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Altadena Sheriff Station offers holiday safety and crime-fighting tips

from the Altadena Sheriff Station

Captain John Benedict and the men and women of the Altadena Sheriff’s Station wish you a happy holiday season and offer these reminders for a safe and crime-free holiday season.

Always
• Remain aware of your surroundings, at home, in parking lots, in your driveway, in stores, everywhere you go.
• Keep records of your credit/debit card numbers and phone numbers in a safe place in case you need to report a stolen or lost card.

Shopping Safety
• When shopping, take only what you need--identification and the credit card or debit card you intend to use.
• Don’t carry large amounts of cash; carry only the amount you need.
• Stay alert! Be aware. Pay attention to activity around you.
Busy and distracted shoppers are a target for any criminal looking for an easy opportunity.

Bright Futures Scholars hold holiday celebration

 

Dr. Sandra Thomas, center, flanked by Supv. Michael D. Antonovich (left) and County Fire Chief Daryl L. Osby at the Bright Futures Scholars holiday celebration Dec. 7 at Metropolitan Baptist Church.

 

 

 

 

 

from the Bright Futures Scholars

The Quality of Life Center, Inc.’s Bright Futures Scholars Leadership Development Program, under the direction of CEO/Dean of Scholars Dr. Sandra E. Thomas,  held its annual Special Holiday/Christmas Celebration with two of Los Angeles County’s top public officials serving as program mentors: LA County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich (Honorary Dean of Scholars) and LA County Fire Chief Daryl L. Osby.

It was a very joyous event in the spirit of the upcoming Holiday Season, in spite of the cool wet weather. Program participants and their families received gifts galore, while enjoying fun activities and many other festivities.  The event was held at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Altadena to accommodate the 800+ attendees. This is due to increased size of the scholars enrolled in the program this year. The 2013-2014 Class doubled in size from the previous year due to the popularity of the program.

The nationally renowned Bright Futures Scholars Leadership Development Program participants are brilliant young academic achievers from all local middle and high schools. Student must maintain a 3.0 or better Grade Point Average (GPA) to quality for the program; many are from low income, at-risk family situations and work diligently to overcome insurmountable odds. This program is supported by numerous grants and donations from the community at large. Political and business leaders also support the program by serving as mentors to the scholars.  

Sheriffs looking for volunteers for sorting and distribution Dec. 19-21

by Timothy Rutt

 

UPDATE:  This made the rounds, but the deputies are looking for volunteers from the Neighborhood Watch groups for this activity.

 

The Altadena Sheriff Station is looking for volunteers (teens and adults) to help with the annual holiday food and toy drive.

 

Food boxes need to be sorted and packed on Thursday, Dec. 19, and Friday, Dec. 20..  This year, the sorting will take place at Altadena Community Church, 943 E. Altadena Drive. (Drive up the driveway to the back of the building and enter through the rear parking lot).  Sorting starts at 7 PM Thursday and 1 PM Friday, and will go on until it's done.

 

Distribuion of food items and toys will take place at the church on Saturday, Dec. 21.  Please contact the sheriff's station directly (798-1131) if you want to volunteer for distribution.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Joe McGowan at 626-798-1185.

 

Altadena Farmer's Market is going to pot this week

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Farmers' Market tells us they're featuring a new artisan this week:  Petersen Pottery Company has items meant for kitchen and garden (and hey, aren't you supposed to be giving gifts sometime soon?) Check it out as well as the other artisanal farm fresh goods at the market today, 3-7 PM at 600 West Palm Street, in lower Loma Alta Park.

 

Bobcat ramble

Community correspondent Jason Chuan took this picture of a feline visitor in his back yard at the 1500 block of East Altadena Drive on Tuesday morning.

"Hands Across the Dam" planned for Hahamongna on Sat., Dec. 14

by Timothy Rutt

Hahamongna Watershed activists are holding an event Saturday morning to protest the county's silt excavation plan.

"Hands across the Dam" will take place Dec. 14 atop Devil's Gate Dam at 11 AM.  The action is to protest the extensive silt excavation plan, which will involve a fleet of trucks operating six days a week for a period of years.  Activists say the plan will destroy the natural area that has sprung up, involving native trees and plants and animals who have come to refuge behind the dam.

For more information, go to www.SaveHahamongna.org.

 

Hughes holiday showroom sale Dec. 12 benefits AIDS Service Center

by Timothy Rutt

Join Hughes Estate Sales for their  Holiday Edition December Showroom Sale at 6 PM this Thursday, December 12:

We're serving up tasty holiday treats from Little Flower Candy Co., hot cider, and eggnog. This is the perfect time to get a jump on your holiday shopping, snap up one-of-a-kind holiday gifts, and chat up the Hughes team.

