Altadena doesn’t do things the usual way — we have our fireworks on July 2, thank you — and here’s few tips for the week ahead:

• Fireworks and Food Trucks July 2: The Altadena Town & Country Club will hold its annual fireworks display tomorrow night, July 2, with the first sparks going off about 9:30 PM.

But before that, the Altadena Chamber of Commerce will hold a festive “Fireworks and Food Trucks” event in the parking lot of the Altadena Golf Course, starting at 6 PM.  Come early, grab something to eat, and stake out a good spot to see the fireworks. A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit the Chamber’s Marion Lee Wullshlager Scholarship Fund.

• No fireworks in Altadena:  The Altadena Sheriff’s Station reminds all residents and visitors that the best way to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday with family and friends is by attending professional fireworks shows such as Americafest at the Pasadena Rose Bowl Stadium.  The sale or possession of all fireworks is illegal in Altadena. Violators are subject to confiscation and impound of vehicles; up to one year in jail and fines up to $50,000. Call Altadena Sheriff’s at (626) 798-1131 to report illegal fireworks.
• Pet safety:  Fireworks, whether on July 2, July 4, or any time, can disturb your dogs, cats, or other pets.   The flyer (see graphic) reminds us to have an attached and visible ID on your pet, a recent picture available, and exercise her early in the day.  If you’re going off to see the fireworks, keep them securely in the house with a treat and some soothing music, if that helps them.  (Some of our readers swear by the Thundershirt).
• July 4: There will be at least two neighborhood Independence Day parades worth staking out:  Sonoma Drive’s 54th annual patriotic fete, and the several-block-long Pepper Drive parade, both starting at 10 AM. 
  Several nearby communities will have their own fireworks displays (a list in LA County is accessible here), and the granddaddy of them all is the Americafest at the Rose Bowl (more information here).