altadenablog

Altadena is dogtown III: when animals are abandoned, good hearts abound

by Timothy Rutt

Okay, there are dogs involved, but this is really a cat story:

Bonny Shumaker, who's been keeping us up-to-date with today's rash of dog stories, wanted to give a shout-out to Millard Campground host Lonnie Fehr and give us a happy conclusion:

Lonnie, the Millard Campground caretaker, finds many stray dogs and cats dumped near the campground. He helps as many as he can, in fact that's where his own dog came from. He was able to find homes for a few of the cats, but there has been one stray, a young orange tabby, that was refusing to be caught and who was living mostly under Lonnie's trailer and off of his handouts. He was very worried that she would soon be a predator's meal.  We captured her last Sunday morning and took her to the most wonderful new family -- who had just lost their own beloved cat who was the spitting image of this little girl, whom Lonnie had named "Sunshine"!  So Sunshine, who turned out to be a very very sweet and affectionate little girl, once she finally let herself be handled, is now a pampered princess living in La Canada. She is being spayed this week and will no doubt lead a long and happy life with her new family.

Altadena residents have fabulous good hearts and have saved a LOT of animals lately!  (:--)

Altadena's Ana Marie Acosta named 2014 Rose Queen

from the Tournament of Roses Assn.

 

Rose Queen Ana Marie Acosta of Altadena

The Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association named Ana Marie Acosta as the 96th Rose Queen in an official ceremony at First Church of the Nazarene of Pasadena on Oct. 24. Presented by Citizens Business Bank with support from Macy*s and Mikimoto, the announcement concludes a month-long process that began with more than 900 Pasadena-area young women who participated in the Royal Court tryouts. The ceremony was emceed by CNN’s “New Day” news anchor Michaela Pereira.

 

Rose Queen Ana and the six Rose Princesses will make over 100 community and media appearances, culminating with the 125th Rose Parade presented by Honda and the 100th Rose Bowl Game presented by VIZIO.

“Rose Queen Ana Marie Acosta and the six Rose Princesses for 2014 are exceptional young women,” said Tournament of Roses President Scott Jenkins, who presented the crown to the queen. “In their roles representing the Tournament of Roses and the City of Pasadena, the Royal Court members are symbols of hope for the future, and I know they will inspire many young girls during the next few months.”

The Rose Queen and Royal Court were selected based upon a combination of qualities, including public speaking ability, poise, academic achievement and community involvement. During the coronation ceremony, Jenkins presented Queen Ana with a Mikimoto crown featuring more than 600 cultured pearls and six carats of diamonds. Prior to the public event, all members of the Royal Court received a pearl necklace from Mikimoto.

Rose Queen Ana Marie Acosta, 17, lives in Altadena and attends Polytechnic School. Ana is the captain of her school’s varsity equestrian team and a cabinet member of its Girls Service League. She also serves on Poly’s Ambassadors Council and participates in National Charity League and Girl Scouts, for which she is currently working on her Gold Award. Ana was accepted into the United States Hunter Jumper Association’s 2013 Emerging Athletes Program. She aspires to become a surgeon specializing in neurology. She is the daughter of Dr. John H. and Sarah Acosta; she has one older sister, Christina.

The Rose Princesses are Sarah Elizabeth Hansen, 19, Pasadena City College; Kayla Diyana Johnson-Granberry; 17, Pasadena High School; Jamie Ann Kwong, 17, La Salle High School; Katherine Diane Lipp, 17, La Cañada High School; Elyssia Hadi Widjaja, 17, San Marino High School; and Elizabeth Katie Woolf, 17, La Cañada High School.

 

School's out: bear sighted near Rose Bowl, still at large

by TImothy Rutt

Students at Cleveland Elementary School were dismissed and John Muir High School went into "precautionary modified lock down" this afternoon when a large bear was spotted on Arroyo Boulevard near the Rose Bowl.

Nixle alerts from the Pasadena Unified School District and Altadena Sheriff Station went out this afternoon following reports of the bear.  

According to a message from the Altadena Sheriff Station, the bear was tranquilized at about 4:55 PM  by California Department of Fish and Wildlife officers, and will be transported back into the mountains.

UPDATE 5:15: Altadena Sheriff Station sent out a Nixle alert contradicting their earlier one -- the bear has not been darted, is not being transported, but apparently is still wide awake and being observed by CDFW officers.

 

Halloween-a in the 'Dena

by Timothy Rutt

Halloween is only  a week away, so it's time to start thinking seriously ....

Decorations:  We're looking for pictures of outstanding Halloween decorations this next week -- if you think your house (or one in your neighborhood) is worth a look, send us a picture or give us the address and we'll take it ourselves! (altadenablog@gmail.com)

Farnsworth Park will start the celebrations on Friday, Oct. 25, and Saturday, Oct. 26, with a haunted house at the Davies Building from 7-9:30 PM.  There will be candy involved.  And then, on Halloween (Thurs., Oct. 31) they will do it all again from 6-9:30 PM.

Loma Alta Park will have a costume contest, coloring contest, Halloween-themed carnival games, and of course candy on Halloween eve, Wed., Oct. 30.  Aimed at the 13 and younger set, the festivities run from 5-7 PM.  On Halloween, there won't be any activities, but there will be candy.

Charles White Park will have a haunted house on Wednesday and Thursday, from 5-7 PM, with ... candy.  Aimed at the younger set, but of course all ages are welcome to the haunted house.

 

Color in your Halloween at Webster's Fine Stationers

by Timothy Rutt

Webster's Fine Stationers, 2450 N. Lake Avenue, is holding its annual Halloween coloring contest.

Come to the store to pick up your coloring sheet, have the kids color it, and fill out the name and email portions.  Return it to the store to be displayed on Webster's Halloween tree.  On Halloween, the names will go into a hat for a drawing, and you could win a prize!

Celebrate National Food Day!

by TImothy Rutt

Who knew Oct. 24 was National Food Day? (Not to be confused with World Food Day, which was Oct. 16.  We keep the decorations up all year, like a trailer park Christmas, )  But what better place to celebrate than in Altadena, the Food Capital of the San Gabriel Valley?

Here's a few food-related things worth checking out:

• AAAltaEats:Westways, the Auto Club magazine, has just published a Jean T. Barrett review of Altadena's most famous unsigned restaurant, AltaEats.  She seems to get it right ("modernist box" interior, check; "savvy and helpful" staff, check; Chef Paul Ragan's unfussy cooking, check.  Altadena as an "up-and-coming foodie community," double-check).  All we can say is, uh, check it out.
• Back at the ranch:  The Pasadena Public Health Department is hosting a community-wide celebration at its headquarters today, 1845 N. Fair Oaks Avenue,  Pasadena, from 10 AM-2 PM today.  Featured is produce grown by John Muir High School's Muir Ranch, as well as other regional farms.  Purchase fresh, low-price, and locally-grown California produce.  The event includes healthy food demonstrations, free nutrition resources, prizes, games, and healthy holiday beverages.  All proceeds go to Muir Ranch, a three-acre working farm on the school grounds that teaches students practical farming and entrepreneurial skills.
• Taste of Spain:  OK, it's on Nov. 1, but you can clear your calendar for it:  The Friends of the Altadena Library present RIchard Foss at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. , at 7 PM.  Foss is the head of the Culinary Historians of Southern California, restaurant critic, food writer, and teacher of culinary history at Osher Institute of UCLA.  He's also a journalist, a food event organizer, and author of a recently published book on rum.  (He's also a science fiction writer, Elizabethan history instructor, theater director, and graphic designer.) At the library, he will talk about the history of Spanish food (and some light Spanish fare will be served), and will be signing his book Rum: A Global History.  Along the way, there'll be Olivia Chiang's Spanish guitar and Jessica Pacheco's flamenco dancing. Food Day is every day, really. Olé!

