altadenablog

"Read for the Record" today at the libraries, Perry's Joint

by Timothy Rutt

Today is "Read for the Record" day, where young readers in schools, daycares, and elsewhere gather to set the record on how many people can read the same book on the same day, to celebrate literacy.

This year's book is "Otis" by Loren Long. 

Local readathons take place at  

• The Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. at 11 AM
• Bob Lucas Branch Library, 2659 N. Lincoln Ave. , 3:30 PM
• Perry's Joint, 2051 Lincoln Avenue in Pasadena, 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM.

Free copies of Otis will be available at all locations as long as supplies last. (The Perry's Joint readings include free ice cream for those 16 and under, as an added incentive!)

For information on other locations, call the library at 626-798-8338.

 

Odyssey Charter School's Fall Festival Oct. 19

by Timothy Rutt

Odyssey Charter School's Fall Festival Marketplace will be held Saturday, Oct. 19, from noon to 3 PM.

Shop for unique handcrafted gifts and treats including homemade pickled jams, home-baked goods, tie-dye shirts, plants, artisanal jewelry and hand-thown pottery.

There will also be chiropractic care, nutritional consultations, and more.

This is a chance to tap into service providers, entrepreneurs, and artists from the Odyssey community.  Bring a blanket, a picnic for your family, and money to spend.

50 percent of proceeds go to the OCS annual fund.

Odyssey Charter School is at 725 W Altadena Drive.

 

"Parenthood" premiere event supports Five Acres

 

Actors Sam Jaeger, Erika Christensen and Savannah Rae at Five Acres event Sept. 28

Season five of NBC's popular Drama "Parenthood" premiered two hours early in an event in San Marino to honor the work of Five Acres.

 

The Sept. 26 premiere event was envisioned largely by actor Sam Jaeger, who plays the loyal husband, and adoptive, stay-at-home dad, “Joel Graham,” on the show.

“I’ve been shopping for a sense of purpose,” Jaeger shared with the guests. “My basic understanding is that I matter because my son matters. Each child matters. That applies to the work of Five Acres, and to each of us.” Of his vision for the event, he said, “I wanted to show how important this organization is to me. Five Acres is all about permanency – providing a safe, loving and permanent home for a child.” 

Jaeger served as emcee for the event, introduced the cast and the season five premiere episode of Parenthood. Other cast members who joined Jaeger were Erika Christensen, Dax Shepard, Monica Potter, Mae Whitman, Max Burkholder, Miles Heizer, Savannah Rae, Tyree Brown and Xolo Mariduena. The private invitation only event for the cast of Parenthood and Five Acres supporters was a special evening premiere held in San Marino on the beautiful grounds of Chantal and Steve Bennett’s estate.

“Each child deserves a safe, loving, and permanent family – whether it be a family a child was born into or a family that Five Acres helps them to create,” said Five Acres CEO Chanel Boutakidis. “We have a critical problem here in Los Angeles County, with many more children needing families, than there are people willing to open their hearts and their homes. We are extremely grateful that Parenthood is helping to inspire action toward this vital cause.”

Guests in attendance included actor Matthew Lillard (seen most recently on FX’s series The Bridge), Matt Nix (Burn Notice Show Runner), Kristen Bell (NBC’s Parks and Recreation, the Showtime series House of Lies, and films Forgetting Sarah Marshall andVeronica Mars); Five Acres board chair Andrew Crowell and Past Chair Tom Haralambos, among many others.

Celebrating 125 years of service, Five Acres provides innovative solutions that ensure safety, well-being and permanent family homes for children and families throughout Southern California. Each year, services are provided to more than 6,500 children and families and include adoptions, residential and foster care, therapeutic education, mental health services in homes and schools, as well as domestic violence prevention.

Parenthood is a one-hour drama, airing Thursdays at 10pm on NBC, inspired by the box office hit of the same name. This re-imagined and updated Universal Television/Imagine Television production follows the trials and tribulations of the very large, very colorful and imperfect Braverman family.

 

County animal control receives evac/transportation trailers

The County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) has recently received four animal evacuation/transportation trailers.  The trailers were donated on behalf of the Animal Care Foundation (ACF), made possible by a life insurance bequest. The ACF earmarked the bequest, along with additional funds in order to purchase these trailers.  

These new trailers will greatly enhance the Department’s ability to shelter evacuated animals and transport dogs and cats in a variety of scenarios. These situations include emergency evacuation, off-site adoption events, and spay/neuter programs.  Each trailer is capable of transporting approximately 30 - 45 animals. Two trailers are 24 feet in length and each has a multi-purpose room that can be used for veterinary exams, adoption introductions, vaccine and microchip clinics, or other activities. The remaining two trailers are 16 feet in length and provide additional animal housing. All of the trailers are heated and air conditioned, providing the animals with safe, temperature controlled environments during weather extremes. The trailers are powered with solar panels and generators and can stand alone as temporary shelter during emergencies, providing the ability to co-locate pets alongside their owners at evacuation centers.  This will provide greater peace of mind to owners, as well as reduce the stress level of the animals during emergencies.

Shutdown showdown hits home: Millard Canyon campground closed

by Timothy Rutt

The federal government "shutdown" that started Oct. 1 is hitting home in Altadena.

According to Lonnie Fehr, campground host at the Millard Canyon campground, the campground has been closed down until the political theater in Washington is over. Because the campground is closed, the Altadena Sheriff's Station will not open the gate at Chaney Trail that secures the campground.

Fehr said that US Forest Service law enforcement officers and firefighters are still on duty, but rangers and other staff have been furloughed.  Fehr expressed concern that there may be health and safety problems created as there is no one to clean the areas and restrooms.

 

Altadena Heritage's "Altadena's Water Future" this Saturday on Arroyo Channel

by Timothy Rutt

Turn-of-the-last century view of Devil's Gate.

Altadena Heritage's Sept. 24 presentation, "Altadena's Water Future," has been scheduled for broadcast on Sat., Oct. 5 at 3 PM on the Arroyo Channel (Charter 32, AT&T 99-Pasadena and streaming online at pasadenamedia.org).

According to Michele Zack at Altadena Heritage, it will be rerun several times in the following week, but times aren't currently available.  DVDs can also be purchased from Pasadena Media for $10.

The presentation brought together water officials and experts to talk about water sources, quality, supply, and other issues that affect Altadena and the San Gabriel Valley.  

 

Waldorf 8th graders camp at Santa Cruz Island

 

Waldorf School eighth graders kayak off the coast of Santa Cruz sland during their recent camping trip.

from the Pasadena Waldorf School

For eighth graders across greater Los Angeles, the first week of September meant it was time to be back behind desks; at Pasadena Waldorf School, it was time to embark on the annual eighth grade camping trip. Leading his students to Santa Cruz Island, class teacher Dennis Demanett oversaw evenings of song and stories as well as time to reflect on their adventurous days. Most of the students had been in class together for the past seven years and this was an opportunity to renew their bonds with one another.

