altadenablog

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.

 

Central Altadena Little League tryouts next two Saturdays

Central Altadena Little League will conduct tryouts January 4 and January 11 from 9AM -1PM at Farnsworth Park.  Come out , sign up and tryout for the 2014 season.

 

Turkey Tussle tonight at Rose Bowl

from the Pasadena Unified School District

Pasadena High School and John Muir High School in the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) will meet in the Turkey Tussle football game Friday, November 8 at the Rose Bowl. Muir leads PHS in the series 40-17 with 2 ties. The winner of the game will ring and take possession of “The Bell” for the upcoming year. The game also is the centerpiece of homecoming activities for both schools.

Kickoff for the game is at 7 p.m. with gates at the Rose Bowl opening at 5:45 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors, children 13 and under, and Muir and PHS students without an ASB card, and free for Muir and PHS students with an ASB card. A replay of the game will also be shown next week on PUSD’s television station KLRN (Charter Communications Channel 95 and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99).

As part of the homecoming festivities, there will be the Birdie Tussle Golf Tournament November 8 benefiting both schools. Visit www.birdietusslegolftournament.com/ for more information. John Muir High School will also be inducting seven new members into the Muir Alumni Hall of Fame. This year’s inductees are: Pasadena Councilwoman Jacque Robinson (Government Service), Molly Munger (Community Service), Richard Jimenez (Science/Medicine), Harold Busby (Sports/Coaching), Starla Lewis (Education), Tim Estes (Business) and Mildred Turner (Jim Brownfield Service Award). The induction ceremony will be Saturday, November 9 at 10 a.m. in the Rufus Mead Auditorium at John Muir High School.

 

Tegwyn John to compete in CIT Tennis this month

Marshall Fundamental assistant coach Marsha Waugh, Cheyenne Smith[Senior], Tegwyn John[Sophomore] and head coach Stephanie Moore, share a proud moment at Cheviot Hills Tennis courts. Photos by Fiona John.

by Timothy Rutt

Marshall Fundamental School sophomore Tegwyn John is going to the California Interscholastic Federation tennis league championship this month.

Longtime Altadena resident and USTA Coach Eddie Williams and his student Tegwyn John also an Altadena resident, going over some of points of the game. 

Tegwyn, 15,  from Altadena, is the individual winner in the Delphic league, 4th Division, following play at Cheviot Hills last month.  In the CIF tournament, she will compete against other league players from all four divisions.

Tegwyn has been competing in the U.S. Tennis Association for many years, winning several tournaments in the USTA Satellite division.  Proud mom Fiona John tells Altadenablog that she has ten winning trophies on her dresser.

She has been a student of coach Eddie Williams of Altadena at his USTA tennis program at Farnsworth Park for ten years.  

Angeles Crest 100 Miler coming to Loma Alta Park Aug. 3/4

by Timothy Rutt

Altadena's Diane Treister made the cover of last year's race book.

The 26th annual Angeles Crest 100 Mile Endurance Run will be Aug. 3-4 this year in a wilderness run starting at Wrightwood and ending at Loma Alta Park.

 

Runners will start at 5 AM sharp on August 3 in Wrightwood, taking a 100 mile route following the Pacific Crest Trail that leads to the finish line at lower Loma Alta Park, with the first runners expected to show up Sunday morning.

Altadena will be represented by returning runners Marisol Martinez and Diane Treister.

 

Marisol Martinez flashes a big smile after finishing last year's run in Loma Alta Park.

 

CALL hosts All-Star Tournament at Farnsworth Park Friday

The Central Altadena Little League (CALL) will host the 9-10 All Stars of District 17 in their annual tournament at Farnsworth Park.  All-star teams from around the district will play each other in tournament rounds daily from  Friday, June 28  through Sunday, July 7 (and July 8 if necessary).  There wil be no games July 4. 

East Altadena Little League's Red Sox hit a home run with spirit of giving

The East Altadena Little League Red Sox deliver $305 to the Pasadena Humane Society June 8.  From left: top row,Mason Pereira, Jack Duncan, Bobby Rojo, Hayden Crawford, John Ward' bottom row,  Ciaran McCool, Maximo Newhart, Matthew Gamble, Maddie Napierala. Not pictured: Josh Beserra, Ben Staub, Michael Gonzalez

from Charley and Linda Newhart
Community correspondents 

The 2013 East Altadena Little League AAA Red Sox Team and families wanted to try something new this season.  They decided to foster the spirit of giving, in a team environment, alongside the spirit of competition that East Altadena Little League prides itself on. 

