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by Timothy Rutt
Sheriff Lee Baca at the opening of the remodeled Altadena Sheriff Station in 2011. Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich is seated to the left.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca announced in a press conference today that he will not seek re-election this year and in fact will retire at the end of the month.
« Sheriff Baca to retire at end of month | Main | End of the season: light’s out on Christmas Tree Lane after tonight »
from the Altadena Public Library
For the past twelve years, during April the library has celebrated National Poetry Month with a reading and published anthology of poems by local writers. Poets who wish to submit for the 12th edition of Poetry & Cookies should be available to read their poetry on Sunday April 27 at 2 PM.
This year’s event will include prizes for the best poems in the following areas: humor,
« Altadena Sheriff Station offers holiday safety and crime-fighting tips | Main | Crime blotter: burglary-rama »
by Timothy Rutt
Sheriff homicide investigators are en route to the 3900 block of North Fair Oaks Avenue following found human remains at the site.
According to release from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the remains were discovered today, Dec. 11, at about 12:25 PM. The Altadena Sheriff’s Station is not commenting, citing that watch commander is currently (5:45 PM ) on the scene.
UPDATE: The Sheriff’s Department sent the following update at 6:44 PM tonight:
Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau detectives are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the human remains found on Wednesday,
« UPDATE: Human remains found, 3900 block N. Fair Oaks; detectives investigating | Main | Happy Altadena Holiday Weekend! »
Vehicle and residential burglaries and a few controlled substance arrests. Crime blotter provided by the Altadena Sheriff Station.
Sunday, December 1
7:50 PM – Syntyshe LePerry, 21 yrs, of Pasadena and Dejan Anderson, 21 yrs, of Pasadena were arrested for driving a vehicle without owners consent, possession of marijuana for sales, and receiving stolen property.
Between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM (Monday) – A petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 2900 block of Mount Curve Avenue.
« Crime blotter: burglary-rama | Main | Publisher’s notebook: getting your message to Altadenablog readers »
TOO MUCH TO DO this weekend, but it’s all good, as the holidays draw near. Check them out after the jump.
Thurs., Dec. 12
Mark Twain Bellringers: Join the Altadena Library for an evening of Holiday Music with the Mark Twain Bell Ringers from Mark Twain Middle School. Ron Theile, Director. The group has performed five tiems at the London Olympics, so you know they’re good! Light refreshments start at 6 PM,
« Happy Altadena Holiday Weekend! | Main | MonteCedro hosts discussion on transitioning to retirement communities ND »
Dear Altadenablog readers:
This time of year, there are a lot of organizations doing a lot of things that they want people to know about. We’ve been getting about half a dozen announcements a day to be posted.
And we’re happy to do it — but some get in faster than others. How come? Confidentially — we tend to prioritize things that require less work on our part. The less work WE have to do,
« Publisher’s notebook: getting your message to Altadenablog readers | Main | Webster’s Fine Stationers raffling Saigh sisters’ painting this weekend »
from MonteCedro
On Wednesday, December 18, 2013 and Thursday, December 19, 2013, MonteCedro, a planned Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in Altadena, will host nationally recognized senior transition expert Mary McMullin, President of New Life Management & Development in La Canada, to share her insights on the hidden benefits of living in a continuing care retirement community.
The event will be Wed., Dec. 18, at 3:30 PM,
« Webster’s Fine Stationers raffling Saigh sisters’ painting this weekend | Main | Traveling mercies »
by Timothy Rutt
An Eliot Middle School student was airlifted off the school grounds Wednesday afternoon by helicopter and taken to a trauma center.
LA County fire inspector Anthony Akins said that paramedics were dispatched to the school at about 2 PM Wednesday with the report of an unconscious person. Akins said that units on the scene requested an air squad, and a county fire helicopter arrived at about 2:22 AM to transport an injured minor.
« Injured student airlifted from Eliot Middle School Wednesday afternoon | Main | Christmas bells are ringing … »
Jake and Dad are flying to UC Davis Medical Center and back today for some tests, so entries will be light.
