altadenablog

Giving thanks for a job well-done

The Altadena Community Center was the scene for a sendoff of Sheriff Capt. Roosevelt Blow, who retires today after 33 years in law enforcement and three years as Altadena Station's commander.   Many well-wishers attended the reception, including Altadena Library District board member Tom Hubbard and Star-News columnist Shirlee Smith.  (Since Hubbard's wife Monica is a force on the "Yes on CC" campaign, and Smith ... is not, we see his bridge-building skills at work!)

Nominations open for Women in Business Awards

Assemblyman Antony Portantino and state sen. Carol Liu are now taking nominations for the 11th annual Women in Business Awards, to be held July 16 at the Pasadena Hilton.  More information and nomination forms are available at Portantino's website here.  Nominations close April 23.

Brio Spa adds hair, natural health services

Altadenablog sponsor Brio Spa & Salon, 2003 and 2009 Lake Ave., has expanded the services it offers to clients.

In addition to spa, nail, and esthetician services, Brio has opened a hair studio in their facility.  In addition, Body Tech Therapy has opened a clinic in their studio.  Lynwood Lanham, Ph.D. a doctor of natural health, offers body contour sculpting, pain management, massage, and detoxification services.  

Owners Kaye and Nick Flores remind us that Brio can also hold private events (such as pre-wedding spa parties) after 7 PM most nights.

Danny's Farm announces spring schedule

 
  Good things going down on the farm this spring!  Click on the graphics for details.

And now ... idiots

Somebody slashed the replacement Yes on CC sign at Daniel Webster, says PSN -- right after their first sign was destroyed this week.  Sigh.

Bill Burnett says: help a brother out!

Local songmeister Bill Burnett sent this note:

The funny musical TV spot that my little company Stretch Media created is up for a People's Telly award.

Please do me the favor of going to this url

http://www.youtube.com/tellyawards?x=xhMfKbselwM

My lovely wife Debrah shot the spot, I wrote the song and sang it and played all the instruments.

Please VOTE for it by hitting the THUMBS UP symbol under the spot.  And then go back and vote again.  (There doesn't seem to be any limit.)

And pass this on to all your friends.

It only takes a few seconds...and the spot is fun.

Thanks!

Yours in song.

Billllll

(Bill's the big guy with the red bandanna on this head, BTW).

Sheriffs, volunteers hold Saturday sweep for crime information

Received from Sgt. Daniel Bartlett of the Altadena Sheriff Station:

On Saturday, April 3, 2010, Sheriff’s Department personnel and volunteers will be going door-to-door handing out information on protecting people’s homes and cars from burglary.  The area to be covered includes all homes south of Altadena Drive and west of Fair Oaks Avenue in Altadena.  The event will stage in Charles White Park and run from 9am to 2pm.

 

Mt. Wilson bikers hold pancake breakfast fundraiser

The Mt. Wilson Bicycling Association will holds its 21st annual "Save the Trails" fundraiser at the Cobb Estate, corner of Lake and Loma Alta, on Sun., April 25, starting at 8 AM.  Details in the flyer.

And for your NEXT batch of questions, we checked with USFS District Ranger Michael McIntyre, who said that MWBA has a special use permit for the event, which is in its fifth year at the Cobb Estate. (The event used to be held at Henninger Flats, until it became inaccessible after the slide). 

U-Haul employee stabbed by two attackers

PSN is on top of an attack at the U-Haul at the 2300 block of N. Lincoln this afternoon.  Two men stabbed an employee -- sketchy details here.

Altadena Schools outreach: Arroyo Channel, coffee shop hops

Just received the following from Altadena Schools, which is trying to start an Altadena school district:  television appearances and a "coffee shop hop" (all they need now is an upscale lunch truck!)

Altadena Schools Community Meetings

At current rates, approximately half of Altadena’s demographic majority will graduate from high school. Altadena’s high school dropouts are among the estimated one million students who drop out of high school every year. Since as many as 60% of the young black men in America who drop out of high school will land in prison by the time they are in their 30s, the urgency for putting Altadena’s low income majority on the road to success in college instead of crime could not be more urgent.

