altadenablog

Whoo-hoo! Hooty's back

by Timothy Rutt

Hooty the owl has returned to the Meadows.

The original owl sign on lower Canyon Crest (whose slogan "Give a hoot, don't pollute") was the creation of Meadows resident Jane Szabo.  It was destroyed last November by a rock-wielding vandal, but Todd and Jane Szabo sent us this message Sunday morning:

Hooty's back where he belongs!  

The new sign I  made to replace the old one that was damaged by vandals over Thanksgiving weekend was installed this morning.

Wow, don't we have a beautiful Canyon.  Hooty is on the back of the Smokey sign on lower Canyon Crest.

Eat Well Market kickoff gets appreciative crowd

by TImothy Rutt

Altadenans love their outdoor markets -- so with perfect Altadena weather to help out, the Eat Well Market at Camp Mariposa drew an appreciative crowd of foodies Sunday afternoon.

Aimee Silver is all smiles with volunteers Stephen Efthyvoulos, left, and Tim Lance.

Organizer Aimee Silver said that there were 22 vendors at the members-only event, everything from honey to soups, and many vendors were very happy to sell out of their wares so quickly. Community organizations such as the Altadena Community Garden and Altadena Heritage also had tables at the event, held at the Girl Scout camp at Mariposa St. and Santa Rosa Avenue.

Honey vendors even brought their own live in-process honeycomb to the market.

Musician/singer Michael Garrison entertained the market fans.

Silver said that, based on the success of Sunday's event, there will be more, although she wasn't ready to set a date for the next one.  To find out how to become a member, go to eatwellmarket.com/guest-list

 

Fans of literature gather at Pasadena LitFest fundraiser at Mountain View

by Timothy Rutt

A fundraiser for the Pasadena LitFest was held at the community room of the Mountain View Mausoleum Sunday.

Pasadena LitFest will be held March 17 at Central Park in Pasadena, with panels and events for all ages to meet authors and encourage a love for literature.

Pictured: Altadena author/historian Michele Zack hobnobs with Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard at the Pasadena LitFest fundraiser at Mountain View Cemetery Jan.29, 2012

Besides some meeting, greeting, and eating at the beginning, the attendees were later entertained by performances of Shakespeare from students from the Westridge and Alverno schools, and a performance by the Marshall Fundamental High School Choir.

Pasadena Star News' public editor Larry Wilson also attended.

 

Altadena author Jervey Tervalon holds forth with some of the young people who attended.

 

Morning jolt

 

• Enterprise: we see a subtle pattern emerging: PSN -- or at least reporter James Figueroa -- is picking up more Altadena news.  Figueroa has two stories in Saturday's paper that we broke first: one on the sheriff dropping out of ACONA (which we first had Jan. 25) and one on the Coffee Gallery's need to get $20,000 to keep the code people happy (which we first had Jan.19).  Glad someone's reading us besides AOL ... and apparently taking notes.
• Farmer's Market -- again: We spoke to Altadena farmer's market manager Joseph Shuldiner at the Eat Well Market event Sunday (he was playing hooky from a cheesemaking workshop at the Zane Grey Estate), and he's says the market is still in process -- he's dealing with the county, you know.  But we heard some things on background that sound very exciting, so stay tuned.
• Relay for Life Captains' Meeting: Yes, the Altadena Relay for Life is getting closer (it's June 9!).  There will be a meeting for team captains on Wed., Feb. 1, at 6:30 PM at the Altadena Community Center.  They're still looking for teams, so come on down if you want to start one, and bring a little something to eat if you're so inclined.
• ACONA survey: If you attended the Jan. 24 ACONA meeting, let 'em know what you thought and what you want to see at the next one.  The survey is here.
• Superbowl Party at the Ale House:  Altadenablog sponsor the Altadena Ale & Wine House will be open for your Super Bowl viewing pleasure next Sunday. 2329 N. Fair Oaks.

Legal challenge to redistricting fails

by Bill Kisliuk
Pasadena Sun

A legal challenge to newly redrawn state Senate maps has failed, as the California Supreme Court unanimously rejected a Republican effort to declare the maps improper. As a result, the senate map drawn last year by the California Citizens Redistricting Commission will go into effect for the 2012 election, along with new state Assembly and congressional maps.

"The Court's unanimous decision is a great victory for the people of California. ... We believe that the use of the commission's maps for the upcoming elections is important for the stability of the electoral process in California," Peter Yao, the chair of the commission, said in a statement. "It is regrettable that these challenges, based on partisan self-interest, have cost precious taxpayer dollars to defend the work of the people's Commission."

The state Senate map did not change much for residents of Burbank, Glendale and Pasadena. The new map keeps the cities intact as part of the same Senate district, which is represented by state Sen. Carol Liu (D-La Cañada Flintridge).

More at the Pasadena Sun.

Christmas Tree Lane - The Takedown starts Feb. 11

by Elizabeth Nelson
Christmas Tree Lane Association

Please join your neighbors and friends beginning Feb. 11 from 9 AM-noon  for “Take Down”. As long as the weather permits, we will be taking down lights from 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.

We will be starting at the top of Christmas Tree Lane (Santa Rosa and Altadena Drive) and working our way down every weekend until finished.

Two things to know before you come:

1)      If you are bringing a group of more than 5 on any weekend and plan to stay and have lunch, PLEASE call (626) 403-1123 or E-Mail us beforehand so that we will have enough food for everyone;

2)      We can only move as fast as our tree climbers, so, if you would be willing to climb about one story up a ladder, please tell us when you come and we will show you what to do. (To get an idea of the height, go to any tree on the Lane, look up and see the metal box…that’s about how far up you’d need to go).

If you have any further questions about the specifics of screwing in bulbs and hanging lines in the trees, give us a call.

Thank you and we hope to see you on the Lane!!

