altadenablog

Land Use Committee to take comments on Arroyo Pacific Academy Dec. 6

from the Altadena Town Council Land Use Committee:

The Land Use Committee will listen to a presentation for a revised conditional use permit (CUP) application from the Arroyo Pacific Academy at the next regularly scheduled meeting on Tues., Dec. 6, at 7 PM at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr. The public is hereby advised to attend this important meeting in order to register their comments, either approval or opposition of the proposed Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a High School proposed for a site at 183-205 East Palm Street. Please note that there will be no action taken on the matter at this time; the applicant has requested this meeting to solicit input, and may change the terms of the requested CUP in light of public comment. Action may be taken at a follow-up Land Use Committee meeting at the regularly scheduled time February 7, 2012.

Altadena Community Church hosts centering prayer Wednesdays in Advent

On Wednesday evenings during Advent (Nov. 30, and Dec. 7, 14, and 21) join Pastor Joe McGowan at 7 PM in the Altadena Community Church chapel for the silent prayer practice of Centering Prayer.  The chapel is on the west side of the sanctuary building at 943 E. Altadena Drive and can be reached by walking up or down the west driveway.  For more information, call the church office at (626) 798-1185.

Five Acres holiday open house Thursday night

Five Acres will hold a festive Open House tomorrow, Dec. 1.

Cocoa, hot cider and hors d'oeuvres will be available starting at 6 PM, with a live program and performance from the Five Acres children starting at 7 PM.  The Rose Queen and her court will also appear, with strolling Victorian carolers provided by the Music Companie.

The performance will be at the Five Acres Auditorium at 760 W. Mountain View St., with parking at the Zeilstra Research and Training Center at 767 W. Mountain View Street. 

Please bring an unwrapped gift to brighten a child's holiday.

RSVP to 798-6793 x 2244 or jabghari@5acres.org.

 

Palm St. Resident's Assn. Holiday Food and Toy Drive this Saturday

The Palm Street Area Residents Association (PSARA) will hold its first annual food and toy drive this Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 AM-2 PM at 241 E. Palm Street.

Donations will go to the Altadena Sheirff's Station's 2011 toy and food drive, which is looking to serve 250 families this season.

 

St. Mark's holds Alternative Christmas Market Dec. 4 and 11

St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 1014 E. Altadena Drive, will be holding an Alternative Christmas Market after each service on the next two Sundays, Dec. 4 and 11.

The ministries that the market will support are:

• Habitat for Humanity, San Gabriel Valley: “Gifts from the Heart” helps families in need fulfill their dreams of owning a home. The purchase of a door, nails, windows, or paint in the name of a loved one helps our neighbors in the Pasadena area. Donations accepted;  we'll have gift cards as well as items for sale.

• Heifer Project International: Provides food and income-producing animals like goats, bees, chicks and heifers to communities in developing nations. The gift of self-reliance that keeps on giving! Gift cards will be available.

• African Team Ministries
  Serving the Church in East Africa through crafts and jewelry. ATM helps provide orphan support, aid to refugees, clean water, medical care, church repair, and training for the laity. Jewelry and crafts will be available for purchase.

• ACTS Food Pantry
  Provides supplemental food to families and individuals in the greater Altadena area. Gift Certificates will be available.

Services are at 7:45, 9, and 10:30 AM.

Central Altadena Little League early bird registration closes tomorrow

Central Altadena Little League (CALL) is taking early bird registration thru tomorrow, Thurs. Dec. 1.

You can register online at www.playcall.org.

Docment verification will be Dec. 10 at Farnsworth Park Lower Field, Lake Ave. and Concha St., from 10:30 AM-noon.

Mandatory tryouts are on Saturdays Jan. 7 and 14,  9 AM-1 PM.

For more information, click the graphic or call the CALL hotline at 626-236-4969.

 

Petrossian named to County Commission for Women

Photo: Alice Petrossian accepts the Women in Education Award at the first Armenian-American Women in Business Excellence awards in 2007. Credit: Times Community News

by Jason Wells
Pasadena Sun

Alice Petrossian, who held deputy superintendent positions for Glendale and Pasadena unified school districts, has been named to the Los Angeles County Commission for Women.

County Supervisor Mike Antonovich announced the appointment today.

Petrossian, a Glendale resident who retired as Chief Academic Officer for Pasadena Unified this year to become president of the Assn. of California School Administrators, has been a prominent figure in both cities through various organizations, including the Armenian Education Foundation.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

 

Town council members hear from county at private meeting Tuesday night

by Timothy Rutt

What happened Tuesday night during a private meeting between members of the Altadena Town Council and Supervisor Michael Antonovich's representative?  It depends on who you ask. 

