altadenablog

Public safety: crime rates going up

by Carolyn Seitz
cseitz@mindspring.com

On the first page below you can compare Altadena's Part I crime rates against all other areas serviced by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.  You'll note that our Part I crime rates are 15.5% lower than they were in 2007, but 13.4% higher than they were last year when we were still experiencing a month to month decrease in crimes, especially burglaries and thefts/burglaries from vehicles over 2009 and 2010 reported crimes.   Burglaries have generally increased over all of Southern California, and other parts of the country.  One of the biggest increases in Part I crimes are robberies.  You will have noted in the last few Crime Blotters distributed by the Sheriff's Station that the local grocery stores, drug stores and convenience stores have experienced robberies.  In many of those instances, the "robber" was caught shortly after the crime was committed, thanks to quick notification to law enforcement that a robbery was in process or had just been committed and the quick action by the sheriff's deputies.  

You find the breakdown of Part I crimes on the second page below and in the attachment.  Robberies are up 50.3% over the same period of time last year.  We continue to show a consistent rate for the number of rapes reported.  The detective lieutenants at Altadena Station, and ours is now Lt. Michael White, continue to indicate that in almost every instance of rape reported, the rapist is reported to be known to the victim or the rape was committed as an act of domestic violence.  

For those of you who haven't yet heard the news, a burglar was apprehended Wednesday morning, thanks to the vigilance of neighbors.   Some of the local listservs included information being shared between neighbors about someone suspected of breaking into vehicles.  The deputies and detectives at the Altadena Sheriff's Station have made many arrests of burglars over the last few months, and when we find news stories about Altadena residents who have been arrested in nearby cities, caught in the act of burglarizing homes or vehicles, we've reported that as well.  New burglars continue to show up and the only way we can have an impact on them is to continue taking the following actions:

DUI checkpoint in Altadena Friday

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena office of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will conduct a sobriety/driver license checkpoint on Friday, June 8, within the unincorporated area of east Altadena, according to a press release.

“The start of the summer season comes with increased traffic as motorists embark on vacations. We would like to remind everyone to designate a sober driver. Driving under the influence is inexcusable and has cost the lives of too many people,” said Captain Steve Strull, CHP's Altadena area commander in the release. 

Morning jolt

• Community Garden tickets:  Looking for tickets to the community garden picnic on June 30?  They'll be available at Fancy Food Truck Friday at Webster's tomorrow, and at the Altadena Farmer's Market on Wednesdays.
• Community Chest hits milestone:  The Altadena Community Chest has just hit a milestone: with its latest $500 donation to Altadena Elementary School's LEARNS program, the Community Chest has hit the $10,000 mark in donations to local nonprofits and institutions.  The Altadena Community Chest, started by Russ Fega of Home Shoot Home, is funded by contributions from film studios and producers who shoot in Altadena.
• Senior Games: MonteCedro will host a private screening of the award-winning documentary "Age of Champions."  This inspirational documentary features an 86-year-old vaulter, 100-year-old tennis player, and a team of grandmothers who dominate the basketball court as they train for the National Senior Olympic Games.  The documentary also discusses the mental and physical benefits of continuing to exercise as you age.  After the screening, attendees will meet and discuss the film with producer Keith Ochwat and meant local former National Senior Games Champions.  The film will be at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music, 100 N. HIll Ave.,  at 2 PM on Thurs., June 21.  Seating is limited -- to register, visit www.montecedro.org or call 877-282-1584.

 

Primary 2012

Since we're neighborhood-focused, we don't usually carry big stuff, like election news -- that's why we rely on our media partner, the Pasadena Sun, to do that heavy lifting.  Here's their rundown of this week's election:

Holden, Lowe make Assembly runoff

Incumbents Schiff, Liu, Gatto finish first

Voters OK term limits, appear reluctant to raise tobacco tax

Voters show support for Measure A

 

 

 

Third visioning workshop draws few, but discussion is lively

 

Only about 50 members of the public attended the final meeting of the Altadena community visioning process, at Loma Alta Park gym Wednesday, June 6, 2012.

 by Timothy Rutt

Wednesday’s third and final meeting of the Altadena community visioning process drew only about 50 people as it presented a draft of a document that the county hopes will serve as a blueprint for future planning and development in Altadena.

The draft “Vision Report” teased out six “primary characteristics” of Altadena, as determined by the input from community members at the two April meetings, online, and in meetings with the consultants and community groups and individuals:

• Diverse, eclectic, unique character 
• Views and access to the mountains and nature 
• Town/district centers with thriving businesses 
• Safe and peaceful neighborhoods 
• Community cohesion and strong institutions 
• Opportunities for walking, biking, hiking, riding, and play 

As was every meeting in this process, the liveliest discussion involved business in Altadena.

Each of those characteristics was then given some “guiding principles,”  followed by “key topics to address” in future planning.

For example, one of the key topics to address under “Views and access to the mountains and nature” was completion of and access to the Altadena Crest Trail.

After a presentation of the high points of the report, there was a table for each of the “characteristics” for people to further comment.  As in the previous meetings of the process, the table devoted to Altadena business drew most of the lively discussion.

Susan Harden of RBF Consulting, which is managing the project for the county, said that they would be taking more input by phone and online for the next few days.  They will then meet with the Project Committee (which consists of town council members and other community leaders) to prepare the final report, which she said should be available in about a month. She said that it was not determined if there would be some kind of event to unveil the final report.

The draft report is available here, and the county’s website on the project is at http://tinyurl.com/altadenavisioning.

 

Open thread: visions and revisions

After taking a look at the draft of the Altadena Community Visioning document (which we have here), or attending last night's meeting, what are your impressions?  Are we heading in the right direction?  Or is there something missing?  Comment away!

Last day for PUSD students

... which means posts will be erratic today ... we have to watch grade promotions ... there will no doubt be tears involved.  

Transit of Venus

 

Community correspondant William Korn provided these shots of Tuesday's transit of Venus taken from his home.

