Thursday, October 10, 2019

Authorities Prepare for Possible Electrical Outages

The Altadena Sheriff’s Station issued a statement Wednesday night saying deputies were “doing everything we can to be prepared for any emergencies that may arise” during a potential electrical power shutoff by Southern California Edison (SCE) Thursday, October 10, and Friday, October 11.

SCE said that in response to the Santa Ana conditions, it is considering widespread Public Safety Power Shutoffs to reduce risk of wildfires.

“During these events, we will proactively turn off power in high fire risk areas to reduce the threat of wildfires,” an SCE statement said. “Turning off our customers’ power is not something we take lightly, but PSPS events are one of the ways we can better ensure the safety of the public, our customers, and our employees.”

The electrical shutoffs would not affect customers of Pasadena Water and Power.

Altadena Station deputies reminded Altadenans to make sure that their residences are locked and secured as alarm systems may not work during power outages.

Saturday, October 5, 2019

Pickleball is Back at Farnsworth Park

After having been closed for refurbishing since July 15, Farnsworth Park’s courts will open this Monday, October 7 for pickleball from 6 – 9 p.m. with the following weekly schedule:

Evenings: Tuesdays & Saturdays: 9 to noon
Mornings: Tuesdays & Saturdays: 9 to noon
Morning: Thursdays: 9 to noon for DRILLS only

To all beginners, those of you who have wanted to try this “pickleball” thing out, now’s the time. The weather is lovely, the view spectacular (most of the time) and there are newly refurbished courts. Equipment is provided at Farnsworth Park; you provide proper court/tennis shoes. Free lessons for beginners will be offered on Thursday evenings from 6 to 7 and Saturdays from 9 to 10.

Some interesting information about the game:

• No partner required; you play with whoever is at the court;
• No reservation required; just show up on any day on the schedule during the posted times;
• It’s an inter-generational game;

Wednesday, October 2, 2019

Barger Lauds Responsible County Budget Prioritizing Child Services, Public Safety and Mental Health Care

Supervisor Kathryn Barger announced that the Board of Supervisors approved a $36.1 billion final budget that places a strong emphasis on critical issues affecting county residents.

“In addition to a $600 million Rainy Day fund, which will be held in reserves for the next economic downturn, our County CEO has presented a balanced and fiscally-responsible budget that provides needed services to our residents and prioritizes child welfare, public safety and homeless services.

Public safety is a top priority and funding for Sheriff’s Department recruitment will enable more deputies to be on patrol in our communities. To improve protection of children in our care, particularly in the Antelope Valley, we are implementing Continuous Quality Improvement Teams and adding vital resources to improve services in the Palmdale and Lancaster offices of the Department of Children Services. This investment will improve child safety in the Antelope Valley and countywide.

Additionally, we allocated $7.6 million to provide transportation for foster youth who want to remain at their school.

Friday, September 27, 2019

Altadena’s Crime Blotter for the Week of Saturday, September 21st

Sunday, September 15th

1:00 AM – A spousal battery occurred in the 2100 block of N. Hill Avenue. Suspects were taken into custody.
Between 4:00 AM and 5:40 AM – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 2100 block of N. Lincoln Avenue. Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the window. Stolen: black Herschel backpack, green backpack, black cellphone charger and currency.
4:20 PM – A vehicle was reported stolen from the 500 block of W. Palm Street. Vehicle described as a black 2004 Toyota Tacoma. Vehicle was recovered the same day by LASD Altadena.

Monday, September 16th

6:02 PM – An assault with a deadly weapon occurred in the area of Allen Avenue and Oakwood Street. Suspect was taken into custody.

Tuesday, September 17th

Between 10:30 AM and 1:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 400 block of Wapello Street. Suspect(s) entered the residence by cutting the window screen. Stolen: gold ring with ruby,

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Altadena Library District Announces New District Director

The Altadena Library District today announced that its Board of Trustees has appointed Nikki Winslow to District Director, effective November 4, 2019. Winslow succeeds Interim District Director Cindy Cleary, who has led the Altadena Libraries since February 2019.

About the transition, Cleary said, “My work over the past several months has been focused on establishing a more stable foundation for our District, upon which my replacement can build. I am proud of what the Trustees and staff have accomplished during my tenure and feel confident that Ms. Winslow’s breadth of experience makes her the ideal candidate to keep the Altadena Libraries moving forward with positive momentum.”

Ms. Winslow has more than 14 years of experience innovating in library systems. She graduated from University of Nevada, Las Vegas with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science in 2001 and from the University of North Texas with a Master’s of Library and Information Science in 2005. Her most recent post was Assistant Director for the Glendale Library,

Friday, September 20, 2019

Altadena’s Crime Blotter for the Week of Saturday, September 14th

Sunday, September 8th

Between 6:00 AM and 5:00 AM (Monday) – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 2000 block of Summit Avenue. Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the window. Stolen: handicap placard.
8:40 PM – Frances Banuelos, 21 years old of Pasadena was arrested in the area of Lake Avenue and Atchison Street for possession of a controlled substance.

