altadenablog

Webster's Fine Stationers' "wine and sign" today

by Timothy Rutt

Altadenablog sponsor Webster's Fine Stationers' monthly wine pairing event features "the wines of La Mancha," with OddBallGrape.com's Anne Bannon and Michael Holland.:

This month, Anne and Mike will lead you though the beautiful Iberian countryside, tasting reds and whites that are perfect for summer. Paired with tapas from a popular local eatery, this event is a spectacular kick-off to Father's Day!

Also appearing will be local businessperson Danica Patton, who is debuting her new book "Where Do We Go From Here?". This will be a Wine & Sign event of great magnitude - come prepared to ask Danica questions about getting out from an underwater home and what happens after. Danica will be here from 4:00 pm on!

And: just found out tapas will be provided by Amy's Patio Café: BBQ beef crostinis, roasted vegetable platter, curried chicken salad cups.

The event is from 4-7 PM.  Webster's FIne Stationers is at 2450 N. Lake Ave. 

 

PCC trustees start "listening tour" in Altadena next week

The Pasadena Area Community College District Board of Trustees invites the community to the first stop of a “Community Listening Tour” on June 20 at 7 PM at the Altadena Main Library Community Room,  600 East Mariposa Street. 

The meeting will be led by Geoffrey Baum, PACCD Board of Trustees president and Area 1 representative, and Dr. Mark Rocha, superintendent-president of Pasadena City College.

This is a regular District meeting so members of the public will be able to see the District's trustees and administration conducting regular business. Shortly after the opening of the meeting, District residents will have an opportunity to offer comments or questions. The Board is particularly interested in hearing how PCC can better serve Area 1 residents (Altadena, La Cañada Flintridge and West Pasadena).

For more information, go to www.pasadena.edu/board or call (626) 585-7202.

 

Pasadena police open limited radio frequencies

by Adolfo Flores
Pasadena Sun

The Pasadena Police Department will allow the public to listen to some emergency calls for service over the department’s radio system, reversing a decision made earlier this year to block public access to the police frequency.

Earlier this year Pasadena police upgraded their radio communications system from analog to digital in order to meet federal standards that wikll take effect in 2013. As part of the $7 million project, police decided to encrypt its main frequency.

Police said blocking access to outsiders would aid police because criminals use information relayed on the scanners to their advantage. Media outlets and radio hobbyists decried the move, saying it would limit the public’s right to know important information.

Police then revised the policy to allow the public access to initial calls, while still barring access to later communications regarding tactics and updates on the emergency.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

Tickets going fast for Altadena's cowboy and western music series

Big Hat Promotions' summer cowboy and western concert series in Altadena starts next week -- but you have to hurry, because it's selling out fast.

Big Hat's Bob Mann says:

Western entertainer R.W. Hampton will appear at Big Hat's concert series in Altadena this summer.

Our Big Hat Summer House Concert Series kicks off next Saturday, June 23 when the incredibly talented Juni Fisher returns for her fourth engagement. 

Juni Fisher is among the nation's top western music performers, touring the country and delighting audiences with her original songs, storytelling and guitar playing. Fisher's talent is boundless and her work has been recognized with an abundance of awards and media recognition for musical excellence including being named 2011 Entertainer of the Year, Female Performer of the Year and  Writer/Singer of Song of the Year by the Western Music Association. Only six seats remain for Juni's show and she always sells out.

Award-winning singer/songwriter Dave Stamey, Western Music Association's 2011 Male Performer of the Year, is our featured performer for our July 7 house concert. Dave's performance is already sold out and we have a waiting list in case of cancellations.

We will close out our summer series on Saturday, July 21 with R.W. Hampton and seats are still available. We feel extremely fortunate to have been able to book R.W. for our house concert series this year. R.W. Hampton is one of the leading Western entertainers in America today. His fans come from all walks of life. He's loved by cowboys, cowgirls, ranch hands and rodeo stars, but also by people who have never seen a cow up close – or cared to. He is today's voice of Cowboy Music.

Blessed with a wonderfully rich baritone voice, R.W. has a quality of genuineness about him that resonates when he's on stage, in person or just through the words of his songs. For R.W. has lived what he sings about, and the world of early mornings, hard work, rough horses, maverick cattle and new ranges fits him. R.W. was born to be a cowboy and he has lived and worked on ranches all over the American West.

Altadena man in stable condition after Pasadena shooting

by Tiffany Kelly
Pasadena Sun

An Altadena man is in stable condition after being shot early Saturday morning in Pasadena, police said.

The incident occurred around 2 AM. in the 800 block of Summit Avenue when two black males in their 20s got into a dispute, said Pasadena Police Lt. Diego Torres.

One man shot the other multiple times in the upper body, he said. He remains in critical but stable condition at Huntington Memorial Hospital.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

"Focus on Fitness" classes start

The bodacious Revvell Revati is starting a new session of fitness classes:

"Focus on Fitness" is an ongoing program: "If you're looking to regain/maintain balance, coordination, flexibility, agility and mobility, join us! Be 18 and older, please," she writes in an email.

Come prepared for movement, mostly outdoors, on time, with water and $10 cash per person.  Revvell is certified in various modalities including Polarity Therapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Applied Kinesiology, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) and more. She's taught movement, reflexology and raw food classes at various locations for over three decades.

Classes are Monday and Friday from 7-8:30 AM and Wednesday evenings from 7-8:30 PM.   For exact location (private residence) and any other information, please email Revvell@gmail.com or call ~ 818-824-4422.

 

Administrators in PCC probe were allegedly running secret business

By Joe Piasecki
Pasadena Sun 

Two Pasadena City College administrators facing a bribery probe were operating a company together without the school’s knowledge and may have been doing business with firms they hired to work on campus, according to college officials.

Richard van Pelt and Al Hutchings, the school’s top financial executive and its facilities supervisor, have been on leave since investigators with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office Public Integrity Division seized documents and computers from their homes and offices June 7.

Van Pelt and Hutchings have jointly operated a company called Sustainagistics LLC since Jan. 29, 2010, according to the California Secretary of State. Records describe Sustainagistics as an import logistics firm based out of van Pelt’s Altadena home.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

 

Crime blotter: vehicle burglaries, suspected perps caught

An awful lot of vehicle burglaries this week, some centered on the President Streets. Crime blotter by Lt. Michael White of the Altadena Sheriff Station.

