times, Shuldiner designed print publications for a living, and said,  “I found that field dwindling, and wasn’t interested in designing for digital media at the time.”

He found a niche doing cookbook design.  He worked with Sue Campoy, founder and chef at Julienne in San Marino, on the distillation of her life’s work, Celebrating with Julienne (Prospect Park Books).  Working so closely with one of the great local chefs made Shuldiner want to write his own cookbook.  

Altadena Heritage selects board members, will comment on Haha sediment project

by TImothy Rutt

Altadena Heritage held its annual meeting Dec. 15 to vote on new board members, and decided to submit comments  on the county's environmental impact report for the Hahamongna sediment removal plan.

According to Michele Zack at Altadena Heritage, the organiztion decided by voice vote to submit a comment on the Draft EIR "in the form of some questions the public needs to have answered for before moving forward on any plan."

The vote came after a presentation on the Hahamongna plan by new board member Marietta Kruells.  Other new board members include Alyssa Ribeiro, Bruce Baldwin, Vanessa Mirro, Bill Ellinger, William Seiter, and Linda World.  Current board members Richard Benson and David Mosher were elected to second terms.

 

Family sing-along at Altadena Community Church Dec. 22

On Sunday, Dec. 22 at 7 PM., gather around the piano at Altadena Community Church (943 E. Altadena Drive) for a holiday sing-along.  Kids from one to 92 are welcome.  A goodwill offering will benefit the ACTS food pantry, a cooperative ministry of several Altadena congregations.  

 

Then, on Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 7 p.m., "Go, See, and Praise!" with Pastor Joe McGowan, choral music and a candlelight to celebrate Christmas Eve.  Nursery care is provided for children four and younger, and older children are invited to enjoy the service.

 

All are welcome at ACC, part of the United Church of Christ denomination.   For more information, visit www.altadenaucc.org or call (626) 798-1185.

Crime blotter: multi-agency drug distribution bust made our week

This week's selection: residential burglaries, 24 Hour Fitness returns, and a couple of big busts Thursday.  Crime blotter provided by the Altadena Sheriff Station.

Sunday, December 8

Between 11:25 AM and 5:40 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 100 block of W. Pine Street.  Possible suspect described as a male, Hispanic, 20 yrs, 5 ft. 5 ins, wearing a white beanie w/black leaf design, gray sweatshirt.   Loss:  laptops, watch. 

Monday, December 9

11:50 AM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1300 block of Morada Place.  Loss:  none.

Between 4:40 PM and 5:20 PM – A petty theft occurred at 24Hr. Fitness, 2180 Lincoln Avenue.  Loss:  black iPhone. 

Town council denies group home expansion, hears of library director's death

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Town Council turned down a request to expand a group home from six to ten beds Tuesday night in the final council meeting of the year.

An almost-complete council* voted to recommend denying a conditional use permit for the home at 3085 Ridgeview Drive to the county planning commission.  The town council land use committee had earlier also recommended denial.

(*Councilmember Bernardean Broadous of CT 4610, who has not attended a meeting since August,  and Gretchen Seger were absent (thx Monica Hubbard for the correction!)

Also during the meeting:

Grand opening and benefit at Gallery McGinty Friday

by TImothy Rutt

Gallery McGinty, the new gallery of vintage items and contemporary art, will have a holiday grand opening this Friday, Dec. 20, from 6-10 PM.

The opening is also  a benefit for the Art AIDS Art Project, an Altadena-based group that educates the public about South African culture and the HIV/AIDS crisis there, as well as stimulating opportunity for South African artist collectives.

Among the local artists represented are Ashoka, Brian Dario, Eve Kessler, Evan Chambers, Kathy Swaydan, Ngene Mwaura, and Paulo of Fiesole. 

Gallery McGinty, 869 E. Mariposa Street, is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11 AM-5 PM, and Thursday evenings from 7-9 PM. 

Toys for Tots drive ending soon at Webster's Pharmacy

by Timothy Rutt

Webster's Community Pharmacy wants to share that -- if you haven't done your good deed buying yet -- they are still accepting toys for the U.S. Marine Corps' "Toys for Tots" drive.  Please put a new unwrapped toy in the box at the pharmacy, 2450 N. Lake Avenue.  Time's short -- they're picking up the bin on Friday!

