« Pasadena Master Chorale in concert @ ACC Sept. 20 | Main | "Hot August Night" caps SSGA’s summer concert series at Farnsworth Sat. »
Sierra Club Pasadena Group and Pasadena Area Environmental Organizations Potluck Picnic and Movie
“A Sense of Wonder” An Interpretation of the Life of Rachel Carson
Meet with local environmentalists for a potluck picnic on the patio and viewing of this award-winning new movie about Rachel Carson, author of "Silent Spring,"
« Environmental Rendezvous this Sat. | Main | ISS/Shuttle flyby tonight starting at 7:42 »

Pack up the babies and grab the old ladies for “Hot August Night,” a Neil Diamond tribute and the grand finale to the Sheriff’s Support Group of Altadena’s summer concert series this Sat., Sept. 12, starting at 7 PM in Farnsworth Park.
Lead singer Dean Colley has been performing in rock bands since 1982, after leaving the University of Southern California, where he was studying biology. 15 years of playing in bars and regional fairs followed playing rock and roll covers with other local musicians.
« "Hot August Night" caps SSGA’s summer concert series at Farnsworth Sat. | Main | Preparing for the worst »
Bill Westphal writes:
Double fly-by tonight of the International Space Station and Shuttle Discovery.
The Shuttle has just un-docked from the ISS and is orbiting nearby. Both should be visible tonight in an excellent pass just before 8pm. It will first appear in the Southwest and pass overhead to the Northeast.
« ISS/Shuttle flyby tonight starting at 7:42 | Main | Wednesday open thread »
Altadena and Crescenta Valley deputies participated in a simulated school invasion today at the old Edison School. The post-Columbine theory of school invasions is not to wait for a SWAT team to be assembled, it’s grab all the cops you can and go in. The deputies were faced with several scenarios in the school site, and were loaded with blank ammunition.

Deputies move into the cafeteria in response to shooting.

Two deputies played the shooters.
« Altadena Town Council Meeting, Tues., Aug. 18, 7 PM | Main | Back to the grind … »
We're traveling today, will be back in the saddle tomorrow. Many updates planned thru the week, including a controversy roiling around Town Council.
« On the road again … | Main | Absolutely last, final, absolute deadline for Project: Altadena »
Home now, doing a little catch-up, getting ready for bed, but … just got word over the scanner about midnight Sat. that sheriffs and chopper are on their way to tackle a party of about 150 people making noise at Fair Oaks and Mendocino.
« Back to the grind … | Main | A night to remember at Farnsworth Park »
Photography by Walt sent us this:
Thank you for those who have dropped off your cameras!I I had extended the deadline to Aug 15th hoping that would give people some more time to drop their cameras off. If you don't bring your cameras in by Tue Aug 18th you won't be able to take part of the show!
« Absolutely last, final, absolute deadline for Project: Altadena | Main | Appeals court says Sahag-Mesrob to remain closed »

The amazing
Bill Westphal sends us pictures from last night’s historic Sheriff’s Support Group concert at Farnsworth Park. Not only was the crowd there to enjoy local jazz guitarist Brian Hughes, but they were there to honor Altadena’s own legend John Levy, who played bass with, and later managed, so many stars of jazz. The 97-year-old Levy received recognition from:
The Sheriff’s Support Group of Altadena
Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca
Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D.
« A night to remember at Farnsworth Park | Main | Master Chorale presents “Songs of the World” at Altadena Community Church »

Part of our catching-up process: Sahag-Mesrob Armenian Christian School’s Palm St. campus will remain closed, pending the outcome of the court case on their conditional use permit in September. The court of appeals ruled July 23 to keep the school closed, overruling a previous court decision in June.
Sahag-Mesrob opened its 200-student Palm St. campus in Sept. 2008, without obtaining the required conditional use permits from the county planning department.
« Appeals court says Sahag-Mesrob to remain closed | Main | Positivi-Tea at Webster’s Fine Stationers »
Altadena Community Church must be the happening place for music these days — first
Carol Channing on Sept. 6, then the Pasadena Master Chorale's summer choir appearing in a program Sept. 20.
Pasadena Now has the details.
« Master Chorale presents “Songs of the World” at Altadena Community Church | Main | “A USO Show” to benefit Farnsworth programs on Sept. 11 »
Webster’s Fine Stationers (Altadenablog sponsor) held a tea Sunday afternoon to celebrate their storied past in Altadena.