The meeting was not an official meeting of the council -- no decisions were made and no votes taken, according to attendees who spoke with Altadenablog.  One of the meeting attendees, speaking off the record, said that the meeting was to address some personality conflicts on the council that were impairing its effectiveness, to talk about problems with procedure, and admonish a member who was forwarding internal council emails to members of the public.  

The private meeting at the Altadena Community Center was called by Antonovich's field representative Sussy Nemer, who told Altadenablog she would not talk about it on the record.  "I'm not going to -- I don't think it's appropriate.  It's a private meeting to discuss private matters, common sense stuff."

Crime blotter: Nov. 19-24: yes, they're stealing refrigerators

Crime log provided by Lt. Duane D. Allen of the Altadena Sheriff's station, who also reminds us that theft-related crimes normally go up 12 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year's.  Big targets are anything left in plain site in a vehicle or UPS/Fed Ex packages that are left on your porch, so be vigilant and careful this season.

Sat., Nov. 19

Between 7:00 PM and 11:00 AM, Sunday – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 1700 block of Beverly Drive.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by using a slim-jim.  Loss:  black Apple iPod, black Tom Tom GPS, silver Prada sunglasses, pink/black car seat, pink Nintendo DS.
Between 8:00 PM and 10:00 AM, Sunday – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 1300 block of E. Woodbury Road.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by using a slim-jim.  Loss:  black Dell Inspiron 12” laptop, misc. currency.
Between 9:00 PM and 9:50 AM, Sunday – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 1800 block of Sinaloa Drive.  No evidence of forced entry observed.  Loss:  black/red Old Navy backpack.

Mon., Nov. 21

Between 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1800 block of Sonoma Drive.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by shattering the rear bedroom window.  Loss:  silver Apple computer monitor, gray Canon printer.
12:38 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 1900 block of N. Pepper Drive.  Suspects entered the residence via the unlocked door.  Suspect #1 male, Caucasian or Middle Eastern, short black hair, red t-shirt and red shorts and suspect #2 male, Caucasian or Middle Eastern, short black hair, blue shirt w/blue jeans were observed via surveillance walking up to the front door of the residence.  A short time later, one of the suspects was observed backing up onto the driveway in a silver 4-door sedan.  A gardener was present at the time however, believed the suspects were related to victim.  Loss:  black Sharp 22” tv, black Samsung 45” tv, black Canon digital camera, black Sony camcorder, gray HP 13” laptop computer  w/dragon logo.

Tues., Nov. 22

Between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM, Thursday – A petty theft occurred in the 1000 block of Marcheta Street.  Loss:  purple flower planter, value $200.00.

Wed, Nov. 23

3:18 AM – A vandalism occurred in the 2500 block of E. Washington Blvd.  Damage:  front door smash.

Thurs., Nov. 24

Between 4:00 PM and 3:30 PM, Friday – A grand theft occurred in the 700 block of W. Mariposa Street.  Loss:  white Kenmore refrigerator.  

Batten down the hatches -- "once in a decade" high winds predicted Wed. night - Friday

Our weather guy Bill Westphal refers us to Ken Clarke's Accuweather blog for the western U.S.:

All signs now point to the good possibility of a strong Santa Ana wind event setting into Southern California late Wednesday night and Thursday ... This will be set up about as perfect of a high wind situation as one can get. This certainly is shaping up as a once a decade type wind storm if everything falls in place as it is looking right now. The strongest winds are most likely in Ventura, Los Angeles and Orange Counties and across the Inland Empire in all Santa Ana wind prone areas ... Winds of 30 to 60 mph with gusts to 70 mph seem most likely in the populated areas but I could see wind gusts up to 90 mph on the top of some of the non-populated mountain tops.

Take in or secure anything in your yard that could become an outdoor missile.  Secure your brand-new Athens rolling trash cans, keep your animals indoors, and make sure your flashlights and emergency radios are in place in case of power outage.  Travel will also be sketchy, so be prepared.

Christmas Tree Lane lighting, arts and crafts festival next Sat., Dec. 10

by Timothy Rutt

Christmas Tree Lane lights up the night skies on Santa Rosa Avenue on Sat., Dec. 10, starting at 6 PM.

But come early to enjoy t he Winter Arts and Crafts Festival (15 vendors selling handmade items), which starts at 2 PM at the Altadena Library parking lot, 600 E. Mariposa St., on the corner of Santa Rosa Avenue and Mariposa St.  At this same time, the library will be selling used books and the Christmas Tree Lane booth will have CTLA memorabilia for sale.  There will also be two food trucks and some food vendors starting at 2 PM and going on into the evening.

Come early -- parking will be limited, and Santa Rosa Avenue will be closed to traffic after 4 PM.

RIPE presents healing herbs from your backyard garden Dec. 4

by Timothy Rutt

Learn how to grow and gather medicinal herbs and make your own remedies at a workshop this Sun., Dec. 4, presented by RIPE Altadena.

