altadenablog

End of a patriotic day

July 4 in Altadena ended with a bang (and not just the echo of the Rose Bowl fireworks in the hills) as the Elks 99 Concert Band gave a patriotic concert in Farnsworth Park.

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Who doesn't love a flag-wavin' parade?

Well, probably lots of people, but Altadenablog will not truck with 'em.  Neighborhood parades are an Altadena tradition.  We managed to make it to a couple:

Sonoma Ave.

The Sonoma neighborhood parade celebrated its 50th year this year (on back of a 1960 vehicle)

Lots of kids and bikes and people on Sonoma!

They even had an equestrian unit!

Pepper Dr.

Pepper Dr.'s parade extended several blocks and had scores of marchers ...

  ... as well as vehicles of all kinds ...

... and a live marching band.

And a happy Fourth to you all!

UPDATE NOON:  Neighborhood parades are everywhere -- check out our friends who set the bar for community newsblogs, West Seattle Blog, who also offer a shout-out Altadena-way!

Independence Day

Go out and enjoy your freedom today!

Remember what it cost.

Strive to preserve it for tomorrow.

Land Use Committee looks at cell tower

The Altadena Town Council's Land Use Committee will meet Tues., July 7, at 7 PM at the Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.

They will be considering a new ATT "monopalm" cell tower (i.e. it looks like a palm tree) at the Lincoln Water Co. property on the 3400 block of Fair Oaks. LUC Chair Brian League sent us  a pdf with a simulation of how it would look here.

Three candidate seats open for library district

From the Altadena Library District: candidate filing dates will open soon:

Three seats on the Altadena Board of Library Trustees will be on the ballot this November 3, 2009.

Interested candidates must be registered voters and a resident of the District to declare candidacy.

First day to file declarations of candidacy is July 13, 2009 and the last day to file is August 7, 2009.  Candidacy forms are available at the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s office, 12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650, 1-800-815-2666.  Website:  www.lavote.net

The Board meets on the 4th Monday of each month at 5:00 p.m. at the Altadena Library located at 600 E. Mariposa Street, Altadena, CA 91001, 626-798-0833.  Website:  www.altadenalibrary.org

Eaton Canyon fatality identified

Pasadena Now reports that Arturo Beristain Hernandez, 24, of Pasadena, has been identified as the hiker who fell to his death at Eaton Canyon on Tuesday.

Library summer movie series rocks in July

The Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa, continues its summer of movie fun with four Friday Fun Flicks during July.

July 10: Inkheart
July 17: Confessions of a Shopaholic
July 24: Coraline
July 31: The Jonas Brothers 3D Concert Experience

All films are rated PG, and start at 3:30 at the library communty room.

Weekendin'

A patriotic weekend!

Thurs., July 2

Fireworks at the Altadena Town & Country Club, visible all over but particularly east of Lake, 9:30 PM.

Sat., July 4

7 PM, Farnsworth Park: Elks #99 Concert Band in a patriotic concert (details below).  Bring a picnic!

Farnsworth Park Summer Concert Series: Elks #99 Concert Band

This Sat., July 4, the Altadena Station Sheriff's Support Group is proud to present the 45-member Elks #99 Concert Band in a program of patriotic music at Farnsworth Park, starting at 7 PM.  Admission is free, and bring a picnic!

A short history of The Elks #99 Concert Band: The band was originally started about 1950, and was called the Southern Pacific Railroad Band. When the railroad started down sizing in 1964 the band was accquired by Avis Car Rentals and The Grayline bus tours. At this time the band was known as the Grayline Concert Band. The band was sent all over the state via Grayline Bus on behalf of the Company. Most of the members at this time, were members of the Elks Lodge, and so when the Grayline Bus Company was sold it was natural for the band to become the Elk's #99 Concert Band. Many well known musicians have played with the band over the years, and although the personnel has changed, the high quality of musicianship remains.

