altadenablog

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

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

from Charley and Linda Newhart
Community correspondents 

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

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

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

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

Hiker rescued from second waterfall

by Timothy Rutt

Rescue crews walked down an injured hiker from second waterfall at Eaton Canyon Thursday afternoon.

According to Law Enforcement Technician Valdez at the Crescenta Valley Sheriff's Station, rescue crews were called in about 2:40 PM after the male hiker, no age available, had twisted his ankle at the location, which has been notorious for hiker injuries and deaths in recent years.  

The hiker was taken down from the waterfall and transported to Huntington Hospital in Pasadena.

 

Crime blotter: shots reported fired; burglaries and vandalisms

Reports of gunshots -- with no suspects or victims found -- and the usual rounds of burglaries in this week's crime blotter.  Crime blotter provided by the Altadena Sheriff Station.

Sunday, June 9 

1:30 PM – A female (17 years old) was arrested in the 2000 block of Beverly Drive for battery after she assaulted several members of her family. 

Monday, June 10
 
12:15 AM – A residential burglary was reported in the 2800 block of Winterhaven Lane. Loss: Television set. 

Between 6:30 AM and 5:30 PM – A vandalism occurred in the 4300 block of Rising Hill Road. Damage: broken living room window. 

Between 9:00 AM and 2:30 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 300 block of E. Loma Alta Drive. Loss: television and laptop computer. 

Between 11:18 AM and 12:15 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 4200 block of Aralia Road. Loss: DVD player, Wii game console, iPad, desktop computer, television, jewelry. 

1:12 PM – Deputies arrested suspect Dwight Ferguson (male/36 years old) at Bank of America on Lake Avenue for attempting to cash a forged check. 

7:53 PM – Deputies arrested Frank Garcia (male/31 years old) in the 200 block of Acacia Street. for domestic assault. 

Tuesday, June 11 

Between 6:20 AM and 1:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 300 block of E. Woodbury Road. Loss: jewelry and currency. 

Between 11:00 AM and 11:35 AM – A vandalism occurred in the 700 block of Figueroa Drive. Damage: vehicle paint scratched (“keyed”). 

Between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2300 block of N. Windsor Avenue. Loss: (2) laptop computers. 

11:25 PM – Deputies responded to a call of gunshots in the area of Stonehurst Drive. No suspects or victims found. 

Wednesday, June 12 

Between 9:30 AM and 8:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2800 block of Winterhaven Lane. Loss: jewelry. 

5:58 PM – Deputies arrested suspect Lando King (male/28 years old) in the 2400 block of Grandeur Avenue for Criminal Threats after he threatened several neighbors. 

Amy's Patio Café introduces "Burger Thursday," opens more hours

by TImothy Rutt

Amie Moore at Amy's Patio Café says that they're inaugurating "Burger Thursday" tonight.  The restaurant is going to do different kinds of burgers every Thursday night from 5-9 PM.

This is just one of the changes at the restauarant, as Moore says they're no longer going to close between breakfast and dinner Thursday thru Sunday.  New hours are Monday thru Wednesday 7 AM-3 PM, Thursday-Friday 7 AM-9 PM, Saturday 8 AM-9 PM, and Sunday 8 AM-7 PM.

Amy's Patio Café is at 900 E. Altadena Drive.

 

Traveling mercies

Today we start the continuation drug study trial for our son Jake, so we're flying up to UC-Davis Medical Center to get a shot, and then fly back.  Entries accordingly will be light.

 

Reminder: Brandon Jackson scholarship fundraiser Sat.; summer b-ball starts Tues.

by Timothy Rutt

The Brandon Jackson Memorial Scholarship Basketball Shoot-out is coming this Saturday, June 22, at John Muir High School, from 8 AM-8 PM.

Bob Pech at Stepping Into The Light Outreach, a ministry of First Prebyterian Church in Altadena, says there's still time to sign up a team or donate at the website, bjscholarship.org.

Stepping Into the Light and Team Pasadena also sponsor a supervised summer basketball program, Harriet Street Court, which begins Tuesday, June 25,  from 7-8:30 PM at the church's new basketball court, 2775 Lincoln Avenue at the intersection with Harriet Street.

 

Related articles

Bearwatch: Muir students' bear awareness film takes first place in contest

Third annual Brandon Jackson scholarship fund shootout June 22

Bright Futures Scholars graduates class of 2013

"Go Public" premiere tonight at the Arclight

Foothill Water to build recycled water project

by Timothy Rutt

The Foothill Municipal Water District -- a wholesale water supplier to many smaller local water districts -- is going to build a recycled water demonstration project in the area near Devil's Gate Dam, Hahamongna Watershed, and JPL.

Richard Atwater, the president of the water district's board, told the Altadena Town Council that Foothill plans to build a 250,000 gallon per day membrane bioreactor (MBR) in the triangle bounded by Oak Grove Drive, Berkshire Place, and the 201 Freeway.  It will be close to the La Canada United Methodist Church and the ballfields at La Canada High School.

Atwater said that last winter markes the fourth driest year in California history in terms of winter rains and snowpack.  The district is looking for ways to not only decrease water consumption, but to recharge aquifers.

Foothill itself has only one source of water supply: importing water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD).   According to Foothill's website,  the MBR plant will produce recycled water to recharge the Raymond Groundwater Basin and "to obtain pumping credits to distribute to five of its eight member agencies."

The plant will take in stormwater, urban runoff, and sewer water, treat it, and send it to "infiltration galleries" below the high school ballfields to recharge the aquifer.  The project may also send recycled water to Flint Canyon Creek. The plant is estimated to cost $2,935,300 and will be in operation by October 2016.