The results were tremendous.  The team raised $670 through their hard work, great play, and dedication.  The families passed around a “Run Dollar” can and money was donated per run scored.  Early in the season, $60 dollars was sent to help the cause during Boston’s Marathon crisis.  

As the season came to a close the AAA Red Sox were knocked out of the playoffs by a single run.  This tenacious team rallied one last time, only this time it was off the field during a recent June 8 meeting at The Pasadena Humane Society, as they proudly handed over a check made out to The Pasadena Humane Society in the amount of $305.  The EALL AAA Red Sox left that day feeling like winners by helping the displaced animals that need the care provided by our great Humane Society.  

The players still have one more check to deliverL another $305 to help feed the homeless through the organization PATH-(People Assisting The Homeless).  Looks like the EALL AAA Red Sox will be taking home another win this season!

Altadena's PHS standout Bayley Neubauer to go to New Orleans

 

Pasadena High 6-foot-4 senior middle blocker Bayley Neubauer signed her national letter of intent with the University of New Orleans, an independent Division I program, on Wednesday afternoon on the campus of Pasadena High. (Courtesy of Bayley Neubauer) (April 17, 2013, Pasadena Sun)

 

By Andrew J. Campa
Pasadena Sun

A historic season for the Pasadena High girls’ volleyball team included one more achievement Wednesday afternoon.

Bulldogs senior middle blocker Bayley Neubauer joined with friends and family on her Pasadena High campus in signing a national letter of intent with the University of New Orleans, an independent Division I program.

“I’m excited to be signing and to be heading to New Orleans,” said Neubauer, a 17-year-old Altadena resident. “I liked the coaching staff and the people and the area is a lot like SoCal. It’s nice and warm and I’ll enjoy that.”

The 6-foot-4 Neubauer selected New Orleans over Coppin State, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Cal State Dominguez Hills after she took an official visit to the bayou on April 9.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

CALL celebrates its 60th anniversary with pancakes, opening day March 2

by Timothy Rutt

The Central Altadena Little League celebrates its 60th anniversary on opening day, Saturday, March 2, with the annual pancake breakfast and opening ceremony.

Breakfast will run from 8:45- 11 AM at Farnsworth Park's Mt. Curve pavilion.  The opening ceremony follows promptly at 11:15 AM in the amphitheater.

Adam Bell at CALL writes: "As we kick off the 2013 Little League season, we are asking all pet owners who enjoy  Farnsworth park as we do, to please pick up after your pets.  Our children would greatly appreciate it."

La Salle volleyballers go to state playoffs

 

The LaSalle High School girls varsity volleyball team won the CIF 1A SS (southern section) this weekend. Reilly Spriestersbach is just one of the Altadena girls on the team, and we're trying to run down the others.

Tuesday, they go to Fresno for the first round in the state playoffs.  They have been undefeated in their Del Mar League and 40-2 overall.

 

Locals seek to sack Rose Bowl plans

By Joe Piasecki
Pasadena Sun

Traffic, noise, environmental damage and the displacement of Arroyo Seco runners and hikers topped a laundry list of concerns voiced during a Tuesday hearing about plans for the Rose Bowl to temporarily host professional football games.

The stadium could be ready to accommodate NFL games as early as next fall, but Rose Bowl officials have yet to discuss proposals with the league, team owners or developers planning Farmers Field in downtown Los Angeles, said Rose Bowl General Manager Darryl Dunn.

For professional football to come to the Rose Bowl, Pasadena City Council members must waive restrictions on the number of large events at the stadium after approving an environmental study of the proposal.

Monday is the deadline for the public to weigh in on a draft of the study. The city has so far received 20 emails, 10 letters and 62 verbal comments at public meetings, said city spokesman William Boyer.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

100 miles later ... triumph at Loma Alta Park

by Timothy Rutt

Altadena's Marisol Martinez smiles in triumph at the finish line of the Angeles Crest 100 Mile Endurance Race Sunday morning.  Martinez ran for almost 28 hours from Wrightwood to Loma Alta Park, coming in 30th.

