A few things that have come through the virtual transom:

• Hathaway-Sycamores held a fundraiser evening Sept. 30, awarding its first two “Celebrating Children” awards to the Southern California Gas Co. and Pasadena residents Annette and Michael Madden. The Gas Co. has a 25 year tradition of cooking a pancake breakfast and purchasing presents for youngsters in residential treatment at its Altadena campus.  The Sempra Employee Giving Network and Sempra Energy Foundation have made numerous improvements to the campus, and helped fund a computer lab at its resource center in Highland Park.  The Maddens have been involved in Hathaway-Sycamores for many years, including board service and fundraisers.  The awards event raised over $60,000 for mental health and other support services that Hathaway-Sycamores provides for children and families in urgent need.
• The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is to vote Tuesday to approve the development of a dog park in Crescenta Valley, the first one of its kind in the county system.  The 1.5 acre dog park will be located in the northwest section of the Crescenta Valley Park and will feature separate areas and entrances for small and large dogs, as well as water faucets and “hose-off” areas (we have a dog, we can only imagine!)
• The Theodore Payne Foundation in Sun Valley will start its annual Fall Festival and Plant Sale today and going through Oct. 16.  Discounts to members only today and tomorrow, and discounts for everyone on  Oct. 15-16.  The Foundation is also offering classes on native plant maintenance, design, Chumash healing plants, and more.  Check it out at http://www.theodorepayne.org/