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Delta Kappa Gamma celebrates 75th at Altadena Country Club

The California State Organization of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International is pleased to announce celebrations for the diamond jubilee of Pasadena's Omicron chapter. A event is planned for Thursday, November 8, from 5:30 - 9:00 p.m. at the Altadena Country Club, 2290 Country Club Drive in Altadena. In a nod to past initiation ceremonies, the participants will dress in cocktail attire for a celebratory meal, and to honor the history of Omicron chapter and the Delta Kappa Gamma organization as a whole. 

Cost is $35 for members, $45 for non-members.

An organization of women educators, Delta Kappa Gamma was founded at the University of Austin, Texas in 1929, at a time when women educators were not allowed in the major teaching fraternal organizations, and often faced segregation or prejudice in the workplace. DKG was created to nurture women in higher education, and to provide a conduit for training and support as women rose in the education fields. 

Omicron Chapter was formed in Pasadena in 1937, eventually one of three chapters to exist in the area. The three-chapter dinner, where all Pasadena DKG chapters reconnect, is now the highlight of every year. The society's members span the spectrum of generations and forms of educational involvement. Members' professional experience ranges from early childhood education to K-12 educators, school administrators and librarians, and college professors, both active and retired. Several recent members of Omicron have gone on to state and national office.

Farmers Market today: pre-order Thanksgiving pies

The Altadena Farmers' Market today has a few things worth noting:

• Pre-order Thanksgiving pumpkin and apple pies from Morning Glory Confections.
• LA Department of Social Services will be available to sign up eligible residents for the CalFresh program.
• New seller Partovi Orchards will feature apple and pear sauces, and Etheridge Organics will have tasty organic unfiltered pomegranate juice.

The Altadena Farmers Market runs from 3-7 PM today at lower Loma Alta Park, 600 W. Palm St.

 

Prop 30 wins, 38 loses; GMO measure defeated

by Bill Kisliuk
Pasadena Sun

Pasadena resident Molly Munger's self-funded effort to boost public schools in California was taking a beating in early results, with just more than 27% of Californians supporting Proposition 38. Munger poured more than $40 million into the campaign for the measure, which would raise income taxes to revive classroom budgets.

Gov. Brown's Proposition 30, a competing measure that would fund schools but also raise money for other purposes, was narrowly winning in early balloting. Roughly 52% of voters supported the governor's plan in early results, according to the Secretary of State's office, while 48% rejected it.

Pasadena school board President Renatta Cooper said that if both 30 and 38 fail, Pasadena schools will be forced to reduce the length of the school year by 10 days or more in response to cuts.  

“We have nothing else left to cut,” she said.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

Latest totals from the California Secretary of State here.

TEDxPasadena Salon looks at "Living a Life of Purpose" Nov. 17

Altadenan Greg Apodaca writes about the TEDxPasadena Salon he is producing.

by Greg Apodaca

For as long as I can remember, I've been a lover of big ideas: President John F. Kennedy's idea for America to send a man to the moon, Ghandi's idea that India could non-violently secede from the British Commonwealth, Martin Luther King's idea that people should be judged by their character and not their skin color, and others. I love to feel inspired and big dreams, especially ones that have come true, inspire me!

When I first learned about TED Talks and about their tag line, "Ideas Worth Spreading," I was hooked! Our inaugural TEDxPasadena event took place last October at Aveson School. It featured 11 TED Talks videos and nine live speakers on many topics around the theme, "Creating the Future."

Our second event, a Salon, is similar to that event with live speakers and videos from TED.com but with a more experiential format and activities to help participants apply lessons learned to their lives. Our goal for the Salon is to engage participants in a day-long exploration on our Salon 2012 theme, "Living A Life of Purpose."

The Salon will focus on three sub-themes: Choice, Intention and Focus. Salon speaker Pina De Rosa will discuss the myriad choices we make that either lead to living a thriving existence or just living day-to-day. Speaker Cheryl Hunter will present on the possibility and benefits of living intentionally. You may have dreams, and maybe you've even written them down in a vision, and if so you know the power of intentionally taking action toward your vision for your life, also known as living intentionally. Speaker Julie Giulioni will round out the day by discussing her journey along this path and how challenging it can be at times. She'll offer tips on how to focus on making the choices you want, and sticking to your intentions.    

If this all sounds exciting, great! The Salon is from 10 AM-3 PM at Westridge School in Pasadena on Sat., Nov. 17.  We hope you will join us!  Visit  www.TEDxPasadena.com to purchase tickets and for more information.

Westminster Presbyterian holds Victorian Advent Fair Nov. 25

by Timothy Rutt

We sing all the holiday songs, but have you ever HAD figgy pudding?  Sipped wassail?  Danced with a sugar plum?

This year, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1757 N. Lake Ave.,  will hold a Victorian-themed Advent Faire on Sun., Nov. 25, starting at 2 PM.

Besides those treats from days gone by, kids and adults can make a variety of crafts, including an Advent wreath and candles.  Come in Victorian costume if you like, or use their dress-up station to have a free picture of your family or group in a Victorian Christmas scene.  There may even be a visit from Father Christmas.  

And there will be a fruitcake tasting and competition: call the church office  (626) 794-7141 or email admin@wpcpas.org  for more info or to enter.

Sheriffs offer preparation tips: get ready for disaster

Hurricane Sandy has affected one out of five Americans as well as the people of many other countries. Lives have been lost in this natural disaster,and tens of thousands of people are without proper housing, food, water, and electricity. You can help by visiting FEMA http://www.fema.gov/ and the American Red Cross http://www.redcross.org/ 

IMPORTANT: ARE YOU PREPARED IF A DISASTER HITS LOS ANGELES COUNTY? 

