altadenablog

Christmas Tree Lane: the lights are on, but ...

The lights will be on again this year at Santa Rosa, aka Christmas Tree Lane, starting at 5 PM Dec. 13  -- but after that is anybody's guess.

While getting volunteers to string up the bulbs is hasn't been a problem, Altadena's annual seasonal attraction is suffering a lack of volunteers on the board level, says Tony Ward, first vice-president of the Christmas Tree Lane Association.

Five Acres breaks new ground

Pasadena Now covers the groundbreaking of a new research and training facility for Five Acres.  The new center is planned to open by summer 2009.

Crime Log: Nov. 15-24

Drugs, weapons, theft and burglary, for your consideration:

Nov. 15: Unknown persons burglarize Eliot Middle School.

Nov. 15: Fair Oaks and Woodbury Rd: Woman arrested for possession of methamphetemine and stolen credit cards.

Nov. 21: Glenrose Ave. and Acadia St., man arrested for possession of dangerous weapon and marijuana for sale.

Nov. 24: 500 block of Vermont St., woman arrested for possession of cocaine base for sales.

“The Altadena Station crime log is published for the purpose of providing the community with a sampling of reported crimes within the Altadena Station jurisdiction.  This report does not include all criminal activity occurring within the parameters of this report.  The objective of this report is to enhance community awareness and assist its members in taking proactive steps towards ensuring their safety and the safety of others within the community.”

McGinty's goes on a bender next weekend

McGinty's Gallery at the End of the World, 2475 N. Lake Ave., will hold an "ArtBender Weekend" group show, from noon to dusk Dec. 4 through Dec. 7, featuring more than 35 artists with a wide range of media for exhibit and sale. Admission is free.

For more information, call (626) 794-8779, or visit www.galleryattheendoftheworld.com.

Eliot principal featured in new educational move

Peter Pannell, principal of Eliot Middle School, is a featured interview in this PSN story by education writer Caroline An. Eliot and other schools in the district are implementing "Approach to Excellence II," a tougher set of instructional goals for PUSD schools.

iPhone users, take note

This press release from PSN says that a new ATT&T  site in Altadena will enhance service.  Doesn't give the location, because we're a little touchy about where we put our cell towers!

Suspect arrested in Nov. 13 Altadena shooting

Carolyn Seitz of the Sheriff's Advisory Committee has sent a notice to the newsgroups that a suspect has been nabbed in the Nov. 13 shooting of a 19-year-old man at Fair Oaks and Harriet, outside of Johnny's Liquor.  More as we get it (but we're in our undiscolosed remote location, so it may be awhile!)

Sahag Mesrob NOV appeal hearing Dec. 2

Got a response from Oscar Gomez, supervising regional planner of the county's zoning enforcement office, who updates us on what's going on next week with Sahag Mesrob Armenian Christian School:

The school filed an appeal to the Final Notice pursuant to Section 22.60.390 of the Los Angeles County Zoning Code. Section 22.60.390 of the Zoning Code provides that any person in receipt of a Final Notice may file an appeal to the Final Notice of Violation. Their appeal is scheduled to be considered by a Hearing Officer on December 2, 2008. This is not a public hearing.

The school is only appealing the Final Notice; THE SCHOOL IS NOT APPEALING THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT; THE SCHOOL IS NOT APPEALING THE CLEAN HANDS WAIVER.

The appeal process provides persons with due process and opportunity to be heard when challenging the noncompliance fee as provided by the Final Notice of Violation.

If the Hearing Officer denies their appeal and sustains the Final Notice of Violation, the Department will assess a noncompliance fee.  Additionally, we will continue to purse further enforcement action, including referring the case to County Counsel for consideration of legal action against the school.

 

Open thread: Altadena's top ten stories of 2008

The continuing woes of Lincoln Crossing?  The still-unsolved killing of 90-year-old Evelyn Mosely?  The unexpected opening of Sahag Mesrob's Palm St. Campus?  The turmoil in June's town council election? Goodbye Scripps -- hello, MonteCedro?

