altadenablog

Publisher's notebook: on being a jet-setting guinea pig for science

Being a test subject can be a small boy's biggest adventure

by Timothy Rutt

 

Jake Rutt shows off yet another injection as he tests a new muscular dystrophy medicine.

We don’t like to make too big a deal about our family. Every family, even the most normal-appearing, has crosses to carry and burdens to bear.

But some folks say we’re bearing more than most, and that may be true.  For instance, there's our younger daughter Rosie, who has Down Syndrome.  To her advantage, she’s high-functioning, as well as cute and affectionate, and is the star of the family show (we’ve written about her here and here).

Our son, Jake, 10, is a little more complex.  He’s handsome, certainly, and charming when he wants to be, but he strikes darker notes than Rosie.  He’s not uniformly sunny; he’s the one who gets lost in the shadows under Rosie’s bright star.  He’s more brooding, feels things more deeply -- he’s a maelstrom of emotions that he sometimes can’t control.

Jacob, like Rosie, also was not a winner in the genetic lottery.  Jacob couldn’t walk until he was two and a half, and our trips to the various medical specialists eventually yielded a diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Life with Duchenne
Duchenne affects about one in every 3,500 boys (and it is almost entirely boys who have it).  It’s nasty business -- when young, the naked Duchenne boy looks almost Herculean with his large, well-formed muscles, but that’s an illusion -- that’s fatty tissue and scar tissue, because his body is at war with itself -- those muscles don’t do much.  The general prognosis in the past has been wheelchair at age 10, vent at age 20, and after that, well ...

The culprit is down in the genes -- missing exons, small bits of genetic matter, that throw the DNA helix off and interfere with the creation of dystrophin, which is necessary for muscles to develop normally.  

There’s been a lot of progress lately, fortunately:  boys with Duchenne are more mobile and longer-lived than ever.  Jacob has been taking steroids for many years, which slows the progress of the condition although he pays for it by being a head smaller than his peers.  He also has to take a drug usually given to old ladies with brittle bones to counteract the effects the steroids have on his skeleton. But there’s a lot of research going on, in this country and in Europe, that we hope will result in drugs to give him something closer to a normal life.

Once a year, he is evaluated at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, which is one of the two best Duchenne clinics in the country.  Through that, he was identified as a potential test subject for new drugs under development.

Altadena Junction: birthdays and Halloween

Our column in the Pasadena Sun looks at the week ahead:  Halloween and Altadena's birthday bash coming up Saturday.

Possible door-to-door scam going on

Received this message from a reader this afternoon -- keep on the lookout!

A teenaged girl just came to our door claiming to be a student at Pasadena Middle School. She says she is raising funds for her college program at the school and said  to receive a bond for college:  all she needed was a signature from a neighbor and a voided check". Please be careful!

This doesn't smell good for many reasons, not least of which is (1) there is no Pasadena Middle School (2) there's a college program for 6-8th graders? and (3) why would you need a voided check?  

Altadena Sheriff's Station is at 798-1131.

 

Boo!! on Halloweekend in Altadena

Jake seems unperturbed by the creature stalking him at "October Shadows," a celebration of Halloween art at Mountain View Mausoleum.  The show continues this weekend and next Saturday from 10 AM-3 PM at the mausoleum art gallery, 2300 North Marengo Ave.

Also: don't forget that today is "Halloweekend" with the merchants of the North Lake Avenue Business District, presented by the Altadena Chamber of Commerce, noon to 4 PM. 

Participating businesses include Webster's Community Pharmacy, Webster's Fine Stationers, California Property Solvers, Steve's Pets, Lindsey's Liquors, Ms. Dragon's Print and Copy, El Patron, Steve's Bikes, Webster's Liquors, Altadena Hardware, and Merit Cleaners.  Stop by for some treats and some deals!

County hands over golf course management to new operators Nov.1

by Timothy Rutt

Altadena and Eaton Canyon Golf Courses will be getting new management as of  Nov. 1.

As first revealed by local blogger Victor Caballero, O&J Golf Course Construction will manage the golf courses following the default of the current leaseholder, DC Golf, Inc.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors cancelled the current lease with DC Golf, Inc., which was over a year behind in its rent, according to county documents.  The county department of Parks and Recreation issued a notice of default on Sept. 26, 2011, and cancelled the lease agreement with DC Golf on Sept. 24, 2012.

The county is expecting to realize $350,000 from the Altadena Golf Course and $425,000 from the Eaton Canyon Golf Course over the course of the five year leases.

DC Golf is a limited partnership run by Doug Colliflower, a member of the Altadena Town Council.  According to the Corporationwiki site, related businesses include DC Golf Maintenance and DC Golf Restaurant.  

County documents detailing the new lease are here.

 

County animal shelters hold open house Nov. 8

Los Angeles County Animal Care & Control will have an open house at all facilities on Sat., Nov. 8 from noon to 2 PM.

There will be free refreshments, tours, and of course animals available to adopt.

The shelter servicing Altadena is at 4275 E. Elston St., Baldwin Park.

 

PUSD launches new job notification texting service

from the Pasadena Unified School District

The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) has launched “PUSDJOBS,” a texting service that alerts the public of new employment opportunities with PUSD. Prospective employees can text PUSDJOBS to 888777 from their mobile phones to receive a text message alert whenever a position within the district becomes available. 

“This new service allows us to instantly reach people who are interested in working for the public schools of Altadena, Pasadena and Sierra Madre,” said PUSD Human Resources Chief Yolanda Mendoza. “It brings our employee recruitment into the 21st century and broadens our reach.” 

Text alerts will include the job description, salary range and a link to an online application with instructions on how to apply. 