Field Elementary Fall Festival Saturday

Field Elementary, home of the Mandarin-immersion program, is having its second annual fall festival on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 4-7 PM.

The fair features a vendor and craft fair, the Pasadena Symphony Brass Quintet, along with games, prizes, crafts and the "Rock 'n' Roll Robots."

Field Elementary School is at 3600 Sierra Madre Boulevard, Pasadena.

 

Webster's Community Pharmacy makes "Pasadena Weekly"'s best

by Timothy Rutt

The Pasadena Weekly's annual "Best of Pasadena" issue comes out tomorrow, but we've already got the early scoop that Webster's Community Pharmacy was named reader's recommended "Best Local Pharmacy" for 2013.

Meredith Miller at Webster's says that this is the second year in a row they've been the reader's recommended best pharmacy (which is runner up in the Weekly's scheme of things).

Businesses eligible to be named "best" can be anywhere from Glendale to Arcadia, including La Canada Fintridge, San Marino, and South Pasadena.

Webster's is also getting in the Halloween spirit this weekend with a "Haunted Halloween Hunt" on Friday and Saturday.  Find hidden Halloween treasure at the store for prizes or special savings.

Webster's Community Pharmacy is at 2450 N. Lake Avenue.

 

 

 

 

 

Altadena Sheriff Station gives volunteer award to Charles Ferry

Charles Ferry, left, receives a commendation as Volunteer of the Quarter from Altadena Sheriff Capt. John S. Benedict.  Photo by Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

 

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Sheriff Station has announced that Charles Ferry was named the station's Volunteer of the Quarter.

According to the station, "Volunteer Ferry puts in countless volunteer hours at Altadena Sheriff's Station. You can often find him assisting the community at the front counter or out in the front of the station keeping our station beautiful."

If you are interesting in volunteering at the Altadena Sheriff's Station and giving back to your community, give Sergeant Matthew Bossier or Deputy Michael Spina a call at 626-798-1131.

Christ the Shepherd's giant fish fry and bake sale Saturday (now with ribs!)

Christ the Shepherd Lutheran Church invites the community to this Saturday's Giant Fish Fry and Bake Sale, October 26, 11AM-3PM, 185 West Altadena Drive (corner of Glenrose).

For just a $10 donation you can enjoy a fish or ribs dinner “with all the fixins” including an ice cold drink; for a $12 donation you can have a combo dinner of fish and ribs.  Also available will be a wide variety of home-baked pies, cakes, cookies and other dessert delectables.

Proceeds will support CTS' efforts in the community.  626.794.7011

Seventh Day Adventists to honor veterans Nov. 9

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Seventh Day Adventist Church is looking to honor local veterans on Saturday, Nov. 9.

According to Luana Stevens at the church, there will be a program including posting of the colors by a color guard, a drum corps, distinguished guest, a video presentation honoring those who served and fallen service members, and a quilt presentation, followed by a luncheon.

If you're a veteran and would like to participate, or would like more information, reserve your place by calling 626-794-3953 or TheASDACveterans2013@gmail.com

Please provide your name, when served, what branch, and rank, and also let them know if you would like to participate in the marching processional with other veterans.

The event will be at 11 AM Saturday, Nov. 9, at the church, 2609 N. Lincoln Avenue.

 

PACTL to honor Bean, Sanchez, Robinson at celebration

from PACTL

 

Aveson Charter School's Dr. Kate Bean will be honored at PACTL's annual dinner-dance Nov. 16.

The Pasadena/Altadena Coalition of Transformative Leaders (PACTL) will kickoff its Third Biennial Celebration at a gala “Unity In Diversity Dinner–Dance”, scheduled for Saturday, November 16, to be held at Pasadena’s Jackie Robinson Community Center, 1020 North Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena.

 

PACTL will honor “Three Community Heroes”: the Honorable Jacque Robinson, Vice-Mayor, City of Pasadena; Phillip L. Sanchez, Chief of Police, City of Pasadena; and Dr. Kate Bean, Executive Director of Aveson Charter Schools. Yoland Trevino, PACTL President and Executive Director, indicates that there were quite a number of very accomplished and noteworthy individuals who were considered and this year’s honorees are outstanding representatives of that group of quality of individuals in our community, not only on the basis of their level of professional achievement, but also in the professional acumen, the critical ability and the commitment they consistently demonstrate in meeting the challenges they have been faced with in service to our community. 

Tickets for the event are $40, group sales are available, and may be purchased by contacting Yoland Trevino at (626) 797-3379 or via e-mail (therion93@earthlink.net). More information is available by visiting www.pactl.org.

 

MPYD: turning boys to men at Muir, one lunchbreak at a time

This year's motto for MPYD on the blackboard at their bungalow.

by Timothy Rutt

 

The bungalow classroom prominently displays a list of required dress and behavior.

Lunch hour for the young men at John Muir High School is like lunch hour everywhere: eat, hang out, play basketball, maybe try to make time with the ladies.

But every lunch hour, a few of them head for a bungalow classroom on the school grounds because they're hungry for something more.

Mentoring and Partnership for Youth Development (MPYD) is heading into its 13th year of showing some young men a better way.  In "Lunch with the Future," the young men are  greeted with a hot lunch and a short talk by an accomplished member of the community to instill in them the attitudes needed to succeed.  Speakers can include government officials, successful entrepreneurs, elected officials, members of civic groups, and others who volunteer to spend a half hour with the students.

On a recent afternoon, the guest speaker was Calvin O'Neal.  O'Neal was an All-American, co-captain of the University of Michigan team in 1976 (lost in the Rose Bowl to USC), and went on to play with the Baltimore Colts during the 1978 season.  He is currently director of On and Off the Field Mentoring, Inc., an enrichment program in his hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana.  

O'Neal was in town, he said, in part to see how a successful  program like MPYD runs, so he can apply its lessons to his own program.

The lunch bell sounds, and the students file in.  There's a list, prominently posted, of how they are expected to dress and behave.  

Speaker Calvin O'Neal leads the young men on an exercise in perception and achievement.

According to Tecumseh Shackelford, MPYD president and chairman, there are currently about 40 young men in the program, ages 14-18.  Starting from a group of  volunteers -- community leaders who "walked the halls," in Shackelford's words -- the program is now funded and staffed, and offers counseling, tutoring, help on college and career placement, and activities including a summer camp.  The goal is to use mentoring to steer young men away from destructive paths and into productive employment and healthy leadership in the community.