There were many stories in Altadena in 2008, but we'd like to boil 'em down to a list of ten for a special feature we'll run after the turn of the year.  What do YOU think were the top ten stories in Altadena in 2008?  We've got an open thread running -- nominations are open!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We hope you have a joyful and thankful holiday tomorrow.  We will be out of pocket all day Thursday, and there will be light blogging from our remote location through the weekend.  However, it will include a particularly juicy Crime Log, and a look at what's happening at Christmas Tree Lane, so we'll see you on the other side.

Update on last night's "full ... combat melee"

PSN has an updated story on last night's battle royale, which was described to us by a sheriff's source as "Armenian vs. Latino."  Seven were arrested, including two juveniles and a 71-year-old man.  The arrests seem to stem from an attempt by the seven to steal a television set belonging to three Latino men as part of the larger altercation. 

Antonovich starts eighth term Monday

This from Supv. Michael Antonovich's office:

LOS ANGELES COUNTY  –  Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich will be sworn-in Monday for an eighth term on the Board of Supervisors representing the County’s Fifth Supervisorial District.

Michael Reagan, eldest son to President Ronald Reagan, talk show host and best-selling author, will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the swearing-in ceremony.

“It is my pledge to you that in my eighth term, I will continue to make Public Safety my Number One priority and fight for efficient, responsive County government to improve the quality of life for all County residents,” said Antonovich.

The swearing-in takes place at the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration, Board Hearing Room – 381B 500 West Temple Street Los Angeles, CA 90012  (Thomas Guide p. 634, F3) at 10 AM.

No school? Teenagers? What're we going to do?

The Altadena Library has the answer for you:

On Mon. , December 22, 2008 @ 3PM come to the Altadena Library and create incredible jewelry from ordinary items that you would find at your local Hardware store. Yes you will be able to create your own “Hardwear” or “Jewelry from a toolbox” to give as a gift or keep for yourself!

(There's more on the LIbrary's teen site here.)

Fri., January 2, 2009 @ 3:30PM come celebrate the New Year and a break from school with popcorn and a movie at the Altadena Library. Come join us for the exciting action packed movie:

The Mummy III: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor

Rick O'Connell is back in an adventure that leads him into the catacombs of ancient China where an unexpected archaeologist has awakened a long-dormant ruthless Dragon Emperor. As the powerful mummy roars back to life the O’Connell family must quell his quest for world domination in this action adventure. Starring Brendan Fraser, Jet Le and Michelle Yeoh. Rated PG-13; 112 minutes

Millard campground gets the LA Times treatment

"Adventure on the urban edge" is what the LA Times calls Millard Campground in a story today.  Wilderness just two miles from Starbuck's, the feature includes an interview with camp host Lonnie Fehr.

Sahag Mesrob controversy *finally* gets coverage

The PWeekly is running a story this week on the Sahag Mesrob Armenian Christian School controversy, the first time this story has left the confines of Altadenablog (of course, it's written by A-blog reader and occasional commenter Patricia Cunliffe).  GIves a lot of depth to the story that we just can't do in blogland, and we think it's fair to everybody.  We're so glad SHE managed to get the county people to talk to her!

90210 paradise

LIndsay Blake continues her adventures in Altadena in her Iamnotastalker blog, as she not only gets to see the Walsh house (which is on Altadena Drive, not in Beverly Hills), but gets the inside tour.  You can just feel her vibrating!

(No Google street view, I'm afraid -- the Google picture van was going by when Altadena Drive was torn up, so it never made it that far!)

Large brawl at Allen and Atchison reported

Monica Hubbard of the Altadena Sheriff Community Advisory Committee (and so much more) sends word that sheriff's deputies and paramedics responded tonight at about 6:30 to a fight involving ten people with baseball bats on Allen and Atchison.

One person is down. Paramedics are on the site. A report of hearing shots fired has not been corroborated.

UPDATE 10 PM: We were just on the phone with the sheriff's station, and after 30 rings, gave up trying to raise the watch commander.  We'll try to unearth more on it tomorrow.

