altadenablog

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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Celebrate Altadena Ale & Wine House's third birthday May 1

The Altadena Ale & Wine House is celebrating its third anniversary with a special party on May 1.

The fun starts at 5 PM with BBQ, potluck, drink specials,  wine raffles,  and giveaways.  Jazz music starts at 6 PM, and there'll be lots of fun to be had.

The Altadena Ale & Wine House is at 2329 N. Fair Oaks Avenue, 21 and older, please!

 

Hugo Arteaga: business by design

Altadena designer Hugo Arteaga started his own business when it looked like his number was up at his regular job. Photos by Hugo Arteaga.

by Erika McCarden

If you attended “Altadena’s 125^th Birthday Celebration,” this year, chances are you’re already familiar with the work of Hugo Arteaga,  He designed the souvenir program for the event, which featured a collage of historic photographs and literature about the city.

“The commemorative booklet was actually my first solo project for Altadena, which was a lot of fun to work on,” said Arteaga.  “I worked with Michele Zack on it, and it took a long time getting it just right. We really wanted it to be more than just ads, but rather a nice keepsake.{

Arteaga also designed a postcard from the collage within the booklet, which caught the eye of the local Webster’s Fine Stationers owners, who are currently selling them in an exclusive deal with Arteaga.

A former manager of design services and publications at St. Jude Medical Center, Artega recently started Hugo Arteaga Graphic Design.

Some samples of Arteaga's work

Arteaga recently shared some of his insights and tips on starting and maintaining a successful, independent business.

• Stepping out on faith: I sensed my position at St. Jude Medical was being phased out, and now it’s gone. I always did freelance work on the side, so I had a small client base that I could start with. Sure, there are ups and downs, and when I’m working a lot it’s really great, but realistically, there is some downtime, and I know that will vary from season to season.
• Maintaining a competitive edge: Truthfully, there are a lot of freelancers out there. And, really it’s kind of like the acting field, meaning there are thousands of jobs and everyone wants that role, but ideally it comes down to what someone is really looking for, and just how well you promote yourself creatively.
• Staying creative: I do a lot of work for my son’s first grade class like creating newsletters, which doesn’t have any rules. I take walks, and study billboards, and wonder what was the thought behind the design -- why was it appealing, and how could I have made it better? I also take a lot of pictures.
• Words of wisdom: If you’re considering going out on your own, the one thing I’d advise is to stay creative for yourself. Remember that you have no rules, so have fun in whatever you do. 

Arteaga has lived in Altadena since 2001, and is also a member of the Palm Street Area Residents Association (PSARA), which holds an annual Holiday Toy and Food Drive in partnership with the Altadena Sheriff’s Department.  This year, the neighborhood drive was held right in front of Arteaga's home.

Arteaga designed this postcard of classic Altadena history, available exclusively at Webster's Fine Stationers.

“We thought it would be a good idea for neighbors to meet each other and provide some Christmas joy to our Altadena community, who may be less fortunate or may have fallen on hard times recently.”

For additional information about Hugo Arteaga Graphic Design, go to: http://arteagagraphicdesign.com/

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Erika McCarden is an Emmy-award winning producer who also writes about Altadena.

Co-op welcomes 500 members, will host 'locavore" dinner

by Timothy Rutt

The (Altadenablog sponsor) Arroyo Food Co-op reached an important milestone by signing up its 500th member earlier this week.

“We are very excited to reach this milestone,” said Tricia Keane, President of the Co-op’s Board of Directors, in a press release. “We have 500 friends in our corner rooting for us to get this store open, which means we are that much closer to bringing local, sustainable, and just plain good food to the community.”

Who the magic 500th member will actually be will be determined in a drawing of recently signed-up members.  

With 500 members on board, the co-op is planning to launch a capital campaign and commit to a location for the community market.  The co-op is planning to seek funding thorugh a combination of member investments, member loans, and grants.  It has also engaged a local realtor to scout for commercial location in Altadena or northern Pasadena, with a goal to open in the first quarter of 2013.