 

Altadenans are encouraged to join us for one of these open discussions regarding what works to bring all students to academic proficiency regardless of family background!:

 

Thursday April 1 from 7:30-8:30PM on The Arroyo Channel (Charter 32 or http://www.pasadenacommunitynetwork.com)

Talk About Parenting With Shirlee Smith: Measure CC - The PUSD Parcel Tax
Altadena Schools will be Shirlee’s guest on this live broadcast and call-in show. While the subject will be the parcel tax, viewers can expect the discussion to also relate the pros and cons of the proposed tax to the Altadena Schools effort. Dial-in numbers: 626-794-2552 or 626-794-2116

 

Spring 2010 Altadena Schools Coffee Shop Hops!

These outreach efforts are intended to encourage a balanced public engagement on the reasons for and against Altadena Unified in an atmosphere of mutual respect:

 

7-8pm Wednesday, April 21 at Magic Johnson’s Starbucks, 671 N. Fair Oaks at Orange Grove Blvd.

7-8pm Tuesday, May 4 at Café Culture, 1359 N. Altadena Dr at Washington Blvd. Café Culture will open early for this one-hour event and will remain open until midnight.

7-8pm Thursday, May 20 at The Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake Ave at Mariposa

Start battening the hatches ...

... because we just got our Altadena rain alert from National Weather Service, and it looks like 60% chance of precipitation tomorrow!

Green with envy: take the AHS tour April 25

The Altadena Historical Society is promoting our upcoming tour with facts and photos from our files about the George Gilbert Green family.

Green was a multi millionaire when there were only 4000 millionaires in the country.  His modest 23 room house on Mariposa Street in Altadena was called “the ranch.”  The house is gone, but the carriage house where he kept his ranch horses and numerous carriages still stands and will be open to the public on April 25, 2010 between 10 AM=5 PM. 

Tickets are $13 for members, $16 for non-members, and $20 at the door.  Send a check to AHS at the address below.  Or purchase tickets on-line.  For details go to:

http://ahscarriagehousetour.eventbrite.com/to event

Capt. Blow retirement bash tomorrow at Community Center

Don't forget: the Altadena Sheriff's Station will sponsor a community open house next door at the community center, 730 E. Altadena Dr., to honor departing Sheriff Capt. Roosevelt Blow.  Festivities start at 11 AM.

Poetry and Cookies is (are?) coming Sat., April 10!

The Friends of the Altadena Library will sponsor its annual Poetry & Cookies celebration on Saturday April 10 at 2 pm. This free event will feature a reading by the new Poet Laureate for Altadena Library, Alene Terzian. The public is invited to hear Ms. Terzian and other local poets perform their original poems. There will also be a drawing for some great prizes. 

Past attendees have commented on what an “inspiring and fun event” this free program has been.

Following the main readings, there will be an open mic and a poet’s corner where poets may share their poetry publications and offer them for purchase.  The library’s 2010 edition of Poetry and Cookies,  a compilation of poetry by local poets, will also be available for sale.  The main library is located at 600 East Mariposa Street, Altadena.  For more information please call 626- 798-0833 or check the library’s website at http://www.altadenalibrary.org.

Boy's Republic super sale starts today thru April 3

Boy's Republic Thrift Shop Super Sale 

Everything ½ Off

March 29th thru April 3rd 

Clothing, Glass, Books, Videos, CDs, Records, Electronics, Children’s, Linens, Kitchen Item, Furniture 

New Items Stocked Daily

Come Early For Best Selection 
2261 N. Lake Avenue

Altadena, CA

(Next to the Post Office)

10:00am – 3:00pm

Closed Sundays & Tuesdays 

All Proceeds Benefit Boys Republic

www.boysrepublic.com

Altadena Mountain Rescue saves another

The Altadena Mountain Rescue Team has started a blog where they detail some of their rescues: this entry has a Sunday rescue of a woman and her dog, including a helicopter landing at Farnsworth Park.  Fortunately, all ended well.

UPDATE: Had a link problem, which we think we fixed!

Altadena sheriffs honor pioneering women

There was laughter, tears, and stories of heroism at the Community Center this morning as the deputies of the Altadena Sheriff's Station honored their first three female patrol deputies.