“In this era of funding cuts, we want to quickly and efficiently reach the maximum number of qualified applicants to work for the success of our students,” said Cy Chukwumezie, the director of the PUSD Personnel Commission, which is responsible for the recruitment, selection and placement of classified employees. 

PUSDJOBS complements the other text message offerings from PUSD. Residents can opt-in to receive emergency notifications from the district by simply texting the word PUSD to 888777; or, for Spanish language messages, text PUSDESPANOL to 888777. One can also receive news and information from the district by texting PUSDNEWS to 888777; or, for news and information in Spanish, text PUSDNOTICIAS to 888777. 

Standard text messaging rates associated with mobile phone service plans may apply. It is also possible to sign up for the notification service at the PUSD website, www.pusd.us. 

Pet of the week: Ali

At the Board of Supervisors meeting, Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich presents “Ali,” a 3 month-old Rottweiler Mix – one of many pets available for adoption now.  For more information about adopting a pet, please call the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control at 562-728-4644.

NEY's Team 2404 goes to robotics fall classic tomorrow

John Smith of Neighbors Empowering Youth tells us that Team 2404, NEY's robotics team, is going to compete in the 2012 Fall Classic in Burbank tomorrow:

We’re inviting our friends, families, and neighbors to come to the Fall Classic and cheer on the team. We have a lot of new members that will be experiencing their first competition as well as operating the robot. Pasadena middle and high school students have an opportunity to gain valuable life skills and are positioned to apply and qualify for some $15 million in college scholarship funds.  Please follow the link below for more information and join us in supporting our youth:

 

http://www.usfirst.org/about/scholarships/scholarship-opportunities

 

For more information on how to get your child involved please contact Neighbors Empowering Youth (Team 2404) 626-791-2095

Muir, Washington students can qualify for discounted internet access and computers

from Pasadena Unified School District

In support of the opening of Washington Middle School STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) magnet next fall and John Muir High School’s successful Engineering and Environmental Science Academy, some families of students currently enrolled at the two schools are eligible to receive high speed Internet access for $9.95 per month as well as a laptop or desktop computer for $150 through a partnership between the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD), Charter Communications and Connect2Compete. The offer is good until October 31, 2012. 

“I am delighted that this program is available to the students and families of Washington Middle School and John Muir High School,” said Dr. Gary Carnow, PUSD’s Chief Technology Officer. “It will provide access to the power of technology so that our students will be prepared to compete and succeed in the global economy and 21st century workplace. This program also offers an opportunity for parents to access important information about their children’s academic progress and the online learning resources that are available for the whole family.” 

To be eligible to receive high speed Internet access at $9.95 per month and a laptop or desktop computers for $150, students must be currently enrolled at either Washington Middle School or John Muir High School and meet the income requirements for the federal free and reduced school lunch program. Eligible families can sign up for Internet access by calling 1-866-954-3030. For powerful low-cost computers, eligible families should contact their school to obtain the C2C offer code and then call 1-855-222-3217 or go to www.Connect2Compete.org/apply 

Washington Middle School will transform into a science, technology, engineering and mathematics magnet school for sixth, seventh and eighth grade students starting in fall 2013. John Muir High School is home to three themed academies that focus on engineering and environmental science, business and entrepreneurship and arts, entertainment and media. 

PUSD is among a handful of school districts in California selected for the national Connect2Compete program. For more information, visit www.connect2compete.org 

Weather service still warns of winds

by Timothy Rutt

Good morning!

Yes, the weather service promised violent winds last night ... but at least around our neighborhood, it was unnaturally still.

Still, the weather service has the San Gabriel Valley on a wind advisory, which remains in effect until 6 PM tonight.  In their message time-stamped 2:32 this morning:

* winds and timing... areas of northeast winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 40 mph will continue through the afternoon. The strongest winds will be eastern portions and foothills.

* Impacts... strong winds could make driving difficult... especially for high profile vehicles. Major roadways impacted by gusty winds include highways 57 and 60 as well as Interstate 210.

Precautionary/preparedness actions... 

A Wind Advisory means that winds of 35 mph or greater are expected. Winds this strong can make driving difficult...  especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.

So we're not out of the woods yet.  But with 82 degrees predicted high and dry weather, the red flag warning is still in effect.  

Altadena man arrested in Health Dept., school bomb threats

Jerardo Cortez, 25, an Altadena resident, was jailed on criminal threat charges following today's bomb threat against the Pasadena Public Health Department.

According to a press release from the Pasadena Police Department, Cortez admitted making bomb threat calls against the health department today and against Washington Middle School on Wednesday.

The school was evacuated Wednesday afternoon following the bomb threat call.

According to the press release, Cortez told detectives "he has been very angry concerning his personal problems."

Cortez was booked at the Pasadena City Jail on $50,000 bail. 

WIndwatch: county activates emergency ops center

We know it seems pleasant out there now (4 PM), but the County of Los Angeles has just announced that it is opening its emergency operations center, preparing for continuing dry weather and expected high winds tonight.

We're presently on Red Flag fire conditions, and the National Weather Service has issued high wind warning for southern California.

The NWS High Wind Warning -- meaning a hazardous high wind event is expected or occurring sustained with wind speeds of 40 miles per hour with gusts of 45-65 miles per hour -- is in effect from  8 PM. this evening to 6 PM Friday.

The weather service says that "Potential impacts include strong winds that could make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles across Interstate 5 and Highway 14 Freeway corridors. Strong winds could knock down trees and power lines and possibly produce property damage." 

