altadenablog

"Tonight's gonna be a good night" with Upstream

The Caribbean band "Upstream" got the Farnsworth Park crowd out of their seats (and in this case, in a conga line) at last night's Sheriff Support Group summer concert.  They played everything from originals to Bob Marley (even a reggae version of Van Morrison) after closing with an island-flavored version of "I Gotta Feeling" from the partly-from-Altadena band Black-Eyed Peas.

Bandleader Haile Blackman was the consummate showman throughout the evening.

The dancing started early and never let up!

 

Morning jolt: Wild Kingdom edition

• Even the New York Times is getting into the "animals in the city" act, with this story about bears roaming more widely in the Western states, even into urban areas like Colorado Springs and Durango.  We suppose we should be happy that the Altadena bears aren't foraging as widely as the coyotes!
• And apparently not as widely as the cougars, either: David Baron of Public Radio International writes of a cougar that made it all the way from the Black Hills of South Dakota to Connecticut (don't laugh -- another one made it all the way to Chicago some years before).

 

Tuesday is "National Night Out" at Farnsworth Park

People in 43+ neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles County are invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide, for the "28th Annual National Night Out" crime & drug prevention event on Tues, Aug. 2.

Locally, "National Night Out" will be held at Farnsworth Park from 5-8 PM, sponsored by the Altadena Sheriff's Station and Sheriff's Support Group of Altadena.  Los Angeles County Fire and the California Highway Patrol will also be represented.

Bring a potluck dish to share, and there will be drinks, barbecue, and much more provided by the Altadena Sheriffs.

“National Night Out”, is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and co-sponsored locally by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. It will involve more than 10,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities & military bases around the world. More than 34 million people are expected to participate.

The Blue Breeze Band blows into Farnsworth Park next Sat.

Get your dancing shoes on and get ready for a little Motown: next up on the Sheriff Support Group Summer Concert Series is The Blue Breeze Band on Aug. 6:

The Blue Breeze Band is an award-winning premier dance party band that specializes in Top 40, Motown, R&B, Soul, Funk, and Jazz & Blues music.

We have been “A Name People Can Trust” for over ten years!  Our music is lively, energetic and fun and will have you and your guests on their dancing feet all night long.

Thus far, Blue Breeze has acquired an impressive repertoire of performances for audiences from different walks of life from all over the world. To name a few, they have performed for former President Bill Clinton, the United States Armed Services in Okinawa, Japan, and the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. In addition, they have appeared as musicians in the Warner Brothers’ feature film "Why Do Fools Fall in Love" (the Frankie Lymon story).

It all starts at 7 PM next Sat. at Farnsworth Park. 

Home on the mange at Mendocino & Maiden Lane

Reader Maria McCoy sends this recent photo from Coyote Central:

In response to the recent mange post, I thought I'd send you the picture of the coyote I took while driving south on Maiden Lane (just south of Mendocino) at 6 PM (!) on July 16. This coyote kept on trotting and never looked up. He looks mangey and emaciated. We have a small dog and are very nervous about these coyotes getting into our back yard. Hence the $ we are spending on new gates. We all have to be so careful now.

Truck driver found guilty in fatal 2009 LCF crash

from the Los Angeles County District Attorney and other reports

Marcos Barbosa Costa, 46, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter and reckless driving causing injury in the
fatal April 1, 2009 crash of his trailer truck that killed a 12-year-old girl and her father in La Canada Flintridge.

Angelina Posca and her father, Angel Posca, 58, were both killed in the accident when Costa's brakes failed coming down the Angeles Crest Highway.  He ran a red light at Angeles Crest and Foothill Boulevard, hitting Posca's car and dragging it 150 feet, crashing into six other vehicles and injuring three other people before crashing into a book store and nail salon.

Costa, a Massachusetts resident, was also found guilty of injuring three people in the crash. The jury found him not guilty of two counts of murder, and hung on two charges of causing great bodily injury to two victims and found one allegation of causing great bodily injury not true.

Witnesses testified that Costa ignored warnings from an off-duty firefighter who pulled him over and said smoke was billowing from his brakes.

Costa returns to court on Sept. 8 for sentencing before Pasadena Superior Court Judge Darrell Mavis. Costa faces up to nine years in state prison.

 

Paco-watch: now the website, soon swag!

We were tweeted by Paco the crime-fighting chihuahua yesterday -- he's on Twitter, on Facebook, and now has his own website (with music, and you KNOW how much we love websites with music!).  The website promises to have Paco merchandise, too -- Paco's having a good ride!

Trial by fire at CERT training

Two trainees for Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) put out a fire during a training exercise at the Altadena Library parking lot Thursday night.  Twenty-five people passed the latest round of CERT training in Altadena, where residents learn firefighting, first aid, search and rescue, and other skills that come in handy in time of crisis or emergency. Trainees came from Glendale, Pasadena, and Monrovia, as well as Altadena.

 

Scissors Paper Rock salon announces summer concert series, art openings

Scissors Paper Rock Salon,1864 N. Allen, along the Pasadena border (Altadenablog sponsor team member) has announced this summer's Friday night concert series at the salon.

Owner Yolande Carson said that the concerts are fun for the whole family, as they transform the salon into a concert space for the night.

This year, local artists will also have showings of their work at the free events.

The schedule is:

Aug. 5: Fei Lau (FeiPaintings.com), atmospheric watercolors of nature, with singer/songwriter Mark Canette (mellow rock)

Aug. 12: Fei Lau show continues, with Dave & Judy Show, local electro-acoustic duo (power pop/soul)

Aug. 19: "Brush paintings from the minds' eye" by Katherine Tilley, with Medicine Man (Americana)

Aug. 26: Tilley show continues, with Uncommon Gentlemen (acoustic/alternative/punk)

Sept. 9: Mixed media by local artist Kate Carvellas, with the Sam Hill Duo, guitar and flute instrumental arrangements (Celtic/blues/ American folk)

Update on cat remains: a coyote pack is cruising Dolores

Reader Tim sends us an update on the cat remains he found in the yard earlier this week:

Thanks so much for posting this. As a result the cat has been has been identified as belonging to a neighbor who lives several doors west of Mt. Curve and a few doors from me. The killing was done right here and the cat lived in what was thought to be a secure back yard. It turns out the cat wasn't my pal Otis. He's now a house cat (sorry Otis. It's for your own good) Another neighbor said she's seen a group of  three coyotes "working" Dolores. Two of them stay in the street while one goes from house to house looking for food/prey. The word is out on Dolores to keep pets inside.