A good crowd was there (that’s artrepreneur Ben McGinty in tats, and local raw food guru Revvell Revati in blue) …

… and much better photographers than us (Project: Altadena‘s creative force Molly Tierney, left, with Debi Swanson Patrick, who has too many blogs to count.
« Positivi-Tea at Webster’s Fine Stationers | Main | Rose Bowl resource fair marks “Global Compassion Day” »
Theatre Americana, a historical theater based in Altadena, and Show of Support Productions, a performing arts organization raising money for charity, will come together for the first time on 9/11 at Farnsworth Park Amphitheatre to perform a USO show in memory of 9/11.
“A USO Show” will perform on Friday, Sept. 11 at 7:00 PM. Admission is $10 with proceeds going to the Farnsworth Park After-school Program.
« "A USO Show" to benefit Farnsworth programs on Sept. 11 | Main | Council to hold closed meeting to consider ethics investigation »
Sat., Aug. 29 is Global Compassion Day (who knew? and where did we stash our decorations?), and the Church of Pasadena in conjunction with the Employment Development Department of California and The Foothill Workforce Investment Board will mark it with a resource fair at the Rose Bowl Court of Champions,
« Rose Bowl resource fair marks “Global Compassion Day” | Main | Back-to-school crafts at the Library, Aug. 25, 2-4 PM. »
The Altadena Town Council will meet in closed session Tuesday night, before its regular meeting, to consider mounting an investigation into possible ethical violations.
New councilmember Herbert Simmons (CT 4602) claims in an email that the meeting is “an attempt to secretly stop me .. from bringing positive changes and ideas to Altadena.” Simmons, in a series of emails and personal visits to local businesses over the past month,
« Council to hold closed meeting to consider ethics investigation | Main | Yep — that was an earthquake! »

Is it that time already? Bring your notebooks or other school items to decorate, or make your own pencil box, notepads, calendars and more to get ready for school. Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa, 2-4 PM on Tues., Aug. 25.
« Yep — that was an earthquake! | Main | Town council will launch ethics investigaton »
… to our readers who are looking for our usual Tues. night/Wed. morning rundown of the Town Council meeting. We have a medical situation and won't be able to attend, but we'll talk to people who were there and get the rundown when we have a chance.
« Apologies | Main | “The History Man” at Altadena Junction Aug. 29 »

We were not able to attend tonight’s meeting, but thanks to reports from folks on the ground, we learned as expected that the Altadena Town Council will form a committee to investigate charges and determine if there has been an ethical violation by a council member. (The council member is not named, but is expected to be Herbert H. Simmons, CT 4602). Chair Gino Sund said that there would be no further comment until the investigation is completed.
During public comment,
« Town council will launch ethics investigaton | Main | Lincoln Crossing: Staff ignores board’s decision, tells county a different story »

Lance Anderson‘s performance space, Altadena Junction, starts its new season with ”The History Man,” a new one act play by local storytelling stalwart Leslie Perry, as well as other stories and poems featuring Perry and Finn Carter.
The performance is at Altadena Junction, 2524 & 2526 El Molino, on Sat., Aug. 29, 8-10 PM. For more information, call 626.791.8586.
« "The History Man" at Altadena Junction Aug. 29 | Main | Bear, mountain lion sighted Wed. morning »
When we last looked at the soap opera/business development we call Altadena Lincoln Crossing, outgoing Altadena Town Council member Michele Zack served as the council's rep on the West Altadena Project Area Committee (WAPAC). When Zack left the council in July, she was replaced by councilman Gene Campbell. WAPAC passed a motion to send a letter to the Los Angeles County Community Development Commission (CDC),
« Lincoln Crossing: Staff ignores board’s decision, tells county a different story | Main | Probably Mulder and Scully … »