The gathering was in part in memory of retired Deputy Charlene "Charlie" Rottler, who died Jan. 3 of this year, but also in honor of Judy Preimsberger and Judy Evans, who received awards from the Sheriff's Department and the county Board of Supervisors.  All were members of the first "Women in Patrol" graduating class in August, 1972.  Rottler was assigned to Altadena Station the day after graduation.

(Pictured: Charlene Rottler)

The Los Angeles Sheriff Dept. had female deputies for many years in the early 1970's, but they were usually assigned to working on custody units, desk operations at stations, or specialized assignments such as vice, narcotics, or juvenile detective units.  None were assigned to a radio car until 1972.  The first women on patrol wore the same uniforms as they wore in custody units: white top, green skirt, and heels.  Their guns and cuffs were tucked into purses.

According to a memoir by retired Commander Carole A. Freeman, who spoke at today's gathering, many captains looked the other way as their female deputies replaced their heels with black tie-on shoes, wore shorts under their skirts, and improvised gear belts.  By 1976, female deputies were wearing full tan and green uniforms with pants and Sam Browne gunbelts.

(Pictured: Retired Cmdr. Carole Freeman remembers the early days)

Rottler's law enforcement career was cut short by an accident.  In November, 1972, she was critically injured when she and her partner were broadsided in their radio car by a drunk driver on Altadena Drive.  She spent 20 hours in surgery at Huntington Hospital, and 30 days in a coma.  She had 55 operations throughout her life to fix injuries she suffered in the accident.  She was forced to retire from the Sheriff's Department in 1974.

The changing face of law enforcement (Sheriff Lee Baca is to the far right).

Rottler's daughter, Los Angeles City firefighter/paramedic Denise Alvarado, fights back strong emotions.

Sheriff Lee Baca recognizes the women in law enforcement.

Altadena Sheriff Capt. Roosevelt Blow acted as master of ceremonies in his final official act before retirement.

UPDATE 3/31:  Had a technical problem that prevented putting this picture in earlier, but it's solved, and we MUST have this one:

Current deputies line up behind some of the surviving original "Women in Patrol" of 1972.  Judy Preimsberger and Judy Evans of Altadena Station are fourth and fifth from the left, respectively, and Charlene Rottler's daughter Denise Alvarado is sixth.

The Forest is listening ...

... or at least the US Forest Service.  About 20 residents showed up at the Community Center for Saturday's listening session with the U.S. Forest Service on making plans for the future of the Cobb Estate.  District Ranger Michael McIntyre, above, listened to the often-passionate views of people who hike the popular area.  A site visit will be scheduled for May, and McIntyre said he wanted to work with the stakeholders to come up with a plan that all could live with.

Lunch truck watch: Qzilla BBQ

The latest: just got a tweet from Qzilla (Southern/St. Louis style BBQ) that they'll be out sometime this morning at Lake & Calavaras (mention "rib bone" and get a free side, they say). 

And to all a good night

One more before we sign off: some fan did a 60's opening for "Lost", as if done by (Altadena resident) Saul Bass!

-----------

Lost vs. Saul Bass from Hexagonall on Vimeo.

Everybody just needs to calm down this week

We've been reading the news in the past week, as everybody has, and the behavior in the media quarters has ginned up enough disgust for a lifetime, thank you.

But folks ... this is too much.  The Yes on CC website reports that a banner at Webster school was vandalized this week.  It's being replaced, but we think it's very sad and un-American when people try to cut short political speech they disagree with.  The way to fight that is more political speech.

UPDATE 3/27: Following her column last week, PSN's Shirlee Smith is feeling the love, too.

Celebrate spring at Webster's Fine Stationers Sat. (Some Bunny will be there!)

Celebrate and support Altadena in the springtime tomorrow at (Altadenablog sponsor) Webster's Fine Stationers on Saturday, with the WFS Spring Celebration.  Starting with the coloring raffle for children ages 1-10, there's still time to color one of three different designs and be entered in a raffle for exciting prizes -- to be given out by no less than the Easter Bunny himself, at 1 PM. (The Bunny will be posing for pictures with your young ones, too, so bring your camera!)

All purchases made between 1-3 PM will benefit Danny's Farm, which will receive 15% of the net proceeds during that period.    A representative of Danny's Farm will be on hand with some of their animal residents to help explain the good things that they do (and plan to do) for the Altadena community.