Currently, recycled water is used by the La Canada Flintridge Country Club and the cities of Glendale and Burbank for landscape irrigation of parks, freeways, schools, cemeteries, and golf courses, among other uses.  According to Foothill, the city of Pasadena, the Verdugo Hills Golf Course, and Descanso Gardens are also planning on using recycled water.

Foohill provides water to the Las Flores Water Company, Lincoln Avenue Water Company, and the Rubio Canon Land & Water Association in Altadena, as well as water districts in La Canada Flintridge and La Crescenta.

 

Town council: election certified, and report-o-rama

by Timothy Rutt

At Tuesday night’s Town Council meeting:

Election: The councll certified the results of the June 8 town council election.  The new and re-elected members will take their seats at the July meeting.  Election chair Eric Pierce said that the election cost $656.90.

The council also heard numerous reports:

California Highway Patrol: Officer Kevin Denmon of the California Highway Patrol said that CHP is looking for recruits for both its explorer program and “CHP Seniors” program.  Explorers should be between 15 and 21 years of age, have an interest in law enforcement, at least a 2.0 GPA, not use alcohol or drugs, display good citizenship, and have no felony convictions.

CHP Seniors volunteer for various tasks at the CHP office, and should be 55 years or older, be able to go through a background check, be able to volunteer during office hours, and work with minimal supervision.  For more information on eithe program, call the Altadena CHP office at 626-296-8100.

Altadena Sheriff: Capt. John S. Benedict said that crime was down 4% from comparable statistics last year, with violent crime down 30%.  The Altadena Sheriff Station also had a successful golf tournament at Brookside Golf Course last Saturday.

The next “Coffee with the Captain” event will be Wednesday, June 26 at Café Culture, 1359 N Altadena Drive, Pasadena, from 6-8 PM.

Benedict also said that the Metropolitan Baptist Church will hold a resource fair, with information on jobs and job training and community services will be held at the church, 2283 N Fair Oaks Avenue, on Saturday, June 29.  The event is co-sponsored by the church and the Sheriff’s Station.

Animal Control: Artemio Menchaca, who has been animal control officer in Altadena for two months, introduced himself and gave out his numbers.  Requests for service should go to the service line at 626-962-3577.  Menchaca’s direct cellphone line to answer questions, is 626-290-3635.  Email is altadena@animalcare.lacounty.gov.

Parks: Melisza Hernandez of the county parks department said that Loma Alta Park is currently taking signups for the tiny tot flag football leave for ages 3-5.  Opening day is Satuday, Aug. 31, with scrimmage games Sat., Aug. 24.  Practices are Wednesday and Thursday evenings.  For more information, call the park at 398-5451.

Hernandez also said that there will be a bus departing Loma Alta Park on Sunday, June 23, for the Family Music Festival at the LA County Arboretum in Arcadia.  PIckup is at 2 PM, and return is at 8 PM.  Tickets to the event are $25 each, but the park has a limited number of free tickets available.  Call the park for more information.

Morning jolt: Altadenan becomes Compton's mayor, and Ibarionex trains his lens on Sarah

• Home town girl makes good: Former Altadena resident Aja Brown, 31, became mayor of Compton, beating out seasoned rival Omar Bradley. Brown, an urban planner, was raised in Altadena where her mother, Brenda Jackson, still lives, and gardens at the Altadena Community Garden.  The LA Times has a pre-election profile here.
• Shutterbuggin' in Altadena: We always like to see two Altadenans sharing ideas together, especially when we know them!  Here, Ibarionex Perello's The Candid Frame podcast talks to Sarah Allegra about her work.

 

 

Farmers' Market entertainment features Aveson's performing artists Wednesday

Summer Nights at the Altadena Farmers' Market Wednesday features Aveson School's Performing Arts Program.

Starting at 5 PM, they will present a small sampling of their school-wide parent-volunteer-run performing arts program that involves nearly 400 students during their spring performances.  Do some shopping, grab some grub, and enjoy some entertainment on the grassy hill.  

The Altadena Farmers' Market runs from 4-8 PM at Loma Alta Park along Palm Street, near the Community Garden.  

Town council meeting tonight

The monthly meeting of the Altadena Town Council will be at 7 PM today at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Drive.  

Lots of reports on the agenda, as well as certifying the results of this month's election.  

 

Sheriff looking for suspect in strong-arm robbery at Bank of America [corrected]

The Altadena Sheriff's Station is seeking the public's assistance in identifying a suspect wanted in a strong-armed robbery near the entrance of the Bank of America at 2345 Lake Ave., Altadena.

The suspect, described as a male Hispanic or White, 20-30 yrs, 5'05", 140 lbs, wearing a beige baseball cap, blue baggy collared shirt, dark pants, dark shoes, confronted the victim and forcefully removed a paper bag containing money that the victim was carrying.

The suspect was last seen entering the passenger side of a Gold Nissan Versa Sedan, with paper plates and leaving southbound on Lake Avenue. Anyone that may have information is encouraged to contact the Altadena Sheriff's Station at 626-798-1131.

Note: we've changed the headline -- the information we received from the sheriff department did not specify a date, but we usually get bank robbery notices the same day, so we went ahead with that assumption.  Apparently this incident occurred sometime in May and is only now being made public.

 

Food trucks return to Altadena Golf Course for July 2 fireworks

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Chamber of Commerce will host the second "Fireworks and Food Trucks"  event on July 2, the night of the Altadena Town & Country Club's annual fireworks show.

Food trucks will be parked at the Altadena Golf Course, prime viewing for the fireworks show, from 6-10 PM. Fireworks are scheduled for 9:30 PM.

The event is a fundraiser for the Chamber's Marion Lee Wullshlager Scholarship Fund.  Chamber director Meredith Miller said that -- among the lessons learned from last year -- there will be restroom facilities available at the parking lot.

