altadenablog

Polly Frost looks at her Altadena bad role models

Polly Frost may not use her Altadena riding training in Manhattan, but she uses other lessons she learned there every day.

The New York City writer and former Altadena resident returns to the scene of the crime Feb. 10 with a one-woman show about her bad role models

by Timothy Rutt

One-woman autobiographical shows aren’t unusual to find:  a performer telling stories of her life, who influenced her for good or ill, and how it all turned her into the person she is today.  You can see these performances in libraries, “black box” theaters, at festivals, in small performance venues. So far, so good, so what? 

What IS unusual is for the performer to tell her story to her audience in the exact place where it happened -- which is what Polly Frost will do in Altadena next month.

Frost, a New York City-based writer, is coming back home to Altadena to perform her show, “Bad Role Models and What I Learned From Them” on Feb. 10.  And she’ll be performing it on in the same horse stable on Mariposa Street where learned so much -- good, bad, and ugly.

Bad role models
“I started thinking about the whole question of role models in our lives,” Frost said.  “Really and true, the people who had the biggest impact on me weren’t always the people who were the best role models -- in fact four of the people that I talk about in my show, and I pay tribute to them, could be seen as bad role models.  in fact, they taught me so much about life, more than I learned from any good role model.”

Three of these bad role models were in Altadena, Frost said, “and it’s very exciting to get a chance to do my show in Altadena ... and I’m doing it in the stable of one of my bad role models, my riding teacher Aloha Robinson.”

Aloha (pronounced “Uh-low-uh”) was a “fantastic character, an amazing woman,” Frost said.  A former starlet in the movies, “Aloha was an amazing survivor,”  Frost said.  “she was very ladylike, but she always had a cigarette, and never saw a glass of Scotch she didn’t like.”  Frost said she kept her home open to all kinds of animals, including a mynah bird that learned to mimic Aloha’s smoker’s cough.

Altadena Chamber honors dinner needs your reservation by Jan. 25

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Chamber of Commerce 89th annual Awards and Installation Dinner will take place on Friday, Feb. 1, and RSVPs must be in by next Friday, Jan. 25.

Honorees include Citizen of the Year Michele Zack and Business of the Year Altadena Hardware.

Cost is $75 per ticket or $140 for a pair.  The dinner will take place at the Altadena Town & Country Club, 2290 Country Club Drive, starting at 6 PM.  Purchase tickets online at www.altadenachamber.org or call 626-794-3988.  Cocktail attire requested.

 

 

Related articles

Chamber names Michele Zack, Altadena Hardware the best of the year

Council sets up community standards committee

Altadena Chamber hosts "Holiday Shop & Dine" Friday

Altadena Town Council: the rundown

The Bright Futures Scholars were honored at the Jan. 15 Altadena Town Council meeting for Scholar's Month.

by Timothy Rutt

In other news of note from Tuesday's town council meeting:

• The annual joint meeting between the Altadena Town Council and the Pasadena Unified School District Board will be March 19
• Officer Kevin Denmon of the California Highway Patrol said that the fatal accident on Dec. 21, 2012 on Mendocino Street is stil under investigation. Robert Frank Ott, 54, former CEO of Claim Jumper Restaurants, was struck by a car while jogging near the Altadena Golf Course that morning.  A 58-year-old San Marino man was identified as the driver, but no charges have yet been filed.

 

Related articles

Town council wants local hearings on day care center site

Captain to make plea for resource officer for Altadena schools

Daycare center plan earns ire of neighbors, town council

Altadena Town Council meeting Tues.: meter changes, standards committee

Council sets up community standards committee

Town council meeting tonight, 7 PM at the Community Center

Morning jolt

 

• Deferred rain tax: The county Board of Supervisors deferred sending the "Clean Water, Clean Beaches" runoff tax to election after hundreds protested at Tuesday's meeting.  Jason Wells and Kathy Corrigan tell the tale via the Pasadena Sun.
• Relay for LIfe: a reminder that kick-off for the American Cancer Society's Altadena Relay for LIfe is Friday, Jan. 18, 7 PM at the Davies Building, Farnsworth Park.  There'll be video of last year's Relay, recognition of 2012 fundraising, "Hero of Hope" Jennifer Johnson will speak about her journey, Anita Torres Brenner will share a caregiver's tale, and the 2013 theme will be announced.  And there'll be cake!

 

 

 

Related articles

Morning jolt: Eaton Canyon heroics (truthful and truthier)

Morning jolt: Haggis, and pinot

Relay for LIfe kickoff rally at Farnsworth Park Jan. 18

Morning jolt: Obit for former Claim Jumper CEO Robert Ott

Morning jolt: Shuldiner to remake LA's' Grand Central Market

Morning jolt

Grace Kelly at Coffee Gallery Backstage Jan. 21

by Timothy Rutt

No, for us older people, it's not that one:  Dynamic young Korean saxophone prodigy Grace Kelly will put in a rare appearance in an intimate setting at the Coffee Gallery Backstage on Monday, January 21, at 8 PM.

Kelly, 20, has graced jazz festivals all over the world and performs for thousands -- and her last appearance at the Gallery was sold out, so act quickly.

You need reservations, so call 626-798-6236, but only if you know you're going to be there.  The cost of this show is $20 payable when you arrive for the show.

The Coffee Gallery Backstage is a special listening room in the back of The Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake Ave., Altadena, CA 91001.  See you there.

 

MonteCedro event helps seniors navigate new technology

Have you ever wanted to know how to create an email account, share pictures with your family via Shutterfly.com, or check the local movie times and listings on Fandango.com?

On January 24, 2013, MonteCedro, a new planned Episcopal Communities & Services (ECS) Continuing Care Retirement Community in Altadena, will host Abby Stokes, author of “Is This Thing On?” and instructor at Cooper Union and New York University’s School of Lifelong Learning. Stokes has helped almost 190,000 people understand and navigate the latest technology and tools including the Internet, computers, tablets, “smart” phones, email and picture sharing.

Stokes will conduct two seminars to educate San Gabriel Valley area seniors about the differences between the various innovations and gadgets. She will also help attendees identify which devices, “apps” and social networking tools would be appropriate for them.

The seminars will be held at 10 AM at the The University Club of Pasadena, 175 N. Oakland Ave., Pasadena; and at 3 PM at the MonteCedro Presentation Gallery, 153 East Holly St., Pasadena.