 

Summer Concert Series will have food by El Patron

With the summer concert series at Farnsworth Park only a month away, Sheriff Support Group President Robert Klomburg announced that there's now a food vendor:

It is with great pleasure that the Sheriff’s Support Group of Altadena can announce a new addition to the 16^th Annual Summer Concert Series, El Patron Mexican Restaurant will be cooking and serving in the Mt. Lowe Pavilion throughout the entire SCS!

The menu has not be finalized, but it will be a limited menu of some of your favorite items including burritos, tacos and more all at very reasonable prices. Rather than picking up your dinner at El Patron, you will now be able to pick it up dinner right in Farnsworth Park. Hot and ready to eat!

The Rotary Club of Altadena will again be doing beer and wine sales. What could be better than a couple of tacos and a beer on a warm summer night under the stars listening to some great free music!

Just to be clear, SSGA does not receive any remuneration from El Patron, it is just one more item that makes the Concert Series even more inviting and we are thrilled to have them.

Deputies arrest burglary suspect at Glen Canyon and Roosevelt Wednesday morning

 

Sheriff's deputies round up a burglary suspect Wednesday morning. Photos by Steve and Judy Bass.

Community correspondants Steve and Judy Bass caught this one this morning:

 This morning at 7:30 AM, at the intersection of Glen Canyon and Roosevelt, Sheriffs deputies caught a man suspected of breaking into numerous vehicles. He was handcuffed, sitting in the back seat of a patrol car, and looking quite glum.

He was driving a late model, black pickup.

Deputies reported that they'd been tracking the man since 5:00 AM. They said they recovered lots of stolen items.

Score one for the Altadena Sheriff's department.

 

Suspect's vehicle stopped by deputies.

Deputies arrested suspected burglar at about 7:30 this morning.

 

 

Draft vision report available for tonight's meeting

by Timothy Rutt

Tonight at 7 the people behind the Altadena Visioning Process will hold the third and final scheduled public meeting about that process, presenting a draft document that incorporates comments and ideas from the April meetings.

That final meeting will be at the Loma Alta Park gymnasium at Lincoln Avenue and Loma Alta Drive.

Mina Brown of RBF consulting has sent us a copy of the document (which we haven't had time to look at in depth), which is available at the link after the jump.

Sheriffs warn of distraction burglars at large

We received this message from Virginia Cordova, crime analyst at Altadena Sheriff Station, about some recent crimes and suspects :

We recently received a report of a distraction burglary (definition: suspect(s) contact the victim who’s home – begins talking to them while the other suspect(s) enter the residence and begin searching for items). The incident occurred on June 2 between the hours of 2:30 PM and 4:00 PM in the 200 block of Ventura Street – suspects described as:

- Male, Hispanic, 30 yrs, 507, 150, brown hair, brown eyes

- Male, Hispanic, 30 yrs, 509, 170, brown hair, brown eyes

- Male, Hispanic, 30 yrs, 509, 180, brown hair, brown eyes

- Suspect Vehicle: green Dodge truck

As for vehicle burglaries the only suspect info we’ve received is as follows:

- Male, White, 37 yrs, 511, 180, dark hair, unshaven, black beanie with a bill, multicolor jacket, blue jeans.

- Suspect Vehicle: late model gray Mercedes, possibly 2007.

If you have information regarding the above descriptions, please feel free to call or email me.  Distraction burglaries are fairly common and have been seen throughout the County. Please remain vigilant and if you notice anything out of the ordinary, please contact the station at: 626-798-1131.

Chamber offers food trucks with fireworks at Altadena Golf Course July 2

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Chamber of Commerce invites you to munch on food truck delights in a prime viewing zone during the annual fireworks display on July 2.

The Chamber, DC Golf, and Goliath Graffix is sponsoring a caravan of six to eight food trucks at the Altadena Golf Course parking lot from 6-10 PM on Monday, July 2.  The golf course is next door to the Altadena Town & Country Club, which celebrates an early Independence Day that evening with its annual fireworks display. This year's display is scheduled to start at 9:30 PM.

The food truck event will help support the Chamber's Marion Lee Wullschlager scholarship fund, which goes to a deserving high school senior every year.

June business partner team shout-out

A shout-out and thank you to our sponsor team, local businesses and organizations who keep Altadenablog coming to your computer every day:

Altadena Ale & Wine House

Altadena Solar

Baietti-Seyffert/Podley Properties

Curves Altadena

Dhari Thein Real Estate

The Dog in the PIcture by Dr. Jane Brackman

Friends of the Altadena Library

Greg Stanton/Teles Properties

Judy Rubin Architectural & Previews Specialist

Rancho Bar

Scissors Paper Rock Salon

Webster's Community Pharmacy

Webster's Fine Stationers

Welcoming two new members of the team this month:  Altadena Heritage, sponsors of the Altadena Farmer's Market on Wednesday afternoons at Loma Alta Park; and the Arroyo Food Co-op, which starts with us this week.

We are Altadena's only home-grown, locally-owned news website: the ONLY one headquartered in Altadena, the ONLY one living in Altadena, and the ONLY one that depends on sponsorships from local businesses and organizations from Altadena/Pasadena/La Canada, etc. -- we don't do Target, Bank of America or American Express.  When you sponsor Altadenablog, you sponsor a local business like your own, that keeps its money in the community as much as possible.  We'd love to have YOU join our sponsor team and send YOUR message to your local customers.  Write to us at altadenablog@gmail.com or call 626-791-5327 to get onboard!

 

 

Fancy Food Truck Friday coming up

by Timothy Rutt

Fancy Food Truck Friday is here for June, and it looks like a good mix of food and fun.

This month's trucks are Nom Nom, Komodo, Auntie's Fry Bread, Greenz on Wheels, Book BBQ, and Sweet E's Bake Shop.

It's family style dining you can eat right there or take home (but you'll want to eat right there, because it's a lot of fun).

