altadenablog

Arroyo Food Co-op proposes to start with "pre-order" model

 

Members of the Arroyo Co-op Board of Directors explain the prepay preorder proposal to members at the Co-op's annual meeting December 14.

by Timothy Rutt

The directors of the Arroyo Food Co-op proposed starting the long-birthing community market up as early as next month, using a "prepay pre-order" model leading up to the eventual opening of a store.

The proposal, which will be voted on by the membership, is a plan to create cash flow for the organization as it works toward opening its storefront at 494 N. Wilson in Pasadena.

The proposal would set up an online ordering portal for members, as well as making printed ordering forms available for offline orders.  Products would be prepaid online or by cash or check.  The products would then be available for pickup, with at least one pickup time during the week and one for the weekend.

Looking back at a busy Altadena weekend

by Timothy Rutt

In the lead up to the holidays, there was just a lot going on, and we did our best to cover it all!  Some highlights -- in pictures and video --after the jump.

 

Altadena's "Top Cop" narrates an act of heroism

 

Thanks to community correspondent and steadfast Altadena Sheriff Station volunteer Deb Halberstadt for unearthing this gem: "Top Cops" was a re-enactment series from 1990-1993, with police officers narrating some of their most dramatic experiences.  One of them was then-Sheriff Detective John S. Benedict, now Altadena's Sheriff Captain, who tells the tale of an heroic rescue he made as a patrol deputy in the hills of Malibu in 1989.  

Altadena Heritage this afternoon at 234 E. Mendocino

NOTE:  Address corrected!

Just got a call from Michele Zack at Altadena Heritage that this afternoon's gathering may have been subject to an earlier typo:  The annual annual meeting/holiday celebration will be this afternoon, running from 3-6 PM, at 234 E. Mendocino Street. 

This is members-only event, but new and lapsed members may join at the door or online at altadenaheritage.com or altadenaheritage.org. More info: altadenaheritage@earthlink.net

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Home for Christmas on Santa Rosa Street

by Timothy Rutt

It was community among the deodars Saturday night, as the 93rd annual Christmas Tree Lane lighting ceremony turned out people from Altadena and beyond to enjoy an old-fashioned holiday tradition.  Arts and crafts vendors and food trucks at the Arts and Crafts Fair kept people busy before and after the lighting ceremony.  Before the lights went on, there was entertainment and speeches by dignitaries including Congresswoman Judy Chu, Assemblyman Chris Holden, Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, and Christmas Tree Lane Associaton President Maureen Ward. Check out our photo album on Facebook at this link.

 

Last Town Council meeting of the year Tuesday

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Town Council's final meeting of 2013 will be held Tuesday, December 17, at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr., at 7 PM.

The only action item is a conditional use permit for 3085 Ridgeview Drive.  There will also be a presentation by the Pasadena Education Foundation about the City/School/Community workplan between the Pasadena Unified School District and the city of Pasadena; and a presentation on the plan to include a performing and visual arts magnet program at Eliot Middle School.

 

Pets of the Week: Mary and Benji

from Supv. Michael D. Antonovich

At the Board of Supervisors meeting, Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich presents “Mary,” an 8-month old Terrier/Chihuahua Mix and “Benji,” a 10-month old Terrier 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 562-728-4644.

Go Santa, or go home

Just captured this guy among a pack of runners heading south on Altadena Drive. Sometimes we really love living here.

Lights on tonight: Christmas Tree Lane fires up in 93rd annual ceremony

by Timothy Rutt

Appropriately for the day, KCET's website has a history of Christmas Tree Lane.  Don't forget: tonight is the lighting ceremony, which starts at 6 PM at the corner of Santa Rosa and Mariposa.

Giving a dam

Community correspondent Gary Altadena shares this picture of this morning's "Hands Across Devil's Gate Dam" event to protest the sediment removal plan for Hahamongna Watershed.

(Full resolution -- about 7.0 megs -- is right here).

UPDATE: Just received this statement in the raw from the county Department of Public Works: 

STATEMENT ATTRIBUTABLE TO 
GAIL FARBER, DIRECTOR OF THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

 

The County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works, at the direction of the Board of Supervisors, has engaged the public in identifying a method of reducing flood risk for communities downstream of Devil’s Gate Dam in a way that is economically viable, socially acceptable, and environmentally sound.