Space is limited for these events. To register, please visit www.montecedro.org/info or  call 877-282-1584.

 

Related articles

MonteCedro event hosts All Saints' Ed Bacon Dec. 13

The man, the myth, the legend: Bob Stane forks out his personal history Feb. 2

Aveson will open new campus at Altadena/Lincoln building this fall

Chamber names Michele Zack, Altadena Hardware the best of the year

Library holds bookmark contest for summer reading program

The Altadena Library is holding a bookmark contest to celebrate National Library Week in April. The contest begins January 14 and is open to students in Kindergarten through fifth grade who live or attend school in Altadena.

Participants are asked to create an original bookmark based on this year’s Summer Reading Club theme “Reading is Delicious at the Altadena Library”. Entry forms are available at the Altadena Main and Bob Lucas Branch libraries. Limit one entry per person.

All entries must be the original artwork of the participant. Entries will be judged on creativity and originality. All entries will be on display at the library during National Library Week in April. The winning bookmarks will be printed and handed out during the 2013 Summer Reading Club. Deadline for entry is Saturday, February 23 at 5:30 PM. For more information please contact the Youth Services Department at 626-798-0833 ext. 108.

The Altadena Main Library is at  600 E. Mariposa St. , and the Bob Lucas Branch Library is at 2659 N. Lincoln Ave. 

Faith notes: St. Elizabeth holds charismatic mass/healing service Jan. 25

St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, 1879 N. Lake Avenue,will hold a Charismatic Mass and Healing Service on Friday, January 25.

The evening will begin with Praise & Worship at 7:00 PM.

Fr. Michael Barry will be the main celebrant. Music will be provided by the Heart of Jesus Music Ministry from Incarnation Church in Glendale. A love offering will be taken up to support Fr. Barry's ministry at Mary's Mercy Center in San Bernardino. EVERYONE IS WELCOME. Questions, call (626) 797-1167.

Beckett Hall house concert: Big Wide Room Jan. 24

Sharon Bailey Beckett and Edward Beckett open up their home Thursday, Jan. 24 for one of their occasional house concerts.

Local musicians Big Wide Room (Mark Davis, Brett Perkins and David Zink) bring Americana music to an intimate setting:

Bring a munchie to share with others at Intermission and bring some dollars to buy their new CD and to make a donation to these hard-working singer-songwriters on tour.  You’ll have a wonderful time—please RSVP so that your seats are reserved for you.  The house is happy to host these artists and 100% of the proceeds go to the artists for the evening.

 Concert is at 1051 E. Altadena Drive.  $15 donation requested, doors open at 7:30 PM.  RSVP 626-791-7953 or sharonbb@hotmail.com

Related articles

Morning jolt: Haggis, and pinot

What Celtic Connections means to me

Plan ahead: dates set for summer concert series

NBBA pushes for Lake Avenue moratorium at town council meeting

by Timothy Rutt

One of Altadena’s anti-Walmart groups is pushing for a moratorium on development along the Lake Avenue business district until new community standards are in place.

Members of Neighbors Building a Better Alltadena spoke at the Altadena Town Council meeting Tuesday, urging that development along Lake Avenue be put under a temporary moratorium until Altadena’s community standards are updated.  There is a town council committee that is currently meeting to update the 1986-era standards that govern residential and commercial development in Altadena.

Another anti-Walmart group, SaveAltadena, presented a petition to the county Board of Supervisors asking for a moratorium on large chain stores countywide.  The supervisors, not wanting to put a countywide ban in place, sent it back to the Town Council to take the temperature of the community about whether there should be a ban on large development in Altadena.  Council chair Bernardean Broadus said that the council will take comments at the Jan.15 meeting, the next Land Use Committee meeting on Feb. 5, and the next town council meeting Feb. 19.

NBBA, however, is only asking for a restricton on the Lake Avenue business district.  Citing the change of ownership of the old Blockbuster building, the rumored sale of the Webster complex, and the empty lot at Lake Avenue and Calavaras Street that is now being reviewed for potential development, NBBA speakers said that they opposed large scale development on the Lake Avenue corridor while the community standards are being reviewed.

“NBBA wants to support the Community Standards Committee's research and community outreach,” it said in a Jan. 14 email to members. “We strongly support a temporary halt to large commercial development on Lake Avenue until the Community Standards Committee completes its work and makes its recommendations for updating the 1986 guidelines to the Town Council. The Council will ratify those recommendations and forward them to the County Board of Supervisors.”

NBBA, which has taken a stand against the Walmart Neighborhood Market now under construction at Lincoln Avenue and Figueroa Street, has also expressed concern about rumors that Walmart is looking at the Lake/Calavaras location for a second Neighborhood Market.

 

 

Related articles

Survey: Neighborhood Market at Lake & Calavaras, or not?

Altadena Heritage members oppose second Walmart location

ACONA, others still waiting for answers from Walmart

Top ten Altadena stories of 2012

Altadena Town Council meeting Tues.: meter changes, standards committee

Council sets up community standards committee

Edison says restoring power was priority, not preserving 'evidence'

by Jason Wells and Joe Piasecki
Pasadena Sun

In response to a state probe that determined Southern California Edison hampered a safety investigation into poles that snapped in the fierce windstorm of 2011, the utility on Monday night defended its actions, saying in a statement that restoring power “had to take precedence” given the sheer magnitude of the damage.

In a report released earlier on Monday, the California Public Utilities Commission found that at least 21 poles were unstable because of termite destruction, dry rot or other damage before tumbling over in wind gusts of up to 120 mph on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 2011.

But more than 75% of the 248 Edison poles that were knocked down in the storm were destroyed by the utility before they could be inspected, a violation of commission rules that hampered the investigation.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

Captain to make plea for resource officer for Altadena schools

by Timothy Rutt

Altadena Sheriff Capt. John S. Benedict told the town council Tuesday night that he was going to meet with school district officials Friday to discuss stationing a school resource officer in Altadena.

Motivated in part by the recent wave of gang-related shootings in Altadena and Pasadena, and the shootings of school children in Sandy Hook, Connecticut, Benedict told the council that he was looking for the community's help to encourage the district to station a school resource deputy at Eliot Middle School, who would be available to the elementary schools as well.

