altadenablog

Crime blotter: gunshots, burglaries, thefts & vandalism

Shots fired on Dec. 6, but otherwise the usual rounds of residential burglaries and thefts from autos.  Crime blotter provided by the Altadena Sheriff Station.

Monday, December 3

9:20 AM – A vehicle was reported stolen from the 700 block of E. Sacramento Street. Loss: black ’95 Nissan Altima. ***Vehicle was recovered on 12/4 in Pasadena, approx. 3 miles southwest of the stolen location*** 

Tuesday, December 4 

Between 8:00 AM (11-27-12) and 8:00 AM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2100 block of N. Grand Oaks Avenue. Suspect(s) entered the location by shattering the rear window. Residence ransacked. Loss: unknown at this time. 

Wednesday, December 5 

12:40 PM – A petty theft occurred at Western Union, 2087 N. Fair Oaks Avenue. Loss: black Nokia T-Mobile flip phone. 

Thursday, December 6

8:56 AM – An assault with a deadly weapon occurred in the area of Harriet Street and Casitas Ave. The victim stated he was driving westbound on Harriet Street when a dark blue Nissan Cube; occupied w/a black male, stopped in front of his vehicle and began shooting several rounds at his vehicle. No injuries, victim uncooperative. ***On-going investigation*** 

Friday, December 7 

1:00 AM – A vandalism occurred in the 2200 block of Glenrose Ave. Damage: shattered bathroom window. 

4:30 AM – A petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 200 block of Poppyfields Drive. Loss: black Dell Latitude D620 13” laptop, Dell mouse. 

Between 8:00 AM and 1:30 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2100 block of N. Raymond Avenue. Suspect(s) entered the residence via the unlocked window. Loss: black PS3, black laptop. 

Between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM – A residential burglary occurred on the 1700 block of New York Drive. Suspect(s) entered the residence by removing the rear window screen. Loss: black Toshiba 50” flat screen, black Sony blu-ray, black PS3. 

3:07 PM – A petty theft of a delivered package occurred in the 1500 block of N. Oxford Avenue. Loss: black leather iPhone case, dog toy, socks. 

Between 8:00 PM and 10:00 AM (Saturday) – A vehicle vandalism occurred in the 600 block of E. Pine Street ***Suspect known***

Keep up with what's going on in your neighborhood on the Altadena crime map!

Stockings are silly at Fancy Food Truck Friday Dec. 14

by TImothy Rutt

The stockings are silly at this month's Fancy Food Truck Friday at the Webster's parking lot at 2450 N. Lake Avenue on Dec. 14.

Wear a pair of your silliest socks and join the flash mob this Friday from 5-9 PM.  If you don't own a pair, Webster's Community Pharmacy can have you covered with their Sock It To Me line of socks and get a sneak peak at their holiday stash..  (Shoppers who come back on Saturday to make a purchase of $50 or more at the pharmacy will get to choose a free pair of Sock It To Me socks from their Silly Sock Tree.)

For the second year in a row, Webster’s Community Pharmacy is honored to be the official Altadena TOYS FOR TOTS drop-off center. Please help fill-up our box with a new, unwrapped toy.  The box will be conveniently located next to ourWebster's RX table during Fancy Food Truck Friday.

Save 20% off on selected items during Fancy Food Truck Fridays at Webster’s Community Pharmacy and Webster’s Liquor Store. (Offer not valid with other coupons, discounts or offers.)  Ask our friendly staff for more details.  Webster's Community Pharmacy will be open until 9 PM on Fancy Food Truck Friday.

This month's food trucks include: Slammin Sliders, Me So Hungry, Bool BBQ, Rosa Bella Cucina, Mandoline Grill and My Sweet E's Bake Shop.

Fancy Food Truck Friday is hosted by Webster's Community Pharmacy and Webster's Liquor Store, and sponsored by Danny's Farm, which will have the mobile petting farm up from 5 PM-9 PM that day.  

 

Crittterdena: smile, bear!

By Timothy Rutt

Weathercam guy Bill Westphal, who apparently doesn't have enough to do, has branched out to put a crittercam in his northwest Altadena neighborhood.  This resident turned up on Tuesday, December 4 at 4 AM and Saturday, December 8, at 9:30 PM.  Westphal estimates that he or she is three foot high at the shoulder.

 

Olympic bell ringers at the Library tonight

 

The Mark Twain Middle School Bell Ringers of Los Angeles are chiming tonight in the Altadena Main Library's annual holiday concert, tonight at 7 PM.

The bell choir has performed five times in London during the Summer Olympics, including the opening of the games.  

This free program is sponsored by the Friends of the Altadena Library and is sure to be delightful evening for all ages.  The Altadena Main Library is located at 600 East Mariposa Street.  For more information, visit www.altadenalibrary.org or call 626-798-0833.

 

Briton Ensemble in holiday concert at Altadena Community Church Sunday

The Briton Ensemble will perform in a holiday music concert on Sunday, December 16, at Altadena Community Church, 943 East Altadena Drive.

Admission is free, but donations are accepted that will go to the church.  Doors open at 7 PM, concert starts at 7:30 PM.