It's a program that works through every part of the student's life, Shackelford said -- parental involvement is required.

The “Lunch with the Future” program is a key part of MPYD's mentoring program.   According to MPYD's website, "Lunch with the Future will encourage students to aspire for productive employment in notable jobs and/or careers, by realizing the need to set achievable goals and becoming proactive in preparing to reach those goals."

Farmer's Market Wednesday; now with new hours and this week: yoga

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Farmer's Market continues Wednesday, Oct. 23, at Loma Alta Park, Lincoln Avenue and Palm St. next to the Community Garden.

Last week started winter hours, from 3-7 PM.

This week there will be a one-time-only, free demonstration Kundalini yoga classes from Christina Powers.  Farmers' market patrons are invited to try out a little yoga at 4:30 and 5:30 PM (class is approximately 40 minutes).  A mat will be provided.

 

A very short equestrian history of Altadena

 

Californio horsemen.  Illustration from Forbes Magazine, 1839. In Mexican Era, 1821-1846, California's economy was dominated by cattle ranching

 

By Michele Zack

presented on the occasion of the dedication of the newest AHA! (Altadena Heritage Area), the Equestrian Block, Oct. 19, 2013, at Altadena Stables.

All photos: Altadena Historical Society.

The ground beneath us has history. Not just human history, but horse history. Humans, in fact, were in the minority at the beginning of the recorded history of this patch of land — an outwash plain of the San Gabriel Mountains between the Arroyo Seco, here to the left of Altadena Stable, and Eaton Canyon a few miles to the east.

The future Altadena was prime pastureland belonging to the San Gabriel Mission, established in 1771. It grew to be the richest and most productive of all 21 California Missions, controlling about 1.5 million acres from San Pedro to Mount San Grigornio. During the winter many of the hundreds of horses belonging to the mission pastured up here, and they multiplied. They had a role in altering the land and environment, along with cattle, sheep, chickens, dogs, and humans. 

I came across an intriguing reference contributed by Jeanne Carr to a 19^th Century history of LA County, to a “Belle Mare. . . the fleetest and most beautiful of the Padre’s stock, who led a band of wild horses to Altadena” in winter, where they pastured on the luxuriant crop of grasses. 

Our local Indians, who learned to be great horsemen, used the trail beginning right here that led into the Arroyo and through Millard Canyon that was a major connecting route to their trade highway across the mountains, to the east and south. Gabrielinos were great traders, and dealt in such goods as baskets and tar from the La Brea tarpits, which has been found as far east as the Mississippi River.

 

This image taken around 1877 when the Eatons had sold their house to the Cranks ("the original Altadena Cranks!") It was built more than ten years before. when grizzly bears still occasionally hunted livestock in the area. Ben Eaton lost one of his favorite horses to one.

A Yankee pirate taken prisoner at the end of the Spanish period, around 1818, Joseph Chapman, felled logs above Millard Canyon and dragged them with mule and ox teams down to the pueblo of Los Angeles to be made into beams and boards that build the church that still stands on the north end of the Plaza at Oliveras street.

Pasadena Humane Society admonishes Altadenans after wave of "doggie dumping"

by Timothy Rutt 

From top: first dog, rescued at Chaney Trail, now adopted; mom dog and offspring, also found at Chaney Trail, currently looking for homes or fosters; bottom two dogs were found at Lake/Washington and are currently at Pasadena Humane Society.

OK, follow this story:

Last week, three cairn terrier mixes were found wandering in the Chaney Trail neighborhood.  One of them, a youngster, was captured almost immediately and taken to the Pasadena Humane Society, where she has since been adopted.  The other two, which included an older female,  were a little more wary, but after several days of concentrated effort, they were captured and are now looking to be fostered or adopted. Speculation is that the this was a mom dog and her two offspring.

But: Lori Paul (who with her husband Rob Stahle caught the first dog) writes to the newsgroups that two more terriers -- of similar color and markings as the others  -- were found on Lake Avenue near Washington Boulevard.  These two are currently in custody at the Pasadena Humane Society.

Since sightings of brown terriers have been reported at Hahamongna Watershed Park, Millard Canyon, and the Cobb Estate, speculation is that somebody dumped a mom dog and her four offspring, possibly at different trailheads.  (It's not too far fetched to think that dogs could make it from the mountains to Lake/Washington -- after all, a 12 point buck made it down from the Cobb Estate to Eliot Middle School on Oct. 1).  

In the midst of this rash of doggie dumping, Zahra Nealy, community relations associate at the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA, wrote to Altadenablog saying -- politely -- that you shouldn't bring lost Altadena animals there:

Reuniting animals with their lost owners is something staff at the Pasadena Humane Society loves to see. PHS provides shelter for the cities of Arcadia, Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge, Pasadena, San Marino, Sierra Madre and South Pasadena. If you find a lost animal outside our service area, please bring them to the appropriate shelter so that their owners have the best chance to find their pets. Each city has an animal shelter for its lost pets—please use the right shelter so that more pets are reunited with their families.

Despite what Nealy says, Altadena doesn't have its own shelter -- Altadena's designated animal shelter is run by Los Angeles County at Baldwin Park.  It's an open secret that people who find dogs in Altadena will frequently fudge the place where they were found so the animals will be taken in by Pasadena's closer (and, some think superior) shelter, as opposed to the county lockup in far-away Baldwin Park.  But you're not supposed to do that, and the Pasadena Humane Society doesn't have to take them.

So: if you have an issue with a lost or found pet, the dispatch line for service is  (626) 962-3577.  Artemio Menchaca, Altadena's animal control officer, has a direct cellphone at 626-290-3635.  Email is altadena@animalcare.lacounty.gov.  The county shelter is at 4275 North Elton Street, Baldwin Park, CA 91706.

 

 

 

Afternoon delight

• This Old House:  Mid-century modern architect Harold Bissner, Sr., 87 (father of man-about-Altadena Jamie Bissner) had a chance, at age 87, to revisit a house he’d created almost 60 years before.  Bissner designed the Sechler House in Pasadena in 1954, and was a point of pride for Bissner until it started to deteriorate.  However, after over a million dollars had been sunk into renovations, it’s now a showplace for the current owners, Evie and John DiCiaccio, and the elder Bissner approves.  Nancy Keates at the Wall Street Journal tells the full story, but you have to read it soon before the story disappears behind the paywall. (Note: link fixed!)
• Terrier saga is almost over: The saga of the terrier trio at Chaney Trail looks like it’ll be a happy ending:  one was captured and placed in a forever home thru the Pasadena Humane Society early on.  After a lot of effort from concerned dog lovers, the other two have been nabbed and are safe, but looking for a forever home.  If you want to adopt or foster, contact Bonny Schumaker of “Wings of Care.” at:  bonny@onwingsofcare.org

 

Altadena's horsey set has its "AHA!" moment

Horse lovers and history buffs could enjoy several styles of riding at the Altadena Heritage Equestrian Block event: buggy riding, English riding, and charro riding. Photos by Laura B. Monteros

by Laura B. Monteros

Where but Altadena could you see a real live posse, charros, dressage, Western riding, a two-wheeled buggy, and horsewoman/aviatrix Pancho Barnes all in one day and all in one place?

