altadenablog

Found poodle mix, Loma Alta Drive

One of our readers writes:

On Saturday 09/21/13, we found a little white poodle mix dog wandering up and down the 500 block of W. Loma Alta Drivee. He looked anxious and was darting in and out of front yards and onto the street between parked cars. We brought him to the Sheriff's Station and gave him to Deputy Daniel Paige. He said the would hold the dog for 24 hours (and give him something to eat). If this is your dog or you recognize it from your neighborhood, please call the sheriff's station at (626) 798-1131 and Deputy Paige will turn it over to you or let you know where he can be located.

Welcome new member of the sponsor team: Rhythms of the Village

Welcoming a new member of our sponsor team: Rhythms of the Village, 2279 N. Lake Avenue.

Rhythms of the Village offers gifts and other items from the African diaspora for everyone, from clothing to musical instruments, oils, classes, and more!  Urban, Hip Hop, Rasta, Caribbean, and other items for yourself or as gifts.

Want to join some of Altadena's best businesses in the BEST place to attract local customers?  Email us  at altadenblog@gmail.com or call 626-201-1023 and join our sponsor team!

 

 

Weekendin' Sept. 20-22: it's packed

Could this weekend possibly be more packed?

No.

But first, a word from our sponsors:

• The Altadena Ale & Wine House is looking out for fans of the blues today.  Just sayin'.  Other Mules.
• The Arroyo Food Co-op will be hosting another yard sale on Saturday, Sept 21 from 8 AM-3 PM at the store (494 N. Wilson Ave, Pasadena). There will also be a lemonade stand, a masseuse, and a knife sharpener. Also, Transition Pasadena who will be running a Placemaking Planting Project. Stop by and help raise funds to open our Co-op.
• The Friends of the Altadena Library host local soap-maker Anne Louise Bannon in a workshop  on how to make your own healthy, luxurious, and soothing soaps using all natural ingredients at a program sponsored by the Friends of the Altadena Library.  This free event will take place on Saturday, September 21, from 2-4 PM in the Library Community Room, Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. 

Friday, Sept. 20

• The LACMA Art+ Film Lab will be open at Charles White Park all weekend.
• Family Dance Night at Sue B. Dance studio today, 6-7 PM; admission  $5, under 4 free. 2525 N. Lake Ave.,

 

Saturday, Sept. 21

• Ewaste and gently-used clothing drop-off event at Loma Alta Park from 9 AM-2 PM.  Electronics: Applies to consumer electronic equipment that is no longer wanted. E-waste can include computers, printers, televisions, VCRs, cell phones, fax machines, stereos, electronic games, and more...Clothing & Shoes: gently used, unsoiled and wearable.   Proof of Altadena residence is required: please bring your driver's license or a utility bill.  For more information,  call Athens Services at (877) 764-5551 or visit www.AthensServices.com.
• Christmas Tree Lane Light’s Up: Come join your neighbors and friends beginning Saturday, September 14, 2013, from  9 AM-12 PM for “Lights Up”. As long as the weather permits, we will be putting lights in the trees every Saturday and Sunday thereafter from 9 to 12 until all the trees are finished. In the morning you will be greeted with donuts, coffee and hot chocolate and after 12 PM, lunch will be served.
• Bulgarini Gelato's summer movie is Manon of the Spring:  A beautiful but shy shepherdess plots vengeance on the men whose greedy conspiracy to acquire her father's land caused his death years earlier. - Slightly adjusted hours with the shorter days: dinner will be served at 7 PM, and film begins at sundown.   Movies are always free. Gelato served throughout.  Dinner will be offered - by reservation only - for $13.50, which will include a homemade pasta dish, salad, and a drink.  Reservations may be made by Friday (the day before the film) by email at catering@bulgarinigelato.comor by calling (626) 376-7662.Bulgarini Gelato is at 749 E. Altadena Drive.

Sunday, Sept. 22

• The Folly Bowl's final concert of the year is the  ensemble Tesserae  featuring some of the most bizarre and quirky pieces of the Renaissance and Baroque periods, from the slightly obsessive compulsive canzoni by Vierdanck to the flamboyant and fantastic instrumental sonatas by Castello.  Please bring a picnic to enjoy as the sun sets.  All trash should be packed out.   1601 East Loma Alta Drive.  Free admission - suggested donation $15

 

Altadena Community Yoga session starts next week

The next session of Ann Bosi's Altadena Community Yoga classes starts at the Altadena Community Center next week: 

• Weds. at 5:30, 9/25 - 10/16
• Thurs. at 1:00, 9/26 - 10/17

Preregistration is required. If you are joining for the first time, please call  ASAP 626-798-1527 to indicate which class you will be taking, and bring your registration form to your first class.

 

Bear out there on Menlo Drive

Reader Anastassios Petropoulos sent these pictures our way:

There was a bear rummaging in the neighborhood trash on Wednesday night around 23:30 (11:30 PM) on Menlo Dr.  We are in the Maiden Lane- Menlo Drive - Reposa Lane area, a couple of blocks north of Altadena Drive and a couple of blocks east of Lake. 

 

Crime blotter: more burglaries this week

Vehicle and residential burglaries again, along with assault with a deadly weapon incidents.  Blotter provided by the Altadena Sheriff's Station.

Sunday, September 8

10:17 PM – A robbery occurred at Jack in the Box, 2305 N. Lake Avenue. The victim entered the business and began a conversation with a female. The suspect, male, Hispanic, 25-27 yrs, 5ft 9 ins., 160 lbs. , black hair, white shirt, blue jeans, entered the business and asked the victim why he was talking to his girlfriend. An argument ensued between the parties and the suspect took the victim’s cellphone. Suspect last seen southbound Lake Av. in a white or gray minivan. Loss: black Motorola cellphone. 

Monday, September 9 

10:00 AM – Terry Harmon, 52 yrs, of Altadena was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and attempt robbery. 

Wednesday, September 11

Between 2:00 AM and 11:00 AM – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 2200 block of El Molino Avenue. Suspect(s) gained access to the vehicle by opening the moon roof. Loss: tan Michael Kors purse. 