LWV sponsors privatization discussion

by the League of Women Voters

Privatization is on a roll. And either way, no one wants to be rolled over. Privatization is a controversial topic any way you look at it. You  won’t want to miss the lively free community forum – “Yours? Mine? Ours? Exploring Privatization” – sponsored by the League of Women Voters Pasadena Area on Sat., Feb. 11,  8:30 AM-noon, at Neighborhood Church, 301 N. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena.

People want to know what happens when a municipality or government privatizes libraries, roads, parks and formerly public places and spaces. They want to know the impacts and what the public benefit will be.  Does it make sense for cash-strapped cities?  Does it make sense for everyone in the community, residents and businesses alike?

A panel of leaders who have  experience with what privatization is and what it isn’t, how it works and doesn’t work will discuss various models of privatization and focus on privatization locally and on the state level.

 

Chamber honors Citizen, Business of the Year Friday night

by Laura Monteros

At the end of Friday night’s Chamber of Commerce awards ceremony, C. Jake Truman told a story about her Holliston Avenue neighbor who had to go to Florida for the launch of the Mars Science Lab Curiosity.  When he returned, the first thing he said to Jake was that the loneliness had been terrible, but he had one thing going for him: Every day, he checked in with Timothy Rutt’s Altadenablog and Bill Westphal’s Altadena Weathercam.

Pictured: from left, Rita Hadjimanoukian of Supv. Antonovich's office, Bill Westphal, Citizen of the Year, and Timothy Rutt, publisher, Altadenablog, Business of the Year. Photo by Whitney Westphal.

At the top of the list of community needs, particularly in the foothills where we are so affected by Mother Nature, are news and weather.  But who speaks for Altadena?  The answer came in the awards handed out by the Altadena Chamber of Commerce at its 88th Annual Awards.  Weatherman Bill Westphal received the 2011 Citizen of the Year award and Altadenablog founder, proprietor, and head reporter Timothy Rutt received the first annual Business of the Year award.

“If there are two people we can depend on in this community, it’s these two,” Dr. Sandra Thomas of the Town Council said. Chamber president Inger Miller said, “I think you are awesome to our community!”

Carolyn Seitz, last year’s Citizen of the Year honoree, presented the awards.  She said that she was honored to be able to present two awards for the first time, and that it was symbolic of the way the community of Altadena is beginning to pull together.  

Burglary suspect was tracked with his own GPS ankle bracelet, sheriffs say

by Timothy Rutt

Sheriff's deputies caught the suspect in six area burglaries by tracking him with his own GPS ankle bracelet, says Altadena's captain.

Capt. Steven McLean said that Jeremiah Billingslea, 20 who was arrested Jan. 20 allegedly in the act of burglarizing a home, had been tracked through the court-ordered ankle bracelet he was wearing at the time.

The sheriff's station said Billingslea was already on parole for burglary and, as a condition of his release, was required to wear a tracking ankle bracelet.  When the Altadena station suspected Billingslea in a recent wave of burglaries that followed his M.O., McLean said that they tracked him through the global positioning system in the ankle bracelet that broadcasts his location and movements.  Deputies easily found him in the house on the 300 block of East Calavaras St., still wearing the anklet, McLean said.

Billingslea was charged with six burglaries committed in the area in recent weeks.

"Verge" opens fall showcase Saturdays at the Coffee Gallery

Saturdays are "Potlikker Showcase"  nights at the Coffee Gallery Frontstage in February.

Sat., Feb. 4, Lance Anderson debuts his "Verge of the Beat" curated storytelling series starting at 8:30 PM with "Love Gone Wrong," episodes of Jack Kerouac's "On the Road" and "The Subterraneans."  Special guests include Win Goulden (journalist, jazz man, WWII paratrooper), actress/writer/storyteller Lisa K. Wyatt, and musician/singer/storyteller David Kaufman.  DJ Beat Gozon (Jeff Klein) will also be part of the proceedings.

On Feb. 11, the showcase is a "Gary Thomas Tribute," an evening of celebration of the Altadena painter before he moves up north, with April & Steven Thomas and balladeer Eric Pollard.

The showcase returns Sat., Feb. 25, with "Americana Night" with C.B. Floyd and Dennis Fitzgerald.

The Coffee Gallery is at 2029 N. Lake Ave.

Altadena Junction: happenings at ACONA, and the passing of legends

Online a day early, it's our column for the Sunday Valley Sun.

Chevy Silverado tailgates are the newest target for theft

by Carolyn Seitz

Some families in Altadena woke up this morning to find out the hard way that they're now a statistic, and not a good one.

If you have a Chevy Silverado truck, your truck is a target for thieves who are stealing the tailgates.

Not so long ago, it was the rear seats from Cadillac Escalades that were the prime target.

Over the last few weeks, tailgates from Chevy Silverados have been stolen from all over Southern California at very high rates.

Please find a way to park your vehicles in a garage or behind a gate or fence so you're less likely to be a victim.

If you have neighbors who may not see these posts from the Sheriff's Station, please let them know that these vehicles are being vandalized at high rates.

If you have a suggestion about how we can more effectively get the word out to the community so we can be less vulnerable targets or so we can catch criminals in the act, please speak up.

If you see something - say something!!

Please continue to be vigilant and report suspicious activity by calling the Sheriff's Station - 626 798 1131.

As always, stay safe and help keep your neighborhood safe!

--------

Carolyn Seitz is a public safety volunteer.

Crime blotter: suspect captured in broken window burglaries

Lots of broken window burglaries, but they just may have caught the guy ...

Sun., Jan. 15
Between 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM (Thursday) – A petty theft occurred in the 100 block of E. Woodbury Rd.  Loss:  gray/red Jiansu 2-seater go cart.

Tues., Jan. 17
8:42 AM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2300 block of Santa Rosa Ave.  Suspect entered the residence by shattering the rear sliding door with a large rock.  The suspect was possibly deterred from the residence due to the activation of the burglary alarm.  Loss:  none.