Monday, June 4
5:40 PM – A vehicle burglary occurred in the area of Crosby Street. & Lincoln Avenue.  Deputies contacted a male, Hispanic, 23 years, 5'10", 190 lbs., brown hair, brown eyes who was observed pulling on the door handle of a parked vehicle.  During the contact, a victim identified the male as the same suspect who broke into her vehicle a short time prior.  Suspect was taken into custody.   Loss: None.

Tuesday, June 5
Between 9:00 PM and 7:00 AM (Wednesday) – A vehicle vandalism occurred in the 200 block of W. Harriet Street.
Between 9:30 PM and 8:00 AM (Wednesday) – A residential burglary occurred in the 1500 block of Creekside Court.  The suspect(s) entered the garage via the unsecured door.  Loss:  grey Panasonic tape deck, silver storage case, grey/blue vacuum cleaner canister. (Items were recovered)
Between 10:30 PM and 11:00 AM (Wednesday) – Two vehicle burglaries occurred in the 1700 block of N. Harding Avenue.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by punching the door lock.  Loss:  various cd’s, vehicle registration.
Between 11:45 PM & 8:40 AM (Wednesday) – A vehicle was reported stolen from the 1800 block of N. Harding Ave.  

Wednesday, June 6
5:14 AM – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 1700 block of N. Harding Avenue.  Deputies responded to the area after citizens reported observing a male retrieving item(s) from the trunk of the vehicle.  Deputies detained the male and subsequently took him into custody.  During the investigation, detectives learned  the suspect was involved in several incidents that occurred during the early morning hours.   
Between 9:00 PM and 5:30 AM (Thursday) – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 400 block of Concha Street.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the driver’s side window.  Loss:  black Surefire flashlight, misc. currency.  
Between 5:30 PM and 7:15 AM (Thursday) – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 100 block of E. Las Flores Street.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by prying the driver’s side window.  Loss:  black nylon pack with wheels, black sunglasses with case.

Thursday, June 7
Between 8:40 AM and 4:00 PM – A vehicle vandalism occurred in the 800 block of E. Sacramento Street.
Between 10:00 AM and 12:45 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2400 block of Midlothian Drive.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by shattering the rear sliding glass doors.  Loss:  silverware set, paintings.
Between 9:00 PM and 7:30 AM (Friday) – A grand theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 1400 block of Braeburn Road.  Loss:  black iPad, silver Dell Inspiron laptop.  
Between 11:45 and 8:00 AM (Friday) – A petty theft from two unlocked vehicles occurred in the 400 block of W. Ventura Street.  Loss:  misc. currency.

Friday, June 8
12:15 AM – An unlocked vehicle tampering occurred in the 2600 block of Lincoln Ave.  
1:15 AM – A petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 400 block of W. Calaveras Street.  Loss:  checkbook.
6:00 AM – Deputies responded to the area of Fair Oaks Ave. and Terrace St. regarding a possible burglary suspect.  Upon arrival, deputies contacted a male who matched the description.  Upon further investigation, it was learned the male was responsible for several of the incidents which occurred during the early morning hours.  Suspect was taken into custody.  
Between 4:30 PM and 9:30 AM (Saturday) – A residential burglary occurred in the 2500 block of Page Street.  Suspect(s) entered the residence via unknown method.  Loss:  antique silver household goods, platinum diamond encrusted watch with a rectangular face.  (Possible distraction burglary).
Between 8:40 AM and 9:00 AM – A grand theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 1900 block of Pepper Drive.  Loss:  red Honda lawnmower, red leaf blower.
7:50 PM – A commercial burglary occurred at the Arco Gas Station, 1880 N. Lake Avenue.  The suspect entered the location and used an unknown object to break the plastic display of cigarettes.  The suspect was described as a male, African-American, 5'11", 160 lbs., brown hair, brown eyes, wearing a black jacket and dark pants.  Suspect last seen eastbound on New York Dr.  Loss: one pack of Newport cigarettes.  

 

Lost dogs: Russell Terriers Lake/Rubio Canyon [UPDATE: both found]

Reader Claudia has lost her dogs:

We live on Santa Rosa Avenue and Athens. Our two Russell Terriers have gone missing. The female, "Punky" is an escape artist and her best friend "Banshee", the boy, will do anything to be beside her. They are both white in color. Punky has a brown patch over her left eye and ear. Banshee has black and brown patches over both of his eyes and ears. They both have solid black noses. They're very playful dogs and are very friendly with people. Neither are wearing their collar. They were last seen going crossing Lake headed towards Rubio Canyon on Thursday 6/14/12 @ 5:30 PM. If you've seen them please call Robert @ (626) 230-8624 or Claudia @ (626) 676-5087.

UPDATE 6/17:  Claudia says they're home now:

Good News!  Punky and Bashee are safely home!  Thanks to all the Altadena helpful sleuths that took time out of their busy lives in effort to track down this mischievous pair.   We are very grateful to the Loma Vista family that took them in during their weekend getaway.  Most of all, thank you Altadena Blog, we couldn't have gotten the word out fast enough without you.

"Coach Casey" takes on the world

17-year-old soccer star's abilities and compassion propel her mission to help the less fortunate at home and abroad

by Timothy Rutt

 

Altadena's "Coach Casey" Cousineau is ready for Dartmouth, but is it ready for her?

Soccer and her big heart have taken Altadena's Casey Cousineau on a journey around the world.

 

The Flintridge Prep senior, 17, has played soccer almost her entire life -- from AYSO games as a youngster to club soccer since about age 10.  As a player, she has traveled to Kenya and Sweden. 

But as someone who is concerned with others, she has also gone to Nepal and South Africa to volunteer in public medicine. And many know her as "Coach Casey," who coaches teams of disabled adolescents and adults for the Special Olympics.  In fact, her work with the Special Olympics made her the West Coast regional winner of the Lovin' Scoopful ice cream "Lovin' Compassion Award."