The animals are out in force these days …
Revvell Revati reports that she was walking on Morsley Wednesday morning, and a passerby warned her of a bear on Braeburn. She opted not to take a look for herself!
And Robyn Puntch on the 300 block of West Poppyfield Dr. says:
Thought you and your readers might like to know that there was a huge mountain lion roaming the neighborhood early [Wed.] morning.
« Bear, mountain lion sighted Wed. morning | Main | Weekendin’ »
One more before bed: a reader wonders:
…why a marked FBI truck was being (apparently) towed on Mariposa tonight near
Santa Rosa, while an unmarked (we think) old police cruiser crammed with guys
went up Santa Rose near the Theosophy institute, shining a high-powered light
into the bushes outside the gate?
« Probably Mulder and Scully … | Main | Short takes »
A more subdued, dog days weekend compared to last week. All events are free unless otherwise noted.
Fri., Aug. 21
- Fun Flick Friday at the Main Library: 17 Again, rated PG-13. Starts 3:30 PM.
- Open Mic night, spoken word at Farnsworth Park, 7 PM.
- Artistry of the Guitar at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 8 PM, $20.
Sat., Aug. 22
- Bulgarini Gelato’s Italian dinner and a movie series continues.
« Weekendin’ | Main | Food co-op meetings coming up »
- President's Streets' computer maven Steve Bass shares a series of photos titled simply "Never Underestimate the Determination of a Mother." The dog's face at the end is priceless.
- Her royal rawness Revell Revati will be holding a four week course in the area starting Sept. 2, "Tap Into Your Ideal Weight." Seating is limited to ten people, it's only $77, details at her website,
« Short takes | Main | Reminder: we have a community calendar »
Touched base with Patrick Reagan, one of the organizers of a food co-op in Altadena. Lots of progress underway.
For one thing, they now have a not-carved-in-stone name: Arroyo Food Co-op, which reflects the interest they've gathered from Pasadena, Eagle Rock, and other communities. For another, they have a few critical meetings coming up — save the dates:
Sept.
« Food co-op meetings coming up | Main | Teens: the Altadena Library needs you! »
Yes we do! If you have an event in town, send us the details and we'll put it in the calendar for all to see!
« Reminder: we have a community calendar | Main | Altadena Foothills Conservancy needs help for Rubio Canyon purchase »

The Altadena Library’s teen program celebrated a great summer
(see Heather Firchow’s blog here), and now they’re planning for the next year — and this is where you come in:
Your Library Needs You! Get Active @ Your Library.
Join the 2009-2010 ALD Teen Advisory Committee and:
- Plan library programs and events for teens and tweens
- Recommend books, CDs and other materials for the library to purchase
- Earn community service hours for school
- Write book,
« Teens: the Altadena Library needs you! | Main | Danny’s Farm looking for members »
Just got this note, updating this story:
Dear Friends:
We are excited to report that in two short weeks we are closing in on our fund-raising goal to finalize the acquisition and preservation of 20 key acres of undeveloped land in Rubio Canyon.
« Altadena Foothills Conservancy needs help for Rubio Canyon purchase | Main | 150,000 »
Danny’s Farm, one of our favorite places, is launching a membership drive. Click on the graphics for more details.
« Danny’s Farm looking for members | Main | Mt. Wilson Toll Road to re-open this weekend »
That's the total number of page views we have racked up as of today. Thank you to all of our advertisers, to our wonderful correspondents (including Michele Zack, Chris Considine, and Bill Westphal, who should really be on staff, if we had a staff! Also Monica Hubbard, who knows whatever we don't, and the great staff at the Altadena Library). And thanks especially to you,
« 150,000 | Main | Drug incident on Pepper Drive »
It's been a long slog since the rains of '05, but after several months of work, the Mt. Wilson Toll Road is slated to re-open this weekend.
LATimes has two artices: one here, a newsy article, and one here, more of a hiker's perspective. And yes, the Pinecrest Gate is to be unlocked,
« Mt. Wilson Toll Road to re-open this weekend | Main | Altadena Heritage efficient irrigation workshop Aug. 29 »
Newsgroup chatter says there was a drug arrest on the 1900 block of Pepper Dr., about 3:30 this afternoon. Sheriff's station says there was a citation given for marijuana use at that time, but don't have any details.
« Drug incident on Pepper Drive | Main | Sheriffs looking for burglary suspect »