Crime blotter: a homicide, a shooting, and the usual burglaries

A homicide, two shooting victims, lots of burglaries of cars and residences, and Five Acres suffers loss of computer equipment -- it was a bad week.  Crime blotter provided by the Altadena Sheriff's Station:

Tuesday, October 16
A vehicle was vandalized in the 800 block of Alameda Street. The unknown suspect used a “Sharpie” type marker to write on the victim’s vehicle. 

An unknown suspect stole the victim’s black 24 speed “Trek” model mountain bike in the 2500 block of Fair Oaks Avenue 

An unknown suspect stole $13,000 worth of camera equipment from the victim’s parked vehicle in the 2300 block of Highland Avenue. The victim had left the vehicle’s window partially open. 

An unknown suspect stole the victim’s UPS shipment package, which was delivered on their front porch in the 130 block of Marathon Road. The value of the shipment was $55. 

Suspect Miguel Angel Alvarez (Male/Hispanic – 32 years old), resident of Altadena, was arrested for bicycle theft. He had stolen a relative’s bicycle and then sold it. 

Wednesday, October 17 
An unknown suspect attempted to burglarize a residence in the 2600 block of Glenrose Avenue. The victim reported that someone had kicked open her front door, but did not obtain any items from the house. 

Saturday, October 20
An unknown suspect stole the victim’s wallet from his unlocked vehicle which was parked in the 2800 block of Glenrose Avenue. 

A homicide occurred in the 900 block of Mariposa Street. The incident was domestic violence related and the suspect was arrested. 

Gunshots were fired at three men in the 100 block of Altadena Drive.  Two of the victims were struck by the gunfire and were treated at a local hospital. The suspects were not located. They were seen possibly driving a teal colored car. 

Sunday, October 21
An unknown suspect stole a bicycle described as a black “Diamond Back Free Style” from the backyard of a residence in the 70 block of E. Pine Street. 

An unknown suspect stole a catalytic converter from a vehicle that was parked in the 100 block of W. Terrace Street. 

An unknown suspect stole the victim’s stereo from his vehicle, which was parked in the 2100 block of Lincoln Avenue. Entry was gained by breaking the victim’s car window. 

A resident reported that she came home and found a possible burglary suspect in her backyard. The suspect (male/black adult, 6’ tall) fled when he saw the victim. He was possibly associated with a suspicious vehicle that was parked near the victim’s house. The vehicle was described as a silver vehicle being driven by a female. 

Monday, October 22
Altadena Elementary School reported that an unknown suspect vandalized the location by throwing a rock through a window, shattering it. The incident occurred sometime over the weekend. 

“Five Acres” School reported that unknown suspects stole several pieces of computer equipment from the location. The incident occurred sometime over the weekend. 

An unknown suspect stole the victim’s 1993 Honda Civic from the 400 block of Figueroa Drive. 

An unknown suspect stole a camera from the victim’s car in the 10 block of Woodbury Road. The victim had left the vehicle unlocked while he went inside of a gas station. 

Tuesday, October 23
Unknown suspects stole the victim’s stereo and other equipment items from his locked vehicle in the 700 block of Altadena Drive. 

An unknown suspect stole the victim’s checkbook and identification from her unlocked vehicle, which was parked overnight in the 3100 block of Rubio Canyon. 

Wednesday, October 24
A resident in the 1000 block of Mount Curve Avenue reported that unknown suspects entered her house and stole a computer. Entry was made by breaking a window. 

 

Bomb threat closes Fair Oaks from Woodbury to Washington UPDATE: Suspect in custody

View Larger Map

by Timothy Rutt

Fair Oaks Avenue from Woodbury Road to Washington Boulevard has been shut down by the Pasadena Police Department due to a bomb threat and a related threat to harm officers, according to a Pasadena police spokesperson.

Lt. Phlunte Riddle of the Pasadena Police Department said that a call came in at 9 AM that the Pasadena Public Health Department office at 1845 N. Fair Oaks Ave. received a bomb threat.  The building was evacuated and bomb-sniffing dogs from the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department were called in.

Another call came in between 9:45-10 AM, stating that if officers approached the location, "they would be harmed," RIddle said.  It was then that officials closed the street from Woodbury to Washington.

"We are now investigating the surrounding locations prior to searching [for a bomb]," Riddle said.

The Special Enforcement Section (SWAT) team was being briefed as of noon today, Riddle said.

UPDATE 1:30 PM: Riddle said that police had arrested an individual who admitted making the bomb threat call.

According to Riddle, officers were working on leads on the 1700 block of N. Fair Oaks Avenue when they came across an individual who made "incriminating statements."  As the focus of investigation turned to him, Riddle said he made a "complete admission" to making the bomb threat call today.

Officers, assisted by bomb dogs from the county sheriff and South Pasadena police, will still do a complete search of the Health Department office and will open up the street if it's cleared, Riddle said.

Police are not releasing the suspect's name at this time until they verify his identity.  They are also investigating if he was the one behind the bomb threat made to Washington Middle and Elementary Schools yesterday.

 

 

 

Chili potluck at Altadena Community Church Friday

Join Altadena Community Church from 6-10 PM on Friday, Oct. 26, for chili and cornbread, games, and music.  There will be a karaoke jockey—get ready to sing.  Chance of line dancing in the forecast.  All are welcome.  

Nursery care will be available, and the facility is handicapped accessible.  No charge, just a free will offering.  Directions?  Up the driveway at 943 E. Altadena Drive.  Enter Heicher Hall from the upper parking.  For more information, call the church office on Friday morning, (626) 798-1185, or go to www.altadenaucc.org.

Club 21 walkathon at Pasadena's Memorial Park Sunday

Club 21, the support group for persons with Down Syndrome and their families, will hold its fifth annual "Together is Better" fundraising walkathon at Memorial Park in Pasadena on Sun., Oct. 28, from 9 AM-2 PM.