As of this writing the other Altadena runner, Diana Treister, was on the last leg from the Millard Canyon checkpoint and ETA was about 10:30 AM. 

UPDATE: Diana Treister came in at 10:29 AM, finishing 41st overall, and #8 for women.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Angeles Crest 100 miler ends at Loma Alta Park July 22

Altadena's Diana Treister graces the cover of the Angeles Crest 100 Mile Endurance Run's racebook.

by Timothy Rutt

 

The 25th annual Angeles Crest 100 Mile Endurance Run takes place starting Sat., July 21 in Wrightwood and ending Sun., July 22 at Loma Alta Park in Altadena.

In between, runners will cover a 100 mile winding path along the mountains and trails in a race that, for most finishers, will take over 24 hours.  

The race's official website is here, including links to live data and Twitter feeds on race day.

Returning this year are two Altadena runners, Diana Treister and Marisol Martinez.  

 

Harlem Globetrotters to visit Lincoln Crossing 24 Hour Fitness for youth skills clinic

The Harlem Globetrotters -- yes, them -- will conduct a summer skills clinic at the 24 Hour Fitness in Lincoln Crossing on June 29.

According to a press release, the Globetrotters will host 120 such clinics for youth around the U.S. for ages 6-14. The Lincoln Crossing clinic will be one of six in the LA metro area.

“We are excited to partner with 24 Hour Fitness on this innovative program that combines the world’s most entertaining basketball team and a national fitness leader,” Harlem Globetrotters CEO Kurt Schneider said in the release “These clinics are an extension of our brand and allow our fans to experience unparalleled interaction with our talented players, while promoting health and wellness for children in a fun setting.”

Each clinic will be conducted by current Globetrotter players. The Lincoln Crossing clinics will be from 8:30-11:30 AM and 2-5 PM.

Other LA area clinics are:

• 5300 Lankershim Blvd., Ste. 100, North Hollywood, Calif. 91601; June 25-26; 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m.

• 945 E. Dominguez St., Carson, Calif. 90746; June 25-26; 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m.

• 450 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale, Calif. 91203; June 27-28; 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m.

• 589 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, Calif. 92626; June 27-28; 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m.

• 2831 West 120th St., Hawthorne, Calif. 90250; June 29; 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m.

As part of the partnership, the Harlem Globetrotters will offer participants a voucher for a complimentary ticket to a 2013 World Tour game. Additionally, 24 Hour Fitness will offer free 3-day passes and discounts on club memberships to parents of clinic participants.

Registration information about the summer skills clinics can be found at www.harlemglobetrotters.com, where visitors can find a complete list of clinic locations, dates, and times. Kids who sign up for a clinic by April 30 will receive a limited-time discount offer of $49.00.

To supplement the live clinics, the Globetrotters will also run “how to” drills and skills videos on key social media platforms to extend the experience for clinic participants.

“Like the Harlem Globetrotters, 24 Hour Fitness believes in the importance of keeping our children active through physical activity and sports,” said Randy Drake, senior vice president of fitness and business development, 24 Hour Fitness. “We are excited to be able to offer these unique and entertaining basketball clinics to our members and partner with the iconic Globetrotters.”

 

Muirs' coach Smalley placed on leave

by Andrew J. Campa
Pasadena Sun

For the second time in less than six months, a Muir High coach has been placed on administrative leave.

Mustangs third-year boys’ basketball Coach Gamal Smalley was placed on paid administrative leave Wednesday, confirmed Adam Wolfson, Pasadena Unified School District Director of Communications and Community Engagement, as the school continues to investigate the program’s forfeiture of 20 games earlier this month.

Wolfson also confirmed the school district has hired an outside investigator to look into any potential wrongdoing.

“Once we found that games had to be forfeited, PUSD launched an investigation as to why the games were forfeited to make sure student transfers had happened in a proper manner,” Wolfson said. “As part of the course of the investigation, Smalley was placed on paid administrative leave.”

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

 

 

Mo Martin doesn't go under at the Australian Open

by Timothy Rutt

Altadena golfer "Mighty Mo" Martin, who just joined the LPGA Tour, acquitted herself with a respectable 24th place at the Australian Open last week.

Jessica Korda took the win in the annual event.

Martin's stats are here, and there's a great interview with her at the LPGA website.

