altadenablog

The Webster's stores ring in the holidays Saturday

by Timothy Rutt

The Webster's companies are getting a jump on the holidays, with an open house and a wine pairing at the different stores on Saturday, Nov. 19.

Webster's Community Pharmacy (Altadenablog sponsor) and Webster's Liquors will hold a Holiday Open House from 2-7 PM.

There will be prize drawings, refreshments, and 20 percent off gift and holiday items and selected wines and liquors.

Meanwhile, next door, Webster's Fine Stationers (Altadenablog sponsor) will host OddBallGrape.com's Anne Bannon as she takes you a journey to France to discover the nuances of Beaujolais Nouveau and its history. Tast this delightful wine, which is best served chilled, with a roster of holiday specialties. Don't miss this very special pairing - the fun starts at 4 PM! Prior to the wine tasting, HomeBody Botanical's Marcia Copess will be in store to share her holistic, totally natural and hyper-local line of skin, body and home care products - come prepared to ask questions and sample her line!

Beaujolais has its own romance, Webster's says:

At one past midnight on the third Thursday of each November, from little villages and towns like Romanèche-Thorins, over a million cases of Beaujolais Nouveau begin their journey through a sleeping France to Paris for immediate shipment to all parts of the world. Banners proclaim the good news: Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrivé! "The New Beaujolais has arrived!" One of the most frivolous and animated rituals in the wine world has begun!

By the time it is over, over 65 million bottles, nearly half of the region's total annual production, will be distributed and drunk around the world. It has become a worldwide race to be the first to serve to this new wine of the harvest. In doing so, it has been carried by motorcycle, balloon, truck, helicopter, Concorde jet, elephant, runners and rickshaws to get it to its final destination. It is amazing to realize that just weeks before this wine was a cluster of grapes in a growers vineyard. But by an expeditious harvest, a rapid fermentation, and a speedy bottling, all is ready at the midnight hour. By French law, Beaujolais Nouveau is to be released no earlier than the third Thursday of November.

The Webster's stores are at 2450 N. Lake Ave.

 

Altadena Chamber looking for short-term directors

Interested in helping and promoting the Altadena business community?  The Altadena Chamber wants to know:

Dear Altadena Community,

The Altadena Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors (ACC BOD) is looking for you! We're looking to add to our Board of Directors and hope you'll be able to join us.

The board currently has three vacancies with short terms remaining. Two seats are available with 2 months left. One seat has 13 months left. If you've been thinking of volunteering in the community in which you live or conduct business, but didn't want a long term committment, OR wanted to serve on a "test basis" before committing to a longer term, now's a great time to consider a vacated seat on the Chamber board.

We are also accepting applications from those interested in serving a standard three year term. You must be a current Chamber member for consideration. You may contact us at altadenachamber@yahoo.com OR 626 794-3988 for additional information.

Thank you for your consideration.

Regards,
The Altadena Chamber of Commerce


About the Altadena Chamber of Commerce:

-Incorporated in 1924, The Altadena Chamber of Commerce and Civic Association was formed to promote the commercial, industrial, civic and general interests of the Altadena community and its trade area.
-The Altadena Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization and relies upon membership dues and volunteer labor to staff an office and provide services to the community.
-The Altadena Chamber of Commerce is an equal opportunity organization which strives to reflect the positive and extensive diversity of the community. Membership is open to any person, association, corporation, partnership, estate or other business entity sharing the goals and objectives of the Chamber for the betterment of the entire community of Altadena.
-The Chamber of Commerce produces special events, hosts periodic mixers, maintains a web site and provides information about Altadena to visitors, residents and businesses

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.

Webster's Fine Stationers profiled as independent business

by Timothy Rutt

Altadenablog sponsor Webster's Fine Stationers is profiled in Independent We Stand, a website devoted to independently-owned local businesses and their value to local communities.  Scott and Lori Webster share their story about the business's history, the struggle against big box stores and family conflict, and their commitment to local causes and local authors and artisans.

Living La Vida Paco at Fancy Food Truck Friday

by Timothy Rutt

Paco the Crimefighting Chihuhua, Altadena's fiercest domestic dog, met with his public Friday night.  Paco was the featured attraction at Fancy Food Truck Friday sponsored by Webster's Community Pharmacy, Webster's Fine Stationers, and Webster's Liquor, and he met and greeted many fans.  There were also plentiful TV cameras around to record the event. Oh, and there were food trucks.  Here, Paco and his impresario Eric Knight handle paw-tograph requests. More after the jump.

Fancy Food Truck Fridays returns Aug. 12 -- now with more Paco!