ABOUT THE MUSIC DIRECTOR Richard Babcock was born in 1956 in Binghamton, New York, the first child of an Army doctor and his wife. In 1962 the family settled in Salt Lake City, Utah, where Richard spent the next twenty years. At the age of ten, he started the trumpet. This was Richard's first contact with music up close and personal. He was hooked. He began to compose in junior high and won several local competitions over the next ten years. Along with composing, he began conducting his own works and filling in the missing parts on whatever instrument was needed.

 After high school, Richard attended the University of Utah. He became a full time woodwind doubler. He graduated in 1980 with a Bachelor of Music degree, with emphasis in jazz theory and secondary education. Richard spent the next three years teaching music and working as a freelance musician in Salt Lake City.

In 1983 he was accepted into the MFA program in composition at California Institute of the Arts. He graduated in 1986 and, in 1987, landed the job of Director of Orchestras for Chadwick School in Palos Verdes, in which position he continues to serve. From 1985 to 1990 he was the conductor of another fine community band in the Santa Clarita Valley. In 1990 he became the conductor of the Elk's #99 Concert Band. Due to personal commitments he left for awhile, but in 1997 he returned as our regular conductor. At present, in addition to the Elk's Band, he is also the conductor of the Peninsula Symphonic Winds.

The Wildlife Company at the libraries next Tuesday

The Wildlife Company presents "Habitats and Adaptations," with live animals, at the libraries this Tues., July 7: 2 PM at the main library community room, and 4:30 at the Lucas Branch Library.  Fun for everyone!

Christmas Tree Lane Assn. needs some help!

Got this in the comments section, but thought it was important enough to move it to the front page.  From Linda Lane-White:

The Christmas Tree Lane Association is trying to create a Winter Festival and parade to take place on the 2nd Saturday in December. CTLA doesn't have experience in planning for a half day of street closures, booths, insurance, etc. But, if there are any people out there who had experience organizing the Old Fashioned Days Parade, we would love it if you would come to the next Christmas Tree Lane meeting at the Altadena Library at Santa Rosa/Mariposa from 7pm to 8 or 8:30 on Wednesday, July 8th. Call Linda Lane-White at 626-786-1231 for more information. Dinner is provided.

Missing pet, playing possum

Dunno what is going on with Revvell and Bo -- first she alerts us to this poster, and then he sends us THIS poster, along with a note:

Even this sweet critter keeps calling, it has settled at our house. Domesticated, skinny and hungry - wants to go home.

Will now post signs in the hood.

Copter lands at Eliot this afternoon

Man, we take our youngest to yoga, and this happens in our neighborhood!  No wonder we hate yoga!

Here's the first-person scoop from Chris "The Skywatcher" Considine:

At 4:15 this afternoon the Sheriff's rescue helicopter set down in quick fashion on the playing field of Eliot Jr High.. The copter was on a return to its Mt Wilson station after a presumed rescue mission that took it to Huntington Hospital just about 1/2 before this.

As the helicopter was heading back up to the mountain, it suddenly started to lose elevation and made a hard starboard turn at Mendocino and Hill. I was in a car on Mendocino and it kept losing elevation and turning in a full circle back towards Lake Ave.

As it looked, I thought it was going to land on my street, Sonoma Dr, but continued over Mar Vista and headed to Eliot. It then landed and attracted a large group of people and a huge cloud of dust.

A crewmember got out, and stood in front of the helicopter and signaled it to shut down and it did just that. The rotors came to a stop for about 8 minutes. Then they reboarded and started up the engines and took off and once again headed to Mt. Wilson.

As a conjecture, I can only surmise that perhaps a warning light or some other technical glitch forced them to land and check it out. It seems that it was minor, and they took off.

Quite an exciting afternoon here in Altadena once again, as yesterday this same crew was called into Eaton Canyon for the tragic removal of a hiker's body, the story seen on the front page of the Star News this morning.