Benedict plans to meet with Pasadena Unified School District Director of Child Welfare, Attendence, and Safety Eric Sahakian on Friday to make the case.  Benedict said that some schools in Pasadena already had resource officers in place.

Benedict told the council that a school resource officer has special skills and training, and his or her major job would be "building relationships and trust with students," and providing programs on safety, leadership, ethics, and building a better community.

Benedict told Altadenablog that a school resource officer would cost $158,000 a year, with the cost of salary, benefits, training and a vehicle.  It would be a "contract item" with the Pasadena Unified School District, Benedict said, where the district would contract with the sheriff's department for the deputy.  Benedict said that sometimes such officers were funded by grants or other outside source funding.  

"Eliot is our primary middle school, and a feeder to the Pasadena high schools," Benedict told Altadenablog.  "That would be home base, but he or she would be responsible for covering the base, and the elementaries, and Focus Point Academy."  

Benedict said that Eliot Principal Lorena Martinez said that the school could provide the required office space for the officer.  

 

 

From Antarctica to Altadena: Jackson students do cross-continent science

A Jackson Elementary School student asks a question of planetary scientist Margarita Marinova (onscreen) at McMurdo Station in Antarctica Wednesday morning.

by Timothy Rutt

Science-minded fifith graders from Jackson Elementary School had a rare opportunity this morning to run a scientific test -- in Antarctica.

 

With a local computer, a Jackson student operates the drill in Antarctica via an internet connection.

Thanks to the wonders of the Internet, the students could talk to scientists at the McMurdo Station scientific outpost near the South Pole, and operate an experimental core sample drill set up at the base in real time.

 

Fifth grade teacher Linda Keavy said that the 37 students in her class had the opportunity thanks to connections they'd made with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.  The drill, built by Honeybee Robotics, was operated by students in the classroom via an internet connection.

The core sample drill is being tested in Antarctica because, with the frigid temperatures and lack of liquid water, it most closely resembles the cold, dry conditions on Mars, said Margarita Marinova.  Marinova, a scientist specializing in Mars exploration, spoke to the students from Antarctica via a video Skype connection. 

The students could also ask questions of the team in Antarctica -- many of them about what it was like to live in such conditions.  

Marinova described McMurdo as "a little high-tech town in Antarctica," with 1,000 residents and commuting done by helicopter.

Gale Paulson of Honeybee Robotics was in Altadena, helping the students operate the drill remotely via a commercial GoToMyPC connection.  Paulson said that they hoped to send a version of the drill on a Mars mission in around 2020.

 

Jackson students -- surrounded by press -- listen to the Antarctica team explain how the drill will help them explore Mars.

 

 

Library's Fun Flick is "Ice Age 4: Continental Drift" Jan. 25

This month's Altadena Library Friday Fun Flick is "Ice Age 4: Continental Drift."

Rated PG, the 88 minute animated feature starts at 3:30 PM on Jan. 25 at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. 

Popcorn and drinks are provided, and admission is free.

 

Related articles

Season of giving from Altadena Sheriff's Station

Ice Age 4: Continental Drift {Giveaway}

Ice Age 4 : Continental Drift (2012)

Pasadena police investigating shooting

by TImothy Rutt

The Pasadena Police Department just sent out an alert to drivers to avoid Maple Street from Holliston to Michigan avenues, as they are conducting a shooting investigation in the area of Chester St. and Maple Avenue.  Message was received about 4:15 PM, and it says traffic closures on Maple and Chester will be in effect for several hours, so if you're planning to go there, reroute!

Related articles

Local leaders call for action on gun violence in Pasadena today

Pasadena Christmas Day shooting victim was sheriff's employee

Four arrested in Pasadena Christmas crash that killed woman, boy

It's LA Sheriff vs. Pasadena Fire in canyon rescue tiff

Windstorm 2011: We're shocked! Edison was deficient in windstorm prep

by Timothy Rutt

On Monday, the state Public Utilities Commission issued a report on Southern California Edison's preparation and response to the Big Wind of 2011, and not surprisingly found them deficient in preparation and planning, and chided them for destroying evidence as the PUC was investigating.

Our content partners at the Pasadena Sun have been all over this one:

1.  State commission takes SoCal Edison to task

A report issued by the California Public Utilities Commission on Monday found that some power poles maintained by Southern California Edison were faulty and too weak to withstand the gale-force winds that struck the San Gabriel Valley region in 2011, leaving thousands of people without power for days.

The commission’s Consumer Protection and Safety Division found that at least 21 downed poles and 17 wire supports jointly operated by Edison and various telecommunications companies did not meet safety requirements.

More here.

2. State investigators: SoCal Edison failed to preserve fallen poles for windstorm investigation

A state probe into 2011 windstorm-related power outages in the San Gabriel Valley was unable to determine whether many toppled utility poles had met safety standards becauseSouthern California Edison destroyed most of them before they could be inspected, according to investigators.

A report released Monday by the California Public Utilities Commission found that at least 21 poles were unstable due to termite, dry rot or other damage before falling over during gusts of up to 120 miles per hour on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.

But more than 75% of the 248 Edison poles that toppled over were destroyed by the utility before they could be inspected, a violation of commission rules that govern utilities.

“At the onset of [power] restoration efforts, preservation of failed poles was not made a priority by Southern California Edison,” the report states.

More here.

3. Local lawmakers chide SoCal Edison over state probe into 2011 windstorm response

Local lawmakers on Monday took Southern California Edisont o task after a state probe into the widespread power outages caused by a furious 2011 windstorm showed investigators were unable to determine whether toppled poles met safety standards because the utility destroyed most of them before they could be inspected.

More here.

 

Related articles

Edison faulted for 2011 windstorm response

Calif utility faulted for 2011 windstorm response

SoCal Edison rate hike approved by state regulators

Plan ahead: dates set for summer concert series

Local favorites Wreck 'n' Sow at last year's Summer Concert Series.

by Timothy Rutt

It's still six months away, but the Sheriff Support Group of Altadena has set the dates for this year's free concert series in Farnsworth Park, one of the highlights of an Altadena summer.

SSGA President Robert Klomburg said that the Saturday concerts have been set for July 6, 13, 20, and 27; Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31; and the grand finale on Sept. 7.