Marcia Coppess of HomeBody Botanicals will speak on "Herbal Remedies to Grow or Forage" starting at 3 PM at the Pasadena Seventh Day Adventist  Church, 1280 E. Washington Ave., Pasadena.  

Coppess will discuss the herbs you can grow or gather locally in a hands-on workshop setting.  Fee is $5.

Arroyos & Foothills last hike of the season is the path less taken

The Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy's final hike of the fall this Saturday should be a doozy: a strenuous trek to the east ridge of Rubio Canyon along a rarely explored trail. Local railroad historian and trails expert Paul Ayers will point out artifacts he's discovered in his decade-plus of trail work in Rubio Canyon, and will also discuss landmarks of the Mt. Lowe Railway visible from the ridge.

Meet at 9 AM at the intersection of E. Loma Alta Drive and Camp Huntington Road in Altadena. Please wear hiking boots, long sleeves and long pants. Experienced hikers only, please. Rain cancels the hike.

Morning jolt

• Jean-Paul Ziino (who does the Intuitive Movement Jam every Monday at Farnsworth Park) writes to say that his "Step into the LIght" video from their annual Halloween even was picked up at Conscious Dancer Magazine's video of the month  A remixed version is here.  
• Tomorrow night, the Altadena Sheriff's Station will participate in "Tip-A-Cop" at Wokcano Cafe  in Old Town Pasadena, 33 S. Fair Oaks, from 6-20 PM.  Your servers, bus boys/girls and hosts/hostesses will be the men and women from the Altadena Station, and all of the tips they generate  will go to support their 2012 Baker to Vegas Team and the Sheriff's Department's Charitable Giving Campaign.

 

 

Altadena Chamber winter coupons available

The Altadena Chamber of Commerce has released its winter round of coupons of deals from local merchants.  This season's coupons are from:

The Altadena Golf Course

Altadena Stables

Dr. Jon Postajian, Chiropractor

Steve's Dog Laundry

Nirvana Day Spa

Elizabeth Watts, MSA, CPA

Big Sky Dogs Pet Care

Click on the image for the full set of coupons, which are also available at local merchants.

Reporter's Notebook: From observer to the hot seat

By Joe Piasecki,
Pasadena Sun

With tensions boiling over at Pasadena Board of Education meetings and a coach’s scuffle with a student at John Muir High School generating headlines, I wasn’t so sure that touring Marshall Fundamental School as honorary Principal for a Day on Nov. 8 was the best use of my news-gathering time.

I was wrong.

Witnessing a typical day at Marshall — students learning, teachers teaching and extracurricular activities in full swing — served as a valuable reminder that rumors of the demise of public education have been greatly exaggerated.

It’s a message worth sharing.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

Altadena Junction: it takes two

by Timothy Rutt

The Sun papers have our Sunday column up -- first of an occasional series where we find that interesting people in Altadena often come in pairs.

 

Hot bop and cool jazz this weekend at Pinocchio's

The Allan Wasserman Jazz Ensemble goes old school this weekend with the music of Bird and Miles at Pinocchio's Pizza, 1449 N. Lake Ave. Pasadena, this Saturday, Dec. 3.  The show starts at 8 PM, and cover is $4.

 

The race is on for 2012 school year

Christian Vaca, left, and Jacob Pettit, 10, both evaluate the PUSD school boundaries in Pasadena on Thursday, November 10, 2011. (Photo by Alex Collins, Pasadena Sun)

By Joe Piasecki

Pasadena Sun

With dozens of options to choose from, Pasadena parents whose children will change schools next year are at their marks in a race to find the best fit.

Shopping for schools has evolved into a lengthy, complex and often anxiety-driven fall ritual in Pasadena, a city divided in its perceptions of public schools and one of Southern California’s more competitive marketplaces for private school operators.

“For parents who can afford at least some of the private schools, I think there’s a lot of pressure to get their children into the perfect school that is going to ensure them success the whole rest of their lives,” said Susan Savitt Schwartz, program director for the Pasadena Education Network. “They start to think like there’s one school I’m looking for that’s the best and I have to get into, and if I don’t, then my child is going to lose out in life.” 

More at the Pasadena Sun.

New districts change landscape for San Gabriel Valley dems

By Joe Piasecki

Pasadena Sun

New political boundaries for state and federal offices could pit several incumbent San Gabriel Valley Democrats against one another in June 2012.

Local progressives are wincing at a possible contest between Assemblyman Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge) and longtime political ally state Sen. Carol Liu (D-La Cañada Flintridge) for the newly drawn 25th state Senate district, which stretches from Burbank to Upland and includes Pasadena, South Pasadena and La Cañada.

