by Timothy Rutt
Loma Alta Park kicks off its "Park After Dark" program this Thursday, July 5.
Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday during the summer, a variety of activities will be going on at the park from 6 - 10 PM.
Activiteis include family Zumba, basketball, martial arts for adults and youth, movie nights, softball, crafts, and much more. All activities are free.
Click the graphic for a full July schedule.
| |
|
Pasadena's ACTS Thrift Store will celebrate its second anniversary on Sat., July 14, from 10 AM to 8 PM with live music, food from the Pie 'N Burger truck from 11 AM to 3 PM, a magician for the children, and 50% off on all items with an all-day coupon, available at the ACTS Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/ACTSThrift
| |
|
by Timothy Rutt
Another organization named ACTS -- Altadena Congregations Together Serving -- a friendship gathering of people of different faiths, will have potluck suppers this summer at 6:30 PM, followed by a presentation at 7:30 PM.
Those suppers remaining are:
ACTS includes representatives from local Baha'i, Baptist, Christian Science, Episcopal, Jewish, Islamic, Lutheran and United Church of Christ communities.
Donations will be accepted to help sustain the local bad weather shelters for homeless families. Checks can be made out to ACTS.
Please bring a vegetarian dish to share: appetizer, main dish, fruit, salad, or dessert.
For more information, call the Altadena Baptist Church, 626-797-8970.
| |
|
by Jane Brackman
The Pasadena Museum of California Art at 690 E. Union Street in Pasadena is exhibiting a retrospective of plein-air painter Edgar Payne. Payne was an American impressionist, famous for painting the Sierras as well as other monumental nature scenes all over the world, from the first part of the 20th century through the 1950s I think.
This is an amazing show for anyone. (And if you are a hiker, I warn you, it will bring tears to your eyes.) But the thing that took my breath away is the painting titled “Hills of Altadena.” (1917-1919). I recognized it immediately. I believe he was sitting very near the Country Club, probably near the corner of Holliston and Mendocino, looking east. You can’t see it in this poor quality photo that I took from the show catalog, but in the painting which is very large, at the end of the road (which must be Mendocino) you can clearly see the cut in the mountain that is the Mt. Wilson Toll Road!
For comparison, I’ve included a second photo that shows the same POV during magic hour, taken from the ATCC balcony last fall.
The show is open through October 14, 2012. http://www.pmcaonline.org/exhibits/70/index.html
| |
|
by the Foothill Municipal Water District
Foothill Municipal Water District (FMWD) will continue to provide rebates for high efficiency toilets, turf removal and rain barrels beginning with the new fiscal year, July 1, 2012.
During the previous fiscal year that ended June 30, 2012, $38,834 in rebates were provided to local residents to support the effort to be more independent of imported water supplies.
The following rebates are being offered to customers within the service area.
Continue reading "Foothill MWD continuing to offer rebates for conservation" »
| |
|
by Timothy Rutt
Altadena sheriff's deputies have booked three male juveniles following a call on an attempted burglary Monday afternoon.
Lt. Elisabeth Sachs of the Crescenta Valley Sheriff Station said that the call went out on a possible burglary at the 1900 block of E. Washington Blvd. at 12:49 this afternoon. The call said that two juveniles had tried to burglarize the location and were last seen running.
Deputies set up a containment, and the three suspects were arrested. They are in the process of being booked at Crescenta Valley Station as of 3:30 this afternoon, Sachs said.
| |
|
Join John Abrams Animal Magic Tues., July 3, at the Altadena Libraries.
Come to the library for the only magic show that combines comedy, magic, music, audience participation and live exotic pets in an entertaining experience guaranteed to astound and amaze.
The shows are: 2 PM at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. ; and 4 PM at Bob Lucas Branch Library, 2659 N. Lincoln Ave.
| |
|
by Timothy Rutt
Get an early start to your Independence Day tonight, with the Altadena Town & Country Club's annual fireworks display, starting at 9:30 PM. (Please be kind to your pets and keep them inside!)
But before then, join the Altadena Chamber of Commerce's food truck extravaganza at the parking lot of the Altadena Golf Course, starting at 6 PM. Enjoy some fine, street-smart dinner while you jockey for a good place to watch the show. A portion of the proceeds go to benefit the Altadena Chamber's Marion Lee Wullshlager Scholarship Fund.
Food trucks scheduled are: The Greasy Weiner, Komodo, Slammin' Sliders, Sweet Arleen's Cupcakes, and A-Rockin' Ice.
| |
|
by Timothy Rutt
Sue B. Dance Company held its annual summer show at the Davies Building in Farnsworth Park Sunday, and there was a little something for all ages. More pictures after the jump.