« Traveling mercies | Main | Five Acres hosts supporters in holiday open house »
by Timothy Rutt
The Mark Twain Middle School Bell Ringers put on their annual holiday show Thursday night at the Altadena Main Library to an appreciative crowd. Director Ron Theile told the audience that he was retiring as a teacher after this year, but he’ll continue to direct the schools prize-winning bell choir — he wants to get them to the 2016 Olympics in Rio!
« Christmas bells are ringing … | Main | Giving a dam »
Members of the Rose Court In black) flank guests Emily Deschanel and Matthew Lillard, with Five Acres executive director Chanel Boutakidis at cocktail reception Dec. 5.
from Five Acres
Five Acres hosted its annual holiday open house on Thursday, December 5, and the support from the community was abundant with more than 200 supporters and their families in attendance. Special guests included Emily Deschanel (“Bones”) who read The Night Before Christmas to children in attendence,
« Five Acres hosts supporters in holiday open house | Main | Lights on tonight: Christmas Tree Lane fires up in 93rd annual ceremony »
Community correspondent Gary Altadena shares this picture of this morning’s “Hands Across Devil’s Gate Dam” event to protest the sediment removal plan for Hahamongna Watershed.
(Full resolution — about 7.0 megs — is right here).
UPDATE: Just received this statement in the raw from the county Department of Public Works:
STATEMENT ATTRIBUTABLE TO
GAIL FARBER, DIRECTOR OF THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
The County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works,
« Giving a dam | Main | Go Santa, or go home »
by Timothy Rutt
Appropriately for the day, KCET’s website has a history of Christmas Tree Lane. Don’t forget: tonight is the lighting ceremony, which starts at 6 PM at the corner of Santa Rosa and Mariposa.
« Lights on tonight: Christmas Tree Lane fires up in 93rd annual ceremony | Main | Pets of the Week: Mary and Benji »
Just captured this guy among a pack of runners heading south on Altadena Drive. Sometimes we really love living here.
« Go Santa, or go home | Main | Last Town Council meeting of the year Tuesday »
from Supv. Michael D. Antonovich
At the Board of Supervisors meeting, Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich presents “Mary,” an 8-month old Terrier/Chihuahua Mix and “Benji,” a 10-month old Terrier Mix, a couple of the many pets available for adoption now.
For more information about adopting a pet, please call the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control at 562-728-4644.
« Pets of the Week: Mary and Benji | Main | Home for Christmas on Santa Rosa Street »
by Timothy Rutt
The Altadena Town Council’s final meeting of 2013 will be held Tuesday, December 17, at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr., at 7 PM.
The only action item is a conditional use permit for 3085 Ridgeview Drive. There will also be a presentation by the Pasadena Education Foundation about the City/School/Community workplan between the Pasadena Unified School District and the city of Pasadena; and a presentation on the plan to include a performing and visual arts magnet program at Eliot Middle School.
« Last Town Council meeting of the year Tuesday | Main | Altadena Heritage this afternoon at 234 E. Mendocino »
by Timothy Rutt
It was community among the deodars Saturday night, as the 93rd annual Christmas Tree Lane lighting ceremony turned out people from Altadena and beyond to enjoy an old-fashioned holiday tradition. Arts and crafts vendors and food trucks at the Arts and Crafts Fair kept people busy before and after the lighting ceremony. Before the lights went on, there was entertainment and speeches by dignitaries including Congresswoman Judy Chu,
« Home for Christmas on Santa Rosa Street | Main | Altadena’s “Top Cop” narrates an act of heroism »
NOTE: Address corrected!
Just got a call from Michele Zack at Altadena Heritage that this afternoon’s gathering may have been subject to an earlier typo: The annual annual meeting/holiday celebration will be this afternoon, running from 3-6 PM, at 234 E. Mendocino Street.
This is members-only event, but new and lapsed members may join at the door or online at altadenaheritage.com or altadenaheritage.org.