Sponsored by Webster's Community Pharmacy, Webster's Liquors, and Danny's Farm, Food Truck Friday is in the parking lot of the Webster's buildings, 2450 N. Lake Ave., from 5-9 PM.  (Unfortunately, Danny's Farm won't be able to come to this month's event, but will return next month).

 

Tickets available for Community Garden Annual PIcnic June 30 [UPDATE]

by Timothy Rutt

One of the summer’s main events, the Altadena Community Garden Annual PIcnic and Resource Fair, takes place Saturday, June 30, from 1-5 PM at the garden, corner of Palm Street and Lincoln Avenue in Loma Alta Park.

Besides excellent barbecue and homegrown food, there will be garden tours, raffle prizes, music, a grand prize, and  many resource booths.  Bring your own tableware and get a free pack of seeds.

TIckets are $8 in advance (age 13 to adult), or $10 at the door.  Children age 6-12 are $5, and children age five and under are free.

For tickets, email silveragrant@gmail.com or roachapr@sbcglobal.net.

UPDATE:  Tickets will also be available at Fancy Food Truck Friday this week in at the Webster's parking lot; and at the Altadena Farmers Market.

 

Kundalini Yoga classes start at Farnsworth Park June 20

Kundalini Yoga classes are starting up at Farnsworth Park in the Davies Building on Wednesday nights, starting June 20 from 7:30-9 PM.  Lauren Heller, a certified yoga instructor, says that Kundalini Yoga consists of simple yogic tenchicques that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age or physical ability.  

Classes are $10, with multi-class discounts.  For more information, check the graphic or contact Heller at laurenheller@sbcglobal.net.

 

Youth Rugby Festival at the Rose Bowl June 16

The Pasadena Rugby Club wants to build a youth program starting in the fall, and they're offering a taste of it on Sat., June 16, to anyone who's interested in checking out this international favorite game. 

The Rugby Festival will be held from 9 AM-11:30 AM at Area H of the Rose Bowl.  More information on the flyer.

 

Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy needs some elbow grease Saturday

As if there wasn't enough to do on Saturday, Nancy Steele, president of the Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy,  says they need some help this weekend:

Neighbors and Friends,
Ever since the Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy purchased the Andrea  Wilson Triangle on Chaney Trail, we have used volunteers to help us comply with County-mandated brush clearance (aka fuel reduction). Many of you have helped out in the past and we need your help again.

When: Saturday, June 9, from 8 - 11 am.
Where: Near 3696 Chaney Trail, Altadena; parking is available in the turnout (just below Alzada Road).

You should wear gloves, long pants, long-sleeved shirt, hat, boots or sturdy shoes, and sunscreen. Bring hand tools if you have them - if you don't we will provide. There is poison oak in the area - if you are sensitive you need to be able to identify it and keep away. Please leave your small children at home. You will be asked to sign a liability waiver. And you will get a good workout!

If you can't participate but still want to help, contributions to Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy, P.O. Box 3, Altadena, CA 91003-0003 are always appreciated.

To RSVP or ask any questions, contact John Howell (johnrhowell@earthlink.net) or Ginny Heringer (ginnyh@ix.netcom.com).

Morning jolt: it's hiker rescue season again

• KCBS has story and video about another Eaton Canyon hiking incident -- in this case, a 25-year-old woman plunged 100 feet down the canyon, but miraculously survived, all this happening Monday evening.
• There's voting today for the primary, AND there's voting Saturday, for the Altadena Town Council. The election committee is looking for a few more volunteers to staff the polling places, help the ballot count, and provide some transportation assistance.  To view the available slots and to volunteer, please go to: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0A4DACA62EA75-2012  Times range from forty-five minutes to a couple of hours.

Found cat: at the bank

Reader Corby has found a cat:

On June 1 I encountered a small orange cat with big eyes (see pics) in the front parking lot of the Chase Bank (next to Bank of America) in Altadena. It seems healthy but was desperate for me not to leave. So I brought it food and water and he ate and drank ravenously.

The next night I checked and it was not there.

June 3 the cat was there and again I fed it. It was ravenous again. But it didn't touch the water.

I took these pics and left it there. I called Chase and asked them if they knew anything the cat. An employee went outside and looked but couldn't see it. He said they have no knowledge of the cat.

It appears healthy but is very needy. I do not have the cat in my possession because I don't want to mistakenly take home someone's cat.

It's a possibly found cat. I hope you can list it. It needs to be reunited with it's owner, in my opinion.

Sputtering

Updates will be a little erratic today -- we're coping with a fraud issue on one of our credit cards, and these things take time ...

Play ball!

by Timothy Rutt

The East Altadena Little League Challenger team for children with special needs held its championship (and really, only) game of the season with the EALL's league champion White Sox on Sunday afternoon.  Volunteer teenage coaches spent the season teaching team members about fielding, hitting, throwing, and the other basic skills, which culminated in Sunday's game.  

The visiting White Sox did their best, but apparently were having a bad day in hitting, catching, and fielding, whereas every Challenger scored.  For some reason, this happens every year -- thanks to the White Sox for making the game special for the Challengers.  More after the jump.

Found cat

 

Reader Lisa has found a cat:

Found Cat 5/30/12

Male, neutered, about 2-3 years old, vicinity of Beverly Way & Maiden Lane, Altadena 

please call to describe...626-840-2855 

 

The week ahead

A busy week ahead in Altadena and environs. Some highlights:

Monday: Author Lian Dolan (Helen of Pasadena) speaks at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. , starting at 7 PM.

Tuesday: Voting on the presidential primary and PUSD redistricting.  Go here to find your polling place.

Wednesday:  Farmer's Market at Loma Alta Park, 3-7 PM.

Also at Loma Alta Park, Part III of the Altadena visioning workshop, at the Loma Alta Park gym, 7-9 PM.

Thurs.:  Meet Sheriff Capt. John Benedict and say congratulations to Altadena lieutenants Michael White (Detective Bureau), Duane D. Allen (Operations), and Roosevelt Johnson (moving from Altadena Station to Chief Neal Tyler's staff),  Altladena Senior Center, 530 E. Mariposa St., 5-7 PM.