Between 6:00 PM and 8:30 AM (Thursday) – A residential burglary occurred in the 0-100 blk of E. Calaveras Street. Suspect(s) entered the residence by kicking the wood panel used to cover the window. Loss: blue Makita table saw, red Chicago angle saw, (2) red Milwaukee drills. 

7:30 PM – An assault  with a deadly weapon occurred in the area of Figueroa Drive. & Lincoln Avenue. ***Known suspect*** 

Morning jolt

• Scholar: Chelsea Rider-Hill of Altadena, California earned semester honors for Spring 2013 at Purdue University.  To earn semester honors, students must be attending at least half-time, have at least a 3.5 semester grade point average and at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA.
• POV: The LAist blog puts Altadena’s Pizza of Venice in their list of “The 7 Best Pizzas in Los Angeles You’re Not Eating.” They praise chef’s Jamie Woolner and Sean St. John’s “free-form crust,” “provocative toppings,” and “uncommon vision.”  Check out the raves here.

 

Reminder: ACONA meets Tuesday to discuss town council, school issues

The next meeting of the Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations (ACONA) will be Sept. 24 at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa Street, from 7-8:30 PM.

Speakers will be Diane Marcussen,  the new chair of the Altadena Town Council, and Kim Kenne, Pasadena Unified School District [PUSD] Board Member for District 1 in west Altadena.

ACONA members have long asked that the town council be more open and to responsive to issues they have in an interactive setting. For the September 24 meeting, Marcussen will address several of the issues raised by ACONA members, including:

• Altadena Town Council & Visioning Study update
• Interview the newly elected Town Council members
• Much more on CSD process and possibilities
• General planning update from visioning results
• A primer on how Altadena actually works, governance-wise that would help explain ineffectiveness of Town Council
• Making the Town Council accountable
• Why do the majority of our residents never hear from their census tract rep?

She will be joined by Sussy Nemer, field representative for County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich. Nemer will join Marcussen and assist ACONA members in determining what issues should be taken directly to the Town Council versus taken to the County Board of Supervisors.

Kim Kenne will address school issues affecting Altadena, including:

• Update on Common Core implementation
• Local Control Funding and Accountability Plan
• PUSD Master Planning

 

"Black Angels Have Red WIngs": Ngene Mwaura show at Sidewalk Cafe

by Timothy Rutt

Altadena artist Ngene Mwaura will show a collection of his new paintings on Wed., Sept. 25, at Sidewalk Café at Hen's Teeth Square, 2057 N Los Robles Ave.  (Los Robles and Woodbury Road).

The show is called "Black Angels Have Red WIngs."  Mwaura says, "This is a show about my Mom's passing, and celebrating who she was to me.  Sept. 25 is her birthday, and I will be showcasing the art at the Sidewalk Café."  The show is 7-10 PM.

Town council: it's about the reports

by Timothy Rutt

Tuesday night’s short Altadena Town Council meeting was mostly a recitation of reports.

Chair Diane Marcussen said that the new council (all except Ron Adams took their seats in July; Adams was sworn in Tueday night) set some priorities for the 2013-1014 term, among them: finish the Community Standards District draft and submit it to the county; review and revise bylaws, election rules, ethical standards; and rework the council’s website.

Among the highlights:

• Public safety: Altadena Sheriff Station Capt. John Benedict said that violent crime in Altaena was at all-time lows, even below last year, which also set a record for low crime.  Property crime, on the other hand, remains a problem; while is has gotten lower, vehicle burglaries continue to be a problem in Altadena. Benedict said that over 3,000 people in the area have signed up for Nixle, the online and mobile alert service. Benedict also announced that the sheriff’s station and Metropolitan Baptist Church will hold a resource and opportunity fair on Oct. 12, from 10 AM-2 PM.
• Library: Roberta Lauderdale Elam of the Lucas Branch Library said that the libraries will participate in the annual “Read for the Record” on Oct. 3.  The libraries will host readings at the main library at 11 AM and branch library at 3:30 PM, and there will also be readings at Perry’s Joint (with free ice cream).  This year’s books is “Otis” by Loren Long.  Children will get a free copy of the book while they last as part of Jumpstartand the Pearson Foundation’s efforts to promote childhood reading by having the same book read on the same day.  
• Aveson: Kate Bean, executive director of the Aveson Schools, said that they were working to open their new campus at the corner of Altadena Drive and Lincoln Avenue in early October.  The school is looking for suggestions for fencing, as the chain link currently on the site will come down when construction is finished.

The sheriff's stations August crime report, broken down by census tract, is after the jump.

Bow hunter spotted: be wary of illegal hunters

Lori Paul at the Chaney Trail neighborhood sent this to the newsgroups:

A bow hunter has been seen in the vicinity of Chaney Trail this afternoon (Sept. 16, 6:11pm); reportedly driving adark green GMC Suburban type SUV with rope tied around front bumper and deer head decals on rear window. CA Lic. #6RKZ276

Bow hunting is NOT safe nor legal on local County and USFS trails where children, dog-walkers, hikers, horse riders and mountain bikers can be mistaken for deer in the chaparral or coming around a corner. Also, alleged "deer hunters" may be covertly using deer season to cover poaching bears (for the black market gallbladder trade), killing bobcats (for the fur trade) and other wildlife for sharp-shooting "fun."

Weekend warriors in their camo clothing with cross-bows or compound hunting bows have been a problem in the past. Cross-bow bolts have lodged in trees and arrows have landed on private property (including land posted "No Hunting").

Please report sightings of hunters on the local listserves. Be aware of the danger on local trails and report any illegal hunting, especially when in close (bow-shot) proximity to residences, popular trails, day use or campground areas. Wear bright colors, put brightly colored vests on dogs, make horses identifiable, too.

