altadenablog

Altadenablog is now AltadenaPoint

Our new website is up live, and this one will no longer be updated.  Go here to access our new website.

Send all correspondence to editor@altadenapoint.com

Pasadena Village community meeting @ Hastings Ranch Library Wed.

from the Pasadena Village

The Pasadena Village, a non-profit organization serving older adults in the San Gabriel Valley, invites people of all ages to “Stay Independent, Stay Active, and Stay Connected with the Pasadena Village” at a special community meeting at the Hastings Branch Library on Wednesday, January 22 from 3:30- 4:30 PM.

The purpose of the meeting is to ask community members what they envision their lives being like as they grow older. Taking a careful look at expectations for the future is the first step toward realizing a person’s goals, and the Pasadena Village is helping individuals along that journey.

Part of a nation-wide movement of “Villages,” The Pasadena Village is a caring community of older adults who are committed to helping one another lead fulfilling lives. The Village provides social opportunities and services that give Pasadena area residents the practical resources and confidence they need to live safely and comfortably as they age. Members and volunteers form meaningful connections with one another as they work together to achieve members’ goals and contribute to a vibrant community.

The Pasadena Village invites the community to learn how they can become involved in the work the Village is doing to support older adults in the area. Executive Director Sue Kujawa and members of the organization will share how the organization has grown from its grassroots beginnings and explain the important role that volunteers play in keeping Village members active and healthy. Current members and volunteers will be on hand to share their stories, and attendees will be encouraged to ask questions and share their own plans for a full life. Light refreshments will be served.

The Hastings Branch Library is located at 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd. RSVPs are not required, but interested persons are encouraged to call the Pasadena Village (626-765-6037) with any questions about the meeting. As this program is not sponsored by the Pasadena Public Library, guests are asked to refrain from contacting the library with inquiries. 

El Patron fundraiser to support Haitian school lunches Wed.

El Patron Mexican Restaurant will host a fundraiser on Wed., Jan. 22, for St. Mark's Church and School Haiti Partnership.  15% of all food sales will go to help support the lunch program at Ste. Marguerite's School in La Tournelle, Haiti - where for many students it is the only solid meal of the day.

The fundraiser will be from 2-9 PM.  El Patron Mexican Restaurant is at 2555 N. Lake Avenue.

 

UPDATE: One in custody following morning burglar call

 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

 Community correspondent Chris Considine shares these pictures of Monday morning's burglary containment at around Mar Vista and Meadowbrooke.  Photos © 2014 Chris Considine.

by Timothy Rutt

That helicopter you eastsiders hear (11:20 AM ) is the sheriff setting up a containment on a suspected burglary, according to the Altadena Sheriff Station.  Scanner says they're looking around New York Drive, but the sheriff station will not give the exact address currently.

UPDATE: 11:27 AM, well, that didn't take long:  per the scanner, they're breaking up the scene already.

UPDATE:  Community correspondent Chris Considine says that the action -- helicopter and several cars -- was at Mar Vista and Meadowbrook, and has supplied the above pictures.

UPDATE, 5 PM:  Sheriff says via their Facebook account that there's one in custody.  Watch commander says she's looking for details, so stay tuned.

 UPDATE 5:30 PM: Lt. Elisabeth Sachs at Crescenta Valley station said that they received a prowler call at the 2200 block of Mar Vista at about 11 AM; at about that time, a burglar alarm went off at that location. After a 45 minute containment, deputies had one suspect in custody, but a total of three were reported involved. There was evidency of burglary, but they don't think anybody got into the house. 

This story has been updated.  

 

Memorial service for CERT volunteer Tony Willis Jan. 26

Tony Willis, a well-known volunteer and instructor in the Community Emergency Response Team community, died unexpectedly Jan. 13.  

There will be a memorial get together on January 26 from 1-4 PM at Emergency Concepts, 20701 Plummer Street, Chatsworth.

Poetry Corner: MLK Day

"Martin Luther King ; the Power of Words."

from gloriana casey


In Martin Luther King's writings,
 find heart line to his soul.
A speaker's fame---words do inspire
to make the nation whole.

His speaking---it was powerful
in use of metaphor.
Those images he gave to us---
we'd never heard before.

Publisher’s Notebook: Getting to the Point -- Introducing AltadenaPoint

by Timothy Rutt

Dear Readers,

Our new identity.

One of the best things we did last year was repaint the exterior of our home.  We were refinancing, and advised that it would make a big difference if we spruced up the exterior.  

Well, it ended up being more involved than just a new coat o’ paint (we had to rebuild the deck, too), but in the end, it looks like a different house and it makes us smile to look at it still.  Everything needs some work done once in awhile.

It’s time to refurbish Altadenablog, too.  We started this website six years ago as an experiment, building it on the canned structure of our provider, Typepad.  It’s turned into a strong horse, creating something entirely new for Altadena, a dedicated source of local news that this community hadn’t seen in years.  We’re not only proud of what it’s become, but grateful to be in a community that makes it possible.