Fri: Fancy Food Truck Friday at Webster's, 5-9 PM.

Sat.:  Town Council election, 9 AM -1 PM.; Art on Millionaire's Row at the Library, 10 AM-6 PM; American Cancer Society Relay for LIfe at Farnsworth Park, starting at 9 AM and ending 9 AM Sunday; JPL's annual open house, 9 AM-4 PM.

 

 

Help desperately needed at Blair High School today

Monica Hubbard sends along this message:

Local friends - a nasty act of vandalism occurred at Blair High School on Thursday night. Your help cleaning up is needed at 2 p.m. this afternoon. A group of seniors broke into Blair and trashed the entire main building with a mixture of eggs, flour, and syrup. The damage is very extensive. The smell is difficult. The school has had some recent problems with pests, including ants, so concerns are increased. 

Frances Nicholson just e-mailed about the work party, which begins at 2 p.m. today. She writes: 

"I have told others to meet at the flagpole, which is right in front of the school, at 2 p.m. The school is located at 1201 S. Marengo in Pasadena, at the corner of Marengo and Glenarm. We are meeting at 2 p.m. because a small event is scheduled for that time, so a custodian will be there.

I would advise anyone interested to wear work clothes. I am trying to amass cleaning supplies (egg is very tricky), but would be delighted if people brought buckets, brushes, scrapers, utility towels and the like. I have vinegar, which several sources say may help, and will be picking up detergent and 409, which are also listed as suitable ways to get dried egg off of a building. Sadly, because it is dried, it is a long process. I figure we do what we can to get the main hallway cleaned up, and maybe the door of one of the teachers particularly brutally attacked, and that may be all that can be done. I have spray bottles and scrubbing sponges and scrapers and a few towels, but depending on how many people actually show up, more might be nice. 

I have no idea if more than two people will be there, but anything would be better than sitting and mourning. It would say something very rich to the faculty and underclassmen, too, who were devastated by this nasty act of vandalism. Senior pranks are a tradition at Blair, but are usually cute and clever. This was neither, and got completely out of hand. A small group of students has tarnished the entire institution, and certainly the entire graduating class, members of which keep coming up to reassure us they were not there. And with the budget cuts of the past couple of years, our few remaining janitors are completely overwhelmed by this. Frances Nicholson"

So, friends, if you have time this afternoon and could help with the cleanup at Blair H.S., you'd be very, very welcome.

If you can volunteer, or contribute cleaning supplies, or both, please show up at Blair today, starting at 2 PM.

Altadena Junction: it's what's new

Our column in the Pasadena Sun is up, and what else could it be about than the farmers market?  OK, it's about Art on Millionaire's Row and other things, too ...

Library summer reading program kicks off with donuts June 15

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Libraries kick off their summer reading program on Fri., June 15, with a "donut drop" from 10-11 AM (but don't drop your donuts!)

There will be weekly prizes, events, movies and more for children and teens, whether your taste runs to wimpy kids, Goosebumps, vampires, or Hunger Games.

Sign up at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. , or Bob Lucas Branch Library, 2659 N. Lincoln Ave. 

 

Business meet-up June 12 and 19 at Altadena Library

There will be a "business meet-up" on Tues., June 12 and Tues., June 19, open to existing and start-up businesses , at the Altadena Main Library Community Room, 600 E. Mariposa St.

Robert Billheimer of "Your Success By Design" and Robert Chun of "RSC Business Group" will host the meeting, which will involve "conversations to engage “what’s next:” in your business, seeing what is possible and building from there.  The Who, What, Where & When of business" according to a news release.

The meeting will run from 7-8:40 PM.

The meeting is sponsored by MEMAH (Men Educating Men About Health).  For more information, contact Billheimer at 626-628-4870 or robertbilheimer@gmail.com, or Chun at 310-410-3098 or info@rscbusinessgroup.com.

 

Public gets a peek inside police department at Altadena heliport

by Bill Kisliuk
Pasadena Sun

Cutting-edge law enforcement tools, from helicopters and armored vehicles to specially-trained police dogs, were on display Saturday as the Pasadena police offered the public a rare peek at its most specialized gear during an open house at Benedict Heliport in Altadena.

Pasadena police have five choppers, with a crew of 15 who fly them, maintain them and conduct police operations, according to Lt. Mike Ingram. Pasadena Police's Air Operations Section coordinates with the Glendale and Burbank police departments, which have their own joint air patrols, to use the expensive equipment with maximum efficiency, he said. Pasadena also provides helicopter patrols for nine other San Gabriel Valley cities.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

Morning jolt

 

• Market: Lovely photos of the produce at the Altadena Farmers Market at Jessica Comingore's blog (we would rather take pictures of people than things -- it's just a different approach!).  We get a laugh when people say the neighborhoods we live and work in are "off the beaten path" -- whose path, Missy?
• Community: The FilmWorks website has a nice feature on local showbiz guy Russ Fega and the Altadena Community Chest, which takes donations from the film industry and passes it on to worthy local organizations.
• Fundraiser: Don't forget: the Altadena Ale & Wine House, 2329 N. Fair Oaks Ave., is holding a French wine tasting fundraiser for St. Mark's school: tickets are $35 at the door, with seven wine tastings and hos d'oeuvres, 3-6 PM.

 

Morning jolt: the Market (again!) and more

• Market: The LA Times Food blog takes at a look at the Altadena Farmers Market, focusing on its efforts to promote and certify urban, backyard farmers.
• Graduate: Richard Otero of Altadena has earned a degree in Aerospace Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta.  Otero was among approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students who received degrees during Georgia Tech's 242nd commencement exercises.
• Graduates: For those of you keeping track at home, PSN looks at the commencement ceremony for Arroyo Pacific Academy.
• Honors: Assemblyman Anthony Portantino was recently honored by the San Gabriel Civic Alliance with its Legislator of the Year award at a ceremony held in Baldwin Park last month.  The Civic Alliance is a unique organization that promotes partnerships between business and labor.  Portantino shared the award with Republican Assemblymember Curt Hagaman. Portantino was also recently honored by the Junior League of California State Public Affairs Committee as their Legislator of the Year.

