altadenablog

Altadena goes Obama

... or so says the Whittier Daily News: 

Obama nearly doubled Hillary Clinton's vote count in Altadena and beat the former first lady 56 percent to 43 percent in Pasadena, two Valley communities with large African-American populations.

Don't forget: primary vote Tuesday!

... and you can find out where your polling place is by going here.

Scripps Home controversy

Debbi Swanson Patrick's fine Altadena Above It All blog has some great pictures and information on the Scripps Home's temporary closure.  (Altadenablog has a friend, a resident of the home, who's a little honked off about having to move to the Kensington for several years.)  Deb's blog has a press release about the plan, and some pictures of Saturday's (approved!) looting of the gardens.

Owen Brown's body ...

... like his father's, lies a-moulderin'.  But PSN has a good story about Save the Altadena Trail's MLK day clearing of the trail to Owen Brown's gravesite at Little Round Top. 

And also please note for clarity Michele Zack's significant corrections to Owen's history.

Poetry and Cookies April 19

Next to prose and cheesecake, (or guns and roses), we love poetry and cookies -- and where better to celebrate both than our own Altadena Library, which sends us this:

ALTADENA LIBRARY DISTRICT ACCEPTING POEMS FROM ALTADENA POETS FOR POETRY AND COOKIES

EVENT DEADLINE FEBRUARY 15, 2008

The Altadena Library will host its sixth annual Poetry & Cookies celebration on Sat., April 19, at 2 p.m.  This event will feature the crowning of the library’s Poet Laureate for May 2008 through April 2010. Those attending will have the chance to meet and hear poets from Altadena and the surrounding area read their poetry.  There will also be a drawing for two poetry baskets filled with items that poets or poetry lovers might enjoy. 

Poets who would like to be a part of the program and be included in the library’s annual poetry publication, are asked to submit poems single spaced in the body of the email along with a short bio to pdutton@altadenalibrary.org by February 15, 2008.   

Up to 78 lines not more than 50 spaces in length may be printed in the 2008 edition of Poetry and Cookies. Since children may be in the audience submissions should be family rated. Generally poets have about five minutes to read. Open mike readers are limited to one poem. Following the program there will be a poet’s corner on the patio, where poets may sell their poetry books.  The main library is located at 600 East Mariposa Street, Altadena.  For more information visit the library’s website at www.altadenalibrary.org or call the Reference Desk at 626-798-0833. 

STAT marks MLK day at Owen Brown gravesite

Save the Altadena Trails sends us this:

As we have done for the last two years, Save the Altadena Trails (STAT) will host an event at Little Round Top, the burial site of Owen Brown, on Martin Luther King Day, Monday, January 21, 2008, from 9:00 a.m.-12 noon. This year's event will be a little different because the main focus will be creating a new, safer trail to the top of Little Round Top. You can come to work on the trail, stop by and chat, or just go to the top of Little Round Top, commune with the spirits and admire the view. Paul Ayers, who designed the new trail, will lead the work party.

For better or verse -- library seeking poet laureate

The Altadena Public Library is accepting nominations for its Poet Laureate award. The crowning of the Laureate will take place on April 19 at the library’s annual Poetry & Cookies celebration. If you are a poet or know of a poet in the area, please send an application to Altadena Library District, Attention Poet Laureate Selection Committee, 600 East Mariposa Street, Altadena, CA 91001 or email to pdutton@altadenalibrary.org by February 22, 2008

Pimp my bookcart! Feb. 5

We would normally never use the words "pimp" and "public library" in one sentence, but what's a mutha to do? 

The Altadena Library's Teen Advisory Committee is sponsoring a "Pimp My Bookcart" competition -- they say, "Help us transform our bookcarts from drab to fab!"  Two teams will compete to design the winning cart on Tues., Feb. 5, 4-6 p.m.  Supplies are provided -- sign up at the main library reference desk or call 798-8338.  All teens are welcome!

