altadenablog

Former Loma Alta principal to manage Rose City High School

from PUSD press release:

  Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) Superintendent Edwin Diaz announced Wednesday the promotion of Eric Sahakian as principal of the Rose City High School. Mr. Sahakian, who has been principal of Loma Alta Elementary since 2009, will manage the alternative high school that recently won accreditation and has more than tripled the number of graduates since 2007. He replaces Irene Quiñones, who retires this month after four years as principal of Rose City.

Ed note: Rose City High School is not to be confused with the Pasadena Rosebud Academy, a charter school that will take over the Loma Alta Elementary School location in the fall.

“Mr. Sahakian brings strong and collaborative leadership and extensive experience as a high school teacher and counselor to this important position,” said Superintendent Diaz, who retires this month after leading reforms that have significantly raised student achievement and cut the dropout rate in half. “High quality alternative education programs that offer strategies tailored to the needs of students who struggle in traditional school settings are critical to the continued increase in graduation rates. I am confident that Eric will build on this foundation to ensure that students succeed in high school and graduate prepared for college and careers.”

Library puts out proposal for capital campaign feasibility study

The Altadena Library District has put out a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a capital campaign feasibility study.  The library is considering a capital campaign for improvements to the main library, which are estimated to cost from $20-23 million.

The RFP is available at http://www.altadenalibrary.org/masterplan.

Library needs help planning its ebook collection

from the Altadena Library District

After many requests, the Altadena Library will be offering eBooks to download from the comfort of your home and on-the-go beginning sometime this September. To help the staff make decisions on what to buy, please take a moment to fill out a very brief survey available on the library’s website at http://www.altadenalibrary.org/ by July 15, 2011.

According to Barbara Pearson, Director of the Altadena Library District, “eBooks have made a huge impact on the book industry and more and more library patrons have been asking for them, so we are pleased to be soon offering this new service.  Due to budget considerations we will only be able to order about 250 books the first year. This survey will help us spend in areas the public would most like. The good news is these books will become part of the library’s permanent collection, so it will keep growing.”

Once eBooks become available at the library, users will be able to browse the library's website for eBook titles, check out with a valid Altadena library card, and download to their computer or many common mobile devices including iPad, iPod, iPhone, Sony Reader, Barnes and Noble's Nook, and those working on the Android or BlackBerry platform.

A complete list can be accessed at http://overdrive.com/resources/drc/.

Amazon Kindles will soon work with the service as well.

For more information about the library, visit the library’s website at www.altadenalibrary.org. 

PUSD Board names Jon Gundry new superintendent

PUSD press release

The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) Board of Education announced Wednesday night that, by a unanimous vote of 7-0, it will enter into negotiations with Jon R. Gundry as the final candidate for the new Superintendent of Schools. Mr. Gundry, who has served as interim superintendent of the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) since 2010, will replace Superintendent Edwin Diaz, who will retire on June 30 after four and a half years of leading the District.

“Our four-month search for a new leader to continue the momentum of accelerating student achievement is at a close,” said Board President Renatta Cooper.  “Jon is an accomplished leader who can focus on moving forward and working together for our children’s future, so that all children learn and our students are prepared for college and careers.”

As the chief executive officer of LACOE and secretary of the County Board of Education, Mr. Gundry was responsible for ensuring the financial and academic stability of 80 school districts that serve more than two million preschool and school-age children, and for overseeing $16 billion in school district funding and a staff of nearly 4,000. He was appointed interim superintendent by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors following the retirement of Darline P. Robles last summer.  Previously as deputy superintendent, he had been a vital member of LACOE’s Executive Cabinet, developing policy and overseeing strategic projects and initiatives.  

'Ears a young coyote out and about

Community correspondents Sherry and Joseph Cavallo caught this guy in their backyard on the 2400 block of Ganesha last weekend -- he seemed to us to have really big ears for a coyote, so we sent it to our Canid Correspondent, Dr. Barkman, with the question, "Fox or coyote?"

Her response: "That’s a coyote for sure.  He’s a youngster – just need to grow into his ears."

This is also darn close to where the coyote killed the Maltese Wednesday morning -- while this guy may or may not be the culprit, it's a reminder that the coyotes are out and they're bold, so be careful with your pets.

UPDATE:  Reader Tom Owens (fixed!)  says he saw a pack of four coyotes on Mendocino at about 10 PM both Saturday and Sunday last week -- sounds like folks in the neighborhood need to be extra-vigilant.

"Cherish" Terry Kirkman at the Coffee Gallery Sat.

by Donna Barnes-Roberts

Terry Kirkman, the man known to most of you as the author of the song you fell in love to, "Cherish," and a co-founder and a long time member of The Association, (a band that started at Bob Stane's Ice House), is coming out of hiding for a rare appearance right here at the Gallery on Sat., July 2.

Terry will play the role of entertainer, moderator and host, facilitator and guru guide on what he describes as "A Warm Fuzzy evening of Americana and Transcultural Classics" for the weekend of the Fourth.   Expect some new Kirkman compositions as well.

EXTRA BONUS:  Those of you still confused by the 60's will be able to ask questions, as well, and have Terry help you sort out what actually may have happened; especially from the perspective of Terry's inside experience with the birth of the whole 60's pop scene.  And the generous Mr Kirkman will be presenting some new talents of his liking to open up the evening.

You will love Nancy and Phil and will thrill to the beauty and sound of some young talented gals from Terry's home town, the pop family band, Ramekega. Be ready to be impressed, and touched by all you hear tonight.

Performing with Terry Kirkman will be songwriter balladeer Duane Thorin, known to Coffee Gallery audiences as a fine singer/entertainer. Expect great harmonies, and expect to be asked to participate on quite a few songs you know.

Anyone not feeling warm and fuzzy and totally uplifted after this will be personally counseled by Bob Stane, on a house call basis.

Surprise, surprise, Altadena is the nexus for all things cool once again.

Terry Kirkman with Ramekega and Duane Thorin, Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake.  Sat., July 2, 7 PM, tickets $15.  Reservations:  (626) 798-6236.

An evening of cowboy poetry and song July 9

Big Hat Promotion's next cowboy house concert will be cowboy poet Gary Robertson and balladeer Michael Tcherkassky on Sat., July 9:

Gary Robertson is an accomplished cowboy poet and endearing storyteller. Gary loves his audiences, and they love him.  His stories of the cowboy way and ranching lifestyle touch both the heart and the funny bone.Always in demand, Gary has performed at the Colorado Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Arizona Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Cowboy Hall of Fame, Gene Autry Museum, Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival, Monterey Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival, and Big Bear Cowboy Poetry Gathering.

Knowing your subject matter is key to any successful performer, and Gary lives his every day as Ranch Manager for Greenfield Ranch in Thousand Oaks, California. He is also an accomplished Dutch oven cook and purveyor of truly bad jokes. 

Michael Tcherkassky has become a very familiar face among those who enjoy Cowboy and Western music. His style and delivery of cowboy ballads easily conjure up visions of cowboys around the campfire, hot coffee and the aroma of wood smoke. Well known by his SASS (Single Action Shooting Society) moniker “Saddle Serenader”, Michael has performed throughout the West entertaining at many of the most popular gatherings. For more than a decade, Michael has been singing songs on horseback while greeting guests at the prestigious Santa Clarita Cowboy Gathering.