Irresponsible and unsafe hunting has no place in the Angeles Forest around our homes and recreation areas. Please report such activity without delay to:

• Altadena Sheriffs 626 798.1131 (they can respond to the scene fastest near urban areas)
• USFS Dispatch for LEOs (Law Enforcement Officers) 661 723.2703 3.)
• California Dept. of Fish & Game: 1 888 DFG CALTIP (1 888 334.2258)

Politely tell hunters you encounter to take their activities to the safer backcountry and away from heavily populated neighborhoods.

Sierra Club looks at "The Future of FIre" at Eaton Canyon meeting

by Timothy Rutt

The Sierra Club Angeles Chapter’s Forest Committee presents wildfire and chaparral expert Rick Halsey at Eaton Canyon Nature Center on Sept. 25.

Halsey will look at the future of f fire in the San Gabriel Mountains and its adjacent foothill communities.  What does the future hold in our mainly chaparral landscape and how can we best cope with the changes to come?  He will also address how we can reduce the risk of more tragic firefighter deaths and what foothill homeowners can do to better protect their homes. The answers may surprise you.

Rick Halsey is Director of the California Chaparral Institute and author of the award winning book "Fire, Chaparral, and Survival in Southern California."  Rick has trained as a Type II wildland firefighter. The program will also feature an update on efforts to create a San Gabriel Mountains National Recreation Area and how you can help out.

A social reception at 7 p.m. precedes the 7:30 program. The program is free and the public is welcome. For information, email Don Bremner at donbremner@earthlink.net or John Monsen at wildernessjfm@aol.com

Eaton Canyon Nature Center is at 1750 N. Altadena Dr., Pasadena.

 

Flintridge Center's Moseley to chair benefit for "Mothers Behind Bars"

Jaylene Moseley,  known for tackling sensitive social issues through the work of Flintridge Center, has been named Honorary Chairperson for "Talk About Parenting with Shirlee Smith"’s upcoming benefit event – "Mothers Behind Bars: The Parent Puzzle."

In 2010, at the suggestion of California State Senator Carol Liu, "Talk About Parenting" worked with former inmate Gloria Barrios to redesign the classes the non-profit organization offered to the general population, adapting them to fit the needs of mothers behind bars. Moseley says: “Talk About Parenting is doing such critical work.  When incarcerated mothers improve parenting practices, their children’s adjustment to both incarceration and reentry improves, and families are strengthened.”  

"Talk About Parenting"’s classes are in their third year at the California Institution for Women in Corona, and are completely filled. In fact, there are over 100 mothers on the wait list.  

Smith says: “Moseley’s unwavering support of the underserved and Flintridge Center’s work to reintegrate previously incarcerated individuals back into the community reduces recidivism and blends well with our organization’s mission of improving and strengthening the quality of family life, thereby benefiting the broader community.”

"Mothers Behind Bars: The Parent Puzzle" benefit event will be held Sunday, October 27,  from 3-5 PM at Hillsides, 940 Avenue 64, in Pasadena.

Speakers for the event include: Gloria Barrios, a mother and former inmate;  State Senator Carol Liu; Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich; and CIW Deputy Chief Warden Kimberly Hughes.

Recipient of the organization’s Humanitarian Award will be Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Marguerite  D. Downing.

Lois Brand Billings is chair of the event. To attend, please RSVP on the organization’s website at .talkaboutparenting.org  For further information call 626-296-2777.

 

Gustavo Arellano takes a tour of Mexican food at the Library Sept. 30

by TImothy Rutt  

Best-selling author and columnist Gustavo Arellano (Ask a Mexican) hosts an entertaining tour through the history and culture of Mexican food in the United States at the Altadena Library on Sept. 30.

Arellano's new book, Taco USA, looks at the history of Mexican food in the U.S. with a serving of cultural criticism and personal anecdotes.  Arellanno will also sign his books.  And yes, there will be snacks, from Mota's Mexican Restaurant.

"An Evening with Gustavo Arellano" starts at 7 PM Monday, Sept. 30, at the Altadena Main Library Community Room, 600 E. Mariposa St. 

 

Altadena Guild to hold Oct. 13 fashion fundraiser at Macy's.

from the Altadena Guild

On Sunday, October 13¸from 3-7 PM, the Altadena Guild of Huntington Memorial Hospital with Macy’s South Lake will host a Fashion Show Extravaganza/Fundraiser at Macy’s Department Store, 401 S. Lake Avenue in Pasadena.  Founded in 1952, the Altadena Guild of HMH has partnered with the Huntington Memorial Hospital and the Huntington Medical Research Institute (HMRI) to provide philanthropic support for them.

This event will benefit Huntington Medical Research Institute (HMRI) and the Constance G. Zahorik Appearance Center of Huntington Memorial Hospital.  HMRI is an independent organization dedicated to improving health and prolonging life by enhancing knowledge of life processes and diseases through world-class medical research.  The Appearance Center, located in the Huntington Hospital Cancer Center at the Huntington Pavilion has licensed cosmetologists to help breast cancer patients look and feel their best by helping to manage the side effects of cancer treatment, including the use of make-up and wigs.

The fashion show will feature fall fashion trends from a variety of apparel and accessory brands for both men and women.  Sizes for women will include Juniors, Missy and Women’s. The event will be held on the mid-level of Macy’s South Lake Avenue Store in Pasadena.  You are invited to enjoy socializing with food and drink, a shopping party with personal stylists and special discounts throughout the store.  There will be a lipstick bar, perfume sampling, hand massage, gifts and special drawings.

Cost of tickets for the event is $45 if purchased by October 1 and $50 if purchased after that.  Tickets can be purchased through the Altadena Guild website, www.altadenaguild.org or mail checks to The Altadena Guild, 2450 N. Lake Ave., PMB 106, Altadena, CA 91001-2442.  Seating is limited.  Check-in required on the day of the event.

Pasadena Village program seeking members, volunteers

from Pasadena Village

The Pasadena Village, a non-profit organization serving older adults in the San Gabriel Valley, is growing, and its volunteer program is keeping pace. Since its successful Anniversary Celebration in June, the Village has welcomed 19 new members into its caring community, surpassing the 100-member mark and clocking in at 114 as of September 12.

