altadenablog

Back again ...

Thank you for your indulgence during our day off yesterday -- Jake did some testing as part of his experimental drug study yesterday, and all went well, but exhaustion set in when we got back home -- we'll be catching up today!

Sponsor team news: Coffee Gallery helps adaptive artists with reception and sales today

The Coffee Gallery (Altadenablog sponsor team member) tells us (via Facebook) that there will be an artists reception today (Wednesday) from 5:30-7 PM, to highlight the artists from the Pasadena Adaptive Recreation Art Class, whose art is currently on display in the gallery's conference rooom.  All day Wednesday, a portion of sales will go towards helping PARAC, which give art opportunities to the specially gifted.  So even if you can't go to the reception, buy a cuppa and help out a good cause!

 

 

Traveling mercies

We're starting the second phase of Jake's experimental drug trial, so we're going to be in Sacramento for tests all day, and entries will be light.

Morning jolt

 

• Buckle up your children: March 25 through Friday, March 29 is a special enforcement week focusing on child passenger safety, and the Pasadena Police Department has sent out a message that they will be participating -- which means you'd probably better make sure your childrena are buckled up and in a proper seat.   Motor vehicle crashes are the number one cause of deaths and injuries for children and young people. Based on data provided by the California Highway Patrol, more than 80% of the children under four years of age killed in traffic collisions since 1990 died in survivable crashes. In other words, they would have lived if their parents at properly buckled them up.
• Bears about:  a family living on Sierra Madre Villa in Pasadena have spotted mother bear and cub occupying their backyard, and another is roaming a Glendale neighborhood, so they're out and about now.  KTLA has a report.
• Walmartting:KPCC's Wendy Lee has talked to some of the Walmart Neighborhood Market neighbors: a small local grocery store says it's suffering, as do some other businesses farther away (Webster's FIne Stationers), but some customers are loving the prices and other, nearby and non-competing businesses, are playing wait and see.  
• Mo Mentum:  Alta-golfer Mo Martin tied for third at the Kia Classic at Aviara in Carlsbad over the weekend, her best LPGA finish to date.  Mo-fan Marc Striegel says that she shot 8 under par, while the leaders finished at 9 under: "Her grandfather, now 101 years old, was there all four days following every shot," Striegel writes.  And $90K in earnings ain't bad, either.  Check out the leaderboard here.

Big Hat announces summer cowboy & western concerts

by Timothy Rutt

Marie and Bob Mann have announced The Big Hat Promotions summer series of Altadena house concerts.

It will start with award-winning artist Juni Fisher performing in a CD release party at Altadena Stables on Saturday, May 11.  "A Very Special Evening with Juni Fisher" will also include the release of her new CD, "Listen."  Fisher says that “There could not be a better setting for a concert aimed at the horse community than the Altadena Stables!”

Next, returning favorites Gary Allegretto & Ian Espinsoa will have a CD release party for their latest cowboy blues effort on Saturday, June 1 at the Mann's home in Altadena.  Reservations required, seats are limited, and also $25 cash donation requested at the door.

On June 15, New West (songwriter, Mike Fleming, renowned lead guitarist, Raul Reynoso, and the incredibly talented Dave Jackson on bass) will make their Big Hat Promotions debut:

Winner of three best song awards from the Academy of Western Artists and The Western Music Association, and the Will Rogers Award for Best Western Group, New West has toured the Midwest in as part of the Arts Midwest and APAP touring programs. They’ve been a featured act at the Elko Cowboy Poetry Gathering, the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival, the Strawberry Music Festival in Northern California. It has been way too long since we've had the opportunity to enjoy New West.

All concerts start at 6 PM, $25 cash donation requested at the door, and light refreshments will be served: "Your donations show appreciation to our artists for their talent and support us in being able to draw such fine performers. Sorry, no checks or credit cards."  Email big.hat@sbcglobal.net for your reservations.

Webster's Fine Stationers hosts Authors Tour March 30

by Timothy Rutt

Webster's Fine Stationers (Altadenablog sponsor) -- as part of their emphasis on local products and local artists -- will host the "Authors Tours USA" launch and inaugural booksigning on Saturday, March 30, featuring four local authors:

ADRIANNE HALL (Monrovia native):  In her first novel, Thresholds, the underlying message is, "Everyone has a secret" and some of those secrets cross over the threshold to being outright lies. Winter Bernard and Carley DeVries are two college co-eds who, while harboring their own deep dark secrets, befriend each other and through a series of heroic events find themselves embroiled in unfolding the life-altering truth about another co-ed's tragic death. Throughout the twists and turns that their lives take, the characters in THRESHOLDS come face to face with the realization that nobody really knows the impact that secrets and lies will have, whether or not they are discovered.  (Fiction)

