Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Pasadena Waldorf School Hosts Class of 2019 Eighth Grade Promotion Ceremony

On Saturday, June 6, in the shadows of the majestic deodar trees and historic Scripps Hall, Pasadena Waldorf School honored the 17 students in the Class of 2019 at the Eighth Grade Promotion Ceremony.

Eighth grade teacher Aleide Murray, who has been the class teacher since the students were in the first grade, hosted the event.

The ceremony featured speeches by Mrs. Murray, and parents Jeffrey Bernstein and Roxanne Spear. Also part of the program were speeches by eighth grade class president Celia Rose Deming-Bernstein and class member Matthew Puls. Celia and Matthew took the audience on a touching and humorous look back at some of the memorable moments the class has experienced since many of them were together in kindergarten.

The class also performed instrumental and chorale musical numbers.

The day after their promotion, the entire class boarded a plane bound for Oregon for their class trip to Ashland, OR. For over a year, the class has been fundraising for the annual eighth grade trip.

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

National Congress of Black Women Hosts Anti-Human Trafficking Awareness Event for Youth

On Sunday, May 31, 2015, at Loma Alta Park in Altadena, the National Congress of Black Women, Inc., San Gabriel Valley Youth Chapter, took the lead by hosting an Anti-Human Trafficking awareness event featuring Rachel Thomas of Sowers Education Group and Angelic Gomez, both human trafficking survivors.

It is estimated that each year, hundreds of thousands of persons are forced into slavery, but
the numbers are not exact as many victims go unreported and many survivors fail to report the crime out of fear of retaliation or shame. As human trafficking continues to affect our communities at a growing rate, education awareness is the key to prevention.

The event was well attended by parents, youth members of private and public schools within Pasadena/Altadena and the surrounding areas. The youth are committing to bring awareness
to this critical issue by sharing their education awareness with their friends, families and communities for the safety of all.

For further information, email info@ncbwinclac.org

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Altadena Free School to Hold Open House Saturday, June 27

Parents who are interested in learning more about the Altadena Free School are encourage to see for themselves what kind of learning environment awaits children during the school’s first Open House at its new home – the Children’s Country House on 2821 Santa Rosa Avenue.

The school recently signed a new lease on the building, which is just one block away from the originally planned campus. Altadena Free School will be using the upper floor as well as the south side of the exterior which includes a garden, where children could play with the goats, ducks, and a pony named Starbright.

The Open House will be on June 27, a Saturday, starting at 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. It will also be the last Open House before school starts on September 8th.

The Altadena Free School, the first of its kind in the San Gabriel Valley, uses the model of successful democratic schools or alternative schools where every student “is free to pursue his or her own interests at any time,

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Pasadena Unified Announces 11 Have Applied for Vacant Board of Education District 3 Seat

Eleven applicants have submitted paperwork to fill the vacancy of the District 3 Board of Education seat created by the resignation of Board Member Tyron Hampton after his election to the Pasadena City Council.

Pasadena Unified spokesman Adam Wolfson released the list this morning:

1. Debra Sylvester, retired PUSD security guard
2. Samuel Estrada, retired Deputy Sheriff, Altadena Sheriff’s Office
3. Ivan Elder, retiree
4. Carol Potter, retired PUSD teacher
5. Andrew Vasicek, Attorney, State Bar of California
6. Stephen Acker, Deputy Director, LA County Workforce Investment Board
7. Michelle Bailey, PUSD Secretary
8. Ruben Hueso, LAUSD Teacher
9. Keith Russell, CalTech Graduate Research Assistant, former Muir teacher
10. Guillermo Arce, Human Services Administrator, LA County
11. Adrienne Mullen, Ed.D., Dean, LA Community College District

The District has not verified the qualifications of any of the applicants as of yet. Each must be registered to vote in and reside within the boundaries of the PUSD Board of Education District 3.

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Gamma Zeta Boule Foundation Presents Scholarships at the LAMP Mentor Program Luncheon

The Gamma Zeta Boulé Foundation (GZBF) hosted its annual LAMP Mentor Program luncheon on May 31 at the Altadena Town and Country Club, honoring the LAMP Mentor Class of 2015 before a packed house of some 260 family members, friends and supporters.

The Honorable Chris Holden, California State Assemblymember, 41st District, the keynote speaker, gave an inspiring presentation on the importance of mentoring youth in order to attain future success. He also shared stories about influential leaders who mentored him on his path to high achievement.

Actor, producer and director Wren T. Brown, noted for his appearances in such films and television shows as “Waiting to Exhale,” “Under Siege 2: Dark Territory” “Everybody Hates Chris,” and “Grey’s Anatomy,” hosted the event.

Richard Allen Williams, MD, received the Leadership Award for his achievement as a compassionate humanitarian and outstanding physician. Dr. Williams is also the founder of the Minority Health Institute and the 2014 recipient of the American Heart Association’s Lifesaver Award.

