altadenablog

Crime log: Oct. 22-28

Looks like vehicles suffered the most this week. Crime report from Lt. Duane D. Allen of Altadena Sheriff's Station.

Saturday, Oct, 22
Between 12:01 AM and 4:00 PM, Sunday – A petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 800 block of E. Sacramento Street.  Loss: (1) Kelly tire, (1) alloy rim.

Sunday, Oct. 23
Between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM – A vehicle vandalism occurred in the 2300 block of E. Midwick Dr.
Between 1:00 PM and 7:00 AM, Monday – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 1700 block of E. Woodbury Road.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle via the passenger door.  Loss:  multi-color wallet containing personal documents.

Tuesday, Oct. 25
11:15 AM – A petty theft occurred at Rite Aid, 735 E. Altadena Dr.  Deputies responded to the area and arrested the suspect.  Loss was recovered.
Between 2:00 PM and 11:00 AM, Wednesday – A petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 1000 block of E. Mendocino.  Loss:  blue/gray Eddie Bauer messenger bag, blue Asus laptop, blue Logitech wireless mouse, and several books.

Wednesday, Oct. 26
7:00 AM – A residential burglary occurred in the 200 block of E. Woodbury Road.  Suspect #1 male, African-American, 6 ft, 180-200lbs, black hair  Suspect #2 male, Caucasian, 5ft 7in, 160-170lbs, blonde hair.  Suspects entered the residence via the exterior attic.  Loss was recovered.
Between 12:15 PM and 8:45 PM – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 1700block  of Meadowbrook Road.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the driver’s side window.  Loss:  black Magellan GPS.
Between 3:15 PM and 11:00 AM, Thursday – A petty theft occurred in the 600 block of W. Harriet Street.  Loss: registration tabs.

Friday, Oct. 28
Between 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 400 block of W. Terrace Street.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the driver’s side window.  Loss:  black Kenwood car stereo.

 

PUSD districting task force to meet at Loma Alta Tues. night

The Pasadena Unified School District's districting task force, which will  draw up geographic districts for school board members, meets  tomorrow, Tuesday, at 6 PM at the auditorium at the former Loma Alta School, 3444 N. Canon, Altadena.

Wicked Lit last-minute Halloween discount

Jonathan Josephson at Wicked Lit tells us that tonight's performance is 2 for 1 tickets: Get 2-for-1 tickets to either Production (A or B) TONIGHT ONLY (10/31 at 8pm) with code 2FOR1... can there be a better place to spend Halloween? Visit www.wickedlit.org for details.

The night of spooky things

Jane & Todd Szabo share these shots from the mysterious neighborhood known as The Meadows ...

Enjoy tonight, but be safe!

 

Too much time on your hands, Halloween department

Mark Rober, a mechanical engineer for JPL, shares via YouTube his Halloween costume: using two iPads and wifi, you put a gaping hole in your torso.  Freaky, yes.

 

JPL holds climate change symposium

from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory

The JPL Green Club and Earth Science Public Engagement will host the 3rd annual JPL Climate Change Symposium, "Empowering Action Through Climate Science Knowledge.”  This free event is open to the public and there is no need to register, but seating is limited.  The event will also be streamed live on the web.

Experts from JPL, UCLA, and the Union of Concerned Scientists will discuss climate change science and climate change policy.  On the agenda are JPL climate scientists Annmarie Eldering, Josh Fisher, Ron Kwok and Jorge Vazquez, and staff members Kevin Hussey and Laura Tenenbaum.  Climate policy and action will be discussed by Cara Horowitz (UCLA Emmett Center), Amanda Alvord (Union of Concerned Scientists), and 17- year-old Alec Loorz (Kids vs. Global Warming).  Each of the eight brief presentations will be followed by a question and answer session.  An optional short "Climate Jeopardy" contest will be held at the end of the program.

Date:           Saturday, November 12
Time:           1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location:      The Jet Propulsion Laboratory
                    von Karman Auditorium
                    4800 Oak Grove Drive
                    Pasadena, CA 91109

Morning jolt

 

• Just say no to raw goat milk: for our Altadena foodies: the LA Times has a story by Stuart Pfeifer on the situation at Rawsome foods in Venice, an operation more worthy of a major drug bust than a bunch of raw goat milk drinkers.  Your government at work.
• ACONA tomorrow:  the Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations meets Tues. Nov. 1, starting at 7 PM at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St. Starting a neighborhood watch and an update on Athens Waste's trash hauling service are the topics.  All are welcome!
• This Altadena Mediterranean revival was the LA Time's real estate section's "House of the Week" -- not only a nice house, but we geeks know it's the residence of "Battlestar Galactica" producer Ronald D. Moore.

 

And now ... bears

Jerri Heffernan on the 1600 block of Woodglen Lane sent us this tonight: 

We live in the 1600 block of Woodglen Lane in Altadena. My sister in-law came over for dinner tonight and drove up the driveway. We have our garbage cans at the top of the driveway. On her way up she saw a very big brown bear tearing apart our garbage cans. She called us from her cell phone and we went out and banged on pots and pans to make sure it was safe enough to get her to our house. We just called the Sheriff's Department and they are on the way to check things out. Just thought the neighborhood would want to know!

Bill Westphal also shares this video from a resident who wishes to remain anonymous, but she found some bears in her yard in September.

_______

California Bohemian Leather: art and craft in Altadena

 

Dr. Marisol Martinez, front, and Lance Anderson in the back create their custom leather products in their Altadena studio.

by Timothy Rutt

The road to California Bohemian Leather is one that involved lots of twists and turns.