Disasters can affect many people and a wide area such as an earthquake, or can affect less people and a smaller area such as a severe windstorm that knocks down thousands of power lines, blocking streets and making it difficult for repair crews to restore power for many days or over a week. 

Even if only a few people are affected, if it's you, it's 100%. 

Instead of ignoring these facts and hoping for the best, take action now to help yourself and the people you love. Would you be ready if there were an emergency? 

Be prepared: 

• assemble an emergency supply kit, 
• Make your emergency plans, 
• stay informed, 
• and get involved in helping your family, your business, and your community be ready for emergencies. 

Be prepared for when - not if - the next emergency occurs. How prepared are you? Preparedness is a responsibility we all share. Let's all do our part. Top priorities are shelter, food, water, and power, but there is a lot more to it. 

Young musician's program looking for your unused instruments

Do you have a musical instrument languishing in the closet?  

The Verdugo Young Musicians Association is looking for a chance to help a student make the instrument sing again.

VYMA is looking for unused orchestral instruments as it expands its free music program for at-risk children to Washington Elementary School.

The VYMA Music Project, currently at Longfellow Elementary, is inspired by El Sistema, the famed program that produced Gustavo Dudamel, now music director of the L.A. Philharmonic. The VYMA Music Project, a partnership with PasadenaLEARNs, seeks to transform young lives by providing at-risk children with a comprehensive, high quality classical music education that is entirely free to the participants – including the loan of a string instrument.

Following  Artistic Director Sam Chilingarian and retired Chair Louise Ghandhi’s two-week journey to Venezuela in 2008 to study El Sistema and meet with its founder and teachers, VYMA selected Title I PUSD school Longfellow Elementary to launch the project in fall 2009.  Now in its third year, the program thrives with a more comprehensive curriculum, an expansion of its high caliber faculty and graduate mentors, an on-site parent council and the addition of a skilled coordinator.  The unique curriculum is a comprehensive journey of musical development: Kinder musicianship, Musicianship Levels I & II, Strings Fundamentals, Beginning and Advanced Orchestra, Chamber Ensemble and Choir.

VYMA Music Project is part of a larger effort to provide underserved youth with after-school music immersion. VYMA is a stakeholder in YOLA – the LA Philharmonic initiative to develop such programs in L.A. County – and is an active participant of the El Sistema USA National Network. VYMA Music Project at Longfellow puts the City of Pasadena on the musical landscape map, joining a growing number of cities in the US in globally in emulating a music program with profound social impact.  VYMA is one of only three youth orchestras in the country to offer such a program.

Now, following the success of the program at Longfellow, VYMA wants to launch a program at Washington.  For that, they are looking for donations of unneeded instruments that can be available for loan to the students.  

If you'd like to donate your unusued musical instruments, please contact France Meindl at 626-794-5314.

Patrician Bunin reading, book signing at Webster's Fine Stationers Friday

Newspaper columnist Patricia Bunin, who pens the widely syndicated column "Senior Moments," will be at Webster's Fine Stationers to sign her new book, Password: Seniormoment on Friday, Nov. 9, at 6 PM.

Patricia's warm-hearted, often hilarious, accounting of life as a senior citizen has brought smiles to countless readers of her weekly column, now hear her read from her book.   She'll personally sign the book you buy (maybe for a treasured holiday gift?), answer questions, and provide many smile-worthy moments, so be sure to bring a camera! Enjoy all this while whetting your appetite with scrumptious appetizers, all in preparation for your meal at some of LA's finest gourmet food trucks at Altadena's Fancy Food Truck Friday!

Webster's Fine Stationers is at 2450 N. Lake Ave.

Altadena's MoonHill trailer looks at love among the monsters

by Timothy Rutt

"I dreamt my lady came and found me dead  -- and that's OK, she's dead, too."

Can forbidden love bloom between the undead and the walking dead?

Altadena-based MoonHill Productions (Richard Moon, now of the Altadena Town Council, and wife Junie Hildebrandt) have just released the trailer for their latest film, starring daughter Madeline Moon (student at Aveson Charter School).  "Zombeo & Juliécula" is described by Richard Moon as "an adaptation of Shakespeare by way of zombies, vampires, and elementary school friendships."

It looks like quite a hoot, and there is a Facebook page.

East Altadena Little League registration is open

East Altadena Little League spring 2013 registration is now open.   

Proof of residency (for all players) and age verification (for new players only) should be presented on Dec. 8 at Donley Field from 8:30 AM-1 PM.

East Altadena Little League is pleased to offer scholarships to allow any child a chance to play baseball or softball due to financial hardship.  Please inquire to registration@eall.org for scholarship information.

To be eligible to play, click here to determine if you live within EALL's boundaries.

Go here for full information or to register.

NATHA holds Lincoln Village "Function" Saturday

NATHA (Neighbors Acting Together Helping All) will his the 9th Annual Lincoln Village Festival "Function at the Junction" on Lincoln Avenue, between Montana and Idaho, on Sat., Nov. 10 from noon to 4 PM.  

"Function at the Junction" is a spectacular one-day event for all ages to taste great ethnic foods, live Jazz music, vendor booths and entertainment, a kids zone with jumpers and face painting and free health screenings all in a smoke and drug free environment. Admission is FREE.

During the festival the NATHA/PHAT ( Public Health Action Team) will also celebrate a recent grant of $125, 000 from the Office of National Drug Policy, Drug Free Communities to help prevent substance abuse among youth in the community.