« Altadena Heritage this afternoon at 234 E. Mendocino | Main | Looking back at a busy Altadena weekend »
Thanks to community correspondent and steadfast Altadena Sheriff Station volunteer Deb Halberstadt for unearthing this gem: "Top Cops" was a re-enactment series from 1990-1993, with police officers narrating some of their most dramatic experiences. One of them was then-Sheriff Detective John S. Benedict, now Altadena's Sheriff Captain,
« Altadena’s “Top Cop” narrates an act of heroism | Main | Arroyo Food Co-op proposes to start with “pre-order” model »
by Timothy Rutt
In the lead up to the holidays, there was just a lot going on, and we did our best to cover it all! Some highlights — in pictures and video –after the jump.
1. Snow at St.
« Looking back at a busy Altadena weekend | Main | Missing cat and missing dog »
Members of the Arroyo Co-op Board of Directors explain the prepay preorder proposal to members at the Co-op’s annual meeting December 14.
by Timothy Rutt
The directors of the Arroyo Food Co-op proposed starting the long-birthing community market up as early as next month, using a “prepay pre-order” model leading up to the eventual opening of a store.
The proposal, which will be voted on by the membership,
« Arroyo Food Co-op proposes to start with “pre-order” model | Main | Morning jolt »
Two critters left their home:
Lost cat named “Casper”, orange male tabby, very shy. One year old.
Last seen Thursday night Dec 12, Page Dr., Altadena. Normally doesn’t leave the back yard. Contact Yvonne at
818 421-3994—-
Chloe, our female chihuahua miniature pinscher, went missing Saturday, December 14. It is possible that she escaped through our backyard fence to our neighbor’s on Laun Street.
« Missing cat and missing dog | Main | Meher Montessori visits fire station »
- ESL volunteers needed: Become a caring teacher and mentor to a small group of non-English speaking adults who want to communicate more effectively. Any adult who speaks English fluently and can volunteer 4-10 hours a week is welcome. Training for San Gabriel Valley Literacy Council ESL classes is on Saturdays, January 18 and February 1, from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm. You must attend both sessions to volunteer in a San Gabriel Valley Literacy Council classroom. $25 covers training, lunch,
« Morning jolt | Main | Count down those shopping days in Altadena! »
from Meher Montessory School
The children of Meher Montessori School were given the VIP treatment Monday, Dec. 16, on their walking field trip to the Altadena Fire Station to deliver new, unwrapped toys for their toy drive. The firefighters went above and beyond — not only were the children able to pose for a group photo in front of the fire engine, they were also allowed to pose for individual photos in the driver¹s seat!
The firefighters gave each child a red “Stay low and go”
« Meher Montessori visits fire station | Main | And to all a good light »
Altadena Ale & Wine House is a good site for your holiday frivolity, and they’ve got special plans for a balloon-popping New Year’s Eve (more to come)
Altadena Hardware has the best selection of holiday decorations for inside and outside your house.
« Count down those shopping days in Altadena! | Main | Last Farmer’s Market of the year today, 3-7 PM at Loma Alta Park »
The Balian mansion fired it up tonight. Catch one of the best displays in the nation by the corner of Allen and Mendocino.
« And to all a good light | Main | Toys for Tots drive ending soon at Webster’s Pharmacy »
by Timothy Rutt
The final Altadena Farmers’ Market of 2013 will be held today, from 3-7 PM at Loma Alta Park, 600 W. Palm Street. The market will be closed the following two Wednesdays, Dec. 25 (Christmas) and Jan. 1 (New Year’s Day), but will return at the same time on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014.
Market manager Joseph Shuldiner sent out a reminder:
WIC and Senior Farmers’
« Toys for Tots drive ending soon at Webster’s Pharmacy | Main | Town council denies group home expansion, hears of library director’s death »
by TImothy Rutt
Gallery McGinty, the new gallery of vintage items and contemporary art, will have a holiday grand opening this Friday, Dec. 20, from 6-10 PM.
The opening is also a benefit for the Art AIDS Art Project, an Altadena-based group that educates the public about South African culture and the HIV/AIDS crisis there, as well as stimulating opportunity for South African artist collectives.
« Grand opening and benefit at Gallery McGinty Friday | Main | Crime blotter: multi-agency drug distribution bust made our week »
by Timothy Rutt
The Altadena Town Council turned down a request to expand a group home from six to ten beds Tuesday night in the final council meeting of the year.