The Honorable Judy Chu,

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Gallery: Golden Poppy Awards Presented by Altadena Heritage

About 110 people attended the 11th annual Golden Poppy Awards and Garden Celebration on the Old California style grounds of Ed Ellis’s home by Millard Canyon. Altadena Heritage served a groaning board of sandwiches, snacks, curry, and desserts. Mark Jilg of Craftsman Brewing Company graciously sponsored and poured his famous handcrafted Poppyfields Ale. Board member Gail Casburn presided over a selection of delicious French wines from her Altadena Wine and Ale House.

Bill Ellinger gave a brief talk on the history of Mr. Ellis’s property, Casa Roca, built in 1905 by bicycle visionary Horace Dobbins, and visited by famous aviatrix Pancho Barnes, a family member of his.

Chair Michele Zack presented the Golden Poppy Awards. Three of this year’s four recipients were present and briefly described their gardens to the crowd: Megan Bergkessel and Phil Esra; Jeri Huston and Mark Rizuto and Denise Rae Johnson. Kevin Otuska was not present to receive his bronze Golden Poppy plaque, which winners keep in their gardens for two years before circulating on to new winners.

Monday, June 8, 2015

Emergency Crews Rescue Four-Legged Heat Stroke Victim in Eaton Canyon

Monday at 1:00 pm, a call came into the Altadena Sheriff’s Station for a dog that had collapsed from possible heat stroke.

The hiker, a 20-year-old female from Downey, Calif. was hiking in the Eaton Canyon Nature Center with her dog, when the dog appeared lethargic and stopped walking. The hiker called for help.

Along with Pasadena Fire Department, the Los Angeles County Fire Department, and Altadena Search and Rescue Team responded to Eaton Canyon. Fire Captain Joe Grayston of L.A. County Fire Engine 66 was able to telephone the hiker and direct rescue crews into the location of the injured dog.

The Altadena Mountain Rescue Team was able to drive up the dirt hiking trail and reach the hiker and her dog. The first arriving rescue crew saw “Tyson.” a 4 year old Boxer dog unable to sit up and quickly panting.

An attempt was made to give the overheated dog water, but sadly Tyson threw up every time water was given.

Monday, June 8, 2015

Altadena Town Council Issues Agenda for June 16 Meeting

Diane Marcussen, Chair, Altadena Town Council today issued the agenda for the Council’s June 16, 2015 meeting to be conducted at the Altadena Community Center, 730 East Altadena Drive, starting at 7 p.m.

The agenda appears below or as a pdf here.
1. CALL TO ORDER
1.1. Pledge of Allegiance ____________________ Councilmember
1.2. Roll Call _____________________________ Recording Secretary, Damon Hobdy
1.3. Approve June 16, 2015 meeting Agenda
2. OFFICERS’ REPORTS
2.1. Chairman ____________________________ Diane Marcussen
2.2. Vice Chairman ________________________ Okorie Ezieme
2.3. Recording Secretary ____________________ Damon Hobdy
2.3.1 Approve May 19, 2015 Meeting Minutes
2.4. Treasurer ____________________________ Amy Cienfuegos
2.5. Corresponding Secretary ________________ Billy Malone
3. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS
3.1. California Highway Patrol _______________ Officer Cooper
3.2. Altadena Sheriff’s Station _______________ Lt. Robert Lewis
3.3. Cert ________________________________
3.4. County Fire ___________________________ Stephanie English
4. SPECIAL PRESENTATION
4.1. New Yard Sale Ordinance ________________ Jonathan Bell,

Monday, June 8, 2015

Leo! Hilda! Lori! Bethany! Here are Our Pets of the Week

This week, we introduce you to four pets up for adoption now at the Pasadena Humane Society. See a friendly face you want to bring home? Call (626) 792-7151 with the ID number.

A375970 – Leo is a two-year-old, male, black and white Pit Bull Terrier and Rottweiler mix. He is a sweet and affectionate fellow! Leo knows his sit, down and stay commands. He earned his Blue Ribbon from behavior staff, which reduces the adoption fee to $100. Leo has already been neutered which means he is able to go to his new forever home today!

A378438 – Hilda is an eight-year-old, female, black domestic longhaired cat. She is affectionate, but shy. Hilda enjoys attention, but would be best suited to a quiet home where she can have time to herself when she needs it. Hilda qualifies for the Seniors for Seniors program which waives the adoption fee for adopters age 60 and up.

Monday, June 8, 2015

Rain, Thunderstorms Could Make for Hot, Muggy Tuesday

The remants of Tropical Storm Blanca will sweep through the Altadena area Tuesday and bring with it the unusual possibility of rain and thunderstorms during a warm day predicted to top out at 87 degrees.

A Special Weather Statement issued for the Los Angeles County says by the National Weather Service says a low-pressure system currently developing over the eastern Pacific Ocean will pass over the area on Tuesday, and bring the threat of precipitation through Tuesday night.

The Service says there is a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms Tuesday. The day will be mostly cloudy.

Tuesday night the chance of showers and thunderstorms drops to 20 percent before 11 p.m. The evening will be partly cloudy, with a low around 64.

Initial estimates of the possible rainfall for most areas to receive between 0.10 and 0.50 inches with locally higher amounts possible with any thunderstorm development. Ventura and Los Angeles counties will likely receive the highest totals.