Altadena Heritage combined a community picnic, equestrian show, and solemn—or not so solemn—dedication of the seventh Altadena Heritage Area on Saturday at the Happy Trails, Altadena event.  Members of the diverse riding community were on hand for the celebration.  An Altadena Heritage Area, or AHA!, is a street, neighborhood or place that stands out and has fostered its own community.

Altadena Heritage chair Mark Goldschmidt holds up a reproduction of the sign that will commemorate the Equestrian Block.

The newest AHA! is designated the Altadena Equestrian Block and is bounded by Altadena Drive, Casitas Avenue, Mariposa Street, and Ridgeview Drive.  It reflects an area where several stables and a polo grounds were located in the past, originally for the wealthy on Millionaire’s Row, and remains home to many horse properties. The previous six AHA! locations are listed on the Altadena Heritage website.

Altadena Stables on Ridgeview Drive by the Arroyo Seco was the center of the festivities, with demonstrations of various riding styles.  Plenty of free food was available, with nachos from El Patron, pulled pork from Susann Edmonds at Jabberwocky Foods, and a sinfully delicious chocolate cake from Patticakes.  Supervisor Michael Antonovich and his intrepid aide Sussy Nemer made sure there were plenty of tables, chairs and even tablecloths, and Terry Charles provided music.

The Mouse meets the goats: Disney Channel visits Mariposa Creamery

by Timothy Rutt

Altadena food culture informing the next generation:  Gloria Putnam and Steve Rudicel take Disney Channel on a little tour of the Zane Grey Estate's goat cheese-making operation.  Enjoy!

 

Pass the Plate: Cheese Making on Disney Video

 

PUSD's Community Advisory Committee discusses special ed funding tonight

by Timothy Rutt

Altadena board member Kim Kenne will present "A Parent-Friendly Explanation of Special Education Funding" during the October meeting of the Pasadena Unified School District/SELPA Special Education Dept. Community Advisory Committee.

The meeting will run from 6:15-8 PM at the PUSD Education Center Elbie J. Hickambottom Board Room,  Room #236, 351 South Hudson Avenue, Pasadena.  Free childcare and translation available.  More details are available at: http://cac.pasadenausd.org

Altadena Rescue team looking for a few good people

by Timothy Rutt

Are you the type of person who stays in shape, likes to hike, and wants to do good -- with a side helping of rescuing some folks from their own folly?  The Altadena Mountain Rescue Team is looking for you!

AMRT is holding a membership drive on Sat., Oct. 26, at the Eaton Canyon Nature Center, 1750 N. Altadena Dr. in Pasadena from 10 AM to 2 PM. Learn more about the organization, meet members of the team, see rescue demonstrations, and learn how you can help. 

 

Two dogs found, now at Pasadena Humane Society

From Joanne:

My husband and I found a pair of dogs running loose this morning in Altadena. One appears to be a male, tri-color mix, possibly part Akita, the other is a female, possibly lab mix. Both very friendly. The male was wearing a collar but had no tags, the female did not have a collar. We took them to the Pasadena Humane Society who scanned them and found microchips. Hopefully they'll be able to track down the owners, but we wanted to post here as well just in case....The female is called Nala. Pictures attached.

Celebrate Halloween & Dia de los Muertos at the Library Oct. 29

The Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. , will host its annual family Halloween and Día de los Muertos Celebration on Tues., Oct. 29, at 4 PM

Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead is a traditional Mexican holiday when family and friends gather to honor and remember loved ones. Halloween and Day of the Dead activities include construction paper jack o’ lanterns, puppets, Mexican paper flowers, and sugar-skull decorating. Fun for the whole family.  Admission is free.

The Altadena Main Library is at  600 E. Mariposa St. 

 

In-n-Out Burger sponsors Library's Cover-to-Cover Club

In-n-Out Burger, with the Altadena Public Library, invites your child to join the Cover-to-Cover Club, through Nov. 16.

For every five books your child reads, they receive and achievement award and a certificate for a free hamburger or cheeseburger.

For more details, visit the children's desk at the main library, 600 E. Mariposa St., or the Bob Lucas Branch Library, 2659 N. Lincoln Ave.

Webster's Complex sold; WFS, thrift shop, and art center up for lease

 

Brochure from Webster's new owners shows that the Art Center, Webster's Fine Stationers, and Daz-E thrift shop are available for lease.

 

by Timothy Rutt

The Webster's complex -- an Altadena landmark for eight decades at 2450 N. Lake Avenue -- has been sold to a Beverly Hills developer.

According to the new owner's website, they are looking for lessees for the shops currently occupied by Webster's Fine Stationers, Daz-E Thrift Shop, and the Altadena Community Arts Center.  Webster's Community Pharmacy and Webster's Liquors are not listed as available.

The complex, which has been for sale for several years, was purchased by Greenbridge Investment Partners of Beverly Hills. Greenbridge also owns the building they call East Washington Village South, at the southwest corner of Washington Boulevard and Hill Street.  Tenants of that building, notably Archives Bookstore, have been moving out of that building in recent months.

A source within Webster's said that month-to-month leases were recently changed, and that the new owners have expressed a desire to have a chain coffee shop, such as Starbucks or Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, occupy one of the locations.

Greenbridge has a downloadable brochure for the location (pdf document here) that shows a remodeled exterior with added windows.

UPDATE: Meredith and Michael Miller at Webster's Community Pharmacy said that they have a long-term lease and will remain in the building under new ownership.  Read the full message in the comments.

 

Mark Dean Veca is a second storey man

 

Artist Mark Dean Veca put together a wall mural this week at the Lincoln Avenue offramp.

by Timothy Rutt

Veca fills in detail while perched above the 210 offramp and Lincoln Avenue.

If you were turning off of the 210 at the Lincoln Avenue offramp recently, you might have seen a strange sight.

Altadena artist Mark Dean Veca was hurridly putting together a mural Thursday and Friday on the second floor of the appropriately-named Offramp Gallery, 1702 Lincoln Avenue.

Veca said that he approached gallery owner Jane Chafin about sprucing up her second floor as seen from the street.

Chafin said that she agreed, moving a detachable mural on the wall to the garden and preparing the second floor exterior with marigold-colored paint.

Veca went to work Thursday, starting by drawing the basic design in chalk.  By Friday morning, he had outlined the work in black and was filling in the details, and expected to finish before the weather got too hot.

Veca is a nationally-known artist, who has received the New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship in painting three times, and has held residencies at institutions such as the Bronx Museum, the MacDowell Colony, and Villa Montalvo.

The mural installation is in conjuction with the gallery's upcoming exhibition, Kirk Pedersen: The Urban Asia Series and the Evolution of Zero+ Publishing,.  Veca is one of the artists included in the exhibition.  Zero+ Publishing recently printed the monograph Mark Dean Veca: Twenty Years, which will be for sale at the gallery.