Team and individual walker registration starts at 9 AM, with opening ceremonies from 10:30, followed by a walk through Old Town Pasadena.  Food trucks will be available for lunch.

Entertainment includes DJ Willpower, a live performance by Melissa Green, and a special appearance by Brobee from "Yo Gabba Gabba."

Durham released in weekend stabbing, PSN reports

Pasadena Star News reports that Breta Durham, 55, was released from jail after prosecutors declined to file murder charges.  Durham was charged with the stabbing death of her husband, Robin Steve Martin, 47, at Mariposa Street on Saturday.  The case is still under investigation. PSN.

Haunted house and food drive at Farnsworth Park Saturday

Come to the Davies Building at Farnsworth Park on Sat., Oct. 27, as they open the Farnsworth Haunted Mansion with food drive!

Please bring nonperishable food items to the park from 7-9 PM and prepare to be haunted!

On Halloween, the Haunted Mansion will be open again, with candy for trick-or-treaters, from 6:30-8:30 PM.  

Found Peke at Altadena Dr. and Boulder Rd. this morning

Danielle and Matthew found a small black and white maybe-Peke with no collar on the corner of Altadena Dr. and Boulder Road and 9 AM this morning. It may be one of a pair:

 "My sister found the dog on the corner of Altadena Dr and Boulder Rd with another small dog. She was able to grab the pekingese, but the other dog was elusive."

Contact Danielle at (626) 818 4223 and/or Matthew at (626) 379 9421 if you can identify the dog.

Danielle and Matthew are also the first takers for our new Missing/Found Pet form, which we inaugurated yesterday.

MonteCedro presentations look at brain health in November

from MonteCedro

MonteCedro, a new planned Episcopal Communities and Services (ECS) Continuing Care Retirement Community in Altadena, promotes the importance of brain health during the month of November with two of America’s most renowned brain health experts. 

Starting on Thursday, November 8, Dr. David Gobble, Director of Masterpiece Living Academy and Director Emeritus of the Fischer Institute of Wellness and Gerontology, will tell attendees how to identify the 12 risk factors of aging and reduce the brain’s aging process. 

On Thursday, November 29, Dr. Paul Nussbaum, an internationally renowned expert in neuroanatomy and author of Save Your Brain, will educate attendees on the five domains -  Socialization, Physical Activity, Mental Stimulation, Spirituality/Mediation and Nutrition - that older adults should incorporate into their daily lives to support a healthy brain lifestyle. 

Seating for these events are limited. To register for this event, please visit www.montecedro.org or call 877-282-1584.      

 

Batten the hatches: high wind warning for Thursday night

by Timothy Rutt

Here it comes again: the National Weather Service is saying that winds will sharply increase across the mountains and valleys, with gusts as high as 60 mph on Thursday night.

In addition, we are currently in a fire weather watch due to low humidity and criticially dry fuels tonight through Friday.  The Los Angeles National Forest and Santa Monica mountains are on high wind watch through Friday evening.

The Santa Ana winds will keep relative humidities low, perhaps in the single digits, which will create a potential for extreme fire danger from Thursday through Friday evenings.

 

 

Hiker rescued at Eaton Canyon

by Timothy Rutt

All that helicopter activity earlier this afternoon around Eaton Canyon was a hiker stuck on the falls ... again.  According to the Altadena Sheriff Station, the hiker has been rescued uninjured and the volunteers have gone home as of 2:45 PM.

 

Costume contest added to Altadena's 125th birthday bash

by Timothy Rutt

The plans for Altadena's 125th Birthday Bash on Nov. 3 are coming along, now with an historical costume contest added.

The Marcell Inn in Altadena was a good place to get a drink when the rest of the nation was dry!

Michele Zack of Altadena Heritage wrote us to say:

Although the dress code for the evening has been loosely defined as “casual nice”, the 125th Committee would like to encourage the more historically inclined to participate by coming dressed in period costume ... The literal minded might even consider coming as a former Altadenan of note. How about the pirate Joseph Chapman, who felled logs in Millard Canyon to build the church that still stands near Olivera Street in the Placita? (He did this before Altadena existed, around 1819, but who’s going to nitpick?) Robert Owens, General Albert Sidney Johnston, Benjamin and Alice Eaton, Owen Brown, John Woodbury, Col. Green, Thaddeus Lowe, Zane Grey, William Davies (in whose building we will celebrate) or even General Charles Farnsworth himself are just a few possibilities. The famous singing Banbury twin sisters, Parlor Provocateur Kate Crane Gartz, Octavia Butler, or more.

Anyone who wishes many enter our costume contest; the prize is a photo session and print, being donated by Photography by Walt, and will be determined by a very old-fahioned, low tech applause-o-meter. But if you just want to get dressed up for the fun of it, don’t let the contest put you off — no one’s going to make you enter!

There are 56 community sponsors so far, donating anything from cash to food to time and talent.  

Zack wrote us that "The evening will be filled with music, art, good food, dancing, and a short program. A strong historical element will include exhibits from Desdy Kellogg (Altadena Stables), the Chamber of Commerce, the Sheriff's Department, and Altadenablog (natural disasters in Altadena)."  There will also be a continuous loop slide show showing and telling some of Altadena's stories.  Zack will , she says, "briefly recount Altadena’s coming into the world — a tale of two very different brothers, dreams of wealth, political intrigue, financial disaster, and more."

The Art Deco Band will perform period music for dancing, and Waste-Less Living will provide compostable utensils to help make it a zero-waste event.