Lovin' Scoopful is a premium ice cream company founded by Maria Shriver, Tim Shriver, and partners to benefit nonprofits that support those with intellectual challenges.  Twenty-five percent of the company's profits are donated to the Special Olympics.  The "Lovin' Compassion" awards recognize "young visionaries from around the country who are involved in programs that foster respect, inclusion and a true personal connection for people with differences."

In Casey's case, one of the parents of her athletes nominated her for the award, which was announced in May.  Casey said she received $250 from Lovin' Scoopful to be donated to a charity of her choice.

How did she get involved in Special Olympics?  

NEY wants to give away computers to kids at risk

by Timothy Rutt

This Saturday, Neighbors Empowering Youth (NEY) will donate six computers to families who need them, and give the families a training class on how to use them and practice basic internet security.  

And NEY would like to keep doing it  -- but it doesn't seem like anybody's biting.

"We contacted as many nonprofits in the community as we could," said Normal Smith at NEY.  "We're asking them if they do a mentoring program, and if they do to submit at least six students who need a computer  in their home."

So far the only response has been from NATHA (Neighbors Acting Together Helping All), who identified the six families who will receive computers tomorrow.

NEY, located at 2662 N. Fair Oaks Ave., provides computers and computer training to underserved youth in Altadena and Northwest Pasadena, who are at academic risk and vulnerable to poverty, gang involvement, and unemployment. Smith said that they would like to give away about 50 computers this summer, if anyone will have them.

The computers are donated from Lockheed Martin, and refurbished by NEY's professional technicians.  One of their technicians was a John Muir student  who took NEY's training several years ago -- now he's on staff.

Smith said that they would also give computers to deserving students who are not affiliated with a program, but they need to write a letter giving their situation.  

For more information contact Norma Smith at 626-791-2095.

 

 

Morning jolt

• After the Fox: Pasadena Weekly's Dan O'Heron give a favorable review to our Wednesday morning staple, Fox's Restaurant (ask for the Alicia Special). 
• Gelato:  LA TImes' Jonathan Gold pens another paen to Bulgarini Gelato. 
• Juneteenth: Altadena's hardest-working writer Laura Monteros shares local celebrations of Juneteenth in her most recent Examiner column.
• Farmer's Market: The Clean Plates blog contributes yet another rave review of the Altadena Farmer's Market.

 

Dog gone missing at Chaney Trail campground

Millard Campground caretaker Lonnie Fehr says that a dog was lost in the afternoon/evening Thursday -- "Sacha" is a 50 lb. pit bull, with a collar and a microchip, went missing around Sunset/Mt. Lowe fire road.  If you find him, please call 626-354-0127

Sippel named John Muir principal

by Bill Kisliuk
Pasadena Sun

Tim Sippel, a former assistant principal at John Muir High School and Blair High Shool in Pasadena, has been named the new principal at Muir, Pasadena Unified School District officials announced Thursday.

Sippel replaces Sheryl Orange, who served in the role for four years. He will start in his new duties July 1.

Sippel currently is the director of PUSD’s Linked Learning initiative, which prepares students for vocations and college careers. He was vice principal at Muir when it revamped its academic structure in 2007.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

 

 

Distraction burglars targeting seniors, says crime analyst

This message is going out among the newsgroups from Altadena Sheriff Station's crime analyst, Virginia Cordova:

Just wanted to share some info with everyone. Distraction Burglaries are occurring throughout the county and most are targeting seniors.  As of June 1, Altadena has received two reports of distraction burglaries – the first incident involved three male Hispanics in a dark green pickup truck and the second involved a male Caucasian who claimed to be  with Southern California Edison, in a white pickup truck.  At this time, I’m still trying to verify if the second male was an employee of So. Cal. Ed.  And lastly, please be aware of your surroundings and ask individuals for identification if they claim to be representatives of a company.  

 If you have any questions, concerns, etc…please feel free to contact me via email or phone: 626-296-2110.  

Polyvinyl polyphony

by Timothy Rutt

Above, Michael Greiner calls out instructions to his students as they entertain the crowd at the Altadena Farmers Market Wednesday.  Greiner creates giant marimbas from PVC piping, and holds classes and music camps for young people where they learn how to play these repurposed irrigation pipes.  

Here's a YouTube example of Greiner's troops in action, after the jump.

Loma Alta Park joins Pasadena's "Parks After Dark" program

by Timothy Rutt

Starting July 7, Loma Alta Park in Altadena will join the city of Pasadena's "Parks After Dark" program, offering free recreational, educational, cultural, and family activities for residents.

The programs will take place on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings from 6 PM-10 PM at the parks through Aug. 24.  Programs are geared toward families, teens, young adults, and seniors, providing fun and fitness activities.  Entertainment, such as music and concerts, will be offered -- and there will be free snacks.

Loma Alta activities include martial arts, Zumba, teen club, hip hop dance, adult basketball, cardio stick fighting,  and many others.  There will also be special events, such as an ice cream social,  family sock hop, and performing and fine arts shcwoase.

There will be community meetings to discuss the program tonight, Thurs., June 14, from 6-7 PM at Robinson Park in Pasadena and Wed., June 20, from 6-7 PM at Villa Parke.  

 For more information about these meetings or the program, please call Darrell Walker at (626) 744-7330 or Maricela Galvez at 626 744- 6530.  For more information about the City of Pasadena or to review the Parks after Dark brochure online, go to www.cityofpasadena.net/humanservices. 

Cheryl Conley in concert fundraiser at Sacred Heart Father's Day

 

Cheryl Conley

The Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxilliary is hosting a Jazz Concert fundraiser in tribute to Father's Day, honoring Altadena and Pasadena fathers making a difference in their community. The event this Saturday features a concert by acclaimed jazz vocalist Cheryl Conley.

Leonard Feather, the late jazz critic for the Los Angeles Times, described Cheryl's unique song styling in this way: "Phrasing with sensitivity of a horn player, her intonation--- flawless."

