Saturday, August 15, 2015

Altadena Town Council Issues Agenda for August 18, 2015

Diane Marcussen, Chair, Altadena Town Council has issued the agenda for the Council’s August 18, 2015 meeting to be conducted at the Altadena Community Center, 730 East Altadena Drive, starting at 7 p.m.

A pdf version is available by clicking here.

1. CALL TO ORDER

1.1. Pledge of Allegiance____________________ Councilmember

1.2. Roll Call _____________________________ Recording Secretary, Damon Hobdy

1.3. Approve August 18, 2015 meeting Agenda

2. OFFICERS’ REPORTS

2.1. Chairman ____________________________ Diane Marcussen

2.2. Vice Chairman ________________________ Okorie Ezieme

2.3. Recording Secretary____________________ Damon Hobdy

2.4. Treasurer ____________________________ Patricia Sutherlen

2.5. Corresponding Secretary ________________ Billy Malone

3. SWEARING IN OF NEW COUNCILMEMBERS ________ Diane Marcussen

4. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS

4.1. California Highway Patrol _______________ Officer Cooper

4.2. Altadena Sheriff’s Station _______________ Lt. Phil Marquez

4.3. Cert ________________________________

4.4. County Fire___________________________ Stephanie English

5.

Friday, August 14, 2015

Muir Grads Grateful for McDonald’s Men’s Group Scholarships

Passing the hat for Muir High School graduates who have overcome obstacles is an annual tradition for an informal group of retirees who meet daily at the McDonald’s on Lincoln Avenue (at Woodbury) in Altadena.

By chipping in together and hitting up a few friends (including recently elected District 1 City Councilmember Tyron Hampton), the McDonald’s Men’s Group raised $2,400 which was divvied up into $300 scholarships for eight college-bound young men from Muir’s Class of 2015.

“This is our way of showing these young men that we’re proud of them and that we support them as they move ahead into the future,” stated group member Ernest Johnson. Another of the McDonald’s Men, Keenan Selico, added, “Our goal is to help these young men realize the importance of graduating high school and going on to college so that they can make their mark on the world.”

Summing up the effort, William Bradley stated, “This is about ordinary men stepping up to support and inspire the youth.”

The 2015 recipients of the McDonald’s Men’s Group scholarships are: Dorrell Caldwell,

Thursday, August 13, 2015

Antonovich Says He Will Run for Liu’s Senate Seat

Los Angeles County Mayor Michael D. Antonovich, whose district includes Pasadena, said at a gathering last weekend that he is running for the California state Senate in 2016.

The 75-year-old Republican, who will be forced out from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors by term limits next year, said as much during the La Crescenta Valley Republican Women Federated picnic at the Two Strike Park in La Crescenta on Saturday, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Antonovich has said he was eyeing the seat now held by Carol Liu (D-La Cañada), who will also be termed out in 2016.

The Times reported Natalie Blanning, managing partner with the political consulting firm Gilliard Blanning & Associates, as saying Antonovich hired her firm a few weeks ago and has been interviewing fundraisers and other potential campaign staff.

Blanning also said Antonovich is in the process of opening a candidate committee.

Antonovich’s supervisorial district includes Pasadena, Burbank and Glendale.

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Free, Noncredit Courses: PCCs Best-Kept Secret

Two years ago, when the Rose Bowl Stadium was nearing the tail end of a $182 million makeover, Leah Whetstone witnessed the large-scale construction firsthand, affording the local resident a newfound perspective that would change the course of her life.

“The construction trucks rolled in and out and all of the rebar was being put up,” Whetstone said. “I saw all that activity and I said to myself, ‘I want to be a part of that.’ ”

At the time, Whetstone was working part-time as a flagger, directing traffic to and from the worksite. But watching all the construction activity from afar made her realize that she wanted more of a challenge.

“I wanted a career where I could grow and challenge myself,” she said. “So I looked into the construction industry.”

Finding a regional school that offered a formal construction program wasn’t too difficult. But as a grandmother of two with a part-time job, finding courses that would fit into her busy schedule complicated the search.

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Altadena Station’s Crime Blotter for the week of August 2, 2015

(Sunday) August 2, 2015

9:00 AM – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 4000 block of Chaney Trail.  Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the front driver side window.  Property Stolen:  black wallet, credit cards, currency.

5:40 PM – An assault with a deadly weapon occurred in the 2500 block of N. El Molino Avenue.  Suspect Ovik Kagramyan, 56 years old of Altadena, was arrested for punching and attempting to stab the victim.  Involved parties know each other as they both live at the residence, which is a board and care facility.

(Monday) August 3, 2015

3:13 PM –  David Hardy, 20 years old of San Gabriel, Devin Leagons, 18 years old of Pasadena, and Robert Leagons, 18 years old of Altadena were arrested for residential burglary in the 1100 block of E. Calaveras Street.  Suspects entered the residence by removing the window screens.  No items were stolen.

8:40 PM – A vehicle burglary occurred at 24 Hr. Fitness, 2180 N.