 

Pasadena's literary cachet (helped by Altadenans) inspires book

 

From left: Altadena residents Michelle Huneven and Patricia O'Sullivan with Naomi Hirahara (who writes about an Altadena-based gardenr/detective)  pose at the Prospect Park Media offices in Pasadena on Wednesday, June 12, 2013. The writers' collaboration "Literary Pasadena" was released in April 2013.

 

By Steve Appleford
Pasadena Sun

The literary bona fides of Pasadena have never been much in doubt. It's a small, sophisticated town with a hunger for words and the people who write them, from the old adventure novels of Altadena resident Zane Gray to the modern hard-boiled fiction of Denise Hamilton. Now, in celebration of that lineage, comes "Literary Pasadena: The Fiction Edition."

The book is a collection of contemporary fiction, mixing short stories and excerpts from novels — some original, some previously published — by authors currently living in the Crown City, who grew up there or who write about the city as if it were their own.

"There's a surprisingly large community of writers in this area," says Patricia O'Sullivan, the book's editor. "We were blown away by the quality of work that we have. We could easily do a second volume."

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

New West wraps up Big Hat's summer concert series, pardner

 

The cowboy musical group New West plays for an appreciative Altadena crowd Saturday night.

 

by TIm Murphy
Community Correspondant

 

Dave Jackson, left, and Bob Mann enjoy some adult beverages at New West's house concert.

In my humble opinion Saturday's Big Hat Promotions cowboy concert at Bob and Marie Mann's house was the best one yet (not that all of them aren't terrific). Raul Reynoso's guitar playing was spot-on Django Reinhardt (he even had a Django style guitar) and his mandolin playing was reminiscent of David Grisman. During the intermission the acoustic bass player, Dave Jackson, mentioned to me that among his many musical accomplishments was touring with Jackson Brown for four years. Truly, these are "musician's musicians." Bob Mann summed up the evening very well:

 

With the rose colored San Gabriel mountains serving as a backdrop, New West took to the stage and delivered over two hours of their signature Western music. No cowboy band does it better than New West. Great songs from Mike Fleming, Raul's outstanding guitar work and red hot mandolin, and Dave Jackson's great bass guitar work kept our toes tapping. The inevitable onstage banter and antics that are a trademark of the band kept us laughing and engaged. Surely,Mike Fleming's touching father-to-son tribute will not be soon forgotten. Saturday's performance was truly a special evening and is a strong candidate for the best concert we've hosted in the past 6 years

 

SELPA Special Ed meeting tonight at PUSD Boardroom

The  Pasadena Unified School District/SELPA Special Education Dept. Community Advisory Committee general meeting will be held tonight, June 17, at the PUSD Education Center, Elbie J. Hickambottom Board Room, PUSD Education Center Room #236, 351 South Hudson Avenue, Pasadena, starting at 6:15 PM.

Matters:

• Vote to change CAC Bylaws Article V Section 5.02,
• Appoint SELPA Local Plan Subcommittee Members,
• Discuss 4-­‐23-­‐13 BOE Public Comments by UTP Member
• and vote on CAC action.

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

Free childcare and translation.  More details are available at: http://cac.pasadenausd.org

Lost cat near the border

Moana has lost a cat, Ollie:

He was lost on the 5th of June on Garfield and Howard in Pasadena, quite close to Altadena.  He is orange and white medium/long hair.  He is shy around people and struggles to meow, almost mute.  When he left he was big, 17lbs. He is microchiped but was not in a collar when lost.  We have his sister and she has been going crazy without him around. 

If found please contact Moana at 510-287-6405

Publisher's notebook: pipe dreams

 

 

A Father's Day meditation on a most masculine activity

by Timothy Rutt

 

I. Young man with a pipe

Three decades or so ago, when it was OK to smoke indoors, the intermediate creative writing class at the University of Colorado was held in the sunlit front parlor of the former home of the college president.  The on-campus house had been turned into classroom and office space years before.  We would gather around the table in the parlor to read each other’s short stories and pose.

Not prose --pose.  The posing was deadly serious.  We were Sensitive Artists, fated to be Serious and Successful Writers. As our teacher, poet Ed Dorn, would puff away on a  Marlboro, the students would fire up Gauloises or Dunhills or those awful clove cigarettes and stare thoughtfully, wispy smoke curling up to the ceiling, cigarettes languidly dangling from their young fingers.

Well, except for me.  And I always won the unspoken posing contest, because at age 20 I smoked a pipe. 

A pipe gives you a much better pose as a litterateur than a cigarette any day.

I think I started smoking a pipe the previous summer in my hometown of Grand Junction.  My role model was my high school friend Bill Sharp, a year ahead of me, already a fan and perpetrator of the avant-garde music scene (he introduced me to Talking Heads and Devo years before anybody else had heard of them; currently, his own group, Biota, is a darling among the Europeans).  Bill was also a teenage pipe smoker.

Now, lots of kids I knew in those days smoked tiny little pipes filled with you-know-what; Bill and I smoked tobacco from fine-looking briars.  Definitely will give you a leg up in the young artiste posing department, but some folks don’t know what to do with you when you’re a young man with a pipe.

Altadena artist teaches icon writers to bring faith to life

John Butler, 15, was the youngest artist at the weeklong Icon Guild of Southern California Prosopon Workshop at St. Mary’s Seminary Retreat Center in Santa Barbara. (Jordon Niedermeier / Noozhawk photo)

by Jordon Niedermeier, 
Noozhawk Intern
© Noozhawk, Santa Barbara
Reprinted with permission 

Faithful artists gathered this week at St. Mary’s Seminary Retreat Center high above Santa Barbara to engage in the centuries-old practice of icon writing, an art form that mixes spiritual engagement and painting.