 

Look to the skies: the Geminids close out the year

by Timothy Rutt

The technologican Steve Bass reminds us that the last and possibly best meteor shower of the year is coming up this week: the Geminid shower will peak on mid-evenign Dec. 13 through the morning of Dec. 14, but nights on either side of that should have a good show as well.  Since it's a new moon, the sky will be dark for added enjoyment of the shower, which can produce 50 or more meteors an hour (best time is probably from 1-3 AM Dec. 14).  More information here.

 

Starting your own home-based business workshop at the Library Jan. 5

from the Altadena Library

 

Nancy Miller

Are you concerned about job security and today’s job market?  Are looking for ways to earn more after-tax dollars, or dreamed of starting your own business? If so, a home business might make sense for you either on the side or as your main livelihood. 

 

Or perhaps you already work out of your home, and could use some tips on improving maximizing sales. Then this class could be just what you need. With very little money and the suggestions you will learn from this class, you can build a successful business and determine your own job security.

To help you on your way to your dreams, the Altadena Library is offering a free class on how to start your own home-based business.  This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Altadena Library and will be presented by entrepreneur Nancy Miller on Saturday, January 5 from 2 – 5 pm in the Community Room of the Main Altadena Library.

Bright Futures Scholars hear from leaders at holiday meeting

from the Quality of Life Center/Bright Futures Scholars

An impressive group of community leaders spoke during the Quality of Life Center's Bright Futures Scholars Leadership Development Program’s Special Holiday Celebration. Dean of Scholars Dr. Sandra E. Thomas welcomed four of the program’s distinguished mentors: Congresswoman Judy Chu, State Senator Carol Liu, Los Angeles Sheriff Leroy Baca, and General Manager of Pasadena Water and Power Phyllis Currie along with approximately 200 of the program’s participating youth. Also present were Altadena Sheriff's Captain John Benedict, Lt. Duane Allen and other sheriff station personnell along with the upcoming Altadena Walmart Store Manager Jennifer Gonzalez, two of her staff members and consultant Randy Terrell. 

Each keynote speaker shared life experiences leading to the positions they currently hold. They encouraged the young academic achievers to pursue higher opportunities through education and to not allow circumstances, obstacles or challenges to stop them from achieving their highest potential.

Scales of justice: county backs off on Altadena Hardware nail scale fail

by Timothy Rutt

 

Altadena Hardware's 97-year-old scale is back in balance.

Last week, the store was dealing with county inspectors who said that the scale, used to weigh nails by the pound, would have to go.  Not because it's inaccurate -- it's not -- but because they thought it was a different scale than was tested last year.  And they thought it was a different scale because the previous inspector transposed two scale numbers last year.  And the inspector's supervisor wouldn't back off, according to store manager Jimmy Orlandini, so the scale would have to be junked and a new one purchased (our previous story is here).

This morning, Orlandini called us to say that a higher-ranking weights and measures supervisor called today to say that an inspector will be in to certify the scale tomorrow.  The supervisor "claimed that he had already talked to the supervisor I had talked to and that this was supposed to get taken care of -- at no time were they to decommission my scale," Orlandini said.

The supervisor, who "was real fast to apologize multiple times," did let him know that the recent publicity (which included the Altadenablog story and a Pasadena Sun column) and some persuasion from Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich's office gave the certification a sense of urgency.

 

Walmart hiring center opens today

by Timothy Rutt

Walmart has announced that its new hiring center is open for business today, according to a press release from the company.

The temporary hiring center is at 2369 N. Lincoln Ave. in Altadena.  It will accept applications from 8 AM-5 PM Monday through Friday.

Applicants can also apply online at http://careers.walmart.com.

Walmart is looking to hire 65 employees (or "associates' in Walmart parlance) for the new Altadena Walmart Neighborhood Market slated to open early next year.

According to the release, Altadena store manager Jennifer Gonzales said the store will be looking to hire in all areas of the store, including supervisory positions, in full and part-time positions.  “We are excited to bring additional jobs with career opportunities to the area,” Gonzales said in the press release.

According to the release, the majority of associates will begin work in early 2013 preparing for the store's grand opening.

 

Over 40 years/over 40 lbs.? Address them both in new class opening up

Over 40 years of age?  Over 40 pounds to lose?

Revvell Revati is offering "Over 40, More than 40" for those interesting in gaining what they've lost, and losing what they've gained as the years roll by!.  

There will be a free intro Tues., Dec. 11, and Tues., Dec. 18, and classes begin Jan. 8.

For more information, reservation, and location information, email: Revell@BodaciousLiving.com or call  818-824-4422

 

"Artists from the North" exhibit opens with reception Sunday

by Timothy Rutt

"Artists from the North," the Altadena Arts Coalition's first exhibition in its new space, opens with a reception and auction on Sunday, Dec. 16, from 2-4:30 PM.

The exhibit will be held at the Altadena Community Arts Center Gallery at 2460 N. Lake Ave.

The exhibit continues through Jan. 18.  Click the graphic for more details.

 

Kenne vs. Cooper for Altadena's school board seat

By Joe Piasecki
Pasadena Sun 

In the first test of new voter districts for Pasadena Board of Education seats, seven first-time candidates have enlisted to compete for four spots on the school board.

Incumbents Kim Kenne, Elizabeth Pomeroy and Scott Phelps are seeking reelection on March 5, while Ramon Miramontes and Ed Honowitz have decided not to run.

...

Kenne's challenger in West Altadena's District 1 is Hermond Dean Cooper, a former school district employee who unsuccessfully sued the district in 1999 and 2003. Cooper, who alleged employment discrimination, did not return calls.