Portantino, who will be forced out of office by term limits at the end of 2012, has had to reconsider his post-Assembly plans after seeing the political maps unveiled this summer.

Months ago Portantino began raising money to run for Congress, planning to take on Rep. David Dreier (R-San Dimas), whose district today includes La Cañada. But the California Citizens Redistricting Commission effectively moved Dreier’s district south and east. Incumbent Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-Norwalk) has announced her candidacy for that spot.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

It's a catch-up day

by Timothy Rutt

Had a wonderful weekend spending time with family, but alas, all things must end!  We'll have lots of new things up today as we go through the pile.

 

Village Playgarden Winter Market Dec. 10

The Village Playgarden early childhood school his holding its "Winter Market" on Sat., Dec. 10, at 3636 Skyline Dr. from 10 AM-3 PM.  

Handcrafted items from parents, children, and local artists and gardeners will be available in this fundraiser to support the Playgarden.

 

Midnight in the garden of good and evil

"In the Garden of Stolen Plants  "

from gloriana casey

There is a Secret Garden Place,
and Evil is its name.
For planter thieves have come to town,
in human sense---such shame.

Oh yes I know, you  think you're cool,
a shopping in the dark.
But what you stole has value more
and evil leaves its mark.

A planter insignificant?
I doubt that thought--really!
For garden love is passed on down
in family revery.

Curiosity on its way to Mars

NASA's Mars Science Laboratory spacecraft, sealed inside its payload fairing atop the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, clears the tower at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Photo credit: NASA/Bill White 

from JPL/NASA

NASA began a historic voyage to Mars with the Nov. 26 launch of the Mars Science Laboratory, which carries a car-sized rover named Curiosity. Liftoff from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station aboard an Atlas V rocket occurred at 10:02 a.m. EST (7:02 a.m. PST).

"We are very excited about sending the world's most advanced scientific laboratory to Mars," NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said. "MSL will tell us critical things we need to know about Mars, and while it advances science, we'll be working on the capabilities for a human mission to the Red Planet and to other destinations where we've never been."

The mission will pioneer precision landing technology and a sky-crane touchdown to place Curiosity near the foot of a mountain inside Gale Crater on Aug. 6, 2012. During a nearly two-year prime mission after landing, the rover will investigate whether the region has ever offered conditions favorable for microbial life, including the chemical ingredients for life.

"The launch vehicle has given us a great injection into our trajectory, and we're on our way to Mars," said Mars Science Laboratory Project Manager Peter Theisinger of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif. "The spacecraft is in communication, thermally stable and power positive."

Save the date: ACONA meeting Dec. 14 will discuss sheriff's responsiveness

by Timothy Rutt

 The Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations (ACONA) has scheduled a special meeting on Wed., Dec. 14, at 7 PM at a new location, the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.

The meeting will address issues about sheriff's responsiveness that came up at the last meeting. Confirmed speakers so far are Chief Neal Tyler, Field Operations Region 1 representing sheriff's headquarters, and Crescenta Valley station Capt. David M. Silversparre.

Elliot Gold of ACONA will have an agenda for us to publish by early next week... but he says "if you have concerns or issues with dispatch, you should attend this meeting. AND, if you have supportive stories, you should come as well. We want to hear both sides."

Missing: cactus

by Timothy Rutt

Back in the day, we interned at one of the local churches, which had a lovely garden.  We had a problem of people coming in with shovels -- even during the middle of the day -- who would then dig up our plants and drive away.  The senior minister wondered one Sunday what must it be like to have a garden of stolen plants.

It's a question that still comes to mind -- one of our readers writes:

We live on the corner of Maiden and Marcheta and recently had a planter filled with cactus stolen from our side yard. Thought your readers should be made aware of this. A picture of the planter is attached.

Anyone who might know anything about this should contact the Altadena Sheriff’s office.

 

Morning jolt

 

• For Small Business Saturday (which unfortunately has become an American Express promotion), we're pointing out this Wall Street Journal article about American Express vs. the 3/50 Project (which we have supported from the beginnning).  Lori Webster at Webster's Fine Stationers is also quoted at the end.  We encourage you to shop local first!
• Steve Scauzillo, writing in the Whittier Daily News, has information on the Christmas season bird count that the Audobon Society will hold Dec. 17.  First, there's a pre-meeting Dec. 14 at Eaton Canyon Nature Center, and the details are here.
• Zole Matthew, writing for the Santa Monica Community College Corsair, tells about her adventure in the Dawn Mine up in Millard Canyon.

 

Open studio and holiday boutique Dec. 2-3

Christopher Miller Creations and Pale Moon Enterprises will hold their 10th annual Open Studio and Holiday Boutique on Fri., Dec. 2 (3-8 PM) and Sat., Dec. 3 (10 AM-6 PM).