When chiropractor/yoga instructor Marisol Martinez and podcaster/spoken word artist Lance Anderson opened their joint studio, Altadena Junction, at 2524 El Molino Ave., in 2009, it was with high hopes. The couple would each have their own piece of the studio: Martinez would run her chiropractic practice and teach yoga on one side, while Anderson would run his half as a performance space/gallery.

Two years later, they had to make some tough decisions: frequent filming in the neighborhood made it difficult to run a yoga practice. The performance space wasn't working as planned -- they couldn't move in enough people to make it profitable, Anderson said --  so it was turned into a gallery, and then nobody was buying the art.  Evening arts events meant moving out the yoga and chiropractic furniture. They decided they needed to add another line of business.  

According to Anderson, they were thinking about starting a T-shirt business, until a fortunate trip to Palm Springs and a visit to a local leather shop gave them inspiration.

Rich Bohemian leather
"We were always looking for belts and stuff that were really well-made," Martinez said. When she was growing up, "we had a family friend, and he was a leathersmith, so growing up, to me it was always fascinating -- and when I saw this stuff, it totally took me back."

And that was the inspiration for forming California Bohemian Leather.  Anderson said he was a little reluctant to go into leatherworking at first, but "I had been a baseball player growing up.  I loved baseball, I'd been repairing gloves ... that was the entry point for me.  I was more resistant to leather stuff than she was."

"I really pushed it," Martinez said.

"... and I'm glad, the t-shirt thing would've been a dime a dozen thing," Anderson said.

Altadena Junction: a night for spooks and spirits

Our column is up at the Sunday Valley Sun website (and at kiosks throughout Pasadena/South Pasadena/San Marino/and LCF, but not in Altadena!).  This week, we look at Halloween in the upper 'Dena.

PUSD: a district divided

By Joe Piasecki

Pasadena Sun

Conflict and acrimony between factions of the Pasadena Board of Education are threatening to erode confidence in the city's public schools, which some observers see as pawns in a power struggle that is rooted outside classroom doors.

The seven-member board is routinely divided 4-3, with the minority accusing board President Renatta Cooper and her allies of delaying important agenda items and preserving the status quo in a system that they believe needs a shakeup. Critics of the board minority say its members adopt a purposely confrontational approach that serves broader political ambitions far better than it serves the district's nearly 20,000 students.

Board member Scott Phelps said the conflict is driven by differing views of the board's mandate. A member of the minority bloc with Ramon Miramontes and Kim Kenne, Phelps said, “Elected representatives should be governing the school district, but the majority prefers the administration work out all the decisions and we just sort of approve them.”

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

 

Lost Rottweiler, Altadena/Glenrose

Two women living near Altadena Drive/Glenrose are missing their puppy:

We really need help finding our puppy. He is a 6 month old Rottweiler, he has a reddish/orange/brown collar and he has a scar on his right ear. He is the bigger one of the two in the picture (and of course, he would be much bigger now than in the picture because he was about 3 months in the picture.) He answers to "Bucks". If anyone has found him or knows anything please contact Brittney or Bridgette at (626) 798- 8156, email: brittp12@gmail.com

National Gaming Day at the Library Nov. 12

Children of all ages and their parents are invited to come to the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St.  for National Gaming Day.  Play old favorite board games or try some new ones! Stop by the children’s room anytime between 10 AM-6 PM to take part in this event.

 

Arroyo Arts Discovery Tour Nov. 20

The Arroyo Arts Discovery Tour takes place Sun., Nov. 20.  The self-guided auto tour features over 100 artists in homes and studios in Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Mount Washington, and neighboring areas, with a few Altadena artists paricipating.

There will also be a preview party on November 12, 7 PM-10 PM at Future Studio, 5558 N. Figueroa, Highland Park.

The tour begins at the Lummis Home, 200 E. Ave. 43, Highland Park, starting at 9:30 AM.  Tickets are $10 in advance; $15 on the day of the tour. Purchase advance tickets online at www.arroyoartscollective.org or at Galco’s Old World Grocery, 5702 York Blvd., Highland Park. For online purchase, tickets are $10 plus $1 handling. Tickets will be held at will call at the Lummis Home on the day of the tour. Deadline for advance purchase is 10 PM Friday, Nov. 18.

 

 

Family to get $3.15 million in La Canada truck crash

By Daniel Siegal
Pasadena Sun 

Members of the family of the father and daughter killed in a 2009 runaway big-rig crash in La Cañada Flintridge will receive $3.15 million from the truck driver and state transportation officials to settle civil lawsuits.

The settlements were reached Thursday during a conference in Los Angeles County Superior Court in Glendale.

The family of Palmdale residents George and Angelina Posca — who were killed when Marcos Costa’s truck barreled through the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and Angeles Crest Highway after losing its brakes — filed wrongful death lawsuits against Costa, Caltrans and La Cañada.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

Pasadena police begin boot camp probe

By Bill Kisliuk
Pasadena Sun

Pasadena police have opened an investigation into possible child abuse at a boot camp for juveniles, following the release of videos that showed harsh treatment of campers.

Pasadena Deputy Chief Darryl Qualls said the department decided to launch the probe after seeing videos on the Pasadena Star-News website of activity the newspaper linked to Kelvin McFarland, who runs Pasadena-based Family First Growth Camp and is already facing criminal charges stemming from a separate incident.

“It looks disturbing,” Qualls said. “We have concerns that [the conduct in the video] bordered on criminal activity.”

More at the Pasadena Sun.