Zack said that, while all Altadenans are invited, "we’d like to alert parents that the program, food, entertainment, are not geared toward children — and no special activities for the younger set have been planned. It might be a good night to find a sitter, especially for young children."

It's also not too late to get involved.  You can still bring a platter of appetizers, or create an exhibit that tells the story about your civic group, church, or some other aspect of Altadena's history.  Contact jlbrac@earthlink.net or altadenaheritage@earthlink.net for more information, and visit Altadena’s 125th Birthday on facebook. And there’s still plenty of time to get your costume together!

NEW! Missing/Found pet information form

We've gotten so much activity with pets going missing lately that we're trying an experiment to see if we can improve the process.

We've launched a new Pet Lost/Found information form, so if your pet goes missing or you find a stray you can quickly impart the necessary information, which will make it easier for us to track and faster to put up on the website.

(Of course, pictures are always helpful, so please send a picture of the pet to altadenablog - at - gmail.com separately).

Thank you!

Town council education committee meeting tonight, 6 PM

by Timothy Rutt

The education subcommitee of the Altadena Town Council will meet tonight at 6 PM at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.

Eric Sahakian, PUSD Director of Child Welfare, Attendance, and Safety will speak at the meeting.

Morning jolt

• Walmart: A couple of items we came across and share without comment: the right-leaning Washington Examiner and Washington Times look at how Walmart heir Sam Walton is a big donor to the President's re-election campaign; and now the retail giant is moving away from "green" products and organic produce, because it's losing money on them, and Walmart hates to lose money (PJ Media commentary on a Wall Street Journal article that is only available to subscribers). 
• Veca profile:  Altadena-based artist Marc Dean Veca was profiled on "Attack of the Show" on the G4 network. He's currently exhibiting at the San Jose Gallery of Art.
• Dorland House, again: the Lloyd Wright-designed Dorland house at 1370 Morada is for sale (we've mentioned it earlier), and our Skywatcher Chris Considine sends us this link to his own pictures of the distinctive home (still only one bathroom, tho'!)  Shout out to Realtor Cariy Hernandez, whose client bought our house in Pasadena 11 years ago, which is why we are here today!

 

By going to the dogs, Altadena author found himself

John Edward White found that raising a guide dog changed everything

by Timothy Rutt

 

John Edward White wrote a memoir of his life training a guide dog puppy. Photo by Ibarionex Perello.

It all started with a getting a dog. 

 

John Edward White was working in aerospace and unsatisfied.  

Unmarried, childless, and in his late 40's, White was working in aerospace as a technical writer and feeling that there should be more than just going to a job.

"I was working in an industry that I didn't feel there was any way I was making a substantive contribution to the world.," White said.  "It was just a job.  And somewhat important to me was to realize a larger role than just logging in to an 8-5 job.  So I was dissatisfied and unhappy and i identified the source of that unhappiness as the role I was playing.  I was in my late 40's then and at an age when I was thinking of the larger picture, why I was here, why I was in this world?"

In White's case, his midlife crisis manifested as a call to service that changed his life.

White said that he was watching the Rose Parade on television and saw some Guide Dogs for the Blind in the parade. That reminded him of watching a guide dog at work that he saw many years before, an encounter that left an impression on him.

The dog makes a difference
"That resonated with me, and so I thought I would contact Guide Dogs for the Blind.  And that resulted in my raising a guide dog, and it changed me as a citizen and a man."

White has recently released a memoir, Dog Lessons: How Raising a Guide Dog Taught Me to See, where he writes about his relationship with Gruden, the Labrador puppy he raised.

Raising a guide dog puppy is different than training a guide dog: from about weaning to the age of 18 months, volunteer "puppy raisers" shepherd their dogs through the rambunctious puppy stage before guide dog training actually begins.  The dogs still wear a colored jacket, and they're taken to many different places to experience situations and see if they'd be a good prospect as a guide dog.

White attended several local meetings of puppy raiser clubs, and completed an extensive screening application.  He also had to pass a home visit and assessment by the leader of the puppy raising club, who reports to Guide Dogs for the Blind.  Once you pass through those hurdles, you get in line to receive a puppy.

Businesses at Lake & Mariposa open "Halloweekend" with Saturday deals

Halloween starts early this weekend with special deals at the North Lake Business District.

The Altadena Chamber of Commerce and the businesses around Lake Avenue and Mariposa Street will have a community "Halloweekend" Trick or Treat party on Saturday Oct. 27, from noon to 4 PM.

Meredith Miller of the Chamber says that each participating store will offer its own Halloween deal -- a discount, a coupon, or anthing else they decide to share.

As an example, Miller -- who is co-owner of Webster's Community Pharmacy -- says that the pharmacy will have a special game for kids and will discount all Halloween items by 50%.

Besides Webster's Community Pharmacy, participating businesses include Webster's Fine Stationers, California Property Solvers, Steve's Pets, Lindsey's Liquors, Ms. Dragon's Print and Copy, El Patron, Steve's Bikes, Webster's Liquors, Altadena Hardware, and Merit Cleaners.

Missing pet: Bruno, Grand Oaks/Roosevelt

Richard's dog got away:

Bruno was last seen yesterday around 6 Pm around Grand Oaks-Roosevelt area. He avoid being caught by friendly neighbors and was headed north to New York Drive. 

Bruno is a tri color mini Australian Shepherd with a predominant black color. He has a blue collar. Anybody with information on his whereabouts can contact me at 626-817 3863 or 626-696-9745.

Looking for former Expo Steven Wagner

Alain Userau of the Society for American Baseball Research (www.sabr.org) emailed us to say he  is trying to contact Steven Wagner, originally from Altadena, who played for the Montreal Expos from 1969-1971.  If anyone can help him out, contact  althetiger@hotmail.com or call 514-524-3190

Neighbors may have thwarted Sunday burglary

by Timothy Rutt

Alert neighbors may have thwarted a burglary on Maiden Lane Sunday afternoon.