The boutique, featuring many local artists, will be held at the Miller Studio, 470 W. Mariposa St.   A portion of the sales will be donated to Sierra Madre Elementary School's Visual and Performing Arts Program.  Click on the graphic for more information.

 

Sheriff food and toy drive still looking for donations

by Timothy Rutt

Now that the turkey is but a memory (or leftovers), it's time to look at the next holiday, and how we can help those who need it.

The Altadena Sheriff Station is still looking for donations of non-perishable canned food items, cash, and/or unwrapped toys for children ages 2-12 for its annual holiday food and toy drive.

Donations can be left at the Altadena Sheriff's Station, 780 E. Altadena Dr.; Bank of America, 2345 N. Lake Ave., or Chase Bank, 2333 N. Lake Ave., through Dec. 11.  Distribution to families will be on Dec. 17.

For more information, call Dep. Ronnie Manier or Sgt. Michael Randenberg at the Altadena Sheriff Station at 626-798-1131 or 626-296-2105.

 

Patrick Gothard studio sale Dec. 4

Local painter Patrick Gothard will have an open sale at his studio, 215 Laurel Drive in Altadena on Sun., Dec. 4, from 10 AM- PM.  Stop by if you're looking for that unique holiday gift.

Happy Thanksgiving

May you spend the holiday gratefully with those you love.  We will be enjoying family time, so entries will be light through the weekend.

Ode to the Cranberry

from gloriana casey

Yes, Cranberry, our native fruit,
has such a history!
An ode to it for Thanksgiving
seems only fair to me.

Well first of all--you may wonder,
just what can be a "CRAN?"
Our language moves  so quickly now,
it's hard to understand.

Those Pilgrims--- when they saw this fruit,
plus tiny flowers pink.
thought flowers had a bird head form;
the Sand Hill crane, we think!

And so from CRANEberry--name changed,
for human ears are mocked
and change what they do think they hear,
No linguist will be shocked!

Altadena Historical Society receives Scripps Home archives

Members of the Altadena Historical Society (AHS) and the Episcopal Home Communities look through the contents of a box of documents and pictures from the Scripps Home.  From left: former Scripps resident Jeanne Guernsey, Mary Lou Langedyke of AHS, Martha Tamburrano, president and CEO of the Episcopal Homes Communities, AHS Archivist Sherry Cavallo, and Kathy Hoskins of AHS.

by Timothy Rutt

The Altadena Historical Society welcomed a treasure trove Tuesday morning, as the Episcopal Home Communities donated a large cache of documents, pictures, and artifacts from the Scripps Home to their archive.

The Scripps Home was a senior housing community that opened in 1912, at the now-vacant site on North El Molino Avenue between East Calavaras Street and Alameda Street. The Scripps Home was acquired by the Episcopal Home Communities, which closed the home in 2007 and tore down the buildings to create a more modern facility, MonteCedro. Residents of Scripps were relocated to other senior housing owned by the Episcopal Home Communities, but the bad economy has stalled construction of MonteCedro and the property remains vacant.

Pictured: Episcopal Home's director of pastoral care The Rev. Sarah Nichols moves a large framed photograph into the Historical Society's office at the Altadena Community Center.

But old records, scrapbooks, and photos from the Scripps Home were saved and put in storage.  Jeanne Guernsey, a former Scripps resident who now lives at The Windsor facility in Glendale, took charge of the items and worked to insure their collection and preservation.  

Pictured: Archivist Sherry Cavello watches as Episcopal Homes' CEO Martha Tamburrano signs over ownership of the collection to the Altadena Historical Society.

"My heart and soul is in this, and I treasure every item," Guernsey told a group of women from the Episcopal Homes and the Altadena Historical Society during the delivery.

The Episcopal Home Communities offered to donate the Scripps ephemera to the Altadena Historical Society to be preserved and catalogued, at a location not too far from where the home was located.

"This is a real gift to Altadena's collection," said Mary Lou Langedyke, a board member of the Historical Society.

Pictured: the trove of documents included photographs, framed newspaper and magazine articles, and other large items.

 

(Note: fixed the identifications on the first picture -- never, never do anything before that first cup of coffee!)

Ale House has Thanksgiving Eve party tonight

The Altadena Ale & Wine House, 2329 N. Fair Oaks Ave. (Altadenablog sponsor) will welcome in tomorrow's holiday with a Thanksgiving Eve party tonight, starting at 7:30 PM.  Buy a beverage and receive a raffle ticket for every beer or wine beverage purchased -- there will be 18 bottles to give away.