Electrical upgrades and animal control on supes' agenda

This note from Lori L. Paul to some of the Altadena trail newsgroups highlights some concerns that will come up at the meeting with LA County Supervisor Mike Antonovich, Thurs., Jan. 17, 9-10:30 a.m. at the community center:

Crime at the Altadena Library Feb. 2

No, crime writers, silly!  Sue Colasurdo of the Altadena Library sends us this:

The Friends of the Altadena Library are sponsoring a Saturday afternoon program featuring two hard-hitting crime writers: Pamela Samuels-Young and Gary Phillips. The "Grisham With a Female Twist & L.A. Noir" free event will be held on Sat., February 2 from 2-4 p.m. in the Altadena Library Community Room, 600 E. Mariposa St.

Pamela Samuels-Young, author of  In Firm Pursuit, is a corporate lawyer who has created an African American lead character who is anything but stereotypical; and Gary Phillips whose dark tales delve into the heart and soul of the mean streets of Los Angeles, is currently featured in the much publicized anthology, Los Angeles Noir. The program will be moderated by Gayle Bartos-Pool, a former private detective, mystery writer, and director of the speakers bureau for Sisters in Crime, Los Angeles.

The authors’ books will  also be offered for sale with part of the proceeds going to the Friends of the Library.  To find out more call (626)798-0833 or visit the library’s website at http://www.altadenalibrary.org.

Help wanted for Muir cleanup day Jan. 13

The Pasadena-Altadena Block-by-Block Coalition is looking for volunteers to help out Sun., Jan. 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to help clean up the area around Muir High.  San Gabriel Valley Tribune  says:

With city officials' help, group members plan to dispose of trash and other debris that lines the Lincoln Avenue sidewalks from the freeway to Wyoming Street. They might also place mulch in the dirt beds of trees lining the walkways.

And this word from Altadena Town Councilman Bobby Thompson, whose district is just north of Muir:

"It's like a gateway to Altadena from the freeway," he said of Lincoln Avenue. "Hopefully as people leave the freeway they can see a progression of cleanliness."

For information on volunteering for this great community event, call (626) 794-3953, or just show up at Muir.

Oh, Christmas Tree -- get lost!

It's time.  Mrs. Altadenablog has finally made her emotional separation from the tree, so we're going to strip it clean of ornaments and curb it tonight.  The Los Angeles County Sanitation Department says that :

Residents are requested to remove all ornaments, tinsel, lights, nails, plastic containers, and plastic or metal tree stands. Unless otherwise noted, flocked trees will be accepted. The Christmas trees can then be placed at curbside next to the recycling and waste containers on scheduled trash collection day(s) during the time period noted.

Collection information is as follows:

Allied Waste Services (BFI)	12/26/07-01/18/08	(888) 742-5234
Athens Services	12/26/07-01/19/08	(626) 336-3636	No flocked trees.
Nasa Services	12/29/07-01/12/08	(323) 888-0388
Serv-Wel Disposal	01/04/08 & 01/11/08	(323) 726-4056
United Pacific Waste	12/26/07-01/19/08	(562) 699-7600
Universal Waste System	12/26/07-01/10/08	(800) 631-7016

Dr. Sandra Thomas is Altadenan of the Year

Dr. Sandra Thomas has been selected the 2007 Citizen of the Year by the Altadena Chamber of Commerce.   PSN has a nice write-up here.  She will be honored with a dinner on Jan. 25, but reservations should be made by Jan. 14.   New officers will also be installed at the dinner meeting at the Altadena Town & Country Club, 2090 Country Club Drive.

(thx to Monica Hubbard for spotting the original venue error!)

Look out for coyotes on the loose

We don't have tiger attacks around here, but we do have coyotes. President Streets newsgroup reported a pack of four who were stalking a dog walker around 5:30 a.m. Thursday at Allen and Midwick or Meadowbrook (maybe they wanted to see the Balian Mansion lights).  They or another pack just like them were also spotted on Harding between Canyon and Berendo, and another resident reports that they seen them carrying somebody's pet away.  Be alert, especially since trash days seem to bring them out, and make sure to keep your dogs and cats inside at night.

Doo-Dah grand marshall has Altadena connection

Pasadena's Doo-Dah parade has been moved from around Thanksgiving to Jan. 20.   This year's Grand Marshall is Rev. Billy of the Church of Stop Shopping,  star of What Would Jesus Buy?  Rev. Billy's wife is Savitri D (her blog is here), niece of the Zorthians.

