altadenablog

A health care story from Altadena

A self-consciously left blog (which uses lots of words we don't use on our blog) nonetheless has a compelling story from Megan Jones of Altadena on her health vs. Blue Cross. Something for the healthcare debate ...

We're No. 1 -- in forclosures!

This article from a real estate website  and this from the LA Times point out that Altadena is a leading community in home foreclosures.   Don't know what that means long-term, but it ain't good!

Halloween is the new Christmas Part III

Another Halloween over-achiever on Pepper Drive (Pepper seems to be a hotbed of holiday decoration this year).  Of particular interest is that they've decorated the actual house to look like Kang and Kodos from the Simpsons!

And then there were three (Water, water pt. III)

Rubio Canon Land and Water Assn. has sent a letter to its customers (including Altadenablog) that it is adopting a voluntary water conservation program, with a goal of reducing water use by 10% or more during the drought.  Rubio is encouraging customers to do sensible things like adjust sprinklers to avoid overspray and runoff, avoid watering in the heat of the day, don't hose down sidewalks and driveways, retrofit low flow indoor plumbing fixtures, etc.

And if that's not enough, they say, "RCLWA will consider further action to curtail water use, including a temporary moratorium on new connections to RCLWA's distribution system."

(They also tell us that the Metropolitan Water District, which is largely the source of RCLWA water, will start fluoridating on Nov. 12.  Somebody alert the John Birch Society, or go here.)

Under a Yellow Sky

The Westphal WeatherCam view of Echo Mountain at about 4 p.m. this afternoon.  While we fortunately don't have fires in our area (cross fingers), the effect of the smoke is evident in this picture -- and in your lungs and throat!

The view from the Mt. WIlson cam at about the same time.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued an advisory urging residents to curtail outdoor activities.

Also, the Chaney Trail Yahoo group reports that Angeles National Forest is closed for the duration to all recreational activities, altho' county hiking trails remain open, as long as they're not in the national forest.  Out-of-state US Forest Service fire strike team rangers are being brought in to patrol and stand watch for possible fires.   Please make sure you're on county land if you're hiking in the hills during this time.

Water, water ... uh, maybe not

Still don't believe there's a drought?  Lincoln Avenue Water Co., one of three water companies that serve Altadena,  may decide to put a moratorium on new service starting early next year, the PSN reports.  This could severely affect redevelopment on the west side of town, which Lincoln Ave. services. Las Flores Water Co., servicing central Altadena,  says it will not consider limiting new service, as it doesn't service any undeveloped areas.  Rubio Canyon Water Co., which services the east, has yet to be heard from.