Monday, September 9th

Between 12:00 AM and 10:00 AM – A vehicle vandalism occurred in the 700 block of E. Woodbury Road. Vehicle damage: shattered window.
2:50 PM – An assault with a deadly weapon occurred in the 2500 block of Fair Oaks Avenue. Suspect were taken into custody.
3:39 PM – A commercial vandalism occurred in the 2900 block of El NidoDrive. Suspect was taken into custody.
Between 7:00 PM and 6:00 AM (Tuesday) – A vehicle vandalism occurred in the 600 block of E. Woodbury Road. Vehicle damage: shattered window.

Tuesday, September 10th

Between 2:50 PM and 4:30 PM – A package theft occurred in the 300 block of Mariposa Street.

Monday, September 16, 2019

Local Lawmakers Tout Rent Control, ADU Reforms, School Later Start, and Teacher Raises, in Town Hall Meeting

State Senator Anthony Portantino (D-25) touted his bill to start the California school day a little later, and Fifth District County Supervisor Kathryn Barger pledged to look at more ways to minimize the impact of the Hahamongna “Big Dig” sediment removal project.

Both politicians appeared before a packed auditorium Saturday morning at a joint “Town Hall” meeting at Altadena Elementary Arts Magnet school to discuss a wide variety of subjects ranging from parking to the Dodgers.

Portantino, battling a cold, had just left a long “last day” session of the State Legislature at three a.m. hours before, and boarded a 6:15 am flight to Burbank. But he was also eager to discuss his bill to deal with the 710 Freeway “stub” in Pasadena.

His bill, SB 2, provides a specific provision to allow Pasadena to claim and develop the portion of the freeway near California Boulevard. The bill would also give the City the ability to negotiate with Caltrans the fate of a number of nearby houses and properties,

Monday, September 16, 2019

Altadena Town Council Issues Agenda for September 17, 2019

Okorie Ezieme, Chair, Altadena Town Council has issued the agenda for the Council’s September 17, 2019 meeting to be conducted at the Altadena Community Center, 730 East Altadena Drive, starting at 7:00 p.m.

A pdf version is available by clicking here.

1. CALL TO ORDER

1.1 Pledge of Allegiance _______________________________________ Altadena Foothills 4H Club
Introduction, Victoria Knapp
1.2 Roll Call _________________________________________________ Veronica Jones
1.3 Approve September 17, 2019 meeting Agenda __________________ Pat Sutherlen

2. OFFICERS’ REPORTS

2.1 Chairman _______________________________________________ Billy Malone
2.2 Vice Chairman _________ ___________________________________ Pat Sutherlen
2.3 Recording Secretary _______________________________________ Veronica Jones
2.3.1 Approve August 20, 2019 Meeting Minutes
2.4 Treasurer ________________________________________________ Jennifer Lee
2.5 Corresponding Secretary ___________________________________ Dorothy Wong

3. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS

3.1 California Highway Patrol ___________________________________ Officer Cooper
3.2 Altadena Sheriff’s Station ___________________________________ Captain Marjory Jacobs
3.3 Map Your Neighborhood _____________________________________ Karen Gibson
3.4 CERT _____________________________________________________ Deb Halberstadt

4.

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Improvements Slated for Farnsworth Park

Supervisor Kathryn Barger announced approval for $2,729,000 to fund an improvement project for Farnsworth Park in Altadena.

“Farnsworth Park is an iconic recreational and cultural resource for our residents in Altadena,” Supervisor Barger said. “These improvements will enhance the facility and improve accessibility for community members.”

Pending improvements include the repair and restoration of the historic Davies Recreation Building, the south pergola and comfort station, walkways, ballfield, and fencing.

The nearly 15-acre Farnsworth Park facility is listed as a Historic District in the National Register of Historic Places for its original development and architectural significance of its work relief programs during the Great Depression.

“We strive to provide recreational access to all who visit L.A. County Parks,” said John Wicker, Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation. “Thanks to the commitment of Supervisor Kathryn Barger, the improvements on Farnsworth Park will bring residents of Altadena together for leisure and enjoyment while restoring the historical aspects.”

The project is currently in the design phase and the park will remain operational during construction.

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Board Approves Barger’s Initiative to Examine Treatment Intervention for Homeless with Mental Illness

The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion by Supervisors Kathryn Barger and Mark Ridley-Thomas directing the Department of Mental Health to work with County Counsel and other departments to explore the county’s ability to provide treatment to homeless individuals with a serious mental illness.

“Los Angeles County is facing a deepening and dynamic homelessness crisis that endangers the health and well-being of many of its residents,” Supervisor Kathryn Barger said. “One of the most difficult challenges we face in combatting homelessness is assisting those on our streets living with a serious mental illness. We must exhaust every option to provide life-saving treatment to this vulnerable population.”

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 30 percent of those experiencing chronic homelessness in the United States have a mental illness. Data compiled by the Stanford Justice Advocacy Project from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation shows that more than 30 percent of California’s prisoners currently receive treatment for a serious mental disorder,