Morning jolt

• Eliot Middle School Tour: Principal Peter Pannell will lead a tour of Eliot Middle School on Wed., Nov. 2, starting at 8:30 AM. Call the school (396-5680) to confirm your interest, or RSVP via the Pasadena Education Network calendar: http://penfamilies.org/news-events/calendar
• Sharps disposal available: The Altadena Sheriff's Station now has a sharps disposal container, right next to the drop-off boxes for legal and illegal drugs.  The sheriff's staiton is at 780 E. Altadena Dr.
• Saturn wants its mummy: Looking for some cool Halloween wallpaper for your computer?  Alice Wessen at JPL sends us a link to the Cassini mission website.
• Aveson looking for vendors:  Aveson Charter School will be holding a pancake breakfast and boutique starting at 8 AM on Dec. 10, They're also looking for local vendors who would be willing to donate a percentage of proceeds to Aveson.  Contact Victoria DeSantis,  victoriamcd@sbcglobal.net
  
  

Sheriff warns of drugged candy, offer Halloween safety tips

from the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department

With Halloween only a few days away, The Narcotics Bureau of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department would like to remind the citizens of Los Angeles County of a health hazard that was discovered last year. 

Parents, teachers, and physicians are warned to closely inspect children's candy, soda, and snack items to ensure children do not accidentally ingest a concentrated drug. 

In recent months, thousands of illicit edible products have been seized in the form of candies, cookies, cereal snacks, and bottled soda, all containing varying amounts of concentrated tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive substance found in the marijuana plant. 

These items, packaged to resemble licensed commercial candy and snacks, are being produced locally in clandestine labs and residential kitchens. The items are packaged to be attractive to children and teens. Some items have no label to warn the consumer of their content, and many that are labeled do not contain a reasonable indication of drug content, recommended dosage, or instructions for use. Because their makers intend to remain anonymous, no contact information is listed. 

Some of the processes used to extract and concentrate the THC for the manufacture of these items include the use of chemical solvents, such as liquid butane, to extract THC from the plant material. We are concerned that the methods used to extract the drug may also extract any pesticide or fertilizer residue as well, carrying those potentially toxic chemicals into the items. We are currently pursuing additional testing of these items to better determine this possibility. 

Sheriff's Narcotics Detectives found that the places in which these items were manufactured were highly unsanitary, bringing the potential of other health hazards to users as well. It is the intent of the Sheriff's Department to seek and prosecute similar crimes in the Los Angeles area. \

Friday afternoon burglary on 2600 McNally: walked in the unlocked door

by Carolyn Seitz

The information below is being shared by residents on the 2600 block of McNally.  The information has been modified only to protect the privacy of the person sharing the information.

Please do not let door knocks go unanswered if you're home. Also can't ask often enough for you to be sure to lock your doors and windows.  Criminals entered the house through the front door which was unlocked.

Please don't make it easy for criminals and please continue to call to report suspicious activity.The Station's phone number is 626 798 1131.

We had an attempted burglary at our house today (Friday) at about 4:30 PM. It was the ole' ring the doorbell to see anyone is home routine.

We were in (the rear portion of our home) talking when someone started ringing the bell. They were ringing pretty furiously which made me think it was my neighbor and I wasn't going to interrupt my conversation to answer the door.

The person kept ringing and knocking and then we heard a voice asking if anyone was home. It was not our neighbor so I went to see who it was.

I ran into a young (16ish) Hispanic boy in the hallway. I asked what he was doing and then he ran to the back room. I followed him and saw another person climbing out of the window and the boy I saw followed him. I immediately called 911 and the sheriffs came.

Nothing was taken, though the second boy rifled through my desk.

Our front door was unlocked. A policy we will have to change.

Foothill Water District sponsors second annual garden contest

Foothill Municipal Water District (FMWD) is sponsoring its second annual  California Friendly Garden Contest (Sowing and Growing).  Three prizes will be awarded to the winning customers in Foothill’s service area.  First place is $500, second place is $250 and third place is $100.  Judges will consider overall attractiveness, appropriate plant selection, design, appropriate maintenance and efficient methods of irrigation when evaluating the gardens.  

“The aim of this contest is to encourage residents to change out water thirsty turf to less thirsty California friendly plants.  Hand-in-hand with this contest is Foothill’s ongoing rebate to customers for removing their turf and planting California Friendly plants and/or installing pervious materials,” said general manager Nina Jazmadarian.   

Customers of Foothill Municipal Water District’s retail agencies can participate.  Although applications are due no later than April 13, 2012, now is the time to plant most California native and friendly vegetation.  Judging will take place May 5, 2012 or soon thereafter in case of inclement weather.  Rules and an entry application can be found on the District’s website at www.fmwd.com.

Foothill Municipal Water District provides imported water to Crescenta Valley Water District, La Cañada Irrigation District, Mesa Crest Water Company, Valley Water Company, Lincoln Avenue Water Company, Las Flores Water Company and Rubio Cañon Land & Water Association.  Kinneloa Irrigation District, another retail agency, takes no water from Foothill.  

 

Husky found, Altadena and Glenrose [UPDATED]

Reader Rachael found a dog:

I really hope that you can help find this sweet fellow's family.  This morning, at Christ the Shepherd Church (Altadena and Glenrose) he approached me and my son after dodging cars in the intersection there.  He has no collar and no tags and a quick walk around to the nearest neighbors found no one who could identify him, so I took him home to my backyard.  He's very docile and wonderful with children, so I'll keep him with me at least a few days, if necessary.