Aside from the bonding experience, this was also an important opportunity to make contact with nature. In this pristine location, which the local Chumash Tribe considers their sacred ancestral home, there was no ambient light to spoil the guided stargazing in which the views of the Milky Way were incomparable. The students also went on a kayak trek to explore numerous caves around the perimeter of the island. Their kayak guide later commented that “in fifteen years, this was the best group of any age when it came to listening to instructions.”

At camp, the students all worked together to pitch tents, prepare meals and clean up. But whether it was revisiting all the songs learned from first grade through seventh grade over a hastily imagined mock campfire, or just hanging out together and being kids, the most important aspect of the trip was bringing the students all together as a tight unit as they embark on this final year of middle school.

Pasadena Fire Dept. Rose Bowl event Oct. 5

from the Pasadena Fire Department

The Pasadena Fire Department invites the public to attend a special “kick-off” for Fire Prevention Week 2013 from 10 AM-2 PM, Saturday, October 5, at the Rose Bowl Stadium, near Gate A. Free hot dogs and drinks will be available for the first 250 attendees. 

Fire personnel will meet and greet the public and educate the community about fire safety. Other highlights will include the Fire Department Kids Safety Trailer (simulates a kitchen to teach cooking safety), a ladder truck, fire engines, rescue ambulances and fire extinguisher demonstrations and the Urban Search And Rescue vehicle. There will also be educational giveaways free to the children. 

The 2013 Fire Prevention Week is October 6-12. This year’s theme is “Prevent Kitchen Fires” to help spread the word that more fires start in the kitchen than in any other part of the home. Every year since 1925, the President of the United States has signed a Proclamation to observe Fire Prevention Week with varying themes. 

For further information please contact the Fire Department at (626) 744-4675. 

Hello, deer near Eliot [UPDATED]

This tranquilized 12-point buck paid a visit to Eliot Middle School this afternoon. Photo by LA County Sheriff Dept.

by TImothy Rutt

Currently (around 3 PM) there's some police activity in the area around Eliot Middle School.  According to the watch deputy at the Altadena Sheriff Station, they're looking for a deer that was spotted in the area.

UPDATE 4:30 PM:  According to the sheriff's station, the scene is clearing now: wildlife officers tranquilized the deer and took him away.

UPDATE: 8:45 PM:  The Altadena Sheriff's station sent out this update:

Altadena's Eliot Middle School had a distinguished visitor today, a 12 point buck deer on Lake at the southwest corner of the school. School officials directed the children to exit on the opposite side of the school. Deputies responded and provided security until Fish and Wildlife arrived.

The deer was not harmed and was tranquilized (see photo by Sgt. E. Eftychou) and taken by Fish and Wildlife rangers back up into the San Gabriels without incident.

Crime blotter: battery, assault, vehicle burglaries

Crime blotter provided by the Altadena Sheriff Station.

Sunday, September 15 

Between 12:00 PM and 7:00 AM (Tuesday) – A petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 1900 block of Pepper Drive. Loss: door lock panel. 

Monday, September 16

Between 7:30 AM and 6:30 PM – A vandalism occurred in the 700 block of E. Pine Street. 

8:30 AM – A battery occurred in the 900 block of E. Woodbury Rd. Suspect described as a male, White, 30-35 yrs, 5ft. 10ins.  200 lbs, brown hair, black eyes, wearing a red hat, blue tank top and blue shorts. Suspect last seen northbound on Lake Avenue.  

Wednesday, September 18

Between 7:30 PM and 9:00 AM (Thursday) – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 800 block of Morada Place. Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the rear passenger window. Loss: (4) CD’s. 

Thursday, September 19 

5:21 AM – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 2300 block of El Sereno Avenue. Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the driver side window. Suspect described as a male, Hispanic, early 20’s, dark clothing. Suspect last seen westbound on Figueroa Drive. Loss: none. 

6:10 PM – A vehicle was reported stolen from the 400 block of Stonehurst Drive. ***Vehicle Outstanding*** 

Friday, September 20

9:45 AM – Samara Davis, 20 yrs. of West Hollywood was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon. 

12:01 PM – Davon Jackson, 25 yrs, of Pasadena was for possession of a controlled substance. 

Between 11:00 PM and 10:30 AM (Saturday) – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 2400 block of Boulder Rd. Suspect(s) entered the vehicle via unknown means. Loss: (3) dresses. 

Saturday, September 21 

8:00 AM – A grand theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 100 block of Wapello Street. Loss: currency. 

Publisher's notebook: It's October, and we're six!

by Timothy Rutt

It's October: a significant month for us.

Outside of a few experimental posts we made in September, Altadenablog officially was started six years ago this month, October, 2007.  We've told this story many times:  how, after five years of living in Altadena, we despaired of finding anyplace to go about news of this community.  Information about our vibrant arts and cultural community was scattered all over the place.  Crime news only appeared when something really bad happened.  Bread and butter local government news, i.e. town council and land use committee, wasn't being covered at all by anybody.  Wonderful only-in-Altadena events, such as the summer concert series, the Waldorf School Elves' Faire, and Christmas Tree Lane, weren't being given their due.  A unique local culture centered around small-scale, artisanal food, was in its infancy.  So much else. So we tried this out to see what would happen.

A few significant events come to mind:

• Among the first things was we picked up in the first few months was a couple of sponsors, and one of them, Webster's Fine Stationers, is still here with us and under Lori and Scott Webster's tutalage, has itself grown beyond stationery into a place that celebrates and promotes local arts and culture, a true gem that celebrates Altadena.  They deserve a sincere thank you for seeing something here that was local and worth supporting. 
• The second significant event was, of course, the Station Fire, which put us on the map as a serious contender.  Jim Rainey, in a feature about us in the LA Times, criticized that we weren't running pictures of firemen on the front lines, which was true; for various reasons, that couldn't happen.  But we always felt that, if you wanted pictures of firemen, you could get them elsewhere.  What you couldn't get was real-time news about whether your Altadena neighborhood was going to be evacuated, or where to put your pets and horses to keep them safe.  That's the level of news we're all about, and we've always been about telling the stories that weren't being told, here in Altadena.
• The third significant event was that it reinforced the value of giving the people a place.  A lot of our coverage of the Station Fire came in from people in the streets and in the neighborhoods, telling us what was happening when it was happening.  The people of Altadena are all deputized as our correspondents, and one of our tasks is letting you tell your own stories, too.  In that spirit, we have to credit, among the many extraordinary local correspondents, the peripatetic Bill Westphal, master of the Weather Cam that graces the top of our page, and photographic man-about-town; and our reliable go-to freelancer, Laura Monteros, an old Herald-Examiner news hound, who always gives insightful and interesting local stories that we can't get.
• Number four for us was a job offer:  AOL's Patch offered us the job as their local editor when they were moving in on Altadena.  It would have been nice to draw a regular salary, but (1) we didn't think their cookie-cutter business model, of fitting every city in America into a Patch-shaped box, did justice to the unique place that is Altadena, and (2) we thought we would have a better idea of what served the people than a business that took its marching orders from New York City.  Don't get us wrong: Patch had many good people working for them over the years, and, under its first local editor Dan Abendschein, certainly kept us on on our toes.  They also had the resources to cover things we couldn't. But we didn't want to work for a place that had no room for, for example, long feature stories about individual Altadenans, which is our favorite kind of story to do.  They didn't have the buy-in to the community that requires us to cover every single town council meeting, as we have for over five years (Patch has only showed up once or twice in the past year, and that was only because of the promise of a fight loomed).  We turned Patch down, because we like what was being created between us and the people of Altadena.  Don't regret that decision for a second -- it's the best one we've ever made.
• And number five was being named the Altadena Chamber's first Business of the Year.  We're not a big business, in any sense, and we operate largely out of our home and sometimes out of the library or the Coffee Gallery.  But we think it was a nod to our significance to the community, and a tip of the hat to the many small and home-based businesses that operate here.  We're pretty proud to be a part of this community, and the longer we live here, the more interesting and important it proves to be.  This is the best job we've ever had.