“The goal of 500 members seemed daunting, nearly impossible, when we first started out,” said co-op founder Patrick Reagan, in a release from the co-op, “but today we see that the community has clearly stated that they’re willing to invest in a better option. Reaching this impressive goal is very encouraging for all of us early adopters. It should also help encourage others to join in on the fun – the building of a wonderful local grocery store we all can be proud of.”

The co-op is setting itself up as an alternative to large chain grocers, including the Altadena Walmart Neighborhood Market which is also planning to open in the first quarter of 2013.

The co-op promises to offer organic, sustainably-raised, and locally sourced products, including humanely-raised meats.  Anyone can shop at the co-op, but those who become members receive additional benefits, including "patronage refunds" during profitable years.  Membership is $300, but also offers a payment plan of as low as $30 a year.

The help raise awarenss of the co-op, it is planning to hold a "locavore dinner" event on Aug. 11 in Altadena, featuring locally-sourced food prepared by a professional chef.

For more information on the co-op:  http://arroyofoodcoop.com/

For information on the locavore dinner: http://arroyofoodcoop.com/locavore

 

The Rancho Bar: a neighborhood place with a nod to the past

by Timothy Rutt

Chris Larson and his Rancho Bar cover a lot of history.

Larson comes from a long-time area family.  His grandfather, William Wiper, immigrated from Scotland, riding on a steam train across the country.  He and his brother started a local sign company, Wiper SIgn and Neon, whose best-known work is the sign on the Rose Bowl.  Larson's grandfather, William Wiper, was a long time member of the Tournament of Roses and designed, installed, and maintained the world-famous sign.

Pictured: Rancho owner Chris Larson next to a display of Mt. Lowe railway memorabilia at the bar.

His father's side of the family, on the other hand, was already established in the area.  Larson's grandparents operated Larson Shoes on Lake and Washington.  

The Rancho Bar building started out as a real estate office, and then became a beer and wine bar in 1953, Larson said.  He father, Ron Larson, purchased the bar in 1983, got a full liquor license and had a kitchen in the back that served food for a time.

"He was good at what he did, he was a real personable guy," Larson said.  "He kind of made the place what it is and did a helluva job on it, for as small as it is."

Ron Larson was also a collector of Mt. Lowe railway memorabilia.  On display at the bar are some of the artifacts of the dismantled railway that he picked up during hikes, including a selection of spikes that is embedded in a window table at the Rancho.

Larson's parents had divorced around that time the elder larson bought the bar.  Chris had attended Altadena Elementary School, Eliot MIddle School, and spent two years at Muir before graduating from Monrovia High School, and moving out of town.

Larson went college in Oregon and lived there for ten years.  He then moved to Boulder, Colorado, to be close to one of his brothers who sold airplanes there, and worked to get his pilot's license.  He was running a taxicab and shuttle company that operated between Boulder and the Denver airport  when Ron Larson died in 2005, leaving the bar to his three sons.

But the bar wasn't operating as well as it should under the bar's manager, so Larson moved back to Altadena after 20 years to take charge of it in 2008, "having no experience in the bar business," he admits.   "I had to try to whip things back into shape, and I've been here ever since."  It's still co-owned by the three brothers -- besides Larson and his brother in Colorado, another brother lives in California.

"It's kind of funny in the bar business," Larson said.  "They think it's just fun, and I like being my own boss ... but the bar business has its own challenges."

Larson has kept the neighborhood bar feel, with wood paneling, lots of neon signage, a big TV, and a cozy bar area. The Rancho Bar has a full bar, including what Larson says is "some real nice single malt scotches," and a wine list that includes carbernet, zinfandel, pinot noir, and chardonnay.

"We have people who work in the movie industry who come here -- everyone is kind of equal, that's one of the special things about the place.  We get some techie people in here, sometimes they'll go into a corner and make some kind of business deal.  

"What's great about it is that you get people from all walks of life who walk in here, and they sit next to each other.  They might come in to watch a football game or a baseball game or something that usually turns into a conversation with the one who sits next to you ... it's a mellow place to come, have a drink or two, and talk with people in the community."

