altadenablog

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.

*****

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:

• [removed 10-30-10 by editor]
• 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.

LA County implements new mass alert system

The bullet: the county now has a way to notify you for local emergencies via your cell phone, text, or email.  Land lines are already part of the system; register your cell phone and email address by going to alert.lacounty.gov.

From Supv. Antonovich's office:

Los Angeles County officials announced the implementation of an emergency mass notification system to alert residents and businesses by phone, text, and e-mail of emergencies in their area.

Called Alert LA County, the system will allow the Sheriff’s Emergency Communications Center to activate local and regional alerts by drawing the boundaries of the area to be notified on a computer map. Recorded and written alerts will provide information on the nature of the emergency and necessary actions, such as evacuations.

The system is so precise it will allow the exclusion of a single home, useful in situations involving hostages or crimes in progress.  

The County’s 7.1 million land-line phone numbers are programmed into the mass notification system, but the public must register Voice over IP lines, cell phones and e-mail addresses. Registration of this information can be done on the County’s Alert.lacounty. gov website.  Each telephone number and e-mail can be associated with only one street address.

Board of Supervisors Chairman Don Knabe said the system was tested in areas of each of the five supervisorial districts on May 18, and the results were impressive. Tests were conducted in South Whittier (First District), Ladera Heights (Second), Topanga Canyon (Third), a portion of Lakewood (Fourth), and The Meadows and Chaney Trail (Fifth).

The test included approximately 15,000 phone numbers, and a review was conducted to determine the number of calls that were completed and the disposition of each call, whether there was a live answer, answering machine, or busy.  The test results were validated by calling a small sampling of those receiving the calls and getting their feedback.  

If a call is picked up by an answering machine when an alert is being issued, a recorded message will be left.  If the number is busy or does not answer, the number will be redialed twice.  The system has the ability to detect and communicate with telecommunication devices for the deaf (TTY/TDD).

The Alert LA County system project, approved by the Board of Supervisors on Feb. 17 at a $1.97 million cost over five years, was developed by the Sheriff’s Department, Fire Department, Chief Information Office, and  Chief Executive Office’s Office of Emergency Management.  The cost includes the purchase of the 911 data from the local telephone companies.

Sheriff Lee Baca cautioned that while the notification system is considered effective and efficient, people should not wait for or rely exclusively on a call for evacuation directives if they believe they are in danger.

Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky said similar systems have worked well in other areas, including in San Diego County where more than 500,000 people were evacuated during the 2007 wildfires.  “This alert system will be particularly valuable in areas of my district in the Santa Monica Mountains that are vulnerable to fast-moving fires during high-risk weather conditions,” he said, noting that in November 2007 a wildland fire threatened more than 2,000 homes and destroyed or damaged 98 dwellings and 45 outbuildings in Corral Canyon.  

The County presently has no consistent way to contact residents and businesses in case of regional or local emergencies, so the new system will assist in making the communities safer, said Supervisor Mark-Ridley Thomas.  

The notification system, said Supervisor Gloria Molina, will improve the County’s ability to communicate faster, better and more reliably, providing the ability to target messages and follow-up information to residents in affected areas, and reduce the potential for miscommunication by distributing accurate and consistent messages.
 
Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich said the new system will improve public safety for all residents and those in the more rural areas of the County in case of regional or local emergencies.  

Fire Chief P. Michael Freeman said wildfires have been increasingly threatening in the County, and the fire season is now a year-round reality instead of just several months, so he welcomes implementation of Alert LA County.  “It will give us one more tool to keep the public safe,” he said.

John Fernandes, director of the Office of Emergency Management, stressed that the new alert system is a component of the overall emergency notification plan and is not meant to replace existing systems.  The County will coordinate its efforts with cities, and those having their own systems may continue issuing alerts in their area independent of the County.

Alert LA County uses geographic information system maps and polygons that correlate geo-coded information into telephone numbers and addresses. Acting Chief Information Officer Richard Sanchez said the land-line numbers will be refreshed on a monthly basis to ensure accuracy and numbers registered on the website will be added to the database on a nightly basis.