This increase in membership has led to an increase in requests for Village services, such as local transportation and light home repairs. As a volunteer-first organization, the Pasadena Village relies on a team of dedicated do-gooders to provide most of its member services. Only when a qualified volunteer cannot be found does the Pasadena Village refer its members to preferred providers.

The Pasadena Village is a membership organization connecting people 55 and older to programs, services and cultural activities that enable them to enjoy safe, healthy, satisfying, and fruitful lives. By helping members stay independent, active, and connected, the Pasadena Village creates a network of people committed to helping one another age successfully.

The majority of the Pasadena Village’s volunteers are members themselves, which creates a tight-knit community of mutual support. “By asking for services, by needing something, you’re actually providing a service to those who then have a chance to make a connection with you and to learn from you,” says Sue Kujawa, Executive Director.

 

Antonovich hosts foster youth benefit Sept. 26

by Timothy Rutt

Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich will host the 18^th Annual “All for the Love of Kids” event to benefit Los Angeles County foster youth.

Proceeds from the event go to the Children’s Trust Fund which provides foster youth with services, goods and activities not typically covered by government funding such as special medical, orthodontia and dental needs, scholarships, laptops, educational field trips, uniforms, music lessons and sports equipment.

This year’s event will be held at the County Hall of Administration in Downtown Los Angeles on the 8^th Floor Balcony on Thursday, September 26 at 5:00 pm.

For more information, please contact Michelle Vega at 213-974-5555 or mvega@bos.lacounty.gov.

PUSD State of the Schools address at Jackson Elementary Sept. 24

from the Pasadena Unified School District

Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) Board of Education President Renatta Cooper will deliver the annual PUSD State of the Schools Address on Tuesday, September 24, at 5 PM. at Jackson Elementary School.  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.

The evening begins with a reception at 5 PM sponsored by the Pasadena Educational Foundation and PUSD’s College and Career Pathways. The speaking program begins at 5:30 PM In addition to President Cooper’s remarks will be an update from the Measure TT Bond Oversight Committee and a brief presentation for parents and the community on the new Common Core State Standards.

The address and reception are free and open to the public with an RSVP bySeptember 20. Attendees can RSVP by email to communications@pusd.us or call626-396-3606.

Located on the border of Altadena and Pasadena in the northwest part of the district, Jackson Elementary School has a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) focus, hosts a Spanish dual language immersion program and collaborates with Reading Partners volunteers to provide regular one-on-one language arts tutoring for students. The event will take place in their recently renovated auditorium thanks to Measure TT, the $350 million school bond initiative approved by voters in 2008.

The PUSD Board President is required by the Pasadena City Charter to annually deliver a State of the Schools Address on or before September 30. Spanish translation of the remarks will be provided and tours of Jackson Elementary School will also be offered. The 2013 State of the Schools will be streamed live onklrntv.org/webcast and will be broadcast on KLRN-TV (Ch. 95 on Charter and Ch. 99 on U-Verse) the following week.

Jackson Elementary School is at 593 W. Woodbury Road, Altadena.

 

Heritage looks at "Altadena's Water Future" Sept. 23

from  Mark Goldschmidt, President
Altadena Heritage

Altadena Heritage will be hosting a public forum, "Altadena’s Water Future," to try to clarify issues of water supply, water quality, handling of storm water, and mandated compliance with the Federal Clean Water Act as they impact Altadena.

We have lined up a panel of important water people for this round-table event:

• Chris Stone, LA County’s Water Resource manager;
• a representative from the Roads division of County Department of Public Works, to be announced;
• Tim Brick of the Arroyo Seco Foundation and former chairman of Metropolitan Water District;
• Rich Atwater of the Foothill Municipal Water District.
• Other local water purveyors including Pasadena have been specially invited to attend, and most are sending representatives.

Our goal is to increase Altadenans’ knowledge of, and involvement in, today’s water issues, including water security and water quality initiatives such as Clean Water, Clean Beaches Act (designed to put LA County in compliance with Federal regulations. It was recently dropped, but is sure to reappear).

We will focus somewhat on Altadena's position at the top of the inhabited watershed, but will also address the general situation in Southern California. We want everyone to understand local opportunities for management: capture, recharge, and treatment.

Co-op surpasses fundaising goal; yard sale is next

by Timothy Rutt

The Arroyo Food Co-op surpassed its Indiegogo fundraising goal this weekend, garnering $11,291 to be used to paint the exterior of the co-op building.

The Co-op has also announced another Yard Sale Extravaganza at the store at 494 N. Wilson Avenue in Pasadena.  The yard sale will be held on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 8 AM-3 PM.  Early bird entry is at 7 AM  with a $5 suggested donation.  In a release to members, they say:

In addition to countless treasures looking for a home, there will be coffee served until noon (with our compliments), a lemonade stand, massages by Ann Waters, knife sharpening by Greg Marquez, and more! So even if you're not looking to buy anything, please stop by and hang out with us for a while--we'd love to see you!

Item Donations:
If you have any gently used items at home longing for adventure, bring them our way. We have enough clothes, but we are still accepting donations of books, furniture, collectibles, kitchenware, toys, etc. You may drop them off at the Co-op on the following days:

Sunday, 9/15: from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Monday, 9/16: from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 9/18: from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, 9/19: from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday, 9/20: from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

If none of the above drop-off days are convenient, please contact our Yard Sale Czarina, Melissa Kinnicutt, to make arrangements: melissakinnicutt@yahoo.com

Morning jolt

• Homestead living: KCET’s “Living” blog takes a look at Gloria Putnam, Steve Rudicel, and the goats of the Zane Grey Estate and the whole urban homesteading thing,
• Housing nightmare: Altadena residents Cieth and Louise Sinclair took a loan modification, and everything was well ... but then a knock at the door told them their home was sold in a foreclosure and they would have to leave.  Rudabeh Shabazi at ABC7 give the whole nightmare scenario.

 

Monthly Family Dance Nights starting Sept. 20

by Timothy Rutt

Miss Lynnanne brings back "Family Dance Nights" to Sue B. Dance Studio on Friday, Sept. 20.