Located at  2485 N. Lake Ave., the Rancho Bar is open every day.

This is one of an occasional feature we run on members of the Altadenablog sponsor team.  If you'd like to be a sponsor, email us at altadenablog@gmail.com or call 626-791-5327.

 

 

 

Webster's Community Pharmacy: an institution becomes new

by Lizze Slocum

There’s a new pharmacy in Altadena and, unlike most new businesses, it can boast a history as a neighborhood institution. This past year has seen the rebirth of Webster’s Pharmacy, as Webster’s Community Pharmacy.

Pictured: Meredith and Michael Miller

The only fresher face will be Webster’s Community Pharmacy after the store gets the face lift that its owners have planned for early next year. Pharmacist Michael Miller and his wife, Meredith, bought Webster’s in December of 2010. Previously, the Millers had owned several pharmacies, including South Pasadena’s Fair Oaks Pharmacy, which they transformed into the vital business it is today during the eighteen years that they owned it.

In Altadena, at Webster’s, the post office will stay in place, and next-door Webster’s Liquors will remain adjacent. No walls will be going up or coming down. Also unchanged is Webster’s heavy emphasis on customer service, so important to the Millers. They have already reinvigorated the store’s gifts department, and stock is growing and expanding “as we learn more about our customers,” according to Meredith Miller. Selling well are bath and body products from makers like Crabtree and Evelyn as well as Caswell Massey. Those who have shopped at the Fair Oaks Pharmacy will recognize a thoughtfully considered section of classic toys and games for sale.

Webster’s Community Pharmacy has also quadrupled its candy section, which includes “retro” candies that make perfect stocking stuffers for kids and adults alike. The store’s newly large selection of greeting cards is part of the endeavor to bring in what people need and actually miss from having the Hallmark store on the block, such as calendars. Fun “retro” gifts are joined on the shelves by on-trend fashion accessories such as purses, scarves and jewelry. The jewelry includes some of Meredith’s own creations from her Poker Chip Gal line, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces made from vintage poker chips: http://www.pokerchipgirl.com

New Pharmacy Services
At its heart, though, the business is a pharmacy, and new pharmacy services available to the community are slated to include flu shots and other walk-in vaccinations. Webster’s Community Pharmacy now accepts most insurance, offers delivery service and sells and rents medical and home health care supplies. Webster’s has also just installed a full-service, state-of-the-art dispensing system to process prescriptions. The automated system’s accuracy and efficiency frees up time for the pharmacist to consult and talk with the patients and customers.

Open House
Today, Nov. 19, Webster’s will host a very special Holiday Open House, and the entire community is invited. Between 2 pm and 7 pm that day, there will be prize drawings, refreshments,discounts on specially selected items, and egg nog at Webster’s Liquors. Read the Open House details at http://websterscommunitypharmacy.wordpress.com

Food Trucks!
Webster’s Community Pharmacy has already made headlines for something that represents a complete change from what everybody used to know Webster’s Pharmacy as: Friday night fancy food trucks. The Millers have just renewed a food truck permit with Los Angeles County, good through the end of 2012. Once a month, on the second Friday and weather permitting, the trucks will roll into the parking lot. Webster’s partner The Rolling Bistros will bring in six food trucks, which will rotate; sponsor Danny’s Farm also brings its mobile petting zoo to Webster’s parking lot on Lake Avenue. (In January, February and March, 2012, the food trucks event will be dark for the winter season.) For these  occasions, Webster’s sets up tables and chairs in the main part of the parking lot.

“The benefit,” says Meredith, “is more about community building than it is about dollar building. We’re in it just to have fun and to provide a community event. I just love seeing everyone having a good time.” The Friday night events have been drawing mostly people from Altadena, whether they are young food truck followers or older people coming with their grandchildren who otherwise might not give such eateries a try.

"We’re enjoying being up here, and we’re excited to get to know people,” says Meredith.

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Lizze Slocum keeps busy as a writer, editor, and mom.