 

Summer family dance nights at Sue B. starts next week

by Timothy Rutt

Family Dance Nights start next week at Sue B. Dance Studio, 2525 N. Lake Ave.

Learn and dance swing, salsa, line dances, square dances, cultural dances from Europe, Africa, and Asia, as well as popular dances like the "Cupid Shuffle."

Family Dance Nights will be held on Fridays, June 8, July 13, Aug 17, and Sept. 14 from 6:15-7:15 PM.

Cost per night is $7 per person, $20 for three or more family members, and under 5 is free.  Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.  

Please RSVP one day prior to event by calling the studio at 626 797 1837 or by contacting Miss Lynnanne at dancecommunity@earthlink.net

 

Crime blotter: vehicle burglar driving a Mercedes

Lots of vehicle vandalisms and a burglar driving a Mercedes this week.  Crime blotter provided by Lt. Michael White of Altadena Sheriff Station.

Sunday, May 20th
Between 12:30 AM and 8:30 AM – A vehicle vandalism occurred in the 2000 block of E. Washington Boulevard.  
Between 5:00 PM and 10:00 AM (Tuesday) – A vehicle vandalism occurred in the 2000 block of Maiden Lane.  Suspect possibly known by victim.

Monday, May 21st
Between 8:00 AM and 11:40 AM – A petty theft of a bicycle occurred at Eliot Middle School, 2184 N. Lake Ave.  Loss:  bicycle was recovered.

Wednesday, May 23rd
Between 7:45 AM and 4:30 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2300 block of Glen Canyon Road. Suspect(s) entered the location via the window.  Loss:  silver w/coral stones bracelet, silver w/turquoise stones bracelet and US coins.
Between 6:30 PM and 6:53 AM (Thursday) – A business burglary occurred in the 2000 block of N. Lake Avenue.  Suspect(s) entered the location through an unlocked window.  Loss:  Bank of America cashier’s check.
Between 8:00 PM and 10:00 AM (Thursday) – A petty theft from a business occurred in the 2200 block of Lincoln Avenue.  Loss:  (1) parking sign.

Friday, May 25th
4:50 PM – A shoplifting incident occurred at Super King Market, 2260 N. Lincoln Ave.  *Items recovered and suspect arrested.
Between 7:00 PM and 8:45 PM – A petty theft occurred at 24Hr. Fitness, 2180 N. Lincoln Ave.  Suspect(s) entered the men’s locker room and broke the padlock of a secured locker.  Loss:  brown bi-fold wallet containing US currency and personal documents.
Between 7:00 PM and 12:00 PM (Saturday) – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 900 block of E. Poppyfields Dr.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the driver’s side window.  Loss:  pink iPod Nano.

Saturday, May 26th
Between 3:00 AM and 9:30 AM – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 1000 block of Dolores Drive.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the driver’s side window.  Loss:  US currency.
7:35 PM – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 2200 block of Altadena Drive.  Suspect entered the vehicle by shattering the rear driver’s side window.  Suspect described as:  male, Caucasian, 37 yrs, 511, 180, dark hair, unshaven, black beanie, multicolor jacket, and blue jeans.  Suspect vehicle:  gray 2007 Mercedes; vehicle last seen eastbound on Altadena Drive.  Loss:  silver Michael Kors woman’s watch and dark blue jeans.
Between 8:00 PM and 10:30 AM (Sunday) – A vehicle vandalism occurred in the 600 block of W. Ventura Street.  
Between 8:00 PM and 8:00 AM (Sunday) – A residential burglary occurred in the 2400 block of N. Highland Avenue.  Suspect(s) entered the residence via unknown means.  Loss:  white gold diamond ring-round cut.
Between 11:45 PM and 6:45 AM (Sunday) – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 500 block of W. Figueroa Drive.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by punching the door lock.  Loss:  green iPod Nano, black leather briefcase, notary journal and notary stamp pad.

 

Kodak is missing [UPDATE: Not anymore!]

Kodak was lost in Pasadena, and has been gone for awhile, so Kodak's owner wants to expand the search perimeter.  Details are on the poster, and if you know anything, looks like it could be worth your while.

UPDATE:  Apparently Kodak was found by an alert Altdenablog reader, so happy ending to this one.

Relay for Life starts in one week; El Patron benefit on June 6

From the American Cancer Society/Altadena Relay for Life

Cancer survivors and caregivers are heading into the final days of preparation for the fourth annual Relay for Life to benefit the American Cancer Society. The 24-hour event starts Saturday morning, June 9 and ends on Sunday morning.

The relay will be held on the baseball field at Farnsworth Park and will feature a day of entertainment plus welcoming speeches from Assembly member Anthony Portatino and the office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich.

The local Altadena relay is surpassing the number of participants and has the goal of raising $40,000 for the 2012 event.

Members of the planning team are intimately aware of the impact that cancer has had on their families and among the 40,000 residents of Altadena.

Rose West, planning chair and owner of a local Curves franchise, acknowledges that the event has bittersweet moments. "Each one of us has been impacted by cancer. There is a luminaria event where we remember those we've lost to a form of the disease. Our goal is to raise money to support cancer research and help fund support services that the American Cancer Society offers to those fighting cancer. Ultimately, we want to do our part in Altadena to create more birthdays."

Figures from the American Cancer Society show there are 165,810 new cases of all forms of cancer in California for 2012 to date.

Local participants include a team from the Ralphs Grocery Store, 2270 N. Lake Avenue and members of the Altadena Community Church, 943 East Altadena Drive where members held a pre-event rally in May.

ADDENDUM: Wednesday, June 6, El Patron Restaurant, 2555 Lake Avenue, is donating 20% of evening sales to Relay for Life.