"Efforts to keep our youth drug-free are critical to healthy and safe communities here in Pasadena and Altadena." said Marilyn Williams PHAT co-chair. "The Drug-Free Communities Support Program recognizes the great potential of the PHAT Coalition to help save young people's lives. This new funding will allow the NATHA/ PHAT Coalition to mobilize and organize the Pasadena/Altadena community to prevent youth substance use. "

"Three city blocks will be blocked off and we invite families to come out and help us celebrate community pride and unity."says festival co-chair, Jalila Walker. For a complete list of activities or for more information, call NATHA at (626) 794-5889 or visit www.natha.org

Altadena Heritage's waterwise garden workshop tomorrow

by Timothy Rutt

Altadena Heritage presents Altadena resident and frequent LA Times gardening writer Emily Green in a free waterwise gardening workshop on Wed., Nov. 7, at 7 PM at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.

Green will look at ways to improve your parkway and other street-facing areas by curbing water runoff and using alternative landscaping in an effort to save water and reduce runoff pollution.

 

Vote today

 

There were lines in front of local polls early this morning -- here at Altadena Community Church.

If you haven't done it ahead of time, get out and vote today!

Find your polling place at this link.

And let us and your neighbors know about how things are going at the polls today.  We're particularly interested in lines, problems, etc.  Put your on-the-scene observations in the comments below.

 

 

Crown City Symphony opens the season with Dvorak, Gliere, Bizet

The Crown City Symphony is playing their opening concerts on Nov. 11 and 17.

 

Ophelia Nanagyulyan is the violin soloist at Crown City Symphony's November concerts.

Ophelia Nanagyulyan is the violin soloist performing  "Romance" by Dvorak, and "Phoenix" from the Red Poppy Suite by Gliere.

The orchestra is premiering "Inside Passage" by Jim Stanley, a clarinetist in the orchestra.

Conductor, Marvin Neumann is also conducting the orchestra in "Colas Breugnon" by Kabalevsky;  and "L'Arlesienne Suite #1" by Bizet.

 

November 11th the orchestra plays at the First Baptist Church, 75 N. Marengo, Pasadena, at 2PM. November 17 the orchestra plays at the Pasadena Christian Church,789 N. Altadena Dr. Pasadena, at 2 PM.  The concerts are free.

 

Breaking: Stranded hikers at Eaton Canyon

by Timothy Rutt

Currently (3:45 PM) there's a rescue going on at Eaton Canyon: Altadena Sheriff Station says that two hikers, male and female both age 20, are stranded on a cliff.  Air 5 has them currently and will set them down in the parking lot.  No reports of injuries yet.

 

Steven Gutierrez is Library's November artist

The Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St., features "Illustrations by Steven Gutierrez" in November at the Library Community Room.

Stevens’ art reflects a mixture of music, the environment and space. His work if often captured by his inspiration from other artists, such as George Lucus, Stephen Spielberg and Santiago Calatrava. Steven’s detailed images transfer from mind to sketchbook and then are transformed to in-depth works of art. What makes his work unique and inspiring is his love of music and keen imagination.

Work will be on display in the Community Room for the month of November 2012

Morning jolt

• College preparatory services available: The City of Pasadena’s La Pintoresca Teen Education Center has partnered with the Pasadena City College TRIO Academic Talent Search program to provide college preparatory services to high school students. The TRIO Educational Talent Search program prepares students to attend the college of their choice by offering small group academic advisement, college counseling, college application assistance, ACT/SAT preparation, college tours, financial aid and scholarship assistance, study and life skills workshops and tutoring. Students from John Muir High School, Pasadena High School and Blair High School are eligible. Middle school students attending Washington Middle School and Wilson Middle School can also participate. Students must possess a 2.0 or higher GPA and have interest in attending a postsecondary school. For more information or to request an application, please contact the Teen Education Center at (626) 345-0708 or the TRIO Educational Search program at (626) 585-7011 or email talentsearch@pasadena.edu. 
• Donations for PUSD families: PUSD’s Families in Transition office, which connects homeless and transitional students and their families with appropriate services, is collecting donations for families in need this holiday season. Donations of canned goods, toys, games, books and grocery gift cards can be made through November 30. Families in Transition (room 127), 351 S. Hudson Ave., Pasadena or call(626) 396-3600 ext. 88252. 
• For goat cheese lovers: Zane Grey Estate denizens and the center of all things Altadena foodie Steven Rudicel and Gloria Putnam have created a Facebook page for their new venture: they've purchased 70 acres in the mountains that will be the site of their new goat ranch and creamery, Angeles Crest Creamery.  They also say that their plans for Bar Altadena, a new restaurant along Lake Avenue, are coming along.
• Latino families health fair:  The City of Pasadena’s Villa-Parke Community Center is holding a free Health Fair and Conference for Latino Families on Sat.,Nov. 17, from 8 AM-2 PM. The fair features health workshops, clinics and screenings for adults and children, flu shots, vision screening, and more. Lunch and childcare (ages 4-12) is provided with pre-registration.   For more information: (626) 744-6530 

Food Truck Friday features "Toys for Tots" drop-off

by Timothy Rutt

Fancy Food Truck Friday is coming this week to the Webster's parking lot, with the opportunity to helpd out a child in need for the holidays.

Webster's Community Pharmacy is the official Altadena Toys for Tots drop-off center, and you can start that day by putting an unwrapped toy in the box by the pharmacy's table.  In return, you'll receive a coupon worth 25% off through Nov. 24  (offer not valid with other coupons, discounts or offers).

The pharmacy and Webster's Liquors will also also offer 20% off selected items during the food truck event (offer not valid with other coupons, discounts or offers.)

Participating trucks this month include Slammin Sliders, Me So Hungry, Bool BBQ, Rosa Bella Cucina, Komodo and My Delight Cupcakery.