Deadline for nominating Citizen and Business of the Year is Nov. 30

Rose West at the Altadena Chamber of Commerce reminds us that the deadline is coming up for nominating the Citizen of the Year and  the new Business of the Year:

The Altadena Chamber Board of Directors has selected a citizen of the year since 1945.  The nominees come from local community based organizations, Chamber members and local residents.  The recipients have been honored at a dinner that also names new Board members and a silent auction that benefits a local non-profit organization.  As of this writing, we have not confirmed a date for this celebration but you can mark your calendar for late January, 2012.

 

The criteria for this selection is a person who has made a significant contribution to the community at large.  This year the Board of Directors also agreed to select a Business/Organization of the year subject to similar criteria.  We are excited about this new addition to our list of distinguished honorees since we are interested in business development in Altadena.

 

Please feel free to nominate a a person, business and/or organization that has worked to make Altadena better.  The nominee must live in/operate their business/organization in Altadena and may not be a current member of the Board of Directors.  The deadline is 11/30/11.

Nomination forms are available here.

Police blotter: vehicle burglary-rama

This week's lesson: keep valuables out of your vehicle.  The sheriff's blotter is provided by Lt. Duane D. Allen of the Altadena Sheriff's Station.

Mon., Nov 14

 
Between 9:00 PM and 8:30 AM, Tuesday – A petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 2300 block of North Porter Ave.  Loss:  coins and currency.  
Between 10:30 PM and 9:30 AM, Tuesday – A petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 1500 block of E. Mendocino Street.  Loss: coins and currency.

Tues., Nov. 15

4:45 AM – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 1600 block of Braeburn Street.  The victim was alerted of the break-in by the activation of the vehicle alarm.  No suspect information available.  Loss: navy purse, black headphones and a beige duffle bag.

Thurs., Nov. 17

Between 8:00 PM and 9:30 PM – A vehicle burglary occurred in the parking structure of 24 Hour Fitness, 2180 N. Lincoln Ave.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the driver’s side window.  Loss:  black and white purse containing personal items.

Fri., Nov. 18

Between 9:00 PM and 10:00 AM, Saturday – A petty theft from two unlocked vehicles occurred in the 1600 block of Morada Place.  Loss: red Apple Nano and two bottles of Brunbauer wine.
Between 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2700 block of Santa Rosa Avenue.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by removing the front window screen.  Loss:  red Apple iPad.
Between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2300 block of Midwick Drive.  Suspect(s) entered the residence by removing the rear window screen.  Suspect(s) left the location after activating the burglar alarm.  No loss.

Sat., Nov. 19

Between 11:30 PM and 12:30 AM, Sunday – A robbery occurred at Johnny Drawn’s Liquor, 2615 N. Fair Oaks Ave.  The victim exited the location and began walking towards his vehicle.  As he approached his vehicle, suspect #1 male, African-American, 6 ft. - 6 ft. 4 in., clean shaven, slim build, black hooded sweatshirt, black pants, and black shoes, approached the victim and demanded money and the box of beer the victim was holding.  Suspect #1 swung and unknown object (possibly a knife) at the victim and forcefully deprived the victim of the box of beer while suspect #2, male, African-American, 6 ft.-6 ft. 4 ins. black hooded sweatshirt, black pants, and black shoes stood nearby.  The victim sustained a non-life threatening injury to his arm.  Loss:  six pack Bud Light beer.

 

NASA updates prelaunch events for Mars Science Lab

from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory

NASA has updated information about the news conferences and other events for the agency's Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover launch. Liftoff is scheduled at 7:02 a.m. PST on Saturday, Nov. 26 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

NASA Television's countdown launch commentary begins at 4:30 a.m. PST (7:30 a.m. EST) on Nov. 26. That also is when a NASA blog will begin providing countdown updates at: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/msl/launch/launch_blog.html. Originating from Cape Canaveral Hangar AE, the blog is the definitive Internet source for information leading up to liftoff.

Various news conferences and other events are being held at NASA facilities in Cape Canaveral and Houston and will be carried live on NASA TV.  Downlink information, schedule information and streaming video are at: http://www.nasa.gov/ntv .  The events will also be streamed live on Ustream at: http://www.ustream.tv/nasajpl .

Detailed lists of news briefing times and participants are at:
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/msl/news/index.html .

The Curiosity rover has 10 science instruments to search for evidence about whether Mars had environments favorable for microbial life, including the chemical ingredients for life. The rover will use a laser to look inside rocks and release their gasses so its spectrometer can analyze and send the data back to Earth. The latest online information on the Mars Science Laboratory mission is at: http://www.nasa.gov/msl .  JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, manages the mission for NASA.

Pictured: artist's conception of Curiosity at work.  Image courtesy NASA.