Altadena Ale & Wine House: the neighbors with the neighborhood pub

May 1 marks the first birthday for the Altadena Ale & Wine House, and the fulfillment of a dream for Gail and Judah Casburn.

The Casburns, 22-year Altadena residents, have created the pub experience they've always wanted -- and it's only four blocks from home.

"We like to call it the neighborhood pub," says Gail.  Judah chimes in: "Not just Altadena, but people in Pasadena consider it their neighborhood pub ... [Customers]  actually thank us and shake us by the hand for that very reason.   So it is very much a local spot."

Pictured: Gail and Judah Casburn

 

Originally from Yorkshire, England -- "which is where the best beer comes from, but you can't bring it here"  -- Judah moved to California to "get away from the bloody rain."   He and Gail have been married for 23 years.  They became interested in running a pub in the early 1990's because, Judah says, "there was nowhere in the Pasadena area where you could enjoy a pint of good beer or wine at a reasonable price."

What's the difference between a pub and a bar?  "A pub is a place for social intercourse, instead of a place for getting blasted, getting [drunk] ," Judah says.  He compared it to the bars in Old Town Pasadena, which are sports bars, have big TVs, and are very loud and not conducive to conversation.

The Casburns purchased a Pasadena deli and sandwich shop with a beer and wine license -- Lucky Baldwins -- and turned it into nighttime pub.   It enjoyed considerable success, but they ended up selling it to one of their bartenders sometime later. 

"The city of Pasadena was impossible to deal with," Gail says.  "And, with two young kids, it's difficult to raise a family and be away in the evenings."  Judah affirmed that "we decided our kids were the priority," but also says, before the indoor smoking ban, "the smoke was making me ill, it was really getting to me."

Pictured: The Ale & Wine House also offers an extensive wine selection.

After selling Lucky Baldwins, Judah spent some years buying, selling, and renovating British sports cars.  ("I've always been working on old cars, old houses," Judah says.  "We have a home in the south of France we're restoring.")  Gail still keeps a day job teaching math and computer science at Baldwin Park High School.

But as their sons, Gareth and Owen, grew older, the Casburns wanted to find a place where they could create a new pub and put to work Judah's expertise with beer and Gail's with French wine.  A ranchero bar on Fair Oaks went on the market, not far from where they live, and the Altadena Ale & Wine House was born.

Baietti-Seyffert: Altadena's real (estate) deal

by Devon Pettengill

for Altadenablog/Altadena Online

Altadenablog welcomes new members to its sponsorship team, Baietti-Seyffert Realtors.

For the real estate team of Michael Baietti and Linda Seyffert, becoming the #1 Realtors in Altadena was a genuine labor of love. Talk to them for a few minutes and it becomes clear that their devotion to Altadena goes far beyond the operations of their business.

"My tagline used to be living, working, and loving Altadena," says Baietti. "That's really what it was. Living here and wanting to be a part of it, and wanting to promote it."

Both Baietti and Seyffert have been Realtors for thirteen years, and they have been partners for the last six and a half. Baietti says that Baietti-Seyffert now sells more real estate in Altadena than their top two competitors combined. Baietti admits that their success was a result of deliberate effort to become the top agent in Altadena. They have always been with Dickson Podley Realtors and have no plans of ever changing companies.

"Dickson Podley Realtors is a very modern, progressive organization operating in the old-fashioned family business style," says Baietti.

There are many parallels between what attracts them to Dickson Podley and what they love about Altadena, particularly an attractive balance between progressivism and a small-town feel. Both Baietti and Seyffert have lived in Altadena for many years (Baietti no longer does), and have come to love not only the physical beauty of the unique homes and foothill landscape, but also Altadenans themselves.

"In Altadena, we do what other people talk about," says Baietti, "We actually live with each other. We're a microcosm of American diversity and we all get along."

"And I think it draws people who are attracted to that," Seyffert adds. "That is one of the things I tell people I'm working with. It's a very embracing community."