Wed., Jan. 18
Between 12:00 AM and 4:00 AM – A grand theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 2200 block of Country Club Dr.  Loss:  silver MacBook laptop, black/silver taser, black flashlight, black w/orange trim backpack.
Between 1:00 AM and 8:00 AM – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 1300 block of Morada Pl.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle via unknown method.  Loss:  brown Gucci tote bag.  
Between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM – A residential vandalism occurred in the 2200 block of Maiden Ln.  Suspect(s) used a brick to shatter the rear sliding glass door.  
Between 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1800 block of Mar Vista Ave.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by shattering the rear glass door with a brick.  Loss:  unknown at this time.

Fri., Jan. 20
Between 6:30 AM and 6:30 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2400 block of Glenrose Av.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by shattering the rear office window.  No loss has been reported.
Between 9:10 AM and 9:18 AM – An attempt burglary occurred in the 300 block of E. Calaveras St.  Deputies responded to the area and subsequently arrested a male, African-American, 20 yrs, black hair, brown eyes, 6 ft. 2, in. 163 lbs., wearing a black hooded sweatshirt.  The victim stated that the suspect knocked on the front door and was observed walking through the gate that leads to the back yard.  The victim heard several knocks at the rear door and the sound of someone tampering with the door knob and using force to open the door.  The suspect saw the victim and jumped over the fence into the neighbor’s yard.  ***The investigation is on-going due to other burglaries matching the same method of operation***
Between 6:00 PM and 9:00 AM (Saturday) – A petty theft occurred in the 2200 block of Raymond Ln.  Loss:  credit card, identification card.

 

Weather service issues high wind warning, red flag starting tonight

by Timothy Rutt

The latest: the National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning in effect until 3 PM Saturday for the mountains in Los Angeles County.

NWS predicts winds from the north to northeast at 25-40 MPH wil gusts to 65 MPH expected, and isolated gusts around 80 MPH at the highest mountain peaks.  

A high wind warning means a hazardous high wind event is expected or occuring, with sustained speeds of at least 40 MPH.

NWS has also issued a red flag warning, meaning the dry winds will increase the chance of fire danger.

 

LitFest fundraiser at Mountain View Mausoleum this Sunday

Mountain View Mausoleum, 2300 N. Marengo Ave., will be the scene for a fundraiser for LItFest Pasadena this Sunday, Jan. 29, from 3 - 6 PM.

LitFest Pasadena is Pasadena's first complete annual literary festival: an all day event with readings and signings by famous authors, and panels on more than a dozen subjects, to be held March 17.  Sunday's fundraiser is the final one before LitFest and will help get the festival off on a solid financial footing.

A donation of $75 per person and $100 per couple is suggested, though all donations are welcome, and any amount will guarantee you entrance to the event.

Programming for the fundraiser will include performances by students from three local schools: 

• A scene from Hamlet, performed by a Westridge School student
• A scene from Twelfth Night, performed by an Alverno High School student
• An a cappella performance from Marshall Fundamental High School’s choir

Tickets for the event can be purchased at the door, online, or by mailing a check to the address below.  All donations are welcome!
 
For all attendees, please remember that the entrance for this event is off Alameda Ave. (on the northern side of the Mausoleum), and parking is available all along Alameda Ave.

You can also become part of this special cultural event by emailinglitfestpasadena@gmail.com to learn about volunteer opportunities

 

Morning jolt

• Seeing "Red": The Women’s City Club of Pasadena is pleased to announce “RED” – a unique exhibition celebrating the color red. The exhibition, which runs from Feb. 1 through March 30, features sixty works by twenty-seven California-based artists and photographers. It will be the fourth art exhibition produced by Margaret Danielak, the Women’s City Club of Pasadena’s Curator of Exhibitions. A reception is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 9,  from 6 - 9 PM. The reception is free and open to the public. The Women’s City Club of Pasadena is located at 160 N. Oakland Avenue in Pasadena, CA  91101.  Free parking is accessible behind the building from Madison Avenue. The phone is 626-796-0560 and website is www.womenscityclub.com.
• Parent education classes continue at Saint Mark’s School.  Classes are held 9:30- 11 AM on Wednesdays from Feb. 1 through June 6 at the Saint Mark’s Community Hall and Brown Library, 1014 East Altadena Dr.  Topics will include transitions, positive discipline, nutrition, bullying, exploring nature with children, selecting a preschool, and more.  Classes are facilitated by Diane Goodrich, former Preschool Director of A Child’s Garden in San Gabriel and Joan Biersch, MFT.   Parents and children of all ages are invited and childcare is provided.  To register, visit www.saint-marks.org or call 626.798.8858. 
• Scott graduates cum laude: Edwin Leon Scott of Altadena graduated from Missouri University of Science and Technology. Scott earned a bachelor of arts degree in economics cum laude.

 

Tickets on sale for PinotFest grand tasting Feb. 11

The fourth-annual Pasadena PinotFestwill culminate on Feb. 11 with a Grand Tasting at the Altadena Town & Country Club.

Guests will have the opportunity to taste 200 pinot noirs from 100 leading wineries in California and Oregon, including: Alma Rosa;  Arcadian; Ampelos; Brewer-Clifton; Carr; Clos Pepe; D'Alfonso-Curran; Dutton-Goldfield; Flying Goat; Hitching Post; Marimar Torres; Melville; Sojourn; Stephen Ross; Vergari; Williams-Selyem; and many more. Those on hand also will be treated to exquisite cuisine from top-area restaurants such as Noir Food & Wine, AKA Bistro, Altadena Town & Country Club, Bistro 45, The Cheese Store of Pasadena, and Polka Tots Cupcakes.

Tickets for the event—which runs from 1 - 5 PM —can be purchased online at http://www.PasadenaPinotFest.com. Two levels of tickets are available: general admission for $89 and VIP admission for $119 (the latter comes with admittance to the event at noon as well as access to the VIP lounge and celebrity sommelier host George Skorka). For additional information call (626) 795-7199.