Knabe said the County will evaluate the notification system in four years to determine its value and usefulness and whether it should be continued.

Community garden's 35th annual BBQ on Sat., July 11

Altadena Community Garden’s 35th Annual BBQ will be held Saturday, July 11 from 1- 5:00PM in the Garden, 3330 Lincoln Avenue, rain or shine.   The Altadena Community Garden, at the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Palm Street, one block north of Altadena Drive, is located at the site of the old Mount Lowe Military Academy, in operation from 1937-1973.   This year, the Academy’s biennial reunion coincides with the Garden’s annual picnic.   A joint celebration is planned.

The 108 gardeners who tend 65 individual plots on the three-acre property host the annual barbeque. The summertime event is a celebration of food, music, education booths, awards and garden-centric community fellowship.  The public is encouraged to attend for a first-hand peek at one of Southern California’s premier community gardens.  Tickets are $8.00 at the door, or $7 in advance.  Children 6 to 12 years old are $4.00, and under 5 are free.

The food is down-home good.  Locavores will appreciate the fruits and vegetables served from the gardens, plus barbecued ribs and chicken, along with home-baked breads, and a wide array of dessert items on groaning tables. The buffet luncheon starts at 1:00, with demonstrations, raffle prizes, guest speakers, and musicians peppering the event.

This year’s education vendors will include the Common Ground Master Gardeners Program from the University of California Cooperative Extension of Los Angeles County; Mother Magnolia, an eco-friendly landscaping company; and representatives from the Los Angeles County Police, the Los Angeles County Sheriff, California Highway Patrol and the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Certified Master Gardeners will teach 15-minute garden-wise workshops every hour. Topics will include:  transplanting from color packs, 4 inch and gallon containers, composting do’s and don’ts, and soil preparation and conditioning for robust crops. Also available will be information on enrolling in the popular UC Extension Master Gardeners annual training program. 

Mark Rice of Mother Magnolia Landscaping will brew, distribute recipes and dispense nutrient-rich garden “tea,” an elixir of all-natural fertilizer.  Rice, a resident Altadena gardener, will also answer questions about compost and mulch in a drought-stressed environment.

The LA County Sheriffs, California Highway Patrol, Los Angeles County Police and Fire Department will be on hand to recruit, field questions about safety protocols in emergency situations and during natural disasters, and to chat with local residents.

-- Sandy Gillis

Share-cropping? No, garden sharing!

Four kinds of people in the world: those who don't garden (that would be us), those who garden, those who would like to but don't have a plot, and those who have a plot but don't have the time.

For the latter two, why not have someone tend the garden in your yard the split the produce? On-the-road Altadena writer Ellen Snortland has that problem, and the LA Times tells how she solves it. in an article by the fabulous Susan Carrier!

Hazardous waste and e-waste roundup at the Rose Bowl today

Household Hazardous Waste and eWaste Collection Event

*Rose Bowl Parking Lot "K"
*June 20 9am to 3 pm

They are accepting:

Batteries
Chemicals
Paints
Household products
Automotive fluids and batteries
Many other items...

PLUS:
eWaste electronic itmes: computers, TVs, montiors

Go to this link for more info:
www.ladpw.org/epd/hhw/

Old Cat's Book of Practical Possums

We have no idea what's going on here -- but Altadenablog reader, the always-raw Revvell Revati (and we mean that in a good way!) found this during this morning's walk.

The photo's a little unclear (and we've blotted out the phone number) -- but the creature pictured is a possum.

As Homer Simpson once said (when he found a mama possum and her brood on the monrail he was driving -- don't ask), "I've named her Bitey."

And this story reminds us a little of this Snopes entry.

Burbank, Eliot schools named fitness finalists

Pasadena Now has the details:  Luther Burbank Elementary and Eliot Middle School were among the top finalists in the 2009 Governor’s Challenge Competition for fitness.