Please contact Rachael--

818 468 5603
r_doudrick@yahoo.com

Rachael also emails us to say he isn't microchipped.

UPDATE 10/30: James Romero has taken in the husky (he has a bigger yard) and you can contact him as well at 626-806-2649.

Mangey coyote at Borderdena

Reader Christy Moision shared these pictures:

I saw this mangy guy on my street -- Atchison, about a half-block east of Lake (yes, Pasadena, but just barely!), at 10:45 this morning.  The pictures aren't as clear as I'd like but he was a mess. 

We've had several sightings of mangy coyotes in the past few months.  

Club 21 Walk-a-thon at Pasadena's Central Park Sunday

by Timothy Rutt

Just a last-minute plug for the Club 21 "Together is Better" Walk-a-Thon, to be held Sun., Oct. 30.  

Club 21 is a Pasadena-based organization that supports Down Syndrome children and their families, and the walk-a-thon is their biggest fundraiser of the year.

The festivities start at 8:30 AM at Central Park in Pasadena, with the walk starting at 10 AM.  Award-winning musician Melissa Green will perform in concert at noon, and the Pie and Burger food truck will be there. 

100% of the proceeds will to to benefit Club 21 Learning and Resource Center. 

(where DID they get that poster model? She's FABULOUS!)

 

Star-News reveals disturbing boot camp videos

by Timothy Rutt

Pasadena Star-News has obtained two disturbing videos of children being hectored and verbally abused in youth boot camp settings.

The videos, taken at least two years ago, involve Kelvin "Sgt. Mac" McFarland, the operator of Family First Growth Camp in Pasadena.  McFarland was arrested on May 27 on charges of kidnapping, child abuse, false imprisonment, extortion and unlawful use of a badge involving a truant student. 

Until he started a rival boot camp, McFarland had been working for Keith "Sarge" Gibbs, a former Altadena town councilman who operates Sarge's Community Base, Inc./Commit II Achieve Boot Camp.  Children in both videos are wearing "Commit II" t-shirts, and someone who sounds like Gibbs is heard off-camera in one video.

According to PSN's Brian Charles, Gibbs denied being present when the videos were shot.  Gibbs and McFarland went their separate ways in 2009.

Charles' story is here, and the videos are here.

 

Ode to a space age bear

Gloriana Casey does it again with this tribute to the JPL bear:

"FUZZY WUZZY"
from gloriana casey

A bear arrives at JPL,
200 pounds of fur.
BEAR  thinks he found a NASA rock.
From moon? Well, he's  not sure.

Of Einstein's work, the whole world knows,
of RELATIVITY.
BEAR's hearing that the speed of light's
not what it used to be!

One hundred eighty-six thousand,
two hundred eighty - two,
miles per SECOND --light it moves
If wrong, what will Bear do?

BEAR has request, if Einstein's wrong,
so he's at JPL.
With moon rock sale, he'll take a trip
to stardust, he will sail!

For winter comes with chilly blast,
BEAR needs a place to stay.
And URSA MAJOR seems just right,
in sky above, he'll play!

So JPL, please help BEAR out,
in loving mammal bond.
So help him make his magic trip,
To the  UNIVERSE---and BEYOND!***

Rose queen, princesses, get their crowns

The 2012 Tournament of Roses Rose Queen Drew Washington, center, was crowned at official coronation ceremony at the Pasadena Convention Center on Thursday, October 27, 2011. From left Princess Sarah Zuno, Princess Hanan Worku, Princess Morgan Devaud, Queen Drew, Princess Kimberly Ostiller of Altadena, Princess Cynthia Louie and Princess Stephanie Hynes.(Raul Roa/Pasadena Sun)

By Kelly Corrigan

Pasadena Sun

Members of the Tournament of Roses’ Royal Court donned their jeweled crowns for the first time in an elegant ceremony Thursday at the Pasadena Convention Center.

News anchor and Pasadena resident Colleen Williams of KNBC-TV emceed the event, which began with each of the six Rose Princesses appearing on the arm of a U.S. Marine escort. 

The six Marines all had served in either Iraq or Afghanistan and received a long standing ovation for their service. 

On their arms were Rose Court princesses Kimberly Ostiller, 17, of Altadena; Sarah Zuno, 17, of Highland Park; Hanan Worku, 17, of Pasadena; Morgan Devaud, 18, of La Cañada Flintridge; Cynthia Louie, 17, of La Cañada and Stephanie Hynes, 18, of Pasadena.

More at the Pasadena Sun.  

Farnsworth Park becomes the "Haunted Mansion" Saturday

The Los Angeles County Department of Parks & Recreation has turned the Davies building in Farnsworth Park into the "Haunted Mansion" on Saturday night.  Children can take the tour from 7-9 PM, and will get a free goodie bag in the process. 

 

 

Altadena Community Church holds All Saint's Day service

Celebrate All Saint's Day with Altadena Community Church at 10 AM on Sunday, Oct. 30.   If you have lost a loved one in the last year, you are invited to bring a framed photo to place on the altar as the service begins.  All who wish to will light candles in memory of loved ones.   What are the qualities of a saint?  Pastor Joe McGowan will explore this, using texts from Matthew and 1 Thessalonians.

Sunday school for children and nursery care are provided.  All are welcome—sainthood not required! Altadena Community Church is just east of Lake Avenue, at 943 E. Altadena Drive.  For information, call 626-798-1185.