Tickets also are available for a series of pinot noir wine tastings being held at Noir Food & Wine. The events, which all begin at 3:30 p.m., are scheduled for Jan. 28, Feb. 4, and Feb. 10. Tickets—which are $15—can be purchased online at http://www.PasadenaPinotFest.com.

A portion of the PinotFest proceeds will benefit Hathaway-Sycamores Child and Family Services—the largest provider of children's mental-health services in Los Angeles County www.hathaway-sycamores.org.

 

 

Public vents at PUC hearing with Edison Thursday

by Joe Piasecki
Pasadena Sun

Southern California Edison officials tried to strike a conciliatory tone on Thursday during a California Public Utilities Commission hearing about the company’s response to power outages in the San Gabriel Valley caused by fierce winds on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.

“We can’t control the weather, but we can — and will — improve our response to it,” Edison President Ron Litzinger told commissioners and some 200 residents who gathered at the Temple City High School auditorium.

Many of those in attendance heckled commission members and Edison officials, angry that the company’s explanations remained unclear. A Sheriff's deputy moved to calm a man who shouted that Edison and commission officials were hiding information from the public.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

Busy day ...

Entries may be light today, as we've got lots of activities lined up (not the least of which is the Chamber of Commerce gathering this evening).  We recommend checking with the events calendar when making your plans for the weekend in the event we don't get the weekend activities up!

Parolee linked to six Altadena burglaries

by Timothy Rutt

A man who deputies say was caught in the act of burglarizing a home Jan. 20 has been linked to five other burglaries in Altadena.

Jeremiah Billingslea, 20, was arrested by sheriff's deputies during an attempted burglary of a home on the 300 block of East Calavaras St. according to Lt. Duane D. Allen of the Altadena sheriff's station. Subsequent investigation linked Billingslea to five other burglaries clustered in the Morada Place neighborhood in recent weeks.  Allen says that Billingslea has been charged with six separate counts of burglary. Billingslea is a parolee with a previous burglary conviction, according to Allen.

Allen said that the burglaries followed a similar M.O., where a back window was broken with a brick or rock to gain entry to the home.

 

 

Weather service says high winds could be on their way

by Timothy Rutt

Fortunately, anything that could be blown over probably already has been.  National Weather Service is predicting Santa Ana winds that will hit strongest in Los Angeles and Ventura counties by early Friday evening.  During the Friday night-Saturday morning peak, the weather service says there will be potential for 60-70 MPH gusts across teh mountains, with coastal and valley areas ranging between 45 and 60 MPH.

Along with the winds comes rapid drying and the potential for single digit humidity.  While the weather service is predicting heightened fire concerns, it may not be sufficiently dry to go into red flag conditions.

 

Eat Well Market set for Sun., taking only online memberships

by Timothy Rutt

Don't forget that  the Eat Well Market opens up at Camp Mariposa, 615 E. Mariposa St., on Sun. Jan. 29 from noon to 3 PM. Organizer Aimee Silver says that there's a slight change of plans -- they will not be able to take memberships on-site -- you must sign up for a membership online no later than Saturday morning.  (You must be a member to purchase goods at the market).  Free membership signup is available here.

 

 

 

Altadena Relay for Life seeks participants and volunteers

from Altadena Relay for Life

Volunteer organizers in Altadena for the annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life have planning in full swing for the Fourth Annual Altadena Relay for Life June 9-10 to take place at Farnsworth Park.  Additional volunteers and participants to walk on teams are invited.

A kickoff at Farnsworth Park on January 18 featured passionate testimonies of hope, from those who have battled cancer and survived, and those have been in the role of caretakers. "There is no way that cancer doesn't touch us all," organizer Rose West

The 2012 goal for the Altadena Relay for Life is to have 40 teams of walkers who will raise $ 40,000. In 2011, there were 35 teams that raised just under $ 35,000.

The next meeting will take place at the Altadena Community Center on February 1. The next planning session will begin at 6:30 for those who would like to be team captains or participate on a walking team. Committee members will then gather or planning at 7:30. Individuals and team members can log on to www.relayforlife.org/altadenaca to get more information.

DA mulling new charges against boot camp operator

by Bill Kisliuk
Pasadena Sun

Prosecutors are considering new charges against juvenile boot camp operator Kelvin McFarland, who is already facing extortion and false imprisonment charges for a 2011 incident.

On Wednesday Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Caroline Lugo told L.A. County Superior Court Judge Teri Schwartz she needs more time with McFarland’s case. “We may be filing on other [matters],” Lugo told the court. “That decision has not been made.”

McFarland, operator of Family 1st Growth Camp for at-risk youth, has pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from an incident involving a 14-year-old Pasadena girl. He is accused of demanding payment from the girl’s parents before handcuffing her and taking her to a relative’s home in May 2011.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

ACONA meeting rundown

Here’s a quick rundown of highlights from Tuesday’s ACONA meeting:

Altadena cell coverage:  Representatives from T-Mobile, ATT, and Verizon were on hand to speak about Altadena’s cell phone coverage: RIch Roche of ATT said that the number of cell phones has doubled in the apst four years, and over a quarter of homes had only a wireless phone as of June 2010.  ATT’s mobile data usage has gone up 8,000 percent in four years, so demand is growing, and carriers are still looking for cell tower locations.

But they’re hard to find:  a contingent of neighbors from Loma Alta Drive, which persuaded the county Board of Supervisors to turn down a cell tower in their neighborhood, spoke to the location issue.  Among their complaints was the height of the monopine (i.e. pine-tree-appearing) tower, which at 100 feet would have been the tallest object in the neighborhood.  One resident said that, had the tower gone up, her home would be in the fall zone if it came down -- and that fact would render her house unsalable and uninsurable.