A portion of the opening night proceeds will go to benefit the AIDS Service Center, a Pasadena-based nonprofit working to prevent the spread of HIV and help those in need living with HIV/AIDS.  The sale goes on Friday thru Sunday from 8 AM-2 PM.

 Hughes Estate Sales is at 711 West Woodbury Road.

 

One confirmed dead in retirement home fire

 

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 1. Smoke filled the neighborhood at the apartment fire. 2. Lincoln Avenue north of Ventura was filled with fire department vehicles. 3. Firefighters gather in front of the retirement home. 4. Sheriff's deputies confer with Altadena Sheriff Capt. John S. Benedict. 5. Firefighters break down equipment after the fire is knocked down. 6. Friends Retirement Center manager Cyril Musson makes a call on the scene of the fire.

by Timothy Rutt

County fire officials confirmed one dead in an apartment fire on Lincoln Avenue Monday afternoon.

Los Angeles County FIre Assistant Chief Nick Duvally said that one apartment unit was entirely engulfed at the Friends Retirement Center, 2691 N. Lincoln Avenue, where the body was found.  The call came in at 1:30 PM Monday afternoon.

Breaking : fire on 2600 Block of Lincoln

More as we get it.

Altadena Heritage: become a member and enjoy the party Dec. 15

NOTE:  Address corrected!

Altadena Heritage is holding its famous annual meeting/holiday celebration Sunday, Dec. 15, from 3-6 PM at 234 E. Mendocino Street. The celebration will feature music, food, and the election of new board.

This is members-only event, but new and lapsed members may join at the door or online at altadenaheritage.com or altadenaheritage.org. More info: altadenaheritage@earthlink.net

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Neighborhoods gather for sheriff toy giveaway

The Palm Street Residents Association was one of several neighborhood groups that gathered items for the Altadena Sheriff Station's annual holiday food and toy drive. From left: Okorie Ezieme, Hugo Arteaga, Riley (Batman) Arteaga, and Nancy Rothwell.

 

Florecita Farms neighborhood celebrates the holidays

 

Residents of the Florecita Farms neighborhood association gathered on Saturday, Dec. 7 for their Christmas gathering at Odyssey Charter School.

 

 

Eliot Middle School is in HARMONY Dec. 18

from the Pasadena Unified School District

Charles W. Eliot Middle School in the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) invites the community to join students and their families for HARMONY, a multimedia array of arts installations and performances from Eliot’s concert and jazz bands, orchestra, dance and drama students, and visual artists. HARMONY will take place in the school cafeteria from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, December 18, 2013.

Eliot Middle School is undergoing a renaissance as a visual and performing arts magnet, one of four PUSD schools benefiting from a $7.9 million three-year federal magnet grant. Families from across the district can apply to attend Eliot in the 2014-2015 school year through PUSD’s open enrollment process at openenrollment.info from January 9- February 6, 2014. Information will be available at the event for prospective students and their families to learn about the new offerings at Eliot.

Waldorf School presents "A Christmas Memory" at Old Town Pasadena

by TImothy Rutt

The Pasadena Waldorf School will sponsor a stage adaptation of Truman Capote's "A Christmas Memory" on December 13 and 14 in Old Town Pasadena.

Tickets are now on sale for the event, which is open to the public, for a suggested donation of $25.  Last year’s performance garnered high praise for the cast featuring acclaimed actors Andrew Heffernan and Jill Parker-Jones, accompanied by Adam Wilner on guitar.  As an attendee from last year’s performance reported, "The masterful, captivating acting and perfect musical seasoning kept the entire audience mesmerized, and many reached for a tissue at the tender ending. I hope everyone will seize this not-to-be-missed opportunity."

Directed for the stage by Stephanie Wing-Garcia, the play will be performed at 8 PM Friday, Dec. 13, and 2 PM and 8 PM on Saturday, December 14.  The performance will be held at the Rudolph Steiner Community Center, 110 Martin Alley in Old Town Pasadena.  For tickets and more information, please visit www.pasadenawaldorf.org.  

Alternate ticket link: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/truman-capotes-a-christmas-memory-presented-by-pasadena-waldorf-school-tickets-9332928039

All proceeds from the performace benefits the Pasadena Waldorf School and will be matched by a grant from the Los Angeles Anthroposophical Society for a maximum of $10,000.

Trained Dogs for Adoption fundraisers this month

by Timothy Rutt

 

Altadena-based Trained Dogs for Adoption is holding some fundraising activities in the next few weeks to help their mission to rehab and place some of the most down-and-out dogs.