Lincoln Crossing parking reduced, Town Council has spat

Altadenablog is catching up after the holidays:

PSN tells the tale of the Lincoln Crossing Project Area Committee and Town Council both voting to lop off 1/7th of Lincoln Crossing's parking.  Developer Dorn Platz is looking at valet "scrunch" parking for peak hours at the Magic Johnson 24 Hour Fitness.  A shouting match erupts at the Town Council meeting over who will be their representative to the Project Area Committee: local councilman Gene Campbell or Michele Zack, who's been to the PAC meetings.  Winner: Zack.

Don we now our gay apparel

The major area Christmas displays (including the Balian manse and Christmas Tree Lane) are featured on this page.  I don't know what to say, except we're surprised they chose such clashing colors ...

Lost Dog Watch

Never let it be said that any news is too small:  Anybody lose a dog lately?
Chihuahua mix?

Rottweiler/German Shepherd pup?

Christmas Tree Lane Ceremony

FemmeNoir has some great Flickr shots of last night's Chrismas Tree Lane opening.

Lights away!

Wondering what to do this wet weekend?  Go to the lighting of Christmas Tree Lane at the Altadena Library, 600 Mariposa (intersection of Mariposa and Santa Rosa), 5 p.m. Saturday Dec. 8.  It's small town Americana (and Altadena) at its best!

Music and math marry at library Dec. 10

The Altadena main library hosts Violinist Paul Stein and Chamber Music Express, 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 10.  Stein and the Chamber Music Express blend music and imaginative storytelling, entertaining children and adults alike. The beauty and logic of music have much in common with math. The music of Mozart, Kreisler, and Brahms will share the program with gypsy music by Drdla and John Williams’ Harry Potter. And as an added bonus, there will be some memorable story problems. Appropriate for children ages 6 and up. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Altadena Library.

Sheriff's Community Campout Dec. 4

The Sheriff's Department will show off their mobile command post and provide information about department programs at Lincoln Crossing (Lincoln & Woodbury) from 3-7 p.m.  Get information on Altadena Station programs such as Neighborhood Watch, Sheriff's Support Group, Community Advisory Committee, Clergy Council, Volunteer Program, and Youth Activity League.  For more information, contact the Community Relations Office at 296-2103 or 296-2104.

(By the way, the November Sheriff's Station newsletter can be read here.)

Sheriff's station kicks off food and toy drive

From the Sheriff's Station:

The 2007 Altadena Sheriff’s Station Food and Toy Drive is underway. Please help our less fortunate Altadena residents by stopping by the Altadena Station, 780 East Altadena Drive, and drop off unwrapped toys (boys and girls up to the age of 14) and non-perishable food (canned goods, dry goods and other holiday type foods).

The Food and Toy Drive has become an annual tradition for our Altadena Station.

For more information, contact Sgt. Marsha Williams (626-296-2104) or Dep. Sam Estrada (626-296-2103).  Thank you for your generous contributions.

Altadena library hits basic cable

Roberta Lauderdale of the Altadena Library in a video interview for Crown City News on the library and its programs -- right about here.

Library hosts Mark Twain MS bell choir Dec. 14

The Altadena Library district sends us this:

Ring in the season at Altadena Library!

The whole family will enjoy a wonderful evening of musical entertainment when the Mark Twain Middle School Handbell Ringers Choir performs at the Altadena Main Library on Friday, December 14 at 7 pm in the Community Room. These talented young people have been featured at Knott’s Berry Farm, Disneyland, the Epcot Center, and various venues across the states. Although in the past the public has had to pay to hear the group, the Friends of the Library and Library Trustees have sponsored this program so that it’s FREE to the public.

According to Library Director Barbara Pearson, “We feel fortunate to have these superb young performers at our library and thank the Friends and Trustees for making this program possible.”

The multicultural group of talented students come from diverse backgrounds within the Los   Angeles area and has been in existence since 2000. The Handbell Ringers are under the direction of Ron G. Theile, Conductor and Instructor of English Handbells and Board Member of the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers (AGEHR)>

For more information contact Library Information Services at (626) 798-0833, ext.106, or visit the library’s website at http://www.altadenalibrary.org.

Short takes

The Inland Daily Bulletin has a great story on Altadena resident (and Scripps Home nurse) Barbara Patterson and her battle with breast cancer.  Having just lost a beloved family member to cancer, Altadenablog sends out its good wishes to Ms. Patterson and her family for continued strength and recovery.