Continue reading "Talent on tap (and ballet, and modern ...) at Sue B. dance concert Sunday" »
| |
|
It's July now, and time to give credit to those people responsible for bringing you Altadenablog every single day -- those local businesses and organizations who are members of our sponsorship team. Thanks to all of you! And if you're a patron of these fine local establishments, let them know you read Altadenablog.
Altadena Ale & Wine House
Altadena Heritage, sponsors of the Altadena Farmers Market
Altadena Solar
Arroyo Food Co-op
Baietti-Seyffert/Podley Properties
Curves Altadena
Dhari Thein Real Estate
Dr. Barkman
Friends of the Altadena Library
Greg Stanton/Teles Properties
Judy Rubin Architectural & Previews Specialist
Placebo, the Musical at the Carrie Hamilton Theater
Rancho Bar
Scissors Paper Rock Salon
Webster's Community Pharmacy
Webster's Fine Stationers
Also a thank-you to our newest sponsor, The Coffee Gallery (we're preparing an eye-popping ad for them right now -- you can't rush these things!)
What sets most of these businesses apart? We call them "Key Businesses," because you can only find them in Altadena. They help define our community. They help make us the kind of people we are.
Do you run a Key Business? Let's talk -- because we want to help you take your message to your Altadena customer base -- and this is the best place in town to do it (you're reading this, aren't you?). Give us a call at 626-791-5327.
| |
|
Readers Sue and Tom email about a doggie who's had a sad journey already:
Early Friday morning (29 July) a very sweet male, gray and white pit bull terrier-type dog was abandoned in our neighborhood not once but twice: he was first spotted at 6 AM tied to the bridge over the debris basin on East Loma Alta, and by 7am he had been moved to the Eaton Canyon bridge where some kind pit bull sympathizers rescued him and took him to the Pasadena Humane Society. This guy is a big love and would make a fantastic buddy (like most pitties) if you can find room in your heart and home for this happy guy. His id number at the Humane Society is A308906.
UPDATE: We've added his picture, sent by Sue.
| |
|
Truth In The Public Interest and The Coffee Gallery present "Conversations Worth Having: Putting People Before Profit – Part 2" tonight, July 2, from 7-9:30 PM at the Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake Ave.
Hosted by David Barker, the presentation will focus on deconstructing modern myths about money, debt, and value. From the press release:
In this discussion we will address:
Suggested Exchange: $10 w/reservation, $15 at the door
Please RSVP to 213-393-3283 or email essencequest@hotmail.com
The intent and commitment of these conversations is to accelerate the process of transformation from a money and-profit-driven culture to a sustainability, community and peace-centered society.
Please join the conversation.
| |
|
by Timothy Rutt
The Altadena Community Garden's annual Picnic and Resource Fair took advantage of good weather to show off the garden plots and have a little All-American picnic Saturday afternoon. It was a good place to go to meet friends, have a great meal, look at the wonderful garden plots, and maybe be inspired. More pictures after the jump.
Continue reading "Altadena Community Garden picnic offers something for everyone" »
| |
|
The Sheriff Support Group of Altadena opens its 16th annual free concert series next Saturday, July 7, featuring Altadena's own Those Manning Bhoys.
For the eighth consecutive year the brothers Mike and Sean Manning will be bringing their musical variety stylings to the Amphitheatre at Farnsworth Park. This year’s show will be a slight departure from the strictly Irish moods of the past years.
The Manning family moved to Altadena in 1948. As the oldest and youngest of a family of eight, the brothers have decided to get a little more personal this year. As a couple of baby boomers living and working in Altadena , Mike and Sean want to give a little sense of what it was like to grow up and in a small house with ten people. Their father Raymond, and their mother Sis, raised the boys and their six brothers and sisters in a strict working- class Irish Catholic household on Altadena’s west side, just below Farnsworth Park. This night will also mark the debut of Mike’s original song, “Altadena: A Boomer’s Story."
Joining the brothers this year will be their close friend and fellow musician Billy Arcila , an instructor at Pasadena City College who will play his original classical guitar compositions. Also joining the Bhoys on stage will be a quintet from the Los Angeles Scottish Fiddlers, who specialize in Cape Breton-style fiddle music, an upbeat and downhome style of music from the Scots who settled in that area of Nova Scotia. Accordingly, Sean and Mike will be debuting four Scottish folk songs including two well-known pieces by the Scottish poet Robert Burns.
Also premiering next Saturday will be food from El Patron Mexican Restaurant in Altadena. Each night, El Patron will be serving something different from a menu of tacos, burritos, nachos, and quesadillas.
The Rotary Club of Altadena will be selling beer and wine during the concert, and of course you're welcome to pack a something and enjoy dinner and music under the stars.