 

Gift-wrap at Webster's: On Saturday, December 14 and Saturday, December 21, TDFA volunteers will be at Webster's Community Pharmacy and Webster's Fine Stationers from 11 AM-4 PM, offering gift wrapping of any purchase made at either store, and are asking people to make a donation to support the rescue.  The stores are at 2450 N. Lake Avenue.

 

B-I-N-G-O: On Wednesday, December 18, TDFA will host a BINGO fund raiser at 9 PM at Hamburger Mary's, 8288 Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood.

 

Cots for Christmas: TDFA is raising money through GoFundMe to purchase cots and cot replacements for our dogs who are in boarding while they wait to find their forever homes.  There are a number of other things on their wish list ranging in price from $3 to $2,500.  No donation is too small and every donation makes a difference in the life of a homeless dog.  www.GoFundMe.com/53tzs0.

 

More information can be found on our Facebook page, or call (323)251-8958.

 

'Tis the season to steal packages

by Timothy Rutt

Lots of chatter in the newsgroups lately about stolen packages and suspicious vehicles in the neighborhoods.  Since this is the time of year when more packages are delivered, your front porch can be ripe pickings for thieves going after your holiday treasures.

While it's largely a crime of opportunity, in years past there have been reports of thieves actually following delivery trucks on their rounds and stealing packages they've left behind.

A few safety tips from years past on how to handle  package deliveries:

• If possible, send the package to a relative or neighbor that is home during the day and is expecting the package. 
• Always try to request signature confirmation on deliveries. This will ensure that the delivery person won’t leave the package unattended. 
• Send packages to your work rather than your home. This will ensure that you receive the package or someone will sign for it if you are not available.
• If you see a suspicious vehicle in your neighborhood, or anybody taking packages from homes, call the sheriff (798-1131).

Santa is coming to the libraries Dec. 18

Grab your kids and your camera as Santa takes some time out of his schedule Wednesday, Dec. 18 to visit the Altadena libraries.

Santa will appear at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. at 11 AM, and the Bob Lucas Branch Library, 2659 N. Lincoln Ave., at noon.

Gallery McGinty: back on the block

by Timothy Rutt

Ben McGinty’s back.

Not that he ever went away.  But after closing his legendary gallery/performance space/hangout on Lake Avenue, the Gallery at the End of the World, in 2010, McGinty has kept a lower profile.  He always made his nut dealing in antiques and vintage goods -- the Gallery never turned a profit nor provided him a living, he said at the time -- and he developed a good business running estate sales.

But now he’s back with Gallery McGinty at 869 E. Mariposa Street, around the corner from his old digs.  “I missed having a shop, I like having a shop,” McGinty said.  “I’m a shopkeeper.”

Village Playgarden Winter Market Saturday

The Village Playgarden, 3636 Skylane Drive, is holding its third annual community celebration and fundraiser Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 AM-4 PM.

Vendors, food, crafts, and handcrafted goods for the holidays, as well as good food and entertainment make it a fun day for the whole family.

 

Found dog, Woodbury/El Sol

 

Dog found Thursday evening about 8:00 PM at the Woodbury Industrial Park (Woodbury and El Sol.) No collar, etc. Contact Mark or Jeanette at 626-798-5114

 

 

Los Posadas and toy giveaway at Farnsworth Park Dec. 20

by Timothy Rutt

Children can celebrate a traditional Latin American Christmas at Farnsworth Park on Friday, Dec. 20.

The event starts at 7 PM, and includes a "Las Posadas" celebration, with hot chocolate and pan dulce.  There will also be folklorico dancers performing, pinatas, and a toy giveaway.  Santa has also promised to make an appearance.

The park is also looking for new unwrapped toy donations for children ages 1-14.

Donate toys at the park or at El Patron Mexican Restaurant.  Donations are tax deductible -- come to the park to get the federal tax ID and a donation letter (not available at El Patron).  Donations at the park will be taken Monday-Friday 9 AM-6 PM, or Saturday-Sunday 10 AM-5 PM.

The celebration will be at the Davies Auditorium at Farnsworth Park, 568 E. Mt. Curve.

 

It ain't over 'til it's over: Edison closing southbound Lake Avenue next week

by Timothy Rutt

Southern Caliifornia Edison, which blocked off southbound North Lake Avenue along the business district in late October and early November, is getting ready to do it again.

Ben Wong of Southern California Edison said that crews will be working either Thursday , Dec. 12, or Friday, Dec. 13, to “grind and cap” that patch of the street in front of Bank of America that was the focus of work last month.  Edison replaced an aging underground electrical vault in front of the bank, and next week’s work will smooth over the patch on the asphalt.