In an email message circulating among the newsgroups, a Maiden Lane resident said that his wife came home at about 1 PM to find a car with hazard lights flashing parked next to their house.  Suspicious, she carefully opened up the front door of their empty home and, through a window, saw an intruder in their back yard.

She closed the door quietly and dialed 911. She also backed up her car from her driveway to obstruct the path of the parked car, and flagged down a couple in a passing vehicle and convinced them to further block the road..  She also saw a woman -- described as Hispanic and in her 40's -- slouched on the front seat of the suspicious vehicle.

After seeing the road was blocked, the woman in the suspicious car made a U-turn and sped north on Maiden Lane.  The car was described as light goldish or some other light color, newer-looking four door sedan.

In an interview Monday, the resident who sent the email said that the husband of the couple who was flagged down checked out his back yard after the suspicious car fled, and the intruder was gone.  The resident later found a tire iron by the hot tub in the back yard.

Meanwhile, the neighbor in back of their property said that he was looking into his own back yard at the time and saw two nicely-dressed African American youths, about 16 years of age, come tumbling out of his oleanders and fall onto the grass, escaping through the backyard gate.  Sheriffs who were called to the scene failed to find anybody.

The resident said that another neighbor reported that two African-American men had come to her door earlier, asking for somebody who didn't live in the home.  He theorizes that they were door-knock burglars, looking for an empty house or escape route.

While there's only a rough description of the suspects, and a partial license plate from the suspicious car, the resident told us that there was some possibility that the intruders may have been caught by the security cameras at Rubio Canyon Land & Water's covered reservoir nearby.

But, he told us, his wife was "the hero of the day.  She showed up at exactly the right time."

 

 

Night owls shoot for the stars on Mt. Wilson

 

Mt. Wilson Observatory Superintendent David Jurasevich answers questions at the 60-inch telescope during an astrophotography workshop at the center. (Raul Roa / Staff Photographer , Pasadena Sun / October 14, 2012)

By Tiffany Kelly
Pasadena Sun

David Jurasevich pointed a laser into the night sky, aiming it in the direction of a planetary nebula.

From the Mt. Wilson Observatory, set on a ridge at an altitude of 5,715 feet in the San Gabriel Mountains, it's hard to see a colorful shell of ionized gas and dust with the naked eye. That's where the 60-inch Hale telescope, built in 1908, takes over.

Jurasevich, a superintendent at the observatory, led a group of amateur photographers last Sunday night through an astrophotography workshop — the first of its kind offered through Samy's Camera Pasadena and sponsored by Canon.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

Area churches gather for Pasadena area CROP Walk Sunday at St. Mark's

The 37^th Annual Pasadena Area CROP Walk kicks off at 1 PM on Sunday, Oct. 28 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1014 E. Altadena Drive.  Sponsored by the Church World Service, thousands of CROP Walks held around the country each year help fund projects around the world to provide sustainable sources of food and water, as well as to provide emergency relief when needed.

A quarter of the funds raised by the Pasadena CROP Walk will support local projects in the San Gabriel Valley, including Altadena’s own ACTS Food Pantry, Friends In Deed, the Pasadena Bad Weather Shelter, St. Vincent de Paul at St. Elizabeth’s, the Holy Family Giving Bank, and the Foothill Unity Center.

To add to the festivities, a band from Flintridge Prep will perform for the walkers.  The Aloha Friday and Breezy Freeze food trucks will be on site to serve those in need of sustenance before, during and after their exertions.

 Please join your friends an neighbors to support the hungry here at home and around the world.  You can also donate to the CROP Walk online by clicking on this link.

How many miles can you walk for the hungry?

Officials rethink Hahamongna soccer field plans

By Joe Piasecki
Pasadena Sun

Controversial plans for a new soccer field and other changes to the landscape of Hahamongna Watershed Park may be headed back to the drawing board.

Pasadena officials are putting the brakes on an environmental review of Hahamongna projects after abandoning an unpopular proposal to fill in acres of marshy lowlands subject to seasonal flooding, said city Department of Public Works project manager Loren Pluth.

Pasadena City Council members will decide as early as Oct. 29 whether to start over with a new study of remaining proposals for the 300-acre park above Devil’s Gate Dam.

Work funded by $5.7 million in grant proceeds would include stream restoration, trail repair, a new soccer field adjacent to an existing one on the west side of the park and an expanded parking lot to serve both fields.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

Christmas Tree Lane sponsors Nov. 17 landscaping workshop

by Timothy Rutt

The Christmas Tree Lane Association wil sponsor a "how-to" class on low-water-use planting and irrigation on Sat., Nov. 17, starting at 2 PM.

Andrea Hessing of Scrubjay Studios will offer instruction, which particularly emphasis plant selection for use around mature deodar and oak trees, such as a prevalent along Christmas Tree Lane..  It is open to the rest of the community as well as Lane residents.

Please bring gardening gloves, as it will be hands-on.

The workshop will be held at 2077 Santa Rosa Ave.

 

George McGovern dead; spoke in Altadena in 2009

 

Former Senator and 1972 Presidential candidate George McGovern, left, with former Nixon staffer John Dean, at the Altadena Senior Center, Nov. 2, 2009.

 

 

by Timothy Rutt

Former South Dakota Senator and 1972 Democratic presidential candidate George McGovern died Sunday at Sioux Falls. He was 90.  

His NY Times obit is here.