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Board Of Supervisors Approves Diversion And Jail Plan

The Board of Supervisors approved a joint motion on jail diversion by Supervisors Mark Ridley-Thomas and Sheila Kuehl, with amendments by Supervisors Michael D. Antonovich and Hilda Solis.

“Resuming the work on the jail plan, coupled with new strategies on diversion, is a step in the right direction and avoids further delays in much needed improvements to the existing jail conditions as well as treatment services for inmates with medical, mental health and drug addiction problems,” said Mayor Antonovich.

Supervisor Sheila Kuehl moved to approve Antonovich’s motion regarding the jail plan by amending the number of beds at Consolidated Correctional Treatment Facility (CCTF) from 4,600 to 3,885 which was approved by Supervisors Antonovich and Mark Ridley-Thomas but opposed by Supervisor Don Knabe with Supervisor Hilda Solis abstaining.

Additional amendments to the diversion motion were also offered by Mayor Antonovich and Supervisor Solis and approved by the Board.  Mayor Antonovich’s amendment required that development and expansion of treatment services and housing capacity in the community include robust outreach and input from those residing in the surrounding neighborhoods directly affected. 

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Board Of Supervisors Approves Integrated Health Services Plan To Improve Access To Care

The Board of Supervisors approved a motion by Mayor Michael D. Antonovich establishing a coordinated health agency to integrate the operations of the Departments of Health Services, Mental Health, and Public Health to improve access to care and streamline operations.

“The action of the board today addresses serious concerns expressed by doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals regarding their ability to provide seamless care to county residents. This vital step expands access to care and saves taxpayer dollars through enhanced efficiency in the county’s $7 billion healthcare system,” said Mayor Antonovich.

The motion also directed the Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to convene an Integration Advisory Board (IAB) made up of a broad cross section of stakeholders including the public health, hospital, alcohol and drug, and HIV commissions as well as consumers and organized labor unions.

“This will provide independent oversight of the performance and effectiveness of the newly formed Health Services Agency,” Antonovich added.

###

Tony Bell

Assistant Chief Deputy

Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D.

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Free concert: The Kings of 88 at Farnsworth Park

Sheriff’s Support Group of Altadena presents Concerts in the Park.  The Kings of 88 will be performing Saturday August 15, 2015 at 7:00pm.  Join us for the FREE concert at Farnsworth Park, located at 586 Mount Curve Ave., Altadena 91001.

The Kings of 88

88 keys on the piano, 4 top pros from the LA music scene, on 1 stage having a rocking good time! That’s The Kings of 88. Presenting a fun-filled tribute to the legends of piano-rock including Elton John (“Take Me To The Pilot,” “Honky Cat”), Billy Joel (“My Life,” “Big Shot”), Billy Preston (“Nothing From Nothing”), Little Richard (“Keep a Knockin’”), Leon Russell (“Tightrope”), Stevie Wonder (“Living’ For The City”), Bruce Hornsby (“The Way It Is”), Coldplay (“Clocks”), Jerry Lee Lewis (“Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On”), and more.

Made up of an all-star cast of Los Angeles musicians, “The Kings” have carefully crafted a powerful set of music paying homage to piano-rock’s most iconic artists.

Monday, August 10, 2015

Altadena Station’s Crime Blotter for the Week of July 26, 2015

Sunday, July 26th

9:00 AM – A grand theft from an unlocked vehicle, vehicle burglary and vandalism occurred in the 3400 block of Glenrose Avenue. The victim’s vehicles were vandalized with paint and were broken into. Property Stolen: vehicle batteries, vehicle radios, black Canon camera, MacBook laptop, gray tool box, brown dashboard panel. 5:50 PM – A shoplifting incident occurred at Baja Ranch Super Market, 2515 N. Fair Oaks Avenue. Suspect described as a male, Hispanic, bald, with numerous tattoos. The suspect was seen entering a dark colored Dodge. Property Stolen: (1) 30-pack of beer. Monday, July 27th No significant incidents to report. Tuesday, July 28th 3:21 PM – A mutual battery (roommates) incident occurred in the 90 block of W. Mendocino Street. 5:00 PM – A burglary from a garage and petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 1800 block of Coolidge Avenue. Suspect(s) entered location via the unsecured doors. Property Stolen: credit cards, currency. 11:13 PM – Marquise Clipper, 25 years old of Pasadena,

Friday, August 7, 2015

McDonald’s Disturbance Leads to Fight With Deputies

The Altadena Sheriff’s Station responded Thursday night to a disturbance reported at a McDonald’s store listed at 2157 Lincoln Ave, Altadena and arrested a 25-year-old female for misdemeanor.

Sheriff’s Deputy Dan Paige said staff at the McDonald’s called the sheriff’s station at least twice as the suspect, who came with other persons, was arguing loudly with the counter staff. The cause of the argument was not mentioned. Eventually, the argument led to a scuffle.

“There was a call for service. They were women, at least two of them. It was a disturbance that spilled out into the street,” Paige said. “When the deputies went to go and contact them, a fight ensued. The person was booked on battery of a police officer and they were taken to the hospital for medical clearance before they were booked.”

Paige said when deputies responded and arrived at the scene, the 25-year-old black woman continued shouting and yelling. The cause of the argument has not been determined.