altadenablog

Walmart representatives answer questions at ACONA meeting

Walmart spokesman Javier Angulo and Altadena Neighborhood Market manager Jennifer Gonzales answer questions at Tuesday night's ACONA meeting.

 

by Timothy Rutt

Walmart representatives defended the company last night, saying that it was far more transparent about employee wages and benefits than other area grocery stores.  They also said that studies that blame the retail giant for the loss of small businesses were contradicted by other studies.

“For every study that is out there, there is a counterstudy,” said Walmart spokesman Javier Angulo.  “The results of the studies are really influenced by who’s making the study, who’s delivering the study, what their intentions are.  

“Some of the studies that are pro-Walmart are issued by Walmart, no surprise there.  Some of the studies that Walmart basically causes ills and causes economic destruction, well, look at the fine print look to see who is financing the study -- it’s our opponents.”

Angulo spoke at Tuesday night’s meeting of the Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations (ACONA).  The meeting, held at the Altadena Senior Center, offered an opportunity for Walmart representatives to address questions asked in an Altadenablog online survey last month.

Angulo introduced Jennifer Gonzales, who will be the manager of the Walmart Neighborhood Market that is moving into a location on Lincoln Avenue. The Neighborhood Market is Walmart’s new grocery store format, which usually goes into buildings already zoned as grocery stores.  The first Neighborhood Market in the Los Angeles area opened last month in Panorama City.

Gonzales said that the Altadena market would open with a ratio of 60 percent part-time employees vs. 40 percent fulltime.  Gonzales, who said she started with Walmert as a nighttime seasonal stocker, said that they were starting with more part-time employees to create a performance incentive so some could graduate to full time employment.

ACONA wants your questions about Walmart

by Timothy Rutt

Following Tuesday night's ACONA meeting with Walmart representatives,  we're opening this comment thread so you can ask questions that you don't believe were addressed.  ACONA's Elliot Gold said that the questions would be forwarded to Walmart for answers.

Comment away!

Something Wicked Lit this way comes

Susannah Mryvold puts the bite on Katie Pelensky for "Wake Not The Dead" in this year's Wicked Lit production. Photo by Daniel Kitayama

by Timothy Rutt 

Wicked Lit 2012 opens this week at the Mountain View Mausoleum and Cemetery. For the third year in a row, theatergoers will have an immersive theatrical experience rooted in literature of horror and the supernatural, performed in an ideal venue.

And, as always, there will be surprises along the way, promises Paul Millet, who with Jeff Rack and Jonathan Josephson are the ringleaders of this annual scare-fest, a haunted house for the literarily-inclined that takes place among the granite headstones and marble corridors of the site.

After debuting in 2009 at the Greystone Mansion in Los Angeles, Wicked Lit moved to Mountain View, where it's been at home ever since.  The company performed a three play production in 2010, and last year remounted those plays and added three others for two separate productions.

"We decided to do six last year because the demand from 2010 was so great," Millet said.  "It sold out, we had waiting lists, we turned people away at the end.

"At the same time, we always want to push ourselves and do some thing new, so we gave it a shot and did two productions."

But this year, "we didn't want to remount anything … it made sense to just focus on three shows that are brand new for this year and put our time and resources in that."

Theatergoers gather in a central area, and "story guides" -- costumed characters who look like they have a tale of their own to tell -- lead the audience in three separate groups through the plays as they are performed.  Most of the plays take place in more than one location, so there can be a fair bit of hiking involved, all led by the discreet, butler-like story guide who guides the audience safely where they need to go and returns them to the beginning, ready for the next play.

This year, Millet said they decided to enhance the production by incorporating the story guides into narratives that go on before and between shows.

"There's performances, there are pieces, there are activities going on during those intervals, so instead of doing a double production, [we] focus on a single new production and enhance it pre-show and during the intervals, to keep our audience engaged from the time they arrive," Millet said.  "They get out of their cars, and something's happening."

Dog looking for a good home

Just received this in the email:

A friend asked us to help find a home for this friendly lab/pit mix. Her name is Diamond, presumably from the white marking on her chest. We are told she has been spayed and has her shots. If we don't find a home in a few days we will take her to the Pasadena Humane Society. Call Garrett or Blake 626 797 0924.

Sheriff still looking for shooting suspect after house search [UPDATED]

 

A large number of sheriff's vehicles maintain a containment area around the home where a shooting suspect was thought to be barricaded.

 

by Timothy Rutt

Deputies used the help of a robot to search a house on the 600 block of Devirian Place Tuesday night, but failed to flush out the suspect in an afternoon shooting incident.

Following the search of the home where the shooter was suspected of barricading himself, deputies were turning their attention to another home on the 600 block of west Mariposa Street.

Deputies were notified that the suspect, a white male, had fired at two black males at about 2:23 PM Tuesday and fled on foot.  Deputies traced him to the Devirian Place address, where they set up a containment around the neighborhood and evacuated nearby houses.  Nobody was reported injured in the shooting.

Deputies from the Altadena and Crescenta Valley Sheriff's Station as well as the Sheriff's Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) deputies, Special Weapons Team (SWAT) and deputies of the Sheriff's Special Enforcement Bureau were deployed to handle the situation.  A several-block area on Lincoln Avenue from Altadena Drive to Mariposa was blocked off while deputies tried to locate the suspect.

According to the scanner, a robot was used to help search the house on Deverian.  As of early Wednesday morning, the neighborhood was still blocked off as deputies continued to search.

UPDATE 9:30 PM: The Altadena Sheriff Station says that they did recover the firearm believed used in the shooting from the house, but the suspect slipped the containment and is still at large.

 

 

Report of shots fired, looking for suspect @ Lincoln & Mariposa

by TImothy Rutt

5:15: We have a report of some shots fired, sheriffs are apparently checking out different locations, hence the chopper traffic.  We're monitoring the scanner and checking out what's going on -- what do you see on the street?

Twitter as of about 5 PM says: Deputies looking for suspect near Lincoln and Mariposa now...stay away from area #LASD @LASDALDpic.twitter.com/OH6iL1Zw

5:20: Altadena station says they're setting up a containment, but don't have a location -- they refer us to the watch commander, who's a little busy right now ...

If you see anything in your neighborhood, hashtag #Altadena..