Everyone age 5-85 or more is invited to enjoy a variety of dance moves, party dances, line dances, and maybe even a square dance or two.  All dances will be taught, and no partner is necessary.

Family Dance Nights will also be held Oct. 18 and Nov. 15.

Cost is $5 per person, ages 4 and under free, from 6-7 PM at Sue B. Dance Studio; 2525 N. Lake Ave., Altadena.   For more information, send an email to dancecommunity@earthlink.net or call the studio at 626 797 1837.

West Nile Virus still a problem in San Gabriel Valley

from the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito Control & Vector Control District

The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District continues to find evidence of West Nile virus (WNV) in the San Gabriel Valley. Tests conducted this week identified WNV in another of the District's chicken flocks located just north of the main campus of the Claremont Colleges in the city of Claremont

The District routinely tests mosquitoes, birds, and chickens from flocks it maintains throughout the San Gabriel Valley as part of its disease surveillance program.  

Residents are urged to take precautions against mosquito bites as transmission is expected to continue throughout the summer and fall months.   

So far this year the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reports a total of 74 human infections in Los Angeles County.  

• 46 are listed as the more severe West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND)
• 15 are the milder West Nile fever (WNF)
• 13 are asymptomatic blood donors

Only one in approximately 150 infections result in severe illness, however 62% percent of cases reported this year have been the more severe West Nile neuroinvasive disease.  It is entirely possible that more than 1,300 cases of WNV in Los Angeles County this year have not been tested and reported. This has District officials very concerned. 

Waldorf School opens year with rose ceremony

from the Pasadena Waldorf School

 

Pasadena Waldorf School students prepare for the annual Rose Ceremony.

The Pasadena Waldorf School (PWS) marked its 34th opening ceremony by celebrating the beginning of a new first grade class with their teacher, Justin Loeser. The traditional Rose Ceremony occurs annually on the first day of school, providing an opportunity for the eighth grade students to welcome the first grade students from the kindergartens into the “grades” through the offering of a red rose.  Each eighth grade student begins a special relationship with his or her first grade buddy and the two classes join throughout the year to spend lunches and breaks together, as well as for special activities.

 

The ceremony completes its full circle when the first graders return this gesture in the spring. On graduation day in the coming June, each first grader will give their special eighth grade buddy a rose to celebrate the older student’s journey into high school.

Lost dog: "Two Chains," Casitas/Altadena Drive

We lost a 10 month old unaltered male pitbull named Two Chains.  He is very sweet and friendly.  He is mostly gray with white on his face, neck and chest.

He was last seen on Monday Sept 9, 2013 at night near the corner of Casitas and Altdedena Drive.  He needs medication and his sister doggie is missing him very much.  He had two light-weight chain collars.

Please call Chris at 626-318-2475, Rosa at 818-726-5912, or Damon at 626-371-4846..Please help to find our best friend.

 

Still room for sponsors and diners at Five Acres Golf Classic Sept. 23

from Five Acres

There are still dinner tickets available as Five Acres continues celebrating 125 years of service at its annual Golf Classic and Dinner to be held Monday, Sept. 23 at San Gabriel Country Club. Proceeds from this event will benefit Five Acres’ pioneering services that ensure safety, well-being and permanency for more than 6,500 children and families served each year. All spots in the tournament are filled, but sponsorship opportunities are still available, as are tickets for the evening celebration dinner, awards and live entertainment, beginning with cocktails at 5:30. Dinner tickets are $100.

This year’s sponsors and underwriters include: Brad Reaume and Bolton & Company, title sponsor; Wells Fargo and Excelsior Partners, ace sponsors; William R. and Virginia Hayden Foundation, double eagle sponsor; Majestic Realty Co., awards dinner underwriter; and Longo Toyota-Scion-Lexus, hole-in-one sponsor.

Since 1988, Five Acres’ Golf Classic and Dinner event has continued to be one of Five Acres’ largest annual fundraisers, raising funds for vital support services for children and families in crisis. Over its 125 year history, Five Acres has been caring for children in need, connecting them with safe, loving families and strengthening families for long-term success. For information about Five Acres’ Annual Golf Classic and Dinner, visit www.fiveacres.org or contact Jill Hawkins at 626-791-1225 x 1 or jill@mhpevents.com.

Bulgarini movie is Jean de Florette tonight

Tonight's movie at Bulgarini Gelato is Jean de Florette:  A greedy landowner and his backward nephew conspire to block the only water source for an adjoining property in order to bankrupt the owner and force him to sell. Starring Yves Montand and Gérard Depardieu. (The sequel,  Manon of the Spring, will be shown next week).

Slightly adjusted hours with the shorter days: dinner will be served at 7 PM, and film begins at sundown. 

Movies are always free. Gelato served throughout.  Bulgarini Gelato is at 749 E. Altadena Drive.

Crime blotter: commercial burglaries, strong-arm robbery

Some commercial thefts characterize this week in crime.  Crime blotter provided by the Altadena Sheriff Station.

Sunday, September 1

Between 9:00 PM and 10:00 AM – A petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 400 block of  E. Las Flores Drive. Loss: black wallet. 

Tuesday, September

Between 12:30 PM and 5:30 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 3500 block of Lincoln Avenue. Loss: unknown. 

Between 5:00 PM and 6:30 AM (Wednesday) – A petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 2000 block of Glenview Terrace. Loss: iPod, black leather organizer, vehicle registration. 

11:30 PM – Shanovia Escoe, 34 yrs, of Altadena was arrested for possession of marijuana. 

Wednesday, September 4

Between 7:45 AM and 3:30 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 3500 block of Hollyslope Rd. Loss: bronze strong box, pendant, US passport. 

Between 9:30 AM and 9:50 AM – A grand theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 500 block of Wapello Street. Loss: red/black lawnmower, weed whacker, trimmer. 

Between 10:00 AM and 3:15 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2300 block of Galbreth Road. Loss: unknown. 