Still to early to say who'll be performing, but Klomburg said there will be at least a couple of crowd favorites returning this summer.

 

Altadena Jazz Quartet at the Ale House Thursday night

Local jazz artists the Altadena Jazz Quartet  (Joel Taylor, Chick Manning, and Quin Johnson, and yes, we know that's only three names) will perform at the Altadena Ale & Wine House, 2329 N. Fair Oaks Avenue, this Thursday, starting at 8:30 PM.

Aloha! Keiki O Ka'aina performs Polynesian dance at Coffee Gallery Sunday

Keiki O Ka 'Aina, an Altadena-based Pacific Island dance troupe, will perform this Sunday, Jan. 19, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N. Lake, from 2-3 PM.

Directed by Liz Espinoza and Matalasi (a championship Samoan fire knife dancer), the group has performed at the Pasadena Chalk Festival, Day One, and the APTRA awards.

Admission is free.

 

Related articles

It's a weekend of art ahead, as Altadena artists shine in galleries, open studios

The man, the myth, the legend: Bob Stane forks out his personal history Feb. 2

He aha ka mea e pono ai?

PUSD to hold "Cash for College" workshops

from the Pasadena Unified School District

High schools in Pasadena will host five Cash for College workshops in January and February to help Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) students and their families complete applications for college grants and scholarships. 

Following a presentation, volunteers and computers will be available to help students and their parents complete the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.  Cash for College workshops are geared toward current high school seniors but are open to all students who will enter college in fall 2013 or anytime during the 2013 – 2014 school year.

In addition, at least one 12^th-grade student who attends a workshop, completes an online evaluation form and submits their FAFSA and Cal-grant Grade Point Average (GPA) verification form by the March 2, 2013 deadline will be eligible to win a $1,000 scholarship. More information (including a list of what to bring to the workshop) is available on the Cash for College website www.calgrants.org

Spanish-speaking volunteers will be available. Workshop dates and locations are listed below:

 

Thursday, January 17	3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.	John Muir High School 1905 Lincoln Ave. Pasadena
Saturday, January 26	9 a.m. – 12 p.m.	Marshall Fundamental Secondary School 990 N. Allen Ave. Pasadena
Saturday, January 26	8:45 a.m. – 1 p.m.	Pasadena High School 2925 E. Sierra Madre Blvd. Pasadena
Wednesday, January 30	6 p.m. – 8 p.m.	Opportunities for Learning 2029 Lincoln Ave. Pasadena
Monday, February 4	3:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.	John Muir High School 1905 Lincoln Ave. Pasadena

 

Related articles

Meetings set in January for PUSD/City of Pasadena work plan

ACONA, League of Women Voters sponsor PUSD candidates forum Jan. 30

PUSD, sheriffs react to Sandy Hook shootings

PUSD facilities manager placed on leave in Measure TT probe

Washington Middle School family night generates STEAM

Board of Education election filing period open until Dec. 7

JPL to host hi-tech small business conference in March

from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., will host the 25th annual High-Tech Conference for Small Business on Tuesday, March 5, and Wednesday, March 6, at the Westin Hotel located near Los Angeles International Airport.

The conference will provide an opportunity for small businesses to discuss contracting and subcontracting opportunities with major corporations, federal agencies, local government agencies and JPL’s purchasing and technical communities.

Various “how-to” workshops will include information about conducting business with JPL and the federal government, certification programs offered by the federal government and JPL’s future needs.

“This conference is a great platform for small businesses to become informed about potential opportunities through workshops and networking,” said Edgar Murillo, High-Tech Conference coordinator and a small-business administrator at JPL.

Due to limited space, only prime contractors and government agencies will be allowed to exhibit. There is no fee to exhibit. Interested and qualified exhibitors should contact Jasmine Colbert at 818-354-8689, or at Jasmine.N.Colbert@jpl.nasa.gov .

It is estimated there will be 1,000 attendees, including prime contractors, as well as various JPL subcontractors and government representatives participating as exhibitors.

Interested attendees are encouraged to register early for this event. Online registration is available at: http://acquisition.jpl.nasa.gov/boo/2013HT/index.asp .

The cost is $150 per person.  The Westin Los Angeles Airport Hotel is located at 5400 West Century Blvd., Los Angeles, Calif. 90045.

Related articles

JPL workers call for congressional probe into security breach

Hiker's body recovered near JPL; identity of Friday fatality not yet released

Stolen NASA laptop contained JPL workers' personal information

NASA: What's up for January - Close encounters of the planetary kind

Mars Through Curiosity's Powerful MAHLI Camera: Photos

Curiosity Scrubs a Mars Rock Clean

Ibarionex Perello's Candid Frame talks to Michele Zack

by Timothy Rutt

Two mighty Altadenans in one place:  author/photographer Ibarionex Perello's podcast, The Candid Frame, features local historian Michele Zack in a discussion about the role of photography in documenting the history of a community.  There's a lot of discussion about the state of Altadena (past, present, and future), so even if you're not interested in photography, it's really worth a listen.

 

Related articles

Zack will speak at Pasadena Water centennial talk tonight

You need better gear. Not.

Chamber names Michele Zack, Altadena Hardware the best of the year

Hugo Arteaga: business by design

Top ten Altadena stories of 2012

The man, the myth, the legend: Bob Stane forks out his personal history Feb. 2

 

Bob Stane, in front of the Fork in the Road artwork at St. John and Pasadena avenues in Pasadena on Wednesday, December 14, 2011. (Tim Berger/Pasadena Sun Staff Photographer)

Pasadena's Allendale Branch Library, 1130 S. Marengo Ave., will have a discussion with Southern California entertainment legend Bob Stane on Sat., Feb. 2, at 2 PM.

 

Stane, the owner of Altadena's Coffee Gallery Backstage, has spent over 50 years in the entertainment industry.  As co-owner of The Ice House from 1961-1978, Stane nurtured the careers of The Association, The Smothers Brothers, Pat Paulson, Lily Tomlin, Jay Leno, and David Letterman.  After unusuccessfully retiring, he established the Coffee Gallery Backstage in 1998, one of Southern California's premiere performance spaces.

In 2009, the Fork in the Road at  St. John and Pasadena Avenues in Pasadena was constructed as a surprise birthday present for Stane.  Stane received the Topanga Banjo and Fiddle Contest's Music Legend award in 2012.