And if that's not enough, Dip Me in Chocolate, Dana Gregoire's Altadena-based candy company, will debut their spring line of chocolates, just in time for next week's baskets. Gregoire will also donate 15% of her net proceeds to Danny's Farm during the spring celebration.

So come on down to Webster's tomorrow: 2450 N. Lake, Suite B.

(Pictured: the Bunny and I review "Donny Darko.")

Library holds public meeting for Pasadena Water & Power

Pasadena Water & Power will be holding a public workshop at the Altadena Library Community Room at 600 E. Mariposa, starting at 6:30 PM.  The workshop will focus on current water sources and the pros and cons of developing new ones.  PSN has the details.

Lost pet: Oliver the cat [UPDATED]

Cat missing since Monday, March 22nd

Oliver – orange and white cat, 14 years old; last seen wearing a green collar

He is diabetic and takes insulin shots twice a day

Please contact – Kim at 626-993-7572 or Eileen at 626-808-1422

We live on E Calaveras, between Marengo and Raymond

UPDATE 3/30:  Good news!

Thought I would send you an update on Oliver - After a week on his own, he came home this morning (around 1am), announcing his presence by getting in a fight with another cat and waking everyone up.   We are thankful he is home and that neither cat sustained any injuries in the early morning encounter…

Pasadena Educational Founation's FANSS extends technology challenge

Families and Neighbors Supporting Schools (FANSS), a parents group within the Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF), has extended the deadline of the Technology Challenge until May 31:

TECHNOLOGY CHALLENGE MATCHING DONATION

As its first project FANSS is launching a new Technology Challenge initiative to raise much-needed technology funds for PUSD schools. A local family has offered $100,000 in matching funds. Thus, each dollar you donate to PEF as a FANSS member will be matched by a gift to our schools for technology. Feel free to designate your child’s school. We have until May 31, 2010, to reach our goal to receive the matching funds. Please help us reach our goal by donating today. (No individual school will receive more than $10,000 of the matching funds. However, there is no cap on the amount that families and friends may give to the school.)

This link has additional information including a link to donate online with credit card:

http://pasedfoundation.org/fanss.php

This link shows the amount each school has received toward it's goal as of 2/19/2010 (with Altadena schools lagging a bit behind):

http://www.pasedfoundation.org/Copy%20of%20fanss.php

Checks can be mailed or dropped off to:

Pasadena Education Foundation
351 S. Hudson
Room 214
Pasadena, CA 91101

Checks payable to Pasadena Education Foundation
Note on check that it is for Technology Challenge- and, if desired, SPECIFY SCHOOL.

Space and seismology at Caltech next week

If you're still not quite over that little shaker we had a few days ago, Michele A. Judd at the Keck Institute of Space Studies at Cal Tech alerted us to a relevant public panel presentation next week from earthquake superstar Lucy Jones:

Modern Methods of Observing Earthquakes: What We Have Learned About Haiti and Chile Using Seismology and Space Observations

Tuesday, March 30, 2010
8:00 - 9:30pm
Beckman Auditorium, Caltech

Dr. Lucile Jones of the USGS will moderate a free public panel on an overview of the results obtained by analyzing data from the recent earthquakes in Haiti (January 12, Mw 7.0) and Chile (February 27, Mw 8.8).

The speakers will discuss what has been learned about these earthquakes from seismology, observations made from satellite systems, and field observations. They will also discuss how space techniques could in the future improve earthquake monitoring and help mitigate their effects.

Speakers include:
- Dr. Ken Hudnut, USGS
- Professor Mark Simons, Caltech
- Dr. Eric Fielding, NASA/JPL
- Dr. Rich Briggs, USGS
- Dr. Anthony Sladen, Caltech

Seating is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis. Parking in commuter spots is free on the Caltech Campus after 6:00pm.

http://www.kiss.caltech.edu/workshops/surface2010/lecture.html

Sponsored by: the Keck Institute for Space Studies, the USGS and The Planetary Society.

scissors/paper/rock celebrates spring, new expansion

Yolande Carson of (Altadenablog sponsor) scissors/paper/rock salon says they've got a busy weekend planned:

Celebrating our 4th anniversary and salon expansion we are hosting a weekend of food , fashion, music and give- aways!