Altadena deputies involved in multi-agency drug bust Friday morning [UPDATED]

by TImothy Rutt

A joint agency task force made 15 arrests around the San Gabriel Valley this morning, including an Altadena man, as part of a crackdown on narcotics trafficking by gang members.

According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's office, eight of those arrested face federal narcotics trafficking charges, while the rest face state charges. The release said that the investigation initially focused on drug sales by members and associates of the  Pasadena Denver Lane Bloods.

The coordinated arrests started early this morning, with an Altadenablog reader calling at about 7 AM to say that there were several law enforcement vehicles in place at the corner of Woodbury Road and El Sereno, which was the site of a raid last year.

According to the press release, "The 15 arrests this morning culminate an 18-month investigation during which dozens of other defendants were arrested on various narcotics and weapons offenses. During the investigation, authorities seized eight firearms, approximately $40,000 in cash, five kilograms of cocaine and approximately 2½ kilograms of crack cocaine.

"The federal part of the investigation led to two indictments and one criminal complaint that name a total of nine defendants, one of whom is a fugitive. Most of the defendants face potential life sentences if they are convicted."

According to the U.S. Attorney's office, "the investigation that led to today’s arrests was conducted under the aegis of the San Gabriel Valley Safe Streets Task Force, which is made up of agents and officers with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pasadena Police Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (Altadena gang detectives and the Community Oriented Policing Services Bureau), the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration." 

The Burbank and Monterey Park police also played a supporting role, the release said.  

According to the release:

One grand jury indictment unsealed this morning charges seven defendants. They are:
• Jesse Vargas, 34, of El Monte;
• Jesus Campos, 43, of La Puente;
• Monte Russell, also known as “Godfather,” 35, of Pomona and Pasadena;
• Cuong Nguyen, also known as “David Thai,” 32, of Mid-City Los Angeles, who authorities are continuing to search for;
• Dayna Guyton, 29, of Pasadena;
• Myoshi Smith, 23, of Bellflower; and
• Lyonel Washington, also known as “Dough,” 33, of Altadena.

Among the specific charges in the indictment are allegations that Vargas on just one day possessed approximately three pounds of cocaine. The other two defendants charged in federal court are:

• Keno Monteze Norris, 33, of Pasadena, who is charged in an indictment with distributing crack cocaine; and
• John Eugene Brown, 48, of Pasadena, who is charged in a criminal complaint with possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine.

The eight defendants arrested today on federal charges were expected to make their initial court appearances this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles, according to the U.S. Attorney.

UPDATE:  Altadena Sheriff Capt. John Benedict sent out this message:

At 6:00 am this morning the Altadena Sheriff’s Station, Pasadena Police Department, Federal Drug Enforcement Administration, and the FBI conducted an operation that resulted in the arrest of nineteen suspects who will face federal narcotics trafficking charges and various other state charges.  Several of those arrested are members of the Pasadena Denver Lane Blood Gang.  Most of the defendants will face potential life sentences if they are convicted.  Today'’s arrests demonstrate that law enforcement is committed to working together with its state and local law enforcement partners to protect our community from the menace of the illegal narcotics trade and criminal activity in our community.  It is my hope that this event will subside the recent assaults that have plagued our community over the last two months.

 

 

Aveson students meet with Rep. Schiff during Washington trip

 

Students from Aveson School in Altadena toured Washington, D.C. this week. Here, they sit on the Capitol steps with Congressman Adam Schiff. Photo by Schiff's office.

 

 

 

from the office of Adam Schiff

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) met with over twenty students from Aveson Charter School in Altadena as part of their annual field trip to Washington, D.C. on Thursday.

“It was great to meet a group of such bright and engaged students today who were visiting from Aveson Charter School,” said Rep. Schiff. “We talked about my role in Congress, about preserving education funding and even the budgetary and appropriations process. It was a special treat for me to get to talk with them on the front steps of the Capitol, and I hope they had a great visit to Washington, D.C.”

The sixth through ninth graders from Aveson met with Schiff during their field trip to the nation’s Capitol on the East Capitol steps in between votes of the House of Representatives.  The students each raised over $1,000 in order to pay for their trip by hosting a car wash, selling chocolates, holding a rummage sale and even hosting “Hot Food Mondays.” 

During their trip, the students visited the National Mall at night, including the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials.  They also toured Ford’s Theater, the iconic theatre where President Lincoln was assassinated, and are planning on touring the Capitol today.  Schiff helped arrange the tour of the Capitol on Friday and made sure that the students had passes to the House and Senate galleries so students can watch proceedings and votes.   

 

Altadena deputies defend their BBQ honor this weekend

This Saturday, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will host the 2nd Annual LASD Stars & Stripes Barbeque and Salsa Showdown in Castaic, and last year's Grandmaster Champions -- the deputies of Altadena Station -- will try to defend their title.

Competitors from throughout Southern California will compete to show who makes the best medium, hot, or sweet salsa, who grills up the best chicken wings, and who smokes the best pork roasts, pork ribs and beef brisket. In addition to the food offered by the competitors, a variety of food vendors will offer everything from ice cream to barbeque. 

Admission is only $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for children ages 7-14, and free to children 6 and under. Admission includes a BBQ/Salsa tasting card, entitling the bearer to sample the entries and vote on their favorites for the "People’s Choice" awards. 

There will be several BBQ and salsa samples available throughout the day, live music, vendors, as well as static displays from various LASD units. 

All activities take place on the grounds of the Sheriff Department’s Jack Bones Equestrian Center, located at 26893 Tapia Canyon Road, Castaic, California. Free parking is available at the event. 
Proceeds will benefit Special Olympics of Southern California, 999 for Kids, Wives Behind the Badge, and LASD Motorsports. 

Only service animals may be brought into the event. 

There are no ATM’s at the event. 

The BBQ and Salsa Showdown will be held rain or shine. 