Pet of the Week: "Spot"

At the Board of Supervisors meeting, Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich presents “Spot,” a 3-month old Shih Tzu Mix one of many pets available for adoption now. 

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

 

"The Urban Black Bear" talk at Eaton Canyon next week

from the Sierra Club

They swim in backyard pools, enjoy a snack, and climb trees in communities along the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. American Black Bears (Ursus americanus) are captured throughout the summer in photos and video roaming through neighborhoods and down trash lined streets and are often the lead story on the nightly news. The Sierra Club Forest Committee presents “The Urban Black Bear,” a program by Kim Bosell on bears that are second and third generation, born and raised within city limits. These opportunistic creatures are mastering the technique of living with humans.

Kim Bosell is the Natural Areas Administrator for the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation. She spent three years with the California Department of Fish and Game as a scientific aide on an urban bear study that trapped and radio-collared bears. Kim was tasked with tracking the bears to determine how much time the bears were spending in urban areas, what they were eating and where they were sleeping while there. Later she worked for the City of Monrovia Parks and Police department handling all black bear and mountain lion calls and running a Bear-Be-Gone Program for five years.

WHAT: “The Urban Black Bear”
WHEN: 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, January 22, 2014
WHERE: Eaton Canyon Nature Center, 1750 N. Altadena Dr., Pasadena

A social reception at 7 p.m. precedes the 7:30 program sponsored by the Sierra Club Angeles Chapter’s Forest Committee. The program is free and the public is welcome. For information, email Don Bremner at donbremner@earthlink.net or John Monsen atwildernessjfm@aol.com.

St. Elizabeth's Parish School open house Jan. 26 and Jan. 30

St. Elizabeth Parish School will have two open houses on Sunday, Jan. 26, and Thurs., Jan. 30.

Sunday’s open house will be from 11:30 AM-12:30 PM, with a parent information session starting at 12 PM.  Thursday’s will be from 9-11 AM, with parent information session starting at 10:30.

St. Elizabeth’s Parish School is located at 1840 N. Lake Avenue.

 

Morning jolt: Relay kick-off tonight

• Relay Kick-Off: The Altadena Relay for Life Kick-off is tonight at the Davies Building in Farnsworth Park, from 7-9 PM.  Cancer Survivor Jonie Tsuji will be sharing her journey, and there will be appetizers and cake.  Anyone who is participating or wants to learn about Relay is welcome.  
• Giftedness: Gifted expert Dr. James R. Delisle will speak about how to best meet gifted children’s intellectual and emotional needs at a free event in South Pasadena.The author of more than 250 articles and 19 books, Dr. Delisle’s work has been translated into multiple languages and has been featured in both professional journals and in popular media, such as The New York Times, People Magazine and Oprah. The talk, entitled “Parenting Precocious Kids: Understanding the Ups and Downs of Growing Up Gifted,” will take place on Tuesday, January 21 at 6:30 PM in the South Pasadena Library Community Room, located at 1115 El Centro Street, South Pasadena. All are welcome. Attendees should RSVP online here: http://bit.ly/IEA14Delisle.

 

BREAKING: Two arrested following short pursuit

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Sheriff's Station has been involved in finding two suspects following a brief pursuit this afternoon.  Scanner said (4:40 PM) that they're breaking down the scene, so we'll looking to get details when things calm down a bit.

UPDATE, 5:15 PM: Lt. Brian Fitch of the Altadena Sheriff Station said that the incident "started off as a reckless drunk driver" and became a pursuit.  One person ran out of the car and the driver was taken into custody on the 1900 block of Mentone in Pasadena.  Based on the ID of the car, the running suspect was apprehended on the 600 block of Harriet in Altadena.

According to Lt. Fitch, the driver was a named suspect in a gang-related shooting three months ago.

There were no injuries, no force used, and no foot pursuit, Fitch said.

MonteCedro looks at 12 risk factors of aging Jan. 28-29

On Tuesday, January 28, and Wednesday, January 29,  MonteCedro, a planned Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in Altadena, will host Roger Landry, MD, MPH, to share his insights from his new book Live Long, Die Short: A Guide to Authentic Health and Successful Aging. In his presentation, Dr. Landy will discuss how to control the Mayo Clinic’s 12 risk factors of aging.

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

WHEN: Tuesday, January 28, at 2:30 p.m. and Wednesday, January 29, 10:30 a.m.

WHERE: MonteCedro Presentation Gallery, 153 E. Holly Street, Pasadena, CA 91103

Crime blotter: assault with a deadly weapon at Super King

A robbery/assault at Super King, and another theft at 24 hour Fitness (inside this time, instead of the parking lot).  Crime blotter provided by the Altadena Sheriff’s Station.

Sunday, January 5

Between 4:00 PM and 1:00 PM (Monday) – A vehicle vandalism occurred in the 3000 block of Marengo Avenue. 

Monday, January 6

12:35 AM – Shawynna Gill, 51 yrs, of Pasadena was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM – A grand theft occurred inside 24Hr. Fitness, 2180 Lincoln Avenue.  Loss:  black tri-fold wallet, currency.