(Hat tip: Marc Striegel)

(Photo: LPGA.com) 

 

Tiny Tot T-Ball registration starts Monday

Registration for Farnsworth Park's Tiny Tots T-Ball League (for ages 3-5) will start Mon., Feb. 13, and run though March 17.  Late registration is March 17-28.

Cost is $50 ($60 after March 17), which includes uniform, trophy, and banquet.  The season starts April 2.

Volunteers are needed to help coach teams.  If you'd like to volunteer, please talk to the park's staff.

Registration is at Farnsworth Park 568 E. Mt. Curve.  Phone 626-798-6335.

 

Alexis Genske makes All-Area Player of the Year

The Glendale News-Press has a story on Altadena's Alexis Genske, a senior at Pasadena Poly, who was voted the All-Area Girls' Volleyball Player of the Year by the sports writers and editors of the Pasadena Sun, Glendale News-Press, Burbank Leader and La Cañada Valley Sun.  She also earned  Prep League Most Valuable Player and CIF Southern Section Division III-AA Player of the Year for her volleyball prowess.

Panther Gremlins advance to conference championship

Adam Bell tells us the Pasadena Panther Gremlin (8, 9, 10 year old) Youth Tackle football team beat the Montebello Indians 6-0  in overtime at Bishop Amat High School Saturday.  With that win, the Panthers earn a berth to the San Gabriel Valley Junior All-American Football Conference Championship game next Saturday at West Covina High School.  The conference comprises  28 teams in the San Gabriel Valley and Foothill area. The Pasadena Panthers consist of of mostly Altadena and Pasadena kids and are based at John Muir High School.  Panthers are undefeated at 9-0.

 

 

Mo Martin to join LPGA tour in 2012

Mo Martin in the big leagues: Altadena golfer Melissa "Mo" Martin has secured privileges to play in the LPGA 2012 Tour.  SGV Tribune staffer Larry Morgan has a feature on the latest addition to pro golfing's elite.

 

Espinoza on fire for competition

Altadenan Maritza Canto Espinoza will be competing in Tahitian fire knife competition this this weekend at the Weekend in Polynesia Event to be held on today through Sunday in Anaheim (more details, including location and tickets, here.) Pictured is Espinoza both in practice and in full flame.

Mo Martin wins Eagle Classic Sunday, on her way to LPGA in 2012

Altadena's Mo Martin won the Futures Tour's Eagle Classic Sunday in Richmond, VA, earning $14,000 and making her season earnings $48,208.

Golfer Martin, 28, is now a virtual lock to become a player in the 2012 LPGA tour.

The Futures Tour is LPGA's farm club, where the top earning winners earn playing cards for the big pro tour.

More here.

And here's her Futures Tour stats page.

And here's more.

 

Angeles Crest 100 miler starts Saturday, ends at Loma Alta Park Sun.

The 2011 Angeles Crest 100 Mile Endurance Run from Wrightwood to Altadena takes place this weekend.

Runners will start at about 5 AM at the Community Building in Wrightwood on Saturday, and take the Angeles Crest Trail all the way to Loma Alta Park to arrive Sunday.  The race stops at 2 PM Sunday in Loma Alta Park, altho' runners are expected to continue coming in well into the afternoon, folllowed by a picnic and award ceremony in the park after 5 PM.

Local runners include Altadenans Marisol Martinez and Diana Treister

You can keep up with the progress on the race via Twitter -- check out the http://www.ac100.com/live/ page for details.

Pictured: 2010 finisher Lorraine Gersitz (with friend Marisa Willment, left) at the finish at Loma Alta Park last year.  Gersitz ran the whole race in her green plastic Crocs.

Central Altadena Little League tryouts start this weekend

Central Altadena Little League (CALL) is ready to start forming teams. Therefore, all Bantam (Farm), Coast (Minor) and Mountain (Major) players must try out on Sat., Jan. 8 or Sat., Jan. 15 anytime from 9 AM - 1 PM at Farnsworth Park.   A player must try out in order to be drafted. Tee-Ball, Softball and Juniors do not try out.

In order to try out, all players must complete registration. You can still register online at www.playcall.org .  We will also take registrations at the try outs. However, all documents (proof of residence, birth certificate, medical release form) and payment must be completed before your player is eligible to try out.  For Girls Softball and Juniors we will combine teams with East Altadena Little League.