We love this work.  We love Altadena!

But we couldn't be doing this without the Altadenablog sponsor team of local businesses and organizations.  Thank you to all of them for their support, and when you're patronizing them, and you like what you see here, tell them "thank you," too. 

Time for our monthly salute to Altadenablog's sponsor team:

Altadena Ale & Wine House

Altadena Hardware

Arroyo Food Co-op

Curves Altadena

Dhari Thein Real Estate

Dr. Barkman

Friends of the Altadena Library

Judy Rubin Architectural & Previews Specialist

Linda Seyffert & Associates/Podley Properties

MonteCedro

Rancho Bar

Rhythms of the Village

Robert Frank Design

Scissors Paper Rock Salon

St. Mark's Episcopal School 

Webster's Community Pharmacy

Webster's Fine Stationers

Please thank our local business sponsors by patronizing them -- and tell them you read about it on Altadenablog!

ALTADENABLOG IS ALTADENA BUSINESS!

October is "Adopt a Shelter Dog" month

from the Los Angeles County Dept. of Animal Care and Control

 

LA County CEO, William T. Fujioka, and his newest addition, Rudy, adopted from the Downey Animal Care Center.

The month of October is nationally recognized as Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog month. This month, consider adopting an abandoned, homeless dog from one of your local County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control’s (DACC) animal care centers. 

 

“Shelter dogs make great pets.  Most of them know what is like to be a part of a family, have basic training, and are oftentimes already housebroken,” said DACC Director, Marcia Mayeda.  “When you adopt a dog from an animal shelter, you are not only saving a life—you are also receiving a wonderful companion,” Mayeda said.

Visit one of DACC’s six animal care centers if you are considering opening your heart and home to a shelter dog this month:

• ·         Downey Animal Care Center: 11258 S. Garfield Ave., Downey
• ·         Carson Animal Care Center: 216 W. Victoria St., Gardena
• ·         Baldwin Park Animal Care Center: 4275 N. Elton St., Baldwin Park
• ·         Castaic Animal Care Center: 31044 N. Charlie Canyon Road, Castaic
• ·         Lancaster Animal Care Center: 5210 West Avenue I, Lancaster, 93536
• ·         Agoura Animal Care Center: 29525 Agoura Road, Agoura, 91301

If you love dogs, but are presently unable to adopt one, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation (www.lacountyanimals.org) to help homeless animals find new homes.

Visit our NEW website, animalcare.lacounty.gov, where you can view photos of adoptable animals.  “Like” us on Facebook, facebook.com/CountyofLosAngelesAnimalCare, or follow us on Twitter @LACoAnimalCare. 

Dept. of Education grant to benefit two Altadena schools

by Timothy Rutt

The U.S. Department of Education announced last week that a $7.9 million Magnet School Assistance Program grant has been awarded to the Pasadena Unified School District to extablish or expand magnets at four district schools over the next three years.

Two Altadena schools will benefit from the grant: Jackson Elementary for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) and a new visual and performing arts magnet at Eliot Middle School.

Washington School's STEAM program (which also incorporates arts) and the Washington Accelerated Elementary program will also benefit from the grants, which will be $3.15 million in its first year.

According to a release from PUSD, all four magnet schools will use project-based learning that is integrated with the new Common Core State Standards.  The grant is expected to benefit almost 7,000 students in the four schools over a three-year period.

PUSD is among 27 school districts in 12 states to receive the MSAP grants, which total $89.9 million this year and are administered by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Innovation and Improvement. Four other school districts in California are also recipients of the grant. For more information on the MSAP program and a complete list of grant recipients please visit www.ed.gov.

 

Weather service warns of fire danger later this week

 

The National Weather service is warning that low humidity, warm weather, and Santa Ana winds predicted for this week could increase the danger of fire:

Very warm and dry conditions will bring elevated fire danger to So Cal. Single digit humidity readings observed. #LAWeather

On Thursday (10/03/13), a strong upper level trough of low pressure will move southward into the Great Basin as an upper ridge builds off the West Coast. Dry northerly winds will begin to impact San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties Thursday afternoon and evening.

 As the surface high builds into Nevada, the flow will shift to northeast and begin to affect Ventura and Los Angeles Counties late Thursday night (10/03/13) into early Friday (10/04/13).

These gusty Santa Ana winds are expected to persist through Saturday (10/05/13), bringing an extended period of warm, very dry and windy conditions to much of Southwest California.

Critical fire weather conditions will be possible during this time period as the hot, dry and windy conditions interact with very dry fuels in place across the area.

The greatest fire weather threat will likely be across Ventura and Los Angeles Counties.

Residents of Southwest California are urged to stay tuned to the latest National Weather Service statements and warnings on this developing weather situation.

 

 

Found: Huskey @ St. Elizabeth's named Koda [back home]

Reader Carol found a dog:

I found a large friendly cinnamon husky with golden eyes named Koda wandering in front of St. Elizabeth's school on Woodbury near Lake at around 5:45 am today (Monday).  Collar with tag/cell phone number, but no answer and I've not had any success getting a name and address from the number. I'll take him to the Pasadena Humane Society later this morning. 

UPDATE:  Reunited and it feels so good.

Illegal bowhunters reported at Millard Canyon

Neighbors are reporting to the newsgroups that two campers in the Millard Canyon campground were spotted with bows and arrows stalking deer in the campground and by cabins Sunday morning. It is illegal to hunt in that area.

According to an email going out, people have reported the hunters and confronted them that it is a public recreation area and populated neighborhood, but apparently has no effect.

The hunters, described as two white males, were described as driving a white Toyota Tacoma truck, license # 7A19687. 

Be aware of this activity on the local trails this season.  Wear bright colors and put brightly-colored vests or other items on dogs and horses.  

Report illegal hunting to: 

1.)  Altadena Sheriffs 626 798.1131

2.)  USFS  Dispatch for LEOs (Law Enforcement Officers)  661 723.2703 

3.)  California Dept. of Fish & Game: 1 888 DFG CALTIP (1 888 334.2258)

Library looks at Affordable Care Act Oct. 21

Friends of the Altadena Library present: “The Affordable Care Act and You”.  Have questions about how the Affordable Care Act will affect you? Learn about the Health Insurance Marketplace and your new coverage options. Alex Zucco from Assemblyman Chris Holden’s Office will be on hand to provide an overview of the law and answer questions.