Post Office:  Members and former members of postal workers unions accused postal officials of not being up-front about plans to close and downsize local post offices.  Michael Evans, president of the American Postal Workers Union, California, and an Altadena resident, said that the Altadena post office location is under lease for four more years.  They said that the plans to close the Mack Robinson processing center in Pasadena and downsize the Altadena office by moving mail carriers to other facilities is a “manufactured crisis,” that will not save money.  Joe Brown of the Altadena NAACP and a former postal worker passed out copies of a sample letter to protest the planned closures

Altadena shake-out: Steve Reagan of the New York/Allen area Neighborhood Watch presented some ideas on a pre-disaster “shake-out” for CERT volunteers.  Reagan said that he wanted to get 300 people CERT-trained and create teams to be deployed all over Altadena during emergency, working with the 37 Neighborhood Watch groups. Reagan said that it would be good to have a drill every year to identify problems and recruit new people.

 

Sheriff's station washes hands of ACONA

Altadena Capt. McLean says that deputies will not participate in neighborhood coalition meetings as long as juvenile offender is volunteering

by Timothy Rutt

Deputies from the Altadena Sheriff's Station were scheduled to answer questions about dispatch and investigation complaints at Tuesday's ACONA meeting, but none showed.

Nor will they, said Altadena Sheriff Capt. Steven McLean.

"Not as long as we have someone with a criminal background collecting names," he said.

The captain was referring to Kendall Brown, who volunteers at the Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Association (ACONA) meetings, usually staffing the attendance list.  Brown, 19, admits to having a juvenile criminal record, and, according to Elliot Gold, one of ACONA's organizers, his volunteer work for ACONA is counting towards his community service hours.

But law enforcement doesn't see it that way.  Brown was arrested after the last ACONA meeting, Nov. 1, 2011, after deputies at the meeting recognized him as having a warrant for  suspicion of grand theft, and called in other deputies.  Brown was released after three days, and charges were dropped in that matter.

According to McLean, someone with a record of criminal activity shouldn't be at a neighborhood meeting, collecting names and addresses of neighborhood watch block captains and listening to them discuss crime-fighting strategies with law enforcement.

"As long as he's there, we won't be there," McLean said.  As long as Brown is in the meetings, "I can't discuss what's up."

Both Brown and Gold think that the sheriff's department is targeting Brown, not believing that he's straightening out his life.  Brown said that he is being targeted because his brother belongs to a gang.  Gold, whose Upside Down T neighborhood association named Brown "Neighbor of the Year," also thinks that law enforcement isn't giving the youth a fair shake. 

In fact, Gold was removed from the sheriff's community advisory committee because he refused to not take Brown to meetings, both Gold and McLean say.

As for the complaints against the department, stemming from an Oct. 29, 2011 incident where shots were fired and neighbors did not think an adequate investigation took place, McLean said that "we sat down with the complainants in my office, we are doing an investigation."  Residents who attended that meeting reported at Tuesday's meeting that they did not feel they were being taken seriously and were being brushed off.

 

The Altadena sheriff's station: history in black and white (and tan and green)

by Laura Monteros

The storm had passed on Monday evening when the Altadena Historical Society rounded up the usual suspects—president Jane Brackman, who goes by the alias “Dr. Barkman,” Capt. Steven McLean of Altadena Sheriff’s Station, woman-about-town Carolyn Seitz, Altadena historian Michele Zack, concertmeister Bob Klomburg, and various types from the historical society and sheriff’s department.

They’d come to get the skinny on the Altadena Sheriff’s station.  Sgt. John Stanley (pictured) was just the hombre to dish it out.  Before the sergeant took the lectern, McLean pulled this reporter aside.

“There’s something John won’t talk about,” he said.  I cocked my ear to get the 411 direct from the captain.  He confided that Stanley won’t reveal that he researched the LASD archives and found the first African-American deputy in Los Angeles, Julius Loving, who became a deputy in 1897.

McLean didn’t need to worry.  Brackman spilled the beans in her introduction.  She added that the write-up Stanley did appeared in “a very prestigious California quarterly”—meaning, she said, that they don’t pay.

Sgt. Stanley described himself as “a historian masquerading as a deputy sheriff.”  He sure looked like a deputy.  But he talked like an historian.  His talk, “The Altadena of Ago,” profiled the Altadena Sheriff’s Station from 1927 to 1950.  

It started out with a dastardly deed on a dark night on a deserted dirt drive on the eastside.  The year was 1924, and a lovely lady named Miss Tyler was parked with her beau Mr. Jacobson, planning their upcoming nuptials.  

“There were both two-legged and four-legged predators,” Stanley said.  The cowardly crook was of the two-legged variety.  He grabbed the groom’s dough and then grabbed the groom’s girl.  Jacobson leaped to his intended’s defense and took two bullets to the torso. Pasadena police jumped on the case like fleas on a dog, but the sheriff’s department was slow to respond.

Fifteen rescued last busy weekend by mountain crews and choppers

by Timothy Rutt

The LA County Sheriff's Department says there were five rescues in a 28-hour Saturday-Sunday period Jan. 21-22, rescuing 15 people and recovering one body.

Capt. Mike Parker of the Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau said in a release that there were also helmet cam videos for three incidents.

We've discussed the rescue of a 19-year-old South Pasadena woman from Millard Canyon, and the rescue of four teens from Azusa Canyon, but there were several others (which we've had in the que and haven't gotten to yet!):

• Two men were hurt and one died in a 500 ft fall off the Angeles Crest Highway (Nixle announcement and video)
• Three Orange County hikers were found after dark in Eaton Canyon Saturday (Nixle announcement)
• The Montrose Search & Rescue team locate boy scouts and leader in the Mt. Wilson area Saturday night (Nixle announcement)
• And for completists, here's video of the Millard Canyon rescue and of the Azusa Canyon rescue.

 

Schiff: Windstorm clean up is 'beyond the capability' of local cities

by Joe Piasecki
Pasadena Sun

Reps. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) and Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park) called on Gov. Jerry Brown today to seek federal disaster funds for San Gabriel Valley cities that sustained damage during the powerful wind storms late last year.