$20 per person cash donation requested, and advance reservations are required. Doors open at 5:30, dinner at 6, and concert begins at about 7 PM.

Dinner and beverages are provided by your hosts. Please make plans to join us for this intimate backyard house concert. For reservations, please email big.hat@sbcglobal.net. Visit our website for more information.

 

Weekendin': let freedom ring

It's a holiday, so it's kind of slow, but what's there is good ...

Thurs., June 30

• Teen cupcake wars: At the Altadena Main Library Community Room, 600 E. Mariposa St., teens (13-17) participating in the Teen Summer Reading Program can join in on this fun and creative activity. Decorate a cupcake best to represent a random country. Use your imagination and present a cupcake that leaves all other cupcakes in the dust. Top vote-getter wins a prize! You must be signed up for the Teen Summer Reading Program to compete.
• Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake: backstage, John York, "The Byrds and Beyond," 8 PM, $20.  Reservations:  (626) 798-6236.

Fri., July 1

• Beach Bus to Santa Monica: pickups start at 9 AM. $3. See here for details.
• Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake: front stage, open mic, starts  8 PM, free; backstage, Merchants of Moonshine, 8 PM, $15. Reservations:  (626) 798-6236.
• Altadena Town & Country Club fireworks display, starts about 9:30 PM.

Sat., July 2

• Beach Bus to Santa Monica: pickups start at 9 AM. $3. See here for details.
• Coffee Gallery Backstage: The Association's Terry Kirkman with Ramekega and Duane Thorin, 7 PM, $15. Reservations:  (626) 798-6236.

Sun., July 3

• Coffee Gallery: front stage, open mic, starts  8 PM, free; backstage, Stephanie Bettman and Luke Halpin, 7 PM, $18. Reservations:  (626) 798-6236.
• The Rancho Bar, 2485 N. Lake Ave., will be having a Independence day BBQ starting around noon. On the menu:  Slow Smoked/BBQ pulled pork sandwich, Baked Beans, Cole Slaw & more. (21 & over)

Mon., July 4

• Independence Day
• The Altadena Ale & Wine House will celebrate with a fish fry and barbecue this afternoon.

Morning jolt

• Special needs kids safe swim: The City of Pasadena is offering a supervised swim hour for children ages 5 to 12 with special needs Mondays through Thursdays this summer from 11 a.m. to noon at Robinson Park, 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave., from July 5 to Aug. 12. A parent or authorized guardian must be available to assist each child. Pre-registration and waivers are required. For costs, scholarships and more information call Darrell Walker at (626) 744-7530; to pre-register, call Jackie Scott at (626 ) 744-7257.
• Andre Coleman, the Pasadena Weekly's deputy editor and frequent writer of things Altadena over there, is going into the John Muir High School Hall of Fame for his writing.   Congratulations!
• But do they have lox?:   Now we've heard everything: The Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center (1434 North Altadena Drive) will host the Takosher food truck today from 4-8 PM today.  Yes, they sell kosher tacos. Oy!
• Like Altadenans, residents and government officials in La Canada Flintridge also aren't too crazy about being in a state assembly district that stretches all the way to Rancho Cucamonga, reports the La Canada Valley Sun.

Poisoned juvenile hawk found in Chaney Trail neighborhood

Pictured: a Cooper's Hawk, from Wikipedia Commons.

We picked up this information from the Chaney Trail newsgroup, and it's worth passing along:

A sick juvenile hawk was found in the Chaney Trail area.  It was assessed as being poisoned and was sent to the Pasadena Humane Society, but the neurological damage was too grave.  Lori Paul said that it was likely poisoned by eating a rodent that had eaten poisoned bait.

According to Paul:

Mice, rats, gophers and other rodents dying slowly of poison will stagger into the open and become prime targets for predators, especially hawks and owls looking for an easy meal. Secondary poisoning can kill non-target wildlife in horrific ways. Accumulated poisons can also cause blindness, liver failure, neurological damage and so forth. Sadly, that is probably what killed the juvenile Cooper's hawk... Its death was a tragic loss for this recovering species that we are lucky to have nesting in our neighborhood.

A few years ago a Western Screech owl died of secondary poisoning (its body was found on lower Jaxine Drive near the intersection with Alzada Road). Poisoned birds of prey are more likely to be "noticed" than other species because they fly and may "crash" where they will be seen. We do not know how many birds of prey or other "non-target" animals have been poisoned, because such victims often die away from view (hiding as they sicken) or get eaten by another animal (possibly causing tertiary poisoning). For that reason, poisoning of wildlife and some pets may be a larger problem than we know. Please help keep poisons out of the food chain.

Victim's vehicle found in Nevada; husband, dog still missing

In the ongoing story of Renata Klein, whose body was found in the Angeles National Forest June 15, Nevada authorities found her vehicle, but her husband and dog are still missing.

According to a press release from the Los Angeles County Sheriff Dept., a citizen reported a suspicious vehicle parked behind an abandoned building in North Las Vega, Nevada on June 26.  Police discovered the vehicle was the Klein's missing Jeep.  The Los Angeles sheriffs were notified and the vehicle was impounded and is to be towed back to Los Angeles county.

Renata's husband, Dusan Klein, and the family dog, Cindy, are still missing. Anyone with information about them or this incident is encouraged to contact Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Homicide Bureau, 323-890-5500. If you prefer to provide information ANONYMOUSLY, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

Pasadena offers crime victim's workshop July 9

The Pasadena Police Department will host a crime victims clinic Saturday, July 9, from 8:30 AM. to noon in the assembly room on the second floor of the department headquarters, 207 N. Garfield Ave.  

California voters passed the Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights Act (Marsy’s Law) in 2008 giving victims of crimes and their families 17 constitutional rights.  The clinic on July 9 will feature panel discussions and information on what those rights are, the impact of Marsy’s Law and how it is implemented. 

Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich and Marsy’s mother Marcella Nicholas Leach will provide special remarks. Workshop participants will include Pasadena Police Chief Phillip L. Sanchez and Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Darrell Mavis.  Representatives from Justice for Homicide Victims, Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, Los Angeles Superior Court Bailiff’s Office, Victim-Witness Assistance Programs, Peace Over Violence and Crime Stoppers will participate as well. 

A crime victim is someone who has suffered direct or threatened physical, psychological or financial harm as a result of the commission or attempted commission of a crime or delinquent act. The term “crime victim” also includes the person's spouse, parents, children, siblings or guardian and includes a lawful representative of a crime victim who is deceased, a minor, physically or psychologically incapacitated.

For more information about the clinic or to RSVP, please contact jhvinfo@gmail.com. This event is free to the public. Seating is limited, so please RSVP no later than July 6.  Free parking will be available in the structure at 240 Ramona Street (between Garfield and Marengo avenues).

The clinic is sponsored by Justice for Homicide Victims/Justice for Murdered Children. For more information about the organization visit to www.justiceforhomicidevictims.com. 