“The act of working on an icon is an act of prayer,” said Altadena artist Edward Beckett, workshop coordinator and chairman of the Icon Guild of Southern California.

Edward Beckett teaching icon writing at his Altadena studio, 2010.

Beckett said the artists were in their fifth day of the weeklong Icon Guild of Southern California Prosopon Workshop. They’ve been working late into the evenings to ensure they would finish their recreations of traditional Christian depictions of holy figures.

“We start at 8 a.m. with breakfast, and we have the ability to work as long as we want,” Beckett said. “The past three nights I’ve gotten to bed at midnight.”

Although the paintings are not original, Beckett said they incorporate the icon writer’s — called so because of the interpretive quality of the practice — personal journey throughout the process.

Master iconographer Dmitryi Andreyev of the Prosopon School of Iconology and Iconography is the workshop instructor. His father, Vladislev Andrejev, started the school and holds similar events across the United States, as well as in their native Russia and other places abroad.

“Our school is not really structured,” Andreyev said. “Rather, it’s more of a school of thought.”

Poetry Corner: a Father's Day alphabet

"A to Z for Father's Day"

from gloriana casey

It's A to Z for Father's Day,
and  Dad, your qualities
range far and wide for Fathers all,
so find the words that please!

Well, AWESOME surely comes to mind;
BRAVISSIMO, so right!
Plus CANDID in your honesty;
DAZZLE--- with dance steps light.

EDUCE the very best from all.
FAMOUS for bar-b- que.
Your character is GENUINE;
HEROIC suits you too!

Altadena Junction: parting the curtain of summer entertainment

Our weekly column for the Pasadena Sun is up ... a taste of just some of the entertainment we have available in Altadena this summer.  (Don't worry about the Shakespeare schedule -- it was written for those poor print people who will see it Sunday!)

Arty Loon juices it up a the libraries Tuesday

The Altadena Library presents the "Arty Loon Juice Box Show," -- an extravaganza of balloon magic, juggling, and puppets -- on Tuesday, June 18.

The show will be at 2 PM at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. , and 4 PM at the Bob Lucas Branch Library, 2659 N. Lincoln Ave. Sponsored by Friends of the Altadena Library.

 

Sheriff warns of utility payment scam

From the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department

Pico Rivera Sheriff’s Station is warning residents and businesses to be aware of a payment scam involving utility imposters demanding customers pay their energy bills with pre-paid cash cards or face immediate termination of utility service. The fraudulent activity has been reported throughout the metro-Los Angeles area. 

Several business operators in Pico Rivera have reported that individuals misrepresenting themselves as utility employees are calling and threatening to turn off electric service if payment is not made to them that day. Utility customers have been told that the payment must be made by purchasing a pre-pay cash card. 

"Although we received several calls, none of the callers reported being an actual victim of this fraudulent activity. We want to alert our residents and business operators in the area in an effort to prevent them from becoming potential victims," said Sergeant Richard Hernandez from Pico Rivera Sheriff’s Station. 

"We advise our residents and business operators to be alert and not to provide any type of financial information if they receive a call from a suspicious company." They should call their utility provider to verify the request and report the activity.” 

If you receive a questionable phone call that makes you feel uncomfortable, hang up and call the Altadena Sheriff Station (626-798-1131) to file a report and or SoCal Edison at (800) 655-4555 

Missing cat: Gordo

Have you seen Gordo?

He was lost over last weekend , June 8 and 9. He is a great big ball of fur and love. The area was Between Lake ave and Santa Rosa Ave, with Athens on the North and Las Flores on the South.  He is shy around other people so if you see him please call owner @(626) 818-3493

Crime blotter: lots of drinking and drugging this week

Drinking, drugs, going out in public and standing in the street -- really, not a good combination.  Crime blotter provided by the Altadena Sheriff Station.

Sunday, June 2 

12:49 PM – A vehicle vandalism occurred in the 400 block of Harriet Street. *Suspect known*. Vehicle window shattered. 

10:45 PM – Suspect Everett Burnett (male/51 years old) was arrested at Glenrose/Montana for possession of cocaine after being stopped by deputies. 

Tuesday, June 4

8:30 AM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1000 block of E. Morada Place. Suspect(s) entered the front patio via the unlocked door. 

Between 7:00 PM and 5:30 AM (Wednesday) - A commercial burglary occurred at LA Artistic Nails, 2235 Lake Av. Loss: unknown. 

Wednesday, June 5

12:45 AM – Suspect Hermes Martinez (male/21) was arrested at Fair Oaks/Calaveras for drunk in public. 

7:00 PM – Darrell Gay, 32 yrs, of Tujunga was arrested for criminal threats. 

8:44 PM – Suspect Rodolfo Quiroz (male/19 years old) and male/17 years old, of Altadena were arrested in the 400 block of Figueroa Drive for possession of a controlled substance. 

Pasadena Mental Health Center fundraiser in Altadena June 22

from the Pasadena Mental Health Center

Pasadena Mental Health Center (PMHC),  an affiliate of Altadena-based Five Acres, will host its sixth annual Fête – “Change the Beat” on Saturday, June 22, 5 p.m. at a private estate in Altadena, to raise critical funds for programs which empower children and families to “change the beat” during difficult periods in their lives. Tickets are available at $75 per person and include appetizers, wine and live entertainment by Domingo Siete.

PMHC will honor Frank Taylor of Pasadena, who served as PMHC’s board chair in 1984 and has provided loyal support for more than 29 years. At over 90 years old, Taylor continues to actively support the organization. 

“Pasadena Mental Health Center provides vital support services to our community,” said Taylor. “I remain committed to ensuring these services are accessible for our children and families.”

Johanna Metzger of Altadena is this year’s co-chair. She provides vision and leadership to the event committee and works to ensure the success of the event.