But as that work is underway, the southbound lanes on Lake Avenue will be blocked off and traffic funnelled to a single lane on the northbound side.  Parking in front of the businesses along that stretch of Lake Avenue will be prohibited in order to create a lane for northbound traffic.  Wong said that the work should be completed and traffic restored in one day.

Park Bench Grill offers happy hour, service personnel discounts

by Timothy Rutt

Park Bench Grill, 2470 N. Lake Avenue, has announced some holiday specials, menu change-ups, and a special discount for those who serve.  Patrice Quishenberry, who co-owns the restaurant with her husband, Chef Larry Quishenberry, says "The community has been extremely supportive and we are so appreciative of that."

Happy hour: for December and the holidays, Chef Quishenberry is bringing back its entrée happy hour with half price for anything on the menu Monday through Thursday from 3-5 PM.

Uniformed service discounts: The Grill is offering a special discount for those who protect and serve:  that means local law enforcement (police/deputies/CHP), EMS and ambulance personnel, firefighters, and military personnel will get 50% off their bill.  No ID or coupon required -- just show up in uniform.  "It is our way to show thanks and appreciation for all that they do for us," co-owner Patrice Quishenberry writes us.

Delivery:  Can't make it to the Grill?  They offer delivery service thru LABite.com. 

 

And, while the Grill doesn't serve alcohol, you can BYOB for no cost or corkage fee.

 

Park Bench Grill is open for lunch and dinner  Monday thru Thursday 11-8 and Friday and Saturday 11-9, closed Sunday.  Parking is available on the street or in the Webster's parking lot.  Our previous article is here.

 

Morning jolt: Farm, bench, magnet!

• Farm to school: The Pasadena Unified School District received a $44,486 planning grant from the Department of Agriculture to implement a Farm to School program to better connect school cafeterias and students with local farmers and ranchers. USDA Farm to School grants help schools respond to the growing demand for locally sourced foods and increase market opportunities for producers and food businesses. Grants will also be used to support agriculture and nutrition education efforts such as school gardens, field trips to local farms and cooking classes.  PUSD will use planning funds to increase the accessibility, availability, quality and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables for students and the community.
• Bench:  Dr. Kwang-hee Park and Jochen Strack, owners of  Spring Acupuncture and Spiritual Direction in Pasadena, have donated a public bench along the Altadena Crest Trail near the Cobb Estate.  They say “Hiking, resting and viewing contribute towards healing,” and who can doubt them?  The dedication will be on Sat., Dec. 14, at 10 AM along the trail (there will be signs).  Besides the bench and the view, they also promise you will see a “zorse” (zebra-horse) who will carry supplies.
• Magnet Schools: Pasadena High School (PHS) Assistant Principal Lori Touloumian will lead the management of a $7.9 million federal grant to create magnet schools at Washington Middle School, Eliot Middle School, Washington Accelerated Elementary School and Jackson Elementary School. As PUSD’s magnet school coordinator, Touloumian will be responsible for the implementation of the magnet program including student recruitment, budget oversight, planning, coordination and evaluation of programs that build the four schools’ capacity for effective and engaging instruction, monitoring of desegregation efforts, and assisting in the acquisition and utilization of instructional materials.

 

PUSD's Community Advisory meeting Dec. 9

by Timothy Rutt

The Special Education Department Community Advisory Committee, a group of parents and community members involved in special education at the Pasadena Unified School District, will have a presentation ofn "The Benefits of Inclusion" on Monday, Dec. 9, at 8:30 PM.

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

 

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

 

Missing Arcadia woman found, choppered to hospital

by Timothy Rutt

Choppers in the air about 7 AM Friday morning, looking for a missing hiker.

UPDATE:  City News Service is reporting that a 19 year old Arcadia woman was missing overnight in near-freezing temperatures, and was located this morning and flown out by helicopter about 7:40 AM.  Per the scanner, she was flown to Huntington Memorial Hospital.

This story has been revised and given a new headline to reflect current information.

 

ACONA looks at traffic and parking Jan. 7

by Timothy Ruttt

The Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations will look at traffic and parking issues at their next meeting, Jan. 7, 2014 from 7-8:30 PM at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa Street.

Speakers lined up so far are Thomas Miller and Xavier Bejar ofthe California Highway Patrol (CHP), as well as deputies from the Altadena Sheriff's Station, and representatives from  Los Angeles County Public Works.