5:38: Per scanner: they have given out a suspect's name, cell phone #, we're not repeating it.

 6:10 Per scanner, they've identified the suspect, and are seeking him out right now.

 

 

ACONA looks at Walmart Neighborhood Market tonight

by TImothy Rutt

Tonight, the Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations (ACONA) will hold its much-anticipated meeting with Javier Angula, representative for Walmart Neighborhood Markets, from 7-8:30 PM.

In order to handle the expected attendence, the meeting will take place in the Altadena Senior Center, 540 E. Mariposa Street.

Altadena Sheriff Capt. John S. Benedict is also on tonight's agenda.

Weizmann Day School celebrates Daniel Pearl World Music Day Friday

The Weizmann Day School at the Pasadena Jewish Temple will celebrate its ninth annual Daniel Pearl World Music Day Concert this Friday, Oct. 12, starting at 11 AM.  

The concert honors the memory and legacy of the reporter-musician Pearl, a Wall Street Journal reporter who was killed by Islamists in Pakistan in 2002.  

Performing on the cross-cultural musical tribute are children from Weizmann, St. Mark's School, and New Horizons School.

The concert will be at the Galpert Sanctuary, 1434 N. Altadena Drive.  Admission is free. For more information, call 626-797-0204.

 

Altadena groups supporting World Food Day Oct. 16 [UPDATE]

October 16 is World Food Day.  Altadena Community Garden, Arroyo Food Coop, Neighbors Building a Better Altadena and RIPE Altadena (Residential In-season Produce Exchange of Altadena) are partnering to honor the day by holding a food drive.  Members of these four organizations will be at the Altadena Community Center from 6-8 p.m. on October 16 to collect donations of non-perishable food and to share information about their respective organizations. 

For more on World Food Day:  http://www.worldfooddayusa.org/ ,

UPDATE: Other dropoff locations and times are (thank you, Monica!):

• Altadena Community Center, 730 E Altadena Drive  (6-8 p.m.)
• Altadena Community Church, 943 E Altadena Drive  (9 a.m. to Noon)
• Altadena Library Main Branch, 600 E Mariposa Street (9 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
• Altadena Bob Lucas Branch Library, 2659 Lincoln Avenue (10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.)
• Altadena Sheriff Station, 780 E Altadena Drive (9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.)

West Nile virus found in LCF, mosquitos still active

by Timothy Rutt

A mosquito with West Nile Virus was captured in La Canada-Flintridge last week, proof that even though mosquito season is ending, the danger is still out there.

The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD) confirmed in a press release that it located "seven new West Nile virus (WNV) positive sites this week, including one in La Canada Flintridge, where WNV had not previously been detected this year. Other cities where WNV activity has expanded are: Burbank, Cerritos, Montebello, Panorama City, and Pico Rivera."

Vector control district information officer Cynthia Miller said in the release that  "Early-fall weather in Southern California usually consists of a mix of rain and heat, which happens to be a perfect combination for mosquito breeding. For this reason, residents should continue to take necessary precautions in eliminating mosquito breeding sources around their homes, and protecting against mosquito bites."

According to the release, "So far this year, GLACVCD has identified a total of 220 WNV-positive mosquito samples, 56 WNV-positive dead birds, and five sentinel chickens within its jurisdiction. Statewide, a total of 2,541 mosquito samples, 1,456 dead birds, and 420 sentinel chickens have been identified as WNV-positive. Thirty-four human cases of West Nile virus have been reported within GLACVCD jurisdiction this year, two of which have resulted in death. Statewide to date this year, there have been a total of 231 human cases of WNV, and ten WNV-related fatalities. " 

Mosquitos are most active between dusk and dawn.  The vector control distirct recommments wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants when working outdoors, using approved mosquito repellens (DEET or Picaridin products), and eliminating areas of standing water.

 

40 years later, mountaintop note left by La Cañada teen gets a response

by Daniel Siegal
Pasadena Sun

Forty years after he left a note on a mountain top deep in the Sierra Nevada backcountry, asking its finder to write him, Tim Taylor has gotten his wish.

Taylor, who was raised in La Cañada Flintridge, was hiking solo in Sequoia National Park in August 1972 — his Boy Scout troop bivouacked a short distance away — when he put a pencil to a lined sheet of paper: “Tim Taylor climbed to this peak, Thursday, August 17, 1972. Age 13 yrs. Anyone finding this note please write.”

Taylor placed the note in a metal film canister and left it on the 12,000-foot peak before rejoining his troop for trout fishing in a nearby lake.

Last month, another intrepid hiker, Larry Wright, 69, of Oakland, found the metal canister with the note inside. He sought out Taylor, and on Monday, Wright and now-San Diego County Superior Court Judge Timothy Taylor spoke about their visits — separated by 40 years — to the rugged region known as the Great Western Divide.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

Sheriffs unveil new rescue choppers

by Timothy Rutt

 

The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department's new Europter Super Puma will improve air capability in a smaller-size chopper. Photo by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

You'll soon be seeing a new helicopter dragging errant hikers out of Eaton Canyon.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department unveiled its three new Air 5 rescue helicopters Wednesday in a press conference in Long Beach.

The newly-acquired Europter AS 332L1 Super Pumas replace the aging Sikorsky SH-3H Sea Kings that are a familiar sight in Altadena skies duirng the height of summer.

The sheriff's helicopter rescue unit started in 1955 with a Bell 47.  The Sea Kings were acquired in 1998.  The increasing cost of parts and support for those choppers made the sheriff's department look at replacing them with something newer.

The Super Pumas are used, but will provide increased capabilities over the Sea Kings, according to a department release.  The new copters will be equipped with external hoists, nose-mounted infrared cameras, night-vision compatible cockpits, multi-patient m edical interiors, as well as other airframe modifications.

The release said that, "Additionally, the Super Pumas will be equipped with an advanced avionics cockpit. These enhancements include Global Positioning System / Wide Area Augmentation System (GPS/WAAS) navigation capability, instrument flight rules (IFR) capability, and weather RADAR. LASD Super Pumas and flight crews will be capable of flight in nearly all weather conditions, enabling a trauma patient on board to reach a hospital emergency room when all other less capably equipped helicopters will be stuck on the ground. 