Polly Frost and her "Bad Role Models" return, to Webster's Fine Stationers in July

by Timothy Rutt

Polly Frost returns with "Bad Role Models" at Webster's Fine Stationers.

New York City writer Polly Frost comes back to her hometown of Altadena in July and August to perform in yet another interesting venue: Webster's Fine Stationers.

Frost was last in town in February to perform her one woman autobiographical play, "Bad Role Models and What I Learned from Them," in the Altadena stables which were actually the scene of much of the action.

Frost writes us that summers in Altadena are more pleasant than summers in New York City, so she's planning to spend several weeks here while she performs her play at Webster's on Sunday afternoons.

"I'll be doing the show weekly on Sundays at 5 PM, starting on Sunday, July 21, and going through August, which the exception of Sunday, July 28."

Why Webster's?  Lori Webster says that "Polly and I talked right before she did her show at Desdy's stable in February...  we kept the conversation going.  She wanted to come back to Altadena during the summer to do her show over a few weeks, so I suggested the Coffee Gallery,  She said she'd rather do it at Webster's.  I told her we did book signings and had a bit of room, but that we were planning on rearranging things to make even more room, and she decided right then that she wanted to do her play here at WFS.  She said that she wanted to do her play in a place that was important to her when she was growing up here, and that nothing else in town was that iconic to her."

Frost, writing to us from Louisville, Kentucky, where she's been performing the piece, says that she's made several improvements to it since she was last here.   "I've also been working with a NYC theater director who specializes in one-person shows -- he's worked with Bette Midler, done cabaret at The White House, gets flown out to do Vegas and California shows. He loves my show and was really incredible as a coach. For one thing, he told me that I should never glitz it up, that I should do it intimately. I've done a lot of work on the show."

Jaime Lubin, reviewing the play for The Huffington Post, said "Frost has garnered comparisons to Edith Wharton, but in performance she emits more of a Garrison Keillor vibe. Her Altadena is as perfectly crafted and fully alive as Lake Wobegon -- although there's nothing fictional about Frost's reminiscences -- and her mellifluous voice brings to mind the great radio stars of yore. Like Keillor, Frost invites spectators to think, to laugh, to imagine life's possibilities and endless absurdities."

Tickets are $15, and you can make reservations at by calling Webster's at (626) 797-1135 or Frost's reservation line: (805) 450-9955.

By Odin's missing eye! LCF's Vikingfest takes you on the road to runes

by Timothy Rutt

Well, the next big thing -- after zombies --- appears to be ... Vikings!

The Lutheran Church in the Foothills in La Canada Flintridge will be the place as the Edvarg Grieg Lodge of the Sons of Norway present a Midsummer Vikingfest on Saturday, June 22, from 11 AM-4 PM.

Living history demonstrations, battle reenactments, learn Viking skills (drinking from a horn?), and write your name in runes. '"Come in garb," they say.

The event is free at the church, 1711 Foothill Boulevard.

 

Working for the weekend, June 14-16 (constantly updating)

It's Father's Day Weekend (yes, another Day of Enforced Joy) with a lot on the plate, but first a few words from members of our sponsor team, who are busy today:

Friends of the Altadena Library presents the Summer Movie Extravaganza: "Rise of the Guardians," rated PG, at the Altadena Main Library Community Room, 600 E. Mariposa St. . The movie starts at 3 PM and is free.

Webster's Community Pharmacy and Webster's Liquors host Fancy Food Truck Friday, from 5-9 PM Friday (today) in the parking lot at 2450 N. Lake Avenue.  The stores are also open until 9 PM with 20% off selected gift items to celebrate Father's Day.

Meanwhile, Webster's Fine Stationers hosts Sierra Madre Grocery Company with samples of their salsas, sauces, and toppings -- yum!

And did you know the Park Bench Grill, 2470 N. Lake Avenue, has started their summer hours -- open weekdays until 8 PM, and until 9 PM on Fridays and Saturdays?

Saturday, June 15

Shhh! Pizza of Venice will have a "soft opening" of its restaurant, 2545 North Fair Oaks Avenue. UPDATE: Jamie Woolner at POV says that they'll be open from 11-8, will have a separate lunch and dinner menu for the day including some Farmers' Market favorite pizzas, along with many other treats, including Bulgarini Gelato for dessert. And while we're on the subject ...

Bulgarini Gelato's Summer Movie Night will be "Gianni e le Donne"(The Salt of Life). Movies are always free. 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.com or by calling (626) 376-7662.  Dinner served at 7:30 PM, and the film begins at sundown.  Gelato for sale throughout. Bulgarini Gelato is at 749 E. Altadena Dr.  More info at www.bulgarinigelato.com/movies.html

Sunday, June 16

Father's Day

The California Shakespeare Ensemble presents "Shakespeare's LOVERS" at the Farnsworth Park amphitheater, 7:30 PM.  Suggested ticket donation is $10.

Christmas in June: Christmas Tree Lane brush clearing Saturday needs volunteers

Linda Lane White at the Christmas Tree Lane Association writes us that Saturday morning is a good time to get a workout and do a good turn to the Lane on Santa Rosa Avenue between Altadena Drive and Woodbury Road.

Join the volunteer work party on Saturday morning, June 15, to clear some of the brush that has accumulated over the past year on Santa Rosa Avenue:  

The county of Los Angeles does NOT assist with this, it's all done by Lane volunteers. Help preserve this historical landmark. The weather is going to be beautiful on Saturday. Only 80 degrees! Bring some gardening gloves, a hat, a hoe and a hearty appetite!! If you've got questions at all, feel free to contact Linda Lane-White at (626) 786-1231.

 

Sit down and sitar at the Altadena Farmer's Market

 

Music is a key part of the summer Altadena Farmers' Market experience, and we have a short clip of sitar player Paul LIvingstone entertaining a few young fans Wednesday afternoon at Loma Alta Park.  