The Websters companies (Fine Stationers, Community Pharmacy, and Liquor) are promising a treat for the next Fancy Food Truck Friday gathering on Aug. 12. 

Participating trucks are:

Grill 'em All

India Jones

Greenz On Wheelz

Hungry Nomad

Shrimp Pimp
A Rockin Ice

And -- according to WFS's Lori Webster in her latest email -- special guest for the evening will be Paco the crime-fighting chihuahua.  If you've always wanted to meet a superhero face to, uh, muzzle, this will be the time!  Fancy Food Truck Fridays runs from 5-9 PM.

BlackSwift's James Romero and the bespoke bicycle

James Romero brings craftsmanship to his Altadena custom bicycle business.

"Bespoke" is a term used in fine tailoring: it means a suit custom-made for the client. 

It would seem to be an even more appropriate term when attached to a fine bicycle, also custom-fitted for the user.  If it were, James Romero of BlackSwift Bicycles would be that tailor.

Pictured:  Romero with his own personal bike,
which he built himself.

Romero, 31, appreciates craftsmanship of all kinds.  The house he shares with his wife Andrea, a staff photographer for Sunset magazine, is decorated with objects from the past: a collection of movie projectors, an old but still working Coca Cola vending cooler (he says it cost his dad $10, and they found $7 worth of change in the machine's coin box).

He appreciates it as only an old-school craftsman can. In a world of mass-market goods, Romero is one of only a handful of custom bicycle frame makers in the Los Angeles area.

As unique as the client
The small garage of his Altadena home is where he constructs his made-to-order cycles, using high-grade steel tubing and top-of-the-line mechanical parts.  It's whatever the customer wants, Romero says: mountain bike, touring, road bike, or what he calls "coffee cartel" bikes, i.e., it gets you to the store and back.  Romero also adds whatever  eccentricities the customer wants: the one he's working on now has wood fenders and rims and a headlight made from a 1900s-era kerosene lamp.  Want a slot on your bike to store your spork?  He's done it.

Altadena Ale & Wine House: the neighbors with the neighborhood pub

May 1 marks the first birthday for the Altadena Ale & Wine House, and the fulfillment of a dream for Gail and Judah Casburn.

The Casburns, 22-year Altadena residents, have created the pub experience they've always wanted -- and it's only four blocks from home.

"We like to call it the neighborhood pub," says Gail.  Judah chimes in: "Not just Altadena, but people in Pasadena consider it their neighborhood pub ... [Customers]  actually thank us and shake us by the hand for that very reason.   So it is very much a local spot."

Pictured: Gail and Judah Casburn

 

Originally from Yorkshire, England -- "which is where the best beer comes from, but you can't bring it here"  -- Judah moved to California to "get away from the bloody rain."   He and Gail have been married for 23 years.  They became interested in running a pub in the early 1990's because, Judah says, "there was nowhere in the Pasadena area where you could enjoy a pint of good beer or wine at a reasonable price."

What's the difference between a pub and a bar?  "A pub is a place for social intercourse, instead of a place for getting blasted, getting [drunk] ," Judah says.  He compared it to the bars in Old Town Pasadena, which are sports bars, have big TVs, and are very loud and not conducive to conversation.

The Casburns purchased a Pasadena deli and sandwich shop with a beer and wine license -- Lucky Baldwins -- and turned it into nighttime pub.   It enjoyed considerable success, but they ended up selling it to one of their bartenders sometime later. 

"The city of Pasadena was impossible to deal with," Gail says.  "And, with two young kids, it's difficult to raise a family and be away in the evenings."  Judah affirmed that "we decided our kids were the priority," but also says, before the indoor smoking ban, "the smoke was making me ill, it was really getting to me."

Pictured: The Ale & Wine House also offers an extensive wine selection.

After selling Lucky Baldwins, Judah spent some years buying, selling, and renovating British sports cars.  ("I've always been working on old cars, old houses," Judah says.  "We have a home in the south of France we're restoring.")  Gail still keeps a day job teaching math and computer science at Baldwin Park High School.

But as their sons, Gareth and Owen, grew older, the Casburns wanted to find a place where they could create a new pub and put to work Judah's expertise with beer and Gail's with French wine.  A ranchero bar on Fair Oaks went on the market, not far from where they live, and the Altadena Ale & Wine House was born.

Ronnie's Automotive becomes Devine

After being closed for almost two years, life is coming back to Ronnie's Automotive on Lake Avenue.

The historic property -- probably more famous for playing a gas station in TV and film than being a gas station -- has been bought by interior designer Paul Devine, who intends to turn it into a work space for his gallery in Pasadena and planned expansion to Palm Springs.