"For enhanced safety, LASD Super Pumas will be equipped with Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System / Terrain Awareness and Warning System (EGPWS/TAWS), and a program Flight Operational Quality Assurance (FOQA) program. These enhancements bring the Super Pumas and the Air Rescue-5 program in alignment with some of the highest industry standards for flight safety and operational capability. 

"Although primarily tasked as rescue aircraft, other missions expected of the Super Pumas will include SWAT insertions and extractions, homeland security support, maritime interdiction and personnel transport after natural disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, and fires. Other missions may include over-water rescues and transports to the Catalina and San Clemente islands, which lie within the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County."

The sheriff's department said that the Super Pumas are about 25% smaller than the Sea Kings, but can carry the same number of people and is more powerful and faster, figuring that it will lead to a 30% faster response time, as well as all-weather capability.  

Sacred Heart Church's International Festival and Carnival Oct. 12-14

 Sacred Heart Church hosts its annual International Festival and Carnival on Oct. 12, 13 and 14.  Great family fun including rides, games, ethnic food, a bake sale, live entertainment and much more.  Free admission -- everyone is welcome!

Hours: Friday 5-10 PM, Sat. 10 AM-10 PM, Sun. 10 AM-7 PM.  For more information call (626) 794-2046. 

Sacred Heart Catholic Church is at 2889 N. Lincoln Avenue, Altadena.

Morning jolt

• Tasty vegan:  LA Weekly, which has been giving the High 'Dena a lot of love lately, talks about its five favorite Vegan cookbooks, and No.1 is Joseph Shuldiner's "Pure Vegan."  They say "Shuldiner isn't merely a cottage food industry herald, he also happens to be a fantastic graphic designer."  With this book, the Institute of Domestic Technology, and the Altadena Farmer's Market to juggle, Shuldiner's  Altadena foodie renaissance man.
• The Art of Hardware: HuffPo New York has an article by Tina Orlandini about a hardware art show in Brooklyn:  hardware-themed art being shown inside a hardware store.  It's been good for Crest Hardware, drawing in customers and art fans.  This sounds so Altadenan, and no wonder: Orlandini dedicates it to her father, Jim Orlandini, owner of Newland True Value and Altadena Hardware.  We're just thrown a big hint their way.
• Jacksonian: this pro-Prop 38 ad takes place at Jackson Elementary School, with teachers, students, and parents touting the benefits of passing the proposition. 
• Urban to wild: Altadena's Charles Thomas, currently Pacific West Regional Youth Programs Manager for the National Park Service, is giving a talk on "Inner City to the Out-of-Doors,"  at the Redlands Forum on Oct. 10 at Redlands. Charles will discuss how to get underserved, inner-city youth to become interested in wild places (he was one of those, once!)

Dog found, but won't come out

Reader Lisa says:

Today, I found this lost dog hiding under my neighbor's car on Colman Street near El Molino Avenue. He is a male chihuahua and is scared and will not come out.

I will have to call Animal Control unless someone claims him. Or, does anyone have any suggestions on how I can get the dog to come out on his own? When I try to get him out he barks and growls at me.

Is this your dog -- or do you have any ideas how to get him out?  Call Lisa at  (626) 864-3615.

Call for artists for Altadena's 125th birthday bash art show

by Timothy Rutt

Ben McGinty, the former proprietor of the Gallery at the End of the World, will curate an art show exhibition and sale as part of Altadena's 125th Birthday celebration at Farnsworth Park on Nov. 3.

McGinty writes:

I will be accepting submissions for consideration at Steve's Bike Shop, 859 E. Mariposa St., Altadena on:

        Saturday, October 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

        Thursday, October 18, 3-6 p.m.

We are looking for Altadena-specific art in all media. This means your work must be of a local area scene or relate to the town of Altadena in some manner. 

I look forward to meeting with you and viewing your work on October 13 or October 18.

Ben McGinty
benmcginty@sbcglobal.net

Daylight theft caught on video

 

 

by Timothy Rutt

Bruce Wasson shares this video taken at his home (La Solana Drive and Holliston Avenue) at about 12:30 Saturday afternoon.  View is of Holliston.  Bruce writes:

The theft occurred on private property and in plain view of 2 "video" signs that also get stolen from time to time. Our family walked past the area just 4 minutes earlier after having left the soon-to-be-stolen items to dry in the sun. You can see the perpetrator and his truck in the attached link from one of our property's security cameras. This event has been reported to the Altadena Sheriff. If you have any information about this loss, please contact the Sheriff at 626-798-1131. Refer to case #712-02605-0775-389. Thank you very much for your assistance.

Items stolen included laundry room shelving, five feet of electrical conduit, and a builder's level.

Special pumpkins for special kids at Fancy Food Truck Friday

from Catalina Juarez,
Webster's Community Pharmacy 

On Friday, October 12 from 5-9 PM, Altadena’s Fancy Food Truck Fridays will be hosting Danny’s Farm Special Pumpkins For Special Kids.  Special needs children will receive a free pumpkin while supplies last. Pick your pumpkin and walk on over to this month's food truck line-up:  Hungry Nomad, China Jones, 
The Schmuck Truck, Auntie’s Frybread, Hang 10 Tacos and Sugar Babies.  These tasty bites will have you begging for seconds. Neighbors, family, and friends are all invited to join the harvest at Webster’s Parking Lot.  This event is very popular so come early for the best seats!

 

Special Pumpkin Patch Details: While supplies last, Danny’s Farm Petting Zoo will be giving a FREE Pumpkin to special needs children on a first come first served basis between 6pm-8pm.  All other children are welcome to select a pumpkin for a nominal donation to benefit Danny’s Farm.  As usual Penelope and her animal buddies will be romping around looking for tasty nibs.

 

Special Fall Savings: Shop with us at Webster’s Community Pharmacy and Webster’s Liquor Store during Fancy Food Truck Friday and save 20% OFF on selected items.  Ask our friendly staff for more details.  Webster's Community Pharmacy will be open until 9 PM on Fancy Food Truck Friday! 