The concert will be on Sat., July 16, from 7-10 PM at  Sacred Heart Parish Hall,  2889 N. Lincoln Avenue.  Donation: $20 

Refreshments will be available.  Ticket information contact:(626)797-3689 or (626)840-3562

"TwentyWonder" Down Syndrome fundraiser in LA July 7

by Timothy Rutt

Yes, this is far afield from where we usually go, but we want to say something anyway:

The Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles' annual fundraiser, "TwentyWonder: A Carnival of the Mind" will take place at the Doll Factory in LA on Sat., July 7.   Everybody from Joel Hodgson (of "Mystery Science Theater 3000") to Exene Cervenka (X) will be there, a combination of art, science, music, and stuff.

TIckets are $40 ($150 VIP) and are available here.

 

Arroyo Food Co-op looking for lucky 500

Altadenablog sponsor Arroyo Food Co-op says it is getting close to having 500 members, so now's a good time to join:

For those who haven't yet joined: We are getting close to the 500 member mark. If you join now, you are automatically entered into a drawing to get that coveted "500th Member" designation. Become a member today and this honor could be yours. And because we can't get to 500 without member 499, we will also be drawing for that spot and giving our 499th member a copy of "At Home Pasadena" as a thank you gift for doing your part to help us make our goal.

But wait! For all you long-time members investing a little at a time, never fear. We love and appreciate you too. And to prove it, if you renew your membership during the month of June, you will automatically be entered into a drawing for a gift certificate to Plate 38, a wonderful, local, and yummy restaurant. We know the way to our members' hearts is through their stomachs, so renew your membership today and let us feed you!

Click here to join or re-invest.

 

PUSD proposes to take over faltering Head Start programs

by Joe PIasecki
Pasadena Sun

Looking to stabilize preschool programs that slipped into chaos in the fall, the Pasadena Unified School District is proposing to take charge of area Head Start programs next year.

District officials are seeking a $10.7 million annual grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to serve about 1,100 low-income children from Pasadena, Altadena, Sierra Madre and South Pasadena.The PUSD-run Head Start centers would provide preschool instruction, meals, health checkups and other social services starting in August 2013.

The centers would operate out of two shuttered schools — Allendale Elementary in Pasadena and Burbank Elementary in Altadena — as well as the Hodges and Washington children’s centers in Northwest Pasadena, said Kathy Onoye, the district’s director of elementary education.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

Time's running out for Golden Poppy Awards

by Timothy Rutt

The clock is ticking for the Ninth Annual Golden Poppy Awards, to be held Sunday, June 17, from 3 to 6 PM.

The Golden Poppy Awards and Fete, sponsored by Altadena Heritage, celebrates Altadena's gardeners who increase the beauty of the area while keeping earth-friendly at the same time.

This year's celebration will be at the home of master gardener and Altadena entrepreneur Susann Edmonds at 2593 N. Marengo Ave., where many of Altadena's great gardeners will be honored in her outdoor Llama Lounge. There will be some tasty snacks, and the Craftsman Brewing Co. has donated a keg of artisanal beer for the festivities.

Tickets are $20 each ($10 for members of Altadena Heritage). Please go to altadenaheritage.org for more info and to purchase tickets.

 

Tour American Bungalow's featured home and go to the dogs Aug. 12

The Keyes bungalow in Altadena is an example of the "airplane style" in Arts & Crafts bungalow architecture. Photo by National Register of Historic Places.

by Jane Brackman
Altadena Historical Society

The Keyes Bungalow, one of Altadena’s exceptional Arts & Crafts homes,  is featured in American Bungalow magazine this month. 

The house, placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, is significant as a near perfect example of an "airplane bungalow" - a complete bungalow on the bottom floor with an additional room raised above the roof like the cockpit of an airplane. 

You can tour the home on August 12, 2012, from 2-4 PM, enjoy refreshments, and hear a lecture by canine expert Jane Brackman (aka Dr. Barkman) about how the Arts and Crafts movement aesthetic historically influenced the way we interact with companion dogs today.   Owning a purebred dog was strictly upper-crust in the Victorian era, but the aesthetic was claimed by the middle class when ready-cut bungalows from companies like Sears meant regular folks could have a single family dwelling, a garden and a purebred family dog.  Jane will explain why Yorkies were considered dogs of the lower class, Labrador Retrievers were not recommended as pets, and why the U.S. dog population grew four times faster than the general population during the Arts and Crafts era.

Only 30 tickets are available, on a first-come first-served basis, at a cost of $30.00 for non-members and $25.00 for members of the Altadena Historical Society. All reservations must be made in advance of the date of the tour.  

To obtain tickets, call the Altadena Historical Society at 626-797-8016 or send a check with your request to Altadena Historical Society, 730 East Altadena Drive, Altadena, CA 91001. Tickets will be on a will-call basis on the day of the event.

To find out more  go to the AHS website  http://www.altadenahistoricalsociety.org/

13-year-old achiever Chase needs a hand for early college

by Timothy Rutt

Young Altadenan Chase Musson, 13, just finished 8th grade, and he has a rare opportunity: he was invited to be evaluated directly for admission for college.  Proud dad Brent Musson  said that Chad has scored in the top 20% of graduating seniors nationally (and remember, these are 17- and 18-year-olds).  

Chase successfully completed an interview with the director of the Early Entrance Program at Cal State University, Los Angeles, and will start in the fall.  However, he has a summer session of two seven-week classes, with no college credit, and financial aid won't be available until fall.

So the Musson family has established a fund through the WePay website to raise $2,500 for Chase's summer program.  If you'd like to hear the pitch -- and maybe pitch in a little yourself -- check out the website here.

Pasadena Master Chorale performs Rachmaninoff's "All-Night Vigil" at Altadena Community Church

The Pasadena Master Chorale (PMC) will perform Rachmaninoff's "All-Night Vigil"  at Altadena Community Church on Sun.,  June 17, at 4 PM.  

Comprised of 15 movements, the All-Night Vigil is based largely on Russian Orthodox chants. It is also very rarely performed, owing in part to the demands it places upon the choir.

 “The Vigil is a technical and emotional tour de force,” says Jeffrey Bernstein of Altadena, artistic director of PMC.  says. “Sung without instruments and lasting just over one hour, the piece evokes many moods and stretches the choir to its limits of range and endurance.”

“Rachmaninoff composed the All-Night Vigil in just over two weeks,” explains Bernstein, who will also lead PMC in a performance of the epic work on Saturday, June 16 at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church in Pasadena.  “It reminds me of Handel’s Messiah, in the speed with which it was composed, as if divinely inspired. It’s a towering achievement.”