The Summer Concert Series starts at 7 PM at the Farnsworth Park Amphitheater, Lake Avenue and Mt. Curve Drive. Concerts are always family-friendly, and always free.
| |
|
Walmart, Independence Day, mysterious explosions ... what's on your mind today? Comment away!
| |
|
by Timothy Rutt
The Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St., is offering family-friendly movies every Friday all summer long. Admission is free.
July 6: "The Muppets" (are you a man, or a Muppet?)
July 13: The Teen's Choice Movie, picked by participants in the summer reading program: will it be "The Birds," "Young Frankenstein," "Coraline," or "Back to the Future Part I"? Come on in and find out.
July 20: "Big Miracle," a whale of a true tale.
July 27: "Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2: Roderick Rules": wimpy is the new hipster.
All movies start at 3 PM, and are rated PG.
| |
|
| |
|
This week's Pasadena Sun column: it's not just about Walmart, but, you know, actual fireworks.
| |
|
by Timothy Rutt
The Altadena Sheriff Station and the Pasadena Fire Department will be holding joint PERT/CERT training for one action-packed week in July.
Starting July 14, and ending July 21, community members will be trained in emergency skills. Training will be at Pasadena Fire Station #33 (at Lake and VIlla in Pasadena) and the Altadena Community Church.
Click the graphic for more details. Sign up for the training at this website.
| |
|
by Jason Wells
Pasadena Sun
The latest draft of a federal appropriations bill “will catalyze” the U.S. Forest Service to issue its findings on whether to lift a ban on nighttime water-dropping flights to combat wildfires, according to an announcement issued today by Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank).
Schiff, whose district includes large swaths of land scorched by the 2009 Station fire that critics say could have been more quickly contained with nighttime air attacks, has been taking the Forest Service to task for its prolonged review of the ban.
Contending the agency has consistently missed internal deadlines to deliver its findings, Schiff said in the statement that he secured language Thursday in the latest markup of the Department of the Interior appropriations bill that calls on the Forest Service to complete the night-flying operation studies within 90 days of the spending plan being approved.
“With another fire season upon us, the Forest Service’s lack of action is beyond negligence,” Schiff said. “The agency must conclude their analyses of whether and how to develop its own night-flying capability public immediately.”
| |
|
by Timothy Rutt
The Sheriff Support Group of Altadena's Summer Concert series kicks off next Saturday with good music, great food, beer and wine, and great times with friends and family every weekend in the summer.
This year, El Patron Mexican Restaurant will be selling food at the site if you don't bring your own picnic. The Altadena Rotary Club will be on hand to sell beverages, beer, and wine.
All concerts are on Saturday nights at 7 PM at the Farnsworth Park Amphitheatre, Lake Avenue and Mt. Curve Drive. Admission is free.
Performers will be:
July 7: Those Manning Bhoys and the Irish Pride Dancers (Irish music)
July 14: Downbeat Express featuring Jennifer Gates (big band music)
July 21: Wreck N Sow (Americana, folk, & more)
July 28: Susie Hansen Latin Band (Latin jazz & salsa)
Aug. 4: Upstream (reggaie, calypso, soca, & steel drum music)
Aug. 11: Sgt. Pepper (the sounds of the Beatles & more)
Aug. 18: Lisa Haley & the Zydekats (Cajun Zydeco music)
Aug. 25: Altadena's Brian Hughes & Band (contemporary Latin-jazz)
After a week break, the grand finale:
Sept. 8: Stagedoor Productions and the Sheriff Support Group present The Walking Phoenixes in tribute to Johnny Cash and other Country Classics with special guests The Red Mutts (classic rock)
Sponsors of the 2012 concert series include Warner Brothers, Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, MonteCedro, Baietti Seyffert Podley Properties, the Rotary Club of Altadena, Georgie Rutherford in memory of Don Rutherford, Athens Services, the Altadena Sheriff Station, Toyota of Pasadena, All-American Audio Visual, Pro Image Transfer, M&M Printing, My Irish Pride, and Altadenablog.
| |
|
by Timothy Rutt
How to handle Walmart: Educate and protest? Or promote local alternatives? And will it do any good in the end?
Opponents of the proposed Walmart Neighborhood Market met Friday night at Webster’s Fine Stationers to organize and strategize about how to deal with the chain’s planned move into a long-vacant location at 2408 Lincoln Ave. in Altadena. Organizer Steve Lamb told the crowd, which numbered about 50, that it may not be possible to stop the retailer from opening a store, but they should proceed as if it were.
The group, which is still informal and doesn’t seem to have an official name, first met last week, shortly after Walmart announced it was coming to Altadena when contractor’s documents with the Walmart logo came to light.