CERT classes offered for July

by Carolyn Seitz

A CERT (County Emergency Response Team) class is now planned for July.  See the details below about the dates and times for the class.  Please note that it is weeknights only, no weekends. 

If you've completed a CERT class, you may use all or some of these evenings as a refresher.

If you've been waiting for another CERT class in our area, here's your opportunity, or if you know others who are interested in being better prepared to take care of themselves, their families and neighborhood, this is a great chance.

Registration instructions are provided in the attached flyer. 

Please let me know if you have questions.  Otherwise, I look forward to seeing you at this class.

Details:

LA Sheriff Dept. regional County Emergency Response Team (CERT) Course

Conducted over seven consecutive weeknights, 6:30-9:30 PM, starting July 18.

at the Neighbors Empowering Youth Center, 2662 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Altadena.

Register online: www.rcpi-ca.org

For questions or more information, call 323-526-5015 or email cert@lasd.org

Coyote kills dog, Mendocino & Maiden Lane

Reader David Britt tells us that a coyote hopped the fence in the early morning hours today (Wednesday) and killed his mother-in-law's dog, near the intersection of Mendocino and Maiden Lane.  Watch out for your pets!

Farnsworth Park summer program needs TVs

Angie Calleros, Recreation Services Supervisor at Farnsworth Park, tells us that the two TVs they were using for their summer children's programs aren't working anymore, and they have nothing in the budget to buy new ones.  If you've got a working TV you don't need anymore, here's a chance to help out a worthy cause.  Call Angie at  (626) 798-6335.

Art and a tree removed from MonteCedro site

There's been a little activity around the MonteCedro vacant lot on Calavaras in recent weeks, according to Episcopal Homes spokeswoman Susan Hixon.

The "Art from the Heart" paintings on the fence were recently removed, Hixon said.  "We took the artwork down because it was getting tattered." Hixon said.  The paintings are in the process of being returned to the institutions --  schools and Episcopal Homes retirement communities -- that worked on them, Hixon said.

This weekend, a large fir tree was removed from the property, Hixon said.  It was due to be trimmed, but the workers found that it was split almost through, and an arborist called in determined that the tree was in danger of falling and needed to be removed, according to Hixon.

As for the development itself, Hixon said they were still in the process of pre-selling units.  Episcopal Homes needs a 10% deposit on a certain number of units before they can seek financing to begin construction.  Hixon said that they hadn't reached critical mass yet.

Morning jolt

• Chris Larson at the Rancho Bar, 2485 N. Lake Ave.,  tells us that they're still fighting to have Tuesday night karaoke (the county seems to have a different opinion), and that they'll continue until told to cease and desist.  So come on by next week!
• Speaking of the county, LA Weekly has a feature on LA County planners code-bombing Antelope Valley residents, some of whom have lived in their eccentric homes for decades.  The county is so serious about collecting their fees that code enforcement teams show up armed and in flak jackets.  That couldn't happen here. could it?  Oh, right ... it has.
• Andrew Breitbart's Big Hollywood site has an interview with local hero John C. Reilly, whose new movie "Terri" was largely filmed in Altadena.  He has quite a few good things to say about his hometown (altho' we remember a few neighbors kvetching when filming was underway ...)

Gary Allegretto and Ian Espinoza delight appreciative Western music crowd

by Lizze Slocum

“I can promise you this,” said harmonica virtuoso Gary Allegretto at the beginning of his sold-out show Saturday evening, “we’re gonna have fun tonight.”

He wasn’t foolin’, either. Singer/songwriter Gary and singer/songwriter/guitarist Ian Espinoza delivered a good time in the form of some rocking bluesy cowboy music, along with tuneful melodies and some guitar work from Ian that got our feet stomping. And then there was Gary’s dazzling harmonica playing. Gary can play the harmonica so well, bringing forth such a diverse measure of sounds, it makes a listener take that instrument downright seriously.

Enhancing the pleasure of the music was its relaxed, comfortable setting: Bob and Marie Mann’s Altadena backyard. Last Saturday night was the second in a series of 2011 summer house concerts sponsored by the Manns through their company, Big Hat Promotions. Their goal is to bring Western music to a wider audience by booking top acts, inviting the public, and serving dinner to boot.

Some of the songs Gary and Ian performed Saturday night took one’s breath away. An original song by Ian, which he said he’d completed only that morning, was so polished and pretty that it was hard to believe the twosome was playing it in front of a crowd for only the first time Saturday night.

Gary also has a band of his own and a nonprofit organization that provides music therapy with harmonicas to special needs kids worldwide, Harmonikids. The crowd was a mix of Gary’s fans and newcomers. As such, Gary was happy to accommodate audience requests for favorites from his WMA award nominated album "Harmonicowboy", including a couple of humorous numbers such as “Ugly Woman Blues,” and “Copenhagen”.  Cowboy blues, old-time cowboy songs, spiritual numbers served up on Ian’s 1920’s-era steel guitar, and some original Western music filled out the evening. A solo harmonica train song called "Untrainable", an audience favorite, closed the show and gave us a glimpse at Gary and his harmonica at work when he is entertaining and inspiring kids.

For more information and to reserve seats at upcoming Big Hat concerts, visit www.bighatonline.com.

(This story was slightly revised to include some more information and clarification from Gary Allegretto).

Smoke is from East LA brush fire

The LA County Sheriff's Dept. tells us that the smoke you've been breathing this afternoon comes from a brush fire in East LA.  They sent this message this afternoon:

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in conjunction with The Los Angeles County Fire Department advise you to AVOID traveling on Eastern Avenue between City Terrace Drive and North Marianna Avenue in the community of East Los Angeles due to a brush fire that threatened several residential homes in the area.

The ten acre brush fire on the hill just west of Eastern Avenue near North Marianna Avenue has been extinguished stated Inspector LeVesque of the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Currently, there have been no reported injuries nor any reported property damage. However, the area still remains closed while the Los Angeles County Fire Department concludes it's operation.

This will require temporary road closure for approximately one more hour while the Fire Department inspects the hill for any potential hot spots that may re-ignite the hillside.

 

Police log: stabbing at Charles White Park, bicycles stolen and thrown

from the Altadena Sheriff's Station:

Mon., June 20

12:40 AM – A commercial burglary occurred at 7‐11, 1319 N. Altadena Dr.  Suspect male, Hispanic, 30 –35 yrs, 5’6”, 165 lbs., brown hair, wearing a blue/white plaid jacket, black shirt, blue jeans, and white tennis shoes, entered the store and stole two 18‐packs of Budweiser beer. The suspect exited the store and entered a brown Nissan pickup.  Suspect last seen southbound on Altadena Dr.

Between 7:00 AM and 6:05 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 200 block of Acacia Drive.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by removing the window screen. Loss: black Samsung 42” and silver Xbox game console.  Suspect(s) are known.  

Tues., June 21

Between 1:00 AM and 9:00 AM – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 2100 block of Santa Rosa Avenue. Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the driver’s side passenger window.  Loss: black Body Glove case and (8) ‘Zildjian’ cymbals ranging between 10” to 20” in diameter.