Five Acres hosts supporters in holiday open house

 

Members of the Rose Court In black) flank guests Emily Deschanel and Matthew Lillard, with Five Acres executive director Chanel Boutakidis at cocktail reception Dec. 5.

from Five Acres

Five Acres hosted its annual holiday open house on Thursday, December 5, and the support from the community was abundant with more than 200 supporters and their families in attendance. Special guests included Emily Deschanel ("Bones") who read The Night Before Christmas to children in attendence, Matthew Lillard ("Scooby Doo," "The Descendents"), Tena Clark and Michelle LeClair and the Pasadena Rose Queen and Court.

Christmas bells are ringing ...

by Timothy Rutt

The Mark Twain Middle School Bell Ringers put on their annual holiday show Thursday night at the Altadena Main Library to an appreciative crowd.  Director Ron Theile told the audience that he was retiring as a teacher after this year, but he'll continue to direct the schools prize-winning bell choir -- he wants to get them to the 2016 Olympics in Rio!

Traveling mercies

Jake and Dad are flying to UC Davis Medical Center and back today for some tests, so entries will be light. 

Injured student airlifted from Eliot Middle School Wednesday afternoon

by Timothy Rutt

An Eliot Middle School student was airlifted off the school grounds Wednesday afternoon by helicopter and taken to a trauma center.

LA County fire inspector Anthony Akins said that paramedics were dispatched to  the school at about 2 PM Wednesday with the report of an unconscious person.  Akins said that units on the scene requested an air squad, and a county fire helicopter arrived at about 2:22 AM to transport an injured minor.

According to a staffer at the middle school, a female student was injured during physical education, and was airlifted to USC Medical Center. According to the staffer, "she's at home and she's fine."

Webster's Fine Stationers raffling Saigh sisters' painting this weekend

Altadena artists Arianna and Alexia Saigh have donated a matted and framed print of their painting "Saint Jack,"  as a prize to the winner of the Holiday Raffle at Webster's Fine Stationers. 

From now until Sunday, Dec 15,  email webstersfinestationers@gmail.com to enter, or fill out an entry form at the store and drop it into the sealed raffle box.  Winner will be announced Monday, Dec. 16.

Webster's Fine Stationers is at 2450 N. Lake Avenue.

 

MonteCedro hosts discussion on transitioning to retirement communities ND

from MonteCedro

On Wednesday, December 18, 2013 and Thursday, December 19, 2013, MonteCedro,  a planned Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in Altadena, will host nationally recognized senior transition expert Mary McMullin, President of New Life Management & Development in La Canada, to share her insights on the hidden benefits of living in a continuing care retirement community.

The event will be Wed., Dec. 18, at 3:30 PM, and Thurs., Dec. 19, at 10:30 AM, at the MonteCedro Presentation Gallery, 153 E. Holly Street, Pasadena.

Seating for this event is limited.  To register, please visit www.montecedro.com/info or call 877-305-6013.

Publisher's notebook: getting your message to Altadenablog readers

Dear Altadenablog readers:

This time of year, there are a lot of organizations doing a lot of things that they want people to know about.  We've been getting about half a dozen announcements a day to be posted.

And we're happy to do it -- but some get in faster than others.  How come?  Confidentially -- we tend to prioritize things that require less work on our part.  The less work WE have to do, the more likely YOU will get your event posted! 

Here are the secrets of getting your announcement in Altadenablog:

Happy Altadena Holiday Weekend!

TOO MUCH TO DO this weekend, but it's all good, as the holidays draw near.  Check them out after the jump.

Crime blotter: burglary-rama

Vehicle and residential burglaries and a few controlled substance arrests.  Crime blotter provided by the Altadena Sheriff Station.

Sunday, December 1

7:50 PM – Syntyshe LePerry, 21 yrs, of Pasadena and Dejan Anderson, 21 yrs, of Pasadena were arrested for driving a vehicle without owners consent, possession of marijuana for sales, and receiving stolen property. 

Between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM (Monday) – A petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 2900 block of Mount Curve Avenue.  Loss:  red coin bag, currency.

Monday, December 2

Between 12:01 AM and 7:00 AM – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 300 block of W. Crosby Street.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the rear passenger window.  Loss:  brown bag, shoes.

Between 12:00 PM and 3:30 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 200 block of W. Mountain View St.  Loss:  laptop.