Devine's business, Interior Devine, sells art prints, interior accessories, and offers custom museum-quality framing services.  Devine said that he is turning the garage area of the property into a production space for framing and interior accessories work: "We do big projects," Devine said. 

The plans for the office and gas pump island are a little more loose, but Devine says he wants to keep the look to leave it open for any future filming offers.

In the meantime, Devine is upgrading the electrical and plumbing systems, and plans to break up some of the asphalt to put in plants and a hedge.  He also wants to acquire antique gas pumps, which he plans to put along one side of the property as an homage to its history.

 

A Chair in the Garden salon pampers you naturally

We welcome our new community correspondent, Lizze Slocum.

by Lizze Slocum
for Altadenablog/Altadena Online

Pictured: L-R, Julie Washington-Elliott, Susann Edmonds, and Chris Schumacher take care of their clients the natural way.

Inside the house, designs painted in soft colors on the walls (one has a fairyland mural) and floor beckon the eye. This 1908 farmhouse has been lovingly and romantically decorated. Soft lace adorns the living room windows. In the corner of the room stands a hammered dulcimer. Yet while inside, one’s impression is that of light and air – outside the home’s windowed doors are bright sky and an irresistible garden.

This Altadena property has been home to Susann Edmonds for the last 11 years, as well as the site of her beauty salon, A Chair in the Garden. Edmonds, a hair stylist, cook, registered Master Gardener, and ordained minister, has created a welcoming, relaxing atmosphere for her clients, who mostly find her by word of mouth and who are seen by appointment only.

A Chair in the Garden salon offers hairstyling by Edmonds as well as facials and makeup artistry (including eyelash extensions) by Julie Washington-Elliott, massage therapy by Chris Schumacher, and ear candling treatments by Gabriella Soriano. Often these services are presented with special offers that change. “There is always something special that is happening,” says Edmonds, “and all of us have affiliations with other salons.” The professional exchange of information “keeps it fresh,” according to Edmonds. She and her partners make a priority of staying current with their practices and of attending after-beauty school and educational programs.

Chamber gives the beauty treatment to The Beauty Room

As family members look on, Dahlia Sayegh cuts the ribbon to officially open her new salon, The Beauty Room, on Friday afternoon.  Sayegh (pronounced "sage") was officially welcomed by members of the Altadena Chamber of Commerce at her grand opening -- President Carrie Meyers holding the certificate, with C. Jake Truman and Ed Meyers to the right (incoming Chamber President Inger Miller holds the ribbon on the left edge of the picture). 

Sayegh describes the salon's atmosphere as "a modern take on classic Hollywood, a fun environment, and a different feel from any in the area."  The salon caters to all hair types, offering haircuts, coloring, hair treatments, with eyebrow threading and waxing services. 

The salon, at 411 E. Woodbury Rd., includes five stylists and an aesthetician, with two makeup artists, and is open seven days a week (phone 626-345-0411).

Former Fair Oaks Pharmacy owners buy Webster's

It'll be the end of one era and the beginning of another one this week, as the iconic Webster's Pharmacy passes out of Webster family hands and into new ownership.

But, say new owners Michael and Meredith Miller, it will be slightly renamed and rejuvenated to reflect their belief in the continuing value of a community pharmacy.

"We're going to tweak the name a bit -- it'll be Webster's Community Pharmacy, because we're all about the community -- we believe there's still a place for a community pharmacy," said Michael Miller, who has worked there as a pharmacist part-time since 2006.

And he knows what he's talking about -- the Millers bought and rejuvenated the Fair Oaks Pharmacy in South Pasadena, which they owned from 1989 to 2005.  Of that business, Miller said, "we basically started from nothing until it became very well-known.  We're planning to turn Webster's into the Altadena icon it once was."

Altadena Chamber businesses offer discount coupon special

Members of the Altadena Chamber of Commerce have just started a coupon special to reward those who keep their purchasing local.

Chamber board member Ed Meyers said that the Chamber has been working on offering the coupon special for awhile.

Participating businesses include the Altadena Golf Course, Curves, Kat Scrap Studio, Amy's Patio Cafe, Webster's Fine Stationers, and Steve's Dog Laundry.

Click here to download a pdf of the coupons.

Webster's Fine Stationers gets the Business(week)!

Altadenablog sponsor Webster's Fine Stationers is being used as an example for the struggle of small businesses everywhere in this Businessweek story by local biz writer Karen E. Klein.  (Of course, it doesn't hurt to have Hollywood A-listers like Tom Hanks and John C. Reilly among your clientele!) 