 

Fast Facts:

Altadena’s Fancy Food Truck Friday:  October 12 From 5pm-9pm

Hosted by:  Webster’s Community Pharmacy and Liquor Stores

Participating Trucks: Hungry Nomad, 
China Jones, 
The Schmuck Truck, 
Auntie's Frybread, 
Hang 10 Tacos and Sugar Babies

Sponsor:  Danny’s Farm mobile petting farm From 6pm-8pm

Complimentary Entry and Parking:  Webster’s lot, adjacent streets and designated lots.  

Location:  2450 N. Lake Avenue, Altadena CA, Corner of N. Lake and Marcheta

For more information:  626-797-1163

 

Facebook: Altadena's Fancy Food Truck Fridays      Twitter:  @WebstersPharm

Updates on Hahamongna sediment removal, soccer field plans in Pasadena Tues.

by Timothy Rutt

The Hahmongna Watershed Park Advisory Committee will get updates on the sediment removal project and the plans for soccer fields and other recreational uses at its regular meeting Tuesday, Oct. 9

The meeting starts at 6 PM in the second floor training room oat the Pasadena City Yards, 233 W. Mountain St., Pasadena.

The Altadena Crest Trails Restoration Working Group has said that it will cancel its own monthly meeting so interested members can attend the Hahahmongna meeting.

 

Romantic comedy "Later Life" at the Library Oct. 21

from the Altadena Library

Looking for some really fun entertainment? Tired of the high prices most movie theaters charge nowadays? How would you like to see some professional actors in a hilarious live production for less than the cost of watching the latest not so great film and also help a good cause?  Well, you can, and you won’t have to drive far either because a staged reading of the romantic comedy "Later Life" by A. R. Gurney is coming Sunday, Oct.  21, 2 PM and 5:30 PM to the Altadena Library.

The Moveable Theatre Company by Special Arrangement with Dramatists Play, Service, Inc. is producing a staged reading of the play to benefit the Friends of the Altadena Library.  John Balma and Debra Lee, whom many may recognize from their many appearances in film and television, star in this production.

David Berkus, associate of The Moveable Theatre Company, who has had privy to recent rehearsals, has this to say: “The comic actors add so much to the humor of the play. The lines are hysterical the way these professional actors interpret them. I know your ticket buyers will be very entertained."

For tickets and more info:www.altadenalibrary.org; www.moveabletheatrecompany.org; or 626-798-0833.  The main Altadena Library is located at 600 E. Mariposa Street, 91001.

Altadena Junction: Tiny Tots and Palm Street

Our column at the Pasadena Sun is up:  the closing of the Tiny Tots program at Loma Alta, and the Palm Street property gets a new buyer.

Spirit Life Conference Oct. 26-28 at New Heart Foursquare Church

from New Heart Foursquare Church

Altadena’s New Heart Foursquare Church announces its much anticipated premier annual event Spirit Life Conference to be held on October 26, 27 and 28, 2012.  This year the theme is “Running to Win the Prize – Staying On Course”. The conference will provide essential strategies for achieving victory in life through spiritual ‘fitness’.

The keynote speaker will be internationally acclaimed teacher Burt Smith, Senior Pastor of Church of Living Water in Olympia, Washington. Pastor Burt and his wife, Jan, have been in the Christian ministry for over 38 years. They pioneered and pastored Little Country Church in Redding, California, which grew from seven families to 5,900 members, built a Christian day school and high school.

Burt Smith has a unique way of taking complex concepts and making them understandable, useful, practical, and attainable. He is known for his ability to motivate people to excel in their God-given gifts, calling and abilities. His commitment to training and mobilizing Christian leaders makes him a much favored speaker at Christian leadership seminars and conferences nationwide.

The Spirit Life Conference starts on Fri., Oct. 26, at 7 PM; Sat., Oct. 27, at 6 PM: and two sessions Sun., Oct. 28, at 10:30 AM and 6 PM.

During the conference, all children are welcome at Spirit Life 4 Kids! featuring Linda Richey, TV’s Tia Linda with her puppet Miguelito the Lion. Linda Richey is an internationally recognized teacher with a special gift for teaching the love of Jesus Christ.

Spirit Life Conference 2012 is open to the public. Admission is free. All sessions will be held at Altadena’s New Heart Foursquare Church, located at 380 E. Woodbury Road, Altadena, CA 91001.  For more information call (626)791-3313 or online at NewHeartFoursquare.org.

Altadena residents staggered by power bills, brownouts

The seemingly endless heatwave is now showing up in resident's electric bills.  At least one neighborhood is suffering through brownouts as well

by Timothy Rutt

After weeks of hot weather, now it's time to pay the piper -- in higher electric bills as residents desperately try to cool down.

In the President Streets neighborhood, Lisa Gibson is dealing with a $700 electric bill.  Yes, that's one month's bill.

"We have  three window air conditioners and two of them were on low during the day for the dogs," she emailed us this week.  " All of our lights were off. We are all gone during the day. I can't believe this."

In the neighborhood news groups, neighbors are sharing tales of "sticker shock" when they open their electrical bills and find them doubled, or more, because of the extra juice needed to keep the house livable.

Meanwhile, one neighborhood in northeast Altadena has been coping with brownout conditions ever since temperatures started rising.

Susanna Dadd, who lives on East Loma Alta, where she and husband James Griffiths produce the Folly Bowl series of concerts, writes "we have experienced these brownouts for at least two weeks, almost every day.  I had guests for dinner the other day and had bought frozen shrimps from TJs a week ago.  When I opened my freezer I found that all the food in there looks very odd - full of frost, even though some of it has only been in there a few days.  I am sure this is due to all the power cuts,  One, well over a week ago, was about four hours in the night and I didn't know about it, but for the pool timer and phone machine."

Some of the more tech-oriented residents have been measuring the voltage going into their homes, and have found them to come up wanting: instead of the standard 120 volts, they've come up with readings as low as 98 volts.