I

Last Farmer's Market of the year today, 3-7 PM at Loma Alta Park

by Timothy Rutt

The final Altadena Farmers' Market of 2013 will be held today, from 3-7 PM at Loma Alta Park, 600 W. Palm Street.  The market will be closed the following two Wednesdays, Dec. 25 (Christmas) and Jan. 1 (New Year's Day), but will return at the same time on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014.

Market manager Joseph Shuldiner sent out a reminder:

WIC and Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program checks expired November 30. If you received these checks and/or EBT, SSI, SSDI or Social Security benefits, you are eligible for our Market Match program. Get up to an additional $10 to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables every week at the farmers’ market. See us at the Information Booth for more details on Market Match. 

And to all a good light

The Balian mansion fired it up tonight. Catch one of the best displays in the nation by the corner of Allen and Mendocino.

Count down those shopping days in Altadena!

by Timothy Rutt

Christmas is only a week away, and what better place to fill those stockings than in Altadena? Fortunately, our sponsors can probably help you out, after the jump

 

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Meher Montessori visits fire station

from Meher Montessory School

The children of Meher Montessori School were given the VIP treatment Monday, Dec. 16,  on their walking field trip to the Altadena Fire Station to deliver new, unwrapped toys for their toy drive.  The firefighters went above and beyond -- not only were the children able to pose for a group photo in front of the fire engine, they were also allowed to pose for individual photos in the driver¹s seat!

The firefighters gave each child a red "Stay low and go" safety bracelet after they delivered their toys in the toy box. After singing a song to thank the firefighters for all their hospitality, the children were in store for yet another treat: they were invited to go on a tour of the station house. Unfortunately the tour was cut short due to a call coming in. The children did enjoy watching the fire engine take off though. We hope everything turned out ok!

Morning jolt

 

• ESL volunteers needed:    Become a caring teacher and mentor to a small group of non-English speaking adults who want to communicate more effectively.  Any adult who speaks English fluently and can volunteer 4-10 hours a week is welcome. Training for San Gabriel Valley Literacy Council ESL classes is on Saturdays, January 18 and February 1, from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm. You must attend both sessions to volunteer in a San Gabriel Valley Literacy Council classroom. $25 covers training, lunch, and council membership. For more information about the training sessions or other volunteer opportunities contact us at 626-298-4731 or www.sgvlc.org.
• Clay & Candles Boutique: Scissors Paper Rock is hosting a Clay & Candles Holiday Boutique on December 21 from 10 AM- 3 PM Showcasing local artists and their amazing clay pieces and candles, all pieces make for great gifts or stocking stuffers this Christmas  Also: the 2013 Christmas Toy Drive for URDC Human Services is still going on. Come on in and pick off a gift tag to help undress our Christmas tree. Be sure to bring your gifts and donations by December 20. Scissors Paper Rock is at 1864 N. Allen Avenue. 
•  Waldorf Open House:  The Pasadena Waldorf School announces two open house events on Saturday, January 11 for both the lower school (toddler through grade 8) and the high school. Part of a worldwide educational movement that began over 90 years ago, Pasadena Waldorf School is a leading independent school in the San Gabriel Valley. The Waldorf approach recognizes the simple insight that children learn in distinctly different ways at different stages of their development. Waldorf teachers are dedicated to teaching in ways that profoundly foster an unfolding of the student’s natural capacities.  Open houses are: 9 AM for the lower school (for toddler through grade 8), 209 East Mariposa, Altadena; and 1 PM for the high school (for prospective high school students and their parents), 1539 East Howard Street, Pasadena,  No reservations are required for either location.  The lower school campus will provide free childcare for children age 5 and older during the morning open house.  Please visit www.pasadenawaldorf.org for more information or call the Admissions Office at (626) 794-9564.

Missing cat and missing dog

Two critters left their home:

 

Lost cat named "Casper", orange male tabby, very shy. One year old.

 

Last seen Thursday night Dec 12, Page Dr., Altadena. Normally doesn't leave the back yard.  Contact Yvonne at 818 421-3994

 

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Chloe, our female chihuahua miniature pinscher, went missing Saturday, December 14.  It is possible that she escaped through our backyard fence to our neighbor's on Laun Street.  She is black with symmetrical brown markings on her eyebrows, chest, and legs.  She was not wearing her collar, but is microchipped. Please contact Cecilia at 626.437.0386. Thank you.