Both Baietti and Seyffert admit that one of the challenges they face as Realtors in the area is dispelling preconceived notions about the community. Baietti especially laments those who think the charm and beauty of Altadena doesn't continue west of Lake Avenue. One of Baietti's goals when he decided to focus on Altadena real estate was to enhance the perception of the west side, where he lived. One way he did this was by founding Janes Village, a community group devoted to celebrating the work of Elisha P. Janes, who in the mid-1920s designed and built the high-peaked, English-style houses that can be found in clusters around western Altadena.

Many of Baietti-Seyffert's clients are impressed with the fact that every house in Altadena is different, and Baietti and Seyffert acknowledge that the diversity of building styles is a credit to their business.

The real estate team has also taken on community beautification personally. Several years ago they organized a project to plant more shade trees in certain Altadena neighborhoods.

"We invented the fact that there was an anonymous donor who wanted to buy street trees for Altadena streets who didn't have them, when the truth is we were the ones who bought the trees," Baietti says. Seyffert, Baietti, and Baietti's gardener planted California native sycamores in the yards of those who did not object to the plan. The trees, which add color to the landscape when their leaves change every fall, continue to flourish along many Altadena streets. Baietti-Seyffert is also an annual supporter of the concerts in Farnsworth Park hosted by the Altadena Sheriff's Support Group.

Despite the roots that Baietti and Seyffert have planted in Altadena, neither of them are originally from California. Baietti was raised in St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. He moved to Altadena from Long Island, New York, after visiting his parents, who had bought a house here. Baietti's father was the pastor at Christ the Shepherd Lutheran Church on Glenrose Avenue for many years, and Baietii remains a member of the church. He also served on the board of Altadena Heritage and the Pasadena Symphony. He was also involved with fundraising at the now defunct Bienvenidos Children's Center and was on the marketing Committee for the Pasadena Symphony for a number of years.

Seyffert is originally from Cleveland and was inspired to move to Altadena when a broken water main destroyed her home in Mt. Washington. Seyffert has lived in Altadena for seventeen years with her husband and raised her two children here. She has served on the board of the Altadena Nursery school and has volunteered as a referee for American Youth Soccer Organization. She and her family are members of All Saints Church, where her children sing in the choir.

In Altadena's future Baietti and Seyffert hope to see continued beautification and renovation, such as the sports facilities at Loma Alta Park and store front renovations along Fair Oaks Avenue. They also hope to see a return to community schools, and cited the success of charter schools such as Odyssey and Aveson.

"[It would be great] if we could get back to community schools where people walk out their front doors and down the block to go to school, and walk home with their friends again in the afternoon," says Baietti. "There has to be a balance between supporting the schools and the schools being worthy of support."

Baietti and Seyffert work primarily as listing agents, but they also represent buyers. They work with a part-time assistant out of a distinctive office on Altadena Drive that resembles a Tudor cottage. Seyffert says the building has always been a real estate office and has been attributed to famous Southern California architect Sylvanus Marston. They also work with a marketer who does not share the office with them.

Baietti and Seyffert acknowledge that real estate has been a difficult business to be in for the last couple years, but it is a battle they share with everyone in their line of work. Their obvious devotion to the community makes it obvious that they will continue to help families find new homes in the Altadena for years to come.

Baietti-Seyffert's offices are located at 1471 Altadena Drive. They can be reached by telephone at (626) 791-2800.

You can never have enough Friends (of the Library)

by Erika McCarden
for Altadenablog

Altadenablog welcomes its sponsor, The Friends of the Altadena Library.

Whether you’re an avid reader, a writer in need of a private space to collect your thoughts or a parent looking for just the right after school programs, chances are that the Altadena Library has proven to be a valuable resource for you.

Friends of the Altadena Library is a non-profit organization committed to the support of the Altadena Library District's programs and services.  Since 1959, Friends of the Altadena Library has been a strong literary voice for the community- raising funds for books and materials, educational programs, and providing support for the Children’s Reference Desk, while increasing public awareness.

The Friends also hold regular art shows, author lectures (recent lectures have included George McGovern, John Dean, Robert Wagner, and Cloris Leachman),  and Poetry and Cookies, the annual celebration of the poet's art.  The Friends also support the Young Adult and Children's Summer Reading programs which have become a valuable community resource.