Friday, March 26th- trunk show with Project 12/22 ,  5pm-8:30pm

Saturday, March 27th- open house,  11am-4pm
 
Hope to see you then or drop by anytime to check out our new digs and all new additional services!
 
 additional info @ www.scissorspaperrocksalon.com

Update: proposed oversize vehicle restrictions

Altadena town council chair Gino Sund has sent this explanation around to the newsgroups, and we're sharing it here, regarding proposed oversize vehicle parking restrictions:

Neighbors,

The proposed overnight parking restriction on oversized vehicles i.e. large recreational vehicles, buses, large boats, etc. has already generated a good amount of community input. Most of the respondents are in favor of the proposal.  Some residents do not fully understand what is being proposed and why. 

Please let me spell out the problems we have been, and are, facing in Altadena and detail the proposed solution.

Applications available for Library fine arts show June 5

The Altadena Library District and Friends of the Library is accepting applications for space for its first annual Fine Arts Show, June 5, "Art on Millionaire's Row."  The show will feature artists, food, and community groups.  Artists residing in Altadena will be given priority. Booth space and salon space is available. Deadline is April 26.  Applications and guidelines are available at the library and at www.altadenalibrary.org.

Zane Grey play premieres at his estate to benefit library expansion

Friends of the Altadena Library and The Moveable Theatre Company announce the world premiere staged reading of the winning entry from the Zane Grey Playwriting Contest: “Surprise Valley” by Mary Casey. 

The performance and reception will take place Sat., May 1, 2010 at the former home of famed western author Zane Grey in Altadena at 4 PM.

The competition asked authors to write a dramatization about the life of long-time Altadena resident, famed author Zane Grey.  Zane Grey (January 31, 1872 - – October 23, 1939) was an American author best known for his popular adventure novels and stories that presented an idealized image of the rugged Old West. Zane Grey and his wife Dolly moved to California in 1918.  

In 1920 they located in Altadena, California, where Grey bought a prominent mansion on East Mariposa Street, known locally as "Millionaire's Row". Designed by architects Myron Hunt and Elmer Grey (no relation to the author), the 1907 Mediterranean style house is acclaimed as the first fireproof home in Altadena, built entirely of reinforced concrete as prescribed by the first owner's wife. Grey summed up his feelings for Altadena with this quote: "In Altadena, I have found those qualities that make life worth living." In 1926 Mrs. Grey helped establish the Altadena Library District, and was its first Board President. 

Tickets are $75 and include a catered reception, performance and a question & answer session immediately following with the author, cast and director.  All proceeds will benefit the expansion of the Altadena Library.  

If you have questions about this event or would like to purchase tickets, please call 626-798-0833 ext. 105.  For more information about the Moveable Theatre Company and the Zane Grey Contest, please visit their website at http://moveabletheatrecompany.org, for more information about the Friends of the Altadena library visit http://www.altadenalibrary.org/friends

Snortland organizes cancer fundraising events

Altadena author/actor/activist/whirlwind Ellen Snortland has packed a couple more events in her already-busy schedule, to help a friend, Robin Carlson, who is fighting cancer:

First, she tells us, they're holding a fundraising bingo night at Throop Unitarian Universalist Church, 300 S. Los Robles, Pasadena, on Sat., April 3. at 6:30 PM. TIckets are $20 (which includes three bingo cards),  and there will be refreshments and prizes.  To guarantee entry, reserve your tickets online by March 31:

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/102639

Second, she will hold a benefit performance of her one-woman show, "Now That She's Gone," at the Actor's Repertory Theater, 2811 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at:

http://tinyurl.com/ydhndus

Tickets may also be purchased at the door, if seats are still available. No one under 12 will be admitted.

For more info, email ellensnortland@mac.com or call 626-798-8421.

Both events are sponsored by New Earth Organization, a 502(c)3 corporation.  All donations are tax-deductible.