Lamb said that there were four missions of the Walmart opponents:
Citing information from websites,news articles, and other research, the opponents mostly objected to a pattern they saw of Walmart hurting other, smaller retail businesses after they established a foothold. Also raising their ire were stories that Walmart was a low wage, non-union employer who did not deliver quality jobs when they opened up stores.
Continue reading "Walmart Neighborhood Market opponents meet to strategize next steps" »
| |
|
Two events worth noting today:
| |
|
by Timothy Rutt
Members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department's Montrose Search and Rescue Team, while looking for a missing Bakersfield man, helped save the life of a toddler Friday afternoon.
According to a press release, the rescue team was searching for Ertug Ergun, a missing engineer from the country of Turkey who had been reported missing in the forest last week. Members of one of the three rescue teams came across a 1 1/2 year old girl face down in a creek shortly after 5 PM Friday.
The mother of the child said later that the toddler and a three year old were being watched by an adult family member while all were sitting at the creekside. When the three year old ran away, the adult gave chase, leaving the toddler alone for a moment, which was long enough to wander into the creek. When the family member returned, members of the rescue team were performing life-saving measures on the toddler.
According to the release, "Montrose Search and Rescue and Reserve Deputy Janet Henderson (an emergency room nurse) and Reserve Chief Michael Leum came to the aide of the girl, along with her mother. Immediately rendering aide, the girl came to life but suffered from obvious signs of water intake. Los Angeles Fire Rescue, US Forestry and Fire Rescue responded to the location and examined the child who was already being examined by Deputy Henderson and receiving oxygen. The child was flown to a local hospital for follow-up treatment."
Once the girl was taken to the hospital, the team resumed its search for Ergun, who has still not been found.
| |
|
Altadenablog sponsor Scissors Paper Rock Salon, 1864 N. Allen Avenue, is offering a long-lasting gel polish manicure or deluxe manicure with deluxe pedicure including refreshing scrub and hydrating paraffin treatment for $52 (Reg. $65)
First time body waxing clients receive a complementary brow, lip or under arm wax. 50% off any other wax service (limit one per client).
Call for appointment or walk in: (626) 791-5354. Open Saturday 9 AM-5 PM.
| |
|
This one looks like somebody misses him (or her) ...
My hubby was at our vet when someone brought this dog in to check for a microchip (none found)… found at Loma Alta Park around 5 p.m. today. Please contact gbaerg@gmail.com if you know of anything… we have the details on where the dog is staying!
| |
|
by Timothy Rutt
The Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N. Lake, will present play/readings of two original one acts by Leslie Perry on Sun., July 1. Performance starts at 2 PM, and admission is free.
"The Muse" features Ty France and Kathy Kennedy. "The Storm" features Dargin McWorter, King, Jose Turner, Sue Ware, and Jeril Grant Law, and is directed by Meschach Taylor.
| |
|
by Timothy Rutt 
The Sue B. Dance Company presents its 21st annual summer dance production this Sunday at Davies Auditorium in Farnsworth Park, beginning at 2:30 PM.
Direcor Sue Black said that this year's performance, "Fade 2 Black," tells the story of Maxy Ford, who has gone into the forest to find himself, but gets pulled back by the need of the community to run a telethon to buy back their popcorn maker. The performance will also have videos, commercials, and dancers ranging from age 2 1/2 to adult, including "alumni that started with me when they were very young, but coming back to tap with us," Black said.
Tickets are $15, and can be pre-purchased at the Sue B. Dance Studio, 2525 N. Lake Ave. For more information, call 626-797-1837.
The Sue B. Dance Studio is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that offers classes to the community, including tap, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, creative movement, acting, hula, and family dance classes. The summer session starts on July 9.
| |
|
An armed robbery, a couple of stolen vehicles this week, along with the usual run of residential and vehicle burglaries. Altadena crime blotter by Lt. Michael White of Altadena Sheriff Station.
Sunday, June 17
Between 5:30 PM and 12:10 AM (Friday) – A residential burglary occurred in the 1700 block of Atchison Street. Suspect(s) entered the residence through the bathroom window. Loss: $500.00.
Monday, June 18
Between 8:00 PM and 9:00 AM (Tuesday) – A petty theft occurred in the 3100 block of Rubio Canyon Road. Loss: brown KHS SC400 Urban Stream bicycle.
Tuesday, June 19
7:53 AM – A vehicle was reported stolen in the area of Crosby Street. and Lincoln Avenue. The vehicle was recovered on 6/20/12 in Los Angeles.
Between 12:20 PM and 4:00 PM – A vehicle burglary occurred in the area of Lake Avenue. and Loma Alta Drive. Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the front passenger window. Loss: silver Disney Mickey Mouse purse, blue Canon digital camera.