Two juveniles under arrest for burglary on Tola Ave. [UPDATED]

Two teenagers were arrested this afternoon after trying to burglarize an occupied house, say Altadena sheriff's officials.

According to watch commander Sgt. Debra Herman, deputies were called in on a home invasion robbery at the 2700 block of Tola Ave. in west Altadena at 3:30 PM. Deputies responded swiftly and the two suspects were arrested.

However, according to Altadena Sheriff Capt. Steven McLean, after investigating, detectives determined that it was not a home invasion type robbery -- they now believe that the two suspects broke into the house without knowing it was occupied and surprised the residents, who dialed 911.

We have changed the story and headline from an earlier version, when sheriffs identified it as a home invasion robbery.

Rx or X, Altadena station's got you covered with drug drop-off boxes

Altadena Sheriff Lt. Joseph Dempsey sent out an email that the the Altadena Sheriff's Station has installed two drug drop-off boxes at the station -- one for prescription drugs, and one for illegal drugs (each box is helpfully labeled). 

The boxes are located on the northwest side of the sheriff's station, 780 E. Altadena Drive.  According to a press release, "Residents are now able to drop off any unwanted prescription drugs and any illegal drugs at the Sheriff's Station with no questions asked. We anticipate installing a hypodermic needle drop box in the near future. Please feel free to use these boxes as an alternative to flushing unwanted drugs into the sewer system or placing them in the trash."

 Pictured: the drop-off box for illegal drugs.

First Presbyterian announces basketball event for Brandon Jackson scholarship fund [UPDATED]

Pictured: Brandon Jackson flanked by two unidentified friends from his Facebook memory page.

A group of Altadena and Pasadena residents, spearheaded by the First Presbyterian Church of Altadena and the Clergy Community Coalition, are organizing a basketball event to fund scholarships in Brandon Jackson's memory.

The "Brandon Jackson Memorial Basketball Shootout" will "raise money for college scholarships to enable deserving young people in our community to follow the path to higher education that Brandon was not able to complete," according to a press release.

Jackson, a Muir High School student and athlete, was gunned down in February in a still-unsolved murder.  Recently, the county board of supervisors announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to conviction of the perpetrators.

The release said that over 400 attended Jackson's funeral at the First Presbyterian Church of Altadena: "Teachers, students, administrators, mentors and friends spoke of Brandon's commitment to positively affect his school and community and to encourage fellow students."

 There are two ways to support the scholarship fund, according to the release:

• Give generously toward the two college scholarships that will be awarded to students who, like Brandon, have shown promise and a demonstrated commitment to education.

• Plan to be at Loma Alta Park to cheer on the teams at the Basketball Shootout on Sat., Aug. 13, from 8 AM-8 PM.

To make a donation to the Brandon Jackson Scholarship Fund, to find out how you can help, or for other information contact: Debra Williams at 626-791-4271 Ext.302 or 626-808-5382 (cell) or email to debrawilliams@sbcglobal.net

UPDATE: Debra Williams, who is the director of children, youth, and family ministries at First Presbyterian, said that teams can sign up to play, and every team is guaranteed to play at least two games. Entry fee is $150 per team, which goes to the scholarship fund. 

Williams said that they were planning to award scholarships to students who were starting college this fall.  "We're not targeting students who have a 4.0 grade average -- maybe they'll go to college anyway," Williams said.  The scholarship will look for students, like Brandon, who may not have done well in early high school but decided to make the effort to turn their lives around and make school a priority. "We'll look at students who have a 2.5, who will be getting into school, but not with a lot of scholarships."

 

Weekendin': July 28-31

Goodbye July, where has summer gone?  Keep checking as more comes in:

Thurs., July 28

• The Altadena Library's last teen-only summer reading event starts at 4 PM:  Minute to Win It, where teens (13-17) will complete challenges using household items. You’ll get 60 seconds on the clock. Think you can do it? You’ve got a minute to win it! If you haven’t signed up, what are you waiting for?  We’ve got fun programs, great reads, and did I mention awesome prizes? Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St.
• Altadena Chamber of Commerce mixer is at the Park Bench Deli, 2470 Lake Ave., from 5:30-7:30 PM.  Members are $5, and guests are $7.  Bring a raffle prize and receive commercial time to promote your business (or bring it just to be nice!).

Fri., July 29

• Beach Bus to Santa Monica: pickups start at 9 AM. $3. See here for details.
• The Altadena Library's Summer Move Extravaganza: "Karate Kid" (2010), rated PG.  Admission is free, along with free popcorn and drink.
• Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake; front stage, open mic night, starts 8 PM, free; backstage, Conjunto Los Pocos (Tex-Mex). 8 PM, $18. Reservations:  (626) 798-6236.

 

Sat., July 30

• Beach Bus to Santa Monica: pickups start at 9 AM. $3. See here for details.
• Sheriff Support Group Summer Concert Series welcomes the return of the Caribbean sounds of Upstream to the Farnsworth Park stage, 7 PM. Before the concert, you can pick up a dinner from Amy’s Patio Café  http://www.amyspatiocafe.net/id3.html or El Patron  http://elpatrononline.com/.   During the concert, beer and wine are available for purchase courtesy of the Altadena Rotary Club.  Webster's Fine Stationers provides refreshment for the performers. Concerts are hosted by the Altadena Sheriff’s Station and Farnsworth Park.  Sponsors of the summer concert series are: Warner Bros., Rotary Club of Altadena, Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, Toyota of Pasadena, Baietti Seyffert/Podley Realtors, All American Audio Visual,  M & M Printing, Trinity ThreadWorks, My Irish Pride,  Georgia Rutherford in memory of Don Rutherford, and Altadenablog.  The concerts this year are dedicated to the memory of Cue MacKenzie.
• Italian movie night at  Bulgarini Gelato, 749 E. Altadena Dr. Movie is "Ieri Oggi Domani (Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow)" starring Sophia Loren & Marcello Mastroianni.  Dinner starts at 7:30 PM, $13 (reservations required) including a pasta dish, salad and drink. The film is free, no reservations are required, and starts after dark.  Gelato available throughout. Dinner reservations must be made by Friday by email at catering@bulgarinigelato.com or by calling (626) 791-6174.
• Coffee Gallery Backstage: 3 PM matinee, 60's icon Ruthann Friedman (she wrote "Windy" for The Association) and guitarist Jeb Lipson, $15; 7 PM rockers Berkley Hart, $20.  Reservations:  (626) 798-6236.