UPDATE: Human remains found, 3900 block N. Fair Oaks; detectives investigating

by Timothy Rutt

Sheriff homicide investigators are en route to the 3900 block of North Fair Oaks Avenue following found human remains at the site.

According to release from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, the remains were discovered today, Dec. 11, at about 12:25 PM.  The Altadena Sheriff's Station is not commenting, citing that watch commander is currently (5:45 PM ) on the scene.

UPDATE:  The Sheriff's Department sent the following update at 6:44 PM tonight:

Sheriff's Homicide Bureau detectives are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the human remains found on Wednesday, December 11, 2013, in the 3900 block of Fair Oaks Avenue, Altadena.

Due to the terrain, weather, and hour of darkness, detectives will respond tomorrow, along with personnel from the coroner's office, and continue their investigation.

There is no additional information available at this time.

 

Altadena Sheriff Station offers holiday safety and crime-fighting tips

from the Altadena Sheriff Station

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

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

Shopping Safety
• When shopping, take only what you need--identification and the credit card or debit card you intend to use.
• Don’t carry large amounts of cash; carry only the amount you need.
• Stay alert! Be aware. Pay attention to activity around you.
Busy and distracted shoppers are a target for any criminal looking for an easy opportunity.

Bright Futures Scholars hold holiday celebration

 

Dr. Sandra Thomas, center, flanked by Supv. Michael D. Antonovich (left) and County Fire Chief Daryl L. Osby at the Bright Futures Scholars holiday celebration Dec. 7 at Metropolitan Baptist Church.

 

 

 

 

 

from the Bright Futures Scholars

The Quality of Life Center, Inc.’s Bright Futures Scholars Leadership Development Program, under the direction of CEO/Dean of Scholars Dr. Sandra E. Thomas,  held its annual Special Holiday/Christmas Celebration with two of Los Angeles County’s top public officials serving as program mentors: LA County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich (Honorary Dean of Scholars) and LA County Fire Chief Daryl L. Osby.

It was a very joyous event in the spirit of the upcoming Holiday Season, in spite of the cool wet weather. Program participants and their families received gifts galore, while enjoying fun activities and many other festivities.  The event was held at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Altadena to accommodate the 800+ attendees. This is due to increased size of the scholars enrolled in the program this year. The 2013-2014 Class doubled in size from the previous year due to the popularity of the program.

The nationally renowned Bright Futures Scholars Leadership Development Program participants are brilliant young academic achievers from all local middle and high schools. Student must maintain a 3.0 or better Grade Point Average (GPA) to quality for the program; many are from low income, at-risk family situations and work diligently to overcome insurmountable odds. This program is supported by numerous grants and donations from the community at large. Political and business leaders also support the program by serving as mentors to the scholars.  

Sheriffs looking for volunteers for sorting and distribution Dec. 19-21

by Timothy Rutt

 

UPDATE:  This made the rounds, but the deputies are looking for volunteers from the Neighborhood Watch groups for this activity.

 

The Altadena Sheriff Station is looking for volunteers (teens and adults) to help with the annual holiday food and toy drive.

 

Food boxes need to be sorted and packed on Thursday, Dec. 19, and Friday, Dec. 20..  This year, the sorting will take place at Altadena Community Church, 943 E. Altadena Drive. (Drive up the driveway to the back of the building and enter through the rear parking lot).  Sorting starts at 7 PM Thursday and 1 PM Friday, and will go on until it's done.

 

Distribuion of food items and toys will take place at the church on Saturday, Dec. 21.  Please contact the sheriff's station directly (798-1131) if you want to volunteer for distribution.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Joe McGowan at 626-798-1185.

 

Altadena Farmer's Market is going to pot this week

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Farmers' Market tells us they're featuring a new artisan this week:  Petersen Pottery Company has items meant for kitchen and garden (and hey, aren't you supposed to be giving gifts sometime soon?) Check it out as well as the other artisanal farm fresh goods at the market today, 3-7 PM at 600 West Palm Street, in lower Loma Alta Park.

 

Bobcat ramble

Community correspondent Jason Chuan took this picture of a feline visitor in his back yard at the 1500 block of East Altadena Drive on Tuesday morning.

"Hands Across the Dam" planned for Hahamongna on Sat., Dec. 14

by Timothy Rutt

Hahamongna Watershed activists are holding an event Saturday morning to protest the county's silt excavation plan.