The meeting will be Monday, Oct. 21, at 7 PM at the Altadena Main Library Community Room, 600 E. Mariposa St.  Admission is free.

Information:  (626) 798-0833; www.altadenalibrary.org

 

Steven Brousseau is October's Library artist

The Altadena Library Community Room Presents: “My View: Drawings and Paintings" by Steven Brousseau

This exhibit showcases Steven’s illustrative cartoon style drawings and acrylic paintings. Steven, who is 16 years old, began painting three years ago and in the last two years has been studying under artist John Martin.

There will be an artist's reception on Sat.,  October 26 between 2-5 PM at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St.   Artwork will be on display in the Community Room for the month of October 2013

For more information: 626-798-4033

 

Free and low-cost flu clinics at Pasadena Senior Center in Oct.-Nov.

from the Pasadena Senior Center

Flu season is coming! The Pasadena Senior Center advises everyone to make sure they and their loved ones are protected this year. The flu is an illness caused by the influenza virus that affects the entire body and can cause pneumonia, dehydration and other serious complications for some, especially those with other health conditions.

The Pasadena Senior Center is offering two upcoming flu vaccine clinics:

Wednesday, Oct. 9, from 9 a.m. to noon, presented by Flintridge Pharmacy and Medical Supply. Free to anyone with Medicare Part B and Medical with Medicare Part B; all others $25. ·

Wednesday, Nov. 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., sponsored by the Pasadena Public Health Department. Free to anyone over the age of 6 months. The clinics will be held at the Pasadena Senior Center, 85 E. Holly St. Appointment cards are available at the front desk. For more information call (626) 795-4331.

The Pasadena Senior Center is an independent nonprofit agency that offers recreational, educational, wellness and social services to people ages 50 and over in a friendly environment. Services are also provided for frail, low-income and homebound seniors.

Pasadena Senior Center offers free sample classes in October

from the Pasadena Senior Center

Every fall the Pasadena Senior Center offers a full lineup of classes for people 50 and older ranging from arts and computers to watercolor and Zumba. As the registration period for fall classes approaches, anyone can sample the most popular classes by attending free half-hour sessions, meeting the instructors, learning more about the courses and trying them out. All classes take place at the Pasadena Senior Center, 85 E. Holly St.

Monday, Oct. 7 – Beginner Tai Chi at 9 a.m. in the West Pavilion, Advanced Tai Chi at 9:30 a.m. in the West Pavilion, Meditation and Relaxation at 9:30 a.m. in the Community Room, Creative Expressions at 10 a.m. in the Cliff Benedict Room, Yoga (evening class) at 10 a.m. in the West Pavilion, Spanish I and II at 10:30 a.m. in the Community Room, Brain Fitness through Music and Movement at 10:30 a.m. in the West Pavilion, Computers for Beginners/Advanced Beginners at 11 a.m. in the Computer Lab, The Art and Fun of Sewing at 11:30 a.m. in the Cliff Benedict Room, French I and II at 11:30 a.m. in the Community Room and Oriental Fusion Handcraft at 11:30 a.m. in the West Pavilion.. ·

Tuesday, Oct. 8 – Pep Up Your Life at 9 a.m. in the Dance Studio, International Folk Dance at 9 a.m. in the West Pavilion, Pilates at 9:30 a.m. in the West Pavilion, Alexander Technique at 9:30 a.m. in the Dance Studio, Tap Dance at 10 a.m. in the Dance Studio, Zumba Gold at 10 a.m. in the West Pavilion, Watercolor Class at 10 a.m. in the Cliff Benedict Room, Belly Dancing at 10:30 a.m. in the West Pavilion, Commercial Acting at 10:30 a.m. in the Cliff Benedict Room, Internet Class at 10:30 a.m. in the Computer Lab, Yoga (morning class) at 11:30 a.m. in the West Pavilion and English Conversation at 11:30 a.m. in the Community Room.

After sampling classes, register at www.pasadenaseniorcenter.org (click on Classes and Lectures) or pick up a registration form at the Pasadena Senior Center, 85 E. Holly St. Registration deadline is Friday, Oct. 11. Most classes range from $15 to $70 for Pasadena Senior Center members; non-members pay an additional $35. Scholarships for low-income seniors are available on a limited basis. For more information call (626) 795-4331. The Pasadena Senior Center is an independent nonprofit agency that offers recreational, educational, wellness and social services to people ages 50 and over in a friendly environment. Services are also provided for frail, low-income and homebound seniors.

Co-op looking for loans to qualify for matching funds by Oct. 4

by TImothy Rutt

The Arroyo Food Co-op says that they need to raise some loans by Friday for a chance to double their money.

Co-opportunity, a co-op in Santa Monica, has opened a $5,000 challenge: if AFC gets $5,000 in new loans by the end of the day Oct. 4, Co-opportunity will loan them another $5,000.

To learn more visit the website: https://arroyofoodcoop.com/

Download a loan package at: https://www.arroyofoodcoop.com/loan_now

You can also bring your questions and checkbook to this evening's  Supporter Salon at Jones Coffee Roasters (693 S. Raymond Ave, Pasadena). from 6-8 PM.

Your loan check and info sheet must be postmarked or handed in by end of day Friday to qualify.

Bulgarini Gelato closes summer movies with "Mediterraneo"

Bulgarini Gelato's last movie of its summer movie season is  Mediterraneo: "bittersweet, hysterical, and almost poetic, this film is sure to delight you with its touch of whimsey and nostalgic look at a time long lost."This film tells the story of a group of misfit Italian soldiers sent to occupy a Greek Island during World War II. Left stranded on the seemingly deserted isle, they discover they are not alone once the inhabitants realize the Italian soldiers are harmless, unlike the brutal German occupiers who preceded them. -

Film begins at sundown, gelato served throughout. Bulgarini Gelato is at 749 E. Altadena Drive.

Pasadena PD looking for another missing juvenile [FOUND]

Pasadena police are looking for Jennifer Tellez, a 15-year-old Hispanic female, 5 ft. 2 ins. tall, 110 lbs., who was last seen at John Muir High School at about 3 PM Friday.

Jennifer Tellez, a student at Muir High School, left campus Friday afternoon and has not returned home. No foul play is suspected however this is the first time she has not come directly home. She has not contacted her family and has no cell phone. 

If you have information that can assist in helping safely locate Jennifer Tellez please call 911 or contact the Pasadena Police at 626-744-4241.

UPDATE 11:45 AM: Pasadena Police say that she was found safe at a friend's house and has returned home.

Trail users concerned about Edison work above Millard Creek

Paul Ayer's picture and outline of the two acre pull site above Millard Creek before construction started.

 

by Timothy Rutt

Local trail users are concerned that Southern California Edison has clearcut and re-graded about two acres of mature forest above Millard Canyon during recent line upgrades, which some say damages an important part of the post-Station Fire ecosystem.