UPDATE 10:05: SGV Tribune already has posted a story on it: the lede is rather awesome:

Roughly half a dozen people were arrested Tuesday after an armed brawl that encompassed an entire city block and sent a man to the hospital. 

... The deputy said callers reported 10 to 20 people fighting in the street using, "bats, chains, anything at hand."

View Larger Map

Historic Highlands comes out against cell tower

From Bo Astrup, the Historic Highlands neighborhood blog has taken a stand against the proposed cell tower at St. Elizabeth's. 

It's coming!

Just in time for the holiday -- 70% chance of rain tonight. As we write this, 10 AM, it doesn't look like it, but just wait ....

Andrea Baker Jazz Quintet at the Library, Dec. 12

Andrea Baker, critically acclaimed singer and multi-instrumentalist, will perform with her jazz  ensemble at the Altadena Library on Fri., Dec. 12, 2008 at 7PM.  Noted jazz critic Leonard Feather, has compared Andrea to Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan and Jazz Improv Magazine called her a female Sinatra. Don Heckman of the LA Times proclaimed her a musician's singer.

A recent appearance in Kansas City brought her the highest praise from Downbeat critic,  Chuck Berg. Andrea is guest vocalist on the newly released DVD, Steve Wilkerson; Live and in Session.

Andrea is also an esteemed jazz educator. In 2006 she was named Director of Jazz Studies for Pasadena City College where she heads up a large and diversified department. As director of the acclaimed Studio Jazz Ensemble, Andrea has led the ensemble on six CD's, one with saxophone icon, Gary Foster.
In 2005 Andrea was inducted into the prestigious Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame for her many jazz endeavors.

The Andrea Baker Jazz Quintet, features Steve Wilkerson, with James “Dr. Groove” Gadson, Super Star drummer from Motown Records, Barry Zweig on guitar, and Chris Conner on bass.

The Altadena Library is located at 600 E. Mariposa Street, Altadena  626-798-0833

 
 

"The Rubio House"

Lindsay Blake, whose very fun Iamnotastalker blog looks at Hollywood shooting locations, turns her attention to Altadena again.  The home at 1090 Rubio St. has been featured in many films and television shows as Lindsay explains with her inimitable verve.

Google Street view thru Street Cities - Free Mapping and Street View Tools

__________

Open thread: let's talk trash!

Lots of ideas floating around the newsgroups and around town about trash collection in Altadena.  The town council is considering a contract for one provider, as opposed to the "semi-exclusive" franchise now operating with Athens and Allied.  What do you think?  Is it better to have competition, or accountability?  Flexibility? Bear-proof containers? Comments below.

Close encounters of the Altadena kind

The ever-awesome Bill Westphal contributes the following:

 ... Altadena WeatherCam caught an interesting image early this afternoon.  Brought to my attention by WeatherCam viewer Carol Momsen of Altadena who wrote "What is that in the sky?"  I went back through the archives this evening and found this image taken at 13:06 hrs.  I don't think it looks like a plane.  And it doesn't really look like a bird either.

<<...>>

What do you think?  Did anybody see anything strange in the sky this afternoon? 

(We've blown up the picture of the object and inset it in the picture.  Swamp gas?  Experimental aircraft?  Close encounter?)

(First celebrity picture ... first UFO.  We're taking the rest of the week off ...)

Sahag Mesrob appeals, hearing Dec. 2

Since the LA County Zoning Dept. hasn't returned any of our phone calls for three weeks, we've been a little behind the curve in information about Sahag Mesrob Armenian Christian School's zoning problems.  Neighbors tell us that the school, which received a notice of violation in October, appealed the county's denial of a "clean hands waiver."  The next step in the process is the school presenting its case for appeal of the final violation notice to the a county hearing officer.