Admission is free, and refreshments will be served.  For more information, call 626-744-7260 or visit pasadenapubliclibrary.net.

 

Farnsworth Park offers "Parent's Night Out" in February and March

by Timothy Rutt

OK, you REALLY need a night out away from the kids.  The staff at Farnsworth Park is willing to let you have it for a reasonable cost in February and March.

"Parents Night Out" will be held from 6 PM to midnight on Friday nights, February 8 and 22, and March 8 and 22. Cost is $15 per child, and $10 for additional siblings.

While you're enjoying your night, your children will enjoy crafts, movies, games, and fun activities until you return.

Space is limited, and must be reserved: call 626 798-6335 to register.

Related articles

Win a turkey at the Farnsworth Park turkey shoot Nov. 20

Relay for LIfe kickoff rally at Farnsworth Park Jan. 18

Top ten Altadena stories of 2012

ACT, PCC host school board and Pasadena city council forum Thursday

If you want to know what’s going on in local politics, who’s running for City Council or Pasadena Board of Education, ACT – the oldest and largest progressive political organization in the San Gabriel Valley – is hosting a candidate forum at PCC, in cooperation with Andrew Bott, Vice-President for Business Affairs of the Associated Students of PCC.  

The forum is free and open to the public.  All candidates for Pasadena City Council and the Pasadena Unified School District Board have been invited.

President Mark Rocha of Pasadena City College will welcome guests, and the forum will be moderated by John Buchanan, former Mayor of Sierra Madre.  The Pasadena Community Network will be filming the forum for rebroadcast over the following weeks.

When: Thursday, January 17 at 7:00 p.m.

Where: Pasadena City College, Creveling Lounge, Bldg CC

1570 E. Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena

Hear from school board candidates in the newly re-drawn districts:

District 1 
Kimberly Kenne, PUSD School Board Member 
Dean Cooper Information Technology Consultant 

District 3 
Guillermo Arce, Human Services Administrator 
Tyron Hampton, Project Manager 
Ruben Hueso,Public School Educator 
Deirdra Duncan, Foster Parent 

District 5 
Elizabeth Pomeroy, PUSD School Board Member 
Stella Murga Director, Youth Center 

District 7 
Scott Phelps, PUSD Board of Education 
Luis Carlos Ayala, Attorney/Educator

Publisher's notebook: Clean Water, Clean Beaches -- who wants to know?

by Timothy Rutt

They must be pretty desperate out there.  Something happened to us that we thought we’d share:

Sunday afternoon, we got a call from a polling firm.  The nice woman on the phone said she was calling from Nevada, and wanted to ask us some questions about current issues, and we said sure.  It turned out to be more interesting than we expected.

After confirming our identity and that we were a property owner, she began asking her questions, all which which revolved around the Clean Water, Clean Beaches parcel tax idea that is up for a hearing with the County Board of Supervisors.  We sat through the poll and answered the questions honestly (transparency: we’re absolutely against the tax), and it was rather disturbing.

We asked:  who’s behind this survey?  Who’s paying for it? The pollster did not know.

Here’s one thing that disturbed us:  if you’ve received the designed-to-be-thrown-away notice, you’ll note that it has the exact dollar amount your particular property will be assessed if this measure is passed.  The proposed fee is $54 per 5,000 square foot lot -- we have a larger lot, so our assessment is greater.  The nice lady who was polling used our exact assessment amount when asking questions.  What this says to us that  somebody official participated in this poll -- like a government body with access to property records who could come up with our exact assessment.

Altadena Junction: Aveson's big move

Our weekly column in the Pasadena Sun is up:  Aveson's big move, and don't forget the deadline is near for Poetry & Cookies at the Library!

Related articles

Aveson will open new campus at Altadena/Lincoln building this fall

Top ten Altadena stories of 2012

Chamber names Michele Zack, Altadena Hardware the best of the year

"A Tree Grows" staged reading at the Library Feb. 2

Morning jolt

• Scholar: Kirstie Mitchell of Altadena (Business Administration) was among 1,973 students from Tennessee State University who were named to the Fall 2012 Dean's List.  The honor list names all students who have achieved a grade point average of 3.0 or higher in 12 or more semester hours taken for a letter grade during the spring semester.   With nearly 9,000 students, Tennessee State University is Nashville's only public university, and is a comprehensive, urban, coeducational, land-grant university offering 38 undergraduate, 22 graduate and seven doctoral programs. TSU has earned a top 20 ranking for Historically Black Colleges and Universities according to U.S. News and World Report, and rated as one of the top Universities in the state by Washington Monthly for social mobility, research and community service. Founded in 1912 Tennessee State University celebrated 100 years in Nashville during 2012.
• Sarge: Keith "Sarge" Gibbs' Sarge's Community Base, Inc. (SCB) will hold its annual "Spirit of Achievement" awards dinner/fundraiser on Sat., March 23 at the City Club on Bunker Hill at the Wells Fargo Center in Los Angeles. To register for the fundraiser, go here.
• Bowser: The Arroyo Seco Foundation has a video about the virtues of exercising by walking your dog, which was shot around the Arroyo and Rose Bowl.  Check it out, then walk your dog!

 

Related articles

Morning jolt: Eaton Canyon heroics (truthful and truthier)

Morning jolt: Haggis, and pinot

Morning jolt: Obit for former Claim Jumper CEO Robert Ott

Morning jolt

Morning jolt: Shuldiner to remake LA's' Grand Central Market

Land Use Committee to hold hearing on Canyon Crest daycare center

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Town Council's Land Use Committee has scheduled a public hearing on the daycare center planned for 3311 Canyon Crest Drive.

The owners are planning to convert the property into a child care center for up to 28 children.  The property, on the corner of Canyon Crest and Lincoln Avenue, is in a sensitive area with heavy traffic and is the main route into two different neighborhoods.  Neighbors have already raised objections to the plan. 

 

The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 5, at 7 PM at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.  In addition to speaking at the hearing, residents can email their comments/concerns to the planner, Maral Tashjian (mtashjian@planning.lacounty.gov), the Altadena LUC Chair Ken Roberts (ken-roberts@charter.net) or the LUC Secretary John Klose (john.c.klose@gmail.com). 