The exhibition will run from Oct. 27-Nov. 24.  The official mural unveiling will be held at a reception on Sunday, Oct. 27, from 2-5 PM.

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Bright Futures Scholars receive John Anson Ford Award

 

Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich presents the JAF award to Dr. Sandra Thomas, center. Flanking them are, from left to right: Tracy Richards, Sue Dixon, Greg Middleton, Cynthia Banks, and Robin Toma.

 

from the Quality of Life Center/Bright Futures Scholars

This year’s recipient of the John Anson Ford Human Relations Awards for the fifth Supervisorial District is Quality of Life Center Inc.’s, Bright Futures Scholars Leadership Development Program. Supervisor Michael Antonovich presented the JAF Award to Commissioner Dr. Sandra E. Thomas, Dean of Scholars and CEO of the Quality of Life Center, Inc. and her staff members; Office Manager Greg Middleton, Finance Manager Tracy Richards and Program Coordinator Susie Dixon. Also pictured in the photo along with Supervisor Antonovich and Dr. Thomas are: Cynthia Banks, Director of Senior and Community Services, and Robin Toma, Executive Director of The Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission.

The Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations and the Board of Supervisors honors individuals, organizations and companies that have significantly impacted better human relations for our community. The annual JAF Awards are named for John Anson Ford, a past county Supervisor for six terms, from 1934-1958. He was committed to human relations through his 100 years of life. In 1944, the Board of Supervisors established the Joint Committee for Interracial Progress that later became the Human Relations Commission. His decades of service still endure as a model for all of us.

 

Pasadena Rugby fundraiser at the Altadena Ale House tonight

by Timothy Rutt

Gail Casburn at the Altadena Ale & Wine House, 2329 N. Fair Oaks Ave., will be holding a fundraiser today (Saturday) for the Pasadena Rugby Football Club, starting at 5 PM.

The fundraiser is a a wine tasting, at $25 for six wines, plus cheeses, fruit, and pulled pork with french rolls. Over 21 only, please!

 

Community center yoga starts new session next week

Anne Bosi's new four week session of community yoga starts the week of Oct. 21, with a time change on Thursdays.

Dates of the next session are:  

Weds. at 5:30 - 6:45, 10/23 - 11/13

Thurs. at 2:00 - 3:15, 10/24 - 11/14

 

4- week session is $55, single class rate is $17

 

Preregistration is required. If you are joining for the first time, please call notify which class you will be taking to receive the registration form to bring to your first class.  Call 626-798-1527

 

Too-much-to-do Altadena weekend

No two ways about it -- there’s just too much to do this weekend.

Let’s take a deep breath and plunge in ...

Friday, Oct. 18

• Beginning yoga at the Loma Alta Park gym, 9 am.
• Daniel Pearl Music Day concert at 11 AM,  Students from the New Horizon School, St. Mark's School, Weiszmann Day School, and the Peace and Justice Academy will sing at the Galpert Sanctuary of the Pasadena Jewish Temple, 1434 N. Altadena Drive.
• Library Fun Flick: The Croods, 3:30 PM at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. 
• Family Dance Night at Sue B. Dance Studio, $5 per person, ages 4 and under free, from 6-7 PM at Sue B. Dance Studio; 2525 N. Lake Ave. Everyone age 5-85 or more is invited to enjoy a variety of dance moves, party dances, line dances, and maybe even a square dance or two.  All dances will be taught, and no partner is necessary.
• Wicked Lit at the Mountain View Mausoleum and Cemetery, 7:30 PM, Thursday-Saturday.  Go to WickedLit.org for details.

Saturday, Oct. 19

• Light’s up at Christmas Tree Lane, 9 AM-noon, Santa Rosa Avenue, Saturday and Sunday. As long as the weather permits, we will be putting lights in the trees every Saturday and Sunday thereafter from 9 to 12 until all the trees are finished. In the morning you will be greeted with donuts, coffee and hot chocolate and after 12 PM, lunch will be served.
• Become a Certified UC Victory Gardener through the "Grow LA Victory Garden Initiative" begining class at the Altadena Community Garden starting in October.  The classes, part of University of California Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardener Program, run from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM  on October 5, 12, 19, and 26.  Cost is $55 for the series, or $15 per class.  To register, call Jeri Huston at 626-345-5466 or e-mail at Jeri.Huston@yahoo.com
• The Community Art Market and ARTbreak will be at the lawn of Eliot MIddle School, 10 AM-2 PM.  The event features pop music; cool, school-jazz; hip-hop; drummers; spoken word; dancers; art workshops; demonstrations; exhibits; hands-on creative/take home projects; food; refreshments; and lots of art for purchase, including a show by some talented young pople.
• Club 21 Walkathon at Central Park in Pasadena, 10 AM-2 PM. The annual fundraiser for the resource center for persons with Down Syndrome and their families.  Food trucks, activities, entertainment, and a walk through Old Town.
• Altadena CERT will be holding its own earthquake drill, starting at 10 AM and going on until it’s over!
• Odyssey Charter School's Fall Festival Marketplace will be held Saturday, Oct. 19, from noon to 3 PM. Shop for unique handcrafted gifts and treats including homemade pickled jams, home-baked goods, tie-dye shirts, plants, artisanal jewelry and hand-thown pottery.  There will also be chiropractic care, nutritional consultations, and more. This is a chance to tap into service providers, entrepreneurs, and artists from the Odyssey community.  Bring a blanket, a picnic for your family, and money to spend. Odyssey School, 725 W. Altadena Drive.
• The 15th Annual Latino Heritage Parade and Jamaica at La Pintoresca Park - 45 E. Washington Blvd, Pasadena. The Parade starts at 11:00AM and the Jamaica will take place from noon to 4PM.
• Altadena Heritage dedicates the “Equestrian Block” at Altadena Stable, 2064 Ridgeview Drive, from 2-4 PM. The block -- bounded by Mariposa, Las Casitas, Altadena Drive, and Ridgeview Drive -- celebrates Altadena's equestrian past,.

Sunday, Oct. 20

• Webster’s Fine Stationers, 2450 N. Lake Avenue, welcomes Ellen Snortland's one-woman autobiographical show, "Now That She's Gone"   The show is a fundraiser to help complete Snortland's documentary, "Beauty Bites Beast." Admission is free with a suggested donation of the amount you would like to contribute toward the documentary.Seating is limited to 35 and this will fill up fast.   The donations will be tax deductible, made out to Fifty-Fifty Leadership, the fiscal sponsor for the documentary.

And...

Monday, Oct. 21

• Friends of the Altadena Library present: “The Affordable Care Act and You”. Have questions about how the Affordable Care Act will affect you? Learn about the Health Insurance Marketplace and your new coverage options. Alex Zucco from Assemblyman Chris Holden’s Office will be on hand to provide an overview of the law and answer questions. The meeting will be at 7 PM at the Altadena Main Library Community Room, 600 E. Mariposa St. Admission is free.