The Step Brothers House

Lindsay, that stalker gal, has a piece on the home on Midwick that served as the house of the Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly comedy, Step Brothers.  Reilly, of course, is an Altadena resident, and we've been stalking him for years!

A look at local gang violence

PWeekly's Andre Coleman does good survey of the recent uptick in gang-related violence in Altadena/Pasadena, and what community leaders are saying about it.

Outdoors Club plans Eaton graffiti cleanup June 27

Outdoorsclub.org, an organization of outdoor enthusiasts, has organized a graffiti cleanup of Eaton Canyon for Sat., June 27.  They will meet at the park parking lot, carpool to the Pinecrest gate, and work on the area between the bridge and the waterfall.  Click on the link for more information.  You can sign up online, and this does have the official blessing of Eaton Canyon Park staff.

Thanks to Benita Oekawa for the tip.

Beach bus begins June 23

LA County Supervisor Michael Antonovich once again is sponsoring a bus from Altadena to the Santa Monica Pier and back again on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Labor Day, starting June 23 and ending Sept. 7.

Cost is $3 per person, with senior citizens and persons with disabilities $1.50.  Any person boarding the bus under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

Schedule for pickup and drop off is as follows:

9:15 SE corner Lincoln Ave/Ventura St.
9:25 Loma Alta Drive (in front of Loma Alta Park)
9:35 SW corner Mariposa St./Santa Rosa Ave.
9:40 SW corner Altadena Dr./Maiden Lane
9:45 SE corner New York Dr./Allen Ave.
9:50 SW corner Altadena Dr./New York Dr.
11 AM: Santa Monica Pier parking lot

Bus to Altadena
3:30 Santa Monica Pier parking lot
4:45 SE corner Lincoln Ave/Ventura St.
4:50  Loma Alta Drive (in front of Loma Alta Park)
5:00 SW corner Mariposa St./Santa Rosa Ave.
5:05 SW corner Altadena Dr./Maiden Lane
5:10 SE corner New York Dr./Allen Ave.
5:15 SW corner Altadena Dr./New York Dr.

For more information, call 888-769-1122 or go to www.LAGoBus.info

Aveson responds to June Jubilee concerns

Available as a document on their web page, Aveson Charter School's administration has responded to community concerns about the musicians and graffiti art demonstration at the June Jubilee:

Aveson Responds to Concerns About June Jubilee, 2009
 
 
We have experienced many learning and growth opportunities at Aveson.  We are a
school with an important methodology and important messages; we are trying to make
our way.  The families who trust Aveson with their children and give thousands of
volunteer hours to our school do not recognize some of the assumptions that have been
made about us: that we may have incited graffiti in our very favorite outdoor learning
place or that we somehow stand for or even condone the vile things that some artists do
with their music.
 
It is dismaying for people to be making links between Aveson's June Jubilee activities
and the tragedy at Eaton Canyon when no such link exists.  This bends towards slander
and is not responsible.  There is a difference between graffiti art and tagging.  At Aveson,
we celebrate all forms of artistic expression that are life-affirming and holistic in nature. 
Graffiti art is a valid voice, though defacing public or private property and our natural
earth certainly is not.  
 
The artists that were booked by our volunteer to perform at June Jubilee did so on a
purely voluntary basis.  They were duly informed that their audience included children of
all ages and they were instructed not to use profane or violent language or images during
their Saturday performance.  They agreed to abide by these guidelines and they did so. 
Unfortunately, one of the performers decided he could disseminate his work and, without
permission, gave out free CD’s which were totally unacceptable.  They were utterly
offensive.  As soon as parents and staff got wind of this, distribution was ceased, and
many of the CD's were confiscated.
 
We would like to make a public apology for not properly vetting the musicians.  The acts
were provided by a volunteer who is involved with the label that represents them.  In hind
sight, we would not book them again.  For anyone to associate Aveson with the
discography and history of all of these individual acts is unfounded.  We did less than our
due diligence in vetting them and we are sorry.  We considered the exposure for Saturday
and not the broader picture.  However, we in no way condone the language, violence and
other negative messaging that they produce.
 