 

Q&A with PUSD's Chief Academic Officer, Brian McDonald

from the Pasadena Sun

Brian McDonald became the Pasadena Unified School District’s chief academic officer earlier this month. He previously worked as an administrator and principal in Houston, Texas, where in the early 1990s he taught English language learners alongside Jon Gundry, who is now superintendent of Pasadena schools. McDonald sat down for a question-and-answer session with the Pasadena Sun.

Pasadena Sun: What was it like teaching with Gundry?

Brian McDonald: We had a very powerful department, maybe the best in the city. He was always so very well-informed. I kept in touch with him while he moved up. He told me there was a position available, so I applied.

Sun: Any strong first impressions of Pasadena?

McDonald: This is a very cozy town. It’s artsy, and the people are friendly.

Sun: And Pasadena Unified?

McDonald: As I’ve walked the schools, they’ve been nice and quiet. I see a lot of committed people.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

Photo of Brian McDonald by Raul Roa, Pasadena Sun.

Credit where it's due

A hat tip to our counterpart in Sierra Madre, John Crawford, proprietor of the Sierra Madre Tattler blog, who has an op-ed in the Pasadena Star News about the unholy marriage of pols and developers who want to pack us tighter together in Borg-cube condos in order to save the planet and serve "social justice."  It's for your own good, of course,  Kudos to John, and PSN, which recognizes the value of us local voices who ply the intertubes. 

Nightmare on Mariposa Street

The Roberts family shares this pic:  for Halloween, they've turned their house into a smoke-breathing monster.  You can see it on Mariposa Street between Fair Oaks and Raymond, near the Waldorf School.

Do you have a haunted Halloween house?  Share your own picture, or let us know the address and we'll snap it.

Weekendin': Halloween weekend

Spooky stuff always coming in, so keep checking back  ...

Thurs., Oct. 27

• Altadena Chamber of Commerce Monthly Mixer and ribbon-cutting for Dr. Jon M. Postajian, 2052 N. Lake Ave,  Suite E, Altadena, 5:30-7:30 PM.
• Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake;. Backstage, Jimmy Crowley and Marla Fibish (Irish), 8 PM, $18. Reservations:  (626) 798-6236.

Fri., Oct. 28

• Día de los Muertos, Day of the Dead at the Altadena Main Library:  is a traditional Mexican holiday when family and friends gather to honor and remember loved ones. Halloween and Day of the Dead crafts include: trick-or-treat bags, decorations, Mexican paper flowers, and sugar-skull decorating. Come to the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St., on Fri., Oct. 28, at 3:30 PM to start your Halloween in a traditional way.  This free program is sponsored by Friends of the Library.
• Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake.  Front stage, open mic, 8 PM, free; Backstage, Susie Glaze & The Hilonesome Band with Fur Dixon and Steve Werner (Americana), 8 PM, $20. Reservations:  (626) 798-6236.

Sat., Oct. 29

• Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy hiking series continues with docent Michele Zack on a hike in Rubio Canyon along the route of the Mount Lowe Railway. Learn about the railway's history and Rubio Canyon the author of Altadena: Between Wilderness and City. Meet at the intersection of Rubio Vista Drive and Pleasantridge Drive in Altadena on Sat., Oct. 29 at 9 AM.The hike is about a mile each way. The trail is demanding at points, with several high narrow steps near a sheer drop and a scramble over rocks in the creek near the end, should you choose to go that far.  The hike is free.
• Christmas Tree Lane Lights Up goes from 9 AM-noon. In the morning you will be greeted with donuts, coffee and hot chocolate and after 12:00 lunch will be served. If you are bringing a group of more than 5 on any weekend and plan to stay and have lunch, PLEASE call (626) 403-1123 so that we will have enough food for everyone.
• "Grow LA Victory Garden Initiative" classes conclude at the Altadena Community Garden. The classes, part of University of California Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardener Program, run from 9 AM to noon.  Cost is $50 for the series, or $15 per class. To register, call Jeri Huston at 626-584-0442 or e-mail at Jeri.Huston@yahoo.com.
• Art on Palm, the twice-yearly, one-day-only show and sale returns  from 9:30 AM- 4 PM.  The event, which benefits the Fisher House Foundation, features talented artists and their works in the stunning wooded setting of Wild Wood Park, at 1419 E. Palm St. Art for sale includes paintings, ceramics, handmade glassware, fabrics, collage, woodwork, metalwork, photography, handmade jewelry, body care products, and much more.  More information: http://www.artonpalm.com/art_on_palm/Home.html
• October Shadows, an exhibit of Halloween art from artists from film, comics, and other media, at the Mountain View Mausoleum art gallery, 11 AM-5 PM.  Show concludes Sunday from 11 AM-3 PM.
• Drug Take-Back Day from 10 AM-2 PM at the Altadena Sheriff’s Station, 780 E. Altadena Dr. The sheriff's station encourages Altadena residents to bring their unwanted prescription or illicit drugs to the drop boxes in front of the Altadena Sheriff’s Station.  
• Farnsworth Park "Haunted Mansion," 7-9 PM.  Free, all kids are welcome, and will receive a goody bag while they last.
• Altadena Ale & Wine House, 2329 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Halloween Party and Costume Contest - 8 PM to 1:30 AM.  Guinness Girls 8:30-9:30, with $3 pints and other drink specials. Raffle all night long - wine - T-shirts - goodies. Scarey food will be served. Prizes will be given to the best costumes.  Only 21 or older admitted.
• Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake.  Backstage matinee, Ellen Snortland performs "Now That She's Gone" 3 PM, tickets $10/12, available through Brown Paper Tickets  and also at the door; Jerry Burgan ~ Songs & Stories with Debbie Burgan & Tholow Chan (guitar/cello), 7 PM, $18. Reservations:  (626) 798-6236.