Stretch Media makes LA Times Business section

On the front page of today's LA Times Business section is an article on Bill Burnett and Debrah Lemattre's Altadena company, Stretch Media, the producers of the immortal Eat at Joe's commercial for the Redondo Beach restaurant.  Reporter Sharon Bernstein talks about how all advertising media, from billboards to newspapers to television, is doing more with less in the current economy.

(If there's a gap in the article, it's about how the the growth of technology makes more possible: the tech to produce a first-class television commercial is much cheaper and easier to acquire these days.  It also makes it easier to provide local news without paying for a printing plant and paper delivery, too!)

Ale, ale, the gang's all here!

Bill Westphal is everywhere -- and he's usually got a story to tell, as this one from last night:

Always wanting to support Altadena Business, my wife Lynne and I  stopped by the Altadena Ale House http://www.altadenaalehouse.com  this evening to check it out.  Judah and Gail Casburn were wonderful hosts. 

They have a new "Digital Juke Box" that is connected to the Internet and you can search for, and play, virtually any song imaginable.  I even found "Season Of The Witch" from the "Super Session" album.  Very cool.

What was an even better surprise was that we were met by Cara Bertone, local sommelier (Wine Specialist).  They were discussing the upcoming Wine Tasting Event at the Altadena Ale House this Sun., May 30 starting at 3 PM.  It sounds like this is an event not to be missed by Altadena Wine Lovers.  So I thought you might like to post it on the altadenablog.  So, don't miss it.  This Sunday, May 30, 3pm till ?  At the Altadena Ale House, 2329 N. Fair Oaks Ave.

Support your local Altadena Businesses.

Last-minute reminder: chamber mixer tonight

It’s time to mix, meet and greet at the Altadena Chamber of Commerce mixer tonight, from 5:30-7 PM at Steve’s Pets, 2395 N. Lake Avenue

Trade business cards, network and meet fellow business members. Bring a raffle prize and you earn a 30 second commercial.

Ms. Carrie Meyers, Chamber President is your host!

Liu honors Waste-Less Living founder

Altadenan Christine Lenches-Hinkel, the founder and owner of Waste Less Living in Pasadena, was honored by State Sen. Carol Liu on Tues, May 25,  with the “Salute to Small Business” award.  Liu made the presentation during a California Small Business Day luncheon where state legislators recognized small business operators from their Senate and Assembly districts.

“I am pleased to recognize a green business that helps protect the environment, promote recycling, and create jobs in the 21st Senate District,” said Liu, D- La Cañada Flintridge.

The company’s mission is to improve the health and quality of the environment by promoting sustainable lifestyle habits beginning with reducing waste. Waste Less Living reduces reliance on petroleum-based disposable products, promotes the use of renewable resource-based products, minimizes waste going to the landfills, and educates consumer about the environmental impacts of waste generation.

scissors/paper/rock celebrates expansion, summer music nights

The salon scissors/paper/rock (Altadenablog sponsor) is celebrating its fourth anniversary and salon expansion over the next few weeks.

Owner Yolande Carson says the expansion includes two new treatment rooms and new services, such as manicures, pedicures, acrilics, and gel nails from new manicurist Kenia.

The salon will also celebrate the return of  "Summer Music Nights" : on June 11, Itinerant Locals (from Little Rock, Arkansas) will play at the salon.  Other scheduled acts to date include Dude Mirror on July 9 and Auto Defa on July 16, with more to come.  (Please contact Yolande if you are interested in playing).

There's still time to get in on the May specials: free eyebrow wax with purchase of a manicure & pedicure, 1/2 price off your haircut if you model for one of their haicutting classes (call or email the salon for details).

scissors/paper/rock is at 1864 N. Allen in Pasadena, phone 826-1846.

New businesses, east and west

Altadena Town Councilwoman Alice Wessen tells us about some exciting developments in town:

• The restaurant site at 2555 Lake Ave., at the corner of Lake and Altadena, now has a sign that says "Patron's Mexican Restaurant coming soon."
• Aveson Charter School, which is looking at taking over the unfinished building at 575 W. Altadena Dr. as a potential school site (which you read about here) is also looking at offering "one or two campus-based, teacher-managed businesses that will be open to the public," such as a coffee house, yogurt and smoothie stand, or "dinners to go" place.
• 2329 N. Fair Oaks, the Altadena Ale House, has new ownership: Juda and Gail Casburn, Altadena residents who were also the former owners of Lucky Baldwin's in Pasadena.

For more details, go to her site.