Wednesday, June 20
Between 11:15 AM and 12:25 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1300 block of E. Altadena Drive. Suspect(s) entered the residence by removing the kitchen window screen. Loss: blue Rolex watch, black Zenith watch, brown fur coat, gold Cartier watch, white Macintosh computer, white MacBook Air, black Sony camera, black Nikon camera, silver Cisco flip camera, black camera bag, silver candlestick holders.
Thursday, June 21
1:15 PM – A robbery occurred in the 2200 block of E. Washington Boulevard. The victim was sitting in the front passenger side of the vehicle and was approached by two males. Suspect #1 male black, 20-22 years, about 5 ft. 6 ins., thin build, brown sunglasses, black t-shirt, black/white long sleeve shirt, faded blue jeans, approached the victim with a silver handgun and demanded the money. Suspect #2 male black, 20-22 years, about 5 ft. 6 ins., red t-shirt and blue jeans, grabbed the money from the victim while suspect #1 held the handgun to the victim’s chest. Suspects last seen eastbound on Washington Boulevard. Loss: $400.00.
Between 10:30 PM and 10:00 AM (Friday) – A petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 700 block of Deodara Dr. Loss: pink sunglasses, black shoes, Kitchen Aid culinary set.
Friday, June 22
Between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 400 block of Alberta Street. Suspect(s) entered the location via the unlocked rear door. Loss: white iPhone, black iPhone.
2:00 PM – A commercial burglary occurred at Unlimited Cellular – 431 E. Woodbury Road. The suspect entered the location and asked to see an item behind the counter. The clerk turned around to retrieve the item and the suspect grabbed a plastic container placed on the counter. Suspect described as a male black, 20-25 years, 5 ft. 10 ins., 170 lbs., brown hair, brown eyes, last seen running from the location eastbound on Woodbury Road. Loss: $250.00.
Saturday, June 23
9:45 AM – A vehicle was reported stolen from the 1600 block of N. Allen Avenue. The vehicle was recovered on 6/23/12 in Pasadena.
| |
|
Reader Greg needs to find a home for this pooch:
I found a super-sweet mixed breed dog named Lily running around our neighborhood near Farnsworth Park this morning. It turns out she belonged to someone who passed away; since then, Lily had been staying with a friend of the former owner at times, migrating between houses and running loose much of the time.
I wanted to foster Lily so she isn't in danger of being hit by a car or attacked by another dog. Unfortunately, our little dog Tulip isn't Lily's biggest fan and we also aren't sure how Lily is with cats (and would rather not find out with one of our cats in her mouth.) We cannot manage her at this time, so a neighbor is continuing to help - but she cannot keep Lily.
This is my long-winded way of saying: If you are looking for a very loving dog with energy and spirit, Lily could be your soulmate. She's about 50-60 lbs (definitely too plump for her size - she's probably been eating at multiple houses!), younger (2yrs?), grey with a white flame on her chest, probably some pit/American Staffordshire or maybe boxer in her mix. She knows a few basic commands - sit, lay down, come - and she is gentle with people, rolling over to have her belly rubbed and happily sitting at your feet. She also loves to play with other dogs, but bigger is probably better - she's like a freight train in play and will knock a smaller dog over (as Tulip found out the hard way.) She has energy, so she needs someone who can walk her, play with her, and give her some structure. If we could, we would keep her. She is undeniably lovable and a good dog through and through.
Please let us know if you are interested, and if you could, please share this note. We really want to find her a good home. She has already known love and a family and deserves to have it again.
Call or email Greg: 608-320-9181 or greg@lozano-buhl.com
| |
|
by Timothy Rutt
Opponents of the planned Walmart Neighborhood Market will meet at 7:30 PM today at Webster's Fine Stationers, 2450 N. Lake Avenue.
One of the major organizers trying to stop the retailer is Shawna Dawson. A former Director of Marketing and Community Manager for Yelp LA, Dawson's Sauce LA firm "consults clients on the virtues of grassroots, social, and viral media." A hard-core foodie, Dawson is also the founder of the LA Street Food Fest (the third annual will be held on July 21 at the Rose Bowl). She also helps organize Artisanal LA, a traveling showcase for local small-scale food producers.
"There's a place for [Walmart], but certainly not in a community like Altadena," she said. "My interest is simply this: that I don't think it's good for the community, its small businesses and small proprietors."
A native Angeleno, Dawson moved from west LA to Altadena 18 months ago, in part because of the active food scene here.
"I've known [Gloria Putnam and Stephen Rudicel, owners of Altadena food scene hub Zane Grey Estate] before we moved into the neighborhood," Dawson said. "You have this kind of amazing independent city vibe where you can have that little laxness with our laws , that you can have goats, you can do urban farming," Dawson said. In her events, she relies on local business owners as much as possible, and "to have all that washed away is kind of depressing."