KOJI STEVEN SAKAI (Pasadena native) has four screenplays, which became feature films: "Haunted Highway" (2006), "The People I've Slept With" (2009), "Monster & Me" (2012), and "Chink" (2012). He also served as a producer on The People I've Slept With and Chink . Most recently, his feature length screenplay, "Romeo, Juliet, & Rosaline," was optioned by Amazon Studios. (Screenplay).   His project, My Imaginary Boyfriend, that he wrote with Emily Brauer Rogers was accepted to Project Catalyst at the 2013 29th Annual Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival. Although he doesn't have a book, he will be providing invaluable information about his process and success in having his screenplays produced as feature films.

CHRISTINA HAMLETT (Pasadena). Screenwriting for Teens is the second film book Hamlett has written specifically for the high school market. Her fondness for this age group, however, goes back much farther. Since 1980, she has been mentoring aspiring young writers nationwide as well as penning over 150 plays for them to perform at their schools and in community theaters. This particular book gives teens -who go to the movies more than any age group in the world - the tools to do more than just watch those movies. It gives them the tools to write their own films. Don't let the title fool you, though - just as many young-at-heart adults have plucked it off the shelves to learn the tricks of the trade and master their own screenwriting journeys. 

ELLEN SNORTLAND (Altadena).  Beauty Bites Beast is a clarion call for women and girls to learn how to physically defend themselves as a birth right or human right. Women are not biologically helpless, but just like swimming must be taught, so too can personal safety skills that can save a woman's life.  Featured on NBC's Dateline program, Beauty Bites Beast is considered a classic in the violence prevention field.  Snortland is currently completing her documentary, also called "Beauty Bites Beast," which chronicles women in a Mexican factory who learn how to defend themselves. Stirring, revolutionary and controversial, it poses the question, "What happens when the sleeping giant of women in Latin America wake up and take back their power?"

Authors Tour USA™, a Pasadena-based organized, co-founded by Wendy Anderson and La Quetta Shamblee was created to provide marketing, networking and promotional support for published authors, with a focus on self-published authors small, independent publishing companies.

The book signing will be on Saturday, March 30, from 3-5 PM at Webster's Fine Stationers, 2450 N. Lake Avenue.

Sheriff sends warning about Eaton Canyon second waterfall trail

from the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department

At 11:26 AM Friday, Los Angeles County Fire Department firefighters and Los Angeles County Sheriff'sDepartment - Altadena Search and Rescue Team responded to Eaton Canyon north of Altadena regarding hikers falling down the side of the mountain. Three people were rescued by firefighters, assisted by deputies. One of the three was injured, and a fourth teenage female lost her life. 

Please watch the video about the dangers of the Eaton Canyon Waterfall area north of Altadena, and share it with active people you know who may consider hiking in this area in the future. 

VIDEO ---- (The Dangers of the) Eaton Canyon Waterfall - Don't believe the false information --- There is no safe trail to the second waterfall. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4URKLYEPK0&list=UUvxT4hd26Xvw9Jb_b-RIBwA&index=6#SAR 


*Enjoy Nature - Plan your Hike by filling out the Sheriff's Department's HIKING PLAN SHEET: 

http://file.lacounty.gov/lasd/cms1_163961.pdf 

Hiking/Camping is a fun way to get family and friends together to enjoy the outdoors and to get some physical activity. However, you should always be prepared for the unexpected. You should tell family and friends what your plans are and provide a list of who will be going with you. That’s why the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department would like to remind the residents of Los Angeles County that having a hiking / camping plan is crucial to survival in case of an emergency. 

Morning jolt

 

• Lake Woebeon ain't got nothin' on us:  Polly Frost, who recently performed her one-woman show about growing up in Altadena right here at home, got a rave review of a NYC performance of her show, "Bad Role Models," on the Puffington Host.  And check out the comments -- at least one person's an Altadena convert!
•  New associate:  Altadenablog sponsor team member Linda Seyffert has added Tracy Khatchadourian as an associate to the Podley at the Cottage real estate team.  
• Art opening: Alta-artist Kate Carvellas is opening a show at the Fold Gallery at 453 S. Spring Street in LA: "Hunters and Gatherers" runs now through May 5, with an opening reception on April 5 from 6-10 PM.  

Altadena Junction: this 'n' that

Just a lot of short items in this week's column, but we're happy Shakespeare is coming!

Dangers of Eaton Canyon video

We thought it was timely to rerun this video.