From Michele Zack, we receive word that Altadena Heritage is holding a morning of presentations and practicum on making every precious drop of water count.
Zack will speak on “Eaton’s Water: Altadena’s first irrigation system.” Tom Poplin of Horizon Landscaping will talk about irrigation systems, water-saving landscape practices, and retrofitting existing systems for efficient irrigation. J. Harold Mitchell of Irrigation and Landscape Supplies will answer all your questions.
In addition, attendees will critique the irrigation system at the Altadena Community Center,
« Altadena Heritage efficient irrigation workshop Aug. 29 | Main | Short takes »
Chopper is orbiting around Santa Rosa and Calavaras tonight, 10:20 PM — deputies are looking for a burglary suspect. If you're in the neighborhood, they recommend you lock your doors and if you see anybody suspicious, dial 911.
« Sheriffs looking for burglary suspect | Main | Boneheads on the loose at Cobb Estate »
- Altadenan Kenny Yapkowitz (which is our Name of the Day) and his band, "… and the Leasebreakers" (yes, the ellipsis is part of it) recently accompanied a silent film as part of a fundraiser for William S. Hart Park in Newhall. Kenny's on banjo, young Fionn (second grade at St. Mark's School) was off playing with the deer in the park rather than posing for the picture —
« Short takes | Main | Simmons interview on Crown City News »
Janette Williams of PSN writes in this morning's paper that six Audobon Society interpretive signs, installed 18 months ago on the Cobb Estate at a cost of $11,000, have instead become magnets for vandalism — excuse us, canvases for graffiti art. Now, as someone once cautioned us,
« Boneheads on the loose at Cobb Estate | Main | Critter map update »
Props to Crown City News for
getting an interview with town councilman Herbert H. Simmons on his investigation by town council. Not too informative, but worth watching for those following at home.
« Simmons interview on Crown City News | Main | President Streets faces burglary wave »
View Critter Map in a larger map
——–
We've added a couple of recent bear sightings to what we now call our "Critter Map," and once we draw an icon of a mountain lion that doesn't look too much like a bear, we'll add those, too!
Send in your critter sightings to altadenablog @ gmail.com.
« Critter map update | Main | Altadena Library is looking for artists »
PSN has a story about three burglaries in three hours in the President Streets neighborhood. There have been eight burglaries there in the past month. Keep your eyes open — someone's pretty active who doesn't belong there!
« President Streets faces burglary wave | Main | Short takes »
Call to artists
“SHARE YOUR ART with THE COMMUNITY”
The Altadena Library District is seeking artists of all mediums to display artwork in our Community Room. All experience levels, individual artists, and collaborative teams are welcome.
Security/Anti-theft devices are available for framed artwork.
« Altadena Library is looking for artists | Main | More on burglaries »
- Karin Bugge, the Altadenahiker, points us to some great pictures at the Altadena Stables site she maintains of the Girl Scouts and riding camps they've held over the summer. Cute kids and ponies, can't beat it!
- The Skywatcher, Chris Considine, tells us that the International Space Station is now so large, you can not only see its structure,
« Short takes | Main | WAPAC to send revised motion to county (let’s see if they do!) »
Town Council chair Gino Sund sent this letter out to the newsgroups, and we think it's worth sharing:
I do know that a swath of Altadena from the top of Lake to the Southeast border of Altadena seems to be targeted by a home burglary crew. It is believed to be a street gang from Pasadena.
« More on burglaries | Main | All-American Wranglers at Farnsworth Park Sat. »
Michele Zack, who contributed the notes about last month's meeting of the West Altadena Project Area Committee which is supervising the development of Lincoln Crossing, shares with us her public comments at last night's meeting. The WAPAC board told the staff to send a letter to the county containing their actual motion this time,
« WAPAC to send revised motion to county (let’s see if they do!) | Main | Recommendations on burglaries »
The All American Wranglers will perform Sat., Aug. 29, as part of the Sheriff’s Support Group of Altadena Summer Concert Series at Farnsworth Park, 7-9 PM. Admission is free.

The All American Wranglers have performed for many special events, corporate functions, concerts, as well as five shows nightly at the Los Angeles County Fair.
Some of their Southern California clients include summer concerts for the cities of: Corona, Cerritos, Fontana,
« All-American Wranglers at Farnsworth Park Sat. | Main | Tomorrow will be smokin’ »
Carolyn Seitz of the Sheriff's Community Advisory Committee sent out this email to all newsgroups on the rash of burglaries:
Greetings to you all,
Many of you are aware, some more painfully than others, that we are experiencing a big spike in burglaries in Altadena – both residential and auto.
These burglaries are not isolated to Altadena.
« Recommendations on burglaries | Main | Taking the day off »
… 'cause of the fire in the Angeles National Forest above La Canada-Flintridge. Red flag warnings in the mountains for the foreseeable future, triple digit temps predicted for tomorrow, a nasty day all around.
And if you're planning on hitting the links, don't go to Brookside. Pasadena's Public Information Officer and righteous babe Ann Erdman says that the golf course near the Rose Bowl will be closed —
« Tomorrow will be smokin’ | Main | Weekendin’ »
Dr. Mrs. Altadenablog will be going into surgery today, so we're taking the day off. (Some stuff we've previously programmed in will be published today, but we're not going to keep up with ongoing events, such as the fires). Hope to see you soon — keep us in your thoughts & prayers today.
« Taking the day off | Main | Project: Altadena Open House next Sat. »
Events are free unless otherwise noted.
Fri., Aug. 28
- Library's Friday Fun Flick: "Hanna Montana: the Movie," rated G, 3:30 PM at the Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa.
- Open Mic night, spoken word at Farnsworth Park, 7 PM.
Sat. Aug. 29
- Altadena Heritage: Efficient Irrigation Workshop at the Community Center,