Sharp-eyed Altadena birder Jon Feenstra spotted a Bay-breasted warbler along Legg Lake at the Whittier Narrows area in El Monte last week.  The bird is native to the East Coast and rarely seen here.  Whittier Daily News has the peep.

A right jolly old elf

Father Christmas delivers crystals at the Waldorf School's 22nd annual Elves Faire on Saturday.  Lots of music, crafts, fun kid activities, a not-to-be-missed festivity every year.

(Thanks to Mrs. Altadenablog for the photo!)

"Ring the Register" At Lincoln Crossing Today

On Friday, November 16, 2007, 9 AM to 8 PM, a “Ring The Register” event will be held in support of two local businesses: BJR Postal/Copy Center and Bessie’s Daughter’s Soulful Tacos, both located in the new Altadena Lincoln Crossing development, on Lincoln Avenue, just north of Woodbury Road.  This event encourages community residents and companies to support these small businesses by making a purchase or stopping in learn more about their respective services and menu offerings.  Both businesses will offer special introductory savings for customers. For more information about this event, call  Bessie’s Daughter’s Soulful Tacos at (626) 798-2344 or BJR Postal / Copy Center at (626) 296-3400.  This event is organized by the San Gabriel Valley Black Business Association, in cooperation with the SGV Black Chamber of Commerce. 

“’Ring The Register’ events help support small businesses which may not have the big advertising budgets to compete with larger businesses,” says the SGV Black Business Association’s Roscoe Lee Owens. “Sometimes people are not aware of new outstanding businesses in their neighborhood.  So, we’re working creatively to let the community know about these two businesses  and give people an opportunity to show their support.”

The San Gabriel Valley Black Business Association was established in 1997 and is committed to providing a broad variety of member services designed to assist in building and promoting local businesses.

P.S.  Altadenablog was so intrigued by this notice, and so hungry, he and Spawn 3 went to Bessie's Daughters to pick up lunch.  Heartily recommend the Bessie's Taco with beef -- best thing we had all day! Looked like they were doing good business, too!

Weekendin'

So what's happening around town?

Sat:
Elve's Faire: The Pasadena Waldorf School's 22nd annual event: crafts, music, entertainment, great kid fun, and free admission: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 209 E. Mariposa.

Sun.:
Social Daunce Irregulars, a SoCal group that is trying to keep the Victorian dance spirit alive, is holding a practice session at Davies Hall in Farnsworth Park this Sunday, 2-6 p.m.  Admission is $10, and dress is casual.

Coffee Gallery features this weekend:  Friday, The Muses, "an espresso blend of Celtic music"; Saturday,  High Hills, all-woman music and comedy; Sunday, The Bilgewater Rats (music and comedy) and magician John Carney. 

Altadenablog, on the other hand, is taking Spawn 1 and 2 to the LA Auto Show.

Urgent care at St. Luke's? One more try

The PWeekly (heh) has the story about yet another meeting to try to put an urgent care facility at the old St. Luke's Hospital.

It's a real problem: if you have an emergency in Altadena, the nearest urgent care and emergency room is Huntington Hospital, some six miles away through heavy traffic.  St. Luke's had last belonged to Tenet Healthcare, which sold it for some $20 million to Cal Tech for use in projected medical research.  Cal Tech did little more with the facility than remove the cross at the top and rent it out to Hollywood (Scrubs, 24, Million Dollar Baby).  It was sold to DS Ventures LLC last month for a reported $45 million.  DS Ventures specializes in senior housing.

Pasadena city councilman Steve Haderlein, whose district includes St. Luke's, is planning to meet with DS Ventures next week  to discuss putting an urgent care facility on the property.  Get the whole story here.

Victorian dauncing at Farnsworth Park

Altadenablog always felt he belonged in the 19th century (was it the early love for Verne and Poe, several complete editions of Sherlock Holmes tales, the annotations he contributed to the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen comic book analyses?  Who knows?)

Anyway, the Social Daunce Irregulars, a SoCal group that is trying to keep the Victorian dance spirit alive, is holding a practice session at Davies Hall in Farnsworth Park this Sunday, 2-6 p.m.  Admission is $10, and dress is casual.  This is practice for the Winter Victorian Grand Ball on Nov. 24th at Pasadena Masonic Hall.