Recent fundraising events include last weekend's" Art on Millionaire’s Row," which featured multi-media work by 30 local artists, plus "A Taste of Altadena," from many local restaurants.  Another recent fundraiser was the Zane Grey Playwriting Contest, which raised $4,500, for Friends programs. 

"These events really helped to put us on top for the types of events we're capable of doing for the Altadena community," said former Friends of the Altadena Library President, Trevor Bryant.

Want to get involved? Friends of the Altadena Library is always looking for new Friends! You can help by joining the organization, becoming a committee member, signing up to volunteer, and of course, donations of any kind are always appreciated. For additional information, contact (626) 798-083.

Welcome Altadenablog sponsor: scissors/paper/rock salon & boutique

scissors/paper/rock, Yolande Carson’s salon and boutique at 1864 N. Allen, strives to be a place to be stylish and a place to relax.

“We like it to be intimate, so the clients get one-on-one treatment, like it’s their place,” she said.  “A place to go to go to the refrigerator and get a drink, a place to relax.”

Carson has been in the hair styling business for 25 years, but she and her husband followed parallel careers as musicians -- they met each other playing in bands, and moved up to the Pasadena area to be closer to family.  She says she worked in big salons and spas, but never wanted her own, until she  decided that “I kind of wanted arenas for music, and to do my thing.”

That idea became scissors/paper/rock, a place for “shopping, fashion, and music,” Carson said.  In addition to hair styling and beauty services, the store sells fashion jewelry and hosts trunk shows and hair and makeup seminars.

Besides the funky but serene decor, music is a big part of scissor/paper/rock’s experience -- jazz or Sinatra are always on the sound system, and every summer she holds an acoustic music concert series at the salon.

The staff includes hair stylist Rickelle Howard, who has spent 17 years in styling in the area and specializes in black hair care; manicurist Tracy Vuong; and assistant Celeste Oliverez.  The salon plans to add skin care and waxing services in the near future.

scissors/paper/rock has been in business for ten years, the last four at the Allen location .  The salon is also expanding into the storefront next door by mid-February.



Carson also believes in giving back to the community: every Christmas the salon holds a fundraiser for URDC Human Services, a nonprofit program for women and children in Pasadena trying to conquor substance abuse.  Every Mother’s Day, they hold a beauty day with makeovers for URDC clients.

As for the name?  The “scissors” comes from the hairstyling, the “rock” comes from the funky chunky jewelry -- but “paper?”  “We’re still working on it!” Carson said.

Pictured: Yolande Carson, left, and RIckelle Howard.

Welcome new sponsor: Curves

Altadenablog welcomes our new sponsor, Curves Altadena.

Rose West circled around the idea of owning a Curves franchise for several years.

"Seven years ago, I met  a woman who opened one in Duarte, and was fascinated.  I joined immediately," she said. "I was fascinated that I could work out in 30 minutes, which suited my lifestyle."

When a franchise opened in Altadena five years ago, she said, "It broke my heart -- If I had one, it had to be in my own community."   But the idea of ownership didn't go away -- during a women's retreat in 2008, she participated in an exercise to imagine what one would do if money was no object -- and for West, it was "either go to makeup artistry school, cooking school, or buy a Curves."

Then she heard the Altadena franchise was for sale.  After several months of indecison, her husband,  Keith West, in exasperation, said, "buy it or don't buy it, but don't talk about it any more!"

So she bought the franchise and opened it up in its new location, 2525 N. Lake, No. 6, in July 2008.  West sees it as an extension of the work she's done professionally all her life.  "I sold Mary Kay for 18 years," she said.  I never sold lipstick.  I sold a chance for women to take care of themselves, to feel glamorous."  With Curves, "I'm taking care of women in a different way, but it really is the same thing."

The Curves formula Is simple but elegant: a circuit of equipment that provides a mixture of cardio and resistance training, piped-in music that encourages a steady pace, and and verbal cues to remind members to change equipment or cool down.  It's quick, easy, and adaptable for women of every age and fitness level.  Curves members in Altadena are as old as 84 years of age.