Dawson said that a Walmart Neighborhood Market moving in to the LIncoln Avenue/Figueroa Drive location would mean smaller, local businesses would shut down. "I think it's a short-sighted move to say 'let's do something on that corner' when we're then going to have 25 corners just like it," Dawson said. "I don't think that no one else wants [the building] -- if you look at yourself as the ghetto, that's what you'll be.
"The first step is to impede the progress of this Walmart and make them move on, but there has to be another piece to that -- what do we do with the building after."
UPDATE: Just clarified that Dawson is the founder of the LA Street Food Fest.
| |
|
| |
|
by Timothy Rutt
Several businesswomen from Altadena, La Canada Flintridge, and La Crescenta will be among 30 honorees at the 13th Annual Women in Business Legislative Update and Awards Luncheon on Aug. 17.
The awards were announced by State Senator Carol Liu (D-La Cañada Flintridge) and Assemblymembers Mike Gatto (D – Los Angeles) and Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge.
The Women in Business Awards honors “local women whose exceptional abilities have contributed to the economic vitality and diversity of the 21st State Senate and 43rd and 44th Assembly Districts. “
Among the Outstanding Small Businesswoman category are Inger Miller and Jill Hawkins of Miller Hawkins Productions and Lori Webster of Webster’s Fine Stationers. Emma Garabetian of Modella Uniforms in Pasadena/La Crescenta and Patty Parker of Verizon Wireless Franchise in Los Angeles/La Canada Flintridge were also recognized.
Rubin Hughes, CEO of Abode Communities (Los Angeles/Altadena) and Christy Zamani of Day One in Pasadena were named Outstanding Non-Profit Executive Director.
| |
|
by Timothy Rutt
Independence Day is Wednesday, but fireworks display season in LA county starts Sunday. June 30, through July 4 (and July 6 on Catalina).
The Los Angeles County Fire Department has an online list of fireworks displays in the county right here (including the July 2 display in Altadena).
If you want to have a display at home, you're out of luck: the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has the lowdown on fireworks in the unincorporated county (in a word: no).
Fireworks are illegal to possess in the Unincorporated Area of Los Angeles County, which includes the community of Altadena. Safe & Sane fireworks are not illegal to possess. However, they are only legal to discharge in a city that sells them. When dealing with Safe & Sane Fireworks, remember the difference between possession (legal) and discharging them in a prohibited area (illegal). All Safe & Sane Fireworks are marked as such. Any device that explodes, rises into the air or darts about, is illegal in California. Illegal fireworks include: bottle rockets/skyrockets, exploding firecrackers, or extremely large explosions.
In the event you need to report illegal fireworks activity, be prepared to describe what you see. Information needs to be reported as soon as possible. If you see the violator, describe their approximate age, color of clothing, as well as how long the violation has been occurring.
Please keep in mind this is an extremely busy holiday for the County Fire Department and Altadena Station. Based upon the urgency of the call for service, our personnel will prioritize our response as needed.
Attached below is a link to the Los Angeles County Fire Department “4th of July Safety Tips”. The advisement displays different types of illegal fireworks and the fines associated with their possession or use in the Altadena Community.
http://fire.lacounty.gov/PressRoom/PDFs/fw_english.pdf
| |
|
by Timothy Rutt
Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies are searching the Angeles National Forest for a Bakersfield resident who's been missing more than a week.
According to a release from the sheriff's department, Ertug Ergun, 33, an engineer from Turkey who currently resides in the Bakersfield area, was reported missing June 20. On Friday, June 22, deputies from Crescenta Valley station and Forest Service personnel found Ergun's vehicle in the Stonyvale Picnic area parking lot in the Angeles National Forest.
The Montrose Search and Rescue Team searched the area Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, the search included personnel from the Montrose, Santa Clarita, Antelope Valley and Sierra Madre Search and Rescue Team, including helicopters, search dogs, and mounted posse. The press release said that, in addition to fulltime sheriff's department personnel, reserves and volunteers have spent more than 600 hours searching for Ergun.
According to the release, Ergun is an avid hiker, and is described as 6 ft. 2 in., 135 lbs., brown hair, with eyeglasses.
Anyone with information about this missing person should contact the handling investigator, Bakersfield Police Department Detective William Hughes (661) 326-3501. Or, contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Crescenta Valley Station at (818) 248-3464. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you can call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the websitehttp://lacrimestoppers.org
| |
|
by Timothy Rutt
The Land Use Committee will have its regular meeting Tues., July 3, starting at 7 PM at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.