More at the Pasadena Sun

 

Library opens winter reading program Dec. 17

Yes, schools are closing for winter break, but that doesn't mean students should let their fine brains go dormant!

The Friends of the Altadena Library is sponsoring a winter reading program starting Dec. 17, where you can read and review books and win prizes doing so!  The program continues through Jan. 31.

Sign up at either the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. , or Bob Lucas Branch Library, 2659 N. Lincoln Ave. 

There once was a man from Nantucket (and more at the Ale House Wed.)

Limber up your rhyming muscle and lose your inhibitions: the third annual Los Angles Limerick Festival takes place Wednesday at the Altadena Ale & Wine House, 2329 N. Fair Oaks Ave, 

Once again hosted by Mimi Chen of 100.3 The Sound, it's a celebration of the less-than-polite form of poetry in the Ale House's cozy confines.  Cover is $10, with all proceeds going to A Case for the Cure.  The festival runs from 7-10 PM, with open mic signup starting at 6:45 (limited space available).

 

Christmas Tree Lane 2012: the sound of music

Daniel Landau of indie folk/jazz trio Smithfield Bargain plays holiday and old-time music at the 92nd year of Christmas Tree Lane last night.

by Timothy Rutt

It was light on the speeches (which was good) and heavy on the music (which was better) as Altadena gathered for the 92nd time to fire up the lights on Christmas Tree Lane.

Singer/songwriter T'Lark (pronounced "T-Lark") and indie folk/swing trio Smithfield Bargain performed old standards and originals to an appreciative group of Altadenans and Christmas light fans in the traditional opening of one of Los Angeles' largest lighting displays.

With the Winter Arts & Crafts festival now firmly in place as part of the event, Altadenans could linger for hours enjoying crafts, food trucks, and their neighbors before and after the actual lighting itself.

And when time came to light the lights -- it was glorious.  Again.  We have pictures after the jump.

 

Christmas Tree Lane lighting ceremony now

With Smithfield Bargain

Sent from my iPhone

Walmart job fair attracts 600; hiring center opens Monday

 

Jobseekers line up outside Metropolitan Baptist Church in Altadena for "Hiring Altadena," a gathering sponsored in part by the Walmart Neighborhood Market.

by Timothy Rutt

Halfway through "Hiring Altadena," a job fair for potential Walmart Neighborhood Market employees, Joumana "J.B." Barakat of the Foothill Workforce Investment Board estimated that 300 people had already passed through the doors, and she was expecting 300 more before they would be done.

Former Altadena Town Councilman Tecumseh Shackelford said that the line started at 6:30 in the morning and wrapped around Metropolitan Baptist Church, the location for the hiring event.  "We opened the sanctuary so people could come in and get warm," Shackelford said.  

 

Walmart Neighborhood Market manager Jennifer Gonzales talks to potential employees at Saturday's hiring event.

Steven Hopkins, 55, was one of those waiting in line.  He lost his job in collections for Bank of America in March.  He was hoping for something that would pay at least $18 an hour.  

 

"I'm very positive, very positive that I will get a job somewhere," he said.

Hopkins was an Altadena resident, like most of the people who stood in line to take turns attending workshops and talking to Walmart managers in the church.  According to Shackelford, most of the people who signed up put down Altadena's 91001 zip code as they looked into getting one of 65 jobs that the market will create.

The purpose of the event, co-sponsored by FWIB, the Employment Development Department, and LA Works, was to educate potential Walmart employees on resumes and inteview skills that would be required to apply for a job at the market.

Walmart also announced today that it will open a hiring center at 2369 Lincoln Ave. on Monday, Dec. 10.  The center will be open from 8 AM-5 PM Monday through Friday.  According to a flyer distributed by Walmart, applicants should first apply online at www.careers.walmart.com.

The Walmart Neighborhood Market, a smaller format grocery store, is expected to open in early 2013. 

Sharing is caring in neighborhood food and toy drives

 

The Palm St. Area Residents Association was one of the neighborhood associations collecting for the sheriff's food and toy drive Saturday. Here, Hugo Arteaga, son Riley, Suzanne Spitz, and Nancy Rothwell are ready for business.

by Timothy Rutt

 

Three Altadena neighborhoods held a collection for the Altadena Sheriff Station's annual food and toy drive this weekend, 

The Palm Street Area Residents Association, the President Streets neighbors, and La Vina had all designated places to drop off unwrapped, unused toys and non-perishable foods for the annual giveaway to needy residents, to take place December 22.

 

 

• 
• 

 President Street neighbors (along with sheriff's station Volunteers on Patrol Matthew Shropshire and Bill Westphal) gather for music, snacks, and to collect goods from people who drove by (also pictured).

 

 

 

Sunny day, keepin' the clouds away ...

Paco the chihuahua (yes, that Paco) takes in some rays Friday morning at the Rancho Bar on a break from his patrol of North Lake Avenue.  Temperatures will remain unseasonably warm today.

Christmas Tree Lane festival and lighting today

by Timothy Rutt

The day is here: it's light's on for Christmas Tree Lane tonight.

First, enjoy the Winter Arts & Crafts Festival at the Altadena Library parking lot, 600 E. Mariposa St.   At least 15 vendors and five food trucks will be available to start you off in the holiday spirit.  Winter festival starts at 2, and at 4 PM Santa Rosa Avenue will be closed to traffic.