Wednesday, June 22

Between 2:00 AM and 10:00 AM – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 1700 block of Oakwood Street.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by punching the door lock.  Loss: ‘General’ rooter machine.

Sat., June 25

3:00 AM – A gang-related assault occurred at Charles White Park.  The victim was talking to a female when a group of male, Hispanics approached the female and questioned her conversation with the victim.  The victim intervened and one of the males approached the victim and stabbed him in the left upper arm.  Suspect described as a male, Hispanic, late 20’s, 5’8”, 170lbs, short crew cut hair, and a goatee.  Other males described as male Hispanics.  No further information at this time.  
2:50 PM – A robbery occurred at Mendocino St./Mar Vista Av.  The victim was riding his bicycle when a male approached the victim from behind and demanded the victim’s bicycle.  The victim feared for his safety and gave the suspect the bicycle.  Suspect described as a male, African‐American, mid 20’s, 6’00”, average build, wearing a blue Dodger’s baseball cap, green shirt and blue jeans.  Weapon used:  silver switchblade 4‐5.”  Loss: silver BMX bicycle.  
8:00 PM – An assault with a deadly weapon (bicycle) occurred in the 400‐block of E. Altadena Dr.  The victim was riding his bike eastbound on Altadena Dr. when he encountered a group of males standing in the roadway.  As the victim passed the males, one male threw a cigarette butt at the victim.  The victim stopped and asked the male why he threw a cigarette.  The male became irate, lunged at the victim and grabbed the bicycle.  A struggle ensued and the suspect grabbed the bike and threw it at the victim.  The victim fell back and suffered minor injuries.  Suspect described as a male, Caucasian, approx. 20 yrs, 6 ft.

Cupcake Wars! for Altadena Library teens Thursday

from the Altadena Library

On Thurs., June 30 from 4-5 PM in the Altadena Main Library Community Room, 600 E. Mariposa St., teens (13-17) participating in our Teen Summer Reading Program can join in on this fun and creative activity. Decorate a cupcake best to represent a random country. Use your imagination and present a cupcake that leaves all other cupcakes in the dust. Top vote-getter wins a prize! You must be signed up for the Teen Summer Reading Program to compete!

PUSD will phase in Burbank reconfiguration; Phase I plan goes to board tonight

Pasadena Unified School District officials are now looking at phasing in new uses for the Burbank Elementary School building, with mental health services moved to the location by the start of the school year.

PUSD staffers held a second public meeting at the school auditorium Monday night, saying that the need is urgent, as the district's mental health services now located at McKinley Elementary will be moved out during that school's remodeling.

According to PUSD's presentation, the mental health services would require administrative offices and therapy or counseling rooms, and would see administrators, itinerant social workers and psychologists, and small group therapy and evaluation sessions for parents and students.

Parking needs for Phase I would be five spaces for staff, ten for itinerant staff, and visitor parking of from 6 to 14 cars up to three times a week.  A monthly staff meeting requires parking for approximately 30 cars.

About 50 people attended Monday night's meeting, where district officials said that they opted to go more slowly than they had previously planned in reconfiguring the now-shuttered Altadena school.  The Phase I changes will go before the board of education for approval tonight.

Catch-up day

Spent the past few days visiting family, for what may be the only vacation we get this summer, and there's a lot of stuff piling up.  We're getting to it, but it may be slow!

Sparse attendence at Farnworth Park's "Festival of the Arts"

by Laura Monteros

Pictured: scenes from Shakespeare were performed at the Theatre Americana festival.

Music, dance, art, Shakespeare, and even a cute pooch didn’t draw in the crowds at Theatre Americana’s first Festival of the Arts in Farnsworth Park on Saturday.  Whether this was due to summer heat, the soccer Gold Cup game at the Rose Bowl, or just being festivaled-out, Altadenans were scarce.

The festival was an ambitious undertaking, with performances in the amphitheater from early afternoon to late evening and an arts and crafts exhibit in Davies Hall all afternoon.  This reporter caught the Sue B. Dance Company and Theatre Americana as well as getting acquainted with Bella the dog.

Bella, along with human friends Kathy Hart, Faye Chan and Brian Stauffer, represented Lifeline for Pets, a non-profit agency that rescues pets and places them in homes.  They have a no-kill policy.  The one-year-old Chihuahua/beagle mix has a foster family who is relocating for work, so she needs a new home soon.  She is all ready to go (license, shots, neutering) and comes with some handy-dandy equipment.

Bella was not the only non-art exhibit at the festival.  Remi Dayle of Amblin Massage brought two massage chairs to demonstrate her mobile massage service.

Inside Davies Hall, there were some familiar faces and some new ones: Ngene Mwaura with his recycled art, watercolorists Kathleen Swyadan and Karen Bagnaard, Lisa George, who recently exhibited at the Coffee Gallery, and photographer Matthew Reamer of Eco-Prints displaying photos in recycled frames.

Mwaura paints discarded objects such as skateboards, fan blades, and split baseball bats, but he also has a bit of the performance artist in him. He paints large-scale works to live jazz music in clubs around Los Angeles. He also has small, inexpensive original pieces and reproductions.

“There’s a population that can’t afford original art,” Mwaura says.  “I still want to talk to them. I get ideas from them.”

Lynda Pyka, who makes “fascinators”—hair decorations—from vintage millinery and other found objects also hopes to provide folks with affordable jewelry.  Her “Poor Little Rich Girl” section offered an array of laminated necklaces for whatever the buyer could afford to pay.

Recycling seemed to be popular at the festival.  Lynn Matthiesen of Lynn’s Linens uses vintage handkerchiefs, towels, and table linens to create sachets and other items, and Anita Finnegan’s hand-braided jewelry and  Nina E.K. Ehlig’s creations use both new and collected items. 

Out at the amphitheater, Sue B. Dance Company had some mean tap dancers, followed by a circle of little girls who danced their little pink hearts out.

Theatre Americana presented four scenes from Shakespeare plays, complete with full costumes and two period dances.  The scenes were from The Taming of the Shrew, Much Ado about Nothing, Midsummer’s Night Dream, and Romeo and Juliet.

For Theatre Americana’s upcoming events, check out the website at www.theatreamericana.com

---

Laura Monteros writes about Altadena for several online publications.

 

Neglected pools may be source of West Nile Virus mosquitos

 Kelly Middleton
San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District

The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District has confirmed two more crows infected with West Nile virus and is awaiting confirmation on an additional bird.  The birds were collected from the cities of Baldwin Park and Covina.  Last month, the District reported its first indication of WNV activity in an infected crow collected from the city of West Covina.

Pictured: green pools found in the Altadena/La Canada Flintridge area.  SGVMVCD graphic.

Crows travel great distances in a given day and it is often difficult to identify where they might have become infected with WNV.  However, once infected, they are capable of infecting local mosquitoes that feed on them thereby increasing local transmission risk.  Thus far, no mosquito samples have tested positive for WNV. 

Of added concern, 62% of Los Angeles County dead birds reported to the State WNV Hotline last week were from the San Gabriel Valley.  “This is not good news,” said Kenn Fujioka, Assistant Manager at the District, “WNV activity is increasing rapidly now that the weather has warmed.  Residents must take an active role in addressing this public health problem.”