Jamie Bissner also reports to us:

Air 5 with the L. A. County Sheriff's Department dropped two hikers off on the field at Eliot about 20 minutes ago (roughly 4:10 -- ed.). The hikers were picked up by two members of the Altadena Mountain Search and Rescue Team and taken away in a pick up. The hikers were not in custody and appeared to have no injuries.

Just checked with sheriff's station, and they confirm that there was a landing at Eliot after a search and rescue, but can't confirm that there was a second landing.  We're continuing to look into it.

Thanks to Jamie, Chris for the story and first photo, and Bo Astrup for the second photo.

UPDATE 9:30 PM:  OK, only one landing, Chris said he was conjecturing too much!  Rescue hikers in the mountains, fly 'em to Eliot, take off and go home.  Sounds like enough excitement for one day.

Project: Altadena starts today!

Today is the start of "Project: Altadena," a group photography project chronicling a month in the life of our town.  100 disposable cameras will be going out starting today.  Here's what Molly Tierney of Photography by Walt, 2455 N. Lake,  has to say about it:

Disposable camera?? I know, I know we live in a digital world these days, but put it aside for a day and get back to the basics. With a disposable camera you don't have the instant gratification that we get from technology so now you must plan out every shot!

FIRST 100 PARTICIPANTS!!

The only criteria is that you must live in Altadena.

Cameras will be available at Photography by Walt July 1st
I will open early on July 1st at 8:00 am

Normal Business hours are Tue-Fri 10:00-5:30 and Sat 10:00-4:00
(Sat studio may have on location appointments so you may call 626 797 7207)

Cost $20.00

Last day to drop off cameras is Friday July 31st

The show will be hosted in Altadena on Saturday September 5th in conjunction with other fine events from The Altadena Arts Coalition and the local businesses.

2700 Photos!!!

NOTE: Altadenablog has paid for a limited number of cameras to go to people (such as area youth) who otherwise wouldn't be able to participate.  Know someone deserving?  Drop us a line at altadenablog@gmail.com

Who doesn't love a parade?

We don't really have a big parade in Altadena since the death of Old Fashioned Days -- but around the July 4, many neighborhoods have smaller parades to celebrate the holiday.

If your neighborhood is planning a small march, let us know!  We'll try to cover as many of these as we can!  So far, in newsgroup chatter, the folks around the President Streets neighborhood are planning one, starting at 10 AM at the corner of Glen Canyon and Pepper Dr.  We've seen 'em on Solana and Boston as well in the past. Let us know so we can let everyone know!

Circumstance beyond our control ...

... but blogging may be light today -- Edison has threatened to take the power off Altadenablog World HQ and the surrounding neighborhood sometime between 8 AM and 6 PM to make improvements in the system.  Need to find the old crank-powered laptop and router ...

New restrictions on Pasadena water users

Monica Hubbard shared with us this press release from the Pasadena Dept. of Water and Power.  Pasadena provides water for many Altadena residents, and new water waste restrictions are going into place July 4.  Other water districts will probably follow suit, after the jump:

Chaney Trail closes early for the holidays

A note from the Chaney Trail listserv:

Dear Neighbors:

  Due to the 4th of July weekend, the Chaney Gate to the Millard Campground will be closing at 6 on July 3, 4 and 5th.

Many thanks to so many who are helping with flyers, with patrols, who helped laminate, print and put up signs and will help restock the info box about the dangers of fireworks, smoking and open fires and BBQ's in our forest.

  ***NO Smoking ! NO Fireworks ! NO Open Fires or BBQ***

Please call the sheriffs if you see any suspicious activity.
Altadena Sheriffs:  626-798-1131

Chaney Millard Neighborhood &
Chaney Millard Fire Safe Council

Make your own cuddly creature at the Library Wednesday

As part of the Altadena Library's teen summer program, "Express Yourself," bring a clean sock tomorrow at 4 and make your own Tim Burton-esque creature.  Wonder if we could pass for under 18, 'cause this sounds like fun!

Hiker dies in fall at Eaton Canyon

SGV News reports that a hiker has died in a fall at Eaton Canyon Nature Center this morning.  More details as we get them.