LACMA ♥ Altadena as Art+Film Lab opens at Charles White Park

Jessica Youn of LACMA welcomes visitors to the Art+Film Lab, which will be at Charles White Park through Oct. 13. Photos by Laura Monteros.

by Laura B. Monteros

It seemed serendipitous. LACMA—Los Angeles County Museum of Art—wanted to expand its outreach into communities far from the art museum with LACMA9 Art + Film Lab, and Altadena’s demographics matched the kind of community they were looking for.  But the folks at LACMA got more than they dreamed of when they discovered this little gem we call home.

The first discovery was Charles White Park, named after the influential African-American artist and teacher. When the museum approached Penny Daniels, manager of Loma Alta Park, about using that site as a venue for the project, Daniels and Recreation Services Leader Sam Estrada put their heads together and offered Charles White Park as a more appropriate venue.  They considered the art connection as well as the need for more programs and requests for movies in the park.

“That was the biggest thing,” Sarah Jesse, associate vice president of education at LACMA, said of the venue.  “There’s a lot of his art in our collection.” LACMA even has a satellite gallery at Charles White Elementary School on the site of the old Otis Art Institute across from MacArthur Park.  “His legacy is something we think about a lot,” she said.

Altadena's Louis Van Taylor and his band entertain at Art+Film lab opening Friday night.

A place for the arts
The second was Altadena’s vibrant art and music community and haven for one-of-a-kind characters.  “It seems like a great place,” Jesse said.  “We met a lot of people while we were prepping,” and they educated her about such Altadenans as Jirayr Zorthian, Richard Feynman, and Zeke the Sheik.

 

Have a book in you? Learn how to publish it yourself Sept. 24

Webster's Fine Stationers has another workshop coming up:

Writing a book?  If so, you might already be aware of how frustrating it is to get it published by a major publishing house.  Here's a solution - publish it yourself!

Increasingly popular these days, 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 us at the store, and we'll reserve a seat for you. We're limited to seating only 35 people for this seminar, so be sure to reserve your seat early!  626-797-1135

 

Town council agenda for Sept. 17

 

The Altadena Town Council will have its monthly meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 17, at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.  Looks like no major action items are up this month, but we've been surprised before!

The meeting starts a 7 PM.

 

 

Mark Dean Veca book launch in Los Angeles Saturday

by Timothy Rutt

Alta-artist Mark Dean Veca will have a book launch Satuday, Sept. 14, at Western Project, 2762 S. La Cienega Blvd. Los Angeles, from 6-8 PM.

MARK DEAN VECA : 20 Years Works from the New Monograph is the first major monograph on Veca, created and published by Zero + Publishing. It contains essays by noted art writers, Carlo McCormick and Shana Nys Dambrot:

MARK DEAN VECA: 20 YEARS is a deluxe over-sized coffee table book which reveals the evolution of work by the respected multimedia artist-including vibrant paintings and drawings, all-immersive psychedelic exhibition spaces and limited edition pieces. Veca's colorful, dynamic paintings pop off the page in bright red, orange and turquoise hues, with curvaceous lines inspired by the underground comic world. His work incorporates everything from pop culture references like Tony the Tiger and Scrooge McDuck to Americana elements like the Lincoln Memorial to the American Flag; to religious iconography including skulls, Buddhas and Ganeshas - all filtered through his own gaze.

 

http://www.zeropluspublishing.com/veca.htm#images/veca_3.jpg

western-project.com

Poetry corner: bears, oh my!

"The Bear Went Over The Mountain..."

from gloriana casey

The Bear went over the mountain
to see what he could see.
He saw another stuck hiker;
how many..... would this be?

Bear mused about these strange people,
 and just how strange they would be
If Volunteers were not willing
to set these hikers free?

And citizens too, they wondered
as copters filled their sky
since Edison work is done  now,
why do so many fly?

Traveling mercies

Doing our bit for medical science today, so we'll be out of pocket most of the day.

CBS News features Eaton Canyon rescue crews

 

In the light of yesterday's Eaton Canyon hiking misadventure, Jamie Bissner alerted us to this Sept. 6 feature on CBS about how our rescue crews do their jobs.

 

MonteCedro contractor exceeds recycling goal, construction starts Sept. 30

by Timothy Rutt

MonteCedro's construction and engineering firm have been able to recycle 1,300 tons of material, recovered during the deconstruction of the homes along Crawford Avenue.

According to a press release from MonteCedro, DPR Construction and Darco Engineering exceeded the county's goal of recycling 50 percent of the construction material used in the Crawford Avenue houses.  The total of reclable material for the project is in the high 90th percentile, according to the release.  The salvaged building supplies were donated to the San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity.

The 186-unit retirement community is still slated to begin construction on Sept. 30.

“We are very pleased with the progress that DPR Construction and Darco Engineering made in deconstructing the Crawford Avenue homes, preparing the grounds for construction and working with us to maintain our commitment of reducing the project’s carbon footprint,” said Martha Tamburrano, President/CEO of Episcopal Communities & Services, which owns MonteCedro. “We look forward to transitioning to the construction phase, and to being a part of the Altadena community and contributing to its economic vitality.”

 

PMC offers "Listen, then Pay" in Oct. 12 Britten tribute

by Timothy Rutt

The Pasadena Master Chorale will perform "A Portrait of Benjamin Britten" at the Altadena Community Church on Oct. 12, with a novel concept: "Listen first, then pay."

Get your ticket online or from a chorale member for zero --  yes, zero -- dollars.  

“Yes, you can actually ‘purchase’ a ticket for zero dollars,” says Artistic Director Jeffrey Bernstein. “Then, after the performance, we will ask audience members to pay what they feel the concert was worth. All of us at PMC are very excited about the idea of giving music to people first and, only then, afterwards asking for payment.”

The gimmick will kick off the chorale's fifth anniversary season, as well as the 100th birthday of British composer Britten. The program will include such works as Jubilate Deo, three choral dances from Britten’s opera Gloriana, Hymn to St. Cecilia, Festival Te Deum, and Rejoice in the Lamb, among others. Guest artist James Walker will accompany the choir on the church’s newly rebuilt organ.