 

 

Related articles

Council sets up community standards committee

Altadena Mountain Rescue Team recruiting at Eaton Canyon Dec. 2

Daycare center plan earns ire of neighbors, town council

Top ten Altadena stories of 2012

Town council wants local hearings on day care center site

Webster's Fine Stationers hosts Ertil book signing Thursday

Webster's Fine Stationers, 2450 N. Lake Avenue, will host a book signing on Thurs., January 17, with Randy Jurado Ertll, local author, activist, and Executive Director of the nonprofit El Centro de Accion Social.

Mr. Ertll's book, Hope In Times Of Darkness - A Salvadorian American Experience, has been hailed as "an inspiration and testament to the power of an individual to overcome obstacles and make a difference" and "finds even in the most dispiriting of experiences the seeds of change and social justice". Listen as Mr. Ertll tells of his childhood in South Central Los Angeles, his brushes with gangs, and the educational bolt-hole he found to escape the almost inevitable drudgery of life on the streets. Hear about his adventures while attending school in Minnesota; Washington, D.C.; and Virginia; and learn about his non-profit El Centro de Accion Social.

Find out more information about Randy Jurado Ertll in this Pasadena Weekly article he wrote in November of last year: http://www.pasadenaweekly.com/cms/story/detail/the_way_up/11624/

The event starts at 6 PM.

Related articles

Altadena Chamber hosts "Holiday Shop & Dine" Friday

Webster's complex for sale, property firm mum on potential buyer

NBBA: "no irregularities" on Walmart filings is "a huge disappointment"

Ty Fance book signing at the Coffee Gallery January 19

by TImothy Rutt

Standup comedian (and Realtor) Ty Fance will autograph his new book, Off My Head and Over the Fence, on Saturday, January 19, at the Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake Avenue, starting at 1 PM.

The collection of autobiographical short stories details the experiences that have "helped make him who he is."  The event includes a Q&A session and opportunities to have the book autographed.

 

 

Related articles

SaveAltadena announces upcoming events

Walmart NOT attending town council meeting tonight

Rob Gilbert to speak at Altadena First Church of Christ, Scientist

Rob Gilbert, Christian Science Practitioner and a member of the church's Board of Lectureship, will give a free talk in Altadena on Sun., Jan. 13, starting at 2 PM.

The talk will be at the FIrst Church of Christ, Scientist, 942 E. Altadena Drive.

Click the graphic for more details.

 

Related articles

"Advent with Van Gogh" at Altadena Community Church in December

Season of giving from Altadena Sheriff's Station

Altadena Heritage members oppose second Walmart location

"Clean Water, Clean Beaches" measure protests must be in Tuesday

Advent continues at Altadena Community Church

Kid's fitness fun classes start at Farnsworth Park Feb. 2

by Timothy Rutt

The county Department of Parks and Recreation is offering four "fitness fun" classes for children age 6 through 13 on Saturdays starting Feb. 2.

The classes, which will be held at Farnsworth Park, will get children involved in different physical activities that promote fun and fitness, including: walking, running, jumping, hiking, Zumba, dancing, aerobics and more.

Fee is $20 for four weeks.

For more information, call the park at (626) 798-6335.

 

Related articles

Win a turkey at the Farnsworth Park turkey shoot Nov. 20

Zombie fitness class sees runners chased by the living dead

Top ten Altadena stories of 2012

Aveson will open new campus at Altadena/Lincoln building this fall

New Altadena business Party Time Faces can liven up your gathering

 

Katherine Oschin Rodriguez' new business, Party TIme Faces, can add entertainment to your parties and other events with face painting, glitter tattoos, and hair feathers.

Rodriguez works in Altadena and surrounding communities, and says: "I often donate up to 1 hour for free for community, school, and non-profit groups whenever possible. It helps them and it helps me get my name out there. I just donated two hours for a military fundraiser in Azusa. It was a great time painting all the kids."

HEr website is www.PartyTimeFaces.com, and phone is (818) 402-2412.

 

 

 

Related articles

Market matters: the Altadena Farmers' Market story

Aveson will open new campus at Altadena/Lincoln building this fall

"Clean Water, Clean Beaches" measure protests must be in Tuesday

Shots fired at off-duty deputy in Altadena Sat. morning

Found dog: Red Siberian Husky at Loma Alta Park [Gone home!]

This dog was found wandering around Loma Alta Park today:  Bonnie gives us the details:

Red Siberian Husky - blue eyes. Young unaltered male. No tag, flea collar and harness. Was found wandering below gym next to Loma Alta Park. He was then tied up next to the office (with water) to keep him from wandering. Someone called Humane Society who said they would be picking him up today. I was notified of it by a resident who sent an email/photo of the dog to our neighborhood mailing list. 

Since the Pasadena Humane Society doesn't cover Altadena, you may want to check the Baldwin Park animal shelter as well.  Hope he gets home.

UPDATE:  Puppy's home now.

Webster's Community Pharmacy to hold flu shot clinic Saturday

by Timothy Rutt

Facing one of the worst flu seasons in recent memory, getting your flu shot (if recommended) is critical. Webster's Community Pharmacy, 2450 N. Lake Avenue, is holding a flu shot clinic on Saturday, Jan. 12, from 9:30 AM-3:30 PM.

Meredith Miller at Webster's Community Pharmacy writes us:

We will have an RN available during these hours exclusively for vaccinations.  We  will offer this while supplies last;  as you know, the vaccination supply is very limited.    We also offer flu and other vaccinations by appointment and walk-in every day.

A few details:

- Flu vaccines are available for adults 18 and over without a prescription

-  Prescription needed for children 4 years -17 years old.

-  Shots not available under 4 years old.

-  $30/shot 

For more information, call Webster's Community Pharmacy at 626-797-1163.

Related articles

Medical offices in area flooded with requests for flu vaccines - Boston Globe

CDC: 'Spot shortages' of flu vaccine reported as disease spreads to 47 states.

Webster's Pharmacy and Liquors hold holiday open house this Sat.

"Clean Water, Clean Beaches" measure protests must be in Tuesday

by Timothy Rutt

The proposed "Clean Water, Clean Beaches" parcel tax will be up for a hearing on Tues., Jan. 15, at the Board of Supervisors hearing room, and all protests must be in by that date.