UPDATE 5 PM: This story has all the details known to date.  We also have heard from someone who knew the victim, in the comments section.

Giant supervisor gives July 4 message

Apparently, Supv. Michael Antonovich has grown to gargantuan size and is positioned outside Disney Hall.  Rather than destroy it as most gigantic creatures would, he gives us a message about safety this Independence Day.

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Fireworks safety tips from Pasadena

A note from our friend Ann Erdman, Pasadena's public information officer, about fire safety and the Americafest at the Rose Bowl July 4 that's worth passing on:

SAFETY URGED DURING FOURTH OF JULY ACTIVITIES IN PASADENA
 
Pasadena Fire Department and Pasadena Police Department remind residents and visitors that the best way to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday with family and friends is by attending a professional fireworks show.
 
The sale and possession of all fireworks is illegal in Pasadena as well as most of Los Angeles County.  Violators are subject to confiscation and impound of vehicles, up to one year in jail and fines up to $50,000.
 
Due to high fire hazards associated with record-low rainfall the past few years, Pasadena police and fire personnel will staff checkpoints to seize all illegal fireworks and arrest offenders.  Parking enforcement officers will ensure that vehicles illegally parked in hillside areas on July 4 are impounded. 
 
Pasadena’s police and fire chiefs stress that the aim is to prevent accidents and injuries.
 
“Even sparklers, which most people consider safe, can reach temperatures of 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, burn people seriously and cause fires,” said Pasadena Fire Chief Dennis J. Downs.  “Adults wouldn’t ordinarily allow children to get near anything that hot but for some reason they think it’s acceptable to put sparklers in the hands of small children on the Fourth of July.”  
 
Statistics show that nearly 10,000 fireworks-related injuries are treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms annually. The highest injury rates are for children aged 5 to 9 and 10 to 14.  In 2007, more than nine out of 10 (92 percent) emergency room patients with fireworks-related injuries were injured by fireworks that federal regulations permit consumers to use.  Fireworks are the riskiest consumer product.
 
Prior to this year’s holiday, Pasadena Fire Department will apply Phos-Chek on July 2 to brush areas surrounding the Rose Bowl Stadium.  The main ingredients of this wildland fire retardant are phosphates and fertilizers that help prevent trees and grassland from burning and revegetate wildland areas.
 
“This is a preventive measure for Fourth of July activities and the summer season,” Downs added.
 
For more information about fireworks safety and enforcement, contact Pasadena Fire Department at (626) 744-7276 or Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-4501.
 
For information about the Americafest Fourth of July celebration, visit www.rosebowlstadium.com or call (626) 577-3101.
 

Donald Williams found guilty

Several sources have told us that Donald Williams, 62, of Altadena, was found guilty of various charges after sheriff's deputies confiscated 62 firearms at his residence last year.  Sentencing has yet to take place, and one source tells us that Williams, who has previous felony convictions, may have a "three strikes" sentence delivered based upon his latest conviction.

CERT training classes start July 11

Cresecenta Valley Sheriff's Station is starting CERT (Citizen's Emergency Response Team) training on July 11. Call the number on the flyer for more details.

Be fire-safe this holiday weekend

Lori Paul of the Chaney Trail neighborhood has send out this timely message to the newsgroups, and a copy of this flyer:

Dear Trail Users & Foothill Neighbors,

We are ramping up to the Independence Day holiday next weekend. Last night I heard firecrackers going off down in the ravine east of us. As in recent years, the chaparral is desiccating rapidly as summer heat begins, with no forecast of rain anytime soon. The fire hazard is currently high in Angeles National Forest and the foothills surrounding our homes. Recalling the 20 acre Alta Fire (allegedly set by teenagers with firecrackers) at the Cobb Estate on 9 July 2006; the Lowe Fire near the same location on 26 August 2007 (photo below); the big Sierra Madre Fire only 7 miles east of Altadena (as the crow flies or the wind blows!) on 26 April 2008 that burned over 584 acres... and the many other wildfires in Southern California since 2008... there is reason to be concerned.