More bankruptcy woes: Lincoln Crossing

It's potential bankruptcy day here on Altadenablog!

The Lincoln Crossing development at Lincoln and Woodbury is also in deep trouble, according to PSN reports.  The developer, Dorn Platz, just got hammered with a default notice from Los Angeles County, claiming that Dorn Platz has gathered a collection of attachments and creditor actions and "the potential exists for a judicial foreclosure action against the property." 

Right now, residential tenants at the development are paying rent into a Sheriff's Department fund as part of a lawsuit brought by a concrete contractor who claimed they weren't getting paid by Dorn Platz.  Dorn Platz has 30 days to respond to the county's notice.  This is in addition to the developer's latest woes with Ambassador West.  Stay tuned.

Weekend Warriors

Here's what's happening this weekend:

Saturday

Altadena Heritage is hosting a home tour from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. that features homes of Altadena artists.  Advance ticket purchase recommended: www.altadenaheritage.org

Eve of Destruction: Relive the '60's with the indestructible Barry McGuire and Terry Talbot at Coffee Gallery Backstage, 7 p.m.

For kids: Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena has a program about the Hindu festival of lights at 1 p.m., with a drop-in mixed-media craft workshop (make your own multiple-armed goddess!  Really!) 411 W. Colorado Blvd.

"Ratatouille" in the Storyhour Room at the Pasadena Central Library, 285 E. Walnut, 1 p.m., free, and fresh free popcorn.

Sunday

Veteran's Day Program: Congressman Adam Schiff invites you to join him on Sun., Nov. 11, from 3-5 p.m. to honor the Tuskegee Airmen at Farnsworth Park.  Come hear their stories and learn about Schiff's efforts to support issuing a postage stamp to honor the Airmen, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, Navajo Code Talkers, and Hispanic veterans.  Schiff's staff will also be on hand to assist all veterans and answer questions about federal legislation relating to veteran's benefits and services.  RSVP to (626) 304-2727 or willam.syms@mail.house.gov

 

 

Final library board election tally

Courtesy of LA County:

Thomas H. Hubbard    1332
K. Harrington                  745
David Datz                        727
Mark A. Mariscal           623

Tom has a grateful "thank you" message on his website.

Library District results

Pasadena Star-News reports that K. Harrington, Tom Hubbard, and David Datz are in the lead for positions on the library board.  Datz is only 42 votes ahead of Mark A. Mariscal (which makes 20% vs. 18% of the vote).  Good news for Tom, way ahead with 881 votes, who actually campaigned for his seat!

Workin' for the weekend

A few interesting things going on this weekend:

"A Walk Thru Time -- Channeling Hollywood:  The Vamp, the Impresario, Superman and More," an excursion through the shades that inhabit Mountain View Cemetery, will take place at the Mausoleum on Marengo St.  on Saturday and Sunday. Actors under the direction of the Pasadena Playhouse will re-create some of the denizens that inhabit the cemetery and mausoleum, including Barbara la Marr, George "Superman" Reeves, and Earl Derr Biggers, who created Charlie Chan.  A fundraiser for the Pasadena Playhouse and Pasadena Museum of History, tickets are $25 for non-members and $20 for members of either institution.  Reservations are required: 626-794-7133.

Come see the copper choppers:   The Pasadena Police Air Operations Section is hosting an open house on Saturday from 11-1 at their helipad, 2175 Yucca Lane, Altadena.  There will be food, beverages, information about the helicopter program, meet the pilots, and watch a flyover at about 12:30 featuring Pasadena airships and the new, quieter-techology choppers used by Glendale PD.

A gospel concert to support the Sheriff's Dept. new Youth Activities League and Cadet program will be held at Eliot Middle School.  Open house starts at 5:30 p.m., followed by a program in the auditorium by Altadena's own Varetta Heidelberg. Tickets are $20 each (tax deductible), and available at the door or ahead of time at the sheriff's station.  Children 12 and under accompanied by a paid adult are free.