Altadena Hardware: meet the new boss, same as the old boss

Longtime customers of Altadena Hardware, 849 E. Mariposa, will see the return of a familiar face: Don Thomas.  Thomas, whose family has run the shop for 80+ years, retired, sold the store, and with his sister and co-owner Shirley Harrington, moved to Washington State at the end of 2008.

But Thomas said things were not working out under the new ownership, and the store returned to Thomas family control in September, 2009.

Thomas said he's restocked some inventory and cleaned up the store debt, including reinvesting some of his own money into it, but "it's a real, real  challenge, and I'm not there yet  ... it's coming along, it's looking promising."

Because Thomas lives in Washington state and has interests there, he can only come to the store every six weeks.  However, the longtime staff remains to run the store on a daily basis, including manager Eleanor Montes, a 15-year veteran.

Brio Cafe goes Hollywood

Altadena's Brio Spa and Cafe, 2003-2009 N. Lake,  is picking up on the "cafe" part, catering some major events with the help of the Episcopal Housing Alliance kitchen.

On March 27, Brio Cafe catered a meeting for 200 union members at the Writer's Guild of America, across from the Farmer's Market Grove in Los Angeles.  Starting off with fresh bagels, honey-whipped cream cheese and an assortment of gourmet muffins and preserves from Napa Valley, and continued with a lavish selection of healthy sandwiches, fruits, and desserts. They also provided a nosh with imported dried fruit, pastries, domestic cheese and an array of fresh fruit baskets for 15 directors who were overly impressed with the
spread, along with Jones Panama Coffee (also available at the Altadena cafe).

Brio Spa and Cafe has also catered private events or held private spa nights for the Marion Ross family, Danny DeVito, Edward Jones Investments, State Farm Insurance, and several law firms.

Good news for a local Altadena business (and Altadenablog sponsor).  Click on the menus for a look at what they offer.

 

Reminder: Altadena Chamber Golf Tournament May 7

From C. Jake at the Altadena Chamber of Commerce:

Dear Chamber Members and Friends of Altadena

The 17th annual golf tournament is just around the corner (May 7th).

We want to award scholarships this year to deserving Altadena students and the only way we can do that is by having successful event. 

Here’s how you can help: (see attached flyer for details)

We need:

1.    Players

a.    Corporate Entries   $500

b.    Foursome entries     $400 until April 30 then $440

c.    Individual Players   $110

2.    Tee and Green Sponsors   $125

3.    Raffle Prizes  - you decide value

4.    Goodie Bag items         (72 each)

5.    Dinner guests                    $30/person

Perfect Market gets $6 million in Tribune-led funding

We've been reading a lot in the business wires lately about Perfect Market, an Altadena-based business spawned in Pasadena's Idealab that unites advertising and search engines.  This Business Wire story says that Perfect Market just sold $6 million in shares to a variety of companies, led by the Tribune Co. (which we thought was bankrupt!).  This Business Wire story tells the tale.

"Kat Scrap" fever on Lake Ave.

Karen and Robert Myers, late of Karen's Hallmark in the Webster's complex on Lake which closed last year, have something new going on across the street:

Karen has opened "KatScrap Studio...a Scrapbooking and Creative Boutique" at 2455 N. Lake Ave. at Mariposa.  Its focus is on scrapbooking AND creative workshops, paper crafts, handcrafted gifts & cards, stickers, art supplies, yarn, and more as we see what the community is interested in.  The calendar is filling up already with a variety of classes.

Karen invites all to stop by and get in touch with their crafty side.

Our store hours are:

Closed on Monday 
Tuesday - Thursday  10am-6pm
Friday  10am-8pm
Saturday  10am-6pm
Sunday  Noon-4pm

Chamber mixer Feb. 25 @ Health Advantage

ALTADENA CHAMBER FEBRUARY 2010 MIXER!

 

Host: Blount's Plumbing

Venue: Health Advantage

1450 N. Lake Ave. Pasadena, CA

(626) 798-7805

 Thursday, February 25,  5:30-7:00 PM

 

Welcome Altadenablog sponsor: scissors/paper/rock salon & boutique

scissors/paper/rock, Yolande Carson’s salon and boutique at 1864 N. Allen, strives to be a place to be stylish and a place to relax.

“We like it to be intimate, so the clients get one-on-one treatment, like it’s their place,” she said.  “A place to go to go to the refrigerator and get a drink, a place to relax.”

Carson has been in the hair styling business for 25 years, but she and her husband followed parallel careers as musicians -- they met each other playing in bands, and moved up to the Pasadena area to be closer to family.  She says she worked in big salons and spas, but never wanted her own, until she  decided that “I kind of wanted arenas for music, and to do my thing.”