Residents are encouraged to:

1. Report all dead birds to the WNV Hotline – (877) WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473) or www.westnile.ca.gov.
2. Check for and remove all standing water around the home. 
3. Report mosquitoes and neglected pools, spas, and fountains to the District at (626) 814-9466 or www.sgvmosquito.org.
4. Wear protective clothing and repellents on exposed skin when outdoors in the evening or early morning hours.

One neglected swimming pool can breed millions of mosquitoes placing an entire neighborhood at risk.  The District’s annual Helicopter Surveillance Program has identified a record number of neglected pools this year.  All of the WNV infected crows have been collected from areas with a high density of neglected pools.   

Summer in Altadena: Farnsworth Park concerts start July 9

from the Sheriff's Support Group

The Sheriff’s Support Group of Altadena (SSGA) has announced the lineup for the 15th annual free Summer Concerts in the beautiful Farnsworth Park’s outdoor Amphitheater, 568 E. Mt. Curve Ave., Altadena. All concerts start at 7:00 PM.

This year’s season kicks off on July 9th with the Irish Volunteers and the Irish Pride Dancers who will performmusic and dance from the Public Houses of Ireland.

The July 16th concert will be featuring the Downbeat Express, Altadena’s Big Band, along with the vocal talents of Jennifer Gates and high note trumpet artist Paul Cacia.

On July 23rd Altadena will have its very own Jazz guitarist Brian Hughes with The Brian Hughes Quintet who will simply dazzle you, performing music from his brand new CD "Fast Train To A Quiet Place".

On July 30th back for their second appearance are the crowd pleaser Upstream featuring Caribbean musicand so much more. On August 6th the Blue Breeze Band will entertain with Motown, Blues, R & B and Soul. Dancing shoes would be a great idea!

On August 13th Lisa Haley & the Zydekats will be in the amphitheater with high energy Zydeco music. Bring your dancing shoes again.

On August 20th Classic Rock ‘N Roll willbe performed by The Mixx, get ready to Rock ‘N Roll and be sure your dancing shoes are still available. On August 27th the sounds of Western music will fill the amphitheater with The Tumbling Tumbleweeds. Keep those dancing shoes at the ready.

The 2011 Summer Concert Series concludes on September 10th with a tribute to the Beach Boys performed exquisitely by the tribute band The Beach Toys. Dancing shoes are now required.

Each year, the Summer Concert Series has been made possible by the generous support of our sponsors.This year SSGA welcomes back a major sponsor, Warner Bros. Entertainment, whose donation accounts for nearly 40% of the total cost of the Concert Series.

“As Warner Bros. produces both TV and feature films in Altadena, we really wanted to give something back to the community. The Summer Concert Series is the perfect event to be a part of and we are very excited to be involved.” said Lisa Rawlins, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs of Warner Bros. Entertainment.

Bob Klomburg, President of SSGA said “Without Warner Bros. participation we would have had to curtail the number of concerts this year. Their generous support made this season’s concerts possible”.

Supporting the concert series in addition to Warner Bros. is past sponsor the Rotary Club of Altadena with Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich. Additional sponsors include Toyota of Pasadena, Podley Realtors, All American Audio Visual, our own town news source, www.altadenablog.com, M & M Printing, Trinity ThreadWorks, My Irish Pride and with the help of Georgia Rutherford in memory of Don Rutherford. The Altadena Sheriff’s Station and Farnsworth Park are hosting this year and we are dedicating the Summer Concerts tothe memory of Cue MacKenzie.

SSGA is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that assists the Altadena Sheriff’s Station with equipment and supplies not available through the County budget and are the producers of the 15th Annual Summer Concert Series.

Whoa! Bob & Marie Mann make Altadena a Western music haven

Bob and Marie Mann open their home to
performers and fans of cowboy culture

by Lizze Slocum

Pictured: Marie and Bob Mann.

Bob and Marie Mann want to introduce a new audience to Western music through a series of concerts held at their Altadena home.

Not "country and western" music, mind you. To those who frequent the Manns’ events, C&W stands for "Cowboy and Western" music.

This isn’t the fare you’ll hear on your local country and western radio station. “Western music and cowboy poetry,” says Bob, “focus on the traditions of the American West, particularly the rural West. The music and the poetry celebrate the life of the cowboy on the open ranges, as well as traditional and [modern] ranch life, the values, the hazards, the practices and the landscape where that lifestyle takes place.”

Western music was associated with country music because of Billboard magazine’s chart classification system; its connotation as a sub-genre of country music is erroneous. Widely popular in the United States during the 1930s and 1940s, Western music had declined by the 1960s. In more recent years, however, those who love it have stepped forward to promote Western musicians and groups. Well-attended annual events here in the Southland include Santa Clarita’s annual Cowboy Festival and the Big Bear Cowboy Gathering, which the Manns helped sponsor for three years.

Rancho offers Feast on Friday (and gets code-bombed by the county!)

Altadenablog sponsor The Rancho Bar, 2485 N. Lake Avenue, sent us two pieces of information:

One is the last-minute announcement that they'll be serving up another "Feast on Friday" this afternoon, 11:30 AM- 3 PM.  On the menu: home-made chili, "man-sized" salami and provolone sandwich, or if you prefer tomato bruschetta & provolone panini.

AND: Rancho owner Chris Nelson says that they had to stop Tuesday karaoke nights.  The reason: what do you think?  It was violating a county code, and they need to pay a bag of gold to get the proper license.  BOHICA!

 

Morning jolt

• 
  Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California has awarded Alta-triplets Aubrey, Charles and Justina Walker each a $2,000 scholarship.  PSN has details here (scroll down).
• Laura Monteros at the Examiner scoops us all with news that the old Pasadena main post office at 281 E. Colorado Blvd. will be named after Altadenan and Tuskeegee Airman Oliver Goodall.  Why not the Altadena post office?  Because Altadena's is leased, not owned by the Postal Service -- and the Beaux Arts structure across from Pasadena Paseo is in fact historic, as well.

 

Supes approve resurfacing sections of Altadena Dr., New York Dr.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a roadway resurfacing and reconstruction project on Tuesday for Altadena, East Pasadena, and California Boulevard in Pasadena, according to a release from Supv. Michael D. Antonovich.

Among the streets that will see work are Altadena Drive from Washington Boulevard north to New York Drive, and New York Drive from Valencia Avenue east to Eaton Wash Channel.

Work on the project is set to begin in January 2012 and be completed by April 2012.  The estimated cost of the project is $4.25 million.

According to Antonovich's spokesman Tony Bell, the work will include reconstruction,  resurfacing, and cold-in-place recycling of roadway pavement; construction at various locations of curb and gutter, sidewalks, curb ramps, driveways, and catch basins; modification of  traffic signals;  installation of striping and pavement markings; and related work

The project will also cover San Gabriel Boulevard from Huntington Drive north to California Boulevard in East Pasadena, and California Boulevard from the city of Pasadena boundary east to Michellinda Avenue.

 

First weekend of summer ...

... and we'll be undertaking some family activities, so entries will be light this weekend.