Major forest roads to close Saturday morning

from Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich

Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich announced that the County Public Works Department will close public access to the following road segments in the Angeles National Forest effective Saturday, December 7, 2013, at 1 AM based on forecasted snow and icy road conditions.

• Angeles Forest Highway, between Aliso Canyon Road and Upper Big Tujunga Canyon Rd.
• Upper Big Tujunga Canyon Rd., between Angeles Crest Hwy. and Angeles Forest Hwy.

Local access will not be permitted until the road closures are lifted.  The closures will remain in effect until the storm system has passed and the roads have been inspected.

Residents and motorists are urged to visit the CARE website at www.dpwcare.org for further updates on road conditions, or sign up to receive instant notifications through Public Works’ eNotify system at www.dpw.lacounty.gov.  Residents and motorists can also follow Public Works @dpwCARE for additional information on road conditions.

Residents, business owners, and persons with access or functional needs may also call 2-1-1 for LA County information and referral services regarding post disaster resources that are available to those affected by the floods, debris and mudflow.  The toll-free 2-1-1 number is available 24-hours a day and 7-days a week. 

211 LA County Services can also be accessed by visiting www.211la.org.

 

Sheriff shares resources for holiday stress

from the Altadena Sheriff Station

For most of us the holidays are filled with joy, happiness and a sense of anticipation. Many of us reflect on the past year, count our blessings and spend time with family and friends. Unfortunately for a considerable number of people, this time of year can bring unwanted stress, anxiety or depression. These could be people without a family or who have recently lost a loved one. They could be individuals who are unemployed or are without a significant network of friends. They can be individuals who have had a negative holiday experience in the past with friends and family. There are many reasons one can feel stress or depression during the holidays. Just know you are not alone!!!

Below are tips for surviving stress, anxiety and depression during the holidays:

Sheriff food and toy drive neighborhood collections Saturday

by Timothy Rutt

This Saturday, neighborhood groups will be helping by collecting food and toys for the Altadena Sheriff Stations'a annual holiday drive.

With the goal of helping over 250 needy families in Altadena, the neighborhoods of La Vina and Palm Street will be collecting items for the drive this Saturday, Dec. 7. Donations should be of canned goods and new unwrapped toys for ages 2-12.

There will also be three drop-off stations that will be taking donations through December 20: the Altadena Sheriff Station, 730 E. Altadena Drive; the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa Street , and Patticakes Bakery, 1900 Allen Avenue.

The Palm St. Residents Association will have a formal collection from 9-11 AM Saturday at 241 E. Palm St.

President Street residents will not have a formal collection this year, according to Monica Hubbard, who should know.  Residents are asked to bring their donations to Patticakes.

UPDATE: Deputy Greg Gabriel at the Altadena Sheriff Station tells us that there will be TWO places accepting presents on Pepper: 1748 N Pepper Drive and 2044 N Pepper Drive, from 8 AM-noon.

Get "Altadena" to your door!

by Timothy Rutt

Honestly, Christmas is less than three weeks away (eek!) but in Altadena, Santa can come a little early.

The Altadena Historical Society can play Santa right now:  order a copy of Michele Zacks' authoritative history, Altadena: Between Wilderness and City, and have it hand-delivered to the 91001 area code:

Now there's no need to fill out an order form, stop by or mail in a check.  Just call us at 626-797-8016, leave your name, phone number and address along with how many books you want to purchase. (Books are $53 each) And Santa (or a board member dressed up in a santa hat) will deliver the book right to your door in exchange for a check.  What's even better is that the books are already gift wrapped!

 Bring Altadena directly to your door, for the people on your list (or maybe just for yourself!)

Get your Superfly on at Altadena Ale & Wine House tonight

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Ale & Wine House is holding its "first annual post-Halloween" costume party tonight.  The theme: dress as a 70's era pimp or, uh, a member of the pimp's staff, shall we say.  Bring an entourage, if you have one.  Men and women can dress as either.

Kinda puts a new spin on "ho-ho-ho."

Altadena Ale & Wine House, 2329 N. Fair Oaks Avenue, opens at 5 PM, over 21 only.

Suspect charged in Altadena vehicle break-ins, car theft

by Timothy Rutt

Altadena sheriff detectives arrested a Sun Valley man who deputies say was found with loot from a series of Altadena car burglaries.

Raul Penaloza, 26, was arrested Nov. 26 following a warrant search in Sun Valley where detectives recovered several items that were stolen in car burglaries, as well as a stolen Dodge Durango.

According to the release, numerous cars in Altadena were broken into between November 1 and 2, with purses and walets stolen.  The Durango was likewise taken from an Altadena residence on Nov. 2.