Their appeal comes on the heels of a letter sent Friday by Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard and leaders of six neighboring cities that called on Brown to authorize windstorm clean-up reimbursements under the state Disaster Assistance Act.

At around $40 million, estimates for wind storm damage and clean-up costs have fallen short of the $50-million mark required for disaster reimbursements.

More at the Pasadena Sun

 

ACONA meeting tonight

Yes, the State of the Union Address starts at 6 PM, but put it on your DVR and come to the Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations (ACONA) meeting at 7 PM today at the Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa St.  Meeting rundown is here.

 

Bears are the topic at Eaton Canyon Nature Center Wed. night

The Sierra Club's Forest Committee will host a special program, “Grizzlies and Black Bears in the San Gabriel Mountains,” at 7:30 PM Wed., Jan. 25 at Eaton Canyon Nature Center, 1750 N. Altadena Drive, Pasadena.

Noted wildlife biologist Kevin Brennan will trace the history of the mighty grizzly bear that used to dominate local mountains and valleys until the rise of two-legged competition. Brennan, who has worked for 20 years with the California Department of Fish & Game, will also discuss the history and habits of the black bear that now roams the San Gabriels and, sometimes, our neighborhoods and hot tubs.  

The program also will include the latest on the National Park Service’s proposal for a National Recreation Area for the San Gabriel Mountains and River. 

A social reception at 7 PM precedes the 7:30 PM program.

The program is free and the public is welcome. For information, email Don Bremner at donbremner@earthlink.net or John Monsen at wildernessjfm@aol.com.

 

Altadena/Pasadena Soroptimist Club hosts successful silent auction

Soroptimist member Marilyn Commodore’s crew (her grandkids) at the Soroptimist Silent Auction, December 2011.

by Lynne Eodice
Altadena/Pasadena Soroptimists

Soroptimist International of Altadena/Pasadena held its 16th annual Silent Auction at the Frostig School in Pasadena in December. The auction, which represents the club’s largest fundraiser of the year, raised money to assist women and girls in local communities and globally. During the auction, attendees bid on a wide variety of treasures, including themed gift baskets, dinners at popular local restaurants, chic fashion jewelry, and original artwork.

“Lots of effort by each and every member produced an event that exceeded our expectations for the funds that mean so much to us and our community,” remarked Pat O’Fallon, Silent Auction committee chairperson. Soroptimist members put in tireless hours to make this event a success – ranging from creating bid sheets and imaginative gift baskets to soliciting local businesses for donations and cooking delectable hor d’eurves for the event.

The auction raised about $5,000 to benefit the Door of Hope, The Women’s Room, Rosemary Children’s’ Services, and the Soroptimist Women’s Opportunity Awards, Ruby Awards and Violet Richardson Awards.

To learn more about this organization, visit www.soroptimist.org.

Poetry Corner: a Bill is due (for recognition)

Gloriana Casey presents an ode to the Citizen of the Year, with an added acrostic sonnet below.  Who says we don't give you value here?

"Portrait of  the Citizen of the Year, as an Altadena Man"

from gloriana casey


Citizen of the Year will be---
 Altadena city:
A man of interests, oh so wide;
Yes! He's also witty!

A man whose brain is synapse full,
and firing in all might!
For thoughts and plans they rise in him,
from sunrise through the night!

"Who is this Bill Westphal?" you ask,
so just to tell you true.
A neighbor man of substance then,
an inspiration too!

 

Sheriff releases video of Millard Canyon rescue

by TImothy Rutt

The LA County Sheriff's department has released a "helmet-cam" video of Sunday's rescue of a 19-year-old South Pasadena woman from a cliff face in Millard Canyon.

Full story is here.

 

Jazz legend John Levy dies

by Timothy Rutt

John Levy, a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master and renowned personal manager for many jazz and soul legends, died in his Altadena home on Fri., Jan. 20, three months short of his 100th birthday.

Among his clients were Cannonball Adderley, Betty Carter, Randy Crawford, Roberta Flack, Herbie Hancock, Shirley Horn, Freddie Hubbard, Ahmad Jamal, Abbey Lincoln, Ramsey Lewis, Herbie Mann, Les McCann, Wes Montgomery, George Shearing, Dakota Staton, Stanley Turrentine, Joe Williams, and Nancy Wilson.

According to Levy's website, www.lushlife.com, he died in his sleep in the arms of his wife, Devra Hall Levy.

Levy was born in New Orleans on April 11, 1912.  A jazz bassist himself, he began his personal management career handling the affairs of the George Shearing Quartet in 1951.  Working as both a performer and road manager, he gradually moved into personal management, and became the first African-American personal manager in the jazz industry.

Levy is survived by his wife, Devra Hall Levy; his son Michael Levy and daughter Pamela McRae, daughters Samara Levy and Jole Levy, fourteen grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren.

On his website, according to Levy's wishes, there will be no funeral service, but donations may be made to the "MCG Jazz John Levy Fund," which is earmarked for the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild's nationwide "Jazz is Life" educational programs.  We'll post more information on this as we get it.

Levy is the second Altadena music legend to die this week, joining Johnny Otis, who died Jan 17.

PIctured: Then-Altadena Sheriff Capt. Roosevelt Blow, left, presents a commendation from the County Board of Supervisors to 97-year-old John Levy during the Sheriff Support Group Summer Concert Series, Aug. 15, 2009 at Farnsworth Park.  Photo: Bill Westphal.