Sun., July 31

• Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake: open mic at the front stage, 8 PM, free.

House fire on Wapello Lane Wed. night [UPDATED]

There was a house fire at 165 Wapello St. last night. One of our readers on Wapello said that emergency vehicles began tearing through the neighborhood around 9:25 PM, and initial reports from our scanner monitors say it was knocked down about 9:38 PM.  We should have more details later today.

UPDATE: LA County Fire Inspector Don Kunitomi said that the fire's source was leftover food on the stove burner, which ended up spreading to the attic.  The fire in the single story family dwelling was confined to the attic, Kunitomi said, with damage to the structure estimated at $35,000, and to contents estimated at $10,000.  Total time from call to knock-down was 19 minutes: "County fire, we're all over it man, we really are," Kunitomi said.

Also: the home was on Wapello Lane, a small cul de sac north on Wapello St. before it hits Tonia Avenue (a Googlemap search of Wapello St. and Wapello Lane will put you in the same place!).  We've changed our headline to reflect that.

 

View Larger Map

 

Business Technology Center to hold intellectual property workshops

The Business Technology Center will be holding a workshop series on intellectual property in August and September.

Cost of the workshops is $20 per session or $80 for all five.  All workshops will be held at the BTC, 2400 N. Lincoln Ave., from 8:30-10 AM.  BTC members and students are free. RSVP to Ingrid Goodman, Ingrid.Goodman@lacdc.org or call 626-296-6302.

Aug. 2: "Introduction to Intellectual Property (IP) Law: Identify Your IP Issues and Protect Your Business." Learn about the various forms of intellectual property such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.   You will also  discover the parameters of IP protection, and gain an understanding of the types of intangible assets that IP laws protect. This workshop will be followed by an open question and answer session.

Aug. 9: "Patent Protection for Technology Companies." Discover the benefits of patent protection, and what it can offer to your business. Gain an understanding of how to navigate the patent landscape.  Our presentation will illustrate various scenarios wherein patent laws are implicated, and address how technology companies can best utilize patent protection. Learn what is necessary for you to know in order for you to mitigate the risk in becoming involved in any patent infringement issues.
 
Aug. 23: "Trademarking Your Company or Brand Name: Is It Worth the Trouble?" Attend our trademark and branding presentation and find out about the different types of trademark protection  available to your business. Infringement risk will be discussed at length. You will leave this presentation  knowing whether your existing trademark protection is sufficient to protect your rights, or whether you have the potential to lose some of those rights at some point during your business lifecycle.
 
Aug. 30: "Copyright Law – For Technology Companies the Devil is in the Details."  Learn about copyright laws, and gain an understanding of what subject matter can and cannot protected. Learn how to avoid critical mistakes that can prevent you from having an enforceable copyright. If your copyright has been infringed, discover ways in which you may obtain the highest award of damages from an infringer.
 
Sept. 6: "Trade Secret Law: Proprietary Confidentiality."  Discover what is necessary to maintain your company’s proprietary information as a trade secret. Gain an understanding of how to avoid critical mistakes that can result in the loss of one of your most valuable assets to a competitor.

   
Presenters are:
Daniel Cotman, Cotman IP Law Group, PLC
Dan Cotman is Cotman IP’s Managing Partner and head of its intellectual property practice where he advises clients on best practices for protecting and monetizing their most valuable intellectual property (IP) assets. He is well-versed at identifying areas of potential risk in any intellectual property portfolio and enjoys collaborating with clients to implement and execute strategies focused on improving their IP protection. He enjoys triathlons and has a weakness for hamburgers.
 
Thomas Daly, Christie Parker & Hale LLP
Tom Daly is a partner at Christie, Parker & Hale LLP, a firm specializing in intellectual property law.  He has over 25 years of experience in that area of law.  Tom started his career as a litigator asserting and defending intellectual property rights.  He currently focuses on obtaining intellectual property rights for his clients, and uses his early experience as a litigator to make sure those rights are as strong as possible.

Local coyotes may be vulnerable to mange

Reader Kyria Wimberly sent along this photo of a hairless creature coming down Windfall St. to Loma Alta Dr. on July 24, and wondered what it was.

Of course, we sent it immediately to our canid expert Dr. Barkman (Jane L. Brackman, Ph.D) for an opinion.  And it's not good: ...

"If the photo indicates the coyote has no hair, then it looks like the mange problem that has become so prevalent in the south, has spread all the way to southern CA."

Mange is a serious skin disease, where a warm-blooded animal is infested by mites that tunnel under the skin to feed and to breed. It leads to skin irritation, which leads to patchy hair and baldness.  Sometimes the mites burrow under the footpads, making coyotes unable to walk.  Left unchecked, mange can cause death.

A quick online check finds that coyotes are particularly susceptible because of dirty living conditions and frequent malnutrition which can compromise their immune system.

Losing their coat means that coyotes are more vulnerable to their environment, and makes them more likely to go hunting in the day rather than in the cold of night.

We also found a picture from the US Dept. of Agriculture Wildlife Services of a coyote with mange that looks just like Wimberly's photo.  But so far, nobody knows for sure if our local coyotes have mange or if it is spreading.

Supervisors to hold public hearing on new boundaries Aug. 9

The County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on Tues., Aug. 9 to discuss the county's Boundary Review Committee's recommended plan.  The meeting will start at 11 AM.

The plan will set new borders on supervisory districts based on the 2010 census.  The committee's recommended plan is above, with Altadena safely remaining in the Fifth District under Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich.  The pdf for the whole recommendation is here.

Still no suspects in Jackson murder

LA Times put up a story about this morning's press conference at sheriff's headquarters in Monterey Park about the Brandon Jackson shooting.  Still no suspects, $10,000 reward, and they're looking for a red Dodge Neon.  Read it all here.

Crime blotter, July 22-23: boozers and burglars

From Lt. Joseph Dempsey, Altadena Sheriff's Station.

Fri., July 22

2:40 PM – A petty theft occurred at Ralph’s, 2270 N. Lake Av.  The suspects - #1 female black 20-25 years of age, 5 ft. 3 in. - 5 ft. 5 in., 140 lbs., black hair brown eyes and  #2, female black  30-35 years, similar height and weight, entered the store and stole several bottles of alcohol.  Loss prevention made contact with females and the females returned three bottles.   Loss:  one bottle of alcohol.  Suspects last seen in black Dodge sedan travelling on Mendocino St.