Holy Week activities in the area

by Timothy Rutt

Holy Week, the highlight of the Christian year, begins tomorrow with Palm Sunday.  Some of the local churches have shared their activities with us in the week ahead, after the jump.

Webster's Community Pharmacy brings back the Egg-Stravaganza

A message from Webster's Community Pharmacy, a member of the Altadenablog sponsor team:

Back By Popular Demand!
On, March 29 through March 30, Easter “Egg-Stravaganza” returns to Webster’s Community Pharmacy by popular demand. Customers who spend $25 or more in our Gift Boutique will be eligible to pick out a special Easter Egg filled with an instant savings between 10%-50% off their purchase. All customers can enter our egg-clusive Easter Basket drawing filled with egg-citing goodies from our Gift Boutique. Tasty bunny sized bites will be available for all to enjoy while they shop. And many more surprises will be had!

Egg-y Details

• Special Easter Egg Hunt will reveal hidden savings ranging from 10% to 50%
• Easter Basket drawing for one lucky winner
• Yummy bunny treats for human consumption

Don’t be left behind. Hop on over to Webster’s Community for all the fun!

Fast Facts:
Easter “Egg-Stravaganza”:  March 29 through March 30, 2013
Hosted by:  Webster’s Community Pharmacy
Complimentary Entry and Parking:  Webster’s lot, adjacent streets and designated lots.  
Location:  2450 N. Lake Avenue, Altadena CA, Corner of N. Lake and Marcheta
For more information:  626-797-1163
 
Facebook: Webster's Community Pharmacy     Twitter:  @WebstersPharm

Morning jolt

• Emotional Freedom Technique:  You keep "TRYING" to improve your life yet, your finances, the pain, the weight, the procrastination, the self-sabotage ~ keeps stopping you!  It would be one thing if you were unaware of your patterns and behaviors but you're not. You KNOW what you're doing and what you continue to do but you just don't know how to stop! Ever said ~ "Why do I keep doing that?" If you could just stay on that food program; if you could just stop the pain (physical/mental and emotional!); If you could just get ahead of those bills; if you could just stop procrastinating! .... If! If! If!  Well, you can! EFT works like nothing you've ever experienced. You'll learn and experience a way to interrupt, disengage, dissolve and vanquish those self-sabotaging behaviors. Best of all? Once you learn the techniques, you can do them anytime; anywhere! Space is limited for individual time with each person so, if you're registering, please show up! Fee is $10 cash ~ bring water, pen and paper please. 7 p.m. Sunday, 03/24/13.  Contact  Revvell directly for private address ~ Revvell@BodaciousLiving.com. 
• Chu cancels: ACONA maven Elliot Gold says that Congresswoman Judy Chu has backed out of Tuesday night's meeting of the Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations, citing a schedule conflict.  The meeting will go on as scheduled, however, as there's lots more to talk about: 7 PM March 26 at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. 

 

One dead, one injured in fall at Eaton Canyon today

by Timothy Rutt

A 17-year-old girl was killed and her 18-year-old companion injured following a fall in Eaton Canyon this morning.

Preliminary reports say that two 17-year-old girls and two 18-year-old men were hiking when the pair of them fell.  PSN is reporting that the young woman died at the scene and the young man was airlifted to the hospital.  Brian Day has more at PSN.

UPDATE:  Altadena Mountain Rescue Team has a report up on its website, but doesn't say much more than anyone else right now.

Altadena Sheriff "tweet-a-thon" today

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Sheriff Station is participating in a global "tweet-a-thon" today, using Twitter to track their movements and show residents what they do.

We're tracking their progress today using Storify, and will periodically provide updates.  You can stay here, or if you're a Twitter user yourself, you can follow them at @aldlasd.. (Capt. Benedict will appear on KTLA, Channel 11, at 7:30 AM today to talk about it.) The virtual ride-along starts at 6 AM.

UPDATE:  We needed to square away the station about Twitter hashtags, but everything is now humming along fine!  Check out the updates after the jump.

UPDATE:  Includes some activity regarding today's fatal fall at Eaton Canyon.

Note: We seem to be having problems embedding Capt. Benedict's appearance this morning, but the link to it is here.

Outage update

As of about 6:30 AM, Edison's power outage app (love iPhones!) says power is still out to 706 homes. It also says expected restoration time is 3 AM, yet here we sit. We're running the website from our phone for awhile!

UPDATE 6:45 AM:  We're back in business again!

Power outage update

Edison is reporting that the outage affects about 2800 customers. West siders are reporting that they still have power.

Light's out!