County supervisor Michael D. Antonovich has already weighed in on the measure, saying "“Property owners, schools and businesses already pay flood control taxes and now they are being asked to fork over more money at a time when families are struggling, schools are hurting and businesses are fleeing the state.”

The proposal is an added parcel tax on each property in the county that will go to fund flood control and anti-pollution measures.  It was mailed to property owners in a flyer that has been criticized for looking like "junk mail," and hiding the protest form in the interior of the flyer.

If a majority of property owners do not protest the property tax, it will go to election.

Michele Zack of Altadena Heritage said that  "Altadena Heritage is in process of deciding whether to officially protest this measure — not because we don't believe in the need to address non-point pollution and storm run off as major environmental problems — but because as written, the measure offers little accountability or clarity on how these goals will be achieved."  Four members of the board met with other community members to discuss the measure earlier this week.  While not taking a stance, they have created a sample protest letter (which appears at the end of this article).  

Property owners can also fill out the protest letter that came with the flyer, if they still have it.  If you've misplaced the flyer,  it is also possible to retrieve a protest form online or call (800) 218-0018 or email water.info@dpw.lacounty.gov to ask for more information.

To view sample flyer click the following link: http://antonovich.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/LACWCB_Ballona-Creek-Watershed-Notice1.pdf.  Your own county parcel number must be on the protest letter.

Altadena Heritage's sample protest letter appears after the jump.

Pasadena Unified school board candidates talk budget at forum

by Joe PIasecki
Pasadena Sun 

Pasadena Unified school board candidates who gathered Tuesday for the first political forum of the March 5 election season weighed in on a range of budget issues facing the district, particularly the event’s organizers: union members.

The forum was organized by unions representing teachers, administrators, custodians, clerical staff and other public school employees — organizations that are all expected to announce their endorsements in the coming weeks. Eight of the 10 candidates running for four seats attended the event.

The questions focused on the potential for layoffs and other cuts as future board members grapple with up to $12 million in expected budget reductions for the next school year.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

Town Council meeting Tues., Jan. 15, 7 PM

by TImothy Rutt

The Altadena Town Council will have its regular monthly meeting on Tues., Jan. 15, at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr., starting at 7 PM.

Looks to be mostly reports this month, with no action items scheduled.  It will have the first report from the Community Standards Committee.  Agenda after the jump.

Minister to Visit, Reflect on Japan's Earthquake Disaster

Jeffrey Mensendiek will preach at Altadena Community Church Sunday, Jan. 13, and continue the conversation in an adult class and at a potluck lunch. Mensendiek directs youth ministries at the Emmaus Center in Sendai, Japan, in the region hit by the 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and Fukushima nuclear disaster.

The son of missionaries, he also grew up in this part of Japan. ACC supports Mensendiek's work through Global Ministries, an ecumenical Christian group focused on justice, peace, and poverty issues (www.globalministries.org).

Worship begins at 10 a.m., adult class at 11:30, and the potluck at 12:30. Visitors are welcome—943 E. Altadena Drive, just east of Lake Avenue. For more information, see www.altadenaucc.org or call (626) 798-1185.

Lost dog, Braeburn and Page: Jimmy Choo

Yes, a dog named Jimmy Choo. Erick says he was last seen at about the corner of Page Drive and Braeburn Road:

Our mini schnauzer went missing today. He got out of the back yard around 2 this afternoon.

He is miniature schnauzer with a grey and white coat. He displays a beard and has a dark patch on his left thigh. He is wearing a maroon colored collar without any ID tags.

My phone number is 626-794-0167.

Related articles

Chamber names Michele Zack, Altadena Hardware the best of the year

That New Shoe Smell: Jimmy Choo Gets Its Own Fragrance

Crime blotter: thefts and shooting

Relay for LIfe kickoff rally at Farnsworth Park Jan. 18

The run up to the American Cancer Society's Altadena Relay for Life kicks off on Friday, Jan. 18 at the Davies Building in Farnsworth Park   Families, caregivers,  cancer survivors, schools, companies, etc., are invited.

This year's Hero of Hope, Jennifer Johnson, will be sharing her journey. There will be showing a video from Relay for Life of Altadena 2012 and 2012 fundraising efforts wii be recognized.  Don’t miss the announcement of the Relay 2013 theme, and there will be birthday cake to celebrate More Birthdays.

According to a press release:

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.

The Relay for Life Kickoff starts at 7 PM on Friday, Jan. 18, at 7 PM at the Davies Building in Farnsworth Park, 568 Mount Curve Avenue.  To join a Relay For Life in Altadena, call 1-800-ACS-2345, or visit ww.RelayForLife.org/altadenaca.

 

"A Tree Grows" staged reading at the Library Feb. 2

from the Altadena Library District

The theatrical debut of A Tree Grows by local author Cliff Moore will take place in the Community Room of the main Altadena Library in a staged reading on Saturday, February 2, at 2 PM. This heartwarming story tells the tale of a small town during the 60’s and its heroic tree. Laugh and cry (mostly laugh) your way through this moving tribute to a town, its tree, and a decade that affected so many.

Immediately after the approximately thirty-minute performance there will be an audience discussion with the author. Then, following a short intermission, anyone interested is invited to stay to write about and share experiences of the 60’s or another time important in their life in a writing exercise led by creative writing instructor and poet Don Kingfisher Campbell. This part of the program will be from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. that day.

Cliff is an award winning author and poet with numerous completed feature-length screenplays to his credit so he knows how to tell a good story. This free presentation rated PG (for language) is sponsored by the Friends of the Altadena Library. The main Altadena Library is located at 600 East Mariposa Street, Altadena. For more information please call 626-798-0833 ex. 115, or emailpdutton@altadenalibrary.org.

Rim of the Valley gets wide support to join park system

By Daniel Siegal
Pasadena Sun

Nearly all of the more than 5,000 respondents to a proposed plan to add a huge swath of wilderness to the national parks system are in favor the idea, federal officials said.

About 100 of the responses were against putting the so-called Rim of the Valley under federal parks protection, many of them representing groups who fear an extensive trails system could interfere with established activities, such as gun ranges, according to Anne Dove, the study’s project manager.

The proposal could end up putting more than 490,000 acres under federal protection from development and keep the areas open for recreational use.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

Possible shallow grave found at Angeles National Forest

by Adolfo Flores
Pasadena Sun

Los Angeles County coroner's officials were investigating the site of a possible shallow grave at Angeles National Forest on Wednesday morning.