10:23 PM – An arrest occurred at Lincoln Avenue & Woodbury Road.  The suspect was taken into custody after deputies recovered stolen property. 

Sat., July 23

1:15 AM – A residential burglary occurred in the 300 block of Laurel Drive.  The victim who was home at the time heard some commotion along the eastside of the property and looked out the window.  The victim observed a male, Caucasian, 30 yrs, 5 ft. 11 ins. -6 ft. 2 ins.,  average build, short hair, holding a flashlight and a male, African-American, 30 yrs, 5 ft. 11 ins. -6 ft. 2 ins., large build, bald, sitting in the driver’s side of a black SUV.  The victim yelled at subjects and the male Caucasian said he was looking for his keys.  At the time, the male, Caucasian, entered the black SUV and left out of view.  It is unknown if the subjects are responsible for the damage to the door latch of the garage.  Loss:  none.

 

Sticky bee situation? Backwards Beekeepers may be the answer

We've had several informal reports of bees taking up residence where they shouldn't this summer, and thought it was time to pass this info along again:

Backwards Beekeepers are a group of amateur beekeepers in the Los Angeles area, some of whom are willing to remove hives from your property in a way that won't harm the bees -- they're dedicated to keeping feral bee populations alive. 

They have a website here and a bee rescue hotline: (213) 373-1104.

If you call, the beekeepers want to know:

• Your name.
• A phone number that you will answer.
• Your specific city AND neighborhood.
• A description of the bees: Are they in a tree? How high? Do you know how long they've been there?

If a volunteer contacts you, they may ask to be reimbursed for the cost of travel to your location at a rate of $1/mile. No other charges are allowed.

Sheriff to hold press conference seeking help on Jackson killing

Sheriff Lee Baca will hold a press conference later today to seek the public's assistance in solving the murder of Brandon Jackson.

Jackson, 18, a student at John Muir High School, was shot and killed Feb. 12 while attending a house party on the 300 block of W. Palm St. in Altadena.  The Board of Supervisors have offered a $10,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest of the killer.

Also at the conference, to be held at sheriff's headquarters in Monterey Park, will be Homicide Lt. Dave Dolson, Det. Adan Torres, Det. Jeff Leslie and Altadena Sheriff Captain Steve McLean, along with members of the victim’s family.

CHP looking out for motorcycles on Angeles Crest this weekend

from the California Highway Patrol

The Altadena Area Office of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will conduct a special enforcement campaign on Saturday, July 30, 2011, on State Route 2 (Angeles Crest Highway), within the County of Los Angeles.  The California Highway Patrol will be using grant-funded resources from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to provide an enhanced presence on the Angeles Crest Highway in an effort to reduce motorcycle-involved fatalities and injuries.

This scenic drive attracts all types of motorists, including a special appeal to motorcycle enthusiasts of all calibers. Unfortunately, the Angeles Crest Highway has become known for its disproportionately high rate of motorcycle collisions resulting in fatal injuries.  Between 2007-2009, there were 10 motorcycle-involved fatalities and 195 injuries on the corridor.

“In keeping with the Highway Patrol’s departmental goals to ensure the highest level of safety, service and security, our officers will be out in full force this weekend patrolling the Angeles Crest Highway providing additional enforcement,” said Captain Bill Dance, the Altadena Area Commander.

Found: remains of cat vs. coyote on Dolores Drive

Reader Tim emailed us Tuesday:

I just found the remains of a black cat on my front lawn. All that was left was the head, front legs, long intestine and stomach. It's pretty obvious it was coyotes. I'm a big cat fan and I almost gagged while disposing of it. The stomach was open and fresh cat food was visible so it's definitely someone's pet. I sure hope it isn't "Otis" who lives two doors down. He's been hanging around my yard quite a bit lately.

I live on Dolores Drive, halfway between Lake and Mount Curve. The remains were about 15' from my bedroom window and I didn't hear a thing. I've seen numerous coyotes up the street on Mt. Curve and Mt. Lowe Drive/Park. Perhaps they caught it there and brought it to my yard for "consumption" This is bad neighborhood for an outdoor cat ... I took pics of the remains for ID purposes in case a neighbor feels the need to see if it's their cat. I hope not. They're horrifying.

Email us at altadenablog@gmail.com if you think it's your cat, and we'll put you in touch.

"This is the people's bid": the nail-biting drama of the Cobb Estate

Bob Barnes told the dramatic story of the purchase of the Cobb Estate  Monday night -- and has a surprise reunion with the student who made it possible.

by Laura Monteros

Maggie Stratton has impeccable timing and a flair for the dramatic.

She had it on Oct. 1, 1971, when she led a band of students in claiming the Cobb Estate for the people in an eleventh-hour nail biter of an auction. She had it on Monday night when she stood up at the end of Bob Barnes’ presentation and announced, “I am Maggie Stratton.”


Pictured: "I am Maggie Stratton."

Barnes, a social studies teacher at John Muir High School who was instrumental in organizing students and raising money to purchase the 107-acre estate to keep it out of the hands of developers, had lost track of the girl he had worked with so closely for eight days in 1971.  He had no clue that she was sitting in the middle of the audience, listening to make sure the story was told correctly.

And what a story it is.

The call to action
Barnes was the speaker last night at the Altadena Historical Society's presentation on the acquisition of the Cobb Estate, the hiking area behind the gates at the top of Lake Avenue.  As Barnes told it, it was a story full of suspense and game-changing events, and at the last minute good prevailed in a way as corny as the ending of a Frank Capra film.  But it really happened.

Back in 1971, Barnes was only filling in for a colleague who was the faculty advisor of the Muir Conservation Club when he drove Maggie, the president of the club, to a conservation meeting on a September evening.  The topic of the meeting was the impending sale of the Cobb Estate, a former grand estate that had sunk to dereliction and finally disappearance, as the land changed hands many times over the years.  Formerly owned by the Marx Brothers, among others, a developer was now eyeing the estate for a housing development, which raised the alarms of the Audobon Club and other conservationists.

“We need help from the community and the young people here tonight,” Barnes remembers the leaders of the Audubon Society saying.  He slunk lower in his seat as Maggie sat taller in hers.