Sun., Oct. 30

• Christmas Tree Lane Lights Up continues, 9-noon, see Saturday for details.
• Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake.  Backstage matinee, Ken O'Malley (Irish), 3 PM, $18. At 7 PM Ellen Snortland performs "Now That She's Gone" tickets $10/12, available through Brown Paper Tickets  and also at the door.  Front stage, open mic, 8 PM, free. Reservations:  (626) 798-6236.

Mon., Oct. 31 (Halloween)

• Free Halloween Organ Concert at Westminster Presbyterian Church,1757 Lake Ave., 6 and 7 PM.  Start your evening at this family friendly concert where even little ones will recognize the Halloween themed classics from movies & TV. Plenty of parking behind the church. Then head east on Atchison Street into the elaborately decorated Historic Highlands Neighborhood for some of the best trick or treating around. Very casual, walk in/walk out, wear your costumes, everyone’s welcome. Dr. Imre Szilas performing.

Found dog on Dolores Drive

Reader Kit has taken in a stray dog who showed up in their yard at 9 AM this morning.  He has no collar, has the appearance of being well-cared for.  They'll take him to the vet later to see if he's chipped, but if he's familiar to you, call  794-5475 for more info.

Altadena Heritage looks at "Radical Home Ec" Wednesday night

by Timothy Rutt

Altadena Heritage continues its "Heritage of Abundance" workshop series with Kelly Coyne and the return of Eric Knudsen on Wed., Nov. 2.

"Making It: Radical Home Ec for a Post-Consumer World" will share tips and tricks for growing your own food with as little work as possible.  He will discuss edible landscaping, the best vegetables to grow in Southern California, and how to control pests without pesticides.

Admission is free for members of Altadena Heritage, and $5 for non-members.  Please RSVP to 626-344-4783 or altadenaheritage@earthlink.net.

The bullet:

• What: Altadena Heritage "Heritage of Abundance" series: Making It: Radical Home Ec for the Post-Consumer World"
• Who: Kelly Coyne and Eric Knudsen
• When: Wed., Nov. 2, 7-9 PM
• Where: Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.
• Admission: free for Altadena Heritage members, $5 for non-members.

 

 

PUSD OKs deal for local hires

by Joe Piasecki
Pasadena Sun

Local school officials voted unanimously Tuesday to broker a deal with unions that would give organized labor exclusive bargaining rights on school construction projects in exchange for local hiring guarantees.

The Pasadena Board of Education voted 7-0 to authorize negotiations with the Los Angeles/Orange Counties Building and Construction Trades Council, which has similar labor agreements with a number of other public agencies.

“Local hiring is clearly a value of this board and the community, and we need a mechanism to make it work,” said board member Ed Honowitz.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

Altadena Chamber coupon page deadline Fri., Oct. 28

The deadline is fast approaching for Altadena businesses to run an ad in the Nov./Dec. Shop Altadena Coupon Page.  

If you're a member of the Altadena Chamber of Commerce, the ad is free -- if not, the ad rate is $50 for two months.  (If you'd like to advertise but don't have an ad ready, they will help you build it for $35). Or if you want to join the Chamber and run a free ad, that can happen, too. Ads must be in by this Friday, Oct. 28.

The ad will also run in the new Altadena Chamber website www.altadenchamber.org, local online news/blog sources, many of the local email news groups in our community and the ACC email distribution list.

Here's a link to the SHOP ALTADENA page on our website http://www.altadenachamber.org/shop-altadena/

Check out the previous coupons at SHOP ALTADENA COUPON PAGE.

For more information, contact the chamber at http://www.altadenachamber.org/contact/ or 626 794-3988. 

Meet the Guinness Girls at the Ale House Halloween party Saturday night

The Altadena Ale & Wine House, 2329 N. Fair Oaks Ave., (Altadenablog sponsor) will be celebrating Halloween with a party on Sat., Oct. 29, from 8:00 PM- 1:30 AM .

It starts off with the "Guinness Girls" from 8:30-9:30, with $3 pints of Guinness and other drink specials.  There will be a raffle every hour all night long with prizes including wines, T-shirts, hobgoblin mugs, and other goodies, and a costume contest starting at 10 PM.  Scary food snacks, too. Must be 21 or older to enter.

Morning jolt

• Xiem Ceremic Studio will hold its annual ceramic art fair and open studio sale on Fri,-Sat. Nov. 11-12. Lots of Altadena pot-throwers and other ceramic artists will be represented,, and there will be a performance by the "Coffee Gallery Community Singers." The sale will be 6-9 PM Friday and 10:30 AM- 4 PM Saturday. Xiem is at 1563 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena.
• Give a bunny a home: Want a pet, but a dog or a cat isn't an option? Bonny Schumaker points us to Rabbitmatch.org, a rescue organization for rabbits in the Los Angeles area. They have quite a few spayed/neutered and litter-trained rabbits ready for adoption, And she says her own "On Wings of Care" will transport the rabbits if possible. http://www.onwingsofcare.org/
• Goodall's honor: Our partner site Pasadena Sun reports that legislation to name the Pasadena post office after Oliver Goodall passed the Senate Monday and is headed for the president's desk. Goodall, from Altadena, was a first lieutenant in the Tuskegee Airmen during WWII and was one of the participants in the Freeman Field Mutiny, one of 60 African-American Air Corps officers arrested for entering an all-white officer's club. After the war, he became a postman.