[Photo courtesy of ABC News Online]

Visitors who come from other locales to watch fireworks displays or to celebrate Independence Day with BBQs and fireworks are not always well informed about the fire risk in Angeles Forest and our hillside neighborhoods. We remain one firecracker or cigarette away from a catastrophic wildfire. Raising public awareness of the danger may help prevent a fire from starting or result in a fire getting reported soon enough to be stoppable.

To help educate 4th of July visitors, an updated Visitor Fire Prevention Flyer will be available this week from “Take One” dispensers located at:
-- Chaney Trail Gate

-- Altadena Crest Trail junction on Chaney Trail

-- Sunset Ridge Fire Road trail parking area at the top of Chaney Trail (attached to the Adventure Pass & info. sign).  

One page flyers and brochures provided by the Sheriffs and Fire Department regarding illegal fireworks and shooting into the air (a really dumb idea) will also be in the dispensers, as quantities last. We will also get flyers to Lonnie Fehr that he can hand-out in Millard Canyon campground ...

Thanks to our local fire station for reviewing the flyer text and for providing "No Fireworks" signs to post up Chaney Trail. Supervisor Antonovich's office has also provided signs. For the last two years, the Visitor Fire Prevention Flyer has been made possible through donations from local residents. Rob and I print quite a few color copies with our printer. Several other neighbors have printed out enough additional copies to keep the dispensers full during the holiday, while other residents hiked up the hill to check and stock dispensers. Thank you to all the "usual suspects." ...
 
As some of you already know, the Chaney Trail Gate will be locked early (at 6:00pm) later this week to prevent motorized vehicle entry up Chaney Trail during late afternoon and evenings over the holiday period. We have been told that turnouts between the Chaney Trail Gate and the campground will have "Temporary No Parking" easels blocking them so that day users will not be tempted to BBQ or set off fireworks in those turnouts adjacent to dry brush. Chaney Trail access to the Forest will remain open for pedestrians, mountain bikers, and horse riders during the 4th of July holiday. Those who have reserved sites in Millard Canyon campground will be allowed in, as well.

The weather forecast this week is for dry, hot temperatures in the 90s. Please be especially vigilant for smoke and illegal use of fireworks. If you see suspicious or unsafe behavior, please call the Sheriffs at 626.798.1131 or 9-1-1, as appropriate.

Special thanks to the Altadena Sheriffs; local County Fire Stations; County Dept. of Public Works; the USFS Fire Department; USFS LEOs; local Fire Safe Councils; and all the neighbors, cabin owners, and other volunteers who will be watching over the Forest and our homes this coming week. We appreciate all the extra time, effort, and expense spent on behalf of our safety.
Respectfully,
Lori  L. Paul
Resident, Chaney Trail Neighborhood

Home prices going up -- everywhere but here

Ryan Carter at SGV Tribune says that home prices are going up everywhere but in seven cities in the San Gabriel Valley -- and guess what one of them is (even tho we're technically not a city)?  Altadena has recorded one of the largest month-to-month decreases (23.3%)!  Check it out for details.

Co-op social at Bulgarini's

Got a note from the Altadena Wants a Co-Op folks, who always balance socials with working meetings:

Summer is here!

We can’t think of a better way to celebrate our first social of the summer
than to get together and enjoy some of the gourmet frozen treats at Bulgarini
Gelato!

Please join us on Wednesday, July 1, 2009, at Bulgarini Gelato starting at
7:30 p.m.

Hope to see you there!!

Bulgarini Gelato is located at 749 E. Altadena Drive.

Summer swings in Altadena

Summer officially kicked off tonight with Downbeat Express opening up the Sheriff's Support Group concert series at Farnsworth Park.  Special guest Randy Caputo blew everyone away with his Gene Krupa-inspired drumming.  A great start to the season!