“Barnes, we need to do this,” she told him.

Building a better mousetrap for foothill living

Lori Paul, who contributed an article about living with wildlife not long ago, said we could reprint this 2010 email to the Chaney Trail newsgroup about living with rodents.  A juvenile Cooper's Hawk was recently found poisoned, probably from eating a poisoned rodent.  Poison-based pest control methods have a habit of making their way into the environment, and here are some suggestions to avoid that.

by Lori Paul

Mice and woodrats invade garages, attics, subfloors, and even the engine compartments of RVs and vehicles that are parked in one place for a prolonged time. Fortunately, woodrats are not "sewer rats," they are the native "pack rats" that live in our foothills and arroyos, though they will travel into urban areas and become a nuisance. They often have white or tan bellies, large ears, prominent "ink drop" eyes, and very long (often slightly furred) tails. Mice and rats seek what all wildlife needs... food, water and shelter. Garages, tool sheds, engine compartments, etc. inadvertently provide one or more of these needed things. Find out what the rats are there for. The more needs you meet for them, the more incentive these animals have to enter your garage, attic, storage shed, or home.

Pictured: a bushy-tailed woodrat, from Wikipedia Commons.

Remove all sources of water and food that intruding mice and rats might find (such as bags of dog kibble, wildbird seed, or old camping food supplies). Reduce "nesting areas" by eliminating boxes full of items the rodents can shred, such as old newspapers, magazines or clothes (they'll be ruined anyway by the rodents nesting in them). Put stored clothes, blankets, books and valuables in plastic storage containers with snap lids instead of cardboard boxes. Such plastic file boxes and storage containers are very inexpensive at Big Lots and many 99 cent stores.
 
Most importantly: plug up wherever rodents are getting in. If you don't, in spite of all your efforts and expense, more rats will return for every one you kill or live trap out. Put fine mesh (available at OSH and most hardware stores) across holes or outside vents (also important for reducing fire risk from embers blown into your garage or attic!). Add metal weather stripping flanges on the bottom of your garage door. Don't leave your garage door open for prolonged lengths of time, especially when you are not around! Rodents will enter that way, as well as lizards and snakes. Plug holes around pipes with fine aviary wire mesh bent around the opening and then pack steel wool around the pipe (Brillo pads work well, because the soap in the steel wool is an added deterrent). Mice and rats will not chew through the steel wool.

Your daily dose of Paco

This time, Fox News does a piece on Altadena's canine superhero.

Meet Paco the Robber-Chasing Chihuahua: MyFoxLA.com

 

The Feathered Head is not just for the birds

Andie Cohen-Healy is a four-and-a-half year resident of Altadena who's launching a new e-commerce site for her company, The Feathered Head (www.TheFeatheredHead.com).

Cohen-Healy says she makes "beautiful one of a kind feathered headpieces for all occasions, including weddings, cocktail parties, even for every day, incorporating vintage and modern elements."

According to Cohen-Healy's website, "As a later-in-life bride, Andie did not want mundane, assembly line 'bridal-wear' to be a part of her special day."  And, since she and her husband-to-be Hugh kept five spoiled pet chickens, she wanted a way to honor "the girls" in the wedding without leaving people laughing.  So she thought,  “why not fashion their beautiful, colorful plumes into a bridal head piece in place of a veil?” And thus a business was born, as well.

The Feathered Head will also be exhibiting at the Brideworld Expo at the LA Convention Center on Sat. and Sun., July 30 and 31, at booth D-17, if you're looking for something a little unusual for your bridal day, or check out her website.

Pictured: the girls -- MaryAnn, Lucy, Ricki, Quark and Omelette.

Still looking for Keera

Reader Mary Wald lost her dog quite awhile ago, but maybe there's a chance for her to come home:

Keera was lost from our home in Pasadena in September 2010. She was last seen up by Loma Alta Park in Altadena, three times, then nothing. She is a black and white Tibetan Terrier, 9 years old at the time. She was 27 pounds, had a chain collar on. Very shy but very sweet. We looked for her every day for a month, put up fliers, knocked on many doors, hired services to do phone calls to the area, checked the shelters (and still do). She was never seen again. We love her and still wonder where she is and what might have happened to her. If anyone knows or has seen her we would love to hear from you. If someone has her and she has resettled in a loving home that's fine, it would just be great to know. Mary Wald. marywald@gmail.com, phone 707-363-0956.

Getting caffeinated with Capt. McLean

The Coffee Gallery hosted "Coffee with the Captain" this morning, as Altadena Sheriff Capt. Steven McLean and members of his command staff held a meet-and-greet to talk to members of the public.  Here, McLean talks to Chaney Trail neighborhood resident Lori Paul.

Foothill MWD continues rebate offer for conservation

by Foothill Municipal Water District

Foothill Municipal Water District (FMWD), will continue to provide rebates for high efficiency toilets, turf removal and rain barrels as part of an effort to be more independent of imported water supplies announced Nina Jazmadarian, General Manager of FMWD.

The program that began July 1, 2010 with over $50,000 provided in rebates will reopen July 1, 2011.  Program dollars are limited.  Once the money runs out for the year, the program will be suspended. 

  
The following rebates are being offered to customers within the service area:

• Residential High Efficiency Toilets – customers that replace older high water use toilets with high-efficiency toilets can receive a $50 rebate.  Only WaterSense-qualified high-efficiency toilets with a capacity of 1.28 gallons per flush or less qualify for rebates.  (Check with your water provider for additional rebate dollars on selected items.)
• Turf Removal Program – Foothill area residents can receive up to $800 in rebates for removing their thirsty lawns and replacing with California Friendly plants, drought tolerant plants, mulch, or pervious hardscape. 
• Rain Barrels – customers can receive a 50% of the cost of a rain barrel rebate up to $100  per rain barrel for up to a maximum of 8 barrels by capturing stormwater and using it to irrigate landscape. 

Starting a neighborhood watch @ community center Wed.

Have you ever wanted to start a Neighborhood Watch program with your neighbors?  The Altadena Sheriff's Station will host a presentation on "Building Neighborhood Watch Programs in Your Community" this Wed., July 27, at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr, from 6-7:30 PM.  For more information, contact Sgt. Michael Randenberg or Dep. Lamark Williams at 626-798-1131, extension 2105 or 2106.