Altho' open to the public, that hearing is not open to public comment -- it will be between the school's representatives and county zoning staff -- but neighbors have been urging each other to attend the hearing, after which a decision is to be made immediately as to whether the school can continue to operate without violating zoning ordinances.  That hearing is:

Tues. Dec. 2nd, 9:00am
Planning Commission Hearing Room, RM 150
320 W. Temple St.
Los Angeles, downtown

Neighbors are also being urged to write to the county zoning authorities to have their letters put in the case file for the hearing officer.

UPDATE 11/25: Coleen Sterritt, one of the leaders of neighborhood opposition, corrects us to say that the "clean hands" waiver is not appeal-able, and next week's meeting is an appeal of the final notice of violation.

LA Times profiles Altadena business

"Elephants on the Wall" (which we haven't seen since college) is Altadenan Patricia Newton's local business, profiled in the LA TImes' "Small Business Makeover" today.  Here's the story about how Newton was aided by a consultant, and here's the rundown on the business.

Note to self: work on manliness

We plugged this page into the GenderAnalyzer website (which uses AI to determine if a particular page was written by a man, with "most manly" at 100%).  We only scored 64%, not as manly as we'd like.  We need to work on this.

Meantime, while Mrs. Altadenablog is out of town, we need to make breakfast and iron the kids' clothes ...
Other scores:

Altadena Sheriff's Station: 100%
Sheriff's Support Group: 84% (it's that "support" thing that threw it off)
Chaney Trail/Millard Canyon: 97% (how come Alice Wessen is manlier than we are?)
Altadena Weathercam: 93% (Bill Westphal is manlier than us, which we don't dispute, but not as manly as Alice!)
State & Lake: 52%.  By the thoughtful and "out" A.D. Odom, GenderAnalyzer says the site says "quite gender neutral."
Altadena Library: 96%.  Man, even the librarians are manlier than us!

Dear Abby, dear Abby ..

Oh my: Dear Abby today has a letter from "Depressed in Altadena."  All we can say is, "DUMP THE GUY! NOW IS NOT TOO FAST!"

Eco-art at Eaton Canyon

The Cali-Fauna blog has an appreciation of an improvised bit of natural artwork at the Eaton Canyon Falls -- fortunately, it's not graffiti!

Swazzle Puppets holiday extravaganza at the library, Dec. 2

Swazzle Puppets – Live from the Ice Cube

Tuesday, December 2^nd @ 7:00 PM (Altadena Library Community Room)

When the Snow Queen holds auditions for her annual holiday extravaganza, the entire population of the North and South Poles shows up. It’s up to the audience to decide who will perform LIVE from the Ice Cube! All ages welcome.

(BTW, check out the Altadena Library's new Teen Blog!)

Heaven elfs those who elf themselfs

Music and magic abound at the Pasadena Waldorf School's annual Elves Faire today.  A few of the scenes:

Great Scot!  Bagpipes!

8th grade Taiko drummers show their skill

 
Bluesmen Jack and Zack entertain.  From left to right: Zack, and Jack.  (Hmmm .... I've seen him somewhere before ....)

Bored of the rings

In an unfocused and rather confusing piece punctuated by pictures of women in metal brassieres, New Music ReBlog meditates on the Wagner ring cycle, the Los Angeles Festivals (we miss them), and other topics.  Our only interest is that it has a photo of St. Elizabeth's and Westminister Presbyterian's towers.  Someone also needs to explain to the author that Roman Catholics and Presbyterians actually belong to the same religion ...

Pumpkin festival a smashing success (heh)

Danny's Farm, one of our favorite places in town, sent along a thank-you note to all the volunteers and organizations who helped in their first Pumpkin Festival (click to enlarge).  We took the kids, and it was a really fun event for them.  Hope they do it again next year!

Voxfire in concert -- at the mausoleum!

From our friend Emily Abbott of CalTech, a bright moment in a most uncommon place tomorrow afternoon:

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2008 - 3:30 P.M.