Fancy Food Truck Friday will be open from 5 PM-9 PM,  with Danny’s Farm mobile petting farm open from 6 - 8 PM.  The event will be held at the Webster's parking lot, 2450 N. Lake Ave., corner of Lake and Marcheta.   For more information:  626-797-1163

 

Missing dog: "Gizmo," Papillon, Altadena Drive

Jennie is missing her dog: "Gizmo," a black, white and brown (but mostly white) Papillon who went missing about 7 AM Nov. 3 from their yard on the 2600 block of North Altadena Drive.

"He went outside and just vanished from our yard." she writes.

Know where Gizmo is?  Call Jennie at 626 354 2265.

Eliot Middle School PTA fundraiser at Coffee Gallery all day Thursday

Please come out on Thursday, Nov. 8 from 6 AM - 10 PM and support Eliot Middle School at the Coffee Gallery, 2029 Lake Avenue. Enjoy delicious beverages, pastries and light meals.

Present the attached flyer and 20% of your purchase will be donated to the PTA.

The Eliot Student Jazz Band performs at 3 PM and student art will be on exhibit during the entire month of November in the Coffee Gallery's Conference Room. Check it out and support our school!

"Put a Fork in Hunger" Thanksgiving food drive at Fork Plaza this weekend

by Timothy Rutt

The Fork in the Road will be the site of a food drive this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 10 and 11.

The now-annual event will be part of the "Put the Fork in Hunger" effort by Bob Stane and Ken Marshall of the Coffee Gallery Backstage, Phllip A. Coombes, and The Fork Foundation.

Drop off non-perishable items to volunteers at Fork Plaza (Pasadena Avenue/ St. John Avenue at Bellefontaine in Pasadena) between 8 AM and 4 PM both days.

Wasn't that a party: Altadena celebrates 125 years young and strong (UPDATED)

The Altadena song -- or one of them, anyway -- marked Altadena's 125th Birthday Bash at Davies Auditorium in Farnsworth Park on Nov. 3.

UPDATE:  We have video of Louis Van Taylor playing the national anthem after the break.

UPDATE II: We have lyrics to the Altadena song.

by Timothy Rutt

Hundreds of people attended Altadena's 125th birthday party, an occasion marked by good food, music, costumes, art, and some of the Bohemian eccentricity that our town is famous for.

And the whole event was thrown together -- from conception to completion -- in about six weeks.

We have photos after the jump.

Fall back ...

It's the end of daylight saving time Sunday, so make sure your clocks are turned back an hour (and get some extra sleep!)

Dia de los Muertos: death and birth at El Patron

 

Altadena's 125th birthday was remembered in a Dia de los Muertos altar at El Patron Mexican Restaurant Friday night.

by Timothy Rutt

Friday night, artist Stephanie Pinto (Calacachica, aka "Skull Girl") installed some not-so-traditional ofrendas, or Day of the Dead altars, in front of El Patron Mexican Restaurant.  Coincidentally, it was also the birthday of El Patron owner Alex Cortes, who said he figured the altars added to the festivities and reminded him of his childhood in Mexico.  

So amidst the birthday balloons and mariachi music, patrons of El Patron were treated to three altars constructed by PInto: 

• One was a celebration of Altadena's 125th birthday, featuring pictures of such notables as Richard Feynman, Charles White, Prof. Lowe, and many other Altadena luminaries;
• One was open to the community to remember their own deceased loved ones.
• And a dog-house-shaped altar for pets, where you could remember your own furry departed.

Check out the photo album on Facebook.

 

Altadena Junction: it's Hooty

Our weekly column in the Pasadena Sun is online:  Hooty, Christmas Tree Lane, and the golf course -- a well-rounded look at Altadena life this week.  

Arroyos & Foothills leads Saturday hikes thru Millard, looking for funds

from the Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy

The Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy (AFC) and its docents are leading hikes for the public across gorgeous terrain the conservancy is working to preserve in Millard Canyon. The hikes will be held on Saturday, Nov. 3 at 9 AM, and Saturday, Nov. 17 at 9 AM.

The conservancy needs to raise an additional $29,000 for the project by Nov. 15. So far it has raised about $646,000, or 96 percent of its $675,000 project goal. Preserving the land will prevent it from ever being developed, and will allow for habitat restoration and education programs.

“It’s rare that you come across either a stream running year-round or a dense woodland in the lowlands of the foothills, but lower Millard Canyon has both,” said Executive Director John Howell. “We’re optimistic that local community members will continue to come forward to help save it.”

HIKE DIRECTIONS: Drive north on Fair Oaks. Turn left on West Loma Alta Drive. Turn right at Chaney Trail, the third intersection you pass. Follow Chaney Trail all the way to the Millard campground parking lot.The hike will proceed down Millard Creek to Canyon Crest, where hikers will be shuttled back to the parking lot.

HIKE INFORMATION: The route is less than a mile and a half, but somewhat rugged with some boulder hopping, so wear hiking boots. Wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants because there are patches of poison oak, and watch for rattlesnakes. Bring water. The hike itself will take 1-1/2 to 2 hours. This is not a hike for dogs. No reservations required.

For more information, visit www.arroyosfoothills.org/millard, or contact John Howell: johnrhowell@earthlink.net / (626) 796-0782.

Get ready for Altadena's 125th Birthday Bash Saturday

by Timothy Rutt

Altadena's 125th Birthday Bash is coming up Saturday, and for something that was drummed up on short notice, it promises to be memorable!

Starting with a small group of determined women, -- Michele Zack of Altadena Heritage, Jane Brackman of the Altadena Historical Society, Monica Hubbard, and Sussy Nemer, field deputy for Supv. Michael D. Antonovich -- the bash has grown to be a full celebration of Altadena's history, artistry, people, and its own uniqueness.