 

Missing cat: Wally, orange cat short haired tabby

Leslie and her family are missing their cat:  Wally went missing Sat., Jan. 14, from the neighborhood around Poppyfields and Glen Rose.  Orange tabby, black and white collar, tagged and microchipped.  They're offering a $200 reward: 626-628-4042

Three rescued from Millard Canyon, four from Azusa Canyon Sunday afternoon

Paramedic Deputy Ricky Hernandez prepares to be lowered several hundred feet from the Air 5 rescue copter to retrieve a trapped climber in Millard Canyon on Jan. 22, 2012.  Photo: Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

by TImothy Rutt

A 19-year-old South Pasadena woman on a day hike was rescued by helicopter from a cliff face Sunday afternoon in Millard Canyon, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

According to a release from the sheriff's office, a  U.S. Forestry Recreation Technician working in the Angeles National Forest noticed several people who appeared to be trapped on the cliff and called in rescuers just before noon.  By 12:25 PM, rescuers had plucked the woman off the cliff face.  Two others, a 17-year old male and 18-year-old female, were retrieved by ground rescuers.

The sheriff's office said that a deputy paramedic was lowered from the sheriff's Air 5 rescue helicoper via hoist to the trapped hiker.  She was hoisted up and flown uninjured to Farnsworth Park.

"The young woman was very scared and nearly let go of the cliff to jump into the arms of ESD Paramedic Deputy Ricky Hernandez as soon as he was close enough to reach out to her," said Sheriff's SEB Sergeant Tom Giandomenico, Crew Chief of the rescue. "He motioned to her to wait, and was able to attach the safety harness before we hoisted her up into the rescue helicopter. If she had let go before we were ready, she would not have survived the fall."

Sgt. Giandomenico added, "When we got her into the helicopter it was clear that she was not having fun today and she just wanted to get back onto level ground."

The Altadena Search and Rescue Team, assisted by Los Angeles County Fire Department firefighters from Station 82, used rope lines nearby to assist the two hikers who were trapped 40 feet above the canyon bottom. Firefighters and deputies set up a rope system and lowered them about 40 feet to safety.

The three rescued hikers were reunited uninjured with the fourth member of their group, an 18-year-old man who was able to hike out on his own.  The sheriff's department says all are residents of South Pasadena, and all were lightly dressed and did not have provisions.

A few hours later -- at 3:40 PM -- the helicopter was sent to rescue four teenage boys trapped on a mountainside north of Azusa near Garcia Canyon Trial.  One of the boys called 911 on his cellphone.  Deputy Hernandez again was lowered from the helicopter about 300-500 feet above Azusa Canyon to rescue the boys.   The sheriff's office in a release says all four boys were safely inside the chopper by 4:50 PM.

But not all rescues were successful this busy afternoon: At approximately 2:35 PM, the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department’s Montrose Search and Rescue Team responded to a vehicle over the side call at Angeles Crest Highway at Mile Marker 41.00t. Again, Air-5 and deputy paramedics responded to the crash site some 500 feet over the side in a ravine and hoisted two male victims into the aircraft.  One of the victims was pronounced dead at the scene, and the victim retrieved from the car and another on the side of the road were transported to a nearby hospital and treated for major trauma injuries. All three victims, aged 18-20 years old, were residents of Pasadena.

 

Arroyo Pacific Academy students help clean up Eaton Canyon

Pictured: Arroyo Pacific Academy Service Club members stack large debris at the Eaton Canyon Nature Center's native plants garden Jan. 18, 2012.  Photo:  Arroyo Pacific Academy

by Timothy Rutt

Members of the Arroyo Pacific Academy Service Club, along with parents and teachers, volunteered last week to clean up the Native Plants Garden at Eaton Canyon Nature Center.  Students raked, weeded, re-installed plant identification signs, and removed large debris left by the Nov. 30-Dec. 1 windstorm.  Eleven students and five teachers and parents helped out with the cleanup.

Arroyo Pacific Service Club members pose for pictures at the Jan 18 cleanup of the Eaton Canyon Nature Center native garden.  Photo:  Arroyo Pacific Academy

Beagle found in Altadena (shh! He's at Pasadena Humane right now)[UPDATE: Home!]

A beagle mix puppy was found Sunday, Jan. 22, at the corner of Altadena Drive and Lincoln Avenue -- described as "The boy is supercute and supersweet."

Right now, he's at the Pasadena Humane Society: ID#A301028.

UPDATE 1/24: He's home now.

Altadena Junction: unlawful occupancy and others

Another selection of news you've read here first at the Pasadena Sun this Sunday (of course, we're the ones writing it!)

"Finding Your Voice" writing workshop at the Library Feb. 5

from the Altadena Library

The Altadena Library presents "Finding Your Voice," a free workshop for writers, with Pasadena writing teacher Esther Bradley-DeTally at the main Altadena Library on Saturday, Feb. 4, from 1-3 PM.

 “Finding your voice isn’t looking at the dust balls under the bed to see if you coughed up anything in the dark,” asserts Esther. “Finding your voice is suiting up and showing up to write about the here and now and to meet other people who have written, not written, may write.”  She adds that those who attend this invigorating workshop “will increase the breadth and depth of what they know about themselves” and be able to “strip the layers of social niceties, to dig deep and find the authentic within.”

Esther Bradley-DeTally, whose work has been widely published both in the U.S. and abroad, teaches writing classes in Pasadena at 10,000 Villages and the Women’s Room. She has taught The Courage to Write at Jamestown Community College, Jamestown, New York, and been an Artist in Residence for Chautauqua County Artists. Her book You Carry the Heavy Stuff, which garnered her the title “Author on the Rise” by Good Reads will be available for sale and signing as will with her just published The Courage to Write an anthology which features the work of homeless and at risk women and others who have attended her workshops.  

This free program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. The main Altadena Library is located at 600 E. Mariposa Street, Altadena. For more information: (626) 798-0833 or www.altadenalibrary.org.

 

St. Elizabeth's School open house

St. Elizabeth's Parish School will hold an open house on Sun., Jan 29, 11:30-1 PM and Tues., Jan. 31, 9-11 AM.  See the campus and learn about the programs they offer.  St. Elizabeth's is at 1870 N. Lake, Altadena.