The only action item is a request for a conditional use permit (CUP) for the Weizmann Day School at 1434 North Altadena Dr. The school, affiliated with the Pasadena Jewish Temple, is asking for a CUP specifically for the school. The school is not requesting any increased enrollment or new construction.
| |
|
by Timothy Rutt
Lorena Martinez was named this week as the new principal for Eliot MIddle School, according to a press release from the Pasadena Unified School District.
Martinez most recently was principal of Grapevine Elementary School in the Vista Unified School District in San Diego County. Prior to that, she was an assistant principal at Apollo Middle School in Tucson, Ariz., and served as a classroom teacher in California and Arizona.
According to the press release:
Martinez comes from comes to PUSD with outstanding credentials during her career as a lifelong educator. She has proven experience at the elementary and middle school level. Schools under her leadership have shown improvement in academic achievement and parent engagement as well as implementing programs that have demonstrated progress in student behavior and attendance. She ensures that parents play a pivotal role in participating with their child’s education. She demonstrates sensitivity when interacting with people of diverse cultural, socio-economic, disability and ethnic backgrounds. Additionally, Ms. Martinez is experienced in developing effective external outreach for building relationships with the community and nonprofit organizations.
“I am humbled to be selected as the new principal of Eliot Middle School and thrilled to be joining PUSD and the Eliot Middle School family,” said Ms. Martinez in the release. “Eliot is a school with a great history and tremendous potential. I am committed to providing the Pasadena and Altadena communities with a quality education.”
The press release also quoted Eliot PTA President Gwendolyn Logan as saying, “All of the Eliot parents are looking forward to working with Lorena ... She had great energy and ideas during the interview. We think she will be a great fit for our school.”
Martinez succeeds Peter Pannell as Eliot's principal.
| |
|
| |
|
by Timothy Rutt
Four Altadena Chamber of Commerce directors met with representatives of Walmart and the property owner Tuesday morning to hear the retailer’s plans for the Neighborhood Market on Lincoln Avenue.
Daniel Harlow of the Altadena Chamber of Commerce revealed details of the confab at Tuesday night's meeting of the Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations (ACONA).
“Obviously, the chamber is concerned, because it’s going to have a large impact on business here,” Harlow said. “But at the same time the chamber’s job is to promote commerce in Altadena of all sorts, not just small independent business.” Harlow said that the chamber hasn’t taken a position on the market, but will take up that question at next month’s board meeting.
Harlow said that Walmart was investing between $4 million to $6 million in the property. Walmart representatives said that about 60 percent or more of what is being sold in the Market will be food items. About 60 jobs will be created, and Walmart’s usual ratio is 60 percent full-time and 40 percent part-time, Harlow said. At least initially, the store will not sell liquor, which would require a public hearing for a conditional use permit (CUP).
Continue reading "Walmart, Chamber of Commerce meet to discuss market" »
| |
|
from the Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy
Our friends at the Eaton Canyon Nature Center have challenged you to help save Altadena's Millard Canyon. The Eaton Canyon Nature Center Associates have pledged $10,000 to help preserve the property, and has asked the local community to match that $10,000 by June 30.
Donate to Save Millard Canyon - ECNCA will match dollar-for-dollar
Millard is a true gem in our foothills -- a densely wooded area with a perennial stream, at the northern edge of Altadena. But it will only stay that way if we act now to preserve it. Doing so would complete the preservation of the entire canyon north of Canyon Crest Road, leaving only two major unprotected canyons in Altadena. To learn more about the land, click here.
| |
|
Jackson pleads guilty: Raymond Jackson, 57, pleaded no contest June 21 to a charge of receiving stolen property. Jackson was busted by tracking software on a stolen computer in his possession. Jackson was also found with a banned SKS assault rifle, a revolver with the serial numbers scratched off and six iPhones. . Jackson will get three years probation, two days in jail, and 400 hours of community service. PSN has more.
Scholars: Brianna Dekine, a resident of Altadena, was among over 1900 students from Wake Forest University who made the Spring 2012 Dean's List. Founded in 1834, the school is located in Winston-Salem, N.C.
Morayo Odujinrin, daughter of Ms. Abisola A. Odujinrin of Altadena, was named to the Spring Term 2012 Dean's List at Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford, Connecticut. Choate Rosemary Hall is an independent secondary school enrolling 850 boarding and day students from 39 states and 46 countries.
| |
|
from the Pasadena Police Department
Wednesday, June 27th, the Pasadena Police Departments Air Operations Section will host their 23rd Annual Disaster Response Drill in Lot H of the Rose Bowl. This training exercise will draw a handful of helicopter crews from police and fire agencies throughout southern California to the Rose Bowl for a simulated large scale emergency. The event will begin at 11 AM and end at 2 PM. Although this is a tremendous training opportunity, all attempts will be made to minimize the impact on the surrounding neighborhoods by way of airspace management and flight routes in and out of the area. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Air Operations Section Lieutenant Mike Ingram at 626-744-4606 or by email at mingram@cityofpasadena.net.
| |
|
Meetings, we've got meetings:
ACONA: Tthe Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations (ACONA) meets today at 7 PM at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. On the agenda is meet Sheriff Capt. John Benedict, the Altadena Chamber of Commerce and El Patron Mexican Restaurant will have presentations, and there will be time in the open questions to talk about Walmart.