McGovern and former Nixon White House counsel John Dean spoke in Altadena almost two years ago as part of a Friends of the Library program.  McGovern, who had a Ph.D. in history, had just published a short biography of Abraham Lincoln.

 

"Neighbors" group looking for funds to research Walmart document filings

by Timothy Rutt

Neighbors Building a Better Altadena (NBBA), one of the organizations opposing a Walmart Neighborhood Market in Altadena, is trying to raise funds for research.

According to an announcement from NBBA, the group has enlisted the help of  LAANE (Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy), which agreed to help research and review the permitting documents filed by Walmart with LA County, but it will cost money.  NBBA has put forth a $300 deposit to start the research, but must raise $2,500 total for the project.  

"LAANE will let us pay in installments, but we have to raise the money quickly so the researcher can get started," the announcement said.  If you can help, NBBA says, send a check payable to LAANE (which is tax deductible) to:

LAANE Research, c/o Monica Hubbard
1843 Pepper Dr.,
Altadena, 91001.  

Please put "NBBA Research" in the memo line of the check.  The donations need to be recorded by NBBA before they're turned over to LAANE.

To read more about LAANE, visit http://www.laane.org/projects/good-grocery-stores/.

Arroyo Food Co-op offers free range Thanksgiving turkeys -- order by Oct. 31

by Timothy Rutt

Altadenablog sponsor The Arroyo Food Co-op says you can pre-order a free-range turkey from now through Oct. 31.

The antibiotic-free gobblers will be delivered fresh (not frozen) a few days before Thanksgiving in individual boxes.  Price is $2.85 per pound (you can order in two pound increments).

The turkeys come from Shelton's Poultry, which operates out of Pomona and raises the birds in Fresno.  Exact pickup details are being worked out, but the co-op says that the turkeys will be delivered during the week before Thanksgiving in the Pasadena/Altadena area.  Pickup information will be emailed out beforehand, and posted on the co-op's turkey ordering web page.  

The co-op says: "Because these turkeys are fresh, Shelton's cannot guarantee the size of your bird to the ounce, which is why they take orders in two-pound increments. So keep in mind that if you order a turkey, it can range within two pounds. Shelton's is an established local business with nearly 90 years of experience, and they rarely deliver turkeys smaller than ordered."

If you are already a co-op member,  please click here to order your turkey.

If not a member, you can join the Co-op now to receive your discount, or you can click here to order at the non-member price.

Please order by October 31 to insure your order is fulfilled as requested.

 

Library inaugurates Graphic Novel Book Club for teens Thursday

by TImothy Rutt

The Altadena Library is starting a Graphic Novel Book Club, meeting once a month to read and chat about comics and graphic novels.

For teens ages 13-17, learn more beyond the movie and TV screens, and stop by the Youth Services Reference Desk to sign up.  It's fun, free and easy, but space is lmited.

The first meeting will be Thurs. Oct. 25, starting at 4 PM at the Altadena Main Library Community Room, 600 E. Mariposa St. 

 

 

Altadena Baptist Church holds Fall Festival Saturday with food trucks

Altadena Baptist Church is hosting a Fall Festival for the whole family on Saturday, October 27, 5-8 PM.  Join us for carnival games, food, music and fun.  Kids and adults are welcome to come in costume and enter a contest.  Food trucks: The Lobos Truck and Oooh LaLa Crepes will provide the food (subject to change).  This event happens at the corner of Calaveras and El Molino, 791 E. Calaveras St., Altadena.  For more information call 626.797.8970

SGV Newcomers and Friends having meet & greet in Altadena Nov. 7

Newcomers and Friends  of San Gabriel Valley is having a Meet and Greet Coffee on Wed., Nov. 7, from 10 AM-noon in a member’s home in Altadena, CA.

 

Looking to meet new friends, have some fun, and become more familiar with the area? All women that are new to this area, or have had changes in their lives, or are looking for fun and interesting daytime activities and making new friends are cordially invited to stop by for socializing and refreshments (no charge to attend). Newcomers and Friends of SGV is a friendly, warm, welcoming group.

 

For more information, please visit our website, www.sgvnewcomers.com, or our Meetup page, www.meetup.com/Newcomers-and-Friends-of-San-Gabriel-Valley.

League of Women Voters looks at women in elected office Nov. 1

from the Pasadena League of Women Voters

The League of Women Voters Pasadena Area is sponsoring a public forum Nov. 1 about women in elected office and why, if women hold up half the sky, only 25 percent hold elected offices nationwide. The forum will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Women’s City Club, 160 N. Oakland Ave., Pasadena.

Marguerite Cooper of National Women’s Political Caucus will moderate a panel that includes L.A. County’s only elected female mayor, Mary Ann Lutz of Monrovia; Renatta Cooper, president of the Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education; and Miranda Alvarado, a college student who is considering a career in politics.  (Due to the nonpartisan policy of the League, the two women from the wider Pasadena area currently campaigning for election to Congress will not be participating.)

 

"Arts tune-up" at Glendale Central Library Oct. 27

Individual artists and small budget organizations can benefit from free expert advice and  information on various aspects of arts management on Saturday, October 27 from 10 AM-1 PM at an "Arts Tune-Up" at the Central Library in the city of Glendale. Even though the event is  free, it is recommended that participants register via SurveyMonkey: 

 Go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ATU_Glendale

The fast -paced “arts tune-up” format works like this: There will be several tables set up with an  arts expert/consultant addressing a specific subject located at each table. Participants choose a  topic they want to learn more about. After 25 minutes, participants rotate to another table with a  topic of interest as the sessions repeat. There will be a total of 5 round-robin sessions of 25  minutes each. Participants are welcome to come by for an hour or stay for the entire morning. Topics for artists include Advocacy, Arts Education In-School Resources & Working in Arts  Education (K-12), Fundraising for Individual Artists, Getting Your Sh*t Together, Individual Artist  Resources, PR for Artists and Organizations, 3 C's to Effective Self-Promotion for Artists, Time  vs Money: Production for Indie Musicians and Understanding Health Insurance and Healthcare  Reform.