“Britten is beloved by choirs,” says Bernstein. “He sprang from the rich British choral tradition and wrote beautifully and voluminously for human voices. His music is fresh and modern without sounding harsh or gratuitously dissonant. Plus, it’s a pleasure for us to sing in our native language because the pronunciation and the meaning are so immediate. Our hope, of course, is that the audience share in this joy and immediacy.” 

Thanks to a grant from the Yale University School of Music, the chorale has expanded its educational outreach program and will include as part of the concert two Britten arrangements -- The Salley Gardens and Oliver Cromwell -- performed by the PMC Choristers.  The choristers are an ensemble of middle school-aged singers representing schools from throughtout the community.  The choristers are also to perform in other concerts in the season, including the holiday concert, newly commissioned work by California composers in March, and selections by Carl Orff when the chorale performs Carmina Burana in May.

High school singers will be recruited for a "Beethoven Bootcamp" to take part in PMC's performance of Beenthoven's Ninth with the Los Angeles Daiku and Los Angeles Daiku Orchestra on January 12, 2014.

To take part in “Listen First, Then Pay” and ‘purchase’ tickets at no cost or to learn more about the Pasadena Master Chorale and its upcoming season, visit www.pasadenamasterchorale.org.

The concert starts at 7:30 PM Oct. 12 at Altadena Community Church,  943 East Altadena Drive in Altadena.

Hiker rescued from steep cliff in Eaton Canyon Wednesday

by Timothy Rutt

Altadena and Sierra Madre search and rescue teams rescued a hiker in a five hour operation Wednesday afternoon.

According to a release from the Altadena Sheriff's Station, a 25-year-old  Los Angeles man became stuck on a narrow rock about 230 feet above the canyon bottom near the first waterfall at Eaton Canyon.  The hiker was off any regular trail.

The sheriff's department said that 14 rescuers and 600 feet of rope was used to lower the hiker to safety.  The hiker was uninjured and transported to his vehicle by Parks Bureau personnel, according to the release.

Lost dog: Daisy [UPDATE: Found by a reader]

Daisy went missing sometime last night or this morning.  

She is described as an all white-huskey. with one bluish eye and one brown eye and a pink collar.  She's very playful and won' t bite.

UPDATE:  The owners e-mailed that Daisy was spotted by an Altadenablog reader, and she's home safe now. 

LACMA Film Lab opens Friday at Charles White Park

by Timothy Rutt

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) opens the  Altadena Art + Film Lab at Charles White Park for five weeks (Sept. 13 through Oct. 13).  

The Art + Film Lab offers free art and film programming, as well as an interactive space to learn and experiment with art and filmmaking processes through free hands-on workshops, weekly outdoor filmscreenings, and the gathering of oral histories from community members. 

On Friday, September 13, 6-10, please join the opening night party which includes an evening of live music by jazz quartet Louis Van Taylor Band and a special outdoor screening of Le Havre by Aki Kaurismäki. Additionally, Altadena-based artist and teacher Ian White, son of artist Charles White, will be present on the opening night to introduce the film.

Learn more about the LACMA9 Art + Film Lab initiative at www.lacma.org/artfilmlab.

Facebook page is here.

RIPE presents pressure canning workshop @Zane Grey Sept. 29

by TImothy Rutt

It's fall, and what are you going to do with all that produce coming up?

RIPE Altadena is sponsoring a beginner's class in pressure canning at the Zane Grey Estate on Sunday, Sept. 29 from 1-4 PM.

Master Food Preserver Steve Rudicel will teach you to use a pressure canner and expand your range of home-preserved foods to include low acid vegetables, soups, stews, sauces, chilis, and more.

With a pressure canner you are able to safely can vegetables, meats, soups, stews, sauces, chilies, and all sorts of deliciousness. Jams, jellies and pickles are wonderful flavor enhancers that add to a meal. Pressure canning lets you preserve the main course

In Pressure Canning for Beginners, you will learn about types of pressure canners, pressure canner safety, safely canning low-acid foods, and how pressure canning can be used to feed your family.

Participants will take one pressure canned item home with them along with recipes and information that cover the basic canning categories (vegetables, meat & soup)

The Zane Grey Estate is at 396 Mariposa Street. Gates open at 12:30; a parking attendant will direct you where to park on the property. Car pooling recommended if possible.

Cost is $20.00 in advance before Sept 22nd, 2013 at 11:59 PM;  $25.00 from Sept 23 - 27, 2013.  If space allows, $35 at the door.

Sign up here: Buy tickets for Pressure Canning for Beginners - Sunday September 29th, 2013 1-4pm

 

Fall dance cultural/holiday classes start today at Sue B. Dance Studio

by Timothy Rutt

Lynnanne Hanson Miller 's fall classes at Sue B. Dance Studio, 2525 N. Lake Avenue, start up today.

This session, for ages five to ten, will look at holiday traditions from around the world.  Children will learn traditional dances, songs, and games.

Classes meet every Wednesday from Sept. 11 to  Dec. 18 (no class Nov. 27), from 4-5 PM. Fee is $125 per student with $25 sibling discount, registration and recital fees included.

For more information, please send an email to : dancecommunity@earthlink.net A registration form will be emailed to you to mail or deliver with your payment (cash or checks accepted)

Instructor: Lynnanne Hanson Miller "Miss Lynnanne" has 25 years of dance instruction, performance and choreographic experience. She is a Teaching Artist with the Los Angeles County Music Center’s Education Division, The Segerstrom Center for the Arts, the Los Angeles County Arts Commission Arts for All Initiative, the Paramount and Pasadena Unified School Districts, and Member of the AMAN Dance Educators.

Folly Bowl ends the season with Tesserae

If there's sackbut involved, what's not to like?: Suzanne Dadd, empress of the Folly Bowl, writes:

We are pleased to announce our last concert of 2013.  The wonderful ensemble Tesserae will present a program featuring some of the most bizarre and quirky pieces of the Renaissance and Baroque periods, from the slightly obsessive compulsive canzoni by Vierdanck to the flamboyant and fantastic instrumental sonatas by Castello.  Please bring a picnic to enjoy as the sun sets.  All trash should be packed out. 