But an Edison spokesman says that the work was approved by all the proper authorities and given proper public notice, and that revegetating the area is part of the plan. In addition, Edison claims that new work methods and technologies used to upgrade the lines has actually minimized the damage that could have been done.

Still, one local trail advocate is concerned that the area’s regrading could have an adverse effect on Millard Creek and the protected wildlife that lives there when the rainy season starts.

Edison recently wrapped up work on the local stretch of the Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project (TRTP).  The project involves upgrading high-power transmission lines that will lead from wind farms in eastern Kern County to San Bernardino County.

The local stretch involved adding and upgrading lines in existing towers in the Angeles National Forest above Altadena.  The most visible work in late August and early September involved delivering line workers by helicopter and the occasional explosion as lines were connected through implosive sleeves (story here).

But in a recent email to other trail users and newsgroups, trail advocate Paul Ayers drew attention to the denuded area above Chaney Trail.  

In the Sept. 10 email, Ayers said:

Not since [the dynamiting of Rubio Canyon in 1998] have I seen such an act of environmental savagery as SCE has committed in a sweet little valley located just over Sunset Ridge from the La Vina development.  For reasons known only to SCE, it has absolutely destroyed, read clear-cut, 2-3 acres of climax habitat in the valley ...  a watershed for a tributary of Millard Creek.  

[In 1998, a dynamite blast by a repair crew laying pipe for Rubio Canyon Land & Water Association ended up filling that canyon with boulders and buried several waterfalls.]

Ayers, who was a victor in a lawsuit to re-open historic trails in that area that had been illegally closed by the La Vina development, said that he was doing his customary September trail survey of the La Vina East trail when he saw SCE’s construction work and talked to some of the workers there. 

Yoga classes starting at Loma Alta Park next week

Christina Powers is offering two new yoga class tryouts at Loma Alta Park in the coming week.

The Monday, Sept. 30 class will be from 7:15 to 8:45 AM, and the Friday, Oct. 4 class will be from 9-10:30 AM. Classes will be at the upper large community room near the toddler playground at the park.  Check the flyer for more information and for coupons for subsequent classes.

Eliot to host e-waste pickup Saturday

Eliot Middle School will be hosting an e-waste dropoff fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 9 AM-3 PM.

Computer, monitors, laptops and more will be accepted at the school parking lot, 2181 N. Lake Avenue.

 

5 Acres Golf Classic helps support the good work

Altadena's 5 Acres' 26th annual golf classic, celebrating 125 years of helping children and families, took place Sept. 23.  Celebrating Five Acres' 125th anniversary this year are Board Chair Andrew Crowell, CEO Chanel Boutakidis, Vice Chair Business Affairs Leslie Lyons, and Board member Rustin Mork, who also co-chaired the Golf Classic.  Below, foursome Jim Anawalt, Paul Deforest, Five Acres Board Secretary and Golf Classic title sponsor Brad Reaume, and Sherwood Sterling pose for the camera.  Photos by Melissa Kobe

Poetry corner: which came first?

"Chicken Run---in Altadena!"

from gloriana casey

There was a funny  movie made,
claymation was the tool.
For CHICKEN RUN delighted us
 as chickens are so cool!

So two chicks go out on the town,
New York and Allen  streets.
Perhaps they're shopping for some bugs
or other birdy treats.

Free October events at Pasadena Senior Center

from the Pasadena Senior Center 

There is something for everyone at the Pasadena Senior Center in October. Events listed below are free for PSC members. Some events require advance reservations as noted.  

• Parkinson’s Disease Education – Thursdays, Oct. 1, 8 and 15, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Learn about chemical reactions that cause the disease on Oct. 1; learn how to navigate challenges for caregivers on Oct. 8; learn how the disease is diagnosed, common symptoms and diagnostic tests on Oct. 15.  

• The Unexpected Leak – Thursday, Oct. 3, at 10 a.m. Unexpected leaking can be inconvenient and embarrassing for women as well as men. If you have stress incontinence or urge incontinence, eating habits and activities such as pelvic floor exercises can be beneficial. Become informed at this special workshop. 

• Rediscovering Hope – Thursdays, Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, at 3 p.m. Rediscovering Hope is a support group for members grieving the death of a loved one. Walk-ins are welcome. For more information call Jody Casserly at Vitas at (626) 918-2273, ext. 7455.

• Food Distribution Program – Friday, Oct. 4, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. – After months of being closed to new applicants, this program is now open again to members ages 60 and older who meet low-income guidelines. California ID and an income statement are required. The Food Distribution Program is offered the first Friday of every month (626) 685-6732.

• Speed Up, Clean Up and Revive Your Windows PC – Tuesdays and Thursdays beginningOct. 8 from 10 to 11 a.m. If your computer is too slow or programs are freezing up, it’s time for some TLC. Bring your laptop to delete programs you don’t use, check for viruses and clean up temporary files and other items to improve Internet browsing speed. Pasadena Senior Center computers will be available as well for demonstrations.

• Medicare Resource Fair – Thursday, Oct. 10, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Medicare open enrollment is Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. Checking your current Medicare and prescription drug plans with other programs and making informed decisions ensures that you receive the best possible health care. Representatives from insurance companies and health plans will provide information and answer questions. From noon to 1 p.m. there will be a special overview of Medicare options and upcoming changes for 2014. Box lunches will be served to the first 50 people with confirmed reservations. (626) 795-4331.

• Gourmet Dining Club – Tuesday, Oct. 15, at 5 p.m. Join us for lively conversation and great food at this month’s featured restaurant, Bella Italia, 7232 N. Rosemead Blvd. in San Gabriel. Call team captains Margaret Lawson and Syd Heyman at (626) 794-5858 to make your reservation.

• Advanced Planning – Thursday, Oct. 17, at 10 a.m. Before and at the time of a loss, wrong decisions and delays in proper planning can increase costs and stress to everyone involved. This open discussion about the advantages of preplanning will help members and their families avoid pitfalls. Everyone who attends will receive a free tote bag.

• Health Fair – Friday, Oct. 18, from 9 to 11 a.m. Glucose screenings (with two-hour fasting required) and blood pressure and hearing screenings are among the services offered. Health fairs are offered the third Friday of every month. For more information call (626) 685-6732.

• LA Opera: Falstaff – Monday, Oct. 21, at 1 p.m. In honor of Giuseppe Verdi’s 200^th birthday, an LA Opera community educator will discuss the crowning glory of the composer’s magnificent career. His comic masterpiece “Falstaff” is an unabashed celebration of Merrie Olde England’s lusty days and bawdy nights. When Shakespeare’s portly knight of Windsor hatches a plot to improve his love life by courting two married women, he launches a flood of comic chaos and romantic misadventure.

• Men’s Health: Testosterone and Cholesterol – Thursday, Oct. 24, at 10 a.m. Learn about the relationship between these two related compounds and how to maximize your physical well-being.