 

Shakespeare at Farnsworth Park Sunday

San Pedro's Shakespeare by the Sea theatre troupe brought "The Tragedy of King Lear" to the Farnsworth Park amphitheater Sunday night.  Here, Lear (played by David Graham) exclaims in one of his frequent fits of mad rage.

The play -- with music, light, and sound -- drew a good-sized crowd.

Shakespeare by the Sea will return with a comedy, "Much Ado About Nothing," on Aug. 7 at 7 PM.

Morning jolt

• 
  One of Altadena's favorite sons, PSN's Larry Wilson, talks about a Wall Street Journal lifestyle article, looking for the perfect gelato -- which is available in this country in only four locations: New York, Philly, Chicago ... and at Bulgarini Gelato in Altadena:  "As authentic as it gets this far from Italy, down to the non-English labels and Old World flavors like pistachio and chocolate." No argument, but we're hungry now ...
• Susannah Breslin at the Forbes blog has an article about Altadena's maybe not-so-favorite son, pornographer Paul F. Little, aka "Max Harcore," who recently got out of prison (warning: the links in the story can get rough.).
• And now a palate cleanser: Altadena artist Stephane Kardos was at ComicCon in San Diego this week, sketching on the iPad 2 and projecting it on the big screen.  MacLife's website has the scoop.

Hot rods on a hot day

What do they do at the Seventh Day Adventist Church on a Sunday?  Have a classic car show in the parking lot, of course!  Reader Savannah shared this iPhone picture of vintage cars out for admiration on a hot afternoon.

Pack of 8 to 10 coyotes spotted Sunday on Marcheta St.

Reader Salina tells us about seeing a pack of coyotes -- about eight to ten of them, in fact -- meeting up on Marcheta St. between Lake Ave. and Maiden Lane at about 3:20 AM Sunday.  Keep your pets indoors!

UPDATE: Dr. Barkman speaks in the comments.

 

No frets about great music with Brian Hughes

Jazz guitarist Brian Hughes puts some intensity into a solo Saturday night.

by Laura Monteros

Saturday night’s performance by the Brian Hughes Quintet was as eclectic as the folks who attend Concerts in the Park at Farnsworth every week. A salmagundy of people, dogs, deputies, beasts of burden, and kids were on hand to listen to the fusion of jazz, Latin, and world music.

The quintet played tunes from their latest album, Fast Train to a Quiet Place. The first piece, “Fast Train,” had elements of both ethnic music and Philip Glass. This writer’s favorite, though, was the Latin jazz “Café sin nombre,” a tribute to Flamenco.

Band members are Brian Hughes, guitar; Jason Hann, percussion (loved the purple congas); Tal Bergman, drum kit; Rufus Philpot, bass; Ruslan Sirota, keyboard.

Next up at Farnsworth on July 30 is Upstream, with “Caribbean music and much more”. The concerts are presented by the Sheriff’s Support group of Altadena and L.A. County Parks and Recreation.Jazz guitarist Brian Hughes puts some intensity into a solo Saturday night. 

(This story has been reworked from its original publication)

UPDATE: Here's some video of Brian Hughes and the quintet Saturday night, after the jump:

"Upstream" will rock the house at Farnsworth Park next Saturday

If you remember their high-energy, audience-pleasing triumphant appearance last year at the Sheriff's Support Group Concert Series, you'll come back to Farnsworth Park on Saturday to welcome the Caribbean sounds of Upstream.

Welcome to the Upstream experience, please leave your inhibitions and other real world concerns at the door, we’re here to party! It’s been quite a wild ride for the members of Upstream, formed in the republic of Trinidad and Tobago in the late 1980’s and reformed in southern California in the early 1990’s, with six CD’s under their belt, and a very impressive live performance reference. Upstream has certainly earned the right to be called a seasoned musical outfit.

Upstream, whose members include two sons of the venerable inventor of Soca music, the late Ras Shorty I, was formed in the republic of Trinidad & Tobago in 1989. They relocated to Southern California in the early nineties and made a name for themselves performing in numerous venues, events and festivals, throughout California and Western States. Their energetic eclectic style of Reggae and Soca has earned them a formidable appellation in the music industry world

Band leader Haile Blackman (Lead Vocals, Guitar, Drums, Record Producer & MPC Guardian), will, without hesitation, readily explain that Upstream’s ultimate purpose is to take their audience on a journey, a temporary escape from themselves and a permanent escape from boredom. The band boasts a very seasoned and celebrated line up, John McKnight (Lead Guitar, Keyboards, Bass, Trombone & Background Vocals), Johnny Blackman (Drums & Background Vocals), Stokely Molineaux (Bass, Lead & Background Vocals) Derek Brewster (Steel Drum, Bass & Background Vocals), Adam Arredondo, a.k.a. Jah Mex (Keyboards & Background Vocals) and Einstein Brown (Steel Drum, Lead & Background Vocals).

Do you really want to party? Upstream invites you to come do the West Indian boogie, to their intriguing selection of exciting Reggae, Calypso, Soca and Steel Drum music. Come join the experience!

If you want to get a sense of what's ahead, we have this video from last year, after the jump:

Crime going down in Altadena, say sheriffs

by Carolyn Seitz
Community safety volunteer

Below are three pages of crime stats from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The first page shows you the overall view of how Altadena compares with all of the Sheriff's Stations in Los Angeles County for 2011 through June 30.  In addition, this page gives you a comparison with the same period of time for 2006 and 2010. Please note that once again, Altadena showed the greatest decrease of any Sheriff's Station in Los Angeles County in Part I crimes, with a reduction year to date of 36.1%.

The second page details just Altadena and its Part I crime statistics up to June 30, 2011, as well as the comparison with 2006 and 2010 for the same period.  There are some things worth noting.  First, reported Rapes have increased by 151.1%.  It is important to note that the alleged rape suspects were a person known to the victim according to Lt. Joseph Dempsey of Altadena Detective Bureau.  There is no serial rapist on the loose in Altadena. 

Also of note on the second page is the reduction by 45.72% of burglaries over the same period last year, and the reduction by 39.76% of Larceny-Theft crimes over the same period last year.

The third page shows that while reported rapes have increased over the same period last year, all other violent crimes have decreased by as much as 21.5% over the same period last year, and all line items in the Property Crimes report have decreased over the same period last year with the greatest reductions noted above for burglaries and larceny-theft.