Morning jolt

• Altadena break: "Prison Break" star Wentworth Miller (one of our favorites) is listing his Altadena home for sale, according to the LA Times.  The Myron Hunt-attributed home on east Calavaras St. lists for $1.59 mill, and is represented by Altadenablog sponsor Linda Seyffert of Podley Properties.  As long as John C. Reilly stays in town, we'll do OK ...
• Hijack the Space Shuttle?  Why not?  This website has a mental exercise about how a Bondian supervillain or enemy government (OK, Switzerland) could do it during the trip from LAX to the California Science Center. This is made even more difficult in that there will be no trees to provide cover ...
• Critters moving in: Our own Dr. Barkman (Jane Brackman) points us to this article in Science Daily about a study of coyotes in the metropolitan Chicago area, where about 2,000 are estimated to live.  People moved to cities in part to get away from wild predators -- but now the wild predators are increasingly moving into cities.  Since we have bobcats, bears, coyotes, and mountain lions sporting around Altadena, we can't say he's wrong.
• Coach Casey takes on the Rose Court:  Glad to see that Casey Cousineau of Altadena (whom we've profiled) is one of the 33 finalists for the Rose Court.  The Court will be announced Monday.  Who are the other Altadena candidates?  Pasadena Sun.

 

 

 

Poetry corner: si se puede

(We have details right here)

"SI SE PUEDE"

from gloriana casey

Parade, Parade, Parade today!
Celebrate Latino!
And D.C has so many there,
so many that you all know.

Supreme Court  of our government,
Sonia Sotomayer!
A good place for Latina girls--
aim for high and higher!

Ken Salazar--INTERIOR__
guards land from sea to sea.
So keep those open spaces big
in legacy to be.

George Santayana, he's the one
philosopher I pick.
For if we do forget the past,
we'll be repeating it!

Burning man was a suicide, coroner says

PSN quotes the Los Angeles County coroner as saying that Emmitt Lee Zinn, a 70-year-old transient whose burning body was found on Windsor Avenue April 15, committed suicide.  The story is right here.

"Light's Up" begins on Christmas Tree Lane this weekend

by Linda Lane-White
Christmas Tree Lane Association

LIGHTS UP! Begins this weekend - Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 6 and 7 from 9AM to 12 PM. This year we will begin at Santa Rosa and Deodara. Next weekend we will be at Altadena Drive. Either way, look for us on the Lane.

I would also like to mention that due to circumstances beyond our control, one of our lead persons who would climb the ladder (just one story to the electrical box) is out of commission. We REALLY NEED your help!!!

As with every year, there are donuts and coffee in the morning and volunteers are fed a hot meal at 12:00. LIGHTS UP! continues every weekend until all trees have been decorated.

The Winter Arts Festival and Lighting Ceremony will take place on Saturday, December 8. Vendors are still being accepted. Go to www.christmastreelane.net for an application.

This year, we also need one of our volunteers to sing the National Anthem. Call Linda Lane-White for more information at (626) 786-1231.

Crime blotter: burglaries and assaults this week

A couple of assaults-with-deadly-weapon and quite a few residential burglaries highlight the week in crime.  Crime blotter provided by Lt. Michael White of Altadena Sheriff Station 

Monday, September 24

Between 6:20 AM and 8:30 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 4200 block of Canyon Crest Road.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by removing the window screen.  Loss:  gray Magnavox 32” TV, white Nintendo Wii, black Xbox 360.  ***Suspect possibly known***

Wednesday, September 26

Between 7:30 AM and 7:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1700 block of Skyview Drive.  Suspects(s) entered the residence by cutting the window screen.  Loss:  1ct. diamond earrings, pearl earrings, misc. costume jewelry.

7:00 PM – An assault with a deadly weapon (knife) occurred at George’s Liquor, 3061 Lincoln Ave.  The victim exited the vehicle and was confronted by a drunk male.  A verbal altercation ensued and the drunk male retrieved a wooden stick from his vehicle.  The victim walked away from the male and saw the male retrieve a pocketknife.  Fearing for her safety, the victim walked back to her vehicle and called the police.  Suspect described as a: male, black, 50-60 yrs, 6 ft. 2ins-6 ft. 4ins., 220-240 lbs, black hair, brown eyes, and under the influence of alcohol.  No injuries incurred.  ***Suspect possibly identified***

8:30 PM – A grand theft occurred in the 500 block of W. Woodbury Road.  Loss:  Bouche roto-hammer, red Hitachi jackhammer.

Thursday, September 27

1:20 AM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1500 block  of Atchison Street, Pasadena.  The suspect entered the residence by removing the window screen.  Loss:  none.  ***Known suspect***

Between 9:00 AM and 5:40 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2500 block of N. Marengo Ave.  Suspect(s) entered the residence via unknown means.  Loss:  black Panasonic 46” TV.

Between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 4400 block of El Prieto Road.  Suspect(s) attempted to enter the residence by removing the window screen.  Loss:  none.

Between 11:00 AM and 3:30 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 100 block of E. Pine Street.  Suspect(s) entered the residence via the unlocked door.  Loss:  gold ring, black iPad.

3:05 PM – A petty theft occurred in the 1200 block of E. Mendocino Street.    Loss:  70lbs. of copper bars.

Friday, September 28^th

1:30 PM – An assault with a deadly weapon (tool) occurred in the 400 block of W. Loma Alta Drive.  Suspect described as a male, Hispanic, 5ft 4ins-5ft. 7ins., 160-190 lbs., brown hair, brown eyes.  A verbal altercation ensued between the suspect and the victim regarding the use of a construction tool.  The suspect became irate, grabbed a tool being used by the victim and struck the victim on the head.  ***Still attempting to identify the suspect***

Between 8:00 PM and 3:00 PM (Saturday) – A residential burglary occurred in the 200 block of W. Loma Alta Dr.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by the unsecured window.  Loss:  unknown at this time.

Saturday, September 29

Between 7:00 AM and 10:30 AM – A residential burglary occurred in the 3000 block  of Olive Avenue.  Suspect(s) entered the residence via prying the rear door.  Loss:  black computer 20”, black Vizio 34” TV, black Hannspree laptop, currency.

 

Found dog: weimaraner at Allen & Mendocino

Reader John found a dog today:

Just found a collarless, male Weimaraner at the corner of Allen and Mendocino. Seems injured.
626-791-9663

The Ale House: where the smart people gather --- to write limericks

by TImothy Rutt

Two items of interest from the Altadena Ale & Wine House, a member of the Altadenablog sponsor team:

1  The Ale House made the LA Weekly's "Best of LA 2012" list, as the "Best Place to Drink With Smart People." The same folks who steer the Curiosity rover on Mars come by for a drink, as well as apparently folks involved in "Marketplace" for NPR, and the artistic souls who keep Altadena interesting.