Then, at 6 PM, the Christmas Tree Lane lighting ceremony begins: MC Tammy Trujillo of KPCC will introduce dignitaries, there will be a presentation of colors by the Blair IB ROTC, music by the Blair IB Singers, Daniel Landau and the Smithfield Barain, remarks by Christmas Tree Lane Association president Maureen Ward, culminating in the lighting of the Lane by Supv. Michael D. Antonovich.  Lighting ceremony will take place at the corner of Mariposa Street and Santa Rosa Avenue.

Following the lighting of the lane, the John Muir High School Alumni Drum Corps will lead the crowd for a chance to enjoy the lane on foot, while the street is still closed to traffic.  

It's a bit of small town Americana in Los Angeles County, so come early and enjoy one of Altadena's signature events.

 

"Hiring Altadena" Walmart event at Metropolitan Baptist today

by Timothy Rutt

"Hiring Altadena," a workshop for potential employees of Walmart Neighborhood Market, will take place today from 9 AM-1 PM at Metropolitan Baptist Church, 2283 N. Fair Oaks Ave.

Potential Walmart employees can learn about the firm's application process and interview tips when applying for work at the new Neighborhood Market to open in Altadena next year. 

Other sponsors include Foothill Workforce Investment Board and LA Works. 

Walmart has said it will open a temporary hiring center near the planned store before the end of the year. "The hiring center will be open during the months leading up to the store opening, and will offer computer kiosks for the online application process and facilitate job interviews," according to a press release. "New hires will begin training at local stores or begin preparing the store for grand opening when construction is complete. All interested applicants will be able to apply online at http://careers.walmart.com beginning mid-December.

 

 

Morning jolt

• Cash mob: SaveAltadena is holding a "cash mob" at Jim's Burgers, 2185 N. Lincoln Ave., all day today.  
• Ale House I: Reader Carol Momsen tells us that Pasadena Magazine this month (Dec. 2012) has named the Altadena Ale & Wine House one of the best bars in the area -- altho' by their description of the pub was obviously written before the recent exterior renovations.
• Ale House II: Speaking of the (Altadenablog sponsor) Ale & Wine House, they will be hosting a wine tasting fundraiser for St. Mark's School (another Altadenablog sponsor) Sunday from 3-5 PM.  Cost is $25 per person, food included.  The Altadena Ale & Wine House is at 2329 N. Fair Oaks Ave.,
• Holden local swearing-in: Altadena's newly elected 41st District Assembly Member Chris Holden (AD-41) has already been sworn in in Sacramento, but he will have a local swearing-in ceremony on Sunday at Noor Terrace, 260 E. Colorado (located in Pasadena's Paseo Colorado).  Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard will serve as master of ceremonies and Congresswoman Judy Chu will be guest speaker.  The whole shebang starts at 4 PM, with reception at 4:30.
• Scholar: Molly McMahon from Altadena was one of 1,306 students who were named to Biola University's Spring 2012 Dean's List for academic excellence. Biola students are placed on the Dean's List to honor those with a grade point average of 3.6 or higher while enrolled in twelve of more credit units and whose cumulative grade point average is at least a 3.2. This past spring, 33 percent of Biola students achieved this academic goal.
• Open enrollment: Pasadena Unified School District's priority open enrollment for the 2013-2014 school year began this week and ends on December 18. Priority open enrollment is only for siblings of students already enrolled at a school of choice, children of current PUSD full time employees and Willard fifth grade students who wish to continue in the International Baccalaureate program at Blair Middle School. General open enrollment will begin on January 23, 2013. Please visit www.openenrollment.info to learn more about the open enrollment process. 

Ian Whitcomb recovering from stroke

by Timothy Rutt

Altadena pop music historian and troubador Ian Whitcomb has suffered a stroke, according to his Facebook page.  His friend Bob Tarte writes:

My friend Ian Whitcomb suffered a massive stroke a week ago. He's well on the road to recovery, but he would love getting cards from one an all who listen to his podcasts and Sirius radio shows about the history of popular music. And also people like me who remember when he was part of the British invasion with the quirky hit song "You Turn Me On." Ian has written several books about 20th century pop music, and in the short time I've had an email correspondence with him, I've felt exceptionally blessed. We've been reading each other's books. If anyone can spare a moment and a get well card, his wife Regina asks that you mail them to him at PO Box 451, Altadena, CA. 91001. THANKS SO MUCH.

Altadena Junction: for want of a nail-scale ....

Our weekly column is up in the Pasadena Sun: something tells us we've nailed it.

Eliot MIddle School winter festival open to the community Wednesday

from Eliot Middle School

Charles W. Eliot Middle School PTA invites the community to join students and their families on Wednesday, Dec. 12, for an evening of music, art, and pre-holiday cheer.

Our LEARNS after school program will kick off the festivities with a Showcase for parents at 4:10 pm. At 5:30 pm we’ll open our doors to the entire community. Get a bite to eat from the food truck in the Quad, and some fresh-pressed cider to wash it down. Visit the Holiday Book Fair in the Parent Resource Room – great deals on gifts for the readers in your life! Check out student art work, visit the Healthy Start table, learn about parent groups and volunteer opportunities – even get an Altadena Library card for yourself or your child. Then join us in the auditorium at 7 pm for the winter concert featuring our Concert & Jazz Bands, Drum Line, Orchestra, and Spirit Team.