Haunted Braeburn

by Timothy Rutt

The residents of Braeburn Road do take their Halloween seriously.  Here, a quiet Gothic grave gives just a hint of what to expect. We have more pictures after the jump.

Michele Zack leads Rubio Canyon hike this Saturday

Join the Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy and docent Michele Zack on a hike in Rubio Canyon along the route of the Mount Lowe Railway, which brought Angelenos and tourists to popular resorts on Mount Lowe and Echo Mountain in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Learn about the railway's history and Rubio Canyon with Zack, author of Altadena: Between Wilderness and City. Meet at the intersection of Rubio Vista Drive and Pleasantridge Drive in Altadena on Sat., Oct. 29 at 9 AM.

The hike is about a mile each way. The trail is demanding at points, with several high narrow steps near a sheer drop and a scramble over rocks in the creek near the end, should you choose to go that far.  The hike is free.

 

Bear spotted at JPL retreats back into forest

by Daniel Siegal
Pasadena Sun

Scientists at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory got a surprise on their way to work this morning when a 200-pound black bear wandered into the facility at around 4 AM, said JPL spokeswoman Veronica McGregor.

McGregor said that JPL security officers were escorting workers to buildings in the area where the bear was spotted, and that employees were told not to go outside until the bear had left.

“JPL security office was monitoring it, they monitored it and put out an alert to employees arriving to work,” said McGregor.

Fortunately, there were no confrontations. Officials were confident that the bear had retreated back into the hills by the Angeles National Forest by 9 a.m.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

Morning jolt

• Looking for something good to eat today?  The Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake, will be hosting 157 and Beyond in a pop-up Tuesday dinner, 7 AM-10 PM.  They'll be serving breakfast and dinner, plus grab-and-go treats in the fridge.
• Internationally bestselling author and activist Jeffrey M. Smith speak about what GMOs mean for the environment and public health, nationally and internationally, at the Beckman Institute Auditorium at Caltech this Fri., Oct. 28, at 7 PM.  Presentation will be followed by a Q&A session.  Food and drinks provided. Sponsored by: Graduate Student Council, Alumni Associate, Student Life, and the Caltech Y

 

 

LaSalle offers steampunk Shakespeare

This had appeal because (1) we know some LaSalle students, (2) our actress-daughter just performed two short scenes from this play (where she played both Olivia and Sir Toby Belch -- she's got range!) (3) we have a weakness for Shakespeare, and (3) our readers know we have a weakness for anything steampunk. It's a perfect storm.  Wear your goggles.

The La Salle High School Visual and Performing Arts Department will be presenting  William Shakespeare’s comedy, “Twelfth Night; or, What You Will,”  opening Sunday, Oct. 30, at the school’s Linda M. Grindstead Theatre, 3880 E. Sierra Madre Blvd. in Pasadena. The production will be performed through Nov. 13.

“Twelfth Night” is Shakespeare’s uproarious tale of sexual disguise, mistaken identity,  mischief, and true love. Giving the classic comedy an edgier vibe, director Jude Lucas has created a Steampunk costume and set design, mixing a Victorian style with a futuristic, industrial sensibility. As the department chairperson she must watch her budget, but she doesn’t scrimp on her students’ artistic experience. 

The play, which has 14 characters and ensemble parts, will be performed by several different casts, allowing 38 students to act in one of Shakespeare’s greatest comedies.

---

What: “Twelfth Night; or, What You Will”
Who: La Salle High School  Visual and Performing Arts Department
When:  2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Oct. 30,  Nov. 5, 6, and 12; 7 p.m. on Nov.  11; and at 6 p.m. Nov. 13.
Where: La Salle High School, Linda M. Grindstead Theatre, 3880 E. Sierra Madre Blvd., Pasadena

 

Neighborhood Watch and emergency training this Fri. at the Arboreteum

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is offering free Neighborhood Watch Toolkit Training & Emergency Training this Fri., Oct. 28, at the Los Angles Arboretum.

This Neighborhood Watch training will help improve Neighborhood Watch activities by providing formal training for those law enforcement, volunteers and block captains interested in assisting with Neighborhood Watch and disaster preparedness. 

Materials provided include: 

Two CDs offering self-paced PowerPoint training and community presentation. 

Numerous presentations for your meetings, posters, flyers, flip charts and more. 

How to begin, conduct and maintain an active Neighborhood Watch. 

Step by Step guide on how to register your Neighborhood Watch with www.USAonWatch.org 

WHERE: 
Los Angeles Arboretum 
301 North Baldwin Ave. 
Arcadia, CA. 91007 

WHEN: 
Friday October 28, 2011 (8:00am-4:00pm) 
Check in from 8:00am-8:30am 
Lunch will be from 11:30am-1:00pm (Will be on your Own) 

ATTIRE: Casual 

For more information and to RSVP contact Deputy Doug DeCesare (CLEPP) at 323-526-5015 or email to drdecesa@lasd.org 

 

League of Women Voters looks at the initiative process

“How Does California’s Democracy Grow – Our Initiative Process in Transition” is the topic of a free public forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters Pasadena Area Thurs, Nov. 3, from 10:30 AM -1:30 PM at the Women’s City Club, 160 N. Oakland Ave., Pasadena.  

Joe Mathews, noted journalist and authority on direct democracy, will discuss how the 100-year-old initiative process to give power to the people has run amok and what can be done about it. Matthews also is co-author of “California Crackup: How Reform Broke the Golden State and How We Can Fix it.” 

A robust question and answer session will follow.

Following, Frances Talbott-White of the Los Angeles League will show how to navigate the League’s awarding winning Smart Voter website to learn more about the treasure trove of information on how our democracy works.