"Hands across the Dam" will take place Dec. 14 atop Devil's Gate Dam at 11 AM.  The action is to protest the extensive silt excavation plan, which will involve a fleet of trucks operating six days a week for a period of years.  Activists say the plan will destroy the natural area that has sprung up, involving native trees and plants and animals who have come to refuge behind the dam.

For more information, go to www.SaveHahamongna.org.

 

Hughes holiday showroom sale Dec. 12 benefits AIDS Service Center

by Timothy Rutt

Join Hughes Estate Sales for their  Holiday Edition December Showroom Sale at 6 PM this Thursday, December 12:

We're serving up tasty holiday treats from Little Flower Candy Co., hot cider, and eggnog. This is the perfect time to get a jump on your holiday shopping, snap up one-of-a-kind holiday gifts, and chat up the Hughes team.

A portion of the opening night proceeds will go to benefit the AIDS Service Center, a Pasadena-based nonprofit working to prevent the spread of HIV and help those in need living with HIV/AIDS.  The sale goes on Friday thru Sunday from 8 AM-2 PM.

 Hughes Estate Sales is at 711 West Woodbury Road.

 

One confirmed dead in retirement home fire

 

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 1. Smoke filled the neighborhood at the apartment fire. 2. Lincoln Avenue north of Ventura was filled with fire department vehicles. 3. Firefighters gather in front of the retirement home. 4. Sheriff's deputies confer with Altadena Sheriff Capt. John S. Benedict. 5. Firefighters break down equipment after the fire is knocked down. 6. Friends Retirement Center manager Cyril Musson makes a call on the scene of the fire.

by Timothy Rutt

County fire officials confirmed one dead in an apartment fire on Lincoln Avenue Monday afternoon.

Los Angeles County FIre Assistant Chief Nick Duvally said that one apartment unit was entirely engulfed at the Friends Retirement Center, 2691 N. Lincoln Avenue, where the body was found.  The call came in at 1:30 PM Monday afternoon.

Breaking : fire on 2600 Block of Lincoln

More as we get it.

Altadena Heritage: become a member and enjoy the party Dec. 15

NOTE:  Address corrected!

Altadena Heritage is holding its famous annual meeting/holiday celebration Sunday, Dec. 15, from 3-6 PM at 234 E. Mendocino Street. The celebration will feature music, food, and the election of new board.

This is members-only event, but new and lapsed members may join at the door or online at altadenaheritage.com or altadenaheritage.org. More info: altadenaheritage@earthlink.net

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Neighborhoods gather for sheriff toy giveaway

The Palm Street Residents Association was one of several neighborhood groups that gathered items for the Altadena Sheriff Station's annual holiday food and toy drive. From left: Okorie Ezieme, Hugo Arteaga, Riley (Batman) Arteaga, and Nancy Rothwell.

 

Florecita Farms neighborhood celebrates the holidays

 

Residents of the Florecita Farms neighborhood association gathered on Saturday, Dec. 7 for their Christmas gathering at Odyssey Charter School.

 

 

Eliot Middle School is in HARMONY Dec. 18

from the Pasadena Unified School District

Charles W. Eliot Middle School in the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) invites the community to join students and their families for HARMONY, a multimedia array of arts installations and performances from Eliot’s concert and jazz bands, orchestra, dance and drama students, and visual artists. HARMONY will take place in the school cafeteria from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, December 18, 2013.

Eliot Middle School is undergoing a renaissance as a visual and performing arts magnet, one of four PUSD schools benefiting from a $7.9 million three-year federal magnet grant. Families from across the district can apply to attend Eliot in the 2014-2015 school year through PUSD’s open enrollment process at openenrollment.info from January 9- February 6, 2014. Information will be available at the event for prospective students and their families to learn about the new offerings at Eliot.

Waldorf School presents "A Christmas Memory" at Old Town Pasadena

by TImothy Rutt

The Pasadena Waldorf School will sponsor a stage adaptation of Truman Capote's "A Christmas Memory" on December 13 and 14 in Old Town Pasadena.

Tickets are now on sale for the event, which is open to the public, for a suggested donation of $25.  Last year’s performance garnered high praise for the cast featuring acclaimed actors Andrew Heffernan and Jill Parker-Jones, accompanied by Adam Wilner on guitar.  As an attendee from last year’s performance reported, "The masterful, captivating acting and perfect musical seasoning kept the entire audience mesmerized, and many reached for a tissue at the tender ending. I hope everyone will seize this not-to-be-missed opportunity."