That idea became scissors/paper/rock, a place for “shopping, fashion, and music,” Carson said.  In addition to hair styling and beauty services, the store sells fashion jewelry and hosts trunk shows and hair and makeup seminars.

Besides the funky but serene decor, music is a big part of scissor/paper/rock’s experience -- jazz or Sinatra are always on the sound system, and every summer she holds an acoustic music concert series at the salon.

The staff includes hair stylist Rickelle Howard, who has spent 17 years in styling in the area and specializes in black hair care; manicurist Tracy Vuong; and assistant Celeste Oliverez.  The salon plans to add skin care and waxing services in the near future.

scissors/paper/rock has been in business for ten years, the last four at the Allen location .  The salon is also expanding into the storefront next door by mid-February.



Carson also believes in giving back to the community: every Christmas the salon holds a fundraiser for URDC Human Services, a nonprofit program for women and children in Pasadena trying to conquor substance abuse.  Every Mother’s Day, they hold a beauty day with makeovers for URDC clients.

As for the name?  The “scissors” comes from the hairstyling, the “rock” comes from the funky chunky jewelry -- but “paper?”  “We’re still working on it!” Carson said.

Pictured: Yolande Carson, left, and RIckelle Howard.

Chamber mixer @ Amy's Patio Cafe Jan. 27

The Altadena Chamber of Commerce's monthly mixer will be at Amy's Patio Cafe, 900 E. Altadena Dr., on Wed., Jan. 27, from 5:30-7 PM.  Admission is $5 for chamber members, $7 for guests -- bring a raffle prize and receive free time for a commercial for your business.

Just say "no" to chains!

Check out Hometown Pasadena's feature on shopping local: Colleen Dunn Bates recommends, instead of going go a chain hardware store, check out Altadena Hardware, Berg's Hardware, or Altadena-adjacent Crown City; instead of Hallmark, Webster's Fine Stationers; and others.  Go local!

Altadena/Pasadena: HQ of tomorrow's security tech

The Altadena firm StereoVision Imaging is mentioned in this LA Times article about the growth in airline security high tech.  The article also mentions the Business Technology Center, and several firms that have been started by engineers trained at JPL, spinning off space technology to insure safe travel.

Shopping, hopping

The Altadena Arts Coalition, the merchants of North Lake Ave., and Christmas Tree Lane put together a fine Shop-Hop experience during an unseasonably mild December day (contra last weekend!)  It was a good day to shop, visit, and add to your Christmas Tree Lane memorabilia (yes, that is our banner in Galloway Alley).

Altadena: the real (estate) deal

Realtor Tracy King has some interesting charts and comments on home prices in Altadena.

Manicurist joins scissors.paper.rock salon

Yolande Carson of (Altadenablog sponsor) scissors paper rock salon at 1864 N. Allen tells us that manicurist Tracy Vuong has joined their team.  Tracy will be available Wed. and Thurs. from 10 AM-6 PM, offering manicures, pedicures, gel nails, waxing, paraffin hand and foot treatment and basic cleansing facial.  Call for an appointment (altho' walk-ins are welcome) at 825-1846.

... and yet another holiday boutique

This and rummage sales, all weekend, it seems.  The latest we've heard about: Rituals Salon (865 E. Mariposa) will have a holiday boutique sale today from 4-8 PM: music, a silent auction for unique gifts, and a "beauty bar", among other things.

Save the date: North Lake Pole Holiday Shop-Hop Festival Dec. 12

Sledding in Altadena?  In the snow?  That must mean the Altadena Arts Coalition is at it again!

On Sat., Dec. 12, Galloway Alley (behind Altadena Hardware) will again be the center of action as the Coalition hosts the North Lake Pole Holiday Shop-Hop Festival from 6-11 PM.

The Coalition's Ben McGinty of (Altadenablog sponsor) The Gallery at the End of the World tells us that one of the highlights will be snowmaking on the Lake Ave. side of the alley, just right for sledding.  As well, there will be a raffle, food, booths, and entertainment. (Santa will be there, too!)

Right now, sponsorships are still open at $50 for business or individuals, and $100 for organizations. They're also looking for donations for the raffle prizes.

The sponsorship form is available here. (pdf document).

To get on the list of participating merchants or for more information, call Ben at (626) 794-4888.

Economic woes hit the 'Denas

A depressing little story in the Pasadena Weekly by Andre Coleman and Justin Chapman, about the shuttered businesses on both ends of Lake Ave.   We wonder, tho', why the Weekly quotes former town councilman Steve Lamb in two different stories this week -- was everyone else out of town?