The Historic Mountain View Mausoleum
Altadena, California

The Artists

Susan Judy soprano, Christen Herman mezzo-soprano, Samela Aird Beasom soprano

VOXFIRE is the collaboration of three of the West Coast's most highly regarded interpreters of Early vocal music. Using their distinct vocal colors, the three sopranos have melded their talents as a means of adapting and presenting the works with their very own musical style and dramatic flair. They have chosen the intimate approach of one-on-a-part to create an enchanting marriage between choral and solo singing: a vocal chamber music that refreshes the ear with a pure, sonic clarity. Read about Voxfire by clicking www.Voxfire.org.

The Road to Montserrat: A Medieval Pilgrimage

Follow trio Voxfire on a mystical journey to the medieval shrine at Montserrat, chanting praises and supplications to the Virgin Mary - from Llibre Vermell, Hildegard von Bingen to traditional Marian encomiums - ecstatically echoing in the sumptuous acoustical atmosphere at Mountain View.

Often used in movies, the historic 1922 Mountain View Mausoleum is possibly the finest acoustical setting for early vocal music in Southern California.

Saturday, November 22, 2008 - 3:30 p.m.
Docent tours - 2:45 p.m.
Mountain View Mausoleum
2300 N. Marengo Ave., Altadena CA
(just north of E. Woodberry Rd., three blocks east of Fair Oaks)

Tickets: $20. Limited seating.
For information and reservations, call (626) 798-3208.

Former Pasadena municipal judge Mitchell dies

PSN's Dan Abendschein writes an obit for Altadena resident Elvira Mitchell, who was a judge in the former Pasadena municipal court until losing election in 1997.  Mitchell, 70, was found in her home Saturday.

The print version of this story (not the online version you'll get here) is much more melancholy: Mitchell spent the years since her election defeat becoming increasingly withdrawn and disconnected from friends.  The print version is a much more human, and sad, story than the just-the-facts story found online.

Add to that this story from the archives of Metropolitan News, and we get a taste of someone with great talents who had some significant problems in her last years. 

Stargazing at Farnsworth Park Dec. 5

The LA County Dept. of Parks and Recreation will host a stargazing party on Fri., Dec. 5, starting at 7 PM at Farnsworth Park, 568 E. Mount Curve.  JPL astronomer Jane Jones will be there, and information will be available on hosting your own stargazing party.

(Hubble image courtesy NASA)

Election 2008 in Altadena: highest turnout, highest Obama

The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGCOG) released figures today about how Election 2008 went down in the cities in the San Gabriel Valley.

On a percentage basis, Altadena took one of the top slots, with 72% turnout of registered voters (25,884 total registered voters, 18,690 ballots cast).On a percentage basis, we were beaten by Laverne with 73%, but the east San Gabriel Valley community only has 18,786 total registered voters.  Sierra Madre also scored 72% participation, but with a total 7,566 registered voters.

Altadena also had the most lopsided presidential vote in the county: 80% of Altadena voters went for Obama/Biden and only 18% for McCain/Palin. 

In the other major hot-button issue, Prop. 8, putting traditional marriage in the state constitution, Altadena voters went against the rest of the state, turning down the amendment, 56 % no/44% yes.

Here's the rundown of how Altadenans by percentage voted in the propositions:

Prop 1 (High-speed raill) Y 59 N 41
Prop 2 (Farm animals) Y 70 N 30
Prop 3 (Children's Hosptal Bond) Y 63 N 37
Prop 4 (Pregnancy of minors)  Y 39 N 61
Prop 5 (Nonviolent drug offenses) Y 48 N 52
Prop 6 (Police/law enforcement) Y 26 N 74
Prop 7 (Renewable energy) Y 33 N 67
Prop 8 (Same-sex marriage) Y 44 N 56
Prop 9 (Criminal justice system) Y 47 N 53
Prop 10 (Alternative fuel vehicles) Y 42 N 58
Prop 11 (Redistricting) Y 49 N 51
Prop 12 (Veteran's bond) Y 70 N 30
Measure R Y 68 N 32

(hat tip to the amazing Monica Hubbard)

Turkey shoot tomorrow at Loma Alta Park

We're not exactly sure what's going to get shot here, but the county Parks and Recreation Department is holding a "Turkey Shoot" for ages 5 through 12 tomorrow, Nov. 21, at Loma Alta Park, starting at 5 PM.  There will be a coloring contest and a turkey shoot contest, where you can win a turkey, pie, or candy treat.  For more information, call 398-5451.