A health care story from Altadena

A self-consciously left blog (which uses lots of words we don't use on our blog) nonetheless has a compelling story from Megan Jones of Altadena on her health vs. Blue Cross. Something for the healthcare debate ...

Locals only Wednesdays at Pasadena Museum of History

Well .... locals get free admission on Wednesdays to the Pasadena Museum's "Family Stories" exhibition, if you live, work, or go to school in Alhambra, Altadena, Arcadia, Bradbury, Duarte, Eagle Rock, Glendale, Highland Park, La Canada Flintridge, La Crescenta, Monrovia, Monterey Park, Pasadena, Rosemead, San Gabriel, San Marino, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena and Temple City. PSN has the details.

Altadena history to your in-box

The folks at the Altadena Historical Society (of which we are a member) have been sending great emails about local history -- but it's not just restricted to members!  (And membership is reasonable!)  Here's what we received that they want to share:

Altadena Historical Society president Jane Brackman  is looking for history enthusiasts who might be interested in receiving  digital historical documents on a monthly basis.  It’s a free service.   To sign up send an email to ahspresident@earthlink.net

Each mailing features something unique from the files.

Altadena DID have a newspaper at one time! Click to enlarge and get the full scoop!

Still time to enroll in the Parent Project

We've been (and still are) dealing with a couple of non-Altadenablog projects with deadlines coming up, so our updates will continue to be sporadic for the next few days.  One of the ones we missed was this announcement for The Parent Project, which has been highly recommended by several people.  We've been assured that, even if you missed the first meeting Wednesday, there's still time to enroll in the remaining classes.  For only $30, with childcare available, it's a great deal!

The tougher it gets to be a kid…

                               …the tougher it gets to be a parent!

Gangs. Drugs. Alcohol. Family disintegration.

Today’s youth face unprecedented pressures and problems.  It’s no wonder so many of them have given up on resisting society’s ills and have started reflecting them.  While this may explain their difficult, defiant or destructive behavior, it doesn’t excuse it!  Parents need to learn effective prevention and intervention techniques in order to help their children.

The Parent Project® delivers results!

    * Prevent (or stop) children from using alcohol, other drugs and tobacco.
    * Put an end to parent-child arguments!
    * Improve children’s grades and school attendance.
    * Recognize and prevent gang involvement
    * Learn how to “out-will” a strong-willed child!

Learning Works! will host a 10-week session beginning Wednesday, June 24th.  The cost of the program is $30/family, which includes all material fees.

Workshop Times:

June 24th – August 26th, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

All workshops will be held at Learning Works! Community Learning Center located at 2790 E. Walnut Street in Pasadena.

Childcare will be available.  Please call for more details.

To register for the workshop, please call Learning Works! Community Learning Center at (626) 564-8762.  For general information on The Parent Project®, please call (626) 585-3010.

Weekendin'

An extended weekend, Thursday thru Tuesday.  Highlights:

Thurs.6/25

• 7 PM: Altadena NAACP sponsors "Are You Afraid of the Dark," a workshop on gang violence and safety, at the Community Center.

Friday 6/26

• Starting at 9:15, today and Saturday, the beach bus to Santa Monica, $3, seniors and persons with diabilities $1.50.
• 10-11:30 AM: Kids and teens, drop by the Altadena Main Library or Bob Lucas Branch library for a donut and to enroll in the summer reading program!
• 7 PM: open mic night @ Farnsworth Park, poetry and spoken word.

Sat., 6/27

• Family Storytime is at the main library at 10 AM, followed by "Barks and Books" (read to a loveable dog) at 11 AM.
• 7 PM Downbeat Express, Altadena's big band, opens the annual Summer Concert Series at Farnsworth Park.

Sun. 6/28

• 2:30 PM: New York tenor Darrell Lauer in a matinee recital with pianist Twyla Meyer at Beckett Hall,

Tues., 6/30

• John Abrams presents "Animal Magic" at the libraries, 2 PM at the main library and 4:30 PM at Lucas Branch.