Corporal Simon and My Neighbor Roland

Sunday, September 22    6 PM

1601 East Loma Alta Drive, Altadena, CA 91001

Alexandra Opsahl - recorder & cornetto

Susan Feldman - baroque violin

Noah Gladstone - sackbut

Nicholas Daley - sackbut

Ken Kugler - bass sackbut

Ian Pritchard - virginals

Free admission - suggested donation $15

www.tesserae-la.com

So close: Arroyo Food Co-op wants to reach fundraising goal by Friday

 

by Timothy Rutt

The Arroyo Food Co-op's Indiegogo fundraiser is almost at its goal, but just needs a little over $1,000 by Friday to put it over the top.

The co-op is looking to raise at least $10,000 to help prepare its market building at 494 N. Wilson Avenue in Pasadena.  It opened a crowdfunding effort through Indiegogo a month ago, and it wants to reach (if not surpass) its goal by the Sept. 13 deadline.

Contribution levels for the campaign range from $1 to $1,000 and each level includes a “thank you” perk—everything from a Co-op bumper sticker to bags of a special AFC roasted coffee to a locavore dinner for two with a local chef.

To  make a contribution, visit http://igg.me/at/arroyofoodcoop/x/4294799

 

'Tis the season: "Lights Up" for Christmas Tree Lane starts this weekend

Is it that time already?  The Christmas Tree Lane Association is looking for volunteers to help put up the lights starting this weekend.  Linda Lane-White sends us this:

Come join your neighbors and friends beginning Saturday, September 14, 2013, from  9 AM-12 PM for “Lights Up”. As long as the weather permits, we will be putting lights in the trees every Saturday and Sunday thereafter from 9 to 12 until all the trees are finished. In the morning you will be greeted with donuts, coffee and hot chocolate and after 12 PM, lunch will be served.

Volunteers will be starting at the top of Christmas Tree Lane (Santa Rosa and Altadena Drive) and working the way down every weekend until finished.

Two things to know before you come:

1)      If you are bringing a group of more than five on any weekend and plan to stay and have lunch, PLEASE call (626) 403-1123 or E-Mail at christmastreelaneassociation@gmail.com beforehand so that we will have enough food for everyone;

2)      We can only move as fast as our tree climbers, so, if you would be willing to climb about one story up a ladder, please tell us when you come and we will show you what to do. (To get an idea of the height, go to any tree on the Lane, look up and see the metal box…that’s about how far up you’d need to go).

If you have any further questions about the specifics of screwing in bulbs and hanging lines in the trees, give us a call.

Thank you and we hope to see you on the Lane!!

Library comes clean about making your own natural soaps Sept. 21

Local soap-maker Anne Louise Bannon will lead a workshop at Altadena Library on how to make your own healthy, luxurious, and soothing soaps using all natural ingredients at a program sponsored by the Friends of the Altadena Library.  This free event will take place on Saturday, September 21, from 2-4 PM in the Library Community Room.

The first 30 people to arrive will have a hands-on experience and must be 14 years of age or over to handle the soap ingredients. Others will be able to watch and learn. Everyone will receive a packet of recipes and a free sample. Soaps made by Anne Louise will also be available to purchase.

The main Altadena Library is located at600 E. Mariposa St. Altadena. For more information please call 626-798-0833 or check the library’s website athttp://www.altadenalibrary.org.

 

 

Community Advisory Committee looks at Common Core Sept. 16

by Timothy Rutt

The Special Education Department Community Advisory Committee, a group of parents and community members involved in special education at the Pasadena Unified School District, will host Dr. Giesele Ragusa speaking about "Common Core and Special Education: What It Means for Your Student" on Monday, Sept. 16, at 8:30 PM.

 

Ragusa is Director of Teacher, K-12 and Community Education at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering.

Questions and comments can be sent to: joycac1@gmail.com

The meeting will be at the Elbie J. Hickambottom Board Room, PUSD Education Center Room #236, 351 South Hudson Avenue, Pasadena.  Free childcare and translation.

More details are available at: http://cac.pasadenausd.org

 

Found dog on Mendocino, now at Pasadena Humane Society

A reader sent this picture of a friendly pit she found on Mendocino Street going from Glenrose to Fair Oaks -- which must be in Pasadena since she took it to the Pasadena Humane Society (*cough*).  This girl just hopped in her car and stayed there.

According to our correspondent, PHS said she had no chip, but she must have someone who misses her.  Call the Humane Society for more information: call 626-792-7151, ID # A338489.

MonteCedro to break ground at end of month

by Timothy Rutt

MonteCedro, the retirement community that will take the place of the former Scripps Home, plans to finally break ground on the project this month.

Sam Baum, senior director of sales and marketing for MonteCedro, made the announcement at Saturday's Sheriff Support Group Concert in Farnsworth Park.

Baum said that there would be a ceremonial groundbreaking on Sept. 26, and construction would begin Sept. 30.  Baum said that the project was scheduled to be open in late summer, 2015.

The project has been in the works since the late 2000s, when the organization that is now Episcopal Home Communities purchased the Scripps Home and adjoining properties.  The Scripps Home buildings were leveled (except for the Gloria Cottage, which is still on the site) and owners of adjoining homes along Crawford Avenue were allowed to continue to live there as renters until earlier this year.  Despite ambitious plans, the project was stalled by the plunging economy in 2008, leaving the site Altadena's largest vacant lot ever since.  

 

Scissors/Paper/Rock has September specials

Scissors/Paper/Rock Salon, 1864 N. Allen Avenue, is celebrating September with some back-to-school offers:

• Back to School Offer #1: Bring in a friend with you to SPR and you each get 10% off your next haircut with us.
• Back to School Offer #2: For your next keratin hair treatment, you receive 15% off.
• Back to School Offer #3: Kids' Haircuts are 10% off.

It's also raffle time:  For every $50 spent, you get a raffle ticket to win 1 of 2 fabulous prizes full of products. Come on in for a chance to win these great prizes!

Phone number is 626-825-1846.