Chamber mixer tonight at golf course

A reminder that the Altadena Chamber of Commerce's monthly mixer will be tonight, Nov. 11, at the Altadena Golf Course 10th Hole Bar; & Grill, 1456 E. Mendocino, 5:30-7 PM.

For Chamber members, free admission includes a free raffle ticket for a grand raffle prize. Guest $7 admission, no-host bar, bring a raffle prize and receive free commercial time for your business.

Catalina Island Camps gets NFIB regional honor

PSN today says that the National Federation of Independent Business has honored Mike Horner of Catalina Island Camps as the Western Region Solveras/NFIB Small Business Champion.  Horner is president of both Catalina Island Camps and Tom Sawyer Camps, Inc., both headquartered in Altadena.

(A big shout-out to Mike and to his son and daughter-in-law Tom and Maria Horner, who run the camp near Two Harbors on Catalina Island -- we've been going there many years, and love it!)

Webster's Fine Stationers launches food drive for Five Acres

The holiday good works have started: this from (Altadenablog sponsor) Webster's Fine Stationers:

From Mon. Nov. 9 until Tues., Nov. 24, Webster's Fine Stationers will be a drop-off location for the collection of food items donated to Five Acres for their annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. To provide some incentive, Webster's Fine Stationers is offering anyone who donates food items to Five Acres a 10% savings on their purchases.

Simply give your food donation to one of the WFS Crew and they will give you a coupon for 10% off your next visit, or you may choose to use it right away! What could be better in these economic times than a win-win situation for everyone? We hope you'll choose to donate what you can this year to this very worthy Altadena non-profit.

Star tech

High-tech entrepreneurs, trainers, dreamers, and others gathered today at the Business Technology Center at 2400 Lincoln Ave. for  Los Angeles Tech Week.  BTC Manager Mark Lieberman said that about 400 people attended the day of demonstrations, panels, displays, and nifty swag.

Chamber mixer at Health Advantage Oct. 1, 5:30 PM

The monthly Altadena Chamber of Commerce mixer will be held this Thurs., Oct. 1, from 5:30-7:30 PM at Health Advantage, 1450 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena (parking in rear).   Admission $5 members,  $7 guests, beer, Wine, water & soda available for purchase. Bring a raffle prize and get free commercial time!

Project: Altadena -- wasn't that a party?

A look at a few of the scenes at tonight's North Lake Open House:

Altadena authors (from left) Andre Coleman, Ellen Snortland, Michele Zack, and Jervey Tervalon at a meet & greet at Webster's Fine Stationery.  Michelle Hunevan and Revell Revati were also there to sign their works.

Wreck n Sow entertained the crowd in Galloway Alley.

The photos of Project: Altadena! were on display in the outdoor gallery.  Thanks to Molly TIerney, who worked so hard to make this happen!

We photographed Debbi Swanson Patrick photographing firemen for one or the other of her many blogs!

(It was also great to meet so many Altadenablog readers tonight!)

Arts Coaliton Open House Sat.: even fire can't bring us down!

The North Lake Ave. Business District in conjunction with the Altadena Arts Coalition will have an open house on Sat., Sept. 5, from 5 PM until whenever to celebrate Project: Altadena!

Project: Altadena! will be the largest photo-exhibit of its kind in Altadena history. Over 2,000 photos, all taken with disposable cameras by Altadena residents of what they love about "their" Altadena! One photo from each entrant will be enlarged to 8X10 and will be on display (and for sale) at Altadena Junction on El Molino Ave.

There will be food booths highlighting selections from O'Happy Days, The Coffee Gallery and Park Bench Deli, plus there will be a taco booth, too!

Altadena's own band, Wreck & Sow, will be playing for your enjoyment....brothers Pierre and Andre Dupuy along with band members Mike Stave, Randy Cochran and Dan Leahy are all set to tear it up. This night is going to be huge, people!

Webster's Fine Stationery  invites you to a book signing by Altadena authors from 5-8 PM.

Webster's says, "This is going to be so much fun....hope you can make it!  Live music, food, entertainment - we've got it all at the Altadena Arts Coalition's  North Lake Business District Open House!".

Scheduled authors include Andre Coleman, Revvell Revati, Michele Zack, Michelle Huneven and Jervey Tervalon.  (Just added: Ellen Snortland!) We'll also have Bo Astrup's LA Photobooth outside the store so you can record your memories of this fabulous evening forever!