The event website at www.alanar.net/BBQ has information on sponsoring the event, competing, or being a vendor. For additional information, contact Tabitha Youngstrom at(661) 294-6309, email the event committee at BBQ@LASD.org, or visit the event on Facebook. Information is also available at www.PDCEvents.org . 

Morning jolt

• Did someone say "Pie?": The Pie 'N' Burger Truck will be at Farnsworth Park on Concha Street tonight from 5-8:15 PM, to help feed the hungry hoards at the Central Altadena Little League, but non-athletes are welcome, too!
• Land Use Committee cancelled: The Altadena Town Council Land Use Committee will not meet this month, due to lack of quorum, says member Jamie Bissner.

 

Doing our part for medical science

We'll be traveling to Sacramento and back today for our son's drug trial, so entries will be light.

Lake Avenue Community Foundation benefit for local youth

from the Lake Avenue Community Foundation

On Friday, June 15, Lake Avenue Community Foundation will host its second annual "STARS for Tomorrow Benefit" to honor local youth and to raise support for the foundation's academic, technology and enrichment programs for young people and their families.

The event will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Noor Restaurant and Ballroom at 260 East Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena.

Over the past eleven years LACF has been a partner to Pasadena Unified School District and other local organizations engaging students and their families through its STARS tutoring program for elementary and secondary school students, its Mentoring Program for middle school through college-age students, its Adopt-A-School program, summer SKILLZ program for students in need of remedial support, and its social/emotional health counseling programs.

For more information about the benefit, go to http://www.lakeavefoundation.org/stars-for-tomorrow/ or call Linnie Riboli at 626.817.4505.

 

"Art on Millionaire's Row" offers something for everybody June 9

from the Altadena Library

Everyone is invited to Altadena Library’s Third Annual Art on Millionaire’s Row arts and crafts festival which will take place on Saturday June 9 from 10 AM- 6 PM. The art fair will feature local artists and crafts vendors, a juried salon exhibit, live music throughout the day, delicious food from Altadena’s favorites, children’s activities, and fun for the whole family. Make a day of it. The library is located at 600 E. Mariposa Street, Altadena, 91001. Free parking will be available at both the Altadena Senior Center just west of the library and the Girl Scout Camp just north of the library. 

Highlights of the festival:

• An exhibition of art, all for sale. There will be a juried competition, with prizes awarded. The fifty fine art pieces entered include ceramics, art glass, oil, acrylic, watercolor, and pastel landscapes and nature studies, sculpture, and digital and film photography. All of the artists are from Altadena or surrounding communities.  An artists’ reception and awards presentations will take place on Friday evening from 6 to 9 pm in the Community Room. Refreshments will be served. 
• About forty artists and craftspeople will be selling their work in booths on the library grounds. Objects and materials include paintings, photography, fabric and textile art, ceramics, glass, sculpture and pottery and jewelry.  There will be something for everyone. Proceeds from the sale of artwork benefit the Altadena Library.
• Live music will play all day long on the grounds. Musicians include local bands, guitar players, and singers of folk and popular songs. One of the bands playing features several astronomers from JPL with vocalist Sallie Cruise Vice President of Friends of the Altadena Library.
• For the children there will be a face painter, balloons, and art activities with materials and instructions, all for free.
• A special art project "Eyes on Art" in which each piece features one or more pair of eyeglasses which will be donated by participating artists to be sold to the public with the proceeds to benefit the Altadena Library Foundation.
• Food vendors, mostly local favorites, selling fried chicken, Louisiana-style sausages, tamales, salads, sandwiches, fruit cups, pastries, cookies, cupcakes, and ice cream, and hot and cold coffee drinks and smoothies.

For more information, visit www.altadenalibrary.org or call 626-798-0833.

 

Weather Eye: new Volunteers on Patrol are ready to serve Altadena

 

Altadena Sheriff Station staff welcome new Volunteers on Patrol, in the white shirts. From left: Lt. Michael White, Deb Halberstadt, Jackie Sharpe, Andy Morrison, Matthew Shropshire, Deputy Ronnie Manier, Sahara Torres, Candy Jesus, Guadalupe Venegas, and Helen Nazaryan. Photo by Bill Westphal.

 

by Bill Westphal

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department completed its Volunteer On Patrol Academy on May 26 2012, with the graduation of Class #21. 

The 50 volunteers completed over 36 hours of training which was held at Martin Luther King Medical Center and consisted of several different aspects of what the VOPs need to know including radio codes and procedures, personal safety, patrol tactics and driver training.

The class included eight who will be volunteering at the Altadena Station: Deb Halberstadt, Jackie Sharpe, Andy Morrison, Matthew Shropshire, Sahara Torres, Candy Jesus, Guadalupe Venegas, and Helen Nazaryan.

 Volunteers On Patrol will be patrolling Altadena in a marked sheriff's car.  They will assist deputies in a variety of tasks, perform vacation checks on residences and patrol schools and parks. 

If you see them driving around Altadena please wave and say hi to show your appreciation for what they do.  After all, they aren’t paid and they do this as a way of giving back to the community.

-----

Bill Westphal is a Volunteer on Patrol, operates the Altadena Weathercam, and  is the 2011 Citizen of the Year.

 

Altadena yard sale to help finance indie film

 

A scene from "Lost in Living." Courtesy Ma and Pa Films

 

from Ma and Pa Films

On Saturday, June 2 and Sunday, June 3, Ma and Pa Films is holding a mega yard sale as part of their creative (and determined) financing for their upcoming documentary feature film Lost In Living.  Donations from friends, family and even strangers have been collected from all over the Los Angeles area.  Some donations have even been shipped from as far away as New York.  This is the final push for completion funds for this film.  Director Mary Trunk has been working on Lost In Living for close to eight years. 

Find the jewels and treasures among the wide variety of items.  Learn more about the film and meet the filmmakers.  Eat cookies and lemonade.  Buy locally grown avocados and kumquats!  Help support an independent documentary film. 