2.   It's time to nimble up your fauxetry skills as the Ale House will host its third annual LA Limerick Festival on Dec. 12 (that's 12/12/12).  Co-sponsored by Nail Soup Productions, there's only room for 100 participants.  Steve Julian of KPCC will be one of many honored guests attending this year's event.  Stay tuned for more details.  Facebook page is here.

The Altadena Ale & Wine House is at 2329 N. Fair Oaks Ave.

 

"October Shadows" opens at the mausoleum Oct. 13

Mountain View Mausoleum will mark the Halloween season with the return of the art show "October Shadows" to the art gallery on weekends beginning Oct. 13.

 This "Celebration of Halloween in art" will run from 10 AM-3 PM on Saturdays and Sundays thru Nov. 3.  Artists include those accomplished in fine art, comics, film, TV and animation, including Rick Baker, Michael Kaluta, Ruben Martinez,William Stout, and many others.

Admission is free.  Mountain View Mausoleum is at 2300 N. Marengo Ave. in Altadena.

Mountain View Cemetery and Mausoleum also hosts "Wicked Lit," the annual Halloween season assortment of supernatural plays, starting Oct. 13.

 

 

Faith Notes: World Communion Sunday, Blessing of the Animals

Altadena Community Church practices an open communion table, and all are especially welcome on World Communion Sunday, Oct. 7.  In 10 AM. worship, the Rev. Adrienne Eggleston will speak on "A Church Divided."  In the 11:35 AM adult class, she will explore the origins of World Communion Sunday.  This is an opportunity to sample a variety of breads  and learn about differing celebrations of communion.  Eggleston will also lead worship through the rest of October, the final month of Pastor Joe McGowan's sabbatical.  For  information call (626) 798-1185 or visit www.altadenaucc.org.  Altadena Community Church is at 943 East Altadena Drive

Meanwhile, across the street at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, members of the community are invited to bring their animals--any type, appropriately restrained/contained--to the annual Blessing of the Animals at 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM on Sunday. Stuffed animals, or photos of those too shy to make an appearance, are also welcome! Saint Mark's is located at 1014 E. Altadena Drive.

Traveling mercies: seeing the end of the road

We'll be largely out of pocket today as we'll be in Sacramento.  There'll be  a story soon on our son's sojourn as a guinea pig for medical science -- in the meantime, it'll be an intense, long day today.

 

Lost dog: lab mix at Coolidge and Berendo [and now found]

Reader Rhonda just emailed:

My mother-in-law’s two year old lab mix bolted from their home at the corner of Coolidge and Berendo in Altadena.  He was last seen heading north toward Altadena Drive around 12:30 pm today 10/4/2012.  He’s mostly black with a bit of white on his front, about 60 lbs, very friendly.  If anyone sees him, please CALL ME at (626) 664-1812.  We’re out searching for him but have our cell phones.  Thank you.

UPDATE:  Shortly after we received this, we got a "found dog" email with picture, which we forwarded to Rhonda --- and it was good!  Thank you, Marina Knapp, dog-finding heroine!

Bobcat on Homewood

Reader Ethan shares this bobcat picture:

I've attached some photos of a bobcat (approxiamtely 1.5 feet long) that I saw in our backyard Wednesday afternoon around 2 PM.  He was cool and calm, and slowly made his way away from where I was.  We live on the 1500 block of Homewood,   one block north of the bobcat sighting on Braeburn from last week.  However from the pictures and descriptions I believe this was a different bobcat of smaller size. 

Altadena Sheriff Station clerk Fern Tompkins dies

Capt. John S. Benedict of the Altadena Sheriff Station announced this morning that station clerk Fern Tompkins died this weekend at her home in Altadena.

Benedict's announcement read:

It is with a heavy heart that I share sad news, the untimely passing of one of our own family members and colleagues here at Altadena Sheriff’s Station.   Station Clerk Fern Tompkins passed away, this past weekend, from apparent natural causes at her home here in Altadena.

I know, I for one, feel fortunate to have worked with Fern and I will remember her enthusiastic and skillful support of our station.  She was a very kind person who was always willing to share her time and knowledge. Fern was a wonderful employee and friend to us all and she will be greatly missed.  
 
I know it’s shocking news when a co-worker or someone so close to us passes away and especially tragic when it is so unexpected.  Please fine some comfort in each other as we remember Fern and her time here with us at Altadena Sheriff’s Station. Service arrangements are pending the arrival of her family from out of state. 
 
Please contact the Operations staff if you have an questions or concerns.

More details on Wednesday night's stolen car report

by Timothy Rutt

A Pasadena man was arrested after a deputies ran a license plate check and discovered he was in a stolen vehicle.

Alexander Carlos, 22, of  Pasadena, was arrested Wednesday night on charges of receiving stolen property and driving a vehicle without the owner's consent, according ot Lt. Michael White of the Altadena Sheriff's Station.  Carlos was taken to the jail at the Crescenta Valley Sheriff's Station.

According to White,  deputies stopped the gray 1997 Honda Civic at the 700 block of East Pine St. after receiving a report on a stolen vehicle at about 10:30 PM Wednesday night..  Two companions in the car with Carlos were released and not charged, White said.

 

Caltech ranked "best in the world"

by Tiffany Kelly
Pasadena Sun

For the second year in a row, Caltech has been ranked the best university in the world by the British magazine Times Higher Education. 

Harvard dominated the top spot on the magazine's World University Rankings from 2004 to 2010. But Caltech raised to the top in 2011 and held onto its title again this year.

The magazine ranks universities based on a number of factors, including research, teaching, citations and international outlook. The Pasadena institute also received high marks in subjects such as engineering, technology and physical sciences. 

More at the Pasadena Sun.

Locals seek to sack Rose Bowl plans

By Joe Piasecki
Pasadena Sun

Traffic, noise, environmental damage and the displacement of Arroyo Seco runners and hikers topped a laundry list of concerns voiced during a Tuesday hearing about plans for the Rose Bowl to temporarily host professional football games.

The stadium could be ready to accommodate NFL games as early as next fall, but Rose Bowl officials have yet to discuss proposals with the league, team owners or developers planning Farmers Field in downtown Los Angeles, said Rose Bowl General Manager Darryl Dunn.