Before passing judgment on Aveson, come and get to know us.  Come to one of our
“Celebration of Learning” nights or see one of our fantastic dramatic productions like
“James and the Giant Peach.”  Read the stories our children are writing about the thrills
of hiking and discovery in Eaton canyon or the great garden they are growing on the
hillside above Pinecrest.  We are an easy target and we are human; but we are doing
wonderful and worthy things on this campus.  Certainly, we are all learning all the time. 
If you have further questions or concerns, please call Kate Bean at (626) 797-1440.
 
~ Aveson Administration
 

NOTE: Comments are getting a little heated -- play nice!  If you can't act like a good guest, your comment will not be printed.  And if you can't give us a real email address (they are not published), we'll toss you, too.

Summer reading program starts next week at the libraries

Kids and teens -- join the Altadena Main Library and Bob Lucas Branch for a summer full of great programs, awesome books and cool prizes -- and all absolutely free!

The summer reading program begins June 26 and runs through Aug. 4.  Children from birth through age 12 of all reading abilities are invited to join the 2009 Be Creative @ Your Library Summer Reading Program. Teens ages 13 to 17 may join the Teen Summer Reading Program.

Children keep track of the titles they read and come to the library to collect prizes. A different prize will be awarded each week.

For more information call Children's Services @ 626-798-0833, or email the children's librarian at cstearns@altadenalibrary.org

Children's & teen schedule after the jump.

"Wet metal" -- an excerpt

Altadena novelist and food writer Michelle Hunevan has an exerpt from her new novel in LA Weekly.  The story takes place in the  jail of the Altadena Sheriff's Station (of course, the jail hasn't actually been used in years, and there's no basement at the Sheriff's Station, but that's why it's fiction, ain't it?)

The presses never stop at Eliot Middle School

A nice story from PSN education writer Caroline An, about the antique printing presses that are still used at Eliot Middle School.

Photography by Walt -- the gallery show

Walt Trepashko (Photography by Walt) will have a showing of his own photographs at Jose Vera Fine Art & Antiques, 2012 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles

"Capture the World: A collection of photographs by Walt Trepashko"  runs from June 15-Sept 12.  Opening reception  is Sat., June 27, 6-9 PM.

     

Golf fundraiser gains $100K for Hathaway-Sycamores

Over 150 people participated in Hathaway-Sycamores Child and Family Services signature golf fundraiser, Shot at a Million Golf Classic, on June 4th at Brookside Golf Course in Pasadena. The event raised over $100,000 through corporate sponsorships, individual player sponsorships, and raffle tickets with proceeds benefiting educational and therapeutic treatment programs that serve Hathaway-Sycamores children year round.

During the day, 30 players participated in the golf tournament whereby golfers were sponsored on a per-hole basis, and played as many holes as possible..  This year they played 1,750 holes of golf, for an average of 58 holes per player.

Immediately following the conclusion of the golf tournament, the golfers, board members, tournament sponsors and guests attended the 19th Hole After Party, held on the 18th fairway, whereby all party guests were given a “Shot at a Million.” An initial round gave all guests the opportunity to take a golf shot —165-yards for men, 150-yards for women — for a chance to qualify for the final ten spots.  A leader board posted the top ten shots in terms of closest to the hole, with one player within 35” of the hole.  Traffic reporter Commander Chuck Street of KTLA-TV and KIIS-FM, emceed the event, giving out dozens of raffle prizes, and preceding over the party finale of the ten finalists taking their shots for a chance at winning a million dollars. While no one went home a million dollars richer, the one closest to the pin left with a wonderful prize package. Additionally the lucky winner of the 2009 Smart Car raffle was announced immediately following the ten finalist shots.  The party also featured fantastic food catered by The Patina Group, music, the chance to try-out the latest in golf equipment with the state-of-the-art Trackman swing analysis system, and a speech from young girl who had been through the Hathaway-Sycamores Independent Transitional Living Program.