Angry charges creates angry response at Tuesday's town council meeting

Things got a little testy at Tuesday night's town council meeting when a resident and Sheriff Capt. Steven McLean went head-to-head about allegations of police abuse.

Ryan Eggers, who identified himself as an engineer on the Mars Rover project for JPL, said he felt "compelled to address police misconduct and abuse."  Passing out a multi-page complaint to the town council, he said that he was "victimized" during a stop by deputies, and laid out a four point proposal which included having cameras on radio cars and having a supervisor confirm in the field if arrests were necessary.

A heated McLean said that he hadn't read the documents, but -- reciting statistics that the complaints were down 50% and force against suspects down 60% -- he "takes exception" to Egger's charges that deputies were "out of control."

"You need to do your homework, sir," McLean said.

Some councilmembers responded by saying that the council needed to be a forum where people could speak their minds, and McLean apologized to Eggers, admitting "you've touched a nerve with me."

Sheriff Lt. Joseph Dempsey said that Eggers had filed a complaint, and and if he didn't like the result, there was a several-step process.

Eggers had not responded to our request for a copy of his complaint letter by press time.

PUSD to hold second meeting Monday on Burbank School's future

The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) has announced it will host a second community meeting on Monday, June 27, to look at the future uses of Burbank Elementary School.

The school -- which closed this week due to budget cuts -- is proposed to be the site of a grab-bag of school district programs.  An earlier meeting was called on very short notice, and earned some harsh remarks from members of the community. 

The community meeting will be Mon., June 27, at Burbank Elementary School, 2046 N. Allen Ave., starting at 7 PM.

Weekendin' June 24-26

Summer is here -- enjoy!

Thurs., June 23

• Coffee Gallery Backstage,  2029 N. Lake:  Jim Curry's Tribute to the Music of John Denver, 8 PM, $18. Reservations:  (626) 798-6236. UPDATE:  It's sold out, but you can still get on the waiting list!
• The Arroyo Food Coop says: "Office hours at 7 PM tonight at the Altadena Ale House. This is a chance for anyone interested in the co-op to meet board members, ask questions or just hang out. Tonight, new board members Mia and Laura will be there."

Fri., June 24

• Beach Bus to Santa Monica: pickups start at 9 AM. $3. See here for details.
• Summer Reading Program: Chldren and teens are invited to register for the Altadena Library's Summer Reading Program,  and grab a donut while you're at it!  Kickoff is from 10-11 AM at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. , and Bob Lucas Branch Library, 2659 N. Lincoln Ave. 
• Movies in the Park at Farnsworth Park: "The Iron Giant" starts at 3:30 PM; "The 39 Steps" starts at 7 PM. Free admission, popcorn, and punch.
• Coffee Gallery:  frontstage open mic, starts 8 PM;  Pacific Swingline, a capella vocal group, $15, 8 PM. Reservations:  (626) 798-6236.

 

Sat., June 25

• Beach Bus to Santa Monica: pickups start at 9 AM. $3. See here for details.
• Theatre Americana Festival of the Arts goes on all day at Farnsworth Park from noon to 9:30 PM.   A fun-filled family event featuring visual arts displays, classic theatre productions, pop songs and international dance.  The event is free to the public and food will be available for purchase.  The festival includes  an impressive roster of artists, musicians and performers such as the prestigious Southern California Lyric Theatre (SCLT); the acclaimed Kim Eung Korean Dance Company, songwriter and performer Raspin Stuwart; Sue B. Dance Company; and Theatre Americana, among others. The festival  kicks off with a visual arts display of work from local artists in Davies Hall from noon –5 PM, and dance performances and live music will be held at the amphitheatre from 2-9:30 PM, capped by an 8 PM concert of Theatre Americana performing under the stars featuring classic songs from the ’50s to ‘80s.   The festival will close with a special slide show depicting photos of love and healing on an outdoor screen in the Amphitheatre during the shows finale.  
• Also at Farnsworth Park, the Central Altadena Little League is hosting the 9 and 10 year old District 17 All-Star Tournament, starting today and going through July 11. The top players in this age bracket form  Altadena, Pasadena, San Marino, Sierra Madre, Arcadia, Duarte and Monrovia will compete for rights to advance to sectional and regional tournaments.  Come support youth baseball.   CALL is looking for volunteers as game announcers.  Please contact Adam at adam@playcall.org  if you are interested.
• Singer/songwriter/harmonica virtuoso Gary Allegretto and guitarist Ian Espinosa explore blues, roots, and Western music at the Big Hat Promotions concert in a private home.  Doors open at 5, dinner is served at 5:30, and the show begins at 7 PM.  $20 cash donation requested.  Make your reservations at big.hat@sbcglobal.net.
• The Folly Bowl hosts local performer HB3 in concert to celebrate the release of his latest album, "Magic Circles."  Suggested donation is $5.  The Folly Bowl is  at 1601 E. Loma Alta Dr.

 

Sun., June 26

• St. Elizabeth Church is holding "Bundle Sunday" for the St. Vincent de Paul Society.  Please bring usable clothing, household items, and small appliances in good condition.  All proceeds of sales will benefit the programs of the St. Vincent de Paul Society for people in need.  Drop them off in the church's parking lot at 1878 N. Lake Ave. from 9 AM-1 PM.
• RIPE Altadena is sponsoring a free Seed Saving Workshop.  RIPE member Christina Wenger will offer a class on the ins and outs of seed saving.  12:30 PM at Morrison Hall at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1757 N. Lake.
• The Altadena Ale & Wine House, 2329 N. Fair Oaks, will host a tasting of Australian wines from the Robert Oatley Vineyards, 3-5:30 PM.  Ian Dealhoy, the Southern California Sales Manager for Robert Oatley Vineyards will be here to walk you through the wines and answer any questions that you might have. Cost is $22, with special per-bottle prices Sunday only.
• Coffee Gallery:  Backstage: 3:30 Matinee,  Jim Conner, vocals and traditional banjo, 3 PM, $18; 7 PM Jim "Kimo" West, Hawaiin slack key guitarist and composer, $15. Reservations:  (626) 798-6236.  Frontstage: open mic, 8 PM, free.

 

Haussler's novel looks at the modern challenges of teachers and students

Local author Michael Haussler will have a book signing and discussion tonight at Flintridge Bookstore and Coffeehouse, 1010 Foothill Blvd., La Canada Flintridge.

He'll be talking about his first novel, Results May Vary.  Now a Glendale resident, Haussler has been local for many years:  a graduate of Muir High School, he's also taught at Marshall for 14 years, and was a high school teacher in Los Angeles,  as well as teaching for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese schools.

As for his novel, he says: "I've always wanted to write a novel, and i wanted to write about what I know about ... I decided to make it a story about the two main characters in public education: about a student and a teacher -- and I decided to make it take place in a single day."

Much of the inspiration was drawn from living and working in Altadena and Pasadena, Haussler said, and a career spent in inner city schools. 

The major points, he says: inner city schools are overcrowded and inefficient, and lack resources, which crushes the creativity of students; and an emphasis on state achievement tests "sows a culture of failure."

"Kids don't have a stake [in tests]; schools do, kids don't.  Kids don't take them seriously.   