Reminder: libraries closed today

Just a reminder: the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St., and Bob Lucas Branch Library, 2659 N. Lincoln Avenue, will both be closed today for computer server upgrades.  The libraries are scheduled to resume regular service Friday.

 

HB3 at Folly Bowl June 22

by Timothy Rutt

Hugh Bonar, aka HB3, will perform on Saturday, June 22, at the Folly Bowl, 1601 E. Loma Alta Drive.

Piccolo bassist Bonar will play "a representative sampling of music from his recent albums" in the garden amphitheater.

Tickets are $5, and the concert starts at 7 PM.  Bring blankets, a  picnic, and prepare to pack it out again (bears!)

 

Front porch music with Wreck N Sow

• 
• 
• 
• 

 

 

Community correspondent Tim Murphy shares these pictures of Sunday's "Porchfest," where Wreck N Sow performed on a front porch on Marengo Avenue:

Sunday's Porchfest was a huge success. Not only did Wreck 'N Sow play but many guest musicians showed up and joined the fun. It was truly a family event with almost as many kids as adults in attendance. There were grilled hot dogs/onions and the neighborhood kids sold homemade cookies and cupcakes. One guest even brought a gas powered "frozen beverage machine" in a trailer behind his bicycle. The event was scheduled to end at 7 PM but the music went on into the night with all the various musicians joining in. The neighbors didn't seem to mind....because they were there!

We owe a big thanks to the Altadena Blog for listing the event. Many of the guests said "we saw it on the 'Blog and didn't want to miss it"

Altadena Community Arts Center holding summer registration

The Altadena Arts Center is holding registration for its Summer 2013 series of classes and workshops for children, youth (age 6-18), and adults.

Students will have an opportunity to create art under the guidance of professional artists and art educators, while discovering the artist in themselves! The Center is offering a wide variety of classes/workshops, including Painting, Clay Sculpture, Introduction to Design, Drawing Creative Writing and Performance, Introduction to Air Brush and Aerosol Art Techniques, Clay Masks and Design, Linoleum Block Printing, Cartoon Art and Comic Book Art

Enrollment is limited and registration fees vary. A limited number of scholarships are available. Class schedules, registration forms and payment information are available online (www.altadenacommunityartscenter.org) and by calling (626-797-5798 ) or visiting the Altadena Community Arts Center at 2460 North Lake Avenue at Mariposa. The Center is operated by The Altadena Arts Council (TAAC).

Third annual Brandon Jackson scholarship fund shootout June 22

by TImothy Rutt

 

Teams play off in last year's Brandon Jackson Memorial Shootout.

The Third Annual Brandon Jackson Scholarship Basketball Shootout takes place at John Muir High School in Pasadena on June 22.  

 

The event raises funds for the Brandon Jackson Memorial Scholarship, which awards college scholarships to local graduating high school seniors.

Jackson, a Muir student, was gunned down in a still-unsolved murder on Feb. 12, 2011.  The First Presbyterian Church of Altadena, which held the funeral service, formed Stepping Into the Light Outreach to support students "who choose life over a culture of death," according to a press release.  The annual basketball shootout has raised funds to award $13,500 in scholarships to six young people who entered college in 2011 and 2012.

This year's event will be held at two gyms at John Muir High School, which will allow up to 24 teams to participate, including younger teams for ages 7-12.  Teams can sign up on the website.  People can also support the fund by watching the games ($5 entry fee) or donate by credit card from the website.  Local businesses are also being asked to support the effort by donating cash or raffle prizes.

Limited number of free deodar saplings available

 

Deodar cedars along Christmas Tree Lane.

Reader Gerry Cichlar writes that he has about 10 deodar cedar saplings that he's grown from seeds (currently 8 ft. tall and outgrowing their pots) that he's willing to give to good homes.

 

Altadena is losing it's mature trees and I would like to help maintain our community's urban forest. These trees need to be planted soon and I would love to donate them to any Altadena residents to plant in their yards, or if the Christmas Tree Lane folks are interested they are free for the taking. 

Anyone interested can email me at breitenseer@hotmail.com. 
 

Webster's Fancy Food Truck Friday celebrates Dad

by Timothy Rutt

This month's Fancy Food Truck Friday includes a Father's Day sale, and the premiere of Pasadena's own Pie 'N Burger truck.

The monthly event will be held from 5-9 PM Friday, June 14 at the Webster's parking lot, 2450 N. Lake Avenue. The food truck lineup for June is:

• Pie N Burger
• Roll 'N Lobster
• Nonna's Kitchenette
• The Melt Bus
• Me So Hungry
• A Rockin Ice

Pie 'N Burger is a venerable Pasadena institution, and this is the first appearance of its food truck at the Altadena event.  Danny's Farm will also be there with their petting farm from 6-8 PM.

In addition, Webster's Community Pharmacy's gift boutique and Webster's Liquors will be open until 9 PM, with 20% off select items to celebrate Father's Day (we want to see the pharmacy's "Man Cave,' ourselves).  The pharmacy's gift boutique includes barbecue accessories and manly gifts that are just right for the family's #1 guy.

Parking available in the lot and on the street.  Seating will be available, and of course it's family-friendly.

Sitarist Paul Livingstone performs at Farmers' Market today

by Timothy Rutt

It's Altadena Farmer's Market day at Loma Alta Park!  Besides the selection of fruits, vegetables, and prepared treats, it's also Summer Nights at the Altadena Farmers Market, with musical performer, sitarist Paul Livingstone.

Livingstone, a disciple of Ravi Shankar, is no stranger to Altadena -- he performed at the Folly Bowl June 2 with his group, Arohti.  Livingstone will be performing from 5-7 PM 

And enjoy the market's summer hours, 4-8 PM.  Sounds like a good day for a picnic ...