Power went out in our east side neighborhood about 11PM. Dark as far as the eye can see, altho' some street lights appear to be on. Listening to the police scanner and waiting.

Fair are fowl, and fowl are feral

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 Community correspondent Amy Jaecker-Jones captured these jewel-toned beauties:

I was privileged to come across Altadena's flock of wild peafowl, last Friday morning, at the intersection of Mt. Lowe Drive and Maiden Lane. I think this flock may be one of our town's best kept secrets. Several neighborhood walkers mentioned that they see the peafowl every morning. One man said that the most he's ever seen were seven. That morning, I spotted nine, including several "pied" males with splotchy coloring. In one of the windows, a dad and his daughter watched with delight as several peahens pecked among the plants in their front yard. Another hen was perched on the ridge of their roof. Several other walkers who, like me, had come to this spot to access our town's wonderful trail system, showed just as much surprise and delight at this colorful sighting.

World Down Syndrome Day today

K/1st Grade Child with Down Syndrome from Go Public on Vimeo.

by Timothy Rutt

Today is 3-21, which in our community is World Down Syndrome Day, symbolic of the extra, third 21st chromosome of trisomy 21 (the medical name for Down Syndrome).  A shout-out to all our families today who live with and love someone with this condition, and especially remembering our friend TIm Borquez and our cousin Suzanne Archer, who are no longer with us to be part of this day.

Locally, the go-to places for information are Club 21 in Pasadena, and the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles ... and see all the talented members of Down Syndrome in Arts and Media.

The video above is from the "Go Public: A Day in the Life of PUSD" project, directed by Gina Long.

 

 

Crime blotter: Lincoln Crossing special - armed robbers, & vehicle burglary you-know-where

Armed robbery at Verizon, lots of Apple products going missing and the bad guys hit 24 Hour Fitness -- again.  Crime blotter provided by the Altadena Sheriff's Station.

Monday, March 11 
Between 6:20 PM and 9:15 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1300 block of E. Palm Street. Loss: gray iMac. 

Between 7:00 PM and 8:00 AM (Tuesday) – A petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 3400 block of Canyon Ridge Drive. Loss: gym bag, pepper spray. 

Tuesday, March 12 
Between 7:30 AM and 3:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2000 block of N. Hill Street. Loss: iPad and a MacBook Pro. 

Between 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 300 block of E. Mendocino Street. Loss: MacBook, and (2) Mac Core. 

Thursday, March 14 
Between 5:00 AM and 6:15 AM – A vehicle burglary occurred at 24Hr. Fitness, 2180 N. Lincoln Avenue. Loss: black wallet, credit cards, currency. 

Between 6:00 PM and 10:00 AM (Friday) – A petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 1600 block of Midwick Drive. Loss: Prada sunglasses. 

8:35 PM – A robbery occurred at Verizon Wireless, 2230 N. Lincoln Avenue. Two armed suspects walked into the location. Suspect #1 male, black, 6’01, 200 lbs, 25-30 yrs, black ski-mask - Suspect #2 male, black, 5’10, 160 lbs., 25-30 yrs,. After robbing the location, both suspects fled the location via the rear entrance. No further info available. 

Between 11 AM Thursday, March 14th and Friday March 15: A residential burglary occurred on Pine Street. Loss: Samsung TV, DVD Player, and DirecTV Box. *** On 03/15/13 at 5:05 PM, Suspect Brenda Anderson Female/Black, resident of Pasadena, was arrested by Altadena Deputies on Harriett Street for possession of the victim's stolen property. She was booked for being under the influence of a controlled substance and possession of stolen property (Booking #3494388). 

"Relay Rally" in Pasadena for American Cancer Society

from the Altadena Relay for Life

The American Cancer Society invites individuals who want to celebrate the lives of those who have faced cancer, remember loved ones lost and fight back against the disease to join its Relay For Life, scheduled for Saturday, June 1, 2013 in Altadena at Farnsworth Park.  Relay For Life is an overnight community celebration where individuals and teams camp out, barbecue, dance, and take turns walking around a track relay style to raise funds to fight cancer.  At nightfall, participants will light hundreds of luminaria around the track in a moving ceremony to honor cancer survivors as well as friends and family members lost to the disease. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life represents hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day cancer will be eliminated.

On Thursday, March 21, we will be hosting a Relay Rally.  Anyone -- families, caregivers cancer survivors, schools, companies, etc., are invited to come learn how the can become involved annual Relay For Life activities.  

WHAT -- Relay for Life of Altadena Rally

WHEN – Thursday, March 21, 2013 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

WHERE – American Cancer Society Office
50 North Hill Ave. Pasadena, CA 91106

Light snacks and refreshments will be served.