This event is open to the community. No ticket purchase or RSVP is required. Features of the festival include:

• Cold & warm beverages
• Student art exhibit
• PTA bake sale and crafts from local artisans
• Information for parents and community members
• Raffle (spa package, Trader Joe goody-bag, and more)
• Holiday Book Fair in the Parent Resource Room
• Winter concert

Eliot Middle School’s PTA is excited about what our students are learning and the way our school community is coming together to support them. We welcome ideas for partnering with local businesses, individuals, and organizations for the benefit of our kids and the Altadena community, and hope you’ll join us on this festive occasion.

Washington Middle School family night generates STEAM

from Pasadena Unified School District

With the high demand for graduates with an expertise in science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) in California, the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) is introducing a new STEAM magnet middle school that is set to open for the 2013-2014 school year. Prospective students and families can preview the new academic curriculum at the STEAM Family Night on Thursday, December 13 from 3:30 – 5:30 PM at Washington Middle School in Pasadena. 

Washington Middle School will transform into an application-only magnet in 2013-2014, with admission granted to entering sixth-eighth grade students who have demonstrated an interest or aptitude in STEAM, meet academic requirements and whose parents/guardians commit to staying involved and completing campus service hours. Additional consideration will be provided for students who reside within the school’s attendance zone. Applications for the Washington Middle School STEAM Magnet Academy will be accepted during the district’s annual 2013-2014 Open Enrollment process which runs from January 23-February 12, 2013. 

“The end goal of the Washington Middle School STEAM Magnet is to prepare students with the knowledge and skills to be successful in college and the 21st century workplace,” said Superintendent Jon R. Gundry, who has made STEAM instruction a district priority. “Students in STEAM education learn to work collaboratively through projects that fuse reading, writing and math with critical thinking, problem solving, communication, creativity and innovation. This school will create a strong foundation for students to succeed in high school and beyond.” 

Five Acres looking for support for area families

from FIve Acres

Facing a high demand and a dearth of donations, Five Acres is seeking the community’s support to help grant holiday wishes for nearly 250 area families in need. Families who receive services from Five Acres are relying on the support of the local nonprofit’s "Family Angels" program, a holiday initiative where donors are matched with a family in need and grants at least one wish from each family member’s wish list. At this time, less than half of the 250 families have found holiday “angels.”

During the holidays, many families at Five Acres are in crisis and are experiencing financial hardship or overcoming trauma. Five Acres’ Family Angels program is designed to help spread holiday cheer to families in need during this challenging time of year. The deadline to deliver gifts is Monday, Dec. 17.

Interested donors are asked to sponsor a family (which ranges in size from 2 to 15 family members). Five Acres will provide a specific family’s holiday wish list and each donor is requested to provide at least one item (not to exceed $50) for each of the family members listed. Donors are also asked to provide a holiday food basket or grocery store gift card for the family they are supporting

Program participants receiving support in Five Acres’ Family Angels program are children and families in crisis who seek support services from Five Acres’ community-based and residential programs

Gifts and financial contributions are welcome daily at Five Acres’ main campus, 760 West Mountain View St., Altadena, Monday through Friday from 8 am to 8 pm and Saturday and Sunday 9 am to 5 PM. 

Visit http://www.fiveacres.org or contact Jasmine Abghari at (626) 773- 3744 or jabghari@5acres.org

 

Poetry corner: now to scale

"Weights and TREASURES"

from gloriana casey

There is a little hardware store
on Mariposa  street.
Small business is what city does
and life can be so sweet!

Now, County Weights and Measure ones
you have a job to do,
but surely, you love history
and that involves you too.

Now just today I saw that truth
upon the internet.
Where Kurt E. Floren, he's the one
who wrote--- and words he set.

The Star of Palawoo is lit

Check out Bill Westphal's Altadena Weather Cam tonight (or look out the window, if you're in the right place) -- the Star of Palawoo is shining tonight.

 

Altadena Baptist Church celebrates the season through the arts Dec. 15

from Altadena Baptist Church

The Altadena community is invited to an evening of celebrating the Advent/Christmas season on Saturday, December 15, 6 PM, at Altadena Baptist Church, 791 East Calaveras Street.  The evening will include contributions from artists including: international Latin percussionist and producer Mayuto Correa, singer/songwriter Amy Oden, visual artist Matt Lumpkin, woodwind soloist Amanda Domen, and members of the Altadena Baptist Church Worship Arts Team.

Produced by ABC’s Director of Worship Arts Glenn Molina, the service is part of a continuing vision to promote the appreciation of the myriad of diverse traditions in music, worship, and the arts that make up our local community.  Along with original musical compositions and arrangements, works of art in various mediums that commemorate the holiday season will be on display, created by members of the church.  A light reception will immediately follow the service. Admission is free.

Christmas brass concert at Westminster Presbyterian Dec. 16

The Modern Brass of Los Angeles will hold its annual Christmas concert from 7-10 PM at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1757 N. Lake Ave.

Organist Kevin Mayse will be joined by members of the LA Philharmonic, featuring Philip Smith.

"Blue Christmas" service Dec. 17 at St. Mark's Church

Christmas is not a joyous season of celebration for everyone. If you’ve experienced the loss of a loved one, your health, a relationship, your job, or a deeply held dream, if you are far from those you love, or if you have painful memories of Christmas in years past, the holidays can be agonizing and isolating.

Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church will offer a “Blue Christmas” service at 7 PM on Monday, Dec 17.  Our worship will be quiet and reflective, accepting the hurts we bear, and offering the hope of comfort and healing.

St. Mark's is located at 1014 E. Altadena Drive

For more information, contact the Rev. Betsy Hooper, 626-798-6747.

 

Soroptimist silent auction raises funds for hope

 

from the Altadena-Pasadena Soroptimists 

A little rain didn’t dampen the spirits of the Altadena-Pasadena branch of Soroptimist International, as the club held its 17th annual Silent Auction on Sunday, Dec. 2.

This event took place at the Altadena Senior Center where attendees bid on treasures that included Rose Parade seats, paintings by local artists, restaurant gift cards, chic fashion jewelry, and a variety of themed gift baskets.

The members of Soroptimists lent their time and talents to making this event a success. They solicited donations from local businesses, created imaginative gift baskets, baked delicious appetizers and transformed the Altadena Senior Center into a festive shopping environment. At the end of the event, the items went to the highest bidders. Shirley Manning, 1st Vice President and Phyllis Howard, newsletter editor, presented raffle prizes to lucky ticket holders.

This auction is Altadena-Pasadena Soroptimists’ largest fundraiser of the year. With a slogan of “Women Helping Women,” the mission of Soroptimist International is to assist women and girls in the local community and around the world. Several of the agencies benefiting from the Altadena-Pasadena club’s auction include Door of Hope, Ecumenical Council, Cancer Support Community/Silver Saturday, Rosemary Children’s Services, and the Soroptimist Women’s Opportunity, Ruby, and Violet Richardson awards.

Jane Harris, Silent Auction Committee Chair remarked, “I am so appreciative and grateful to be part of such a resourceful and energetic group!”

To learn more about this organization, visit www.soroptimist.org.

"Hobbit Hoopla" at the Library Dec. 15

by Timothy Rutt

Teens and tweens (ages 11-17) are invited to join the celebration at the Altadena Main Library on Dec. 15 starting at 2 PM to celebrate JRR Tolkien and the new movie "The Hobbit."

Come in your hobbit clothes and join in on the fun with raffles, games, crafts, snacks, and your own photobooth.

Prizes include "The Hobbit" movie tickets and JRR Tolkien books.

For more information, check out http://aldteenscene.blogspot.com/

 

Crime blotter: a shooting and residential burglaries

A wave of residential burglaries and a shooting this week. Crime blotter provided by the Altadena Sheriff Station.

Tuesday, November 27

Between 8:00 AM and 3:30 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1100 block of New York Drive. Suspect(s) entered the residence by kicking in the front door and shattering the front window. Loss: platinum wedding band, gold wedding band. 

Between 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2000 block of Midlothian Drive. Suspect(s) entered the residence via the unlocked front door. Residence ransacked. Loss: gray Casio camera, large bag containing costume jewelry. 

Between 11:00 AM and 5:45 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1900 block of Braeburn Road. Suspect(s) entered the residence by shattering the rear bathroom window. Residence ransacked. Loss: (2) large glass jars w/currency, shoebox containing silver foreign coins. 

Between 8:00 PM and 10:55 AM (Wednesday) – A residential burglary occurred in the 2500 block of N. El Sol Avenue. Suspect(s) entered the residence via unknown means. The victim believes a prior tenant may be the suspect. Loss: CD’s. 

Santa is coming to the Altadena Libraries Dec. 19

The one and only Santa Claus is coming to the Altadena Libraries on Wed., Dec. 19.

Santa will take time out of his busy schedule to talk to kids and pose for pictures at 11 AM at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St., and at 12 noon at the Bob Lucas Branch Library, 2659 N. Lincoln Ave. 

 

Update: detectives looking for leads in Thursday morning shooting

by TImothy Rutt

More details have come out as Altadena detectives seek information about a shooting this morning at West Harriet Street and Casitas Avenue.

The victim -- a 25-year-old Altadena resident who was not hit -- led deputies to the site where he said a small SUV-type vehicle opened fire on him as he was driving his car.

According to an alert issued by the Altadena Sheriff Station, deputies responded to the area of Harriet St. and Lincoln Avenue this morning on a call of shots fired.  (The Altadena watch commander said the call came in just before 9 AM).  The victim led deputies to the intersection of Casitas Avenue and Harriet Street, where deputies found unspecified evidence that a shooting had occurred.

According to the press release, while the victim was unhurt, his car had been struck numerous times by gunfire.

The Altadena Sheriff Station is seeking information from anybody who may have witnessed the shooting.  Please call Altadena Station detectives at 626-798-1131.

This story has been updated from an earlier version.

Scales over their eyes

It still weighs true, but bureaucratic bungling may force retirement of Altadena Hardware’s vintage scale

by Timothy Rutt

 

County inspectors told Altadena Hardware manager Jimmy Orlandini to get rid of his vintage scale -- not because it's inaccurate, but because another inspector gave it an incorrect serial-type number.

When the Orlandini family bought local landmark Altadena Hardware in 2010, they wanted to modernize it, but also keep its vintage hardware store atmosphere.  Manager Jimmy Orlandini said at the time,  "We don't want to take away from the old-fashioned look." 