• Book Club at the Center – Friday, Oct. 25, at 1 p.m. Read “Black Flower” by Young-Ha Kim and then join other members of the Senior Center Book Club for a discussion. In 1904, as the Russo-Japanese war deepened, Asia was parceled out to rising powers and the Korean empire was annexed by Japan. Facing the loss of their nation, more than a thousand Koreans left their homes to seek new lives in Mexico. A tale of star-crossed love, political turmoil and the dangers of seeking freedom in a new world, “Black Flower” is an epic story based on a little-known moment in history. For more information call Judy Starlight at (626) 685-6706.

• Friday Movie Matinees – Fridays, Oct. 4, 11 and 18, at 1 p.m. Great movies can take us to different places and times unlike anything else. Oct. 4: “42” (2013) starring Chadwick Boseman and Harrison Ford; Oct. 11: “Hitchcock” (2012) starring Anthony Hopkins and Helen Mirren; Oct. 18: “Barefoot in the Park” (1967) starring Robert Redford and Jane Fonda.

For information about free events or to become a member of the Pasadena Senior Center, visitwww.pasadenaseniorcenter.org or call (626) 795-4331.

Founded in 1959, the Pasadena Senior Center is an independent, nonprofit agency that offers recreational, educational, wellness and social services to people ages 50 and over in a friendly environment. Services are also provided for frail, low-income and homebound seniors.

 

MonteCedro hosts panel on retiree planning

On Wednesday, October 2, 2013, MonteCedro®, a Continuing Care Retirement Community in Altadena, will host a panel discussion with San Gabriel Valley area professionals to assist area
seniors and upcoming retirees plan for their “Golden Years.” During the event, Bill Podley of Podley Properties, Christine Fuentes of Ameriprise Financial Services, and Dave Niehaus and
Reza Zafari of Merrill Lynch will provide information on the state of the real estate market, investing in today’s economy and planning for retirement. Seating for this event is limited. To register, please visit www.montecedro.com/info or call 877-305-6013.

The event will be held at 10:30 AM and 2 PM at Caltech's Athenaeum, 551 S. Hill St., Pasadena, on Wednesday, October 2, 2013, 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Pasadena PD looking for missing 14-year-old [FOUND]

by Timothy Rutt

The Pasadena Police Dept. sent out a message Thursday morning, looking for a missing 14-year-old John Muir High School student.

Heather Reyes is described as 5 ft. 4 ins., 100 lbs., Hispanic female with black hair and brown eyes.  She was last seen at the high school at 3:30 Wednesday afternoon, wearing a gray shirt and blue jeans.

According to the police department, she was seen talking to several friends after school and has not returned home.

If you have information that can assist in helping safely locate Heather Reyes, please call 911.

UPDATE: Pasadena PD messaged out that she has been found unharmed -- opted to spend the night at a friend's house without notifying her parents, the message says.

Wicked Lit: behind the scenes and behind the scares, it's about "family"

 

Katie Pelensky, Chairman Barnes, director Doug Clayton, and Carlos Larkin are the team behind "The New Catacomb" in the 2013 production of Wicked Lit. Stage manager Mary Lansing, not pictured, rounds out the crew.

 

The frightfest's Altadena director and his actors look for the skull beneath the skin

by Timothy Rutt

For a group of people whose job it is to frighten the living daylights out of you, the people behind Wicked Lit are scarily .... nice.  Normal.  And likable.

Wicked Lit, of course, is the annual Halloween season treat of spooky tales from Unbound Productions and performed at Mountain View Cemetery and Mausoleum.  Now in its fifth year (fourth year in Altadena), this year’s production looks at three classic tales of terror: Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”; H.P. Lovecraft’s “The Lurking Fear”’ and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The New Catacomb.”

We had a chance to talk to “New Catacomb” director Doug Clayton and his actors during a break in rehearsal last week, and found that one of the notable aspects of Wicked Lit is that the performers never quite want to leave it.

Found: male Chihuahua, Altadena/Fair Oaks

Found dog at Altadena Drive and Fair Oaks Avenue Sept.25:  a small tan male Chihuahua.  Contact Linda at 626-797-8569.

Found: two wandering chickens

Reader Bryan gives it to us straight:

Where: Wandering in front yards close to the corner of Allen and New York.
When: Monday 9/23, afternoon.
What: Two young Wyandotte(?) chickens.
Contact: Bryan Langholz: langholz@usc.edu or 626-483-9937

Town council and school district issues come to the fore at ACONA meeting [UPDATE]

by Timothy Rutt

Tuesday night’s ACONA meeting hosted Town Council Chair Diane Marcussen and PUSD District 1 (West Altadena) board member Kim Kenne in a wide-ranging discussion of town and school issues along with audience questions.

The Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations brought in the two to discuss current issues facing their respective government bodies and possible directions to go forward.

Marcussen said that one of this year’s town council tasks was to update “foundational items”:  council bylaws and election rules for one, as well as the Community Standards District that governs Altadena’s commercial and residential land use.

The council has formed a CSD committee to look at last year’s “visioning process” and update the standards accordingly.  Marcussen said that the core of what the council does is review land use issues.  Sussy Nemer, deputy to County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, affirmed that, saying “in terms of land use, the Altadena Town Council plays a key role.”  While the regional planning commission makes make-or-break decisions on land use, Nemer says they look for a letter of recommendation from the town council.  

“It shows good faith (for a developer) to go to a local forum,” Nemer said.

Bright Futures Scholars sets a record at the start of the year

 

Dr. Sandra E. Thomas (dead center) and this year's crop of Bright Futures Scholars meet for orientation at Metropolitan Baptist Church.

 

from Dr. Sandra E. Thomas
CEO/Dean of Scholars

On a hot September Saturday the Bright Futures Scholars Leadership Development Program, under the direction of Dr. Sandra E. Thomas, Dean of Scholars, held its annual registration and orientation to enroll its new class for the 2013-2014 program year.

From a program that began in 2004 with only 25 students, Bright Futures Scholars has broken all records this year, receiving more than 500 applications from students in the Pasadena Unified School District and from numerous other districts. Because of the success of the program the number of applicants tripled this program year and for the first time ever a waiting list has been established. To accommodate the large crowd, the location for the registration and orientation meeting was held at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Altadena. 

This Bright Futures Scholars Leadership Development Program prides itself on developing leadership skills in middle and high school students with cumulative grade point averages of 3.0 or better. The scholars are mentored by community and business leaders, as well as federal, state and local elected or appointed officials throughout the year. For 2013-14 the mentors are: Dean of Scholars, Dr. Sandra E. Thomas, Altadena Town Council Person; Honorary Dean, Michael Antonovich, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors; U.S. Congressman Adam Schiff; California Congresswoman Judy Chu; California State Senator Carol Liu; California Assembly Majority Whip Chris Holden; Former California Assemblyman Anthony Portantino; Mayor of Pasadena, Bill Bogaard; Pasadena Vice Mayor Jacque Robinson; Pasadena City Councilman John Kennedy; Los Angeles County Sheriff Leroy Baca; Pasadena Chief of Police Phillip Sanchez; Santa Paula Chief of Police Steve McLean; Altadena Sheriff Station Captain John Benedict; C.H.P. Sheriff Captain Steve Strull; Los Angeles County Fire Chief Daryl L. Osby; Pasadena City Manager Michael Beck; PUSD Superintendent Jon Gundry; Pasadena City College President Dr. Mark Rocha; Pasadena City Attorney Michele Bagneris; Pasadena Water and Power, General Manager Phyllis Currie; Pasadena Superior Court Judge Philip Soto; Superior Court Judge Michael Carter and Superior Court Judge Lia Martin. Each mentor spends time mentoring the scholars throughout year on group and individual sessions.