Reminder: law enforcement "live shooter" exercise today at Eliot

Just one more reminder that there'll be a "live shooter" exercise with law enforcement and the fire department today at Eliot Middle School, so there'll be a lot of noise and first responder vehicles there.  Exercises are scheduled for 10:30 AM and 7:30 PM.

 

Catch up day

Spent several days with family and this website was on low boil (but thanks to Laura Monteros for being our boots on the ground!)  Lots of catching up to do today, so stay tuned ...

 

Sheriff to hold "active shooter" training at Eliot Middle School Wednesday

by Timothy Rutt

Don't panic if you see law enforcement vehicles and hear shooting and shouting along Lake and Calavaras Wednesday. The Altadena Sheriff Station, along with other law enforcement agencies, will conduct an "active shooter response drill" at Eliot Middle School on June 12.

"This training will simulate emergency response procedures at the middle school, where law enforcement will respond and take simulated action," according to a statement from the sheriff's office. "The training will consist of gun fire (blanks) and screaming.  There will also be simulated injuries portrayed by role players at the school.  We will have a large response of law enforcement and firefighters responding to the school."

As school is closed for summer break, there will be no students present on campus.

For more information, please contact Altadena Sheriff’s Station at (626) 798-1131.

 

Golden Poppy Awards celebrate Altadena's gardens and gardeners

By Laura Monteros

 

The yard of the McPherson house, where the 2013 Golden Poppy awards were held. The extensive garden -- created by the current owners -- has appeared in several films.

Five Altadena homeowners received the Golden Poppy award from Altadena Heritage on Sunday.  The annual awards are given to acknowledge homes that add to the beauty of the Altadena streetscape.  Each homeowner is given a Golden Poppy plaque to display for two years, and a tote bag with garden tools.  The awards were presented by Altadena Heritage chair Mark Goldschmidt.

 

The reception and presentation was held at the original Altadena home of David Macpherson, builder of the Mt. Lowe Railway, now owned by Mary Lea and Bill Carroll.  The house on Topeka Street makes it into Altadena by sliver of 10 feet at the back of the yard.

First up was Pat Rand, whose home is at the corner of Poppyfields and Thurin.  Rand has lived in Altadena about 10 years.  He said that about six years ago, his partner became fascinated with drought tolerant and native plants, and ripped out the grass to renew the yard.  Rand’s partner passed away recently, and Rand maintains the yard in his memory.

Vivian Powers accepted the award for Herme Britton, who transformed the corner in front of her house on Glenrose Ave. at Terrace St.  Unable to talk the county into putting in a sidewalk on the dusty corner, Britton told them she would do it herself, but it had to be done her way.  Rather than put in a perpendicular sideway, she constructed a winding path through her property.

Homeowners James and Chantal Giddens demolished and rebuilt half their house at Midlothian and Midwick Drives, gutted the yard except for three olive trees, and planted the yard with drought tolerant materials.  

Charles Hay, who with partner James Harvey transformed the yard at 1838 Vistillas Rd., said that their yard is “dinky teeny tiny.”  He created several garden rooms, “but they are dinky teeny tiny, more like closets,” he said.  Hay and Harvey have had gardens throughout the country—Georgia, Washington State, San Francisco—and in Edinburgh as well.  In Altadena, Hay chose a variety of plants, with a profusion of dahlias.  They even planted thistles as a remembrance of their years in Scotland.  His advice?  Use the Farmers’ Almanac moon charts for planting and weeding.

JPL engineer Jan Martin, who was not present to accept the award, created what Goldschmidt referred to as a “Mondrianesque” landscape at 2320 Oliveras Ave.  “It’s the first yard I saw with all the lawn taken out,” landscaper Goldschmidt said.  Martin came up with the concept of using roof runoff to provide all the watering needs for his yard.  It took a year to navigate the various county departments to get approval for the project.  

MacPherson house owner Mary Lea Carroll gave a brief history of the house.  The Victorian Transitional house was likely built in 1895 or 1896, she said, and was David Macpherson’s first home in Altadena.  The house usually identified as his home sits at Atchison and Mar Vista and was actually his second home.  When the Carrolls purchased the house in 1992, the back yard was completely blacktopped, so they called on Goldschmidt to landscape it.  Several movies have used the home as a location.

More pictures after the jump.

The community comes together at Art on Millionaire's Row

 

No, those aren’t tats:. Jamie Cohen was filling in for her face-painting mom, Robin M. Cohen, at Art on Millionaire's Row festival Saturday, June 8.

by Laura Monteros

It started four years ago as an ambitious way to raise funds to support our local libraries, and has grown into an annual event with the atmosphere of a community street fair.  Art on Millionaire’s Row at the Altadena Library on Saturday combined a juried fine art show with booths filled with local arts, crafts, and food. 

The ladies of the Friends of the Altadena Library were there, with a table full of used books (only $1 each!), the Altadena Town Council set up a voting booth at the entrance, and The Altadena Arts Council had photos and information about its programs.  There were about 45 booths with fine artists and craftsmen in wood, ceramics, jewelry, and textiles.  And food, from authentic New Orleans Pralines and Louisiana sausages to Mexican fare and Asian tea.

Music filled the air in the salon and the outdoor area.  The slideshow captures the flavor of the day.  Enjoy!

More after the jump.

Westminster Presbyterian's Troop 4 to celebrate 100 years Saturday

by Timothy Rutt 

Westminster Presbyterian Church's Boy Scout Troop 4 in the 1930's.

Boy Scout Troop 4, operating out of Westminster Presbyterian Church, is celebrating 100 years of advenure and service on Saturday, June 15.