It's also a commitment:  new members receive a health history and discuss their goals.  "If they don't come for a couple of days, we'll call or email," she says.  Members are also weighed once a month, and analyzed for body mass.

West says that Curves never says you're going to lose weight with their program, but you will reduce body fat and increase lean muscle mass.  The Curves franchisees recently were named the best fitness/weight loss program by the Pasadena Weekly.

Curves is open on Mondays and Fridays from 6 AM- 1 PM, and from 3-8 PM; Tues. and Thurs. from 12:30-3:30; and Sat. 7 AM-noon.  To mark Breast Cancer Awareness Week, until Oct. 31, you can join for free with proof of a mammogram or a $25 donation to breast cancer research.  Curves Altadena is also fielding a team of walkers for next summer's American Cancer Society Relay for Life.

(Pictured: Rose West and Curves manager Laura Honore.)

Welcome new advertisers: Webster's Fine Stationers

(Photo of Lori and Scott Webster by Petrea Burchard of the fine Pasadena Daily Photo blog, who recently profiled Webster's Fine Stationers, and reproduced with permission)

Altadenablog welcomes its new advertisers, Webster's Fine Stationers at 2650 Lake Ave., Suite B in Altadena,

Owned by Scott and Lori Webster, it's a lot more than stationery: it has a full line of children's books and educational items, fine art supplies, UPS and FedEx shipping services, faxing and copying, and "is the only place in town where you can buy one envelope, or one file folder," Lori says.

They are also planning to expand a gourmet food selection before the holidays and increasingly emphasize home decor items.

The stationery shop is part of the new configuration of the Webster's dynasty that has done business in Altadena for 82 years.  Frank Webster opened Webster's in April, 1926, as a one store pharmacy with a soda fountain, cosmetics, liquor, and photo supplies.  During the 1960's and 1970's, his son William Webster expanded the stores and services up and down the block, and connected the stores by removing walls.

Starting in 2007, new walls went up to separate the stores into separate entities, both physically and as businesses.  Scott Webster, who has been involved in his family's businesses for about 40 years (starting with the ice house in the parking lot), and Lori now own the stationery store.  William's stepdaughter Karen and her husband Robert Myers bought the Hallmark department and repoened it at Karen's Hallmark and Gifts.

Webster's Pharmacy Corp., headed by Susan Webster Felt, retains ownership of the pharmacy, liquor store, and Hallmark Gold Crown store located in the Orangewood Village complex across from Huntington Hospital in Pasadena.  Michael Miller, formerly of Fair Oaks Pharmacy in South Pasadena, will be managing the pharmacy.  Gary Webster manages Webster's Fine Wine and Spirits, and his wife Dianna manages the Orangewood Hallmark.

While the businesses are becoming separate entities, what unites them all, Lori says, is the emphasis on customer service.  The staff at Webster's Fine Stationery -- all local residents -- are knowledgeable about what's available at the store and in the area.  Lori says that they are also emphasizing local arts and artists -- the store sells cards by Altadena artist Donna Barnes-Roberts and photographer Athena Metzler, and jewelry by Diana March. 

While Webster's is also the best (maybe only!) local store to find quality papers and pens, they also sell computer printer ink and speciality paper (photographs, labels, etc.).       Webster's also has a full stock of fine art supplies (watercolors, acrylics, oils, pencils ... everything!).

And Lori has her own blog!

Since taking over the stationery store, Scott and Lori are also working to increase Webster's involvement in the community.  Besides featuring the work of local artists in the shop, Lori has just joined the board of Dr. Sandra Thomas' Quality of Life Center, and has plans for to involve it in their belated grand opening.

Despite downturns in business from the economy and customer uncertainty over the changes at Webster's, Lori and Scott are dedicated to running a thriving local business.

"I'm Altadenan at heart," Lori said.  "I raised my daughter here and she went to St. Elizabeth's.  We employ local people.  We're trying to keep the economy in Altadena."