Location and Time: 1218 East Palm Street (between Holliston and Lake), Altadena, from 8 to 4 each day.

Lost In Living is a funny and poignant film about four mothers and their struggles and triumphs to raise children and make art.  The movie resonates with anyone who has had to confront the trials of personal dreams and family obligations.

Behind the domestic curtain of motherhood, where the creative impulse can flourish or languish, are four women determined to make a go of it.  Filmed over seven years, Lost In Living, confronts the contradictions inherent in personal ambition and self-sacrifice, female friendship and mental isolation, big projects and dirty dishes.  The complex realities of family life unfold in this documentary film about the messy intersection of motherhood and artistic expression.

The director, Mary Trunk, is a mother herself and what better way to raise the completion funds for her film than to organize a yard sale.  Items from all over the city have been donated for the cause.

Lost In Living is in the last months of post-production.  Eight years in the making, Mary and husband, Paul Sanchez, co-founders of Ma and Pa Films, have raised every last dime to keep this project afloat.  This project is fiscally sponsored by the Filmmakers Alliance.

 

Weekendin': June 1-3

Some things to look forward to this busy weekend:

• Helicopter open house: The Pasadena Police Department helipad in Altadena will have an open house on Sat., June 2, from 10:30-2:30 PM.  There will be choppers, police vehicles, demonstrations, a chance to talk to recruiters if you're so inclined, and rumor has it you'll even get a chance to see the sheriff's Air 5 rescue helicopter, provided it's not been sent to help some yo-yo on a crumbling cliff at the first waterfall.  2175 Yucca Lane, Altadena
• RIPE on native landscaping: RIPE Altadena, those backyard farmers, are holding a workshop on  "Landscaping with Native Plants" to be held at the Pasadena Seventh Day Adventist Church, 1280 E. Washington Blvd., on Sun., June 3, starting at 3 PM. Cost is $20, but  RSVP first to gail@ripealtadena.com.

 

Morning jolt: Tournament grants, and hipster birding

• Tournament grants: Over two dozen San Gabriel Valley nonprofit organizations were the recipients of $100,000 worth of grants from the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association, including Mentoring & Partnership for Youth Development at Muir High School.  Bill Kisliuk at the Pasadena Sun has the full rundown.
• For the birds: The never-annoying Steve Bass points out this LA Weekly blog article on local birding activities (yes, LA Weekly and birding -- who'd'a thunk it?).  Writer Tawny Flechtner (which sounds like the name of a bird herself -- "Look! A tawny flechtner!") use an alt-weekly word we don't use here in her post, so be warned.  It also quotes Altadena's inimitable Judy Bass, whom we strongly believe Steve knows.  If you want to get down with the birds, there's a free bird walk at Eaton Canyon Nature Center on the third Sunday of each month, starting at 8 AM (next one is June 16).  Birder Hill Penfold (which doesn't sound like a bird, but does sound like an origami move) leads the hike, which starts at the building.  Bring your binoculars, shade hat, and water, but not your dogs, please.  

 

Celebration to welcome new sheriff's staff on June 7

by  Carolyn Seitz

On Thurs., June 7, from 5-7 PM there will be an informal celebration to welcome Altadena's new station captain, John Benedict, as well as Operations Lt. Duane Allen, and Detective Lt. Michael White to the Altadena Sheriff Station.  We will also bid a fond farewell to Lt. Roosevelt Johnson.  The celebration will be at the Altadena Senior Center, 560 E. Mariposa St.

Altadena Sheriff's Station has been undergoing a sequence of changes that began with the retirement of Capt. Steve McLean.  We have a new Captain, John Benedict, and our Operations Lieutenant, Roosevelt Johnson left to become an aide to Chief Neal Tyler.  Our Detective Lt. Duane Allen became the Operations Lieutenant and Lt. Michael White came to Altadena Station two weeks ago to be our new detective lieutenant.

Captain Benedict and Lts. Allen and White would like to meet you.  Do you have ideas about how we can have a bigger impact on residential burglary or thefts/burglaries from vehicles?  Share your ideas with them.  Have you been noticing some unwanted activity in your neighborhood, but been reluctant to call?  Here's a chance to spend a few minutes with one or all of them to express your concerns.

They're here to serve and to lead, and they consider themselves as much a part of this community as you are.  Help them know what's important to you.

Historical quilts, Relay for LIfe, and Jackson memorial shoot-out: three community events need you

by Timothy Rutt

There are three upcoming events that still have room for you:

Craftsman quilting at the Chamberlain House: Nationally-regarded vintage textiles design expert Barbara Brackman will discuss Arts & Crafts designs on patchwork, embroidery, and quilting for the Altadena Historical Society this Sun., June 3,from 2-4 PM.  The presentation will be at the historic 1912 Chamberlain House, an Altadena Craftsman masterpiece.  TIckets are still available at $25 for AHS members and $30 for non-members, and seating is limited to 30 people.  Email   jlbrac@earthlink.net if you're interested.

Relay for Life:  The Altadena Relay for LIfe for the American Cancer Society is coming up on June 9 and 10 at Farnsworth Park, and there's still time to donate, form a team, or join a team.  More information is available at http://relay.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY12National?fr_id=36392&pg=entry

Brandon Jackson basketball tournament: They're still looking for teams, donations, and volunteers for the second annual Brandon Jackson Memorial Basketball Shoot Out, to be held on Sat., June 23.  The tournament, in memory of Muir sports start Brandon Jackson, who was murdered in 2011, raises money to provide scholarships for deserving, college-bound students.  There are brackets for youth from age 7-12, middle school students, and high school students including graduation seniors.  For more information, check out their website at http://www.bjscholarship.org/

 

 

Altadena Town & Country Club sets July 2 for fireworks display

by Timothy Rutt

And now, ready for the next holiday ….

The Altadena Town & Country Club has set Mon., July 2, as the date for the annual fireworks display for the 2012 Independence Day holiday.  The fireworks are set to go off at 9:30 PM at the country club.