Authorities have been unable to confirm whether there is a body inside the reported grave, said Lt. Cheryl MacWillie.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

Aveson will open new campus at Altadena/Lincoln building this fall

 

The Aveson charter school plans to move into the long-under-construction building on Altadena Drive and Lincoln Avenue.

 

by Timothy Rutt

The Aveson Charter School plans to lease the long-under-construction building on Altadena Drive and Lincoln Avenue, ending three years of frustration with the property.

Executive Director Kate Bean said that the school hopes to move its Aveson Global Leadership Academy middle- and high-school classes into the building in September, numbering under 300 students -- 200 grades 6-8, about 100 for grades 9-12.  Plans for the facility not only include classrooms, but, Bean said, "a small café open to the public, where the students will learn how to run a business -- we'll tie into into culinary arts, healthy living, and entrepreneurship."

Bean said that "traffic will be our number one issue that we'll have to stay on top of" for the site.  Bean said that they plan to stagger their opening and closing times with the nearby Odyssey Charter School to avoid traffic gridlock, and are already starting conversations with the California Highway Patrol and Altadena Sheriff's Station about traffic control in the area.

"We're excited -- we're hoping it's a good addition, it's a lovely area," Bean said. 

Moving into the facility ends three years of plans and speculation for the school.  Aveson, which also consists of the Aveson School For Leaders (grades K-5), started in the old Noyes school building in East Altadena, and was looking at various options as it wanted to expand into grades 6-12.  The commercial building was a "go" as of early 2010, with the school holding a neighborhood "meet and greet' in May at Loma Alta Park.  However, the planned construction to the facility never occurred under the previous owner, and the plans remained in abeyance as the property was put on the market. 

In the meantime, the grade 6-12 Global Leadership Academy moved to the Boys and Girls Club, and then to Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church in Pasadena, here it meets today.

Los Angeles developer Steve Torkian closed on the property in November, Kate said, and "we kept talking to him and telling him the ideas we had for it," Bean said.  The new owner will complete tenant improvements, landscape the area, and put up new and more attractive fencing, Bean said.  Bean said that, as it was already a commercial area, they did not need to get a conditional use permit for the facility.

 

Crime blotter: burglaries, vehicle thefts, vandalisms

Here's the weekly crime blotter, submitted by the Altadena Sheriff's Station:

Saturday, December 29 

Between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM (Tuesday) – A vehicle was stolen from the 1900 block of E. Washington Boulevard. Loss: silver ’07 Toyota Tacoma. 

Monday, December 31

Between 10:00 PM and 3:00 AM (Tuesday) – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 2100 block of Pinecrest Drive. Loss: MacBook Air. 

Tuesday, January 1

Between 12:05 AM and 1:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2500 block of N. Olive Street. Loss: miscellaneous jewelry. 

10:00 PM – A vandalism occurred in the 3500 block of Glenrose Avenue. Damage: house window shattered. 

Wednesday, January 2

Between 9:40 AM and 10:40 AM – An attempted residential burglary occurred in the 3100 block of Santa Anita Avenue. Suspect(s) attempted to enter the residence by shattering the kitchen window. Loss: none. 

Between 11:30 AM and 4:30 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2700 block of Lake Avenue. Suspect(s) entered the residence via the unsecured window. Loss: two MacBooks, a iMac 17”, and cash. 

Morning jolt: Haggis, and pinot

 

• Auld lang syne: The St. Andrews Society of Southern California is holding its annual Burns Dinner at the Altadena Town & Country Club on Jan. 26.  It will include a piper leading the procession of the haggis (and if you don't know what a haggis is … well, you don't NEED to know what a haggis is!). 
• Keep Altadena weird: PSN"s Larry Wilson interviewed Polly Frost, a New York City writer and performer who has a new piece about growing up on horseback in Altadena.  "New Yorkers seemed in particular to find the relationship between Altadena and Pasadena very interesting - they are fascinated by the difference between the one, oddball little place and the more mainstream place" she says.  ",,, Altadena is where the misfits went to live, and that's what's so great. I love Altadena!"
• See the trees: Meadows residents:  the Fire Safe Council is holding a tree planting every Saturday in January, starting at 1 PM.  There are over 150 oak trees and toyon available.  For more information, call or email Bill at wmr83@earthlink.net or call 626-578-0204.
• Sixth Annual Pasadena PinotFest: sponsored by Pasadena's top-rated Noir Food & Wine, will be highlighted by a Grand Pinot Noir Tasting event on February 9 at the Altadena Town & Country Club.  Guests will have the opportunity to taste 200 pinot noirs from 100 leading California and Oregon wineries. Several of the showcased wines are exclusive to PasadenaPinotFest, and all featured wines are available for purchase at prices lower than most “tasting room” wines. Those in attendance also will be treated to top-notch noshing prepared by Noir Food & Wine and Altadena Town & Country Club.  Tickets for the event—which runs from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.—can be purchased online at http://www.pasadenapinotfest.com. Two levels of tickets are available: general admission for $89 and VIP admission for $119 (the latter comes with admittance to the event at 11:30 a.m. as well as access to the VIP lounge and celebrity sommelier host George Skorka). For additional information call (626) 795-7199 or email mike@mikefarwell.com.  A portion of PInotFest proceeds will benefit Hathaway-Sycamores Child and Family Services.

 

 

 

 

Poetry corner: Huell and cry

"To Celebrate The Road Less Traveled"
        10-18-1945* 1-7-2013

from gloriana casey

Born in the state of Tennessee,
a Yuchi* Indian name.
This name, it means "the meeting place,"
His work----- it meant  the same.

The wonder of his work was that
the  beauty he would find;
extraordinary or mundane,
it would engross our mind.

For Huell Howser made a life
within our Golden State.
Discoverer, he found delight
to happily relate.

Chamber honors citizen, business of the year on Feb. 1

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Chamber of Commerce will honor Citizen of the Year Michele Zack and Business of the Year Altadena Hardware at its 89th annual Awards and Installation Dinner on Feb. 1 at the Altadena Town & Country Club.

New chamber officers will also be installed at the dinner,

Tickets are $75, or $140 for a pair, and are available through the chamber website.  Tickets must be purchased by Jan. 23.