Town council to consider new trash contract at Dec. meeting

The Altadena Town Council will consider signing a new trash hauling contract at the Dec. 16 meeting.  The council will be considering whether to continue what Altadena has now, a "semi-exclusive" contract with several providers and a variety of fees, or an exclusive contract with one provider.

At the last meeting, the information in the graphic (click to enlarge) was given out as to what any new contract will provide, including ewaste and bulky item cleanups several times a year. 

There will also be senior and disabled discounts, and bear-proof containers are also available for a fee.

Please direct any comments to one of your town councilmembers before the meeting.

First Presbyterian works on creative worship

The Calvin Institute's weblog looks at Altadena's First Presbyterian Church, 2775 Lincoln Ave..  An historically Japanese-American church, is is becoming more diverse and more creative in its worship.

(Apropos of nothing, we read somewhere that fully a quarter of Presbyterian churches are named "First Presbyterian Church."  This is the one in Altadena!)

Why is this night different from all other nights? It's ISS Passover!

We missed a good one last night, but hope we can redeem ourselves tomorrow:  the International Space Station will have a good overhead pass tomorrow, Friday, from about 5:07 to 5:12 PM, going from southwest to northeast (thank you, Bill and Alice).

Central Altadena Little League signups start soon

Central Altadena Little League (CALL) is starting sign-ups for its 2009 season of boy's baseball and girl's softball.

Sign-ups (rain or shine) will be on the following Saturdays; Dec. 6, Dec. 13, Jan. 3, Jan 10, Jan. 17 at Farnsworth Park, lower field (Lake Ave. and Concha St.) , from 10 AM-noon.

Portantino sponsors children's health fair tomorrow

Assemblyman Anthony Portantino cordially invites you to the second annual Children's Health Fair on Fri., Nov. 21, 4-7 PM at the Boys and Girls Club of Pasadena, 3230 E. Del Mar Blvd., Pasadena.  Information and resources regarding children's health will be provided, free dental screenings, a healthy cooking demonstration, and snacks .  Community partners are PUSD Network for a Healthy California, PUSD, and Young and Healthy.  For more information, contact Lerna Kayserian at 626-577-9944 or lerna.kayserian@asm.ca.gov.

The Parent Project: learn how to keep kids safe

Do you and your teenage child argue a lot?  Are you afraid of your teenage child?  Do you think your teenager might be using drugs or alcohol?  Is your child hanging our with gang members?  Has your teenager received an "F" in a school subject?  is your child on probation? If so, you are not alone!

THe JJCPA and S.A.G.E. Parent Project Collaboratie invite you to learn new way sof taking control of your family.  We will help you to:

• develop new parenting skills that work
• create a plan to regain control of your teenager
• get practical support from parents and community members.

Tuesdays, Jan. 13-March 17, 2009, 6-9 PM at Loma Alta Park, 3330 N. Lincoln Ave., Altadena.  To register please call 626-798-1173, and ask for William Mercado.  Course fee is $40, which includes a parent workbook.  Recreation activities will be provided and after school tutoring class for youth.

Youth basketball winter league starts soon

Registration will be open until Dec. 5 for the Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Youth Basketball Winter League at Loma Alta Park.  Registration for ages 3 to 15 is $45, $55 after Nov. 29.  The season starts Jan. 10, 2009, and ends March 14.  Performance evaulations will be held Dec. 9-12, and practices will be Mon., Wed., and Thurs., 5-7 PM. 

All registrants will recieve trophies, a jersey and shorts, and two private lessons free with league signup. Volunteers are also needed! For more information contact Mister or Dana at Loma Alta Park, 626-398-5451 or -5452, or Roger Franklin at 310-689-4633.