So the family -- which has owned Newland Hardware in El Sereno since the 1960's, and became Altadena residents in 1985  -- has striven for state-of-the-art while keeping the old fashioned, friendly look and service Altadena Hardware is known for.  One of the treasures of the hometown ambiance is the 1915 vintage scale by the long-gone Computing Scale Company, which has been used to weigh bulk nails  for as long as anyone can remember.

But that may come to an end soon. The county agricultural commissioner’s office, which regulates scales, has told Orlandini that he’ll have to get rid of it.  

Why?  Not because it isn’t measuring accurately -- “the scale’s perfect,” Orlandini says -- but because an inspector transposed two numbers last year, and now Weights and Measures is saying that they can’t be sure it’s the same scale -- so it has to be scrapped.

Orlandini thinks they’re also just trying to get out of inspecting the scale every year.  Today, scales and other bulk goods measuring equipment are “certified” by the state ahead of time, and the inspector just checks it for accuracy every year.  An older, non-certified scale can challenge an inspector who’s never encountered anything like it before.

The problems began with the 2011 inspection.  Orlandini said that the inspector, a woman who seemed inexperienced, apparently hadn’t encountered a counterweighted scale.  As part of the inspection, the scale -- which normally doesn’t measure any more than five pounds of nails -- has to accurately record 100 lbs.  Orlandini said that the inspector couldn’t lift two certified 50 lb. weights on the scale herself, so the hardware store staff helped her.

PUSD facilities manager placed on leave in Measure TT probe

by Joe Piasecki
Pasadena Sun

The Pasadena Unified School District has placed its top facilities manager on leave and suspended or terminated five consultant contracts in the wake of an apparent inquiry into the handling of the district’s $350-million Measure TT school construction bond.

School District Chief Facilities Officer David Azcárraga was placed on leave Wednesday, said school district spokesman Adam Wolfson.

The district also suspended its contract with bond manager Robin Brown, a consultant who oversees all Measure TT contracts and projects, Wolfson said. Brown was being paid up to $312,000 per year at a rate of $150 per hour, according to district documents.

Officials additionally terminated contracts with two other individuals and two companies also overseeing bond funds, said Wolfson.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

Poetry Corner: of purloined poinsettias

"Dear Poinsettia Thief.."

from gloriana casey

Perhaps you feel a presence, thief,
so often you look back.
Well what did you expect you'd find
when porches you'd attack?

A ghost story for you is born
from your most thieving ways.
To steal Poinsettias from homes
will bring that ghostly haze.

Two Christmas ghosts are watching you
so please do knock this off.
These plants they have a sterling past
and surely you'll get caught.

Joel Roberts Poinsett,----American
will surely be inflamed.
The plant name, it does come from him
a man of varied fame.

Portantino to hold holiday open house and community appreciation Friday

by Timothy Rutt

Former Assemblyman Anthony Portantino will sign off his term in office with a final annual Holiday Open House and Community Appreciation at the Armory Center for the Arts, 145 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena, on Fri., Dec. 7, from 6:30-8:30 PM.  

"Bring an unwrapped K-6 book and enjoy the evening," Portantino said in a press release.  "We've collected over 2,000 books over the last six years which have been donated to local elementary schools." RSVP: info@anthonyportantino.com

 

Antonovich urges protests against proposed water quality parcel tax

by Timothy Rutt

Supv. Michael D. Antonovich is warning county residents not to throw away a county mailing that "looks like junk mail," but use it to protest a proposed parcel tax increase.

The mailer, headlined "Los Angeles County clean water, clean beaches measure" outlines a plan to improve water quality by controlling storm and urban runoff. 

It proposes to fund the plan by imposing a parcel tax on every property in Los Angeles County, to be added to the annual property tax bill.  On back of the flyer is a form to fill out to protest the measure, which is to be heard by the Board of Supervisors on Jan. 15, 2013.

Antonovich's office sent out a press release stating, “While the mailing looks like junk mail, it is an important document that allows one to protest the proposed parcel tax ... It is vital that property owners return the protest form to stop this additional tax,” he added.  “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 release says that "Residents have until January 15 to file their objection by returning their protest form or protesting at the public hearing on January 15, 2013 at 9:30 AM in the Hearing Room of the Board of Supervisors at the Hall of Administration.  If a majority of the property owners do not object, the Board of Supervisors can approve a mail-in-ballot to be sent to all property owners in March.  Passage requires only a simple majority."

If you have misplaced this mailer, please call (800) 218-0018 or email water.info@dpw.lacounty.gov.  

And now ... poinsettia thefts

by Timothy Rutt

A neighbor from the President Streets area sent us a message that poinsettias are disappearing from front porches:

A neighbor just came to my door and told me about the four poinsettia plants that came up missing from her porch this morning. At that point, I realized that three had been removed from my porch as well. 

Something else to be wary of, in addition to watching out for holiday package thefts.

 

Land Use Committee meeting tonight at Community Center

by Timothy Rutt

The Land Use Committee of the Altadena Town Council will meet tonight at 7 PM at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.

The agenda as given may be subject to modification: althought the day care center at 3311 Canyon Crest Drive  was to be heard on the county level on Dec. 5, county planners have said that they will postpone it until Jan. 15, 2013, due to the notice not being posted long enough. in an email from Diane Marcussen of the land use committee, there is no action planned on this item for tonight's meeting.