For professional football to come to the Rose Bowl, Pasadena City Council members must waive restrictions on the number of large events at the stadium after approving an environmental study of the proposal.

Monday is the deadline for the public to weigh in on a draft of the study. The city has so far received 20 emails, 10 letters and 62 verbal comments at public meetings, said city spokesman William Boyer.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

MPYD summer camp: the mission of making young men

Members of Mentoring Partnership for Youth Development held their annual summer camp in August. Photos by Phillip Holland.

by Phillip Holland
MPYD 

 

As the summer came to a close and the school year began, the young men of Mentoring and Partnership for Youth Development (MPYD) reminisced on the activities at the 8th Annual MPYD Cardinal Paint Summer Camp on Aug. 13-17, 2012. The camp took place at the Oakbridge Camp facility in beautiful Ramona, California, on the foothills of the Laguna Mountains about 29 miles from San Diego.       

 

Trying out the zipline at MPYD summer camp.

MPYD took 40 young men ranging from the ages of 13-18 on a camping trip they won’t soon forget. The four day, three night trip was full of activities such as: an Olympic basketball tournament, high-rise rope course, Olympic style swimming tournament, football, team building, “Building Real Men” workshops,  and bonding time with mentors.    

 

This year’s campers were greeted with a welcomed treat: MPYD was sent off in prayer by Rev. Tyrone Skinner from Metropolitan Baptist Church before they boarded an air conditioned charter bus. This was all thanks to the generous support in part with funds received from: Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, Pasadena Tournament of Roses ® Foundation, Cardinal Paint, Vons Foundation, Sharp Seating Company, Carolyn Ingram-Seitz, Peter LeSourd and Bernardean Broadous.        

The MPYD Summer Camp came to a close with The Talking Stick Discussion, a time that allows the campers and staff to share a few words about their challenges and decisions they made at the summer camp. “Don’t take your parents for granted, because one day they won’t be here” is a quote from one of the heartfelt stories shared at camp from a student who just lost his mother.

 

MPYD members try out the ropes course.

The phrase that summed up camp is “I can’t wait to come back next year!”  These memorable four days will forever be etched into these young men’s minds. It was a positive time reminding them that there are people who care and with the support of MPYD they will become Real Men.

 

MPYD would like to thank all of our volunteer mentors, community partners and board members who give their time and services to change the lives of our young men. So far we have 54 community men willing to mentor students.  These volunteers consist of members from Metropolitan Baptist Church, Friendship Baptist Church, First A.M.E. Church, Morningside Baptist church, and Abundant Harvest Christian Center.

We are grateful for their support, but we are in need of more volunteers. Our goal is to have 75 mentors, so every MPYD student can have a personal mentor. It’s up to the MPYD and the community to make sure this happens. If you would like to become a mentor please contact Tecumseh Shackelford  shackelford@mpyd.org or (626)840-0925.

Deputies checking out stolen car, Lake/Pine

Deputies found "a stolen car with a bunch of people in it," according to the Altadena Sheriff's Station, around Lake and Pine, 10:30 PM tonight.  We're going to check it out ....

UPDATE 11 PM: And we've returned -- the tow truck is there, lots of units, and we'll see what they say in the morning.

Found dog, now at Baldwin Park animal shelter [Going home]

Altadenablog reporter Erika McCarden sends us:

I found a lost Husky on Grandeur and Mariposa [Wednesday]  around 6 PM. He's about three years old. very sweet, trained. He had tags, a rabies license and a collar, however the phone#/city were listed in Blythe, and was disconnected. I took him to Baldwin Park Animal Shelter. I really hope someone claims him. He's so sweet - tag says his name is Bo. His owner's name is also listed on the tag. I'm attaching a few pics  took in case the owner or anyone recognizes him, and will now know where to find him.

 UPDATE: Check the comments -- Bo is going home.

LitFest offers "WitFest" on Oct. 25 in Old Town Pasadena

Author and NPR commentator Sandra Tsing Loh will moderate the very first "WitFest" -- where LA-area authors vie for top scores in a war of words -- on Oct. 25 at the Castle Green in Old Town Pasadena.

The competition promises to be filled with snappy questions and clever repartee." according to the press release.  "Wine and passed hors d’oeuvres will be provided. The creation of the inaugural Pasadena Prizes in Poetry and Prose, awarded to local high school students to encourage literary arts, will be announced."

Panelists will be:mezzo-soprano Suzanna Guzman, host of KCET’s “Open Call”; David Kipen, KPCC literary critic and founder of the lending library Libros Schmibros; mystery writer Gary Phillips; KPCC host and LA Times columnist Patt Morrison; and Nat Read, public relations practitioner, author and stand-up comic. Special guest is Pulitzer Prize-winning food critic Jonathan Gold.

The event is a fundraiser for LitFest Pasadena, scheduled for May 11, 2013.  LitFest is a free day of literary panel discussions, readings, theater performances, exhibitors, live music, children's activities and more.  

Ticket prices are $75 each or two for $125; patron levels range from $250 to $5,000. Tickets may be purchased at www.litfestpasadena.org; checks should be made out to Pasadena Arts Council, with LitFest Pasadena in the memo field, and mailed to LitFest Pasadena, P.O. Box 93184, Pasadena CA 91109. Tickets are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.

For more information visit www.litfestpasadena.org or e-mail info@litfestpasadena.org.

Ed Note: WitFest corrected its press release to say that Jonathan Gold is a special guest, not a panelist.  That has been corrected in the story.

Alta-poet Khadija Anderson releases "History of Butoh"

by Timothy Rutt

Altadena poet Khadija Anderson will have a book release event for her first book of poetry, "History of Butoh," on Saturday, Oct. 20, at Billy's Coffee Shop, 114 W. 5th St. in downtown Los Angeles, starting at 8 PM.

Besides Anderson's poetry, there will be Butoh performances by Yuki Hayashi & Todd Ivers; music by Flynn Joffray; and art by Melora Walters.

Pumpkin patch at Camp Mariposa this weekend

by Timothy Rutt

 

Camp Mariposa pumpkins in 2009.

The Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles (Altadena/Pasadena/Sierra Madre area) will hold their annual Pumpkin Patch this weekend at Camp Mariposa, 615 E. Mariposa Ave.

 

Running from 9 AM-4 PM on Sat., Oct. 6, and Sun., Oct. 7, the event includes games, crafts, and activities for the entire family.

 

Political parties line up debate parties

 

Bipartisan yard in Altadena, © Deb Halberstadt, Half City Productions

by Timothy Rutt

So now it starts in earnest with weekly debates, and the political parties are lining up their debating parties.

On the blue side, United Democratic Headquarters is holding a debate watch party during every presidential/VP debate.  Each one starts an hour before the event,  but you must reserve your spot here (tonight's is sold out).  Democratic headquarters is at 519 Lake Ave. in Pasadena.

On the red side, there's no reservations required to show up for the debate parties at Republican Headquarters, 2306 E. Colorado Blvd.  in Pasadena.. Festivities start at 5:30 PM each debate night, and include pizza, soft drinks, snacks, and no-host wine selection.

Lost dog in custody at Sheriff Station [Update: gone home!]

Altadena Sheriff Station crime analyst Virginia Cordova rescued this puppy this morning in the neighborhood of Fair Oaks and Woodbury Road.  It has a chip, registered to the Burbank Animal Shelter, and no indication yet as to who the owner is.  If you can help get this doggie home, call Cordova on her direct line at (626) 296-2110.

UPDATE 2 PM: The owner has been located, and the dog is home now.

 

PEN sponsors program on Props. 30 & 38 Oct. 11

from the Pasadena Education Network

Pasadena Education Network (PEN), Invest in PUSD Kids (IIPK), and the Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF) are co-sponsoring a free non-partisan* informational program to help voters who support public education better understand their options on the California ballot this November.

“The Education Voter: How voting for Propositions 30 or 38 (or both) can impact California’s Public Schools”, will take place on Thursday, October 11, 7:30-9 PM at All Saints Church (Sweetland Hall), 132 N. Euclid Ave. in Pasadena. The program is free and open to the public.

Presenters will include representatives from the League of Women Voters, which endorses Proposition 30, the PTA, which endorses Proposition 38, and Educate Our State, which advocates a “Yes” vote on both measures.

Featured presenter Kimberly Tso, a writer and economics educator, will give the audience a closer look at the two tax proposals, teaching some basic tax vocabulary and concepts while using Propositions 30 and 38 as examples to illustrate how progressive taxes can be used to support public education. Tso, who has a Masters of Public Policy from Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, will facilitate a brief audience exercise in which participants can practice responding to common statements made about tax proposals for education, and get more comfortable explaining their own stance on the two propositions.

“My personal mission is to provide people from all walks of life with the tools they need to participate in economic policy decisions,” says Tso, whose “women, economics and values” blog reflects her experience as a founding board member and lead trainer of Just Economics - a collective of women activists, organizers, ethicists and economists that works to make economics accessible, engaging and empowering.

“The intent of this program is to help participants understand the competing arguments* and make their own informed decisions,” says PEN Board President Chris Brandow. “PEN’s bylaws prevent us taking a position on statewide ballot initiatives, but our mission is all about helping parents make well-informed choices.”

Participants will have an opportunity to discuss the exercise and ask questions of Tso and the other presenters.

“We cannot afford to have voters who care about education stay away from the polls because the choices are too confusing,” says Invest in PUSD Kids Board President Steve Cole. “Supporters of public education are concerned about what could happen to our schools if our votes are split and neither Prop. 30 or 38 pass in November. But it’s hard to sort out the campaign rhetoric and figure out what we as parents can do to prevent this happening.”

PEF President George Brumder agrees. “There is a huge amount at stake in this election.  We all want to make informed decisions on November 6th, and this program will help us do that.”

(* Ed. note:  we note that, while the gathering calls itself nonpartisan, there are no speakers scheduled to oppose the tax increases.)

Barn cleanout sale this weekend

Dale L. LaCasella will be having "The Great Barn Cleanout Sale!" this coming weekend:    

20+ years of collections,  BOOKS -BOOKS-BOOKS, vintage and one  of a kind items, kitchen and yard items.  and much, much more! 

OCT 5-6-7  8:00 AM TO 3:00 PM... SUNDAY IS BARGAIN DAY!

DON'T MISS THIS. COME EARLY -COME OFTEN!

 

357 E. ALTADENA DRIVE, ALTADENA

(H)626-398-6551 /(C)626-487-8342

New state law shuts down Tiny Tots program at Loma Alta Park

by Laura Monteros

For the past few years, Loma Alta Park director Penny Daniels has cobbled together a program that provides low-cost all-day preschool for children in the Altadena community, and according to parent Maya Estrada, the community has supported the effort.  The Tiny Tots have taken field trips to the Altadena Community Garden, a volunteer taught baby yoga, and community members have donated time and supplies, she said.

The Tiny Tots reflect the diversity of Altadena, something that Maggie Salgado, who has overseen the Tiny Tots program for the past four years, is enthusiastic about.  “There’s a great variety,” she said.  “Asian-American, Indian-American, African-American, Caucasian, Latino.  

“It’s wonderful to see the ethnicity of the kids. They get along, they play well together.  This year is the first year that we’ve had these different races of kids, my first year to have so many races.  Just to see these kids, how well the embrace other races—it’s wonderful.”

Eric and Isaac Peltzer. Photo by Laura Monteros.

New law will end program
The program is going to end on Oct. 12, and the culprit is a law enacted by the State Assembly, AB 1991.  

For the parents of 3 1/2 year-old Isaac Peltzer, the situation is disheartening, but it is not quite as crucial as it is for some.  Dad Eric Peltzer said that it will be very hard for single moms on a limited income.  

“We’re more fortunate than most people because we both work at home,” he told Altadenablog. “Proper childcare is very expensive.  Any kind of structure is helpful.  I don’t need all day, but if you’re working, you need something that’s all day.”

Estrada said her 4-year-old daughter Jordan has been coming since she was potty-trained.  “It has helped her socially, and she’s come out ahead of most preschoolers.  She can write her name.”

The reason for ending the program is the way it’s put together.  It’s really three separate programs, one funded by a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the other two by parent fees, Salgado said.