And don't forget next weekend, Altadena Heritage will be holding a home tour, "Artists of Altadena: The First 100 Years," which promises to be a lot of fun!  Reservations required: (626) 797-0054

 

Inspirational

The photogenic Bill Westphal has sent us a note and some pictures about the upcoming Mt. Lowe excursion:

Thanks for posting info about the Mount Lowe excursion.  What a great opportunity for those who have never been there.  Lots of great history.  There was even a fox farm near the Mt. Lowe Tavern.  It used to be on the side of the hill near the short road to Inspiration Point.  You can still see some remnants of posts and fencing.

 

I must comment on the use of the word "telescopes" at Inspiration Point.  They are more accurately "sighting tubes".  I am up there each year while volunteering for the Angeles Crest 100 Mile Endurance Run. A rare treat to drive the path of the old "Railway In The Clouds".  I strongly urge folks to take advantage of the Forest Service's offer.

Bill also sent us some pictures, including this view of Altadena Dr. and Lake Ave. as seen from Inspiration Point (you can see the sheriff's station about right center).

 

Mt. Lowe Excursion set for Dec. 1

On Dec. 1, the Mt. Lowe Volunteers and US Forest Service will hold their annual excursion to various sites along the old Mt. Lowe Railway. 

Howard S. Okamoto, US Forest Service recreation officer, says: 

For those of you interested in local history, the Mount Lowe Railway, 
Ye Olde Alpine Tavern resort and its ruins, and a pleasant drive into 
Altadena's past and the local Forest... The event can't be beat for a 
cost of $2.00 per person. This is also an excellent way for those who 
have difficulty hiking long distances to see these beautiful, famous 
destinations. The short walk to Inspiration Point takes visitors to a 
spectacular view of Altadena, Pasadena and beyond all the way to the 
Pacific Ocean (assuming a clear day without fire smoke or fog). The 
drive will travel along the old railroad route beginning at the gate 
to the Forest Road (top of Chaney Trail) to the railroad's Cape of 
Good Hope, Dawn Station, Horseshoe Curve, Circular Bridge, Granite 
Gate and end at the Alpine Tavern.

The Mount Lowe picnic area is shaded by ancient oaks and other trees. 
The walk to Inspiration Point is sometimes in direct sun, but the 
restored Pavilion provides ample shade. 1 December can be warm or 
cold, so dress according to the weather forecast and wear "sensible 
shoes." There are picnic tables and telescopes at Inspiration Point. 
The old photos and artifacts on display are fascinating. Bring your 
camera! Usually hot dogs, chips and other food are for sale. Feel 
free to bring your own picnic lunch. Mount Lowe t-shirts and a few 
other items are also on sale to benefit the Mount Lowe Railway 
Historical Committee volunteers and their work.

For more information or to make a reservation (only 75 can go on the trip), go here.

Veteran's program to honor Tuskegee Airmen

Congressman Adam Schiff invites you to join him on Sun., Nov. 11, from 3-5 p.m. to honor the Tuskegee Airmen at Farnsworth Park.  Come hear their stories and learn about Schiff's efforts to support issuing a postage stamp to honor the Airmen, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, Navajo Code Talkers, and Hispanic veterans.  Schiff's staff will also be on hand to assist all veterans and answer questions about federal legislation relating to veteran's benefits and services.  RSVP to (626) 304-2727 or willam.syms@mail.house.gov

Thanksgiving for home-bound seniors

The Pasadena Senior Center, in collaboration with Salvation Army and Meals on Wheels, will provide free home-delivered meals to seniors living in Altadena and Pasadena on Thanksgiving Day.  If you know of someone who will be alone and homebound, and is age 50 or older, please call 626-685-6577 by Nov. 12 to arrange for a meal.

Halloween is the new Christmas Part III

Another Halloween over-achiever on Pepper Drive (Pepper seems to be a hotbed of holiday decoration this year).  Of particular interest is that they've decorated the actual house to look like Kang and Kodos from the Simpsons!

And then there were three (Water, water pt. III)

Rubio Canon Land and Water Assn. has sent a letter to its customers (including Altadenablog) that it is adopting a voluntary water conservation program, with a goal of reducing water use by 10% or more during the drought.  Rubio is encouraging customers to do sensible things like adjust sprinklers to avoid overspray and runoff, avoid watering in the heat of the day, don't hose down sidewalks and driveways, retrofit low flow indoor plumbing fixtures, etc.

And if that's not enough, they say, "RCLWA will consider further action to curtail water use, including a temporary moratorium on new connections to RCLWA's distribution system."