 

Enjoy "A Taste of Spain" at the Library Nov. 1

by Timothy Rutt

 The Altadena Friends of the Library presents "A Taste of Spain" on Friday, Nov. 1, starting at 7 PM.

Learn about  traditional Spanish cuisine with food writer RIchard Foss, and enjoy Spanish guitar by Olivia Chiang and a flamenco performance by Jessica Pacheco.

Light Spanish refreshments will be served!

The event will be at the Altadena Main Library Community Room, 600 E. Mariposa St. 

 

Meet the Library Trustee Candidates, Part 3: David Tuck

The Altadena Library District election is Tuesday, November 5.  There are three candidates vying for two seats on the Board of Trustees, and Altadenablog is presenting profiles of the candidates in their own words.  Part I is candidate Steven S. Lamb.  Part 2 is candidate Meredith McKenzie. 

Find your polling place by going to lavote.net.

Candidate: David Tuck,  68, Owner, Advanced Carpet, Rug and Floor Service since 1967

Altadena Library Board Trustee since 2007 (Incumbent)

Years Altadena Resident: 45 years

What are the challenges that the library district will face in the coming years?

Always balance the budget and maintain zero debt. Continue to enhance the library as the center of Altadena's cultural and civic life. Modernize the main branch to standards for Americans with Disabilities Act, energy-efficiency, safety, and technology, while preserving mid-century modern design with continuing community involvement.

What do you bring to the table to meet those challenges?

Member, Altadena Library Board of Trustees since 2007 and all the progress achieved during that time, including income-producing Passport and Notary Public services, safety issues, building design exploration, ADA compliance, successful grant applications, wireless internet access at both branches 

Member, California Library Association Honor Board  

Member, Friends of the Altadena Public Library

Member, Altadena Heritage

Fellow Altadena Community Member of Library Strategic Planning Committees 2008 and 2013

Enjoyed an annually balanced library budget with zero debt for the past six years

BA, MA, Teaching Credential Program in History, Occidental College

Former Board Member, Alumni of Occidental College in Education

Former Board Member, Occidental College Business Associates

Former CEO and Chairman of the Board of California Fabricare Institute

First Presbyterian, Huntington offer free flu shots Oct. 22

First Presbyterian Church of Altadena and Huntington Hospital are offering a free flu shot clinic this coming Tuesday, Oct. 22, at the church, 2775 Lincoln Avenue.

Eligibility Criteria

• All adults over 18 years old, and children age 9 -17 with parent present for consent

• No allergy to hen’s eggs or previous influenza vaccine

• No medical history of Guillain-Barre syndrome

• No serious illness or fever at the time of vaccination

Clinics will be in the Fellowship Hall (south end of church campus) from 11:30 AM to noon, and from 1:30 -2:30 PM.

If you can’t make this clinic, please call the Huntington Hospital Flu Shot Hotline 397-3333 for additional community Free Flu Clinic locations.

Meet "The Croods" at the Library today

Get out of your cave and enjoy "The Croods," this month's Friday Fun Flick at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. 

When their cave is destroyed, the Croods explore a fantastic landscape and strange creatures in this animated adventure.

Rated PG, the film starts at 3:30 PM in the Community Room.  Popcorn and refreshments are available, and admission is free.

Still room for "Mothers Behind Bars" benefit Oct. 27

from "Talk About Parenting"

"Mothers Behind Bars: The Parent Puzzle," a benefit event, Sunday, October 27 from 3-5 PM at Hillsides, 940 Avenue 64 in Pasadena will raise funds to support the non- profit organization, "Talk About Parenting with Shirlee Smith"’s  "Parent Puzzle" classes at California Institution for Women (CIW) in Chino, Ca.  

In 2010, California State Senator Carol Liu suggested to Smith that  her organization take their parenting classes to  incarcerated moms. Smith worked with her friend and former inmate Gloria Barrios to redesign the classes the non-profit organization had been offering to the general public for over fifteen years, adapting them to fit the needs of mothers behind bars.

"Talk About Parenting" classes are in their third year at CIW and are  completely filled. In fact, there are over 100 mothers on the wait list.  

The event is honoring  Marguerite D. Downing, Judge, Los Angeles Superior Court Dependency Division, with the Humanitarian Award.  Smith, founder and CEO of the non-profit organization, says the selection of Downing as the honoree, while based in part on the judge’s impressive contributions and achievements, really came down to learning that in her very powerful position of ruling on a parent’s ability to manage his or her children, she remembers well from where she’s come, and she has the ability to have and display a high level of respect for those families who come into her courtroom.

Downing, founder of the Incarcerated Parents Working Group says, “I am able to separate what these parents have done from who they are.”

 

Hughes October Showroom Sale Friday-Monday

Altadenablog sponsor Hughes Estate Sales will hold its October sale at its showroom, 711 West Woodbury Road,  from 8 AM-2 PM Friday thru Monday.

The October Showroom sale features galleries of Modernist furnishings and elegant garden decor, designer lighting and salvaged architectural elements.  Get an online view of what's available at Hughes' website here.
 

Scissors/Paper/Rock goes pink for breast cancer awareness

Altadenablog sponsor Scissors/Paper/Rock Salon, 1864 N. Allen Avenue, is helping out for a good cause:

For the month of October at the salon, a portion of the sales from every pink hair extension someone gets will be donated to Breast Cancer Research. So come on into the salon and get that fun, sassy pop of pink in your hair for a great cause and to help raise awareness for the fight against Breast Cancer!!

Make your appointment now by calling: 626-825-1846.

ACONA special meeting to look at Altadena shootings

by Timothy Rutt

Elliot Gold tells us that the Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations (ACONA) will hold a meeting with local law enforcement and other officials on working to hold violent crime down, in light of the recent shootings in the Altadena Drive/Glenrose area.

Presenters so far will include Lt. Eric Lasko of the Altadena Sheriff Station; Capt. Steve Strull of the California Highway Patrol; Sussy Nemer, Senior Deputy, Office of Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich; and a representative from the Pasadena Police Dept.  Subjects  will include the recent shootings, downward trend in violent crimes in Altadena, and the law enforcement agencies serving Altadena.  There will also be discussion of what community members can do, the role of Neighborhood Watch, and what resources are available.

ACONA meets at 7 PM  Tues., Nov. 5, at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. .

 

 

Crime blotter: two wounded in shooting

Shots fired in two different incidents in the same neighborhood, two wounded, and more residential and vehicle burglaries.  Crime blotter provided by the Altadena Sheriff Station.

Sunday, October 6

Between 12:00 PM and 10:30 PM (Saturday) – A residential burglary occurred in the 2400 block of N. Lincoln Avenue. Suspect(s) entered the residence via unknown means. Loss: PS3 and computer equip. 

Monday, October 7

6:19 PM – An attempt grand theft of a vehicle occurred in the 2200 block of Oakwood Street. Suspect described as a female, 5ft 6 in., 130 lbs., red hair, wearing a yellow dress. Suspect last seen walking away from the victim’s vehicle and entering a dark blue coupe, occupied with a male, Middle Eastern, black/gray hair, and a moustache. 