"Despite those obstacles, kids are so creative ... kids succeed anyway ... KIds bring the creativity and flexibility of adolescence to the table, and those things are hard to suppress.  Kids want to learn, kids are willing to learn."

Now an adjunct professor at California State University-Los Angeles in the charter college of education, Haussler teaches teachers.

"I see good teadhers can help students overcome ... I think good teacher are the greatest resource.  I will be so bold to say that that's an interesting observation to make, because if you look at the dialogue that's taking place, teachers are being blamed for the problems in schools.  I'd say teachers are one of the only things that are holding schools together."

Australian wines at the Ale & Wine House Sun.

Gail Casburn at the Altadena Ale & Wine House, tells us that this Sunday there'll be a tasting of Australian wines (click the graphic to see the tasting sheet).  Ian Dealhoy, the Southern California Sales Manager for Robert Oatley Vineyards will be here to walk you through the wines and answer any questions that you might have. Cost of the tasting is $22, and there will be special bottle prices that day only.

The pub also now has its pizza oven up and running, so you can add some enjoyment to your wine or brew.  And, next weekend, it'll be Blues and BBQ  & Fish Fry, with more details to come.

The Altadena Ale & Wine House is at 2329 N. Fair Oaks Ave.  Must be 21 to enter.  Wine tasting is 3-5:30 PM Sunday.

 

 

Follow-up on body in Angeles: sheriffs seeking husband, vehicle

Following up on the body that was discovered in the Angeles National Forest  June 15: sheriff's homicide detectives will hold a press conference today seeking the public’s assistance in locating Dusan Klein and his vehicle. Dusan and Renata Klein, a married couple from Santa Clarita, along with their cocker spaniel dog “Cindy,” went missing on Saturday, June 11. The body of Mrs. Klein was discovered in the Angeles National Forest on Wednesday, June 15. An autopsy indicated that she was murdered. 

Dusan Klein is a white male, age 59, and was driving a 1999 gold Jeep Cherokee, California license plate 4FLN519, with a sticker on the window with the words "American Travel", Also missing is their black and white Cocker Spaniel named Cindy.

Bright Futures Scholars graduate class of 2011

Pictured: the 2011 Bright Futures Scholars.  Dr. Sandra E. Thomas is in front and center.

from the Quality of Life Center

On Sun., June 12,  before a crowd of over 1,000, the “Bright Future Scholars” Pasadena Unified School District academic achievers held their graduation and awards luncheon at the Pasadena Convention Center.

Proud scholars from all 11 local middle and high schools participated in the celebration. Many shared moving speeches that showed their dedication not only to the program, but to their upcoming future. Attending mentors who have been of unimaginable assistance and support included: Congressman Adam Schiff, Assemblymember Anthony Portantino, Mayor of Pasadena Bill Bogaard, Los Angeles County Sheriff Leroy Baca, Pasadena Chief of Police Phillip Sanchez, and Judge Philip Soto, to name a few.

The ceremony was graciously led by Dean of Scholars Dr. Sandra E. Thomas, and assisted by Honorary Dean of Scholars Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich. The ceremony was brought to life by emotional reflections from graduating senior scholars.

Fourteen of the 129 scholars moving on to college this fall were absolutely delighted to be awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships.

The magnificently decorated venue full of family and friends was a beautiful way to end a highly successful academic year for all of the scholars.

The Quality of Life Center Inc. Staff now anxiously prepares for the fall – where 250 new enrollees excitedly wait to enter the Bright Future Scholars Leadership Development Program.

CALL hosts Little League All Star Tournament at Farnsworth thru July 11

Central Altadena Little League is hosting the 9 and 10 year old District 17 All-Star Tournament at Farnsworth Park June 25 – July 11.   The top players in this age bracket form  Altadena, Pasadena, San Marino, Sierra Madre, Arcadia, Duarte and Monrovia will compete for rights to advance to sectional and regional tournaments.   Come support youth baseball.   We are looking for volunteers as game announcers.  Please contact Adam at adam@playcall.org  if you are interested.

CHP to run sobriety checkpoint Friday night

from the California Highway Patrol

The Altadena area office of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will conduct a sobriety/driver license checkpoint on Fri., June 24, within the unincorporated area of east Pasadena.

“The start of the summer season comes with increased traffic as motorists embark on vacations. We would like to remind everyone to designate a sober driver. Driving under the influence is inexcusable and has cost the lives of too many people,” said Captain Bill Dance, Altadena Area Commander. The mission of th CHP is to ensure the highest level of safety, service and security to the people of California. Sobriety/Driver license checkpoints are proven, effective tools for achieving this mission and are designed to augment existing patrols.

Captain Dance added, “Traditionally, we see an increase in the number of arrests and collisions involving drivers under the influence during the summer. These last few months have been no exception. Whether you are driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, we will be looking for you. Be responsible: designate a sober driver.” The objective is to send a clear message to those individuals that consider mixing alcohol or drugs and/or drive when unlicensed.

"The Iron Giant," "39 Steps" for Farnsworth's movie in the park Friday

This month's "Movie in the Park" matinee at Farnsworth Park is "The Iron Giant,"  with voices by Jennifer Aniston and Harry Connick, Jr. The movie starts at 3:30 PM,  and admission, popcorn, and punch is free.

And at  7 PM, the film will be Hitchock's "The 39 Steps," starting at 7 PM.  All ages welcome.

Harmonica virtuoso Allegretto in blues/roots/cowboy concert Sat.

Singer, songwriter, harmonica virtuoso (and 2010 Western Music Association nominee for both Outstanding Entertainer and Instrumentalist) Gary Allegretto joins forces with singer, songwriter, guitar-wizard Ian Espinoza to rock the house again with their own special brand of Roots, Blues, and Cowboy music. Their foot stomping, hand clapping performance is guaranteed to captivate and thrill a full-house audience just as they did at last year's sold out show.

Sat., June 25

Altadena House Concert

$20 Per Person Cash Donation Requested for Performance

Advance Reservations Required

Dinner 5:30 - 6:30, followed by performance at 7 PM.

Email big.hat@sbcglobal.net

Please join us for a memorable summer evening.

 Bob & Marie Mann

BIG HAT PROMOTIONS

www.bighatonline.com

 

 

Council tables look at 9/11 monument

Pictured: John McDannel, from his website campaign for United Airlines president.

The Altadena Town Council tabled a motion to endorse a sign on the bridge at Altadena Drive and New York Drive that would commemorate 9/11.

John McDannel, a Kinneloa Mesa resident, former military pilot and retired pilot for United Airlines, has embarked on a several-year crusade to turn the stretch of New York Drive between Altadena Drive and Sierra Madre Boulevard into a tribute to the victims of 9/11.  The ambitious project has already borne fruit, with the medians turned from hardscape to native plants, crowned by 180 trees he has personally planted and watered.  His plans include turning the Eaton Wash Dam area into a park where Pasadena can move all of its war memorials.  His project has been endorsed by multiple service organizations and he's received considerable help from the city of Pasadena.