(They also tell us that the Metropolitan Water District, which is largely the source of RCLWA water, will start fluoridating on Nov. 12.  Somebody alert the John Birch Society, or go here.)

Under a Yellow Sky

The Westphal WeatherCam view of Echo Mountain at about 4 p.m. this afternoon.  While we fortunately don't have fires in our area (cross fingers), the effect of the smoke is evident in this picture -- and in your lungs and throat!

The view from the Mt. WIlson cam at about the same time.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued an advisory urging residents to curtail outdoor activities.

Also, the Chaney Trail Yahoo group reports that Angeles National Forest is closed for the duration to all recreational activities, altho' county hiking trails remain open, as long as they're not in the national forest.  Out-of-state US Forest Service fire strike team rangers are being brought in to patrol and stand watch for possible fires.   Please make sure you're on county land if you're hiking in the hills during this time.

Country Fair

A few scenes around St. Mark Episcopal Church's annual Country Fair on Saturday.

and another one ...

and another one.

Thanksgiving means "thanks" and "giving"

Five Acres urgently needs food donations for Thanksgiving baskets for children and families in Altadena and Pasadena.  Donations of canned foods, baked goods mixes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, pastas, mash potato mix, and other food items are needed.  For more information: 626-798-6793 x2279.

Water, water ... uh, maybe not Part II

The Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr., will host an Altadena Historical Society talk on the future of water in the foothill communities, at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 22.

Claude Willey, a local artist and educator, will put the water problems of today in historical context.  For more information: (626) 797-8016.

Fire danger up

Bill Westphal forwards a National Weather Service warning that we're on Fire Weather Watch through Tuesday afternoon. 

Santa Anas of about 24 mph with 50 mph gusts are forecast, with a drop in relative humidity, so it's tinderbox time in these hills.

Bill says," Be alert for smoke or fire and report it immediately by dialing 911. Also be alert for suspicious persons in and around brush areas. Report any suspicious activity to the Sheriff's Department on 626-798-1131 and Record descriptions of person(s) or vehicle(s) including license plate numbers if possible."

No'ld Fashioned Days

Just in case you haven't heard, Old Fashioned Days, a city staple since 1963, has been canceled this year.  Usually held on the last Saturday in October, the event, which traditionally includes a parade and a fair, was creating problems for businesses in the area and wasn't generating enough income for vendors, according to a spokeswoman from the Altadena Chamber of Commerce.  Since that was really our only parade in town, it will be missed!

We love feedback

Got a nice note from Monica Hubbard, wife of Tom Hubbard who is running for the library board (don't forget to vote Nov. 6!)  Tom had some good community links on his website that Altadenablog hadn't appropriated yet, so we added them on because, hey, that's our job.  Do check out his website, which has short, punchy, informative copy, a clean look, and no music -- all things we like!

Millard campsite closing?

Today's column in the PSN by Larry Wilson serves up the alarming news that rumors swirl about the National Forest Service possibly closing down the Millard Canyon campsite, a bit of being "in the woods" but still a few minutes away from town.  Or, maybe it's not so alarming -- Altadenablog thinks that's just another example of the Bush era-push for fewer services, fewer amenities, reduced services, and reduced sites in our national parks and forests. So it would be no surprise.  Wilson quotes an unnamed source who says that "the Angeles National Forest will cut its visitor capacity and its spending on each visitor."  Didn't see that coming.  Because, you know, why let government do the job that the private sector does so much better (and didn't they both perform stunningly after Hurricane Katrina?)

Ok, that's the sad news.  The happy news is all the different great names Wilson gives the cursed Adventure Pass, i.e., "pay $35 to walk in the woods that you, Mr. and Ms. Taxpayer, already own."  When Altadenablog was living in Monrovia, he used to powerwalk on a dirt trail in town that ran behind several neighborhoods, skirting a park and a drainage ditch.  One day, he saw these USFS signs had been put up warning that he needed to have an Adventure Pass and be able to show it to a ranger to walk on the dirt path from now on.  In other words, "you can walk on the sidewalk in front of the houses for free, but walking on the dirt path behind them sets you back $35 a year."  We  ignored the signs, figuring that the odds were slight of USFS assigning a forest ranger to bust hikers and equestrians in a Monrovia alley.