Morning jolt

 

• Gelato summer: Bulgarini Gelato, 749 E. Altadena Dr., has announced its summer hours:  Monday to Thursday: noon - 9 PM; Fri. and Sat., 11 AM-11:30 PM; and Sunday, 10 AM-9 PM.  Leo Bulgarini told us he will announce the summer "dinner and an Italian movie" series sometime soon, so watch this space.
• Morishita gradates from Colorado College: Jennifer Morishita graduated with a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Colorado College. Morishita is the daughter of Mayumi and Wilson Morishita of Altadena.  Colorado College is a nationally prominent, four-year liberal arts college that was founded in Colorado Springs in 1874. The college operates on the innovative Block Plan, in which its 2,000 undergraduate students study one course at a time in intensive 3½-week segments.

 

Summer Beach Bus starts next week

by Timothy Rutt

 Los Angeles County's summer beach bus from Altadena to Santa Monica Beach will start next Tuesday, June 19, and will continue on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, with the last bus on Labor Day.

Pickup starts at 9:15 at Lincoln Avenue and Ventura Street, with arrival at Santa Monica at 11 AM.  Pickup from the beach is at 3:30, with drop-offs in Altadena beginning at 4:45 PM.

All children and adults are $3, and senior citizens and persons with disabilities are $1.50.  Anyone boarding the bus at under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

Service is by reservation only -- to reserve, visit www.LAGoBus.info up to one week in advance, but no later than 24 hours.  Check the graphic after the jump for more information.

Sue B. announces family summer dance classes

by TImothy Rutt

Sue B. Dance Studio, 2525 N. Lake Ave., announces its schedule of family summer dance classes for all ages.  

Classes will be held on Wednesdays, June 20 and 27 and July 11 and 18.  Classes run 55 minutes.

Polynesian Family Dance Class   5:15 PM 

All family members: Girls & Boys, Teens, Moms, Aunts & Grandmas!  Come learn traditional Polynesian dances from Hawaii, Tahiti, & Samoa!

(Please note; minimum age is 5 yrs.; parents may enroll their child without adult participation in class.)

Vintage & Cultural Family Dance Class   6:15 PM 

Boys & Girls & Adults ages 5 to 75 will learn vintage dances from the 50s, 60s & 70s as well as traditional cultural dances, songs & games from around the world!

Choose one or both genres of dance!

Cost: 

Option A: Enrollment in ALL FOUR classes in EITHER Polynesian OR Vintage/Cultural: $35/dancer: $60 for 2 family members, $90 for 3 family members, $120 for 4 family members

Option B: Enrollment on a PER CLASS basis: $10 per adult; $5 per child under 12 per class

Option C: Enrollment in BOTH GENRES of class; Polynesian AND Vintage/Cultural: double the fee listed above less a 50% discount! 

For questions or to pre-register, contact Miss Lynnanne at 626 296 9365 or dancecommunity@earthlink.net A registration form will be emailed to you to mail or deliver with your payment (cash or checks accepted).

Important Class Policies:

1. Min. class size is 8 students.

2. Max. class size is 40.

3. Full refund if registration is cancelled prior to the start of the session.

4. Future class credit available if cancelled after the 2nd class or anytime during the session.

5. Make-up classes are not available.

Instructor: Lynnanne Hanson Miller 

“Miss Lynnanne” has 25 years of dance instruction, performance and choreographic experience. She is a Teaching Artist with the Los Angeles County Music Center’s Education Division, The Segerstrom Center for the Arts, the Los Angeles County Arts Commission Arts for All Initiative, the Pasadena, Paramount & LaHabra Unified School Districts, and Member of the AMAN Dance Educators.

ACONA looks at local business, new sheriff captain

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations (ACONA) will hear from the Altadena Chamber of Commerce, meet new Sheriff Capt. John Benedict, and find out why El Patron has succeeded in a location where many  other restaurants have failed.

Ed Meyers, Lori Webster, and Daniel Harlow of the Altadena Chamber of Commerce will talk about attracting more businesses to town, parking requirements, empty storefronts, permitting issues, and all the other challenges faced by local businesses.  They will also discuss last year's Altadena business survey.

Also featured will be an interview with Alex Cortes, owner of El Patron Mexican Restaurant.

This will also be the first meeting for Benedict, who will address any community issues.

ACONA meets on Tues., June 26, from 7-8:30 PM at the Altadena Main Library Community Room, 600 E. Mariposa St. 

Steve's Pets rescues Downtown Dog Rescue's free clinic

by Timothy Rutt

Downtown Dog Rescue's spay/neuter clinic has been, well, rescued.

DDR had planned to hold a free clinic at Loma Alta Park on June 30, but that conflicted with the Altadena Community Garden picnic the same day, which eats up all the parking, and they were looking for a new Altadena location.

Steve's Pets, 2395 North Lake Ave., has stepped into the breach, and will host the clinic.

Ed Meyers at Steve's said that the clinic will be held at the store's parking lot, off Marcheta Street between Lake Avenue and El Molino (drive down the driveway to the parking lot).

The clinic offers not only free spaying and neutering, but microchipping and vaccinations.  You need to make an appointment at 818-407-4145, and spaces are limited.

Morning jolt

• Local GOP gears up: The Pasadena Republican Headquarters 2012 will hold its official grand opening on Thursday, June 14, 6 PM at 2306 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena.  Keynote speakers are Alan Jackson, candidate for Los Angeles County District Attorney; Kevin James, candidate for Mayor of Los Angeles; Jack Orswell, candidate for Congress, 27th District; Lynn Haueter, Chairperson of the Republican Party of Los Angeles County and Col. John Fer (U. S. Air Force Ret.). Open from 12 PM – 6 PM throughout the month of June; extended hours after July 4.  Supporters are invited to visit the headquarters and get involved in this year’s election.  Mitt Romney yard signs, shirts, hats, pins, buttons, etc are available at the headquarters location.  For further information call 626-793-2018 or visit pasadenarepublican.com
• West Nile Virus in Sierra Madre: A dead crow from the city of Sierra Madre has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV).  This is the first indication of WNV activity in the San Gabriel Valley this year.  Warmer temperatures provide ideal conditions for WNV amplification and transmission.  Mosquitoes pick up WNV from infected birds and spread it to other birds when they bite again.  People can also get WNV if bitten by an infected mosquito.  Dead birds are often the first indication of WNV activity in an area.  Residents are encouraged to report dead birds to the State hotline (877)WNV-BIRD (968-2473) or online at www.westnile.ca.gov and mosquito problems to their local District.     
• ACTWG takes a hike this month: The Altadena Crest Trail Restoration Working Group has cancelled its meeting for tonight, June 12.  
• Party video: Fans of the Upside Down T summer block party can now see the video on YouTube, Elliot Gold tells us,

Found: two chickens

Yes, we deal with all kinds of animals here ...