And, it will be a tribute to volunteerism and self-reliance.

First, seeing that there was nothing set aside for Altadena's children, Melody Comfort took it on herself to organize a children's celebration to run from 2-4 PM at the  Mt. Curve Pavilion in Farnsworth Park.  There will be some Altadena-related activities, she says, and children will get a chance to sign a birthday banner and get a helium balloon.  There may be some refreshments (you're not discouraged from bringing any!) 

The main event will be geared for adults: the Birthday Bash itself, running from 5-8 PM at the Davies Auditorium at Farnsworth Park.  Michele Zack says that "Altogether, over 60 groups, individuals, churches, and businesses have stepped up as sponsors with food, money, talent, and putting together exhibits. Another 60 have signed up as volunteers."

Zack wanted to credit several of the people and groups that particularly contributed: 

• Altadena Heritage Board, who unanimously voted to turn our measly 25th anniversary into something much bigger — a celebration of Altadena's 125th Birthday — and to get ball rolling by pledging major financial support. This got the attention of the county and others, and inspired everyone to pitch in!
• Jane Brackman, President of Historical Society — all round help, and who with Holly Rundberg organized volunteers. 
• Monica Hubbard, who did communications/community outreach at the beginning.
• Sussy Nemer who on behalf of the county helped us cut through bales of red tape and covered many big expenses, such as waiving fee for Davies Building and raising banner above Lake Avenue — as well as recommending a nice big cash donation.
• Hugo Arteaga, talented graphic designer who designed gorgeous Birthday keepsake booklet completely as a volunteer, and managed discounted printing job by local Manning printers. This entailed a few weeks of work for him.
• Angie Calleros of County Parks and Rec, and manager of Davies Building. She and her staff have gone beyond call of duty in supporting us in so many ways. Just one example: she is tearing down Halloween Haunted House on Thursday then painting and recovering 14 exhibit frames with upholstery fabric to hold art and historical displays, so that they are ready by Friday to set up space upstairs.
• Ben McGinty came up with idea for art show with Altadena as subject, and ran with it. I never had to spend a moment worrying that this wasn't being completely taken care of, or doubt that it would be great.
• Suzie Hsi, assistant regional recreation director for the County helped arrange for county staff to hang all the banners from various organizations from rafters of Davies, saving us aging volunteers from having to climb very tall ladders! 
• Of course there are lots more who have shown great support and made wonderful donations, but can't name everyone. On the food front, The Altadena Town and Country Club deserves mention, because they are donating $800 worth of tasty appetizers. NAACP has really stepped up in that department, too, promising to deliver close to 300 servings of homemade savory treats.

Ten Thousand Villages launches renovated store, winter line of products

Ten Thousand Villages Pasadena will unveil their store renovations and launch their winter/holiday fair trade product line of handcrafted gifts and decor at a public reception on Friday, Nov. 2 from 6 - 9 PM to benefit Action Kivu, a job training project for women in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The holiday kick-off is an opportunity to shop Ten Thousand Villages Pasadena's unique handmade holiday gifts and decorations, and the abundance of fair trade jewelry, home decor, art and sculpture, textiles, tableware and personal accessories carried in the store year round.

Every unique item carried in Ten Thousand Villages Pasadena is fair trade, meaning that the artisans in developing countries who create the products earn a fair wage, are treated with dignity and respect and are able to improve their quality of life through just, long-term trading relationships.

Ten Thousand Villages Pasadena is located at 567 South Lake Ave. in Pasadena, CA. For more information about Ten Thousand Villages and Fair Trade, call 626-229-9892 or visit http://pasadena.tenthousandvillages.com/.

Crime blotter: gunshots this week

Halloween gunshots!  Information provided by the Altadena Sheriff Station .

Wednesday, October 24 

A vehicle was vandalized in the 700 block of Harriett Street. The unknown suspect shattered the window of the victim’s parked car. 

Saturday, October 27

An unknown suspect entered the victim’s locked vehicle on the 2100 block of Lincoln Avenue and stole his wallet. 

An unknown suspect stole the victim’s wallet and iPhone from his locked vehicle which was parked in the 1700 block of Altadena Drive. 

An unknown suspect stole the victim’s purse from her locked vehicle which was parked in the 2100 block of Summit Avenue. 

Tuesday, October 30

An unknown suspect attempted to burglarize a residence in the 2900 block of Calanda Avenue. When a neighbor saw the suspect and confronted him, an altercation ensued. The suspect fired one round from an unknown caliber handgun at the neighbor. The suspect then fled on foot. Deputies were then called. The responding deputies contained the area, but were unable to locate the suspect. The suspect is described as a male/black suspect approximately 20 years old. 

Wednesday, October 31

A resident in the 900 block of Mariposa St. reported that unknown suspects entered her house and stole a diamond ring. Entry was made by forcing open a window. 

A resident in the 2800 block of El Nido Drive reported that an unknown suspect was yelling in her driveway and refused to leave. A few minutes later the suspect ran. The resident then heard 5 – 6 gunshots being fired. There were no reported injuries and no damage noted. Shell casings were recovered from the area.

Pasadena Waldorf's open house for new high school Saturday

The Pasadena Waldorf High School will have an open house on Sat., Nov. 3, for prospective 9th and 10th grade students.

The open house will be at the  Pasadena Waldorf High School on the campus of William Carey International University, 1559 E. Howard St., Pasadena.

 No reservation is necessary.  Registration starts at 1 PM, with a faculty panel from 1:15-2:15 PM.  Sample lessons, classroom visits, and viewing campus will go drum 2:30-4 PM.