We are also looking to host a two day baseball clinic in conjunction with Marshall High School Baseball program and various coaches within the area on Sat. and Sun., Feb. 5 and 6. The Super Bowl does not start until 2:30 PM so your players should be able to attend. The cost is about $50 for 2 days for ages 7 – 12, at Farnsworth Park.

CALL opens registration for spring season

No, it's NOT to early to think about spring: Central Altadena Little League (CALL) has started registration for next season's boy's baseball and girl's softball.  You can register online at www.playcall.org.  Document verification starts TODAY at Farnsworth Park, but check the flyer for other opportunities and important information.

Endurance and the human spirit at Loma Alta Park Sun.

The Angeles Crest 100 mile Endurance Race started early Saturday morning in Wrightwood, and came to a glorious end at Loma Alta Park in Altadena on Sunday.

 

Spectators, support crew, and early finishers wait to cheer on the next runners.

Thomas Kuerton of Los Angeles by way of Germany savors his accomplishment.

Lorraine Gersitz (with pacer Jennifer Johnston, left) comes home to smiles and hugs.  Gersitz (with friend Marisa Willment, left) ran the whole race in her green Crocs.

UPDATE: Lance Anderson tells us that two Altadena women finished the race -- Marisol Martinez and Diana Treister.  Congrats to them both!

Weather Eye: Angeles Crest 100 this weekend

By Bill Westphal
Special to Altadenablog


The annual Angeles Crest 100 Mile Endurance Run (AC100) will be held this weekend (8/28-29). Canceled last year after the Station Fire, the race organizers have received a Special Use Permit to conduct this year's race.

This Ultra-Marathon begins Saturday morning in Wrightwood at 5 AM and continues non-stop until the 2 PM cutoff time, Sunday, at the Finish Line at the Loma Alta Park Equestrian Center here in Altadena.

 

In addition to the Start and Finish Line, there are 16 Checkpoints along the Race Course.  Each checkpoint is staffed with volunteers that include Race Support Personnel to provide needed refreshments and nourishment to the runners, Medical Personnel to assess the physical and mental condition of the runners and provide aid if necessary and Communications Personnel to track the runners from one checkpoint to the next.

This is a grueling race and runners go to great lengths to condition themselves both physically as well as mentally.  The course record of 17 hours, 35 minutes and 48 seconds was set by Jim O'Brien in 1989.   Can you imagine running 100 miles through the mountains and valleys of the San Gabriels in just over 17 hours?

 

Read more about the AC100 at http://www.ac100.com .   There, you can also view live results during the race and this year the lead and tail runner's progress will be posted via twitter on the "AngelesCrest100" Twitter account.

As in years past, I will be volunteering at the Sam Merrill checkpoint providing radio communications for the health and safety of the runners.  The Sam Merrill Checkpoint is at the 89 Mile mark of the course and is located near the site of the famous Mt. Lowe Tavern at the intersection of the Mt. Lowe Motorway and the road to Inspiration Point. 

The Lenz diving dynasty does well at national championships

Got some good news about Altadena's diving Lenz girls, who competed in the National Championships in Diving in Tucson, Ariz. -- this information direct from their proud father, Heinz-Josef Lenz:

Annika (15)  (sophomore at Polytech) finished 9^th on 1 m and 2^nd on platform in the 16-18 year group and qualified for Junior World Championships.
Daria (10) (5^th grade Mayfield junior) is the National Champion on 1m and was second on platform and was 4^th on 3m in the 11 year and under.
Cosima (17) (going is to be freshman at Northwestern) was 7^th on platform (same event as Annika 16-18).

Mo Martin: winning isn't just a sports thing

Reader Marc Striegel sends us this link from the Concord Monitor: a feature on Altadena's Mo Martin and her family .  It looks like columnist Rebecca Lavoie fell a little in love with Martin, an LPGA contender, and her family (including 96-year-old grandfather Lincoln):

What struck me at that simple moment, watching a mom snap a picture of her daughter holding an oversized check and an elderly grandfather reveling in a beautiful day with his family, was that they didn't know she would win, and that she did was beside the point. It was the support of her dream, a dream that began with the quality family time designed by Dad all those years ago that mattered. This family had beautiful memories they loved to share; this family had love and devotion in spades; this family on this day was the personification of success.