One of our readers on the 500 block of Concha St. says that two unfamiliar chickens are roosting there this afternoon.  We'll put a picture up if we can get one, but if two of your fowl are missing, call them at 626 319 3263 to claim them.

Complying with the Brown Act would mean changes to Altadena

Publisher's note:  Every so often, there is a movement to get the Altadena Town Council to comply with the Brown Act about public meetings. Jamie Bissner is  local businessman, a board member of the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, and a member of the Altadena Town Council.  Bissner contributes this view on what Brown Act compliance would actually mean to Altadena. 

by Jamie Bissner

The Brown Act was passed in 1953 and originally was a 686 word statute.  That has grown substantially over the years -- it is now six short of 16,000 words. The Brown Act solely applies to California city and county government agencies, boards, and councils. The state government does not have to abide by the Act.

 

Brown was enacted as a concern over informal, undisclosed meetings held by local elected officials at which matters could be discussed and an outcome formulated without participation, input or information from constituents and concerned members of the public. More importantly was that the public had been excluded from what information contributed to decisions by elected and appointed officials.

While not a silver bullet ending all graft, corruption, and backroom deal-making, the Act is certainly an inhibiting factor while providing the electorate with a means to punish those who seek personal gain at the taxpayers’ expense. While a truly noble endeavor, the Act has greatly expanded over its 58-year life in efforts to curb or eliminate character flaws and flawed characters. That defines a quixotic pursuit as there are those among us immune to morals and abidance of the rules. In point of fact the Act has frequently been used by members of the electorate who, while either well-meaning or themselves morally flawed, employ Brown as a bludgeon to inhibit very qualified and moralistic participants in the law- and policy-making arena.

There have long been complaints in Altadena related to the Altadena Town Council (ATC) and their refusal to adopt Brown as part of their bylaws. Nothing could be better than for us to do so but concurrently nothing could be worse for the unpaid volunteers donating their valuable time and diversity of knowledge in efforts to inform our Fifth District Supervisor of our needs on a consensus basis.

Busy, busy Saturday

 

"Hope" is illuminated at the American Cancer Society's Altadena Relay for Life at Farnsworth Park Sat., June 9, 2012

by Timothy Rutt

There was just too much to do yesterday -- with the help of some of our community correspondants, we tried to capture some of it.  More after the jump.

Free dog spay/neuter clinic needs a foster home

by Timothy Rutt

Downtown Dog Rescue needs someone to rescue its Altadena mobile spay/neuter clinic.

Lori Weise of Downtown Dog Rescue says they raised $5,000 to bring a free spay/neuter community clinic to Altadena dog owners, who need to comply with LA County's mandatory policies.

But the clinic -- planned for June 30 at Loma Alta Park, in conjunction with LA County Animal Control -- needs to be relocated somewhere else.  

Weise writes:

I would hate to cancel the clinic because we already have 20 appointments booked.  The clinic is being organized in conjunction with LA County Animal Control.  Can you post a request on the blog for a location?  We need a parking lot and access to restrooms for the volunteers and staff.  The entire clinic is inside a mobile van.  

Do you have or know of a place that can host the clinic?  Email Weise at loriweise@gmail.com or call  213-448-9961.

Altadena Junction: Visions, revisions, food, fireworks

Our weekly column for the Pasadena Sun is up ...

Poetry corner: A Martian Chronicle

With a nod to the late Ray Bradbury, the latest from Gloriana Casey:

The  MARTIAN CHRONICLES of JPL

from gloriana casey

 Sojourner left the Earth for Mars,
a  shoe box size fit in.
Then Opportunity came next
with Spirit as its twin.

Two hundred pounds or so, those two,
that searched the  Martian Plain.
Now Curiosity's the one
to make the grandest gain.

Two thousand pounds, this latest one
like TRANSFORMERS, the movie.
A truly magical  machine
transitions---really groovy!

Catch Euro 2012 games at the Ale House

Altadenablog sponsor the Altadena Ale & Wine House, 2329 N. Fair Oaks Ave., will be showing all Euro 2012 Soccer (Football) games live at their newly renovated pub. If you haven't seen the new facade improvements, please stop by and have a look.

Sunday's schedule is: 

9:00 AM - Spain vs. Italy
11:45 Ireland vs.Croatia.

Rescue at Coyote Canyon

 

Photo by Tom Willard

by Timothy Rutt

Another hiker takes the plunge in Eaton Canyon, falling from a ridge near Coyote Canyon this morning and sustaining major injuries (PSN's Brian Day has details).  Community correspondent Tom Willard sent this picture of the sheriff department's Air 5 rescue helicopter rising out of Coyote Canyon this morning, taking the hiker to Huntington Hospital.

 

Town council election: not exactly a squeaker

by Timothy Rutt

In what may be the most non-participatory town council vote in memory, the six candidates who ran without opposition garnered only 71 votes -- and one will keep her seat without a single vote being cast.

Town council chair Sandra Thomas, who represents census tract 4603.02,  did not receive a single vote in Saturday's election, according to election chair Eric Pierce.  (Thomas is currently hospitalized and could not even vote for herself).  The candidate with the most votes cast was Bernardean Broadous, who received 25 votes.

Pierce said that a total of 78 votes were cast, broken down as follows:

Okorie Ezieme (CT 4602), 9

Judy Mathews (CT 4603.01), 6

Bernardean Broadous (CT 4610), 25

Reginald Wilkins (CT 4612), 18

Sandra Thomas (CT 4603.02), zero

Diane Marcussen (CT4613), 13.