Several of the stolen credit cards were used at locations in Sun Valley, and detectives managed to match surveillance video of the suspect, tracing the fraudulent transactions to a residence in Sun Valley, the release said.  

Crime blotter: welcome back!

After a hiatus, we welcome back the Altadena Sheriff Station crime blotter!  Lots of vehicle burglaries (and the return of 24 Hour Fitness), problems with controlled substances, and a robber in the closet.

Monday, November 11

10:03 AM - A petty theft occurred at Altadena Wireless, 2108 Fair Oaks Avenue.   Subjects described as two male, Hispanic, juveniles.  Loss:  black iPhone 4S.

12:09 PM – A vehicle was reported stolen from the 600 block of E. Athens Street.   ***Vehicle was recovered by Pasadena PD***

1:50 PM – A petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred at Ralph’s, 2270 Lake Avenue.  Loss:  black leather laptop case, gray HP laptop 17in.

Between 10:39 PM and 6:30 AM (Tuesday) – A vehicle vandalism occurred in the 300 block of W. Ventura Street. 

Christ the Shepherd Lutheran holiday sale Dec. 14-15

Christ the Shepherd Lutheran Church, 185 West Altadena Drive,  will be holding a Holiday Boutique and Rummage Sale to benefit CTS' Youth Programs on Saturday, December 14, 12-4 and Sunday December 15, 12-2.  The sale will feature handmade jewelry, clothing & home goods by local artisans, vintage dolls, a bake sale and gently used treasures.  

 

Poetry Corner: Webster's

"The First Time ,Webster's, That  I Saw Your PLACE.."

from gloriana casey

The first time ever, that I saw your Place,
 Your visioning, it did shine out for me.
For ALL was you and you became that grace;
Perfection made for this community.
No matter how the winds did blow and shake,
A rose among the thorns eternally.
You matter to the artists and you make
Community of strength with eyes to see.
 With vigilance-------this tiny town was found;
this heritage of strength among the small.
Your works and deeds---- in value of renown,
A work that serves in value for us all.
A place, new place-----Webster's will grow in Time,
New growth in truth------- will build just like this rhyme

Four MPYD students honored for achievements

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Photo 1: From left, MPYD president Tecumseh Shackelford and board member Johnie Driver join Helen Goodmann saluting Johnas Pulley.  Photo 2: Helen Goodman salutes Skylar White with support from MPYD board members Velton Paggett and Rosalina Rodriguez   Photo 3: Dashon Pulley (2nd left) is congratulated by Helen Goodman (left) and MPYD   board members Velton Paggett, Rosalina Rodriguez and Ramon Miramontes.

from MPYD

A quartet of student achievers from Muir High School's male youth program, Mentoring & Partnership for Youth Development (MPYD), were recently honored by the San Gabriel Valley Section of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW).  

While attending MPYD’s Family Barbecue and Campus Clean-Up Day on the Muir campus, NCNW representative Helen Goodman handed certificates and cash incentives to Johnas Pulley (Most Improved GPA), Charles Townsend (Most Improved GPA), Dashon Pulley (Study Hall Standout) and Skylar White (Positive Attitude).   

“Supporting MPYD is one of the many ways that the San Gabriel Valley Section of the National Council of Negro Women encourages academic and personal success among our youth,” stated Helen Goodman.

Mentoring and Partnership for Youth Development (MPYD) is a non-profit organization that promotes character development, academic growth, college preparation and career readiness among at-risk male high school students.  In addition to one-on-one mentoring, MPYD’s programs include “Academics for Success” (tutoring and academic monitoring), “Lunch With the Future” (daily motivational speaker series), “Gearing Up For Careers” (employment preparedness workshops) Oakbridge Summer Retreat and more. MPYD has operated at John Muir High School since 2002.  For additional information visit www.MPYD.org or phone (626) 396-5600 ext 82010.

Altadena Christian Children's Center selling Christmas wreaths this week

The Altadena Christian Children's Center is selling fresh pine Christmas wreaths this week ($20 if ordered before Friday, Dec. 6, $25 thereafter).

Wreaths are available for pickup Friday afternoon.  To order you can call the office: 626-797-6142 or email: altaccc@aol.com. 

 

All proceeds directly support the 60 kids at ACCC with classroom material, parent education, and professional development for the teachers.

 

ACCC will also have a booth at the Winter Arts & Crafts Fair on Christmas Tree Lane on Dec. 14.  They will sell Christmas wreaths, candy, baked goods provided by parents, and Christmas ornaments made by the kids, starting at 2 PM.  