The committee is also going to announce that Altadena town councilman Ken Roberts will take over as committee chair as of the January meeting.

Full agenda after the jump.

December shout-out to the Altadenablog sponsor team!

Happy December, and Altadeblog gives a belated but still special shout-out to our authentically local sponsor team:

Altadena Ale & Wine House

Arroyo Food Co-op

Baietti-Seyffert/Podley Properties

California Bohemian Leather 

 The Coffee Gallery

Curves Altadena

Dhari Thein Real Estate

Dr. Barkman

Friends of the Altadena Library

Hugo Arteaga Graphic Design

Judy Rubin Architectural & Previews Specialist

Rancho Bar

Scissors Paper Rock Salon

St. Mark's Episcopal School (New sponsor!)

Webster's Community Pharmacy

Webster's Fine Stationers

Altadenablog is the best place to advertise your local business to your local audience, where we've been bringing the news to Altadenans for five years.  We concentrate on the neighborhood level news that concerns Altadenans and that you can't find anywhere else.  We're not going to change our focus to be a social media website, like the New York City-based website will in January.  Altadenablog is always going to be about the news you need.  And we promise something else: your ad, on every page, every time, exclusively with other Altadena-area businesses.  Nobody else offers that. 

And if advertising isn't in the cards for you, but you'd still like to support Altadena's only locally-owned and -operated news website, we've opened the  The Altadena Wall of Awesome!  Anybody who buys an entirely-voluntary subscription (which gets you nothing extra, by the way!) gets our eternal gratitude and your name on the Wall for a year! (You can be anonymous, too -- just tell us!)    Your contributions will largely go to improving our coverage by providing improved rates to our freelancers and some planned upgrades in the website.  

The contribution button is here, and the Wall of Awesome is here.

The best way to thank our local business sponsors is to patronize them!

 

Last week for sheriff's food and toy drive

 

by Timothy Rutt

The holiday tradition of the Altadena Sheriff Station's annual food and toy drive will wrap up this Saturday, Dec. 8, so there's still time to help a local disadvantaged family have a happier holiday.  The toys and food will be distributed on Sat., Dec. 15.

New, unwrapped toys and non-perishable foods can be dropped off at the following locations, among others in town:

• The Altadena Sheriff Station, 780 E. Altadena Drive
• The Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. , and Bob Lucas Branch Library, 2659 N. Lincoln Ave. (your library fines can also be forgiven with a large enough donation!)
• The Altadena Ale & Wine House, 2329 N. Fair Oaks Ave.
• The Palm Street Area Residents Association will be collecting for the drive on Sat., Dec. 8, at 241 E. Palm St. from 10 AM-1 PM.
• UPDATE: President Streets will conduct their toy drive on Saturday from 9-11 AM at 126 N. Harding.

Correction-o-rama:  We've got several messages giving new details that contradict earlier information we were given:

• Eric Pierce of the President Streets Yahoo group says that the President Streets drive will be at the 1800 block of Harding;
• Capt. John S. Benedict says that the Sheriff Food and Toy Drive giveaway has been changed to Dec. 22 at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Drive.

 

 

Altadena sheriffs looking for property owners

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Sheriff Station is looking for some crime victims.

Specifically, they're looking for the owners of three bicycles and a cash register, who may have been victims of crime.

Altadena Sheriff Station crime analyst Virginia Cordova sent along this flyer with pictures of the recovered items.  If they look familiar to you, please contact the station at 798-1131.

 

Holden sworn in as Assemblyman for redrawn 41st District

by Timothy Rutt

Former Pasadena City Councilman Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) was sworn in Monday as assemblyman for the new 41st Assembly District.

Holden was also named Majority Whip of the California Democratic Caucus.

Holdn started his first day by introducing a bill addressing economic development and jobs creation, according to a release from his office.

“We need jobs here and we need jobs now.  AB 9 represents the first step in my commitment to creating jobs here in the 41st District, and in the State of California,” said Holden in the release. “I am honored to begin my service in the Assembly and will leverage all of my resources as a Member of the Speaker’s Leadership Team work to improve California’s economy.”

AB 9 provides the platform to develop, evaluate, and negotiate economic development policy. Holden has begun to meet with business and labor organizations, and with members of both political parties to explore areas of cooperation and consensus.

Holden represents the newly-redrawn 41st Assembly District, which encompasses the cities of Pasadena, portions of South Pasadena, portions of East Pasadena, Sierra Madre, Monrovia, La Verne, Altadena, San Dimas, Claremont, and Upland.  Altadena was formerly in the 44th District, represented by Anthony Portantino (D-La Canada Flintridge), who decided not to run in the  2012 elections.

PUSD Special Ed advisory committee meets Monday in new Altadena location

by Timothy Rutt

The PUSD/SELPA Special Education Dept. Community Advosry Committee will have its monthly meeting Monday, Dec. 10, at a new Altadena location: the Burbank Early Education Center (formerly Burbank Elementary), 2046 N. Allen Ave., Altadena.

This month's topic will be "

Mental Health Services - School and Community Resources For Prevention, Intervention and Care."  Speakers are Dr. Michael Jason and Mr. Eric Sahakian of PUSD and representative(s) of the National Alliance on Mental Illness

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

Free childcare and translation are available.  For more details and a copy o fthe local plan, go to  http://cac.pasadenausd.org.