(Update 11 AM: text slightly revised to reflect new information)

Baseball mania fundraiser at Farnsworth Park Sat.

Central Altadena Little League (CALL) will be holding its Baseball Mania and Picture Day Event on Sat., April 10 from 8 AM- 5 PM  at the lower field of Farnsworth Park in Altadena. This annual fundraiser will challenge Little Leaguers in friendly competition in areas of running, throwing and pitching while obtaining sponsorships for their efforts. The event will be highlighted by a homerun derby at 12:30 p.m. with the Major Little Leaguers, followed  by a softball game with  Junior/Major Players versus the Altadena Sherriff’s department at 2 PM.

This all day family fun event will include face painting, jumpers, popcorn, snow cones, and great food for everyone.  All community members and political dignitaries are encouraged to attend and support the youth of Altadena and the Altadena Sherriff’s department.

Farnsworth Park is located at the top of Lake Avenue at the corner of Lake Avenue and Concha Street in Altadena. For more information please visit www.centralaltadenalittleleague.org.

Central Altadena Little League starts tryouts Sat.

Central Altadena Little League (CALL) will be holding sign-ups for its 2010 Baseball Season on Saturdays, January 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th. Sign-ups will be held at the lower baseball diamond at Farnsworth Park, Altadena (corner of Lake Ave. & Concha St.) from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Try-outs will also be held from 9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, January 23rd and 30th. Tryouts are required for team placement for all players except for those in T-Ball.

Boys and girls, ages 5 through 16, living in Central Altadena who are interested in playing are encouraged to sign-up on one of these days. Games are held at Farnsworth Park, and the season runs from March to mid-June. Children will learn baseball skills, help gain overall fitness, and learn the importance of good sportsmanship, while having a good time.

New players must bring proof of their age (birth certificate) and address (utility bill).For more information, please call the CALL voicemail hotline at (626) 236-4969 or our web site at www.centralaltadenalittleleague.org.

Golf course pro's big break

Kevin Erdman (who with wife Courtney are teaching pros at Altadena Golf Course) has made it into the finals of Golf Channel's Big Break Disney Golf.  Arcadia's Best website profiles the Arcadia couple, with some footage shot at work in Altadena.

Orlandini helps win, sets record

Ithaca College junior Tina Orlandini (of Altadena) helped the Bombers win their first match in the New York State Regional Championship, and put herself in the record books as the second player in all of Ithaca history to get 600 or more digs.  A story and picture of her in action at the link.

Chapman students want recognition for black umpire

An article in the OC Register about Emmett Ashford (father of Adrienne Bratton of Altadena), who was the first black umpire in the major leagues.

Rameses Barden: small college to NFL

Umar Hussein of the New University website interviews New York Giant (and Altadenan) Rameses Barden.  This is apparently an old story, before Barden made the pros, that just recently came online.

PHS senior remembers friend's Eaton Canyon death

Miguel Melendez @ PSN has a moving story about Jesse Hernandez, starting center at Pasadena High School, who was hiking in Eaton Canyon with Arturo Beristain last spring when the latter fell 200 feet to his death.

Hail Sumiyasu, Yale Sumiyasu!

Altadenan (and junior goalkeeper for Yale's soccer club) Ayana Sumiyasu is the Ivy League Player of the Week. (More here).

Mo Martin on the links

Budding pro golfer Mo Martin of Altadena played hurt and still came in as one of the second place finishers at the Futures tour "I Love NY" championship.

The Lenz dive-asty

PSN has a short feature on Annika Lenz.  The Pasadena Poly freshman is the third member of a dynasty of champion divers from Altadena (including sisters Felicitas and Cosima).  We also like that they seem to be named for Byzantine saints.

Dodger benefit for LAUP

Jim and Cathy Gott of Education Spectrum and Danny's Farm lets us know about this Sept. 14 fundraiser for Los Angeles Universal Preschool (LAUP):

Attached you will find the flyer for the upcoming LAUP Dodger Day event.  I'm really excited about what promises to be an amazing event.  There are seats available throughout the stadium, as well as VIP packages up in the Hollywood Suite.

The Dodgers have also graciously allowed for 20 lucky people to go and join the team for batting practice before the game -- but those will go quickly! More details to follow, but make sure to save the date and get your tickets early!