Long a defender of citizen participation through the initiative process, the state League has begun a yearlong formal study of the system.

Reservations are required for lunch, which is $20, including tax and tip. No reservation is necessary for those who attend only the program.

 

 

Twi-hard teens: sink your teeth into Twilight trivia at the Library Nov. 17

Do you know your Twilight trivia? How well do you know the Twilight books or movies? Come to the Altadena Library and test your knowledge. We have some awesome prizes for our winners! See you there, Thurs., Nov. 17 at 4 PM in the Community Room. This program is especially for teens ages 12-17.

Sheriff's blotter: Oct. 13-21

Lots of residential and vehicle burglaries, including a double hit at 24 Hour Fitness.  Crime blotter by Lt. Duane D. Allen of the Altadena Sheriff Station.

Thurs., Oct. 13 
Between PM hrs. and 4:45 PM, Friday – A grand theft from an unlocked cabinet occurred at Burbank Elementary, 2046 Allen Av. Loss: $2,661.00. 
Between Unknown hrs. – A petty theft occurred in the 300 block of West Harriet Street. Loss: red Sears Craftsman pressure washer. 

Mon., Oct. 17
Between 9:45 PM and 10:22 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2200 block of Grandure Avenue. Suspect(s) entered the residence by breaking the deadbolt from the door. Loss: black Lenovo 15” laptop, black HP 15” monitor, gray Direct TV receiver. 

Tues., Oct. 18 
Between 10:10 AM and 7:20 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2700 block of Windsor Avenue. Suspect(s) entered the residence by unknown means. Loss: misc. gold jewelry, coin collection. 
Between 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM, Wednesday – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 80 block of West Manor Street. Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the driver’s side window. Loss: black Garmin GPS. 

Wed., Oct. 19 
Between 10:10 AM and 2:15 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1600 block of Pepper Drive. Suspect(s) entered the residence via the unlocked dining room window. Loss: none. 
6:00 PM – A petty theft occurred in the 2500 block of Devonshire Lane. Loss: blue Athens trash can. 
Between 9:00 PM and 10:30 PM – A vehicle burglary occurred at 24Hr. Fitness, 2180 Lincoln Ave. Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the front passenger window. Loss: beige purse, black wallet. 

Fri., Oct. 21
Between 9:00 PM and 10:30 PM – A vehicle burglary occurred at 24Hr. Fitness, 2180 Lincoln Avenue. Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the rear passenger window. Loss: nude pink Miu Miu wallet containing personal documents. 
Between 9:30 PM and 10:06 AM, Saturday – A vehicle was reported stolen from the 1900 block of E. Washington Blvd, Pasadena.

 

ACONA looks at forming a neighborhood watch next week

The Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations (ACONA) meets next Tues. from 7-8:30 PM at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa St.

According to Elliot Gold of the Upside-Down T Neighborhood Association, "The first half of the ACONA meeting will feature speakers from Athens Trash Service, and the LA County Department of Public Works. Athens will address questions and concerns about how they’re doing after six weeks and how we in Altadena can use them for recycling. LA County will address questions about what to do about neighbors who need a nudge to clean up weeds, leaves and who do we contact about dry brush as the fire season looms."

Speakers will be Thor Schmidt, General Manager of Athens Services, and Paul Alva from LA County Department of Public Works.

The secon talk about organizing your neighborhood into a Neighborhood Watch or Neighborhood Association.

Speakers include Natalie Salazar, Director of the Community Law Enforcement Partnership Program (CLEPP) of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department; Sgt. Michael D. Randenberg and Deputy Ronnie Manier, Community Relations, Altadena Sheriff's Station; Holly Rundberg, ACONA's expert on Neighborhood Watch and Neighborhood Associations; and Jeff Sedlik, creator of the AltadenAlert Neighborhood Watch Map.

History, mystery and scandal on Historical Society's tour of Mariposa Sunday

The red concrete path behind Lifeline Fellowship Christian Church covers what used to be the greens of a 1930's mini-golf course.

by Laura Berthold Monteros

Who knew that Altadena used to have its very own miniature golf course?  The golf course only operated for two years, 1930-1932, but remnants of it still exist on the property of Lifeline Fellowship Christian Church on Lake and can be seen by peeking over the fence from the alley behind. The greens are filled in with red concrete, but some features are still standing.

Who is responsible for the deep culverts that line so many of Altadena’s north-south streets?  Originally called zanjas, the Spanish word for ditch, they were designed by Yorkshireman Francis Beckwith and built by Chinese laborers in the late 1880s, using an English technique of fitting stones without grout or cement.  

These were among the delightful discoveries on the Altadena Historical Society tour of Mariposa Street east of Lake on Sunday, Oct. 23.  Nine historical sites were featured, most of them family homes built between 1905 and 1924.

PUSD board considers censuring Phelps

By Joe Piasecki
Pasadena Sun

 

The Pasadena Board of Education has called for possible censure of board member Scott Phelps over accusations that he violated confidentiality agreements and obstructed efforts to hire a district superintendent in June.

The 4-2 decision on Oct. 18 to hold a censure hearing on Tuesday fell along entrenched dividing lines, with members Ramon Miramontes and Kim Kenne coming to Phelps’ defense.

Phelps, who was absent from the meeting, decried the effort as political payback for his criticism of a superintendent candidate who took herself out of the running following his comments on Facebook and the Pasadena Star-News website.

“Since late June they have plotted their revenge,” Phelps said in an interview. “This censure [attempt] is their revenge.”

More at the Pasadena Sun.