Altadena/Pasadena Soroptimists Host Annual Silent Auction

On Sun., Dec. 4, Soroptimist International of Altadena/Pasadena will host its 16th Annual Silent Auction and Social Hour from 1-3 PM at the Frostig Center, 971 N. Altadena Dr., Pasadena 91107. Attendees can bid for delightful auction items that include gift certificates to popular local restaurants, unique gift baskets, and artwork by talented local artists. In addition, great door prizes will be available. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy great food and refreshments, as well as the company of Soroptimist members and friends. Admission is free. For more information, call (626) 398-1703.

Soroptimist International is a professional women’s organization dedicated to helping women and girls in the local community and throughout the world. If you are unable to attend the auction, but would like to support women and children in our community, you may make a tax-deductible donation to: Soroptimist, P.O. Box 66, Altadena, CA 91003.

 

County says it won't enforce fence rule [UPDATED]

by Timothy Rutt

Don't worry: your front yard fence is probably OK.

Sussy Nemer, field deputy for County Supv. Michael D. Antonovich, said Monday that the county is not trolling Altadena for fences that violate county codes -- even though many of them do.

Last week, the Altadena Town Council shared the contents of a letter from Antonovich requesting that regional planning not enforce a rule limiting the height of front yard fences, hedges, and walls in Altadena.  Fences that violate the height codes require a conditional use permit (CUP) which would cost at least $8,000.  But that's only in Altadena.

Accoding to Nemer, it's Altadenans who got themselves in this mess:  Altadena is unique among unincorporated county towns in requiring a CUP for non-conforming fences, as opposed to a yard modification.  "In every other community, a front yard modification costs $800," Nemer said.

The culprit is Altadena's community standards district, which was last modified in the 1990's, that put in the CUP requirement for fences. Nemer said.  "There are a lot of things [that require a CUP] in Altadena that don't require a CUP anywhere else in the county," she said.

10,000 Villages supports Arroyo Food Co-Op

Ten Thousand Villages, which has chosen to support the Peace & Justice Academy in its gift sale going on through Dec. 4, is doing the same thing for the Arroyo Food Co-op, says the co-op's Patrick Reagan.  Bring in the flyer or mention their name, and a portion of proceeds will go toward their goal of opening a community-owned grocery store, which they're aiming to open next year. More details on the flyer.

 

Local artist open studio sale Dec. 4

Kathleen Swaydon sends us this note:

Please join me and my artist friends at our first Open Studio on December 4th.  In addition to paintings, there will also be jewelry, assemblage/collage, clothing and hair adornments.  This is a great opportunity for holiday shopping or finding something special for yourself.  The attachment features a map to my studio.  Hope to see you.

Open Studio

Sun., Dec. 4, 10 AM – 4 PM 

3061 Ridgeview Drive, Altadena

 

Doggerel on dogs

Another timely commentary in verse:

CAVE CANEM:  Beware the Dog!

from gloriana casey

You've heard of dog catchers, I bet,
but what of dog CATCHEES?
With Altadena's clever dogs,
 those robbers find no ease.

For "Book 'em Dano" was once heard
on television show.
So burglars, you'd best listen up
it's Doggie 2.0

Missing hiker found

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department reports that Matthew Hernandez, the hiker who went missing at Chantry Flats over the weekend, has emerged safely.

Hernandez walked out of the forest at about 3:30 AM Monday, and walked to a phone and called his father, according to a press release from the sheirff's department.

Sierra Madre Search and Rescue assisted by San Dimas Search and Rescue conducted search operations, with helicopter search by Los Angeles County Sheriffs Air-5 Rescue Saturday evening and Sunday. 

Several family members also combed Big Santa Anita Canyon where Hernandez and several friends had spent several days on a photography project. 

Weather in the canyon was very wet and cold due to a winter storm that moved in mid-morning on Sunday and continued into the early morning hours of Monday. 

Twin of murder victim Brandon Jackson arrested for battery Monday

Brenden M. Jackson, 19, of Altadena, was arrested Monday and charged with felony battery following a Nov. 16 assault, say Altadena sheriffs.

Brenden Jackson is the twin brother of Brandon Jackson, who was shot to death on Feb. 16 on the 300 block of West Palm St.  The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors have offered a $10,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest of the killer in that crime.

According to Altadena sheriff Lt. Duane D. Allen, Brenden Jackson was sought following an incident on Nov. 16 where he is alleged to have punched a man in the face so hard he required plastic surgery.

Allen said that Brenden Jackson was an admitted member of the Altadena Bloq Crips gang, and was believed to have fled the state following the assault.  A deputy spotted Jackson this afternoon walking on North Fair Oaks Avenue.

Unlike his twin Brandon, who was an athlete at John Muir High School, Brenden Jackson is five foot six and weighs over 200 lbs., and was easy to recognize, Allen said.  He was taken into custody without incident, Allen said.