Gallery at the End of the World: Group art show: Wreck N Sow playing on the 'Cement Stage',  vegetarian catering by John from O Happy Days, and The Coffee Gallery mobile coffee unit will be available.  The Gallery has events all weekend -- check the ad in the right-hand column for more details!

Photography by Walt:  will be open for "funphoto" sessions at the studio and offering other studio specials!

Lake Ave./Arts Coalition Open House set for Sat., Sept. 5

You can't get too much of a good thing.  After May's first (and wildly successful) open house, the North Lake Ave. Business District in conjunction with the Altadena Arts Coalition will have another open house over Labor Day weekend -- Sat., Sept. 5, from 5 PM until 10 or so.

Highlight of the event will be Project: Altadena -- a display of the work of 100 local photographers armed with disposable cameras who recorded 2,700 pictures of life in our town over the month of July.  According to Lori Webster of (Altadenablog sponsor) Webster's Fine Stationery, and a member of the Arts Coalition, "The Project: Altadena! photos will be displayed in the alley behind Altadena Hardware.  We plan to take one photo from each submission, enlarge it and display those at Altadena Junction.  All photos will be returned to the photographer after the exhibit.  Food and entertainment will be available in the alley, and also at different business locations." 

Among the businesses reporting in so far: Webster's Fine Stationery will host another Blogger's Cafe and a book signing by novelist and Pasadena Weekly reporter Andre Coleman. Webster's will also showcasing new products with free samples and givaways.

Ben McGinty, owner of (Altadenablog sponsor) the Gallery at the End of the World, will hold another "Art Bender Weekend" highlighting local artists.  McGinty says that "Wreck N Sow will be playing on the 'Cement Stage', John from O Happy Days will be catering to the delights of the vegetarians in our midst and The Coffee Gallery will be serving caffeinated treats!"  Julie Sandoval of Coffee Gallery told Altadenablog that they would have their mobile unit up to to make it more convenient for everyone attending.

There will be lots more, so keep checking Altadenablog for the latest details!

Altadena Chamber mixer at McGinty's Gallery, Thurs. July 30

Gallery At The End Of The World
   Hosted by Ben McGinty

On Thursday July 30, 2009
5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
2475 N. Lake Ave
Altadena, CA

There will be a special Art Exhibit
Live Band with good food.

Members $5, Guests $7

Bring a raffle prize & get free commercial time for your business.

Join the party as Curves celebrates its first anniversary Monday

Newest Altadenabog advertiser Curves, 2525 N. Lake Ave. #6, tells us they'll be celebrating their first year anniversary with a special celebration this Mon., July 13, 3 -8 (or so) PM.

Owner Rose West says that the whole community is invited to join the celebration.  There will be healthy snacks and drinks, free gifts, and a raffle, good time to be had by all.

Altadena firm helps Mennonite school build solar-powered dorm

Altadena Energy & Solar, a local firm, is helping Eastern Mennonite University (Harrisonburg, VA) build a new dorm that will incorporate solar-powered domestic water heating, estimated to save 50% of the costs of domestic water heating.  EMU's website has the details.

Super King is super

A little something fun to start off a busy day:  Hometown Pasadena looks at Super King Market, and likes what they see.

Waste Less Living receives county honor

Altadena-based Waste Less Living was recently recognized by the Los Angeles Regional Agency (LARA) for its efforts and for its efforts and success at helping homeowners, businesses and schools reduce their waste through the practice of composting. 

LARA is a consortium of 16 member cities in Los Angeles County. The Agency was formed by environmentally conscious recycling advocates from the member cities. In 2004, the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) approved the formation of LARA as a regional agency whose mission is to assist members in meeting and exceeding the 50% waste diversion mandates of State Assembly Bill 939.

For the Sierra Madre Community Nursery School, Waste Less Living was a corporate sponsor and was instrumental in diverting approximately 306.2 lbs of compostable waste from going to the landfill.  Waste Less Living was recently contracted to conduct a solid waste audit for High Point Academy.

Waste Less Living is also sponsoring an "Eco-Mom's Night Out" on June 25, 6-8 PM at Cafe Culture, 1359 E. Altadena Dr., Pasadena:

Haven't yet experienced a Waste Less Living event or party?  Now's your chance!  Take a night off....mingle with friends over refreshments and a glass of wine.  You'll be glad you did.  You'll not only be able to enjoy some adult chatter, you'll also learn how to be more 'green' and have an opportunity to shop 'green' too.  Wine and some refreshments will be served!  Coffee and sandwiches will also be available for purchase.

tip o' the tam to Monica Hubbard.

Recession story hits home

SGV Trib, with AP's help. does a story on the recession and picks on Karen's Hallmark for local color.