One of the most exciting events of the year is the Annual Washington, D.C. Leadership Retreat, where all scholars are offered the opportunity to attend a seven day trip to our nation’s capital. During this trip they are able to see firsthand how their government is run. The scholars spend time with all of the California Senators and Members of Congress, as well Representatives from other states. While there they have a firsthand opportunity to see how laws are made and follow process of bills becoming laws, learn the advantages in knowing their rights and responsibilities as well as how they can use this knowledge to improve their quality of life as citizens.

The program year culminates on Saturday, May 10, 2014 with the Graduation and Awards Ceremony, at the Pasadena Convention Center at which all scholars, mentors, parents and supporters come together to celebrate another successful program year. And this year’s graduation looks to break yet another record by far exceeding the average annual attendance of 1,000 people. The May ceremony will also celebrate the completion of the Bright Futures Scholars Leadership Development Program’s 10 year pilot. We are looking forward to a very successful year for this year’s “Bright Future Scholars”! -

Fall begins at the Altadena Farmers' Market today

by Timothy Rutt

 

Image: Almond Milk LA

It's Wednesday, and that means it's time for some Altadena Farmers' Market goodness from 4-8 PM at lower Loma Alta Park at Palm Street and Lincoln Avenue.

 

One of our favorites, Ha's Apple Farm, joined the market last week with crisp and flavorful apples.  This week,  Almond Milk LA joins the mix with locally handmade, raw, organic, refreshing almond milk in a mix of flavors: original, honey, and cacao (yes, chocolate almond milk).  Also premiering this week is  Granola Mama's Handmade.  They'll be right next to each other if you want to get a jumpstart on breakfast tonight.

 

"Raise a racquet" for a good cause at the Town & Country Club Oct. 12-13

The second annual "Raise a Racquet" tennis tournament Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 12 and 13, at Altadena Town & Country Club and Arroyo Seco Racquet Club will raise critical funds for the Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center at Cedars Sinai Hospital and Huntington Hospital with the goal of finding a cure for pediatric Crohn’s Disease and pediatric ulcerative colitis.

The tournament is open to weekend warriors, club players, league players and current college players from throughout the greater San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles communities.

Competition will include singles, doubles and mixed doubles in a fun atmosphere where all levels of players can participate.

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are two forms of inflammatory bowel disease that involve the gastrointestinal tract and are among the most significant chronic diseases affecting children and adolescents. While there currently is no known cause or cure, research suggests inflammation in IBD involves a complex interaction of genetics, the environment and immune systems. IBD exacts a heavy toll in acute care and often involves multiple surgeries and hospitalizations.

“Children battle these diseases every day,” said Vannia De La Cuba, tournament organizer. “They must endure hospital stays, surgeries and infusion therapies regularly.”

For more information and to register via the USTA Tennislink system, visit www.raisearacquet.org

Supervisors commemorate Curiosity's one year anniversary

Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, center,  welcomed Jim Erickson, Project Manager for JPL’s NASA Exploration Rover Program and Colette Lohr, JPL Systems Engineer, to commemorate the  one year anniversary of the Rover Curiosity’s successful landing on Mars at the Sept. 24 County Board of Supervisors meeting.. 

Seven weeks after touching down, Curiosity used its hammering drill to bore a 2.5 inch hole into the “John Klein outcrop,” making it the first time any rover had ever drilled into a rock on another planet.

Key chemical ingredients needed for life were found in the gray powder Curiosity drilled out of the John Klein outcrop, including sulfur, nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen, phosphorus and carbon. The fine-grained rock also contained clay minerals, suggesting a long-ago aqueous environment, perhaps a lake.

With this evidence in hand, the Curiosity team announced in early March that the Rover's landing site could have supported microbial life billions of years ago.

Morning jolt

• Alta-eating: Lisa DuPuy at the Valley Sun gives a rave to Altadena’s sign-free local secret, Altaeats.
• Up to 15 lbs., 21 days, $21: Revvell Revati has nine places left for her 21 Day Weight Loss Challenge: “During the first 3 weeks of October, it is possible to eliminate up to 15#'s of excess weight, NOT by counting calories, NOT by counting points but simply by eating regular food that you can find in any grocery store, supermarket and farmers' market. How's that sound?” The best part it, you don’t have to go anywhere -- the meetings are group calls AND they’re recorded if you miss one, AND all the information will be kept on a non-Facebook private website. 21-Day, $21, Weight-Loss Challenge begins Oct. 1. To secure your seat visit here (link fixed!) 
• Veca Vision: Alta-artist Mark Dean Veca is currently showing in two significant venues: the California-Pacific Triennial at the Orange County Museum of Art in Newport Beach thru Nov. 17; and “Divinity Degenerate” at the Tall Wall Space at the University of Laverne. 

Detectives looking for clues to 7-11 e-cig thief

by Timothy Rutt

 

Security shot of suspect in Sept. 4 robber at 7-11.

Altadena detectives are looking for information on a suspect who stole a display case of e-cigarettes from the 7-11.

 

According to a release from the Altadena Sheriff Station, the suspect boosted the e-cigarettes from the store at 1319 Altadena Drive at 1:45 PM on Wed., Sept. 4.  He is described as  male Hispanic or Middle Eastern, 20-25 years old, 5ft. 9 ins. to 5 ft. 11 ins., 140-170 lbs., dark hair, dark eyes, wearing a red baseball cap with white lettering, black sleeveless shirt with a white eagle like emblem, beige striped shorts, black socks, and black shoes. The suspect was driving a burgundy older model Chevrolet Blazer (late '80's model). 

Anyone that may have information is asked to contact the Altadena Sheriff's Station at 626-798-1131. 

Water, water -- anywhere?

by Timothy Rutt

The house was packed at the Altadena Community Center Monday night for Altadena Heritage's workshop on water issues in Altadena and the San Gabriel Valley.

The panel, from left to right: Chris Stone, Water Resource Manager and Angela George from the Watershed Division of Los Angeles County;  Tim Brick of the Arroyo Seco Foundation and former chairman of Metropolitan Water District; and Rich Atwater, Chairman of Foothills Municipal Water District (FMWD).

The panel sketched some of the current water issues in the area and answered questions from the audience.

PEN holding parent education workshops

by TImothy Rutt

The Pasadena Education Foundation (PEN) is holding a series of parent workshops to navigate life in the Pasadena Unified School District.