For more information: call 626-204-0786 or go to www.pasadenawaldorf.org.

El Patron hosts Dia de los Muertos altars Friday night

by Timothy Rutt 

The Latin holiday Dia de los Muertos, coming during the Halloween/All Souls' Day period, is a time to honor the dead.  On Friday night, El Patron Mexican Restaurant, 2555 N. Lake Avenue, will host three traditional altars outside the restaurant.

The power behind it is Stephanie Pinto, whose company Calacachica (Skull Girl) makes traditional sugar skulls for crafting and teaches local schools how to build Dia de los Muertos altars.  Pinto has been doing this for three years, and recently brought her creations to the Altadena Farmers' Market.

 

Calacachica's Stephanie Pinto will supervise the installation of three Dia de los Muertos altars at El Patron Mexican Restaurant Friday night.

Pinto says that there will be three altars at El Patron:  one will be an artistic installation for display, but the other two are open to the community -- one commemorates the dead, and the other commemorates deceased pets.

 

Pinto says community members are welcome to bring to the altar copies of pictures of those humans and animals they want to remember -- but do not bring originals, as they will not be returned. 

The altars will be open from 8-10 PM.

 

Altadena Community Church welcomes back "Pastor Joe"

from Altadena Community Church

On Nov. 4 Altadena Community Church welcomes Pastor Joe McGowan back from his three-month sabbatical with a celebration of All Saint's Sunday.  If you have lost a loved one since last November, you are invited to bring a small, framed picture to place on the altar at the beginning of the 10 a.m worship service.  All who wish will have a chance to come up and light a candle in remembrance of those they have lost.  Following the half-hour fellowship time, Pastor Joe will share insights gained during his sabbatical (11:35 AM, Founders Room).

Altadena Community Church (943 E. Altadena Drive) is a part of the United Church of Christ.  All are welcome at ACC.  Childcare and an elementary age Sunday school class are provided.  For more information, call the church office at (626) 798-1185 on Friday mornings or visit www.altadenaucc.org.

Pasadena Sun website wins press award

By Bill Kisliuk
Pasadena Sun

 

Los Angeles Times Community News — publisher of the Glendale News-Press, Pasadena Sun, Burbank Leader and La Cañada Valley Sun — was honored Tuesday by Editor & Publisher magazine for an outstanding newspaper website.

The Pasadena Sun website, www.pasadenasun.com, won an EPPY award for the best weekly news website with fewer than 1 million unique visitors per month.

The Glendale News-Press was a finalist in two categories: best investigative or enterprise feature for a website with fewer than 1 million unique visitors per month and best daily newspaper site among those with fewer than 1 million unique visitors per month.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

A-haunting we will go ...

by Timothy Rutt

Seems like every teenager in the San Gabriel Valley (and lots of parents, too) were at the Braeburn Road Halloween haunt.  A large crowd made it look like Mardi Gras, only spookier,  We have pictures after the jump.

November shout out to the sponsor team!

Happy November, and Altadeblog gives a 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

Pasadena Waldorf School Elves' Faire

Rancho Bar

Scissors Paper Rock Salon

Southern California Edison/Planned Outages

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.  

Sometime in November we will cross the 2 million pageview threshhold.  Be a part of it!

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!

 

Central Altadena Little League starts signups now.

Central Altadena Little League is taking online signups now for the spring season.

Document verification will be on Nov. 10 and Dec. 8, from 10:30 AM-noon at lower Farnsworth Park Field, Concha St. and Lake Avenue.  Mandatory tryouts for Bantam-Mountain level playsers will be in January.

Click on the graphic for more details.

 

President Streets residents may lose power Thursday morning

by Carolyn Seitz

Southern California Edison's local community liaison just let me know that there will be a power outage in Altadena tomorrow (Thurs., Nov. 1).

Because of a deteriorating power pole at 1955 Roosevelt Avenue and the need to bring in a crane to set the pole, power in the surrounding area will be out around 8 am, and for a period of time not yet announced.

The replacement of this particular power pole is considered an emergency repair by Southern California Edison and for that reason, this may be the only notice you receive.

If you have questions, you can contact Southern California Edison's Liaison, Ben Wong,  (323) 720-5292.  

Happy Halloween!

As the youngsters are gathering to raid your home for candy, remember to be careful driving today as it gets closer to dark.

And reader Karen TenEyck points us to this 360 degree panorama shot of the Braeburn Haunt, courtesy of actor/photographer Carel Struycken.

Photo of Dia de los Muertos sugar skulls from Calicachica at the Altadena Farmers' Market this afternoon.

UPDATE:  Lots of cute kids out there tonight!  Share your pictures of costumes and/or Halloween decorations with us!  Send 'em to altadenablog@gmail.com or to our Facebook page!

Kids activities added to Altadena's 125th Birthday Bash (but help is welcome!)

by Timothy Rutt

Bless Melody Comfort (who has one of our two favorite names of an Altadena resident).  After not inconsiderable conversation in the comments section of our last story on Altadena's birthday celebration, she has taken it on herself to organize an activity for young Altadenans as part of Saturday's celebration.

Comfort says she will organize a free party to allow children to celebrate Altadena's 125th birthday, from 2-4 PM at the Mt. Curve Pavilion in Farnsworth Park.

"Bring your kids to sign a birthday banner, get a helium balloon, and join in some fun Altadena-related activities," Comfort said.

It will be very simple, but Comfort says she's open for extra help and donations (there are currently no refreshments, for example).  

If you'd like to help our younger Altadenans celebrate, contact her at 626 791-1446.

 

 

ACONA to look at traffic, fire safety at Nov. 27 meeting

The next meeting of ACONA (the Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations) will be Tues., Nov. 27, from 7-8:30 PM.