For additional information call or email:  Event Chair Heather Morrow  at 818-257-0338 or hcmorrow@gmail.com

We are “In It to Win It” here in Altadena.  To join a Relay For Life of Altadena, visit www.RelayForLife.org/altadenaca.

Caltech Theater Arts presents "Rashamon" at Descanso Gardens this weekend

 

A Buddhist priest, a woodcutter, and a young woman are three of the characters in the conflicting story at the Rashamon gate.

 

by Timothy Rutt

"Rashamon" is a classic Japanese film, directed by Akira Kurosawa, where witnesses tell conflicting stories of a crime that may or may not have occurred.

Theater Arts at Caltech (TACIT) will present an outdoor theatrical version of the story in two performances:  at Descanso Gardens, in the Under the Oaks Theater on March 23 and 24, and in the garden of the TACIT house, 275 N. Hill Avenue, Pasadena, on April 6 and 7.

All performances are at 2:30 PM. The Descanso Gardens performances are free with garden admission, and Caltech performances have tickets at the door only ($15 general/ $10 student-staff-seniors, $5 Caltech students).

For more information, visit tacit.caltech.edu or call (626) 395-3295

Assemblyman Holden looking for Small Business of the Year

41st District Assemblyman Chris Holden is seeking nominations to honor  a "Small Business of the Year" from his district.

According to a press release, "The San Gabriel Valley has over 69,000 small and medium sized businesses, and I look forward to receiving nominations for these great businesses within my district.  Small businesses are doing great things for our economy and communities and I want to hear about their successes," Holden said.

In order to qualify, the business must have a physical location within the 41st Assembly District, have two hundred (200) or less full-time employees, and have been in business for at least two years. A business may be self-nominated, nominated by municipal and chamber of commerce staff, and/or by any business or resident within the 41st Assembly District.  I hope to select one small business from each city for honors and one of these will be recognized in Sacramento on June 10, 2013 at a Small Business Luncheon.

Complete and submit the nomination form by April 10, 2013."

 

Doo-Dah Queen tryouts April 7 in Pasadena

It's time to pick the Doo-Dah Parade queen, and we're just going to run this press release the way they sent it:

Current Queen Patrizzi Intergarlactica Photo by Tom Holaday

WHERE: Royal mayhem takes place at the American Legion Bar, 179 N. Vinedo St., in east Pasadena, Between Walnut and Colorado Blvd .(626) 792-9938

 

WHEN: Sunday, April 7, 2013

2:00 pm - Doors Open and live music begins

3:00 - 4:00 pm - Doo Dah Queen Hopefuls Check-In; Judges arrive

4:30 - 7:00 pm - Doo Dah Queen Tryouts 

@ 7:30 pm - New Doo Dah Queen is Crowned

COST: $5 cover; First 20 queen hopefuls to arrive are free! Cash only.

Trying out? please call Doo Dah Hqtrs. at 626-590-1134 and we will answer your questions and give you tips. Tryouts are open to everyone and we mean it!  All are encouraged to dress randomly even if you are coming to watch.

HOW? The first 20 Queen Hopefuls to arrive get in FREE (1 admission per Queen's entourage). Each Queen Hopeful will have a few minutes to WOW the Judges. Microphone and boom box, even drumroll, provided. Be ready to show us and tell us why YOU should be Queen! Bring Loyal Followers and HUMOR! Tell them to buy the judges a beer to get a chance to vote. Hecklers encouraged!

MonteCedro presents "Evolved Aging"

On March 27 and 28, 2013, MonteCedro, a new planned Episcopal Community and Services (ECS) Continuing Care Retirement Community in Altadena, will host Dr. David Gobble,  Director of Masterpiece Living Academy, who will present “Evolved Aging - Are You Ready for the Silver Tsunami”. 

During this seminar, Dr. David Gobble will provide San Gabriel Valley area seniors and caregivers with a look into the financial and health care future and demonstrate how to combat  the financial challenges of their retirement. Additionally, MonteCedro’s Director of Life Enrichment Rebecca Gruett will give an introduction into Masterpiece Living, MonteCedro’s  senior life enrichment program. 

Space is limited for this event. To register, please visit www.montecedro.com/info or call 877-305-6013.

 

In ten days: Primavera V

by Timothy Rutt

It's only ten days until "Primavera in Altadena," the fifth annual San Gabriel Valley Blogger's Potluck!

Rain or shine, at the Mt. Curve Pavilion in Farnsworth Park, Saturday, March 30!