 

Altadena Christian Children's Center is at 791 E. Calaveras St., Altadena.

Christmas dinner at the Pasadena Senior Center Dec. 25

from the Pasadena Senior Center 

There’s no need to cook at home on Christmas Day! The Pasadena Senior Center will be overflowing with holiday spirit during the annual Christmas dinner with all the trimmings Wednesday, Dec. 25.

Doors will open at 11:30 AM and the meal will be served at noon. Laura Espinosa will entertain with Christmas tunes on the piano and Santa and his elves will drop by with special treats for everyone!

A delicious turkey dinner with stuffing, mashed potatoes, vegetables, salad and a special dessert will be served at festive tables in the Scott Pavilion, which will be adorned with decorations befitting this very special day.

Deputies stop attempted suicide in Farnsworth Park

by Timothy Rutt

Altadena deputies stopped a man who was apparently attempting to hang himself in Farnsworth Park Tuesday afternoon.

Deputies and emergency personnel assist an unidentified man who tried to hang himself in Farnsworth Park Tuesday afternoon. Photo provided by the Altadena Sheriff Station.

According to a press release from Altadena Sheriff Capt. John S. Benedict, deputies reponded to a call about a man attempting to commit suicide in the park at about 4 PM.  The release said that witnesses reported a man was trying to hang himself in the tennis court area.

When they arrived at the park, "Altadena deputies arrived and were directed to a man clinging to the top of 30-40 foot light pole with a rope around his neck," the press release said.

The man told deputies he was tired of being in pain and wanted to end his life.  It was clear to the deputies that he was determined to take his life as he started to lean away from the pole and tighten the noose on his neck.   

Deputies Eric Salvato, Arin Davidian, and Andres Bilbao began to speak to the man and were able to convince him to remove the rope from around his neck.  After a prolonged conversation with the man, he eventually climbed down from the light pole.  After descending the light pole, he was met by deputies and fire personnel and rendered first aid.

It is unknown what prompted the man to want to take his life. The man was later taken to a local hospital for a psychiatric evaluation.

 

 

Webster's Pharmacy ready for the holidays with Joseph Shuldiner

by Timothy Rutt

Webster's Community Pharmacy will host Altadena Farmers' Market manager Joseph Shuldiner on Friday, Dec. 13, in a celebration of his cookbook, Pure Vegan.

Shuldiner will sign copies of his bestselling cookbook (and will proffer tastes from some of the 70 recipes it contains) from 5-7 PM at the store.

Webster's Community Pharmacy will also have special services for holiday shoppers: personal shopping services, gift wrapping service (free wrapping if store purchase), corporate gifts and party favors, free delivery inside a five mile radius, and gift certificates.

 

Altadena's Open Studios Art Walk this Sunday, Dec. 8

by TImothy Rutt

Altadena artists are gathering together to hold the first  Altadena Open Studios Art Walk this Sunday, December 8, 10 AM-5 PM.  There will be 16 artists displaying their work in four different locations:

Sidewalk Cafe: 2057 N. Los Robles Ave #10, Pasadena, CA 91104 626-797-WALK

LA General Store Design Studio:149 W. Altadena Drive, Altadena, CA 91001 626- 529-3386

Gothard Art Studio: 215 Laurel Drive, Altadena, CA 91001

Greg Marquez Studio: 523 Altadena Drive, Altadena, CA 91001

This will be a wonderful opportunity to meet local artists, see and purchase their work, have fun, food and fellowship!  See you there!

Facebook page is:  https://www.facebook.com/AltaOpSt

Library hosts Mark Twain Bell Ringers Dec. 12

by TImothy Rutt

Ring in the holidays with the Mark Twain Bell Ringers from the Mark Twain Middle School as they return to the Altadena Library for their annual holiday program.

The troupe, directed by Ron Theile, will perform at 6 PM Thursday, Dec. 12, at the  Community Room of the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa Street .   The event is sponsored by the Altadena Library Board of Trustees and the Friends of the Library.

 

Out of the closet: sheriff investigating Thanksgiving strongarm robbery

by Timothy Rutt

An Altadena resident was robbed of cash and his cellphone by a man who was hiding in his closet on Thanksgiving, according to the Altadena Sheriff Station.

Lt. Eric Lasko said that deputies responded to a burglary report on the 2400 block of Highland Avenue at  8:32 PM Nov. 28.  Lasko said that the victim was preparing for bed when he discovered the suspect hiding in his closet.

The suspect was described as a male Hispanic in his 20's, about 6 ft. 3 ins. and slim, wearing dark clothing.