 

Angeles Crest 100 miler finishes today at Loma Alta Park [UPDATE]

Dominic Grossman was the first runner to cross the finish line at Loma Alta Park at 1:20 AM this morning in the Angeles Crest 100 Mile Endurance Run which started at Wrightwood Saturday morning.

Grossman had a decisive lead, as the next runner, Ruperto Romero, didn't come in until 2:37 AM.

Paulette Zillmer, the first woman over the finish, came in 7th place at 4:47 AM.

Of the Altadena runners, Marisol Martinez dropped out at 2:37 AM at the Chantry Flat checkpoint. Diana Treister is between the Idlehour Trail and Sam Merill Trail checkpoint as of 8:30 AM.

All information comes from the race's own tracking website.  You can follow the finish at http://www.ac100.com/live/

UPDATE: Treister finished the race at 1:10:58 this afternoon, coming in 63rd place, 32 hours and almost 11 minutes after the start.

Teen Summer Reading: Minute to Win It

On Thurs., July 28 from 4-5 PM, we present Minute to Win It!!! This is our last teens only event for the Teen Summer Reading Program. Teens (13-17) will complete challenges using household items. You’ll get 60 seconds on the clock. Think you can do it? You’ve got a minute to win it! If you haven’t signed up, what are you waiting for?  We’ve got fun programs, great reads, and did I mention awesome prizes?

Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St.

Library's August movies include "Rio," "Mars Needs Moms"

The Altadena Library continues its Summer Movie Extravaganza every Friday at 3:30 PM through the month of August.  All films are free, and popcorn and drinks are provided.

On Aug. 5, "Rio": a domesticated macaw from small town Minnesota takes off on an adventure to Rio de Janiero with the bird of his dreams.  Rated G.

On Aug. 12: "Mars Needs Moms": Milo finds out how much he needs his mom when she's kidnapped by Martians.  Rated PG.

On Aug. 19: "Soul Surfer": the true story of surfer Bethany Hamilton who lost her left arm in a shark attack and overcame all odds to become a champion again.  rated PG.

On Aug. 26: "Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil": Red Riding Hood and the Wolf are called to examine the mysterious disappearance of Hansel and Gretel.  Rate PG.

The Altadena Main Library is at 600 E. Mariposa St.

Charles White community event will include document shredding

Help thwart identity theft by bringing your documents to be shredded at the Altadena Sheriff Station's community event on Sat., Aug. 6

Altadena Station is hosting its first "Community in the Park" event that day at at Charles White Park, 77 Mountain View St., 1-4 PM.  As part of the festivities, Shred-it, a document destruction firm, is offering to shred the papers you don't need anymore.

"Community in the Park" is an event to show law enforcement's appreciaton of the citizens of  Altadena.   It promises to be a festive family atmosphere filled with food, fun and safety information.

 

 

Angeles Crest 100 miler starts Saturday, ends at Loma Alta Park Sun.

The 2011 Angeles Crest 100 Mile Endurance Run from Wrightwood to Altadena takes place this weekend.

Runners will start at about 5 AM at the Community Building in Wrightwood on Saturday, and take the Angeles Crest Trail all the way to Loma Alta Park to arrive Sunday.  The race stops at 2 PM Sunday in Loma Alta Park, altho' runners are expected to continue coming in well into the afternoon, folllowed by a picnic and award ceremony in the park after 5 PM.

Local runners include Altadenans Marisol Martinez and Diana Treister

You can keep up with the progress on the race via Twitter -- check out the http://www.ac100.com/live/ page for details.

Pictured: 2010 finisher Lorraine Gersitz (with friend Marisa Willment, left) at the finish at Loma Alta Park last year.  Gersitz ran the whole race in her green plastic Crocs.

Shuldiner's Institute kicks off with locavore gourmet event

Foodie extraordinaire and Altadena Urban Farmer's Marketeer Joseph Shuldiner (whom you've read about here recently) is preparing a locavore gourmet event to launch his new project, The Institute of Domestic Technology.

The Institute's mission is "reignite the passion of how we make food, the ingredients we source and the farms on which they originate ...  Through classes, workshops, tours and events the Institute will be a resource to discover lost arts, invent new ones and explore the domestic technologies you already know even further."

The Institute's inaugural event will be an "Urban Farmers' Dinner."  Shuldiner writes that the dinner will be "sourced completely from ingredients foraged from the city's backyard farmers, many from Altadena. It will be on Saturday, August 6, (6 PM) on a secret Downtown L.A. loft rooftop."

For this event, I've partnered with Chef Nick Coe (Black Cat Bakery) who has come up with an amazing menu and will man the burners. As a co-organizer of the Altadena Urban Farmers' Market, this is a natural outgrowth of an amazing backyard farm movement happening right under our noses!

Seating is limited -- for tickets, go here.

Athens flyer details Altadena services

Via reader RIck Keaton, here's Athen's Services flyer detailing the new trash service (click graphics to enlarge).  There will also be a public information meeting tomorrow from 10-11:30 AM at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr. to answer questions.

Missing cat: Ivan, Lincoln/Ventura

Reader Mary writes:

Our kitty Ivan was discovered missing this evening.  He’s an 11-year-old orange tabby with an ID tag.  Please call Greg at 323-770-4104 if you’ve seen him.  We live in East Altadena near Ventura/Lincoln. 

(Ed. note: We'd put Ventura/Lincoln in West Altadena!)

It's Paco's world, we just live in it

Paco the Wonder Dog is now moving into big celebrity territory:  he's on Facebook, and he's got a Twitter feed (#BravePaco).  (Our Twitter feed, which picks up any mention of #Altadena, has been nothing but Paco-Paco-Paco for days now.).

After his appearance on Good Morning America Monday, he was on the George Lopez show last night (George Lopez voiced "Papi," the Beverly Hills Chihuahua, but you knew that!)

And the Washington Post blog picked it up.  No word on the NY Times yet ("Will crime-fighting dogs mean less government stimulus?  How hard will this affect women and the poor?" -- Paul Krugman.  Sorry, went off into a little fantasy there).

What's next?  Well, don't forget, Paco, election season's coming up, the GOP's wide open, and you're DEFINITELY not soft on crime  (Paco/Palin 2012? Or maybe Paco/Bachmann, it's got a ring to it ...)

 

 

Weekendin' July 21-25: it's music and Shakespeare!

Yes, there's so much going on this weekend it bleeds into Monday!  Keep checking in as new stuff comes through the door ...