The golf event was co-chaired by Jack MacKenzie and Dave Battaglia, both of La Canada, who are both active board members for the Pasadena-headquartered non-profit organization.

Hathaway-Sycamores president Bill Martone thanked all the guests for supporting this year’s event, and “taking the time to learn a little bit more about the critically important work being done each and every day at our agency to give children suffering from emotional trauma and mental illness a chance at a better life.  Simply put, your participation and support helps to make that happen.”

Hathaway-Sycamores Child and Family Services, one of the largest, nonprofit, private children’s mental health and welfare agencies in Los Angeles County, provides a comprehensive continuum of services to over 9,000 children and families annually through a network of facilities stretching across Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Valley, and the Antelope Valley.  Services include: a residential treatment center for youth ages 9 through 18; foster care and adoption services; a nonpublic school; school-based and outpatient mental health services; wraparound and in-home counseling services; a transitional living program for teens; family resource centers; and a grief and loss center for children.  The agency is licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services, certified by the Department of Mental Health, and accredited through The Joint Commission. 

Pictured: Hathaway-Sycamores Board Member Jill Barnes of Altadena (center) with John and Kathy Driscoll of Sierra Madre at the Hathaway-Sycamores Child and Family Services signature golf fundraiser, “Shot at a Million Golf Classic,” held on June 4th at Brookside Golf Course in Pasadena.

Photo: Orly Olivier

Summer concerts start next weekend

The Sheriff's Support Group of Altadena is pleased to announce the start of the 2009 Free Summer Concert Series in the beautiful  Farnsworth Park Amphitheater, 568 East Mt. Curve Ave, Altadena, CA 91001.

Saturday June 27th, 7 PM

DOWN BEAT EXPRESS (Altadena's Big Band Sound)
Directed by Pat Emmett
Featuring JENNIFER GATES and Starring - RANDY CAPUTO

When Randy was just three years old, a car accident landed him in the hospital for months with trauma to his head, hands and legs. Doctors said Randy would always have difficulty with his small-motor (hands and legs) coordination.

Randy dreamed of the day when he could play ball, and run like the other kids. His mother, determined to help, got him a set of drums. (She was so very smart) Against all odds, Randy continued to practice his drums. Determined, Randy eventually overcame all his adversities even to the point of sounding like his jazz drumming idol Gene Krupa.

The rest… (so they say)…is history…Randy has been entertaining audiences everywhere with his celebrity showmanship, and remarkable jazz drumming talents. Randy has received countless standing ovations at both Disneyland and Disney World Florida, and at other special events including…The Chicago Winds Jazz Orchestra in Chicago, Playboy Jazz Festivals and PBS Shows in Hollywood California.

Tonight Randy will perform selections from his “Tribute To Gene Krupa” show with the Down Beat Express Big Band, directed by Pat Emmett

Also featured this evening is Altadena’s own, MCA recording artist Jennifer Gates. She appears regularly with her trio in Pasadena supper clubs. Jennifer and the Down Beat Express can be heard on their recent CD, “The Silver Project”, available for purchase at tonight’s performance.

Gina Harlan will sing the Krupa hit Drummer Man.

The Summer Concert Series is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors. This year SSGA welcomes a major new sponsor, Warner Bros. Entertainment. In addition to Warner Bros. our sponsors are: the Rotary Club of Altadena, Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich. Additional sponsors include Toyota of Pasadena, Dickson Podley Realtors, All American Audio Visual, M & M Printing, Trinity Thread Works and My Irish Pride.

In accordance with county and park ordinances, consumption of alcoholic beverages is allowed within the limits of the amphitheater proper, and all domestic animals must be restrained by leash. It is requested that for the health, safety and courtesy of the audience that all refrain from smoking in the amphitheater. Copyright law prohibits any form of audio or video recording of these concerts for personal, promotional or commercial use.

Altadena firm helps Mennonite school build solar-powered dorm

Altadena Energy & Solar, a local firm, is helping Eastern Mennonite University (Harrisonburg, VA) build a new dorm that will incorporate solar-powered domestic water heating, estimated to save 50% of the costs of domestic water heating.  EMU's website has the details.