Are you coming?  And what are you going to bring?

 

Congresswoman Judy Chu to speak at ACONA next week

by Timothy Rutt

Congresswoman Judy Chu will be the guest speaker at the March 26 meeting of the Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations.

According to ACONA's Elliot Gold, Chu will speak about "robo-calls": 

She is going to cover "robo calls"... a big concern to residents of Altadena... 
AND, we're going to ask the Congresswoman:
- If she has submitted proposed legislation
- If she can help the audience with advice on how to end these calls
- If she can help the audience use the "do not call" list effectively.

ACONA meets from 7-8:30 PM at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St.

Town council, school board discuss educational challenges

 

Members of the Altadena Town Council and Pasadena Unified School District board held their annual joint meeting Tuesday night.

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Town Council and the board of the Pasadena Unified School District held their annual joint meeting Tuesday, March 19.  The agenda was largely devoted to reports from school district officials on the challenges facing schools in Altadena, as well as general budget issues affecting the whole district.

Group homes: One of the discussions dealt with group homes: with unincorporated Altadena holding several group homes and children's service organizations such as Five Acres.  Councilmember Richard Moon said that 40 children living at Five Acres go to Eliot Middle School, which puts a strain on that school's services.  

Charter schools: Another issue that faces the district is charter schools: due to the district's propensity for closing school buildings in Altadena, many charters have moved in.  Charters are a mixed bag for the district, according to PUSD Supt. Jon Gundry, charters due tend to draw  high-perfoming children and involved parents out of the district.  Even though charter schools are supposed to be open to everybody, they also tend to attract a certain social class: according to PUSD board member Ed Honowitz, only 5 percent of children attending Aveson Charter School qualify for a subsidized lunch, whereas districtwide 70% of children qualify. Children siphoning off to charters also means less money is available for the school district.

School resource officer: Altadena Sheriff Capt. John S. Benedict put in a plea for a school resource officer for Altadena schools.  "The bottom line is we don't have one, and we'd like to get one," Benedict said.  Such a position can be half-funded by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and half by the school district.  Gundry said he supports the idea, but school board members said that school budgets were extremely tight.

African American males:  Dr. Mack Hines, a consultant for the district, discussed his African American Male Initiative, which seeks to understand the achievement gap with this population and what can  be done to close it.

 

Altadena Ale & Wine House activities this week

Sponsor team member the Altadena Ale & Wine House, 2329 N. Fair Oaks, has a variety of events this week for your consideration:

Thursday, March 21 - Rerun of our famous corned beef and cabbage, $12 per plate.  Dinner starts at 6 PM - eat in or take out.

Saturday, March 23:- Hunter Maceachern will be painting Pysanka Easter eggs this Saturday from 6 PM on.  Pysanka refers specifically to an egg decorated with traditional Ukrainian folk designs There will be eggs will be for sale! What fun!

Sunday,  March 24:  French wine tasting - $25 per person. 3-5 PM.

Fish & Game to hold natural resource volunteer academy

from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is seeking applicants for the Natural Resource Volunteer Program (NRVP) to serve in Los Angeles and Orange counties.

“The natural resource volunteers do not have law enforcement authority, but they are trained to be educational ambassadors for the Department,” said program coordinator Lt. Kent Smirl. “The mission of the Natural Resource Volunteer Program is to provide conservation and enforcement education in public service while providing biological, enforcement and administrative staff support to CDFW.”

CDFW is holding an NRVP training academy in Los Alamitos from April 10-23. Graduates of the academy become volunteers for CDFW. These positions are unpaid. Interested individuals go through a selection process, which includes an initial screening, application, interview and background check. If selected, individuals attend an 80-hour conservation course to prepare them for a monthly service commitment of at least 24 hours. After completing the academy, volunteers work with a trained volunteer mentor to implement their newly acquired skills during a six-month probationary period.

More information here.

 

Found dog, Reever/Glenrose [home now]

Neighbors found a dog today:

Our neighbor Sharon found this dog wandering around Reever Way and Glenrose Ave. She walked to some others neighbors, but no one knows who the dog might belong to.

Sharon can hold the dog until later this evening (3/19) before having it sent to a humane society.

UPDATE: Doggie has been returned home

Altadena Sheriff's Station offers "tweet-along" Friday

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Sheriff's station is participating in the Global Police Tweet-a-thon Friday, offering a virtual ride-along thru Twitter as local deputies tweet their movements during a working shift.

According to a press release from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Altadena deputies will participate between 10 AM and 6 PM March 22.