Directed for the stage by Stephanie Wing-Garcia, the play will be performed at 8 PM Friday, Dec. 13, and 2 PM and 8 PM on Saturday, December 14.  The performance will be held at the Rudolph Steiner Community Center, 110 Martin Alley in Old Town Pasadena.  For tickets and more information, please visit www.pasadenawaldorf.org.  

Alternate ticket link: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/truman-capotes-a-christmas-memory-presented-by-pasadena-waldorf-school-tickets-9332928039

All proceeds from the performace benefits the Pasadena Waldorf School and will be matched by a grant from the Los Angeles Anthroposophical Society for a maximum of $10,000.

Trained Dogs for Adoption fundraisers this month

by Timothy Rutt

 

Altadena-based Trained Dogs for Adoption is holding some fundraising activities in the next few weeks to help their mission to rehab and place some of the most down-and-out dogs.

 

Gift-wrap at Webster's: On Saturday, December 14 and Saturday, December 21, TDFA volunteers will be at Webster's Community Pharmacy and Webster's Fine Stationers from 11 AM-4 PM, offering gift wrapping of any purchase made at either store, and are asking people to make a donation to support the rescue.  The stores are at 2450 N. Lake Avenue.

 

B-I-N-G-O: On Wednesday, December 18, TDFA will host a BINGO fund raiser at 9 PM at Hamburger Mary's, 8288 Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood.

 

Cots for Christmas: TDFA is raising money through GoFundMe to purchase cots and cot replacements for our dogs who are in boarding while they wait to find their forever homes.  There are a number of other things on their wish list ranging in price from $3 to $2,500.  No donation is too small and every donation makes a difference in the life of a homeless dog.  www.GoFundMe.com/53tzs0.

 

More information can be found on our Facebook page, or call (323)251-8958.

 

'Tis the season to steal packages

by Timothy Rutt

Lots of chatter in the newsgroups lately about stolen packages and suspicious vehicles in the neighborhoods.  Since this is the time of year when more packages are delivered, your front porch can be ripe pickings for thieves going after your holiday treasures.

While it's largely a crime of opportunity, in years past there have been reports of thieves actually following delivery trucks on their rounds and stealing packages they've left behind.

A few safety tips from years past on how to handle  package deliveries:

• If possible, send the package to a relative or neighbor that is home during the day and is expecting the package. 
• Always try to request signature confirmation on deliveries. This will ensure that the delivery person won’t leave the package unattended. 
• Send packages to your work rather than your home. This will ensure that you receive the package or someone will sign for it if you are not available.
• If you see a suspicious vehicle in your neighborhood, or anybody taking packages from homes, call the sheriff (798-1131).

Santa is coming to the libraries Dec. 18

Grab your kids and your camera as Santa takes some time out of his schedule Wednesday, Dec. 18 to visit the Altadena libraries.

Santa will appear at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. at 11 AM, and the Bob Lucas Branch Library, 2659 N. Lincoln Ave., at noon.

Gallery McGinty: back on the block

by Timothy Rutt

Ben McGinty’s back.

Not that he ever went away.  But after closing his legendary gallery/performance space/hangout on Lake Avenue, the Gallery at the End of the World, in 2010, McGinty has kept a lower profile.  He always made his nut dealing in antiques and vintage goods -- the Gallery never turned a profit nor provided him a living, he said at the time -- and he developed a good business running estate sales.

But now he’s back with Gallery McGinty at 869 E. Mariposa Street, around the corner from his old digs.  “I missed having a shop, I like having a shop,” McGinty said.  “I’m a shopkeeper.”

Village Playgarden Winter Market Saturday

The Village Playgarden, 3636 Skylane Drive, is holding its third annual community celebration and fundraiser Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 AM-4 PM.

Vendors, food, crafts, and handcrafted goods for the holidays, as well as good food and entertainment make it a fun day for the whole family.

 

Found dog, Woodbury/El Sol

 

Dog found Thursday evening about 8:00 PM at the Woodbury Industrial Park (Woodbury and El Sol.) No collar, etc. Contact Mark or Jeanette at 626-798-5114

 

 

Los Posadas and toy giveaway at Farnsworth Park Dec. 20

by Timothy Rutt

Children can celebrate a traditional Latin American Christmas at Farnsworth Park on Friday, Dec. 20.