“What You Should Know about Choosing an Elementary School" will be held on Tuesday, October 1 at 7 PM  at All Saints Church, Sweetland Hall, 132 No. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena. Dr. Mikala Rahn, the president of Public Works, a non-profit organization that evaluates schools throughout the state and a newly appointed PUSD Board member, provides parents of pre-school aged children with valuable information about what to look for when evaluating a school for their children. The program is followed by a reception when parents can talk with one another and parents of current PUSD students.

Also upcoming is “What the Local Control Funding Formula Means for Our Students” (September 30), “Myth vs. Reality: Middle School Parent & Student Panel” (October 23), and “Navigating Open Enrollment in the Pasadena Unified School District” (December 4). Complete program information, program reservations, school information, and school tour schedules are available at www.penfamilies.org. All programs are free. Spanish translation is available upon request. Please contact info@penfamilies.org.

The Pasadena Education Network is an independent, grassroots nonprofit organization that promotes family participation in public education to ensure a quality education for all students in Pasadena, Altadena and Sierra Madre. PEN provides services to help parents explore, evaluate, and engage with our community’s public schools. For more information visit www.penfamilies.org .

Busy Altadena Tuesday

Here's some of the major things going on tonight:

• PUSD State of the Schools at Jackson Elementary: Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) Board of Education President Renatta Cooper will deliver the annual PUSD State of the Schools Address at 5:30 PM at Jackson Elementary School, 593 W. Woodbury Road, Altadena. Cooper will discuss the new Common Core state learning standards, the district’s master planning effort and how California’s school funding reform affects PUSD. Superintendent Jon R. Gundry will also deliver remarks at the event.
• Publish it yourself workshop at WFS: More authors are self-publishing their works, but it is a time-consuming and confusing endeavor. Let Adrianne Marie Hall, author and head of Anthurium Publishing help you! On September 24, from 6-8 PM, Adrianne will lead an informative mini-seminar that will go over the baffling basics that you need to know to get your books in the hands of eager readers. For a one-time charge of $35, you'll receive her specially designed publishing guide and a two-hour discussion of the most important things you'll need to know to publish your book. For tickets, call Webster's Fine Stationers at  626-797-1135.  Only 35 seats available, so reserve early!
• ACONA at the Library:  The Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations has its quarterly meeting at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St.  Speakers are Altadena Town Council Chair Diane Macussen and PUSD Board Member for West Altadena Kim Kenne, who will also be available to answer questions. Starts at 7 PM.

LA River Rally moves to Marsh Park Saturday

from the Arroyo Seco Foundation

The Los Angeles River Rally, previously announced for the Los Angeles State Historic Park for this Saturday, September 28, has been moved to Marsh Park, 2960 Marsh Street, two miles up the LA River in the Elysian Valley. The event will begin at 10:00 am.

"Marsh Park, down by the riverside, is a great venue for the River Rally," said rally organizer Tim Brick. "It will provide a greater focus on the purpose of the rally, which is to build grassroots support for Alternative 20, the most comprehensive plan developed by the Corps of Engineers. Participants will be able to experience the power of the living Los Angeles River as it flows right by the park and learn how they can be most effective in supporting the best LA River Program, Alternative 20."

Island autumn

Webelos Scouts enjoy campfire on Catalina Island last weekend. Photo by John Heinsen.

Webelos Scouts from Pack 4 (sponsored at Westminster Presbyterian Church) enjoy a camp fire last weekend at Camp Cherry on Catalina Island.  Scout Leader John Heinsen says that "They earned several of their achievement requirements and spent their free time hiking, snorkeling, and shooting bb guns.  Among the animals they observed in the wild were deer, foxes, quail, bat rays, sea lions and even a bald eagle!"

Co-op to hold supporter salon Friday (RSVP, please!)

The Arroyo Food Co-op, fresh from a successful online fundraiser,  is hosting a Supporter Salon at Jones Coffee Roasters,  693 S. Raymond Ave, Pasadena, on Friday, September 27 from 6-8 PM.

The Salon will feature wine, coffee and snacks and a few brief words from General Manager Doug Zilm, Board Member Zak Berrie, and Board President Alexandra Berrie on the current status of the Co-op and what's next.

The event is open to anyone who is interested in the Co-op. Please RSVP here.

If you have any question please feel free to contact Zak Berrie at zak@arroyofoodcoop.com or (310) 293-1949. 

Altadena Heritage water workshop tonight

 

This late 19th/early 20th century image is looking north at Devils Gate, south of present-day dam.

Altadena Heritage will hold a free public forum tonight to help demystify issues and answer questions about water supply, water quality, and compliance with federal Clean Water Act.

 

Our panel includes important water people: Chris Stone, Water Resource Manager and Angela George from the Watershed Division of Los Angeles County; Rich Atwater, Chairman of Foothills Municipal Water District (FMWD); and Tim Brick of the Arroyo Seco Foundation and former chairman of Metropolitan Water District. Local water purveyors including Pasadena are also invited, and most will send representatives.

Ask the experts all your water questions!

The meeting starts at  7 PM at Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Drive. 

League of Women Voters Obamacare health forum Oct. 3

from the League of Women Voters

What people can expect with the big roll-out Oct. 1 of the major provisions of the Affordable Care Act will be the topic of a free public forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters Pasadena, Oct. 3, 10:30 a.m. at the Women’s City Club, 160 N. Oakland Ave., Pasadena.

“This complicated, unclear and contentious new system will affect almost everyone, sometimes to their pleasant surprise,” says Irma Stranz, chair of the event. “Some parents already are enjoying the relief of having their health insurance continue to protect their ‘pre-launch’ adult children under 26, thanks to the Affordable Care Act.”

In the simplest terms, the task between October and March is to enroll 2.5 million currently uninsured residents through the state’s health exchange -- Covered California -- and expanded MediCal. The League program will cover what people need to know in navigating the system and making insurance decisions and how the new provisions will affect people who already have health insurance. It also will provide information about the effect on local health-care access.

Gerald Kominski, professor at the UCLA School of Public Health and director of the Center for Health Policy Research, will describe the key elements of the ACA and issues surrounding the implementation.

Steven Abramson of the Pasadena Public Health Department and Community Health Alliance of Pasadena (CHAP) will discuss collaborative efforts to enroll individuals, families and small businesses in Covered California or MediCal insurance plans as soon as possible. CHAP provides low-cost medical, dental and behavioral health services and was one of 25 public clinics in the state to receive an ACA grant of $1.5 million to expand access to health-care services.

The program will be open to questions and discussion about how to assist in an outreach and education effort of the League. It also will be filmed for future viewing by KPAS, Pasadena’s public television station.

Information and reservations for lunch are available by calling the League office, 626-798-0965. Lunch is $25, including tax and tip; the program is free. Free parking is available on Madison Avenue behind the Women’s City Club.

Friday Fun Flick: "Epic," at the Library Sept. 27

Beyonce Knowles and Amanda Seyfried lend their voices to Friday's Fun Flick, Epic, on Fri., Sept. 27 at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. 

From the creators of Ice Age, enjoy the year's funniest and most entertaining animated adventure.  Rated PG, the film starts at 3:30 PM in the Community Room, and admission is free.