Census tracts 4601 and 4611 fielded no candidates, and those positions are vacant.

Seven votes were considered invalid, Pierce said.

 

PSYCO plans July 1 concert at PasNaz

by Timothy Rutt

The Pasadena Summer Youth Chamber Orchestra (PSYCO) will hold its Young Artists Concert on Sunday, July 1, at First Church of the Nazarene, 3700 E. Sierra Madre Blvd. in Pasadena, starting at 7:30 PM.

Conducted by Dr. Paul J. Sherman, admission is free.  See the flyer for full details.

 

Crime blotter: it's burglaries again

The usual round of vehicle burglaries, vandalism, and a commercial burglary, too.  Blotter by Lt. Michael White of the Altadena Sheriff Station.

Sunday, May 27
Between 4:00 PM and 7:30 PM – An attempt grand theft auto occurred in the 1000 block of Concha Street.  Vehicle:  gray ’96 Honda Accord – damaged ignition.

Wednesday, May 30
2:00 AM – A vehicle vandalism occurred in the 1700 block of N. Allen Avenue.  
Between 7:00 PM and 9:00 AM (Thursday) – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 1400 block of Valencia Avenue.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the driver’s side window.  Loss:  gray Magellan GPS.

Thursday, May 31
Between 12:00 AM and 7:30 AM – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 3200 block of Olive Street.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the driver’s side window.  Loss:  black ashtray, silver iPod.

Friday, June 1st
3:16 AM – A commercial burglary occurred at Ararat Pharmacy, 2611 Washington Blvd.  Suspect(s) possibly entered the location by shattering the rear glass door.  Loss:  unknown.  
Between 9:00 AM and 11:45 AM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2000 block of Holliston Av.  Suspect(s) entered the residence via the rear door.  Loss:  gold ring w/dragon design, white Singer sewing machine, US currency, black binoculars.

Saturday, June 2
Between 2:30 PM and 4:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 200 block of Ventura Street.  The witness arrived at the location and observed the victim speaking with three subjects in the backyard.  The subjects observed the witness and quickly left the location and entered a dark green Dodge truck.  The victim and the witness entered the residence and observed the bedroom in disarray.   Suspects described as three male, Hispanics, 20-30 yrs, 5 ft. 7 ins.-5 ft. 9 ins, 150-180 lbs, brown hair, brown eyes.  Suspect vehicle – dark green Dodge truck.  Loss:  unknown.

 

Altadena sheriff's meet and greet takes the cake

 

From left, Altadena Capt. John Benedict, Detective Lt. Michael White, Lt. Roosevelt Johnson, Altadena Town Council chair Sandra Thomas, Operations Lt. Duane Allen, Sgt. Marsha Williams, and Sgt. Michael Randenberg.

 

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Sheriff's Station held a meet-and-greet Thursday at the Senior Center for the public and to celebrate several career moves among the officers at the Altadena Sheriff Station.

Part of it was to welcome new Sheriff Capt. John Benedict and Detective Lt. Michael White.  Lt. Duane Allen moved from detectives into the slot of operations lieutenant for Altadena Station, replacing Lt. Roosevelt Johnson, a two-year station veteran who become an aide to Chief Neal Tyler.  Johnson replaced Benedict, who left the position to assume command of Altadena's sheriff station.

Which resulted in probably the most long-winded cake inscription you've ever seen.

 

There was just barely enough cake to handle the inscription at Thursday's meet and greet.

 

 

Packed weekend ahead

It's Altadena's "Too Much To Do" weekend, starting today!

Friday

•  Fancy Food Truck Friday at the Webster's parking lot, 5-8 PM:
• Summer Family Dance Nights at Sue B., 6:15 PM: 

Saturday

• JPL Open House, 9 AM-4 PM
• Altadena Town Council election 9 AM-1 PM
• Altadena Relay for Life 9 AM Sat - 9 AM Sun., at Farnsworth Park
• Art on Millionaire's Row at the Altadena Library, 10 AM-6 PM

 

 

Thanks to citizen's tip, sheriffs nab burglary suspect [UPDATE]

by Timothy Rutt

Here's a day brightener for your morning:

One of our friends and community correspondents said she was out on her porch, about to take the dog for a walk, when a truck pulled in front of her house and a tall man came out and approached her:

He walked in front of his truck onto our front lawn, and he proceeded to walk towards me.  I asked him if there was anything I can do to help him.  He stopped and then started walking towards me again.  I told him that was far enough.  I asked him if I could help him.  He told me that there was a burglar on the run and that he's looking for him.  I ask him if he called the cops.  He said, "I am the cops!"  I asked him to tell me what the guy was wearing. 

The man said he was looking for an African American man with a red shirt, then got in his car and drove the next block up.  She continues:

I crossed the street to walk northbond on Fair Oaks towards Altadena Drive, and then I saw a black guy with a red shirt on, hiding in the bushes.  When the public transportation bus approached this crook, the guy jumped out of the bushes, began waving his hands feaverishly, running faster than I've seen any guy run in my life to catch a public bus, trying to flag the bus down. The bus stopped and he caught the bus.

Seconds later, I saw the guy who said he was a cop, and I got his attention, as I pointed to the burglar running.  The (off-duty cop) pulled around in front of me and I told him what I saw.  He pulled out his cb radio and called other cops -- cops came out of the woodwork it seemed! --  and chased the bus down.  I believe they caught the guy too!

Thought I'd share.  Glad I had the sense of mind to question this off-duty cop about the description, etc.  I feel like I helped the community!

We've got a call in to the sheriffs to get more details, but we love citizens who keep their eyes open.

UPDATE: Lt. Michael White of the Altadena Sheriff Station says that Darren Bagby, 34, of Altadena, was arrested on the 3200 block of N. Fair Oaks Ave. White said that Bagby, a parolee known to the local deputies, was spotted by a deputy tugging on a car door as though to open it at about 6 AM this morning.  White said that Bagby fled the deputies and was caught running home -- White did not know if Bagby had been taken from the bus.