Land use committee to look at new cell tower location

They're still finalizing the agenda for the April 6 Altadena Land Use Committee meeting, but chairman Brian League tells us that they will be considering a new location for ATT/T-Mobile's proposed cell tower: 147 E. Loma Alta Dr., disguised as a pine tree:

Installation of an unmanned telecommunications facility disguised as a 100 foot monopine. AT&T will be installing 9 panel antennas at 95 feet with a 27 foot by 12 foot lease area for related equipment. T-Mobile will be installing a 12 panel antennas at 85 feet with a 25 foot by 12 foot lease area for related equipment. Lease areas will be surrounded by chain link fence with green slats
Applicant: AT&T Wireless
Agent: BDI –Derra Design
Owner: Los Angeles County Public Works
Location: 147 East Loma Alta
Project No.: R2010-00090 (CUP 201000014)

Altadena Elementary rummage sale Sat. 9-2

Altadena Elementary School's PTA will hold a rummage sale and flea market fundraiser this Sat., March 27, from 9 AM-2 PM at the school, 743 East Calaveras Street.
 

Please come join us for great food, music, and shopping. There will be more than 30 vendors present. We are raising money for our school. Please come and support public education, while you have fun.

Foothill Water delays bond vote at least a year

We were working on this, but Glendale News Press beat us to it, so credit to them:  the Foothill Municipal Water District board decided to delay its planned bond issue until after two studies are completed.  Foothill's proposal to float $20 million in bonds was met with resistance from residents and directors of the water districts it serves, who wanted more details on Foothill's  plan to develop local water supplies and wean themselves from dependence on the Metropolitan Water District. 

You want fries with that?

The Frysmith truck made its maiden voyage to Altadena tonight -- not as crowded as previous upscale lunch trucks, but the reviews were good.

UPDATE: We knew Bill Westphal would be on the case, and we get his report after the jump.

"Primavera II" brings out the bloggers

Been so busy, haven't had time to say anything on our own event! 

The second annual "Primavera in Altadena" potluck for the bloggers of the San Gabriel Valley was a hit, getting a little less than 50 people at its peak. Bloggers from Altadena, Pasadena, LCF, South Pas, and Glendale, as well as blogfans from all over,  gathered in Farnsworth Park Saturday and were well-represented with good company and a groaning board of food.

Sponsored by Altadenablog, Altadenahiker, Open Mouth Insert Fork, and Altadena Above It All, it was a good time, and we're going to try to do it all again next year!  Pictures after the jump.

Forest Service to hold Cobb Estate "listening session" Sat.

The U.S. Forest Service will hold a "listening session" this Sat., March 27, from 1-3 PM at the Community Center,730 E. Altadena Dr.

According to District Ranger Michael McIntyre,  the Forest Service is looking for public input on the Cobb Estate, the popular hiking area at the end of Lake Ave. 

"We're finding that people are expressing concern or questions about the trail management that we did," McIntyre said.  "I've been here now three years, and I've heard from a variety of people about what people are doing, and what we did brought up the temperature meter."

League of Women Voters hosts education forum

The League of Women Voters in Pasadena is sponsoring a free public forum on the federal "race to the top" initiative in education on April 1 at the Women's City Club, from 9:30 AM- 1 PM.  Details are here.

Here, kitty kitty ...

Folks around Hollyslope Road have been visited by a bobcat in recent weeks.  Marty Ruch took this picture, which has been shared among the Hollyslope Road newsgroup members by moderator Bill Westphal (who, as usual, is on the case and will try to take better pictures).

If you're living in the neighborhood, keep your pets inside or under close watch!

Short takes

• The Altadena ceiling fan!
• Naturalists Gabi and Cliff McLean will talk about "Angeles Forest Recovery and the Fire Follower Plants" on Wed. at Eaton Canyon Nature Center.  Social reception at 7, program at 7:30.
• The city of Hesperia is telling Altadena's late lamented Banana Museum to split, says the Wall Street Journal.  Top banana Ken Bannister wants to sell his collection, but nobody will pony up the bread.  Day-o!

A new hipster lunch truck: "Frysmith" [UPDATE]

Yep, another gourmet roach coach is heading our way Tuesday: Frysmith will be at an undetermined Altadena location tomorrow night from 6-9 PM (it's French fries, of course!).  We'll let you know where they're going to be as soon as they do!

UPDATE: No surprise, but the Frysmith truck will be at the Coffee Gallery, 2029 Lake Ave., from 7-9 PM Tues. night.

"Summer Wonderland" registration opens

Registration is now open for Summer Wonderland. It is a day camp just for primary grade students, students who have completed kindergarten through fourth grade.