Authorities update Colby fire information

Just received from the Office of Emergency Management about shelters, animal shelters, evacuations, school closures, and wild animals. Separately, we've received a message that the Pomona Fairplex will be able to shelter horses.:

At 5:52 a.m. PST a brush fire broke out in the Angeles National Forest. The fire moved into the Los Angeles County area of Glendora. The Colby Fire has burned approximately 1,700 acres and 0 percent containment at this time. The Los Angeles County Emergency Operations Center (CEOC) is now activated to Level 3. The following is information about mandatory evacuations, school closures, shelter locations, and road closures: 

SHELTERS (OPEN) 

• American Legion (159 N. Cullen Ave., Glendora, CA 91741) 

• Glendora High School (1600 E. Foothill Blvd., Glendora, CA 91741) – American Red Cross 

• Duarte Community Center (1600 Huntington Drive, Duarte, CA 91010) – City of Duarte 

ANIMAL SHELTERS 

• Memorial Park (320 N. Orange Ave., Azusa, CA 91702) 

• Pasadena Humane Society ASPCA (361 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena, CA 91107) 

• Inland Valley Humane Society (500 Humane Way, Pomona, CA 91766) 

EVACUATIONS (Mandatory issued by Sheriff’s Department) 

• North of Sierra Blvd. between West of Glendora Mountain Rd. and East of Highway 39 

Colby fire raging; superscoopers deployed

As the smoke from the Colby fire near Glendora scatters the sunlight, a firefighting superscooper flies to the location. Photos © Chris Considine 2014

by Timothy Rutt

As we write, the Colby fire above Glendora has consumed 125 acres, and authorities are evacuating homes in the forest areas.  The scanner is very active with firefighting traffic, and we'll keep monitoring to see if it will affect Altadena or adjoining areas.

Community correspondent Chris "The Skywatcher" Considine has shared some pictures of the superscooper airplanes that have been deployed to fight the fire this morning.  The 'scoopers, from Canada, are under contract to LA County for fire season.  PIctures after the jump.

Lost dogs: Greyhound Derek in Pasadena: Rocky and Daisy near JPL: UPDATED

Two reports of lost dogs in the past few hours:

 

Derek

Pasadena, California - Hastings Ranch area: Lost greyhound, nearly 2 year old white and black male named Derek. Last seen on 1-14-14 near the Baja Fresh restaurant at 3615 E Foothill Blvd, Pasadena.  If you see him please call numbers below. PLEASE DO NOT CHASE

Please call 626-354-8476 or 818-298-1872.

 

And two more, near JPL:

Last night I went for a walk at JPL and both my dogs took off running.  They never do that.  One (Daisy) is an all white Huskey, one eye grey and one green.  My other Huskey has both blue eyes, he is all black and white (Rocky); they are most likely together.  They are both very playful and silly.  PLEASE PLEASE call  or txt any of the numbers if you see my dogs around.  last seen by the JPL hiking track.. Rocky, male; Daisy all white female.. I miss my dogs.

626 379 7374 --David

626 818 5094 --David

626 755 7607 --Laura

626 345 4097 -- Salvador 

Call or text any numbers please.. Rocky is a bit bigger than he looks in the pictures. he is a HUGE 8 month puppy. He is huge but can still tell his a pup, very playful.

 

UPDATES:  We saw in our email this morning that somebody found Rocky and Daisy, and delivered them to the the Pasadena Humane Society.  We put the parties together, and the dogs are now back home -- an Altadenablog score.

 

As for Derek:  his family wrote to say that his body was found on the freeway today.  Can't win 'em all.  Our sympathies to them.

Farmer's Market features meat pies and music today

by Timothy Rutt

Business of the year the Altadena Farmers' Market is open today, and  teases us with a couple of items;

The Pig & Pastry Pie Co. will return, with beef shepherd's pies, vegan cauliflower curry pies, steak and ale pies, and chicken pot pies.  And fried apple pies?  Wow!

Also: Blaise and Delacroix will be back, making music for your shopping pleasure.

The Altadena Farmers' Market is at Loma Alta Park (Lincon Avenue & Palm Street), from 3-7 PM.

 

Altadena Sheriff's station offers tips to avoid vehicle burglary

from the Altadena Sheriff's Station

Auto Burglary, like all crime prevention involves limiting the criminal’s ability and opportunity to commit the crime. With very little time and effort, you can make a huge difference in your vulnerability to vehicle burglary. 

The thieves walking or driving around your neighborhoods are looking for vehicles with unlocked doors and unsecured windows. They are looking for vehicles that have valuables in plain sight. It is fast and easy to smash open a window and take valuable items lying in plain sight within a vehicle. It is even easier if that vehicle is left unlocked. 

Some simple tips to help stop vehicle burglaries: 

LACMA says "thank you" to Altadena Jan. 19 with free admission

from LACMA

Jessica Youn of LACMA welcomes visitors to the Art+Film Lab at Charles White Park in September, 2013. Photo by Laura Monteros.