Altadena Town Council highlights

A long and relatively uneventful Altadena Town Council meeting tonight.  Highlights:

• A presentation by the Los Angeles County Community Development Commission on Lincoln Crossing’s history, to bring the council up to speed on the development.  Later in the meeting, outgoing councilmember Michele Zack said that HUD was conducting an investigation of Lincoln Crossing;
• A lengthy report by Sheriff Capt. Roosevelt Blow on  the recent (June 5) shooting.  Blow also said that the Altadena station was preparing for the possibility of increased gang activity.  There will be another squad car brought in to work on gang enforcement during the summer, the station received a $20,000 grant to purchase tactical equipment, and there will be increased undercover surveillance.
• It was announced that T-Mobile has withdrawn its attempt to put a cell phone tower at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church.
• It was also announced that a preliminary injunction was ordered against Sahag Mesrob Armenian Christian School, with a hearing for a permanent injunction set for September.  The preliminary injunction says that Sahag-Mesrob must cease operating at their Palm St. campus by the end of this week.
• The June 6 town council election was certified, and the new members will begin their terms at next month’s meeting.

UPDATE 6/17: Here's the county website with information on West Altadena Community Redevelopment Project Area, which encompasses LIncoln Crossing.

UPDATE #2: Michele Zack has contributed her WAPAC report, after the jump.

Library Fun Flick this Friday: "Bolt"

Go nuts for "Bolt," the computer-animated tale of a dog who thinks he's more heroic than he is -- but finds his true self.  Rated PG, the free film starts at 3:30 in the main library community room, 600 E. Mariposa.

Update on graffiti at Eaton Canyon

Altadenablog has been a litte overwhelmed by personal business (end of school week and all), so it's unfortunate that updating will be light for a few days when important things are going on.

We spoke Monday with Helen Wong, the Regional Park Superintendent for Eaton Canyon, who has been grateful for the response to the graffiti and overwhelmed at the same time.  The park and nature center area, which Wong is responsible for, actually comprises a small part of the area and a small part of the graffiti -- the most egregious graffiti is on land supervised by the National Forest Service.  Law enforcement over the canyon is, depending on the section, the responsibility of the Pasadena Police Dept., National Forest Service, county police (who patrol county parks) or the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept.  While the park's area was cleaned up (i.e. painted over) fairly quickly, the National Forest Service land apparently still has tagging, and the Eaton Park staff have no jurisdiction over it.

In addition, the complaints about the graffiti, and phone calls seeking information and offering help, have made it difficult for the budget-squeezed Eaton Park staff to do the other jobs they're supposed to do.

Eaton Canyon Park neighbor Benita Oekawa, who has been in the thick of this since it started, called us to say that a letter is being prepared to help direct the folks who want to help.  We'll share that with you once there's something definite to say.

Altadena Town Council, Tues., 7 PM

... at the Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.

Council chair Gino Sund tells us:

Of  particular note.  The L.A. County Community Development Commission will be making an informational presentation about the Lincoln Crossing development project.  There has been much discussion about this project and the roles of Town Council and The West Altadena Project Area Committee in the planning and monitoring of the project.  Hopefully we will get a better understanding on Tuesday.

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Volunteer opportunities at Five Acres

PSN's "Volunteer Now" Sunday segment takes on Five Acres.  Lots of opportunities to give of your time and talents.

The Saga of Ramses

... Ramses Barden, that is, whom we're going to start calling the "Giant of Altadena."  Not only because he's six foot six, but because this hometown-boy-made-good is in training with the NY Giants.

We had the privilege of running into his dad, Al Barden, at the Old Dutch Oven Bakery last week.  "That's my boy," he said, pointing out Ramses' picture on the wall, and we knew exactly who he was.

Well, the New York Times is running a story -- and an epic it is -- on Al, Ramses, and how he got the name of a pharoah. It's really fun.