According to Elliot Gold of ACONA, the topics for the meeting include traffic issues in Altadena (with a guest from the California Highway Patrol), and fire safety.

The meeting will be at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. 

 

St. Mark's offers Christmas trees for pre-sale thru Nov. 11

by Timothy Rutt

Yes, we know the goblins are coming out tonight, but it pays to think ahead: Christmas!

St. Mark's Episcopal Church is again taking orders for Christmas trees now through Nov. 11 for Dec. 8 pickup or delivery.

Douglas, Noble, and Grand Firs are available, priced according to size (see graphic for details).  Trees can be ordered online at http://www.saintmarkschristmastrees.org/

Pickup is from 8-noon on Dec. 8 at the parking lot at St. Mark's, 1014 E. Altadena Dr. Trees can also be delivered for a suggested $20 donation.

St. Mark's is also arranging to donate trees to families who otherwise would not have a tree this season. You can sponsor a tree for $45.

Click on graphic for details.

 

Poetry corner: Halloweens past

"Screamingly Delicious"

from gloriana casey


From ancient Ireland, long ago,
there came a magic night,
when doors into the other world
sprang wide with strange delight!

For Halloween's that one night then
when wild things do run free,
and for the kids it's costume time
plus candy ---- yum - yummy!

And if you have a neighborhood
 just filled with Halloween,
then Trick or Treat is magnified
for we all love to scream!

Arroyo Seco Foundation receives $3.3 M for Hahamongna project

from the Arroyo Seco Foundation

The Arroyo Seco Foundation (ASF) has secured $3.3 million in state funding to improve water reliability and environmental conditions in Hahamongna.

On Monday night October 29,  the Pasadena City Council approved a series of agreements with the Los Angeles Flood Control District and the Arroyo Seco Foundation. The $3,217,000 grant, one of a suite of projects administered by the Los Angeles County Flood Control District, will be funded by the California Department of Water Resources as part of Proposition 84 which was approved by California voters in 2006.

"We are pleased that we have been able to win this funding for Hahamogna and to work in partnership with Pasadena on a project that is a model of environmental stewardship and community involvement," said Tim Brick, Managing Director of the Arroyo Seco Foundation. "The project will save innumerable fish in the Arroyo stream and millions of dollars for Pasadena ratepayers."

The key features of the Hahamngna grant include:

• Upgrading the Arroyo Seco water intake structure to capture Pasadena's full water rights;
• Evaluating the potential advantages of an inflatable dam;
• Improving recreational opportunities for local residents by installing a restroom, interpretive signage, picnic tables, a water fountain, and a horse trough;
• Restoring riparian habitat in the Arroyo Seco stream by removing unused facilities, planting native plants, improving fish conditions, and removing invasive species.

The Hahamongna grant is part of the the California Department of Water Resources Integrated Regional Water Management Program (IRWM), a statewide program that promotes collaborative efforts to manage all aspects of water resources in a region.

Breaking: Burglary containment on the west side

by TImothy Rutt

The sheriff's have mounted a containment on a burglary call tonight, starting at about 6 PM.  One of our fellow scanner-heads, Maggie, tells us that "Containment goes from Calanda & Devirian down to Olive and Mariposa...not sure how far west but Olive seems to be the eastern border. Medics will go to Calanda and Devirian."

A call to sheriff office yielded nothing now, as the watch commander is at the scene.

7:05: scanner said they are breaking down the containment -- we'll monitor the situation, and when anybody can talk, we'll let you know!

UPDATE:  Dep. Aura Sierra at Sheriff headquarters in Monterey Park said that a suspect attempted to break in to a home at the 2900 block of Calanda Avenue.  The call came in at 4:25 PM Tuesday, and deputies responded by setting up a containment around the neighborhood. According to Sierra, after clearing the house and the neighborhood, the containment ended at approximately 8:05 PM with no suspect in custody.

The suspect was described as a black male in his 20's, 5 ft. 10 ins. to 6 ft. in height, and with a thin build.

 

KPCC looks at Walmart Neighborhood Market

KPCC makes a rare trip up the hill to look at the potential effects of the upcoming Walmart Neighborhood Market to local small businesses.  Start here with reporter Wendy Lee's overview story, then check out the links at the end for stories about other businesses in the neighborhood and what they think.

Library offers holiday cooking from Trader Joe's Saturday

Friends of the Altadena Library present: “Cooking for the Holidays with Trader Joe’s, ” presented by Cherie Mercer Twohy, owner of the Chez Cherie Cooking School in La Canada.

Cherie Mercer Twohy received her Professional Culinary Arts diploma from the California School of Culinary Arts. She is the author of the I Love Trader Joe’s Cookbook, I Love Trader Joe’s Party Cookbook and the I Love Trader Joe’s  Around the World Cookbook.

She will present her talk at the Altadena Library Community Room,  600 E. Mariposa St., on Nov. 3 at 2 PM. 

For more information:  (626) 798-0833; www.altadenalibrary.org.  Admission is free.

 

Halloween in Altadena

by Timothy Rutt

Just some of the things going on for the holiday, starting today!....

Altadena Main Library: on Tues., Oct. 30, the main library at 600 E. Mariposa St. will host its annual family Halloween and Día de los Muertos Celebration at 4 p.m. Activities include construction paper jack o’ lanterns, puppets, Mexican paper flowers, and sugar-skull decorating. Admission is free.

Bob Lucas Branch Library, 2659 N. Lincoln Ave. will have a Halloween day activity:  make your own haunted gingerbread house using graham crackers, icing, candy, and your imagination.  That will start at 3:30 p.m. on Halloween, and it’s free.