Late last year the Altadena Art+Film Lab spent five weeks at the Charles White Park offering free art and film programming to local residents. To celebrate the community and the time spent in Altadena, LACMA is pleased to offer free museum admission to Altadena-area residents on Sunday, January 19: http://www.lacma.org/event/community-day-1

Not only will residents have an opportunity to explore the museum and participate in family-friendly art activities, but they will also be able to watch a special art piece created by the artist, Nicole Miller. Using the oral histories from the project, Miller has created a new video piece that explores the unique perspectives about the community of Altadena: http://www.lacma.org/event/nicole-miller-believing-seeing

Altadena Trails meeting tonight, Community Center

The Altadena Crest Trail Restoration Working Group (ACTRWG) meeting is scheduled for 7:00 pm Tuesday evening, Jan. 14 at the Altadena Community Center (730 E. Altadena Drive across from Rite Aid and next to the Altadena Sheriffs Station). 

 

Please pass this information on to neighborhood listserves and those who might be interested, since the ACTRWG listserve remains down due to technical difficulties. We are only able to reach some of you through old e-mail CCs, sign-up sheet info. or through the Chaney Trail Neighborhood listserve.

 

There are several important trail-related topics we will be discussing, including:

-- Dept. of Public Works Draft EIR for excavating Hahamongna Watershed Park basin and blocking trails. See additional info. below.

-- Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations (ACONA) traffic discussions recommending "No Parking" zones in the vicinity of ACT trailheads.

-- SCE destruction of 3 acres northwest of the top of Chaney Trail (including portion of La Vina Open Space / Access issues)

-- Public Access to Millard Canyon Trail (former Corbett land, current AFC property)

-- Bench Dedication on ACT above Cobb Estate:  Thank You to Dr. Kwang-hee Park and Jochen Strack

 

"Go Public" benefit screening next week for teaching grants

from the Pasadena Educational Foundation

Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF) is hosting a TUGG benefit screening of GO PUBLIC on Wednesday, January 22. This screening is raising funds for PEF’s signature Teacher Grants program. Funding for the program was previously underwritten by banking institutions that no longer exist. All donations will be used to fund individual teacher grants for classroom projects and supplies.

Click here to purchase your ticket and make a donation to the PEF Teacher Grants Program. The deadline to reserve tickets is January 15.

Pasadena Senior Center programs in January

from the Pasadena Senior Center

There is something for everyone at the Pasadena Senior Center in January. Events listed below are free for PSC members. Some events require advance reservations as noted. All events take place at Pasadena Senior Center, 85 E. Holly St.

Webster's Fine Stationers to move to Fair Oaks location

by Timothy Rutt

Webster's Fine Stationers announced today that they have found a new Altadena location and will be back in business in February.

 

Webster's Fine Stationers will move to a new location in February at 2591 N. Fair Oaks Avenue.

Scott and Lori Webster will move their shop to a storefront at  2591 N. Fair Oaks Avenue.  Lori Webster said of the new location: "It's immaculate, it's just perfect.  It's teeny tiny, but we'll do it."

 

The Websters have until the end of January to move out of their current location at 2450 N. Lake Avenue.  The Webster family-owned property, an Altadena landmark, was recently sold to Greenbridge Investment Partners of Beverly Hills, which is planning a facelift of the building and is seeking new tenants, displacing the last of the family-owned businesses that once occuped the complex.

(Webster's Community Pharmacy passed out of family hands several years ago.  The pharmacy, which has a long-term lease, will remain in the location).

Lori Webster said that the the store will keep the personal mailboxes and the emphasis on locally-made products from books to food.  They will keep the "fine stationery" part of the business, along with a "fine pen bar,"  but will drop office products and school supplies from their line.  "Well be keeping everything in relation to writing, but won't be doing office supplies," she said.

Lori Webster said that they were still deciding if they would continue to handle shipping in the new space.  She said that the personal mailboxes would continue to be available during the transition period, but details had yet to be worked out.

The store won't be fully up and running for three to four weeks after the move, she said, as they reconfigure the space and set up display areas.

 

Vintage & Cultural and Polynesian dance classes start Wednesday

 

Lynanne Hanson will hold a new session of Vintage, Cultural, and Polynesian dance classes starting this Wednesday, Jan. 15, at a new location: Alkebulan Cultural Center in Pasadena, 1435  N. Raymond Avenue, Pasadena

 

Vintage & Cultural Dance runs from 3:45-4:30 PM:   Boys & girls will learn traditional dances, songs & games from various cultures around the world as well as select Vintage Dances from the 1890s to the 1980s..  Ages 5 to 10 yrs.

 

Loma Alta youth basketball season is here

by Timothy Rutt

It's basketball season at Loma Alta Park:

Youth Basketball:  co-ed, ages 6-14, starts Jan. 22.  Entry fee of $65 gets us the games, uniform, and a trophy.  Also looking for teams already assembled who want to do a team registration.