The event starts at 7 PM, and includes a "Las Posadas" celebration, with hot chocolate and pan dulce.  There will also be folklorico dancers performing, pinatas, and a toy giveaway.  Santa has also promised to make an appearance.

The park is also looking for new unwrapped toy donations for children ages 1-14.

Donate toys at the park or at El Patron Mexican Restaurant.  Donations are tax deductible -- come to the park to get the federal tax ID and a donation letter (not available at El Patron).  Donations at the park will be taken Monday-Friday 9 AM-6 PM, or Saturday-Sunday 10 AM-5 PM.

The celebration will be at the Davies Auditorium at Farnsworth Park, 568 E. Mt. Curve.

 

It ain't over 'til it's over: Edison closing southbound Lake Avenue next week

by Timothy Rutt

Southern Caliifornia Edison, which blocked off southbound North Lake Avenue along the business district in late October and early November, is getting ready to do it again.

Ben Wong of Southern California Edison said that crews will be working either Thursday , Dec. 12, or Friday, Dec. 13, to “grind and cap” that patch of the street in front of Bank of America that was the focus of work last month.  Edison replaced an aging underground electrical vault in front of the bank, and next week’s work will smooth over the patch on the asphalt.

But as that work is underway, the southbound lanes on Lake Avenue will be blocked off and traffic funnelled to a single lane on the northbound side.  Parking in front of the businesses along that stretch of Lake Avenue will be prohibited in order to create a lane for northbound traffic.  Wong said that the work should be completed and traffic restored in one day.

Park Bench Grill offers happy hour, service personnel discounts

by Timothy Rutt

Park Bench Grill, 2470 N. Lake Avenue, has announced some holiday specials, menu change-ups, and a special discount for those who serve.  Patrice Quishenberry, who co-owns the restaurant with her husband, Chef Larry Quishenberry, says "The community has been extremely supportive and we are so appreciative of that."

Happy hour: for December and the holidays, Chef Quishenberry is bringing back its entrée happy hour with half price for anything on the menu Monday through Thursday from 3-5 PM.

Uniformed service discounts: The Grill is offering a special discount for those who protect and serve:  that means local law enforcement (police/deputies/CHP), EMS and ambulance personnel, firefighters, and military personnel will get 50% off their bill.  No ID or coupon required -- just show up in uniform.  "It is our way to show thanks and appreciation for all that they do for us," co-owner Patrice Quishenberry writes us.

Delivery:  Can't make it to the Grill?  They offer delivery service thru LABite.com. 

 

And, while the Grill doesn't serve alcohol, you can BYOB for no cost or corkage fee.

 

Park Bench Grill is open for lunch and dinner  Monday thru Thursday 11-8 and Friday and Saturday 11-9, closed Sunday.  Parking is available on the street or in the Webster's parking lot.  Our previous article is here.

 

Morning jolt: Farm, bench, magnet!

• Farm to school: The Pasadena Unified School District received a $44,486 planning grant from the Department of Agriculture to implement a Farm to School program to better connect school cafeterias and students with local farmers and ranchers. USDA Farm to School grants help schools respond to the growing demand for locally sourced foods and increase market opportunities for producers and food businesses. Grants will also be used to support agriculture and nutrition education efforts such as school gardens, field trips to local farms and cooking classes.  PUSD will use planning funds to increase the accessibility, availability, quality and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables for students and the community.
• Bench:  Dr. Kwang-hee Park and Jochen Strack, owners of  Spring Acupuncture and Spiritual Direction in Pasadena, have donated a public bench along the Altadena Crest Trail near the Cobb Estate.  They say “Hiking, resting and viewing contribute towards healing,” and who can doubt them?  The dedication will be on Sat., Dec. 14, at 10 AM along the trail (there will be signs).  Besides the bench and the view, they also promise you will see a “zorse” (zebra-horse) who will carry supplies.
• Magnet Schools: Pasadena High School (PHS) Assistant Principal Lori Touloumian will lead the management of a $7.9 million federal grant to create magnet schools at Washington Middle School, Eliot Middle School, Washington Accelerated Elementary School and Jackson Elementary School. As PUSD’s magnet school coordinator, Touloumian will be responsible for the implementation of the magnet program including student recruitment, budget oversight, planning, coordination and evaluation of programs that build the four schools’ capacity for effective and engaging instruction, monitoring of desegregation efforts, and assisting in the acquisition and utilization of instructional materials.