Black Chevy Tahoe linked to burglaries

Chatter on the newsgroups for the past few days has put a black Chevy Tahoe SUV near the scene of several residential burglaries.  The Tahoe has a chrome running board on the bottom, and license plate number is

4KHG333.

Quote from Sgt. Dan Bartlett of the Altadena Sheriff’s Station:
“This Tahoe has been seen in the area of several
burglaries. There is not enough evidence to arrest the occupants (yet) but if it is seen in your neighborhood, call the sheriff's station (626-798-1131) immediately so we can send over a car to check it out.”

Photo: Chevrolet

Animal magic at the Libraries Tuesday

John Abram's high-energy magic show with exotic pets will be featured at the Altadena libraries on Tuesday: 2 PM at the main library, and 4:30 at the Bob Lucas Branch, part of the summer reading program.

Fireworks: Thurs., July 2

Altadena Town & Country Club tells us that their annual Independence Day fireworks display will be on Thurs., July 2, starting at 9:30 PM.

Six teens busted in La Crescenta with Altadena loot

Mary O'Keefe at Glendale News Presss reports that six Pasadena teens were arrested in La Crescenta after spending the afternoon knocking on doors (there've been a rash of burglaries where the perps knock on doors, and if the house is empty, go in the back yard and break in).  When deputies stopped their car, they had some unidentified goods that were apparently from an Altadena burglary.

In other crime:

• Pasadena Now reports that 18-year-old Paul Weitekamp of Altadena was allegedly busted by Pasadena police with 50 tabs of Ecstasy.
• An unidentified Altadena man was one of two men shot outside a private party in Pasadena Sunday morning, Pasadena Now says.

Drop in for donuts at the libraries Fri.

The Altadena Library District's summer reading program begins this Friday with the big donut drop-in!  Down a donut,  maybe win a raffle prize, and get ready for a summer of reading for kids and teens!  10 AM-11:30 AM at the main library, 600 E. Mariposa, and the Bob Lucas branch, 2659 N. Lincoln.

NAACP sponsors safety awareness meeting Thurs.

The Altadena NAACP will sponsor an event, "Are You Afraid of the Dark?" at the community center, 730 E. Altadena Dr., Thurs. June 25 at 7 PM.  Sheriff Capt. Roosevelt Blow will speak on recent gang violence and information to help safeguard your family.

School's out ...

... so blogging will be light this week.  (Listen to my silent scream!)

Darrell Lauer in recital, Beckett Hall, Sunday matinee

 Edward and I would love to see you and share this wonderful music with you in the intimacy of our living room, 1051 E. Altadena Drive (opposite St. Mark's School).

 

2:30 pm curtain--New York tenor Darrell Lauer in Recital, specialist in German/Italian/French art songs and American works + Southern California's Twyla Meyer, pianist and accompanist par excellence

 

Bring an appetizer/munchie to share at Intermission and cash donation for the performers.  CDs will be on sale--checks are acceptable for CD purchase.  Those who RSVP will have reserved seating on a first come first served basis.

 

You will have the most delightful time being up close and personal with these world-class performers and Edward and I will love greeting you! 

Questions/RSVP  626-791-7953 sharon@beckettstudio.com   Please feel free to bring friends.

 

Warm regards, Sharon Bailey-Beckett

Portantino to host free HIV testing at Vroman's

Assemblyman Anthony Portantino tells us in his newsletter that, in observance of National HIV Testing Day next Sat., June 27, he will be hosting free HIV testing at Vroman's Bookstore in Pasadena. 

Says Portantino:

Although HIV continues to spread and is particularly spreading among minority women, there is a persistent stigma attached to testing. That's why I am going to be tested and am inviting the public to have their cheeks swabbed in a rapid and confidential HIV test. Testing will take place from 10 AM to 1 PM at the patio adjacent to Vroman's Bookstore at 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. Spread the word and join me for testing and/or education provided by the Pasadena Public Health Department and AIDS Service Center.