 

Five Acres taps Boutakidis as new executive director

from Five Acres

After a nationwide search Five Acres has announced that Chanel Boutakidis will succeed Robert A. Ketch as executive director of Five Acres effective Dec. 1. Boutakidis is the executive director of Pasadena Mental Health Center and previously served as director of permanency programs at Five Acres. The child and family services agency has been led by Robert A. Ketch who has served as Five Acres' executive director for the last 27 years and is now retiring after 34 years of service at Five Acres.

"Over the past 34 years Bob Ketch has positively impacted the lives of thousands of children and families through his service at Five Acres, " said Boutakidis. "Bob has long been described as the "heart" of Five Acres, combining his leadership with a steadfast focus on the welfare of the children and families we serve.  It is in this spirit that I hope to continue as I take on the role of CEO for Five Acres. I am honored to further this mission and excited to build on our strengths through innovation and successful programming. With the help of our dedicated staff and the community at large, I am confident that we can move forward even during a time when nonprofits face many challenges."

Boutakidis brings to her new role 17 years of experience in child welfare, health care and policy making. She has over 10 years of direct clinical service experience, and five years of management and administrative experience in nonprofit human services which includes inpatient, outpatient and community-based settings. At Pasadena Mental Health Center she oversaw the financial stability of the organization from a negative net budget to a positive net budget in three years. During this time Boutakidis expanded the organization and developed partnerships with the local community. Prior to that position, Boutakidis served as permanency program director and director of group homes at Five Acres.

Wet weather coming for Thanksgiving

by Jason Wells
Pasadena Sun

Another storm is expected to move in Wednesday night, with a 60% chance of rain in the forecast for Thanksgiving Day, according to the National Weather Service.

The fast-moving weather system should roll out early Friday as a warming trend takes over, bringing daytime temperatures back into the 70s under mostly clear skies, according to the weather service.

The most recent storm brought 1.5 inches of rain to some part of Los Angeles County.

More at the Pasadena Sun.

 

Foothill Water sponsors second annual California Friendly Garden contest

from Foothill Municipal Water District

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.  

 

PEN offers "Navigating Open Enrollment" Nov. 29

from the Pasadena Education Network

Parents interested in enrolling their children in a Pasadena Unified School District school that is not their assigned school are encouraged to attend The Pasadena Education Network’s (PEN) “Navigating Open Enrollment in the Pasadena Unified School District” on Tuesday, Nov. 29 at the Pasadena Central Library, 285 E. Walnut Street, Pasadena from 7 - 9 PM.

As an Open Enrollment district, families in Pasadena, Altadena and Sierra Madre may apply for admission to schools other than their assigned school.  PEN representatives along with Dr. Meg Abrahamson, Pasadena Unified’s Director of Student Support Programs, will lead a presentation about how families can apply to any school in the district.  A question and answer session will follow.  Spanish translation will be provided.

Families interested in either the Spanish or Mandarin Dual Language Immersion Programs must participate in the Open Enrollment process. 

PEN offers free programs for parents to help them understand and evaluate their elementary and middle school options in the Pasadena Unified School District.  PEN also offers resource materials including fact sheets about PUSD schools, school tours and opportunities for parents to network with one another. For a free PEN membership visit www.penfamilies.org.

PEN is an independent grass-roots nonprofit organization that promotes family participation in public education to benefit all students in Pasadena, Altadena and Sierra Madre.  PEN provides parent education programs and services to help parents explore, evaluate, and engage with their public schools as well as representing a collective voice for parents with the Pasadena Unified School District.

 

Social Media Club looks at 2012 trends Dec. 8 at BTC

The next meeting of the Social Media Club - San Gabriel Valley will be on Dec. 8 at 11:30 PM at the Business Technology Center, 2400 Lincoln Ave., Altadena.

The topic will be discussing social media trends for 2012, including:

Social Media integrated into the business
Social Media used to extract business intelligence
Content marketing - how and what
Social media education in the company
The importance of analytics

This is also a planning meeting to discuss the calendar of subjects and speakers for the next 6 months. We need input from all our members to make the club successful.

Please RSVP to 626 296 6218

County hazardous waste and e-waste roundup Dec. 3 at Rose Bowl

Los Angeles County Dept. of Public Works is holding a hazardous waste and e-waste collection at the Rose Bowl on Sat., Dec. 3, from 9 AM-3 PM.

The collection will be at parking lot "K".

Household Hazardous Waste includes Used Oil, Unused Non-Controlled Medicines, Auto Fluids, Sharps Waste/Medical Needles, Beauty Products, Mercury Thermostats, Paint and Paint Related Products, Auto and Household Batteries, Lawn and Garden Products, Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs 

Electronic Waste includes Microwave Ovens, CD-Players, Computers and Computer Monitors, Small Household Appliances, Cell Phones, Televisions, Stereos, Printers, DVD/DVR Players, VCRs.