The suspect threatened to shoot the victim if he didn’t hand over the items, although no gun was seen, according to the official report.  The suspect then fled on foot, Lasko said.

The crime lab has processed the scene for fingerprints, Lasko said, and nothing else is known at this time.

 

Webster's Fine Stationers: ending an era in Altadena

Shoppers look for Christmas gifts at WFS open house Nov. 30

The end of an Altadena tradition for a place that lives "local first"

by Laura B. Monteros

During our conversation with Lori and Scott Webster on Sunday, an Altadena woman dropped by to share contact information for a possible new location for Webster’s Fine Stationers, which will close its doors in January.  At Saturday’s open house, shoppers enjoyed refreshments, live holiday music, book signings, and a display by Altadena Heritage.  And they talked about the lost lease and short notice the business owners were given and expressed hopes that the store will reopen soon, and reopen in Altadena, even noting vacant properties that would be a good fit.

That’s the kind of buy-in folks have for this Altadena gem, which sells local products created by artists and artisans within easy driving distance of our town.  It’s a business that Lori and Scott transformed from a stationery store that could not compete with the giants to a boutique with unusual and even unique items displayed in a cozy environment.  

When the couple took over the office and school supply store in October of 2007, the four stores that make up the complex had just been walled off from each other.  Previously, shoppers could walk through from the Hallmark store to office supply, pharmacy, and liquor stores.  This change did not benefit the business.

Advent at Altadena Community Church: centering prayer, alternative market

from Altadena Community Church

All are welcome for Centering Prayer in the Altadena Community Church chapel from 7 to 8  PM on Wednesday evenings, Dec. 4, 11, or 18. Pastor Joe McGowan will lead this silent prayer practice. You can enter the chapel from the west driveway at 943 E. Altadena Drive.

Also, after regular 10 AM Sunday worship service, Altadena Community Church will have an Alternative Christmas Market  on Dec. 8, from noon until 2 p.m. Participants can give the true gift of Christmas by supporting a worthwhile cause in honor of someone on their gift list. Fair trade coffee, tea, and chocolate will also be for sale.  There is no charge for the event.  Light refreshments will be served.  Please enter the fellowship hall from the upper parking lot.

For more information, call the church office at (626) 798-118 or visit www.altadenaucc.org.

Open the holidays with friendship

from the Meher Montessori School

In honor of Thanksgiving, Meher Montessori School's November cooking activity was Friendship Soup. The children learned that if everyone brought just a little -- a few potatoes or carrots, some parsley, etc, -- together we could have a bountiful soup to be thankful for.  After waiting  three hours for the soup to finish cooking, the children were all ready for a bowlful!  

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Students enjoy the spirit of fall

Now open -- Altadena Holidays page

by Timothy Rutt

Vintage image of Christmas Tree Lane

With icons like Christmas Tree Lane and the Balian Mansion, Altadena knows how to celebrate the holidays. We also celebrate with many generous programs for the needy (such as the park toy drives and the Altadena Sheriff's annual food and toy drive), and people of faith hold concerts and special church services to remember "the reason for the season."

Altadena's only one-stop-shop for this is our Altadena Holidays page, where we're gathering all the activities together in one place to make your holiday convenient (and merry!)

If your church, business, or organization has something planned for the season from today through New Year's, we invite you to let us know and we'll spread the word. We're particularly looking for church service schedules for Advent and Christmas.  

(We're also opening the page to sponsors: a business-card style ad on the page is all yours thru New Year's Day for only $75!  Contact us for details).

Please email your event (preferably written in plain text in your email message) to altadenablog@gmail.com.  And keep checking in to Altadena Holidays!

Found: English bull terrier

 

I found this dog wondering around.  She is a Brindle English Bull Terrier, very sweet, about 6 ish years old.  She seems to be an indoor dog responses well to people and is house trained. She desperately wants to go home.

 

She had no collar or ID. Please let me know if she belongs to someone.

 

My name is Carmen and you can reach me at 626-808-7917

 

 

Christmas Tree Lane: lights on Dec. 14

by Timothy Rutt

Hard to believe, but in less than two weeks will be the official lighting of Christmas Tree Lane, on Dec. 14.

Volunteers have been scrambling since fall testing, replacing, and installing lights on the deodars that line Santa Rosa Avenue in preparation for the annual Christmas display.

The lighting ceremony will take place on Santa Rosa Avenue and Mariposa (by the Altadena Main Library) at 6 PM.  Before then, the parking lot of the Library will be holding the annual Winter Arts & Crafts Festival with food, music, and works by local artisans, starting at 2 PM.  Santa Rosa Avenue will be closed to traffic at 4 PM.