An almost-complete council* voted to recommend denying a conditional use permit for the home at 3085 Ridgeview Drive to the county planning commission. The town council land use committee had earlier also recommended denial.
« Town council denies group home expansion, hears of library director’s death | Main | Family sing-along at Altadena Community Church Dec. 22 »
This week’s selection: residential burglaries, 24 Hour Fitness returns, and a couple of big busts Thursday. Crime blotter provided by the Altadena Sheriff Station.
Sunday, December 8
Between 11:25 AM and 5:40 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 100 block of W. Pine Street. Possible suspect described as a male, Hispanic, 20 yrs, 5 ft. 5 ins, wearing a white beanie w/black leaf design,
« Crime blotter: multi-agency drug distribution bust made our week | Main | Altadena Heritage selects board members, will comment on Haha sediment project »
On Sunday, Dec. 22 at 7 PM., gather around the piano at Altadena Community Church (943 E. Altadena Drive) for a holiday sing-along. Kids from one to 92 are welcome. A goodwill offering will benefit the ACTS food pantry, a cooperative ministry of several Altadena congregations.
Then, on Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 7 p.m., “Go, See, and Praise!” with Pastor Joe McGowan,
« Family sing-along at Altadena Community Church Dec. 22 | Main | The Altadena Farmers’ Market named 2013 Business of the Year »
by TImothy Rutt
Altadena Heritage held its annual meeting Dec. 15 to vote on new board members, and decided to submit comments on the county’s environmental impact report for the Hahamongna sediment removal plan.
According to Michele Zack at Altadena Heritage, the organiztion decided by voice vote to submit a comment on the Draft EIR “in the form of some questions the public needs to have answered for before moving forward on any plan.”
« Altadena Heritage selects board members, will comment on Haha sediment project | Main | Altadena Chamber names Mark Goldschmidt Citizen of the Year »
by Timothy Rutt
The Altadena Chamber of Commerce and Civic Association has named the Altadena Farmers’ Market as Business of the Year. In just a short time since the market’s opening in May 2012, the Wednesday market has become the crown jewel in Altadena’s growing reputation as a center for food culture in Los Angeles.
Altadena Farmers’
« The Altadena Farmers’ Market named 2013 Business of the Year | Main | Obituary: Barbara J. Pearson, Altadena Library District Director »
by TImothy Rutt
The Altadena Chamber of Commerce and Civic Association has named a long-time planning and preservation activist as Altadena’s 2013 Citizen of the Year.
Citizen of the Year Mark Goldschmidt, left, presents Altadena Heritage’s Golden Poppy award to guerilla gardener Cody Howard in 2012.
Altadena Heritage Chairman Mark Goldschmidt, a retired landscape architect,
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from Pauli Dutton, Principal Librarian
Altadena Library District
On Saturday, December 14, at 10 PM., Barbara J. Pearson, Director of the Altadena Library District for the previous nine years, passed away. She had been at Pomona Valley Hospital recuperating from pneumonia.
Barbara J. Pearson
While at Altadena Library, Ms. Pearson updated its integrated library system,
« Obituary: Barbara J. Pearson, Altadena Library District Director | Main | Lost dogs: Loca and Scurry »
The Chosen Few outlaw motorcycle club on a run in the 1970’s. Photo: Copyright Elliot Michael Gold, Gold Mustache Photography
by Timothy Rutt
Elliot Michael Gold is mostly known around Altadena as one of the forces behind the Upside Down T Neighborhood Association and the Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations. He recently retired after 33 years as a “teleconferencing guru” with his own business.
« The Chosen Few: Elliot Gold’s new book looks at outlaw bikers, then and now | Main | Michele Zack looks at the longevity of roses »
We have two dogs that left our yard Dec.19 around 2:30 PM. One dog named Loca is an Alaskan Husky mix with a caramel colored coat and white face and legs. She is about 14 years old. The other dog named Scurry is jet black with a black spot in the middle of her tongue and a sore on her back near her tail. We’re not sure what breed of dog she is.