Thurs. July 21

• Two events today at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St.: Toddler Story Time, 11 AM-12 PM; and weave a “Chinese Staircase” patterned friendship bracelet and sample a variety of Asian snacks as part of the Teen Summer Reading Program, 4-5 PM.

Fri., July 22

• Beach Bus to Santa Monica: pickups start at 9 AM. $3. See here for details.
• The Altadena Library's Summer Movie Extravaganza: "Beastly", rated PG, free, free popcorn and drink, starts 3:30 PM.
• Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake; front stage, open mic night, starts 8 PM, free; backstage, Susan Anders with Tom Manche (folk-pop). 8 PM, $12.50. Reservations:  (626) 798-6236.

Sat., July 23

• Beach Bus to Santa Monica: pickups start at 9 AM. $3. See here for details.
• Athens Services will hold a public Q&A and explain Altadena's new trash collection service, 10-11:30 AM, Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.
• Giant Fish Fry and Bake Sale, at Christ the Shepherd Lutheran Church, 185 West Altadena Drive (corner of Glenrose) 11 AM-3 PM. For just a $9 donation you can enjoy deep-fried catfish or tilapia, green beans, your choice of salads, bread, and an ice-cold drink.  Also available will be a wide variety of home-baked pies, cakes, cookies and other desert delectables.  Proceeds will support CTS' efforts in the community.
• Huge Craftsman and more sidewalk sale at 2487 Highland Ave. (between Mendocino and Altadena Dr.)  Altadenablog readers Kate Sullivan & Karen TenEyck are unloading some good things!  8 AM-4 PM, Sat. and Sun.
• Ellen Snortland in two performances this weekend of her one-woman play, "Now She's Gone," at the Coffee Gallery Backstage. Sat., 3 PM, and Sun 5:30 PM.  TIckets are $7.50 through $15 through BrownPaper Tickets,  http://tiny.cc/Snortland.  Tickets may be available at the door. It's the "festival version," just before Ellen goes to perform it at the Edinborough, Scotland theater festival next month.
• Big Hat Promotions Cowboy Concert: Pianist Dave Bourne and singer/songwriter/guitarist Ray Doyle, at a private home in Altadena.  It's sold out, but you can still get tickets to the grand finale, Belinda Gale, on Aug. 6. Go to http://www.bighatonline.com/Calendar.php for details.
• Sheriff Support Group Summer Concert Series welcomes the return of the phenomenal jazz guitarist Brian Hughes to the Farnsworth Park stage, 7 PM. Before the concert, you can pick up a dinner from Amy’s Patio Café  http://www.amyspatiocafe.net/id3.html or El Patron  http://elpatrononline.com/.   During the concert, beer and wine are available for purchase courtesy of the Altadena Rotary Club.  Webster's Fine Stationers provides refreshment for the performers. Concerts are hosted by the Altadena Sheriff’s Station and Farnsworth Park.  Sponsors of the summer concert series are: Warner Bros., Rotary Club of Altadena, Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, Toyota of Pasadena, Baietti Seyffert/Podley Realtors, All American Audio Visual,  M & M Printing, Trinity ThreadWorks, My Irish Pride,  Georgia Rutherford in memory of Don Rutherford, and Altadenablog.  The concerts this year are dedicated to the memory of Cue MacKenzie.
• The Folly Bowl, 1601 E. Loma Alta Dr. kicks off a Shakespeare weekend in Altadena with early music ensemble Tesserae on Sat., July 23 at 7:30 PM. Joined by soprano Suzanne Anderson, Tesserae performs settings of Shakespeare's texts, along with music by Dowland, Byrd, and many more.  Bring your blankets and picnic to enjoy the beauty of the Folly Bowl together with some of the most beautiful repertoire of the Late Renaissance. Suggested donation is $15. 
• Italian movie night at  Bulgarini Gelato, 749 E. Altadena Dr. "Il Pranzo di Ferragosto (Mid-August Lunch)" starring Gianni Di Gregorio. Dinner starts at 7:30 PM, $13 (reservations required) including a pasta dish, salad and drink. The film is free, no reservations are required, and starts after dark.  Gelato available throughout. Dinner reservations must be made by Friday by email at catering@bulgarinigelato.com or by calling (626) 791-6174.
• Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake: backstage, Sligo Rags (Irish traditional), 7 PM, $18, Reservations:  (626) 798-6236.

Sun., July 24

• Altadena Baptist Church community picnic:  Enjoy music, inspiration and friendship in the great outdoors at Altadena Baptist Church (corner of Calaveras and El Molino) starting at 11 AM.   A free picnic lunch at noon. Afternoon activities include clown Darien DeVries, games, crafts, balloon creations, face painting, etc.
• Leslie Perry and Kalen Tolces will be reading stories from Leslie's upcoming book "Wednesdays With Leslie" at the Coffee Gallery, 2-5 PM, Free.
• Shakespeare by the Sea presents "King Lear" at the Farnsworth Park Amphitheater, 7 PM.  Admission is free. Audiences are encouraged to gather with friends and family early to dine picnic-style under the stars to make the most of this classic entertainment experience.
• Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake: open mic at the front stage, 8 PM, free; backstage, Lorin Sklamberg (lead singer of the Klezmatics, Yiddish songs), 7:30 PM, $18. Reservations:  (626) 798-6236.

Mon. July 25

• Coffee with Altadena Sheriff Capt. Steven McLean, Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake, 8-10 AM. Meet the captain and ask questions. Lots of information will be available.
• The Altadena Historical Society will present "The Purchase of the Cobb Estate: 40 Years Later," in a free program starting at 7:30 at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.  Bob Barnes, who was there, will talk about the unusual story of the acquisition of the estate, at one time owned by the Marx Brothers but now a well-loved hiking area.

Altadena Sheriff's Station recuiting Explorers age 14-20

from the Altadena Sheriff's Station

Interested in Law Enforcement? Looking to do something meaningful for your community?

The Altadena Sheriff’s Station is looking for young men and women ages 14‐20 to join its Explorer Post program.

Academy Class #87 starts Sept. 10 2011.

Deputy Explorer applicants must:

• Have a 2.0 GPA or higher in high school
• Be between 14 and 20 years old
• Be of good moral character without any serious arrest record
• Meet the same basic physical requirements as a Deputy Sheriff

Join Now!
For more information, call the Altadena Sheriff’s Station at (626) 798‐1131 ext. 2616 or visit http://www.lasdreserve.org/Explorer/