 

PUSD's Community Advisory meeting Dec. 9

by Timothy Rutt

The Special Education Department Community Advisory Committee, a group of parents and community members involved in special education at the Pasadena Unified School District, will have a presentation ofn "The Benefits of Inclusion" on Monday, Dec. 9, at 8:30 PM.

The meeting will be at the Elbie J. Hickambottom Board Room, PUSD Education Center Room #236, 351 South Hudson Avenue, Pasadena.  Free childcare and translation.

 

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

 

Missing Arcadia woman found, choppered to hospital

by Timothy Rutt

Choppers in the air about 7 AM Friday morning, looking for a missing hiker.

UPDATE:  City News Service is reporting that a 19 year old Arcadia woman was missing overnight in near-freezing temperatures, and was located this morning and flown out by helicopter about 7:40 AM.  Per the scanner, she was flown to Huntington Memorial Hospital.

This story has been revised and given a new headline to reflect current information.

 

ACONA looks at traffic and parking Jan. 7

by Timothy Ruttt

The Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations will look at traffic and parking issues at their next meeting, Jan. 7, 2014 from 7-8:30 PM at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa Street.

Speakers lined up so far are Thomas Miller and Xavier Bejar ofthe California Highway Patrol (CHP), as well as deputies from the Altadena Sheriff's Station, and representatives from  Los Angeles County Public Works.

Major forest roads to close Saturday morning

from Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich

Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich announced that the County Public Works Department will close public access to the following road segments in the Angeles National Forest effective Saturday, December 7, 2013, at 1 AM based on forecasted snow and icy road conditions.

• Angeles Forest Highway, between Aliso Canyon Road and Upper Big Tujunga Canyon Rd.
• Upper Big Tujunga Canyon Rd., between Angeles Crest Hwy. and Angeles Forest Hwy.

Local access will not be permitted until the road closures are lifted.  The closures will remain in effect until the storm system has passed and the roads have been inspected.

Residents and motorists are urged to visit the CARE website at www.dpwcare.org for further updates on road conditions, or sign up to receive instant notifications through Public Works’ eNotify system at www.dpw.lacounty.gov.  Residents and motorists can also follow Public Works @dpwCARE for additional information on road conditions.

Residents, business owners, and persons with access or functional needs may also call 2-1-1 for LA County information and referral services regarding post disaster resources that are available to those affected by the floods, debris and mudflow.  The toll-free 2-1-1 number is available 24-hours a day and 7-days a week. 

211 LA County Services can also be accessed by visiting www.211la.org.

 

Sheriff shares resources for holiday stress

from the Altadena Sheriff Station

For most of us the holidays are filled with joy, happiness and a sense of anticipation. Many of us reflect on the past year, count our blessings and spend time with family and friends. Unfortunately for a considerable number of people, this time of year can bring unwanted stress, anxiety or depression. These could be people without a family or who have recently lost a loved one. They could be individuals who are unemployed or are without a significant network of friends. They can be individuals who have had a negative holiday experience in the past with friends and family. There are many reasons one can feel stress or depression during the holidays. Just know you are not alone!!!

Below are tips for surviving stress, anxiety and depression during the holidays:

Sheriff food and toy drive neighborhood collections Saturday

by Timothy Rutt

This Saturday, neighborhood groups will be helping by collecting food and toys for the Altadena Sheriff Stations'a annual holiday drive.

With the goal of helping over 250 needy families in Altadena, the neighborhoods of La Vina and Palm Street will be collecting items for the drive this Saturday, Dec. 7. Donations should be of canned goods and new unwrapped toys for ages 2-12.

There will also be three drop-off stations that will be taking donations through December 20: the Altadena Sheriff Station, 730 E. Altadena Drive; the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa Street , and Patticakes Bakery, 1900 Allen Avenue.

The Palm St. Residents Association will have a formal collection from 9-11 AM Saturday at 241 E. Palm St.

President Street residents will not have a formal collection this year, according to Monica Hubbard, who should know.  Residents are asked to bring their donations to Patticakes.

UPDATE: Deputy Greg Gabriel at the Altadena Sheriff Station tells us that there will be TWO places accepting presents on Pepper: 1748 N Pepper Drive and 2044 N Pepper Drive, from 8 AM-noon.