With a big rainstorm on the way, folks around the burn areas need to be vigilent.  Here's from the National Weather Service:

…FLASH FLOOD WATCH FOR RECENT BURN AREAS IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH MONDAY EVENING…

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN LOS ANGELES/OXNARD HAS ISSUED A

* FLASH FLOOD WATCH FOR THE RECENT BURN AREAS OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY IN SOUTHWEST CALIFORNIA…INCLUDING THE STATION…MORRIS…SANTA ANITA…BIG HORN…MAREK…AND SAYRE BURN AREAS.

National Weather Service tells us:

…THREAT OF BLACK ICE ACROSS THE MOUNTAINS…DESERTS…AND INTERIOR VALLEY LOCATIONS TONIGHT…  VERY COLD AIR COMING INTO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TONIGHT IN THE WAKE OF A VIGOROUS COLD FRONT. SNOW LEVELS WILL CONTINUE TO FALL QUICKLY TONIGHT…LOWERING TO AS LOW AS 1500 FEET OVERNIGHT IN SOME AREAS. IN MANY LOCATIONS…THE PRECIPITATION WILL END LATER THIS EVENING…

Remember those pictures of desolation I sent you in October?  I went back to Inspiration Point on 11/28, and found growing things already.  I don’t know what those little shrubs are, but from around the burnt skeletons are bright green leaves.  See here:

http://picasaweb.google.com/david.datz/AfterStationFire112809#

I don’t agree with those who say the forest is “gone”. 

About a dozen fire vehicles (pumpers, ladder trucks, paramedics, etc.) who were involved in a training exercise this morning showed up for an actual apartment fire on Marcheta near Lake Ave.  Cause was likely an electrical surge, and no injuries reported at this time.

Pasadena Water and Power services some homes in the southeast portion of Altadena, but the advice in this press release can even be taken by those of us serviced elsewhere!

PASADENA CAN TAKE A RAIN CHECK

This week’s rain may make for a traffic headache,

Here's the calendar for the weekend:

Fri. Dec. 11

• The Altadena Public Library, 600 E. Mariposa St., will host an evening of holiday music with the the First United Methodist Church of Pasadena's Handbell Choir and Dulcet Singers  starting at 7 PM in the Community Room.

Sat. Dec.

Last week, we said we were trying to start a neighborhood newsgroup for our immediate neighborhood in East Altadena, and got a small response (about half of which were many blocks away!)

Well, the idea has adapted, grown, or metastasized, depending on how you look at it.  We've been in contact with Phil Barela on the town council,

Bill Westphal emails us about tonight's big astronomical show (if the rain will let us see it!):

Two exciting events happening tomorrow that you can’t miss:

The first annual Christmas Tree Lane Winter Arts & Crafts Festival starts at 2 PM in the parking lot of the Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa — followed by the 89th lighting ceremony of Altadena’s Christmas Tree Lane.

The Arts and Crafts Winter Festival includes  a petting zoo,

We've been out all afternoon, so are just getting this information up: The Christmas Tree Lane Arts & Crafts Festival and lighting event have been cancelled due to the rain.  The lights will still go on, but there'll be no ceremony for it.  Very sad!

Hello Friends of the Lane,

Due to the weather forecast we will be unable to have the 89th annual lighting this year.

Gearing up for the holidays already?  Lori Webster of (Altadenablog sponsor) Webster's Fine Stationers is holding a "Black Friday" sale, 8:30-4 PM:

In these hard economic times, we want to show our appreciation for our customers by providing the opportunity for exceptional savings on your favorite fine stationery, select office supplies, unique gifts and elegant home decor.

From Supv. Michael Antonovich's office:

The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion by Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich to direct the Department of Public Works to conduct a media and public outreach campaign to ensure the public is alerted in advance of any possible closures of Angeles Crest Highway (SR-2) and the Angeles Forest Highway due to weather or repair work.

Guest speaker is Carrie Dunbar Miller, Ph.D., of the Los Angeles County Education Coordinating Council.

The presentation is free.  For more information, contact the community center at 626-398-6174 or Gregor Edwards at 626-676-1921

• First, a wonderful feature at the Hometown Pasadena page about Michele and her new book;
• And second, a Pasadena Now announcement about Southern California Story: Seeking the Better Life in Sierra Madre and her booksigning event at Vroman’s on Dec. 2.
• and finally Larry Wilson in PSN looks at the book as well (and puts in a plug for EAT: Los Angeles,

• Art show at Gallery at the End of the World
• Photography by Walt – Capture the World (photo exhibit)
• Sledding Hill!!

On Dec. 12, 2009, the Christmas Tree Lane Association will be hosting its 89th Annual Lighting Ceremony and its first Winter Arts and Crafts Festival at the Altadena Main Public Library.

Beginning at 2 PM, there will be arts and crafts, a petting zoo, performances by local groups and Santa Claus with his sleigh for childrens’ pictures.

Have a wonderful holiday — we have much to be thankful for this year, and hope you do too!