Mighty Mite Basketball: for ages 3-5, also $65.  Registration starts Jan. 13, player assessment is Jan. 22-23 at 6 PM, parent orientation at 7 PM.

To sign up, just stop by the park and fill out a registration form. If you have any questions, please contact the park: (626) 398-5451 or 5452.

 

Found cat, North Allen Ave.

Reader Eva sends this:

Found at our home on North Allen Avenue, closed to La Paz and Allen, a very furry, well fed, and loving black cat, without a collar.  He appears to be lost.  Please contact us at 626.794.2457.

Morning jolt: today's word is "hugelkultur"

• Harold George Stuiber, 91, former president of the Altadena Town & Country Club, has died.  PSN has the obit.
• Altadena artist Leigh Adams is bringing hugelkultur to the Los Angeles County Arboreteum.  This will all make sense in this PSN story by Sandra Barrera.

 

 

It's one of those weeks ....

End of year/beginning of year paperwork needs to get done, so entries will be light this week.

 

Pet of the Week: "Panda"

At the Board of Supervisors meeting, Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich presents “Panda,” a 5-month old Terrier Mix one of many pets available for adoption now. 

For more information about adopting a pet, please call the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control at 562-728-4644.

PUSD holds "First Choice Festival" Jan. 14

from the Pasadena Unified School District

Making the choice on where to send a child to school can be a daunting and stressful task for families. To make this decision a little easier, the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) will be hosting the inaugural First Choice Festival January 14, 2014 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  at the PUSD Education Center, 351 South Hudson Avenue (Corner of Hudson Avenue and Del Mar Boulevard), in Pasadena. The First Choice Festival will be a one stop shop for parents and the community to meet and speak to representatives from every PUSD school. Whether families are considering a PUSD signature program school or simply want to learn more about the campus down the block, this festival is an opportunity to find the best educational fit for each individual family.

“I would like to invite residents of Altadena, Pasadena and Sierra Madre to the festival to learn more about their public schools and the exciting programs that are being offered,” said PUSD Superintendent Jon R. Gundry. “The First Choice Festival will showcase the multitude of educational options in PUSD, including programs that prepare students with global and enduring skills for the 21^st century.”

Pet alert: coyotes -- and maybe something bigger -- are prowling near the hills

• 
  
• 

Community correspondents Ken and Shino Charlson found a deer carcass on the Cobb Estate Thursday morning.

 

by Timothy Rutt

We're getting steady reports of coyotes -- as individuals or as packs -- on the west side and the east above Altadena Drive.  Community Correspondents Ken and Shino Charlson also found these deer remains (pictured) Thursday morning:

Just wanted to give you a head's up that yesterday morning we came across a medium sized freshly dead deer carcass. It was just off a main path leading west from the circular drive up in the park. It seems it was killed and stripped clean by something big..

We've also been seeing a number of lone coyotes roaming in the lower Cobb Estate park, and over off of Mount Curve over the last couple of days. Hide your pets.

Update: Our go-to for all things canine Jane Brackman (i.e. Dr. Barkman) writes us:

And yes, those are some pretty bold coyotes at Cobb Estate.  I had one follow me for about a quarter of a mile a month or so ago.  I'd scare him away, but he would return after a minute or so.  I attributed it to the dog treats I had in my pocket, but nevertheless it was unusual behavior. At the time I just assumed someone was feeding him.  The coyote moms are pregnant now and will birth around mid March.  Gestation is 63 days.  They'll be extra hungry then. 

Burglars thwarted in Millard Canyon cabin theft

 by TImothy Rutt

An attempted burglary of a cabin in Millard Canyon was thwarted Wednesday afternoon by the campground caretaker and a census worker.

According to Lonnie Fehr, the caretaker of the campground, he saw two men running from one of the cabins in the area carrying the cabin owners’ belongings.  Fehr said they may have been scared by a census taker who by happenstance was going to the same cabin.  

“He [the census taker] yelled, ‘stop, citizen’s arrest,’” Fehr emailed to Altadenablog.  “At that point they dropped the items, threw a pipe at him, ran to the truck, and sped very fast out of there.”

Crime blotter: vehicle burglaries highlight the week

A couple of vehicle burglary sprees open the new year.  Crime blotter provided by the Altadena Sheriff Station.

Monday, December 30

Between 4:20 PM and 9:30 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 3100 block of Thurin Avenue.  Loss:  PlayStation 3. 

Between 8:00 PM and 6:00 AM (Tuesday) – A theft from (2) unlocked vehicles occurred in the 1700 block of Alta Crest Drrive.  Loss:  (2) HP notebook, iPhone, black wallet, currency.

Between 10:00 PM and 3:00 PM (Tuesday) – A theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 1400 block of N. Grand Oaks Avenue.  Loss: black iPhone charger, vehicle manual.

Between 10:30 PM and 2:00 AM (Tuesday) – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 1000 block of E. Mendocino Street.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the passenger window.  Loss:  black bag, electronic equipment.