 

The longest continuously-chartered Boy Scout troop in the San Gabriel Valley, Troop 4 will celebrate with a troop dinner and Court of Honor, where their decades-old flag wil be retired and a new one initiated.  The troop was founded by Westminster Presbyterian Church's minister, Clarence Spaulding, in 1913.

According to a release from Troop 4, "Some of the thousands of scouts who have passed through the troop will also be returning for a visit to our Scout Room, where weekly meetings have been held over the years. They will be looking among the  images, artifacts and trophies for reminders of their formative times with the troop."  

It's not just any room:   at the troop’s 50th anniversary, former scout and San Gabriel Valley Council Exec Tallman Trask said “One of the real memories that Troop 4 has to me was the old cave……you go down that  entrance on a ladder and underneath the corner of the old church there was the most beautiful troop room  that you ever saw. It was all down underground and underneath the church…it was known as 'the cave'....although I’m 76, I hope to be here for your 100th.”

At the court of honor, scouts past and present will drip wax on the new flag to invest it with Scout “spirit” as outlined in the BSA’s Scout Oath and Law. Other scouts who have earned their advancements will also be honored. Troop 4 has seen 41 adult Scoutmasters and over 2.400 young men pass through its ranks.  It has also produced  203 Eagle Scouts, winners of scouting's highest honor.

Festivities start at 3:30 PM, with scouts practicing their climbing and rappelling skills on a rock climbing wall, and including a display of scouting skills (including how much camping equipment has changed over the decades).  The formal ceremonies will begin at 6:30 PM.

Westminster Church is at 1757 N. Lake Avenue.

Altadena Town Council Election Results

by Laura Monteros

The efforts of Eric Pierce and the folks at AltadenaElection.org paid off with a voter turnout of 543 citizens.  The largest turnout was in Census Tract 4603.01, where three candidates were in the race, and the smallest was the uncontested Census Tract 4613.

Ballots were counted at the Altadena Community Center by teams of volunteers who double-checked and in some cases, triple-checked results, and reported at 5 p.m.

Here are the tract-by-tract results; winners are in boldface.

4601
Gretchen B. Seager, 60

4602
Anny H. Liu, 21
William Malone, 73

4603.01
Nicole Ford, 61
Damon Lamont Hobdy, 91
Richard Jerez, 5

4603.2
No candidate

4610
Carrie Eastman, 18
Brent Musson, 34

4611
Amy Cienfuegos, 32
Michael John May-Devey, 27
Dale Alan Parks, 2

4612
Harold “Jamie” Bissner, 21
Bill Ward, 71

4613
Sylvia Vega, 20

Invalid ballots, 7

Last year, only 78 votes were cast in all. In 2011, 351 votes were cast, and in 2010, 739 ballots were cast.

Weekend's agenda: elections, Art on Millionaire's Row, Golden Poppies, Porchfest

by TImothy Rutt

 

Wreck N Sow, not on a front porch

Major events this weekend, do check them out:

 

Town council elections:  The Altadena Town Council elections are today, 9 AM-3 PM (polling place at the Altadena Library opens at 10 AM).  Check out our elections page for polling locations.  

Art on Millionaires' Row: The Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St., will host the fourth annual gathering of artists and artisans, from 10 AM-6 PM today.  Food trucks, entertainment, vendors, a good time for the whole family (and you can vote for town council there, too!)

Golden Poppy Awards: On Sunday, check out Altadena Heritage's annual garden awards at the McPherson House, 1075 Topeka Street. Some of Altadena's best gardens and gardeners will be honored at the gathering, which will have food, music, and lots of schmoozing.  Cost is $10 for members, $20 for non-members, and you can become a member or renew your membership on the spot.

Porchfest:  The Pasadena-Foothills Association of Realtors holds Porchfest, with music at three different locations in Altadena and Pasadena on Sunday.  In Altadena, you can watch Wreck N Sow perform at 2621 Marengo Avenue -- on a porch!  Starts 4 PM.

 

Pasadena Police hold heliport open house Saturday, June 29

by Timothy Rutt

 

Lots of "Dad and Lad" bonding time goes on at the Pasadena Police Department's annual heliport open house.

The Pasadena Police Department Air Operations will hold its annual open house at the Altadena heliport on Saturday, June 29, from 11 AM-2 PM.

 

Displays and demonstrations include: 

• Police helicopters 
• Armored rescue vehicle 
• SWAT and K9 Demonstrations 
• Mobile command post 
• Police motorcycles 
• Crime Scene Investigation 
• Fingerprinting for children 
• Employment Services Unit will be on hand to discuss career opportunities 

Pasadena's Benedict Heliport is located at 2175 Yucca Lane, Pasadena, at the Arroyo/Windsor exit. 

 

"Johnny Stecchino" opens Bulgarini summer movies Saturday

by Timothy Rutt

Another sign of Altadena summer: Bulgarini Gelato is starting its Summer Movie Night tomorrow, June 8 with "Johnny Stecchino" (Johnny Toothpick) - a hilarious comedy starring Roberto Benigni and Nicoletta Braschi.

Movies are always free. 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 atcatering@bulgarinigelato.com or by calling (626) 376-7662.  

Dinner served at 7:30 PM, and the film begins at sundown.  Gelato for sale throughout.

Bulgarini Gelato is at 749 E. Altadena Dr.  More info at www.bulgarinigelato.com/movies.html

Missing cat, East Altadena

Leslie is missing her cat:

Female calico cat (Black, tan & white) missing since June 5th.

Last seen in her home in East Altadena - on La Paz Road, between Allen Ave & Sinaloa.

Indoor cat - so she obviously got outside.

She is skittish - and will most likely run and hide from people - but is most easily spotted by her markings and a long, very fluffy tail. Her tail is black on one side and white on the other side.

(626)797-0976