Hahamongna Watershed: The City of Pasadena will have a public meeting tomorrow night, Wed., June 27, starting at 6:30 PM at the Pasadena City Yards, second floor conference room, 233 W. Mountain Ave., Pasadena. On the agenda is discussion of the latest plans for Hahamongna Watershed, including soccer fields, the state of the historic disc golf course, and what will be considered in the upcoming Environmental Impact Report.
Pasadena will also have two scoping meetings for the EIR: Thurs., July 12 at 6:30 PM and Sat., July 14, at 10 AM. These meetings will be held at the Salvation Army Fellowship Hall, 960 E. Walmut, Pasadena.
No to Walmart: Opponents of the Walmart Neighborhood Market will meet on Friday, June 29, at Webster's Fine Stationers, 2450 N. Lake Ave., at 7:30 PM.
| |
|
Readers Daniel and Blythe have lost their pal:
| |
|
by TImothy Rutt
The Folly Bowl -- Susanna Dadd and James Griffith's home-made outdoor garden amphitheater -- has announced an abbreviated schedule for the summer, due to remodeling.
Performers will be:
Addi Somekh's balloon bass trio Aug. 11; Tesserae on Aug. 25; and Stacey Helley on Sept. 8.
More information to come.
| |
|
by Timothy Rutt
The Turkish Room was a pavilion at the Columbian Exhibition in Chicago in 1893. Andrew McNally, co-founder of one of the world's largest map publishers, was so taken with it he purchased it and incorporated it into his mansion in Altadena.
The Turkish Room will be one of the highlights of the Altadena Historical Society's lecture and tour of the McNally House, 654 E, Mariposa, on Sun., July 15, from 2-4 PM. Archivist/historian Tim Gregory will talk about McNally's life, the history of the house, and how it was successfully nominated to be in the National Register of Historic Places.
Reservations are $25 for AHS members, and $30 for non-members. Only 30 spots will be available. Reservations must be made in advance. To reserve a spot, send a check to the Altadena Historical Society, 730 E. Altadena Drive, Altadena, 91001. No tickets will be issued -- reservations will be checked at the door.
| |
|
by Timothy Rutt
The Central Altadena Little League will host the Astina Cathirell 9/10 year old District 17 All-Star Tournament at their home field, Farnsworth Park. The tournament will run June 25-July 9
The top nine and ten year olds in Altadena, Pasadena, Arcadia, San Marino, Sierra Madre will play to advance to the Little League Sectional. Come out and support all these young people and the local Altadena businesses that have supported Central Altadena Little League for 2012. Click the bracket to see the line-up.
| |
|
This urgent need came to our doorstep, and we thought maybe Altadenans could help him out:
Tad, who lives in Los Angeles, bought some baby chicks guaranteed to be hens -- but alas, one of them ended up being a rooster instead. He doesn't have the space for a rooster (they crow, you know) and he doesn't want to turn it into soup stock, so he's offering an 11-week-old Ameraucana rooster, white with dark hackle & tail feathers, free to a good home. Please call Tad at 818-438-0800.
| |
|
by TImothy Rutt
The Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations (ACONA) will have its next meeting tomorrow, Tues., June 26, at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. , starting at 7 PM.
Speakers include representatives of the Altadena Chamber of Commerce, who will talk about retail issues and obstacles to improvement, as well as the recent business survey. Alex Cortes, owner of El Patron Mexican Restaurant, will also speak about his business success.
Altadena Sheriff Station Capt. John S. Benedict is also on the program to address community issues.
| |
|
by TImothy Rutt
There was a full helicopter-and-squad-car rollout around 2 PM this afternoon around the 2700 bock of Marengo. Watch commander tells us that the initial call was of a carjacking, but as of 3 PM they believe it was a domestic dispute over ownership of a car that got out of hand.
UPDATE 6 PM: Two adults are in custody following this incident. Altadena Sheriff Station watch commander Lt. Brian Fitch said that two will be charged with carjacking, but it is related to the disputed ownership of a vehicle between family members.
It was "as much a dispute between family members as anything else, but there was some force to obtain a car there," Fitch said. "It was bad enough to the point where we got involved, and we responded accordingly until we could get it sorted out."
Both suspects were described as adults, but no other description or identification was available at this time.
We've changed the headline to reflect new information.
| |
|