 

Morning jolt

• Co-op board meeting:  The Arroyo Food Co-op will have a board meeting tomorrow, Jan. 11, from 9 AM-noon at the Co-op (494 N. Wilson Ave, Pasadena). The agenda: "The membership vote from December was a clear statement that the community supports a pre-order business model while we raise funds to open our doors, and is committed to making sure that it happens. Now we need your help to get it up and running. Volunteers are needed in all aspects of this project, so come bring your skills and we will put them to good use." All members are welcome.
• Gold Line death an accident: The Los Angeles County Coronoer has ruled that the death of an Altadena man who was struck by a Gold Line train in South Pasadena on Jan. 4 was an accicent.  PSN has the details.
• Bear with us:   Everybody’s got Top 10 lists, and the California Department of Fish and Wlidlife’s list included among their number the bears of Southern California, including Meatball over in Glendale and John Muir High School students Jose Nuno and Alex Burgos, who made the winning “Bear Aware” film  about living in bruin country (the video is here)

 

 

 

Oscar-winning "God of Love" screens at Zorthian Ranch tonight

by Timothy Rutt

If you're looking for a scene tonight, Luke Matheny's Oscar-winning short film God of Love screens tonight at the Zorthian Ranch.  Matheny will also give a Q&A after the screening.

Doors, such as they are, open at 6:30, and film starts on the outdoor screen at 7:30.  Admission is free.

The Zorthian Ranch is at 3990 N Fair Oaks Avenue.  Trailer after the jump.

Historical Society looks at Altadena's Latino heritage Jan. 27

by Timothy Rutt

After the Native Americans, some of Altadena's earliest pioneers were Mexicanos who moved in to unsettled lands.  Author and historian Roberta Martinez will look at Altadena's Latino heritage in an Altadena Historical Society program on Mon., Jan. 27.

ALTADENA: HOMESTEADERS, SQUATTERS AND EARLY PIONEERS

Before real estate developers discovered Altadena in the 1850s, Mexicanos, homesteaders and squatters laid claim to areas near Altadena’s canyons.  Setting up residence on unoccupied land, our earliest pioneers have a historical legacy not yet fully told. Using photos and maps, Roberta will discuss her recent discoveries about early local land use relative to the Homestead Act instituted in the 19^th century to populate the wide-open western United States.  After the event Roberta will be selling and signing her book, Latinos in Pasadena.

 Roberta H. Martinez is the Executive Director of Latino Heritage, an organization that is dedicated to promoting knowledge of the Latino experience and history through cultural and educational programs in Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley.  Roberta graduated from UC Riverside with a degree in Music History.  An author, historian, television producer, advisor for the Pasadena Historical Museum, Roberta published her most recent book Latinos in Pasadena in 2009.   Her specific area of research is Latino heritage and women’s issues.  She currently co-chairs Pasadena City College President’s Latino Advisory Committee.   

The presentation will be Monday, Jan. 27, at 7:30 PM at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Drive.

 

PUSD has open enrollment until Feb. 6

from the Pasadena Unified School District

As Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) students begin the second semester of the 2013-2014 school year this week, it is also time for families to think about next school year. PUSD’s Open Enrollment application period for the 2014-2015 academic year begins January 9 and continues through February 6, 2014.

Open Enrollment is the district’s school of choice program that offers students the opportunity to attend schools with themed or specialized programs or a campus outside of their neighborhood school’s attendance boundaries. All students living within PUSD boundaries that will be entering kindergarten-11th grade in the 2014-2015 school year are eligible to participate in Open Enrollment. Families who live outside of district boundaries are also able to submit an application of interest on openenrollment.info.

“The schools of PUSD are dedicated to preparing students to be critical thinkers, creative problem solvers and strong communicators while reflecting the wealth of cultural, science and technological resources that make the Greater Pasadena area a desirable and distinctive choice for residents and businesses,” said PUSD Superintendent Jon R. Gundry, “Our schools offer themed learning for every age group to provide our students with a solid academic foundation, along with skills to be 21st century global citizens."

ALTA-L.A. poetry returns with Suzanne Lummis, Neil Aitken Jan. 16

by TImothy Rutt

 

Suzanne Lummis

ALTA-L.A., the Altadena Library's poetry series, returns on Jan. 16 with poets Suzanne Lummis and Neil Aitken.

 

Suzanne Lummis was recently identified by CBS News as one of the five best poets working in L.A. Neil Aitken is the winner of the 2007 Philip Levine Prize and the founding editor of Boxcar Poetry Review. 

Although the library officially closes at 6 PM, it will re-open for the program from 7-8:30 PM.  Get there early -- the most recent ALTA-L.A. event drew 90 people.

 

Neil Aitken

There will also be an open mic.

 

This free series is sponsored by the Friends of the Altadena Library District.  These events are supported by Poets & Writers, Inc. through a grant it has received from the James Irvine Foundation.

The main Altadena Library is located at 600 East Mariposa Street, Altadena, CA 91001. For more information please call 626-798-0833 or visit the library on the web at http://www.altadenalibrary.org.