10:42 PM – A discharge of a firearm occurred in the 100 block of W. Altadena Drive. No injuries, no victims or suspects found. 

Tuesday, October 8 

Between 8:00 PM and 7:00 AM (Wednesday) – A commercial burglary occurred at Ponci Burrito Express, 2291 N. Lincoln Avenue. Loss: currency. 

Wednesday, October 9 

Between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM (Friday) – A residential burglary occurred in the 3100 block of N. Highview Avenue. Suspect(s) entered the residence by prying the rear window screen. Loss: none. 

Between 5:30 PM and 7:00 AM (Thursday) – A petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 100 block of W. Woodbury Road. Loss: GPS, cellphone. 

Missing cat: Patches, Hill/New York

Reader Catherine is missing a cat:

When: We noticed the cat was missing last week (10/9/13) 

Where: North Lake area, specifically around Hill and New York 

Name: His name is Patches, he can be a little scared and stubborn sometimes, but that's just Patches and we love him for it

Who to contact: This is my boyfriend's cat but he is too busy trying to keep up with work so I'm helping him out a little bit. My phone is 626-253-2806 and email: catherinecasillas@gmail.com 

California Shakeout today; Altadena CERT to hold drill Saturday

by Timothy Rutt

The Great California Shakeout earthquake drill is today at 10:17 AM, with schools and other organizations  participating to get ready for the big one coming.

But Altadena's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is going to hold a Shakeout exercise of its own on the morning of Saturday, Oct. 19.

CERT's Mala E. Arthur writes:

Altadena CERT is going to have a Shake Out exercise of our own, all across Altadena and unincorporated Pasadena on Saturday Oct 19 starting at about 10am.

We encourage neighborhoods to hold their own mini-shake out drills first and then participate with all of us after that.

We need members of the public who want to offer to help, act as victims, or act as "concerned public".
We also need sites in Altadena where some CERT members can go on Saturday for 15-20 minutes or so, walk around in the yard and communicate back to the Operations Center via radio.
(They will be reading from a scripted card describing what they are seeing, no one needs to do any staging or let anyone into their home unless they want to.)

Any CERTs are welcome to participate.
Employees of First Responder and Pubic Agencies are very welcome also.

Please respond to operations@altadenacert.org with any positive RSVPs as soon as possible.

More information after the jump.

Become a guerrilla gardener in cleanup/planting event Oct. 27 (just don't tell!)

by Timothy Rutt

Guerrilla gardener Cody Howard

Shh! Looking for daring, stealth gardeners ....

Back in 2010, Cody Howard took a neglected stretch of Altadena Drive north of Berendo and stealthily turned it into a desert "guerrilla garden."  Originally working sometimes under cover of darkness, and with surreptitious help from neighbors, Howard, a horticulturalist with the Huntington Gardens in San Marino, planted an almost-self sustaining garden of succulants and desert plants, beautifying a stretch that had been left to dirt and weeds.

He was found out by Altadena Heritage, which awarded him a Golden Poppy Award in 2012, as he came out of the shadows.

Howard is holding a cleanup and planting day for the garden on Sunday, Oct. 27,  from 12-4 PM, and everyone is invited.  Howard writes;

Bring tools, gloves, water and excitement! There's lots of weeding to do and lots of big plants to plant as well. We'll also be moving some plants around in the garden and hauling rocks.

You can sign up on the Facebook page that Howard has set up for the event (which happens to coincide with his birthday), or just show up and become a "guerrilla gardener" yourself.

A detail from Cody Howard's guerrilla garden on Altadena Drive.

 

Meet the Library Trustee Candidates, Part 2: Meredith McKenzie

The Altadena Library District election is Tuesday, November 5.  There are three candidates vying for two seats on the Board of Trustees, and Altadenablog is presenting profiles of the candidates in their own words.  Part I , Steven S. Lamb, is here.  Part 3, David Tuck, will appear Friday. 

 Find your polling place by going to lavote.net.

Candidate: Meredith McKenzie, 60, College Professor, Cal Poly Pomona  & Realtor, Podley Properties

Years Altadena Resident: Three years

What are the challenges that the library district will face in the coming years?

The Altadena Library District faces three major challenges in the years ahead:  sustained revenue flow and financial management for sound fiscal accountability, disability accessibility to Library facilities to ensure access for all, and expansion of Library services to meet the changing needs of our community, especially in the areas of technology.

What do you bring to the table to meet those challenges?

As a newer Altadena resident, I bring ‘fresh eyes’ in looking at Library issues and strategic planning.  I have significant community and non-profit leadership experience, having served as Secretary of the Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council and as a Trustee on the Pasadena Community Access Corporation Board, among others. (PCAC televises the Altadena Town Council Meetings.) 

As a Cal Poly urban planning professor, I have been very active in local Altadena environmental efforts, especially related to Arroyo Seco stream restoration and water conservation projects and, as a local Realtor, I have helped many new families make Altadena their home.  I am also a local equestrian and can often be seen riding my buckskin, Lobo, down Loma Alta Drive. These activities inform my broad perspective on Altadena community concerns. I have excellent communication skills and interact regularly with Altadena’s terrific, diverse population.

I am known as a positive collaborator who is able to bring a diverse coalition of stakeholders to consensus on issues facing our community.  Most importantly, I have an excellent track record in organizational fund development, including successful grant-writing, event planning, and donor/membership campaigns. I believe these are critical skills that will help our Library in this time of economic uncertainty.

I look forward to having the opportunity to serve our community as an elected Altadena Library District Board Trustee.

Open house at Sue B this weekend

Sue B. Dance Company is hosting an Open House for new and returning dance students on Saturday, October 19 from 10AM to 4:30PM and Sunday, October 20 from 12- 5:30 PM. FREE classes, including Hip-Hop, Tap, Jazz, Ballet.

Drop in and join the fun! Invite your friends to try your favorite class. Don't miss out on the opportunity to try some new dance styles, meet new dance teachers, and register for the Fall season!

Schools combine for Daniel Pearl Music Days concert Friday

by Timothy Rutt

Students from four local schools will combine together for a concert to honor Daniel Pearl Music Days at 11 AM Friday, Oct. 18.

 Students from the New Horizon School, St. Mark's School, Weiszmann Day School, and the Peace and Justice Academy will sing at the Galpert Sanctuary of the Pasadena Jewish Temple, 1434 N. Altadena Drive.

This special concert brings together Jewish, Muslim and Christian elementary school age children singing songs of peace and understanding.  

This local concert is part of a global Daniel Pearl World Music Days event (www.danielpearlmusicdays.org honoring journalist Daniel Pearl, an accomplished musician, who was killed by terrorists while on assignment in Pakistan in 2002.   Pearl’s tragically short life was spent in the pursuit of fellowship and understanding across cultures. 

 

 

Update on terrier trio at Chaney Trail: one adopted, two still at large

by Timothy Rutt

 

"Toto" has found a home, but her two siblings are still at large.