While it's a project in Pasadena, a potential bump in the road involves a monument sign to appear on the median around the Eaton Wash bridge, on the Altadena border.  McDannel wants signs on either end of that stretch of New York Drive to tell drivers it's a 9/11 tribute.  However, Altadena has been looking at the bridge location to put in a "Welcome to Altadena" monument.  Los Angeles County has agreed to put "Welcome to Altadena" monuments at various entrances to town, although no design has been agreed to. And the median can only hold one sign.

Town councilwoman Diane Marcussen, who represents that census tract, said that, while she was "all for a project to memorialize 9/11,  I am extemely concerned about the design of the sign being the same as what we’re going to do in the rest of Altadena."  For homes in Altadena with a 91104 zip code and Pasadena mailing addresses, "it's tough enough to be identified with Altadena," she said.

Town council wants Pasadena site for Devil's Gate cleanout

Pictured: the haul route for organic sediment, which goes through Windsor Avenue.  

  The Altadena Town Council will ask the Pasadena City Council to reconsider opening up a field to store silt excavated during a planned partial cleanout of the Hahamongna Watershed.

A county plan to remove all silt from the watershed -- a several year and several thousand truckload project -- has been held up for at least a year pending an environmental impact report.  However, the county wants to remove about 26,000 cubic yards of silt as soon as possible from an area from the face of the Devil’s Gate Dam to 100 yards north, to allow repairs to the dam and restore some functionality before the winter rains begin.

The town council characterized these projects at Tuesday night’s meeting as the “big dig” and the “little dig.”  The council’s preference is a plan where silt from the “little dig” is stored at Johnson Field, an area owned by the city of Pasadena on the other side of the dam.  Under this plan, the silt from the “little dig” will be removed during the “big dig,” when it is hoped a road avoiding Altadena can be constructed. Getting the necessary permits from government agencies to construct the new road will not happen by October, said Town Councilman Techumseh Shackelford, who represents the area.

Otherwise, the silt will have to be removed by truck along Windsor Avenue, which would mean about 50 trucks a day going through the narrow street.  Even if Pasadena approves the Johnson Field plan, ten trucks a day -- or about one per working hour -- will go through Windsor during the “little dig” to remove “organic matter” -- trees and bushes that will also be excavated.

(Last week, according to a story in the Pasadena Star News,  Pasadena took the Johnson Field site off the table because officials said the required clearances would not come in time to meet the project's schedule.)

Town council rundown

At Tuesday night's Altadena Town Council meeting:

• The Board of Supervisors will hold an appeal on the proposed cell phone tower at 147 E. Loma Alta Drive -- it was approved by regional planning, but several neighbors mounted objections to it, and the Supervisors will adjudicate it at next week’s meeting, which will be Tues., June 28,  at 500 W. Temple, Room 381 B, starting at 9:30 AM.
• Athens Services will begin its public outreach on the new trash hauling contract at the next Town Council meeting, July 19.  Athens is projecting to start service on Sept. 1.
• Also at the next Town Council meeting, the council election will be certified and the new council seated (by the time this agenda item turned up Tuesday night, the council no longer had a quorum).
• In public safety, Sheriff Lt. Joseph Dempsey said that there was not a lot of information on the June 14 and 15 shootings and encouraged anyone with information to call him at the station or anonymously contact Crimestoppers.
• CHP Officer Ming-Yang Hsu said that there had been three fatalities on Angeles Crest Highway since it reopened June 3: a motorcyclist who was unable to make a curve and slid down the mountain; an alcohol-involved collision into a tree; and a driver who abruptly turned left where there was no turn and went down the mountain.  As of the meeting, Hsu said there were a total of 12 collisions.  For comparison, there were 11 collisions the entire month of June 2009, before the road was closed by the Station Fire.

 

 

He's got it on his list

Actor/musician/stockbroker/town councilman
Allan Wasserman tells you how to do it all

by Laura Berthold Monteros

As people entered the community room of the Altadena Library on Monday evening, speaker Allan Wasserman asked each one his or her name.  When he took his place behind the lectern, he went around the room, reciting the name of each person in attendance.  

While this wasn’t lesson number one in “Designing Your Life,” it did introduce the importance of making connections with other people, a theme that would run through his talk.

Wasserman is an Altadena Town Council member, a stockbroker with his own business and several offices, a musician and an actor.  Readers may have seen him in West Wing, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Seinfeld, The Office, or a few dozen other TV shows and movies.

He listed three steps for getting what one wants out of life: compromise, make lists, and ask for support.  

“I only ever wanted to be an actor,” he said, “but living in the real world and wanting things, I had to compromise.” His compromises included trying several jobs until he found, in his 40s, that being a stockbroker would work both in supporting his family and allowing him time to audition for and take acting jobs.

RIPE Altadena offers free seed saving workshop Sunday

The backyard farmer's group RIPE Altadena is sponsoring a free Seed Saving Workshop this Sun., June 26, at 12:30 PM at Morrison Hall at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1757 N. Lake.

RIPE member Christina Wenger will offer a class on the ins and outs of seed saving.  Christina is the author of A Thinking Stomach.  For more information, click the graphic or go to www. RipeAltadena.com.

 

Morning jolt

• Assemblyman Anthony Portantino in an interview on KNBC about the state budget.
• Ioakim Boutakidis of Altadena, an assistant professor at Cal State Fullerton, looks at an LA Times Op-Ed by Naomi Schafer Riley and offers this rebuttal.
• Speaking of the Times, they also recently ran this article on the lives of the grounds crew at Mountain View Cemetery.  They work there for decades, and some of them never plan to leave ...

 

Bundle Sunday at St. Elizabeth's

The St. Vincent de Paul Society will hold  "Bundle Sunday" at St. Elizabeth's Church parking lot this Sun., June 26, from 9 AM-1 PM.

Please bring usable clothing, household items, and small appliances in good condition.  All proceeds of sales will benefit the programs of the St. Vincent de Paul Society for people in need.  To donate large items, appliances, or furniture, call the truck pick-up line at 800-974-3571.

St. Elizabeth's Church is at 1879 N. Lake Ave.

 

 

Sheriffs look at June 15 shooting as possible gang retaliation

Sheriff's deputies are looking into the possibility that an Altadena shooting on June 15 may be connected with another shooting in the same neighborhood the night before.

According to Altadena Station Lt. Joe Dempsey, a mid-1990's vehicle with rear tinted windows containing four African American men pulled up to a Pasadena man at Figueroa Street and Navarro Avenue at about 9:21 PM on June 15.  The passengers yelled to the victim, asking where he was from.  According to the police report, the victim replied "nowhere" and a passenger pulled out a handgun and opened fire.  The victim was struck in the foot and transported by a private party to Huntington Memorial Hospital.  

Dempsey said that the sheriffs were first notified of the shooting by the hospital.

The sheriffs are looking into the shooting as a possible retalitation for a shooting in the same neighborhood the previous night.  On June 14, two  Altadena men, ages 18 and 19, were shot at about 8:13 PM on the 500 block of Figueroa.  Both men were taken to the hospital, and deputies said at the time that the victims were uncooperative and they suspected gang involvement.

Dempsey said that they were looking into the June 15 shooting as possibly related, possibly gang retaliation, but "we're not 100% sure."