 

ACONA looks at traffic, parking issues

by Timothy Rutt 

Tuesday night’s ACONA meeting was a wide-ranging look at traffic and parking complaints in Altadena -- and if any conclusion can be drawn, it’s that Altadena is a grab-bag of parking rules.

Guests included Altadena CHP officers Thomas Miller and Xavier Behar and Tommy Mutteraid and Jennifer Aborida of the county Traffic and Lighting Division.

Much of the discussion involved drop-off and pick-up problems around St. Elizabeth’s School, which appears to be a no-man’s land: residents reported that they would complain to the sheriff, who say call the California Highway Patrol (which handles traffic problems in Altadena), who would say call the Pasadena Police Department (because Woodbury Road in that part of town is the dividing line between Pasadena and Altadena -- the school’s on the north side of the street, but if the parents are illegally parking on the south side of the street, it’s a Pasadena problem). 

Pasadena Mentoring Partners announce third annual breakfast

from Lisa Wilson, Fintridge Center    

Organizations that support and motivate local youth will celebrate National Mentoring Month by uniting at the Pasadena Mentoring Partners’ (PMP) 3rd Annual Breakfast, set for Saturday, January 11, 2014. The event will bring together city officials and local leaders with members of several community and faith-based groups that provide support, guidance and opportunity to hundreds of disadvantaged youth throughout Pasadena and Altadena.

Attendees will hear inspirational success stories from young people and their adult mentors while enjoying a hearty and healthy meal prepared by area firefighters. The gathering will culminate with a keynote speech by homegrown NBA star Ryan Hollins, the Los Angeles Clippers center who is also an alumnus of John Muir High School and Washington Middle School.

The Pasadena Mentoring Partners’ 3rd Annual Breakfast is set for Saturday, January 11, at 8:30 a.m. in the Skylight Room of Lake Avenue Church, 393 N Lake Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101.  For additional information, contact the Flintridge Center, (626) 449-0839 x116 or info@flintridge.org.

 

Relay for Life kick-off Jan. 17

from the Relay for Life/Altadena

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, May 31, 2014 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.  At nightfall, participants will light hundreds of luminaria around the track in a moving ceremony to honor cancer survivors as well as friends and family members lost to the disease. 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.

On Friday, January 17, we will be kicking off Relay For Life of Altadena.  Anyone -- families, caregivers cancer survivors, schools, companies, etc., are invited to come help us kick off annual Relay For Life activities.  

At the Kickoff, Cancer Survivor Jonie Tsuji will be sharing her journey.  In addition, we will be recognizing the 2013 Fundraising efforts.  Don’t miss our announcement of the Relay 2014 Theme.  Of course, there will be Birthday cake . . . to celebrate MORE BIRTHDAYS!

WHAT -- Relay for Life of Altadena Kickoff

WHEN – Friday, January 17, 2014 at 7:00 pm.

WHERE – Davies Center, Farnsworth Park
568 Mount Curve Avenue, Altadena, CA 91001

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

 

"Learning to Connect Within" at Altadena Community Church

All are welcome to join the Altadena Community Church adult class for "Learning to Connect Within" on Jan. 12 and Jan. 19.  The classes will meet at 11:25 a.m., after 10 a.m. worship and a brief social time.  There is no charge, and childcare is provided.  

 

Self-care is a frequent New Year’s resolution.  These classes will go deeper than diet and exercise to the levels of spiritual and emotional self-care that are the wellspring by which all successful resolutions are fed.  Teachers Lisa Devine and Sylvia Poareo, MSW have written, taught, and blogged on these subjects and can help us begin the New Year on a spiritually, physically, and emotionally healthy path.  Altadena Community Church is at 943 E. Altadena Drive, just east of Lake Ave.  For more information please call (626) 798-1185 or visit www.altadenaucc.org.

 

 

 

Senior Center offering free tax preparation starting Jan. 30

from the Altadena Senior Center

The Altadena Senior Center, 560 E. Mariposa St., is offering free tax preparation on Thursdays fomr 8:30 AM-12:30 PM from Jan. 30 through April 10.

Receive free income tax preparation and e-filing by volunteers from AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, a tax-exempt charity of AARP. Membership in AARP is not required.  All ages are welcome.

You must make an appointment by phoning the Senior Center (626) 798-0505 and ask to make a tax appointment. Even if you've been told in the past that you don’t need to file, make an appointment to check your status once again.

The mission of AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is to provide high quality free income tax assistance and tax form preparation to and moderate-income taxpayers, with special attention to those age 60 and oider. However, as a practical matter, no taxpayers are turned away if their return is within the scope of services established by AARP Foundation.

Contrarian astronomer Halton Arp dies

by Timothy Rutt

 

Dr. Halton C. Arp, c. 2000. From the Wikimedia Commons

The New York Times has an obituary of astronomer Halton C. Arp, who died Dec. 28 in Munich, Germany.  Arp, a former Altadena resident, along with Fred Hoyle, challenged the emerging "Big Bang" theory of the universe in favor of "Steady State" cosmology.  