All police agencies will tweet using the #poltwt hashtag.  Altadena deputies n will join more than 100 participating law enforcement agencies across six countries to take to Twitter in an effort to bring attention and understanding to the use of social media by law enforcement.

Here in Altadena, we hope to use the event as a virtual ride-along, giving the community a glimpse of the daily activity and a behind the scenes look at the typical day of a patrol deputy," said Captain John Benedict. “This is the first time the Altadena Sheriff’s Station has ever done anything like this and we hope our participation continues to positively influence the use of social media."

"We are excited to bring together police agencies around the world in this first of its kind social media event," said Lauri Stevens, founder of LAwS Communications and organizer of the Global Police Tweet-a-thon. "We hope it sends the message to non-law enforcement that their police officers are up to speed with social media and that they should use the channel to talk with police officers and to be stewards of public safety." 

For a list of participating agencies, please visit https://twitter.com/ConnectedCOPS/police-tweet-a-thon-2013/members. 

For a Google map of participating police agencies, click here -http://goo.gl/maps/Hqkgf 

The Aladena Sheriff station Twitter tag is @ALDLASD. 

Altadena Junction: GOOD news, summer concerts

Our weekly column for the Pasadena Sun is up (finally!).

Also: nice to see Altadena's Shirlee Smith return to the column business, with her "Common Sense" column in the Sun.  This week, it's about Walmart, compromises, and more.

Eliot Middle School holds fundraiser at Pinocchio's Wednesday

Eliot Middle School is holding a fundraiser at Pinocchio's Restaurant tomorrow, from 11 AM-10 PM.  A percentage of sales will go to the PTA, but you need to have the flyer (click to expand).

 

Joseph Shuldiner has plans for you

by Timothy Rutt

LA Observed has a great feature about Altadena Farmers' Market maven Joseph Shuldiner: the market, the Institute of Domestic Technology classes, and his plans for the Grand Central Market in downtown LA.  As if we didn't know already, Altadena is LA Food Culture Central, and it's thanks to people like Shuldiner that it's so.

Poetry Corner: April is the cruelest month

"DEATH AND TAXES"

from gloriana casey

Ben Franklin, yes he had it right,
and that's a certainty.
For death and taxes come to all,
this curse---Humanity!

And true I've read that IRS,
is way behind in work.
Computer plans don't work for all,
for this annoying irk!

Then once this travesty begins,
the work begins to pall.
Receipts once filed  so carefully----
and all begins to fall!

Death, taxes, all of that

Entries will be light today, because we'll be filling out forms and screaming.

Erin go bragh!

And just before we shut out the lights ... the gnomes celebrate!

"This Could Be It": Arroyo Food Co-op meets to discuss potential location

by TImothy Rutt

The Arroyo Food Co-op will hold a members meeting at the Boys and Girls Club of Pasadena, 3230 E. Del Mar Boulevard in Pasadena, at 7 PM March 20.  

(Ed. note: this story has been changed from its original version. Patrick Reagan of the Arroyo Food Co-op said that some more information is forthcoming, and we'll share it with you when we can!)

 

 

Holy Week blegging

We're putting together a listing of church services for Holy Week, especially Maundy Thursday thru Easter.  

Please send your church's schedule to us at altadenablog @ gmail.com so it can be part of the listing!

"Wreck It Ralph" is the Library's Friday fun flick March 22

The Altadena Library's "Fun Flick Friday" on March 22 is "Wreck-It Ralph."

Wreck-It Ralph longs to be as beloved as his game's perfect Good Guy, FIx-It Felix.  Problem is, nobody loves a bad guy!

Rated PG, the movie starts at 3:30 PM at the Community Room of the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St.. Admission is free.

 

Related articles

Library hosts multi-media "Impressions of China" Feb. 9

Kres Mersky returns to the Library with "Isadora Duncan"

WRECK-IT RALPH Director Rich Moore Talks about More Ideas for the Sequel

Wreck-It Ralph Blu-ray/DVD Combo Possibly Only $12.99 at Target (Starting 3/5!)

Welcome to the holiday

Yep, it's one of those Days of Enforced Joy^tm, and Gloriana Casey remembers it in verse: 

"Cead Mile Failte" ( kaid-meela-fallta)
"A Hundred Thousand Welcomes"

from gloriana casey

So--have you seen a leprechaun?
Today-- you well may see!
Those cobblers with their pots of gold,
are jokers! Pranks to be!

But where is St. Patrick in this,
and did he vanquish snakes?
No snakes in Ireland ever lived,
though drinking can give shakes!

As eyeballs float around the head
when drinking tasty brew,
I'm sure those snakes, someone will see,
but  hopefully not you!