Topics for small budget arts organizations include: Advocacy, Arts Education In-School  Resources & Working in Arts Education (K-12), Board Leadership for Challenging Times,  Fundraising for Organizations, Marketing for Arts Organizations, PR for Artists and  Organizations and Understanding Health Insurance and Healthcare Reform.

Altadena-based experts include Monica Hubbard and Susan Braig.

Edison to be upgrading system in Altadena

by Timothy Rutt

Altadenablog welcomes a sponsor, Southern California Edison.

Edison will be doing system upgrades throughout Altadena over the next few weeks -- which usually involves living without power for a period of time -- and wants to call attention to its system upgrade website to so you can know what to do if your home is affected.

The system upgrade site is right here. 

Missing cat: Pauwee

Agnes writes:

Please help me find Pauwee. He was last seen in front of my house eat 7:45 PM last night.

I live on Santa Rosa cross street Poppyfield.

Pauwee is 21lbs, grey and white, with a white marking on his back shape almost like a ‘T’.

He is microchiped with PetLink via Altadena Pet Hospital in Lake.

If you find him please call Agnes at 818-415-0295.

 

No suspects in drive-by shooting Saturday night that wounded two

by Timothy Rutt

Two men were shot Saturday night at the 100 block of east Altadena Drive, and sheriffs say they have "no workable suspect information."

According to Sheriff Lt. Brian Fitch, someone in a black sedan fired five to seven rounds at two men leaving a party at about 10:35 PM.  One was struck in the neck and taken to Huntington Memorial Hospital where he was in stable condition.  The second man was shot through and though in the left leg and taken to Verdugo Hills Hospital in Glendale, where he was released later that night.

According to Fitch, witnesses reported that no words had been exchanged with anyone in the car before the shots were fired.  Other than the vague description of a "black sedan," there is no other information on the car or any occupants.

 

Sheriffs arrest victim's wife in Saturday stabbing death [UPDATE] Victim was arrested for assault that day

by Timothy Rutt

A 55 year old woman was arrested Saturday in the stabbing death of her husband on the 900 block of Mariposa Street.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, deputies from Altadena Station responded to a call of a "person stabbed" at 1:27 PM Saturday.  The victim, a 47-year-old man, was found lying on a sidewalk in front of an apartment building at the location.

According to a press release from the sheriff's office, "Further investigation revealed that the victim had been stabbed by his wife ...  The victim was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries at 5:12 P.M."

The release says that the suspect and victim lived in an apartment together and that the murder weapon, a knife, was recovered at the scene.

Cause of the stabbing is still under investigation, the release said.

The watch commander at the Crescenta Valley Sheriff's Station said at midnight Saturday that interviews were still going on and they hadn't released the name of  the victim or suspect.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or by using the websitehttp://lacrimestoppers.org. 

Picture of Robin S. Martin from LinkedIn website

UPDATE:  The suspect has been identified as Breta Durham, 55, of Altadena, and the victim as Robin Martin, 47.  According to Lt. Brian Fitch of the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department, Martin had been arrested earlier that day for spousal assault and was released after posting bond.

 

There is a firm in Pasadena, Robin S. Martin Incorporated, that lists Breta Durham as an agent.  According to the website LInkedIn, "Robin S. Martin teaches the field of habeas corpus-appeal in his own law college that he owns and started himself. He teaches the "real" law on the field that the establishment does not want you to know and teaches the "tricks and tactics" to make it all work" (that college website is here).  

 

 

 

Lego Club at the Library Saturday

The Lego Club at the Altadena Library meets this Satuday, Oct. 27, from 11 AM-12:30 PM.

Open to children ages 2-13, Legos and Duplos are provided -- just bring your imgination.

Lego Club meets at the Altadena Main Library Community Room, 600 E. Mariposa St.  

Morning jolt

• Lloyd Wright: Another historic Altadena house has gone on the market:  The Lloyd Wright-designed Dorland Home on Morada Place, which looks like a ship's prow.  Pasadena Views has pictures. 
• Jerry Brown: We have to give some props to the blog bikinginla, run by our compadre of some 40 years, Ted Rogers.  He coined the phrase "Jerry Browned" for when a passing vehicle gets too close to your bike (Brown has repeatedly vetoed bills asking for a three foot distance between vehicle and bicycle).  Now, the LA Times has anointed the phrase, and included a helmet cam video of Rogers being jerrybrowned by a Hollywood tour bus -- apparently without realizing phrase and video came from the same souce.  (Video has NSFW language during the jerrybrowing ....)   Expect a lot of this when the bike lanes on Woodbury Road are completed.
• Go Bruins:  From the Pasadena Unified School District: UCLA's "I'm Going to College" program hosted over 125 Jackson Elementary School students at the Oct. 13 Rose Bowl game.   "I’m Going to College" exposes students to a collegiate atmosphere that stresses the excellence of both education and athletics with the hope of building positive relationships with young people in the community and motivating them to continue achieving goals in both school and life. 
• Plugmob today: Muir Ranch, the community supported agriculture program at John Muir High School, will give away more than 10,000 organic vegetable and ornamental seedlings during its monthly Plugmob, today from 9 AM-noon. John Muir High School, 1905 N. Lincoln Ave., Pasadena. Enter on Canada Avenue. Contact: Mud Baron (213) 280-3149.