 

Michele Zack writes: 

Chip Arp lived in Altadena for years, up at the Nightengale estate. A Big Bang denier who was in turn denied telescope time because of his refusal to drop investigations of unorthodox views, he was a true and great Altadenan.  HIs daughter Kristana is one of my best friends, we both graduated from John Muir in 1969 (back when everyone sent their kids to public school!)

His obituary is here. 

 

Breaking: Fire at Glen Canyon/Roosevelt tonight

Firefighters from LA County and Pasadena were called in to a fire at Glen Canyon and Roosevelt Wednesday night.

by Timothy Rutt

Firefighters from Altadena and Pasadena responded to a report of a non-visible fire at a home on Glen Canyon and Roosevelt Wednesday night.

According to the homeowner, his wife was burnng some paper in the fireplace and smoke continued to fill the area even though they could see no fire. According to the scanner, firefighters were investigating the possibility that the fire was going on behind the wall.

A large ladder truck from the Pasadena Fire Department delivered firefighters to the roof, where smoke was pouring out of the chimney.  Firefighters requested a water-filled fire extinguisher, which another firefighter brought up to the roof and emptied near the chimney.

 

Firefighters on the roof of the smoking home.

 

 

Massie Roofing: because your roof needs care (even if it's not raining!)

Do you think that that your roof is fine (just because it's not raining)? Don’t let the lack of rain in 2013 fool you. It will rain again, and you should be prepared.

You want your home -- for most of us our largest investment -- to be protected. Have you maintained your roof lately? Do you know what roof maintenance means? Massie Roofing is here to answer your questions and help protect your home.

 

An example of the professsional and attractive work of Massie Roofing.

You rotate your tires every 3000 miles, shower daily, and your gardener and house cleaner come every week. Do you give any thought to your roof? Roof maintenance is like preventative medicine. An annual review of the roof condition from an expert will  tell you if there are potential problems and offer solutions like resealing any flashings to cleaning the roof and gutters, to locating win- damaged roof areas or providing an estimate for any repairs which may be observed during the inspection.

 

Serving Altadena, Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley since 1920, Massie Roofing Company is the perfect partner to check your roof and perform roof maintenance. The office of Massie Roofing is located on Walnut Street in Pasadena. To reach Massie Roofing, call (626)796-3928 or email us at

massieroofcompany@pacbell.net.

End of the season: light's out on Christmas Tree Lane after tonight

by Timothy Rutt

Received this from LInda Lane White of the Christmas Tree Lane Association:  the lights will go on again tonight (it's Orthodox Epiphany, the last night of Christmas), so if don't see them tonight, you won't see them again until Christmas season 2014.  

Christmas Tree Lane is on Santa Rosa Avenue between Woodbury Road and Altadena Drive.

Library accepting submissions for April's "Poetry & Cookies" until Jan. 18

from the Altadena Public Library

For the past twelve years, during April the library has celebrated National Poetry Month with a reading and published anthology of poems by local writers.  Poets who wish to submit for the 12th edition of Poetry & Cookies should be available to read their poetry on Sunday April 27 at 2 PM.  

This year’s event will include prizes for the best poems in the following areas: humor, inspirational, children/youth, family/personal, nature, and special form poems such as sonnet, etc. and the inauguration of the new Poet Laureate for Altadena Library for 2014 – 2016. Linda Dove is the library’s current Poet Laureate.   

For guidelines and more information please check the library website at http://www.altadenalibrary.org or email cchiu@altadenalibrary.org.  Deadline is Jan. 18

 

Sheriff Baca to retire at end of month

by Timothy Rutt

 

Sheriff Lee Baca at the opening of the remodeled Altadena Sheriff Station in 2011. Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich is seated to the left.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca announced in a press conference today that he will not seek re-election this year and in fact will retire at the end of the month.

 

Baca released the following statement: 

I have been proud and honored to serve the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the people of Los Angeles County for the past 48 years – which has made this decision the most difficult of my professional life. 

I am not going to seek re-election to a fifth term as Sheriff, and I will retire at the end of this month. 

The reasons for doing so are many, and some are most personal and private, but the prevailing one is the negative perception this upcoming campaign has brought to the exemplary service provided by the men and women of the Sheriff’s Department. They have conducted themselves with the utmost integrity and professionalism, resulting in yet another year of historic crime reductions not seen in nearly half-a-century. 

Your Sheriff’s Department is the greatest law enforcement agency in the nation, and I want to thank the men and women of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for their hard work, dedication, and sacrifice exhibited daily. 

To the people of Los Angeles County, I also extend a deep sense of gratitude for allowing me to serve for the past 48 years. 

As your elected Sheriff for the past 15 years, I have held fast to the Core Values of this great department. 

And they are: 

“As a leader of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, I commit myself to perform my duties with respect for the dignity of all people, integrity to do right and fight wrongs, wisdom to apply common sense and fairness in all I do, and courage to stand against racism, sexism, anti-Semitism, homophobia, and bigotry in all its forms.” 

Sheriff Lee Baca