Bagby was charged with battery on a peace officer, being under the influence of a controlled substance, and resisting arrest.

We've changed the headline to reflect new information.

Athens announces curbside clean-up days in June and July

by TImothy Rutt

Athens Services has sent out a flyer to customers that their first annual curbside cleanup will take place in the next few weeks, offering residents a chance to get rid of some items that may not go in the normal trash pickup.

Items that can be left at the curb include buky items (furniture, appliances, and up to two car/truck tires); electronic equipment (but not light bulbs nor batteries); and extra bagged trash.

Athens says it cannot collect household hazardous waste such as paint, motor oil, paint thinner, turpentine, pesticides, herbicides, or anything that requires a proper disposal.  If you have any questions, call Athens' customer service ad 877-764-5551.  Household hazardous waste disposal questions can go to 888-CLEAN-LA or visit www.CleanLA.com

Curbside cleanup schedule is as follows

If your trash day is                   Curbside Cleanup Day

Monday                                       Sat., June 16

Tuesday                                       Sat., June 23

Wednesday                                 Sat., June 30

Thursday                                      Sat., July 14

Friday                                           Sat., July 21

Athens asks to put items at the curb not later than 6 PM the night before.  PIckup will begin at 6 AM.

Kids are out of school -- help keep them on the right road

by Carolyn Seitz
cmseitz@mindspring.com

The incident related below is from a resident in north central Altadena and I thank the person who wrote it for sharing the details they do.  

It is a good idea to understand how difficult it can be to tell the difference between kids being kids and kids and kids being criminals in support of their gang.

Please read what is written below and think about what you would do when you observe the same thing several people in this neighborhood observed today.

Captain Benedict, Lieutenant White and Lieutenant Allen are asking you to please call the Sheriff's Station when you see this kind of behavior.

It's better to call the station and let the deputies find out that the kids were just being kids, than it is to determine later that your neighbor suffered a break-in and loss of their valuables because they weren't kids just being kids, they really were an organized group of criminals, likely working in service to their gang.

Despite how young they might look, it is not unusual to have 12 to 16 year olds committing crimes for their gangs because the older gangsters know that they'll be treated as juveniles and get the equivalent of an adult wagging their finger at them telling them, "naughty, naughty!! Don't do that again!".

Why take a chance that they might have been up to no good?

Please also help us get these kids on the right track as early as possible when they may very well be 10 or 11 or 12 years old and are already making poor decisions and committing crimes.

Many thanks to the person who shared the info below.& Call the Sheriff's Station at 626 -798-1131 -- and call early and often when you see this kind of behavior.  It's summer.  School's out and some kids will be tempted to stray.

It may sound odd, but please help these kids.  Call! You could be saving a kid who's walking on the edge.

About 4:00 PM today, my mom and I heard someone shouting outside and we thought it might be our neighbor Joe across the street. When we went outside, there was a young Latino kid in his teens, sitting on a bike outside G***'s house. He was calling to some unseen person nearby. As my mom watched, the kid on the bike rode further down the street to join two other Latino youths on bikes, sitting outside another neighbor's house. Mom said it looked as though one of them came from behind the neighbor's house. Then they rode off down the street. Don't know if the kid on the bike was a lookout for a break-in, I don't want to draw conclusions or make assumptions. Could be nothing, but just be careful. If anyone knows them, please let us know. It just looked odd.

Shakespeare By the Sea returns to Farnsworth with "Two Gentlemen"

by TImothy Rutt

Shakespeare By the Sea players perform "King Lear" in Farnsworth Park last summer.

Shakespeare by the Sea, the theatrical troupe that makes the summer circuit of parks in Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura counties, announced that it will perform "Two Gentlemen of Verona" at Farnsworth Park Amphitheatre on Sun., Aug. 5, at 7 PM.

Celebrating its 15th year, SBTS is a nonprofit organization launched in 1998 by Lisa Coffi. Since its inception, the company has provided admission-free Shakespeare productions to nearly 210,000 audience members.

 

“I’m excited to be celebrating our 15th Anniversary – it’s hard to believe I’ve been presenting this festival for so many years. As always, I look forward to seeing old friends and making new ones as the summer season progresses,” muses Lisa. “SBTS has many loyal audience members who look forward to gathering family and friends for a summer evening picnic and theatre under the stars. For many, these productions were their first introduction to live theatre, and they return year after year. We are proud to have earned a place in the lives of so many Southern Californians.”

The performance is free.  For more information: http://www.shakespearebythesea.org/

 

Town council election tomorrow

 

 

Saturday, the Altadena Town Council election will take place from 9 AM to 1 PM.  It's a sad little election -- of the eight seats, two have gone vacant, and the remainder are running unopposed candidates.

But it's democracy, it's how we make decisions, it's how we choose those who represent us, so it's still important that you show up.  Make a statement about how important it is and take a few minutes to vote in your census tract.

Our town council election page is here with a list of candidates and voting locations.

 

Auditions this weekend for new Altadena-based youth jazz ensemble

by Timothy Rutt

Some local jazz fans and players are looking for high school and middle school students in the San Gabriel Valley to become part of the John Tirabasso Youth Jazz Ensemble.

Tirabasso was a jazz drummer who lived in Altadena, and died in 2010.

The Ensemble will start during the summer, training and mentoring young instrumental students to play jazz in a variety of venues and genres, from big  band to trio.

Auditions will be held this Saturday, June 9, and next Saturday, June 16, from 10 AM-1 PM at Loma Alta Park.  To rserve your audition time, contact Penny Daniels or Sam Estrada at 626-398-5451 from 9 AM-8 PM.

Wind, brass, keyboard, and mallet players should be prepared to: play a major scale (in C,G,D,A,F, B flat, or E flat); perform an etude or short prepared piece; and sight read material provided by the judges.  At the judges discretion, you may be asked to improvise to a 12-bar blues progression in C.

For percussionsts. be prepared to play basic drum rudiments, keep time in 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, and 6/8 time, and play a 2, 4, and 8 measure solo.  A drum set will be provided, but you must bring your own sticks.

For further information, email: Dwight Garcia at saxogeek@ymail.com

Loma Alta Park is at 3330 N. Lincoln Avenue.