Polynesian dance classes start at Sue B. in April

Lynanne Hansen-Miller will be teaching classes in Polynesian Dance for ages 5-12 at Sue B. Dance Studio, starting April 9.  Click graphic for details.

Pan-STARRS in the sky

Comet Pan-Starrs Moonset from Dan Finnerty on Vimeo.

Dan Finnerty created this stunning time-lapse video of the moon and Comet Pan-STARRS in the skies above Altadena on March 12.

 

Today is Five Acres Day

 

Pictured: Chanel Bortakidis, Karen Evans, Leslie Lyons, Jay Sander, Supervisor Antonovich, Andrew Crowell and Michele Hall.

 

 

from the office of Supervisor Michael Antonovich

Supervisor Antonovich joined the staff of Five Aces in proclaiming March 16th, 2013 as “Five Acres Day” in Los Angeles County in recognition of Five Acres’ 125th anniversary. 

Five Acres was established in 1888 as one of Los Angeles County’s first orphanages.  Today, it is as the oldest non-sectarian agency in the San Gabriel Valley, promoting safety, well-being, and permanency for children and their families by building on their strengths and empowering them within communities.

They provide an array of mental health, therapeutic and educational programs to abused, neglected and disadvantaged children and their families. They have four sites in Altadena, Pasadena, San Dimas, and El Monte.

No holds Bard: California Shakespeare Ensemble will hold court in Farnsworth Park

by Timothy Rutt

"O, how this spring of love resembleth
The uncertain glory of an April day;
Which now shows all the beauty of the sun,
And by and by a cloud takes all away."

The Two Gentlemen of Verona (I, iii, 84-87)

William Shakespeare will be coming to Altadena some spring days in April and May.

The California Shakespeare Ensemble, after an April 20 season opener at Descanso Gardens in La Canada Flintridge, will move to Altadena to perform on  Saturdays from April 27-May 25. According to its website:

The CSE is a theater group dedicated to professional and engaging performances of the works of Shakespeare.  We strive to bring brilliant actors from theater, film and television to some of the best written material of all time.  Minimal staging, minimal props, simply: beautiful stories told with beautiful words by brilliant performers.

Brian Elerding of CSE emailed us:"It looks like Farnsworth/LA County will be cosponsoring the California Shakespeare Ensemble's performances at the beautiful theater in the Davies Building at Farnsworth Park!  As part of our deal with them, we're going to be offering some free workshops on Shakespeare and theater for both adults and teens leading up to, and during our run there. The show and the workshops really promise to be a lot of fun."

What the play is, they aren't saying yet --- but the company promises that no two performances will be alike.  In 2012, CSE performed "Twelfth Night" in April and Dicken's "A Christmas Carol"  in December at Descanso Gardens.

The California Shakespeare Company's website is here.

 

Special education advisory committee meets Monday at PUSD HQ

Announcing the March Pasadena Unified School District/SELPA Special Education Dept. Community Advisory Committee general meeting at the PUSD Education Center.

Topic: LET’S DISCUSS OUR LOCAL PLAN-PART II.

We continue our discussion of the Special Education Local Plan, as part of this year’s formal review and revision process

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

Please note the new venue and that the venue will periodically change.

When: Monday March 18, 6.15 - 8.30PM

Where: 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

Morning jolt

• The silver years: On March 27 and 28,  MonteCedro will explore the meaning of “Silver Tsunami” with Dr. David Gobble, who is one of the directors of Masterpiece Living^®. During his presentation, he will also provide San Gabriel Valley seniors with a look into the future of retirement. To RSVP or receive additional information about MonteCedro, please visit www.montecedro.com/info or call 877-282-1584.
• Scholars: Altadena residents Kasey Locke and  Volney K. Youngstrom  made the academic Deans' List at Azusa Pacific University. These students are honored for a fall 2012 grade-point average of 3.5 or better. They are joined by 1,698 students receiving the same honor.

Irish dances for the whole family Sunday in Tujunga

by Timothy Rutt

Looking for something family-friendly on St. Patrick's Day?

Altadena dance instructor Lynnanne Hanson-Miller will be teaching Irish and English Country dances to live music at the Comfort & Joy Café in Tuhunga from 3-6 PM Sunday.

These are really fun partner dances but they can be a little tricky, and therefore are appropriate for ages 10 yrs. and up. But the younger ones may have fun just jiving to the wonderful music with a parent or sibling!

Food and beverages available for purchase. Hope to see you there.

The Comfort & Joy Cafe is at 10024 Commerce Ave, Tujunga. $7 per person at the door; 9 yrs. old and under free