« Lost dogs: Loca and Scurry | Main | Another opening, another show at McGinty’s »
by Timothy Rutt
We seem to spend a lot of time this week keeping up with Michele Zack, and here’s another one: Altadena’s historian tracks down the secret of the longevity of the Tournament of Roses in the newest Pasadena Magazine (and we have a link here).
« Michele Zack looks at the longevity of roses | Main | Pets of the week: Dave and Mark »
Gallery McGinty features many vintage items – including the sign from Ben McGinty’s previous gallery.
by Timothy Rutt
Gallery McGinty held a holiday celebration and grand opening Friday night, Dec. 20, which was also a fundraiser for ArtAIDSArt. It was the scene Friday night, a chance to scope out the latest effort from owner Ben McGinty. More pictures after the jump.
« Another opening, another show at McGinty’s | Main | Good scouts: six from Troop 1 earn highest honors »
from the office of Michael D. Antonovich
At the Board of Supervisors meeting, Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich presents “Dave,” a 1-year old Rat Terrier Mix and “Mark,” a 1-year old Chihuahua Mix, a couple of the many pets available for adoption now.
For more information about adopting a pet, please call the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control at 562-728-4610.
« Pets of the week: Dave and Mark | Main | Search and rescue looking for four missing bikers [UPDATE: Found uninjured] »
Eagle Scouts from Troop 1 at their court of honor: L-R, Jesse Adamczyk, Alan Sun, John Boden, Joe Tang, Justin Budge, and Kyle LaBrecque.
by Timothy Rutt
Making Eagle Scout is a rare achievement: depending on who you ask, only 5-7 percent of scouts make it to that level. Those achievers include Gerald Ford,
« Good scouts: six from Troop 1 earn highest honors | Main | Rhythms of the Village celebrates Pan-African heritage »
by Timothy Rutt
The Altadena Search and Rescue team is still (7:30 AM) looking for four mountain bikers who went missing Sunday night.
According to a press release from the Altadena Sheriff Station, search and rescue was activated at about 7 PM Sunday when the bikers were reported several hours overdue from a bicycle ride from Mt. Wilson to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory turnout on Windsor Avenue.
The four men,
« Search and rescue looking for four missing bikers [UPDATE: Found uninjured] | Main | Sheriff and volunteers making Christmas bright »
Marilyn Chukwurah shows off some of the colorful clothing available at Rhythms of the Village.
by Timothy Rutt
Rhythms of the Village at 2279 N. Lake Avenue represents a labor of love: the Chukwurah family’s love for all aspects of Pan-African culture.
The business offers gifts, clothing, oils, crafts,
« Rhythms of the Village celebrates Pan-African heritage | Main | Obituary: Remembering Sue Redman, Altadena Chronicle editor »
Sheriff volunteers, seated, and members of MPYD get ready to start the Altadena Sheriff Stations’ Toy and Food giveaway Dec. 21 at the Altadena Community Center
by Timothy Rutt
The Altadena Sheriff Station gave away about 280 “care packages” to deserving familes Saturday, Dec. 21, after a successful 2013 toy and food drive.
Families (who filled out forms at schools and the Sheriff Station in order to qualify) received a selection of toys and a box of food to help make the holiday a little brighter.
« Sheriff and volunteers making Christmas bright | Main | Obituary: Judy Wheeler »
by Christopher Nyerges
During the second week of December, I got a message: Sue Redman had died. This came as a great shock. Sue (and her husband Rich) were longtime friends. Sue was 72 years old, but I still had the sense that she would live forever. Here are my thoughts about Sue as I reflected over the years.
« Obituary: Remembering Sue Redman, Altadena Chronicle editor | Main | Help the Bright Futures Scholars in your year-end giving »
Received this note from Steve Lamb, and photo from Camille Dudley:
by Steven S. Lamb
It is my sad and unfortunate duty to inform you that our fellow Altadenan, Judith Payson Wheeler died Dec. 20 at 4:20 a.m.
Judith was descended from a pair of early New England families, the Wheelers and the Paysons. Judith was a third generation Smith College graduate and a housemate of Gloria Steinem.