The three wandering terriers found in the Chaney Trail neighborhood and reported yesterday are the focus of a concentrated effort by the neighbors to capture them and find them homes.

The three dogs -- which may be related -- were found wandering together in the area.  One of them was taken in by Lori Paul and Rob Stahle, who took it to the Pasadena Humane Society, while the other two fled.  According to Paul's latest email, "Toto" has been adopted and will be placed in a loving home tonight.

The other two are still at large and have been seen by several residents -- they are just hard to catch, and seem to be hanging around Nuccio's Nursery.

Millard Canyon resident and founder of "On Wings of Care" Bonny Schumaker has said that she can have them placed once they are captured.  She is available by email at bonny@OnWingsOfCare.org or 626-383-1412 (mobile & text).  According to Paul, Schumaker is "flying home from New Orleans (where she has been assisting research in the Gulf as a pilot), but will remotely coordinate placement of the two remaining terriers as soon as they are in custody. She will be able to help in person when she arrives here."

Farmer's Market switches to winter hours today, 3-7 PM

by TImothy Rutt

Altadena Farmers' Market manager Joseph Shuldiner reminds us that the days are growing shorter, and so the market is shifting to fall/winter hours:  3-7 PM on Wednesdays at lower Loma Alta Park, 600 W. Palm Street.

 

Town Council seeking to fill vacant seat in CT 4612

The Altadena Town Council is seeking applicants to fill the vacant seat in Census Tract 4612.

Councilmember Bill Ward, who was only elected in May, resigned last week to take a job out of state.  This means whoever takes his seat will sit for almost a full term, until 2015.

According to a release from the Altadena Town Council,applicants must reside within CT 4612 and must have lived within Altadena for at least two years. 

Census Tract 4612 lies roughly between Lake Ave. and Altadena Dr, and between Mendocino St / Glen Canyon Rd and New York Dr . Exact borders can be found at http://altadenatowncouncil.org/census-tracts/4612-2/ 

Applications and candidate eligibility information are available at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Drive and online a thttp://altadenatowncouncil.org at the "ATC Election, Candidate Package" link along the left side.

Applications must be received at the Community Center by 4:30 PM on Friday, November 8, along with the application fee of $35.  All eligible candidates will then be presented to the whole Council and the public at the regular ATC meeting on Tuesday, November 19t, beginning at 7 PM The full council will then vote to fill the vacancy by appointment, as called for in the Council's Bylaws. 

Meet the Library Trustee Candidates, Part 1: Steven S. Lamb

The Altadena Library District election is Tuesday, November 5.  There are three candidates vying for two seats on the Board of Trustees, and Altadenablog is presenting profiles of the candidates in their own words.  Part I is candidate Steven S. Lamb.  Part 2 will appear tomorrow, and Part 3 on Friday.

Find your polling place by going to lavote.net.

Candidate: Steven S. Lamb, 56, Residential Designer and Preservation Consultant

Years Altadena Resident: 46 years. I was born here, spent the first fourteen years of my life here and misspent a decade in Pasadena, and then moved back.

 What are the challenges that the library district will face in the coming years?

The Library is at a major historical crossroads. Our beloved Boyd Georgi building, while one of the first designed to accommodate handicapped people in 1966, no longer meets the present minimum requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). It must either be remodeled or replaced. Remodeling it to meet the ADA will kick in energy, earthquake, and other governmental requirements, some that the present Altadena Library Board does not have on their radar. We don't really have a choice in this matter, if we keep the building. We may find replacement less expensive.

Beyond the building, the world is evolving. It's probable that in thirty years most books will not be stored on paper as physical objects. In the future, most books will be on some kind of electronic platform, perhaps one not even yet invented. The  Altadena Library District should move its book focus to becoming a free Altadenan user service that grants unlimited access to the net, WiFi and teleconferencing for meetings. Some library districts in other states are doing this already. In this way ALL of Altadena's citizens, young, old, able-bodied and homebound, can actively participate in intellectual growth and community activities.

An area the Altadena Library District must develop a deeper focus on is going to be literacy. Our local schools are not doing such a great job, we have Latino and Asian adult immigrants who cannot fully participate without better reading and English language skills. At this point while we have the small Lucas Library devoted to this use, that program needs expansion.

 I believe that we will probably need as a Library District to do more outreach. I am amazed as I meet people that they have no idea we have a Library District or that a major remodel is under consideration. The library will have to be a better communicator and community partner in the future, particularly because meeting the demands of the ADA will demand we raise millions of dollars.

One of three dogs rescued: is the forest becoming an animal dumping ground?

.... may be, according to this message from Lori Paul:

Rob and I returned home late last night and saw not one, but three obviously related little tan cairn-type terrier dogs wandering in confusion down the hill near the trail junction... in coyote country. It was obvious that the little dogs were frightened and lost. We pulled aside, got out and tried to coax them over, but they were too skittish, except one. She hesitated and literally sat down in the middle of the road, trembling. We had to slow a car and truck coming up the hill so they wouldn't hit her. After about 10 minutes of edging closer to the little dog, I was able to touch her and then slide an old leash (that I keep in our glove box) over her head. She looked up with such a mournful expression, that I knelt down, petted her for a minute to reassure her, then picked her right up. She's a very gentle and endearing dog.

All we could do for her apparent siblings was to herd them downhill when they wanted to scatter and bolt back into Angeles Forest where the risk of encountering predators is greatest. The two of them were last seen traveling westward, somewhat together, on Loma Alta.

Once in the car, the little terrier settled in my lap and leaned against me with desperate relief. She shook for a few minutes, but exhaustion won out and she put her tired head down and rested. We drove down to Pasadena Humane Society where the after hours staff, Officer Murphy, took her in. He appeared charmed by the little dog. He promised clean water, some good food and safety.


All three dogs appeared dirty with scruffy coats and long term crusty stains under their eyes. The one we captured was not starved, but thin. She appears to be young. No collar and no microchip, according to Officer Murphy.  Her impound # is A340800:
http://www.petharbor.com/pet.asp?uaid=PSDN.A340800

This is a very sweet, reddish-tan little rough-coat terrier. She appears to be a Cairn Terrier mix, with longer legs than purebred as well as cute, half-flopped over triangular ears.

If you can give this lost waif a home when she comes up for adoption (we doubt that a responsible owner is out there!), please go see her and consider bailing her out. She is a very sweet dog who could fit well into your home and heart.

If any of you see her "siblings" running about, please try to capture them and reunite them with the dog we found by taking them to Pasadena Humane Society. One of the three dogs was lighter colored and smaller, almost like a rough-coated chihuahua. None of the dogs topped 20 lbs. in weight.

Thanks,
Lori

P.S. We hope our neighborhood and vicinity is not becoming a dumping ground for dogs, cats (like the mother cat and kittens Croix and others rescued) and even rabbits, but we fear this is the case. If you see anyone dumping an animal, please try to get description and driver's license. It is against the law to dump any animal, but it is particularly cruel and inexcusable to do so in the National Forest (currently closed to visitors) where there are so many large predators.