The Saga of Ramses

... Ramses Barden, that is, whom we're going to start calling the "Giant of Altadena."  Not only because he's six foot six, but because this hometown-boy-made-good is in training with the NY Giants.

We had the privilege of running into his dad, Al Barden, at the Old Dutch Oven Bakery last week.  "That's my boy," he said, pointing out Ramses' picture on the wall, and we knew exactly who he was.

Well, the New York Times is running a story -- and an epic it is -- on Al, Ramses, and how he got the name of a pharoah. It's really fun.

Central Altadena Little League closing ceremony Sat.

Adam Bell lets us know of yet ANOTHER event this Saturday -- but it's a good one!

Central Altadena Little League will be conducting their league closing ceremonies Saturday June 6 at 10 AM in the Farnsworth Park Amphitheater. All players, parents, former players and community members are encouraged to attend and show supports for the children of Altadena. Players, Coaches, team parents and volunteers will be honored for all their contributions to a great 2009 season.  

Rameses Barden is a Giant

... a New York Giant that is (or Jersey Giant, if you want to be REALLY accurate!)  NJ.com has a feature on the Giant's new wide receiver from Altadena, whom they describe as:

a well-behaved wide receiver who doesn't have a blemish on his academic, personal or legal record.

Well -- it's New Jersey.

"Ain't gonna work on Danny's Farm no more ..."

Apologies to Bob Dylan, but Danny's Farm is all about the fun, not the work!

Dodger second baseman Orlando Hudson was at the Altadena kid farm this morning to support C.A.T.C.H., his foundation for autistic children, and it looks like a good time was had by all.

Hudson posed for photos and signed autographs, while the musical group The Conductors entertained the crowd.

Hudson was also profiled in the LA TImes today.

UPDATE 4/6: Karin the Altadenahiker points us to some pictures of Hudson taking the ride of his life at the Altadena Stables next door (attrib ution corrected, thanks Karin!)

Snelgro bats 1,000

Ok, that's kind of a mixed metaphor since we're actually talking basketball, but ... Danyelle Snelgro joined the 1,000 point club for the Utah State Aggies Thursday night.  Details here.

Snelgro is WAC Player of the Week

Altadenan Danyelle Snelgro, a guard for Utah State, was named the Western Athletic Conference Women’s Basketball Player of the Week for Feb. 16-22. This is the second WAC Player of the Week honor of the season for Snelgro.  The official WAC website has the details.

Altadena golf legend passes

PSN's Larry Morgan notes at the end of today's column the passing of a local golf legend:

Altadena's Ed Casebier, who helped found the Pasadena YMCA's Future Stars Golf Program, died at the age of 84 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. Casebier, who grew up playing golf with the likes of Clark Gable, Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire, started the program in 1998 as a way to keep troubled and disadvantaged youths off the streets.

"I get a lot of satisfaction out of it," he once said, "seeing these kids develop."

We got yer sports right here

• A horse named "Blue Exit"  came from last to win the Altadena Purse (worth $64,000) at Santa Anita on Thursday.  He paid out less that $15, tho', and we have no idea why it's called the Altadena Purse.
• Beacon Media News reports that Demitri Camperos of Altadena placed first at the Huntington Beach Pokémon Trading Card Game  (TCG) City Championships. (They're still playing Pokemon?  Then there's hope for our pog collection ...)
• And there's this month's Altadena Chamber mixer, at the golf course ...

Barden to be a Dolphin?

The Miami Dolphins are sniffing around Cal Poly wide receiver Ramses Barden of Altadena.  Palm Beach Post has the deets.

Central Altadena Little League extending signups

Central Altadena Little League (CALL) will be extending sign ups and tryouts for its 2009 Baseball Season to Sat., January 24 and 31. Sign-ups and tryouts will be held at the lower baseball diamond at Farnsworth Park, Altadena (corner of Lake Ave. & Concha St.) from 9:00 AM to 1 PM. Tryouts are required for team placement for all players except for those in T-Ball.

 

Boys and girls ages 5 through 16, living in the Central Altadena boundary are encourage to sign-up on one of these days. Games are held at Farnsworth Park, and the season runs from March to mid-June. Children will learn baseball skills, help gain overall fitness and learn the importance of good sportsmanship, while having a good time.

 

New players must bring proof of their age (birth certificate) and address (utility bill).

 

For more information, please visit our web site at www.centralaltadenalittleleague.org.