The curriculum is DISCOVERY! Weird and Wonderful Worlds: A Voyage through Time. There will be academic fun, indoor and outdoor activities, fine arts, recreation and sports. There will be a weekly field trip related to the area of study, an annual Camp Out in July and our old-fashioned Family Picnic.

Where: Altadena Christian Children’s Center and Altadena Elementary School

When: June 29, 2010 to August 27, 2010.Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Cost: tuition varies

For more information call the director Toni Boucher at 626 797 6142 or email altaccc@aol.com.Website: www.accc-kids.org

Art Center instructor murdered in Westlake Village

Norman Schureman, 50, a former Altadena resident and instructor at Pasadena's Art Center College of Design, was shot and killed during a party in Westlake Village over the weekend, according to news reports.  Stephanie Hoops of the Ventura County Star has an initial report.  Daily News has an appreciation.

Local look at health care reform

KABC localizes the passage of the health care bill, interviewing Susan Braig, no stranger to these pages, who is looking for relief with her thousands of dollars of health care bills and insurance expenses.

We need to be two people today ....

... getting firehosed with household/family needs today -- we'll have some updates late tonight, and more stuff for tomorrow morning!  Thanks for your patience!

Art on Palm spring show, Sat., April 24

Local artists and artisans will display their latest creations in a secluded private canyon garden at Art on Palm, Spring 2010, Sat., April 24th, 9:30 AM. – 5:30 PM at 1419 E. Palm Street.

The one-day-only show and sale features ceramics, collage, drawings, encaustic, fabric, glass, jewelry, paintings, painted metal, mosaics, photography and woodcarvings.  Participating artists include: Stephani Anderson, Julie and Rick Ayres, Karen Bagnard, Erica Batchelder, Catherine M. S. Cowles, Ellen Dinerman, Mary Jane Elgin, Kaylie James Wilson, Bill Haskell, Lynn Hendricks, Jim Heuston, Sherrill Lander, Lindsay Lander, Stephen Johnson, Beverly Jones, Susan Loraine, Luz Mack-Durini, Dana Sue Miller, Betsy Miller, Katherine Nakazono, Cathy Reichel-Clark, Anne Sears, Noya Shiloni-Havi, Maryrose Smyth, Susan Spinks, Kathleen Swaydan, Tris Wasserman, Bruce Wilson, Lys Wilcox, Stephen Woodruff, Anna Vosburg, and Lucia Yang.

Admission and parking are free. Jones Coffee Roasters of Pasadena will offer coffee and light refreshments for sale.

Encircled by ancient oaks, the rustic canyon setting for Art on Palm is a restorative venue for guests and a stunning backdrop for the artists’ works. This is the 12th fine arts and crafts show.  According to the event’s co-producer Mary Jane Elgin “This event benefits everyone. It brings talented artists and their finely crafted works to a discerning and appreciative clientele in a lovely setting.”

Art on Palm, Spring 2010 raises funds for the West L.A. Fisher House Foundation.  Each artist donates a portion of sales to this non-profit organization that provides humanitarian support for wounded military personnel and their families.  For more information about the West L.A. Fisher House Foundation, please visit www.westlafisherhouse.org.
 
(Pictured: the Fall 2009 Art on Palm show).

Foothill Water board meeting Monday

We've heard through some activists on the Foothill Municipal Water District parcel tax issue that there will be a board meeting tomorrow, Mon., March 22, starting at 8:30 AM at FMWD offices at 4536 Hampton Rd. in La Canada Flintridge.  There is usually time for a short public comment during the meeting.  Google map here:

View Larger Map

Barks & Books: read to Pearl at the Library, March 27

Read to Pearl, a friendly rescued poodle, at "Barks & Books" at the Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa, on Sat., March 27.  Children age 5-12 can read to her starting at 11 AM.

It's Primavera Time!

Today's the day for the social event of the year: the second annual San Gabriel Valley Bloggers' "Primavera in Altadena" potluck, at Farnsworth Park, starting at noon today.  That's where we'll be!

Two space station flybys, Sat. and Mon.

With clear skies ahead, there are going to be two good chances to see the International Space Station in the next few days.

Tonight, it will fly overhead at about 8:17, starting in the northwest.  On Monday, it will start at 7:32, again in the northwest, and fly almost directly overhead.