Altadena Farmer's Market: Altadena’s foodie central will be decorated for the holiday, and bring the kids to trick-or-treat while you’re shopping.  Local artists will also decorate for Dia de Las Muertos, and you can purchase your own sugar skulls, either bone white or decorated.  Learn about the rich traditions of this Latin American holiday while you're buying  your grocieres. 3-7 PM Wednesday at lower Loma Alta Park, 600 W. Palm St.

Farnsworth Park will turn the Davies Auditorium into a haunted mansion on Oct. 31, 6:30-8:30 PM.  Free admission, and candy for the kids, too.  568 E. Mt. Curve Dr.

Westminister Presbyterian Church: The large Gothic sanctuary will be lit with candles, so bring your children in costume for treats and a half hour concert of fun and spooky organ music. Concerts start at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the church, 1757 N. Lake Ave.

The Altadena Ale & Wine House will mark the day with a costume party, starting at 8 PM (over 21 only).  2329 N. Fair Oaks Ave.

Wicked Lit: Unbound Productions’ critically-acclaimed series of horror and supernatural playlets may yet have some tickets for Halloween night itself.  The production has been extended for two weeks, with performances Nov. 1-4 and 8-10.  The performances take place at Mountain View Cemetery and Mausoleum,  2300 N. Marengo Ave., at 7:30 p.m.  Get your tickets at wickedlit.org.

October Shadows: Mountain View Mausoleum also hosts this celebration of Halloween with art and artifacts on display and for sale in the gallery.  The show concludes Sat., Nov. 3 from 10 AM-3 PM.

Poetry corner: it's Hooty

"REQUIEM FOR HOOTY?"

from gloriana casey

Now HOOTY is a lovely owl,
although he's not alive.
He's made of wood to guard the goods,
to help our forest thrive!

NEFARIOUS has struck again,
or maybe Voldemort.
An enemy of Common Good
and we don't like that sort!,

Jane Szabo, please do not give up,
make HOOTY live again!
For we will find the criminal,
and we will not give in!

Somebody doesn't give a hoot about Meadows' Hooty

Jane Szabo's picture of Hooty along Canyon Crest, after he was restored in January 2012. Hooty has since been pried off the sign and is missing.

by Timothy Rutt

 

What have they got against Hooty?

The handcrafted "Hooty" sign that welcomes all to the Meadows neighborhood on Canyon Crest has gone missing, the victim -- again -- of vandals.

Meadows resident Jane Szabo's sign (which is really Woodsy Owl, but she calls it "Hooty") disappeared on Oct. 24. 

This isn't the first time it's suffered insult.  Szabo says she painted and installed the original sign (which has Smokey Bear on the other side) about 2008, where they were undisturbed for years.  Then last fall, someone threw a large rock over and over again into the sign, putting a hole in the center and smashing off one side of it.

Jane made a new sign that was installed in January of this year, but that didn't last long, she writes:

That only lasted a few months or so and someone (almost certainly the same person) came back and smashed the sign up again - big huge dents, cracks and chunks missing all across the face. I decided to repair it this time instead of starting all over - to save money and time - and he was back up again looking good by the end of August. 

When I made the repair I added a 3/4" OSB / chip board backing to it so rocks should no longer be able to go through the front surface. I hoped that would keep it safe.

But that didn't last long, either:  on Oct. 24, Szabo found the sign damaged and Hooty missing:

I guess the rock thrower was not able to damage it, so likely he got up on the side board and used his full body weight to pull the sign straight off the screws. In doing so it broke the 4x4 post at the base of the sign!  It was a lot of force. How it was done, of course, is only my conjecture. 

Szabo says that her husband Todd "went to inspect the morning I noted it missing and saw that all around the base of the sign were footprints with a diamond pattern, some which lead down into the canyon. He suspected the sign had been dumped down there - in a big pile of poison oak, but he was unable to find it.  Maybe someone drove away with it - but I am not sure. I really think whoever is doing this is someone who walks in and out of the Meadows - but that is all a guess too."

"I just can't understand why someone would be so intent on damaging,"  Szabo writes. "Most of my Meadows neighbors LOVE our signs."

The county is going to fix the 4x4 post this week, and Szabo said that she is planning to remove the Smokey Bear sign until then. But the mystery of who has got it in for Hooty remains.

 

Sheriffs share Halloween safety tips

from the Altadena Sheriff's Station

Halloween is meant to be a special treat for children and adults alike, but many of its hallmarks, costumes and decorations pose fire, safety and other accident hazards. Altadena Sheriff's Station, Pasadena Police Department, Fire and Public Health Officials offer the following tips and reminders to help all witches, ghosts and ghouls enjoy a safe Halloween. 

Costumes 
• Wear a costume that is easily seen by others, especially motorists, and is easy to walk in. 
• Avoid costumes with billowy, long-trailing fabric that can easily ignite or be a tripping hazard. 
• Make sure masks fit properly and eye holes are large enough to easily see out. 
• Consider wearing facial make-up instead. 

Candles and Decorations 
Halloween is one of the top five days of the year when candles are used, and according to the National Fire Protection Association, candles cause about 15,000 house fires each year, more than 1,200 serious injuries, close to 200 deaths and $450 million in property damage. 

• Always use caution with candles and never leave lit candles unattended. 
• Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper are highly flammable. Keep these and other decorations well away from open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs and heaters. 
• Keep all exists clear of decorations and have a fire extinguisher nearby. 
• Consider using flashlights or battery-operated candles instead. 
• Light candles inside Jack o’ Lanterns with long, fireplace-style matches or utility lighters. 
• Make sure children are watched at all times when around lit candles. Be sure young ones know how to stop, drop, roll and cover their faces if clothing catches fire.