 

 

Tuesday Musicale and Opera Pasadena celebrate Mozart at Altadena Baptist

A concert in celebration of the birthday of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart will be presented by members of The Tuesday Musicale and Opera Pasadena on Friday, Feb. 3, at 7:30 PM, at Altadena Baptist Church, 791 E Calaveras St, Altadena. The program will include chamber music for clarinet, violin, cello and piano, as well as exerpts from two of Mozart's operas. Suggested donation: $10.00. For more information, contact Barbara Ebert at 626-398-0658, or he91001@aol.com.

Bob Lucas Library to close for renovations Jan. 20-March 2

by Timothy Rutt

The Bob Lucas Branch Library, 2659 N. Lincoln Ave.,  will be closed from Jan. 30 to March 2 as it undergoes renovations to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

According to a release from the library, the renovactions will include curb and sidewalk ramps, wheelchair access and grab bars in restrooms, and changing aisle widths.

PK Construction is the contractor for the renovations.

Morning jolt

• For PUSD parents who are interested in Spanish or Mandarin immersion programs, there will be a free screening next Tues., Jan. 24, of the documentary "Speaking in Tongues" at the Pasadena Central Library, 285 E. Walnut St.,  from 6:30-8:30 PM. Volunteers will be on hand to answer any questions that prospective parents may have. The enrollment period ends February 1.
• Altadena composer Peter Boyer was named Composer in Residence for the Pasadena Symphony's 2012-2013 season, which includes a commission for his Symphony No. 1.  PSN has details.
• Four Southern California authors -- including Altadena's Michelle Huneven -- will take part in 4th annual Festival of Women Authors on March 3. (We also got a press release that MonteCedro will be a sponsor). Check PSN for details.

Poetry corner: fork-lore

We like the idea of selling commemorative forks! Gloriana Casey, on the case again ...

"FORK in the Road Solutions!"
from  gloriana casey

The Coffee Gallery needs help,
Community will race
just like those western movie scripts,
Pitch in! And save this place!

Now don't forget that Coffee place
gave birth to "FORK IN ROAD"
For humor is a priceless gift,
and Artistry's true code!

Some  marketing-- it seems to me,
though on the FORKING side,
will help top gather FORKISH Funds
to keep the music live!

So--how bout this? A true FORK Off,
with FORKS, so plastic white.
then add a ribbon on the top,
and sell them through the night!

Crime blotter, Jan. 9-14: burglaries and beer

Mon., Jan. 9

11:54 AM – A commercial burglary occurred at Super King Market, 2260 N. Lincoln Ave.  Loss: one bottle of Grey Goose Vodka – item was recovered.

 

Thurs., Jan. 12

8:45 AM and 3:30 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1900 block of Layton Street.  Suspect(s) entered the residence via the office window.  Loss:  Black Sony Vaio laptop.

9:00 AM – A commercial burglary occurred at Fair Oaks Burger, 2560 N. Fair Oaks Ave.  Suspect(s) entered the location by shattering the front glass door.  Loss:  $500.00 in cash.

 

Fri., Jan. 13

11:30 AM and 1:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 3200 block of Villa Highlands Drirve.  Suspects entered the residence by shattering the family room window.  Suspects described as two male, Hispanics in a dark gray sedan.  Loss:  $7,000 in cash, blue wallet. 

 

Sat., Jan. 14

8:50 PM – An armed robbery occurred in the parking lot of Rite Aid, 735 E. Altadena Dr.  The victim exited the location after purchasing a case of beer.  As the victim entered his vehicle,  he was approached by suspect #1, male, Hispanic, 20-25 yrs, 510-600, 180 lbs, wearing a navy blue sweatshirt.  Suspect #1 grabbed the victim by the neck, placed a metal object by his temple and demanded the beer.  The victim was in fear for his life and handed the beer to suspect #2, male, Hispanic, early 20’s, 510, 150-160 lbs.  Suspect #1 pushed the victim and told him to leave.  The victim entered his vehicle and observed (2) other male, Hispanics standing near a white sedan.  Loss:  (1) case of 18-pack of Budweiser beer. 

Between 10:00 PM and 11:00 AM, Sunday – A vehicle vandalism occurred in the 3100 block of Thurin Avenue. 

Sheriffs called on possible suicide this morning

by TImothy Rutt

Altadena sheriff deputies went to a call at about 10 AM this morning at Holliston Avenue and New York Drive.  According to the Altadena station dispatch, it is believed to be a suicide.  No other details are available at this writing.

Morning jolt: Johnny Otis and Etta James, together again

Now moving into the afternoon, but it's been that kind of day ...

• Johnny Otis, one more time: Erin Aubrey Kaplan at KCET's website writes about Johnny Otis: "Johnny Otis was white.  But he was unquestionably a race man, more so than many black people of his time."
• Etta James, "At Last":  and this great singer, whom Johnny helped discover, died this morning in Riverside, age 73.
• Police explorer graduation: Sheriff Lee Baca will preside at the graduation ceremony Saturday for 215 new law enforcement Explorers from several stations, including Altadena.  He will be joined by the San Bernardino County Sheriff and police chiefs from many agencies who will present diplomas to their graduates.  The ceremony takes place at 10 AM at Whittier High School Auditorium, 12417 Philadelphia St., Whittier.
• Cookies?  There's an app for that: It's Girl Scout cookie season, and we received a press release about two high-tech changes they've made: (1) They now take credit cards (we've seen this -- it's a little attachment for your phone or iPad to swipe the card), and a Girl Scout Cookie Locator app that lets you know where the nearest cookie booth is.  The app is free through iTunes or simply dialing **GSCOOKIES (**472665437) from your mobile phone (iPhone Blackberry, Android).
• Recreation leader slots open: LA County is looking for recreation services leaders for the summer.  The REAACH program is aimed at high school juniors and seniors and college freshmen and sophomores, ages 16-24.   Full details are in the bulletin after the jump.

Friday palate cleanser: do that crazy hand jive

Here's Altadenan Johnny Otis (who died this week), performing his big hit on the "Johnny Otis Show," unknown date.