Cell tower opponents charter bus for Dec. 3 hearing

Opponents of the proposed cell phone tower at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church have chartered a bus to transport people to the county planning hearing on Wed., Dec. 3, at 9 AM in the Hall of Records at 320 W. Temple St., Los Angeles.  The bus will leave at 7:30 AM across the street from the St. Elizabeth parking lot on Woodbury.  To RSVP for a seat on the bus, call 626-864-9433.  The ride is free, but donations are accepted to defray the cost.

Crime Log: Nov. 13, 2008

Only one day's crimes in this Crime Log:

Nov. 13: 100 block E. Woodbury Rd, unknown persons vandalized victim's vehicle.

Nov. 13: 19-year-old man shot on 2600 block N. Fair Oaks Ave. by unknown assailant.

“The Altadena Station crime log is published for the purpose of providing the community with a sampling of reported crimes within the Altadena Station jurisdiction.  This report does not include all criminal activity occurring within the parameters of this report.  The objective of this report is to enhance community awareness and assist its members in taking proactive steps towards ensuring their safety and the safety of others within the community.”

It's been one of those days ...

... where nothing came together right after the town council stories were done!  Check in tomorrow -- we'll have new Crime Log, St. Elizabeth cell tower news, various park holiday activities, and information on potential new trash hauling contract coming down the wire.  And if the county ever returns our phone calls, we hope to have an update on Sahag Mesrob, as well.

Town council: no to investigation, yes to reviewing election procedures

The specter of the June town council election occupied a good block of last night's Altadena town council meeting, as the council voted 6-4 against creating a committee to investigate alleged improprieties.

The council responded to a five page letter from election chair Laura Graham, requesting the council's executive committee to investigate the allegations detailed therein. 

The letter, a copy of which has been obtained by Altadenablog, alleges what several councilmembers called "bad behavior" by various members of the council and community as Graham pulled the election together. 

Last night's council was divided as to what action to take -- councilmember Okorie Ezime reminded the council that they agreed several months ago to have the executive committee investigate charges.  Councilmember Susan Goldman said that even if it was just "bad behavior, it is not acceptable,"  and felt that a more in-depth look was in order. Councilmember Michele Zack said that she was troubled that the election chair received a lot of interference, and was not allowed to just do her job.

The majority of the council, however, seemed to go along with what was phrased as "moving forward, and lessons learned," and voted not to further investigate a completed election.

The council also voted to create a committee to review the eleciton rules and bylaws and come back with recommendations before the 2009 elections.  Such a committee would comprise three members from the town council, and four at-large members of the community.

Sheriff Capt. Blow on allegations: prove it

While he didn't literally say "prove it," that was Altadena Sheriff Capt. Roosevelt Blow's message in several matters he addressed to the Altadena Town Council last night.

One was allegations that members of sheriff's support and advisory groups -- who have polo shirts identifying their membership -- were trying to pass themselves off as actual officers while staffing the polls (alleged in the last town council elections).  Blow said that the shirts do not identify them as police officers, and if a member of a support group is trying to pass themselves off as an officer, they would be removed.  And "unless someone can come forth" with a signed affidavit, "I'm taking it as rumors, conjecture on the part of individuals."

Likewise, Blow said, people who were complaining about conduct of the department and deputies would have to stand behind their complaints.  People were making complaints without evidence to back it up, he said.  He also said that there were sections in the state penal code penalizing filing a false police report, and if someone files a report knowing it to be false, "we will follow up on it."

Finally, Blow said that "I have consulted with an attorney on a couple of issues, a couple of issues of slander and libel" regarding his performance as captain.  "In some cases,  the town council also gets accused of things without any proof -- I’m encouraging the council as a body ... I’m encouraging you to seek legal counsel, and sue them civilly ...I can give you the name of an attorney who is really good at it."

Ken Roberts to fill vacant council seat

Ken Roberts, a five-year Altadena resident, was unanimously approved by the Altadena Town Council to represent Census Tract 4603.02, filling in the position vacated by Steve Lamb.  Roberts is the Los Angeles sales representative for Large Screen Displays of Orange County.  The seat will be up for election next year.