Monday, November 23, 2015

The History of Our Favorite Drink

Friday evening at the Altadena Library, Stuart Byles, author of Los Angeles Wine: A History from the Mission Era to the Present (American Palate), gave a lecture on the wine history of Los Angeles.

Byles explained that for most of the 19th century “California wine meant Los Angeles wine.”

“In 1850, when California became a state,” said Byles, “there were perhaps maybe six to eight vineyards, or wineries, in the whole bay area. In Los Angeles, there were over 100.”

He brought out copies of his book for signing and purchasing and after the lecture guests who had signed up for the event were able to partake in a wine tasting.

“I’m looking forward to reading Mr. Byles’ book,” said Emily Stevenson, holding an autographed copy. Stevenson said the lecture was very interesting and she did not know that prohibition had closed down most wineries in Los Angeles.

For those who missed the event, Byles’ book is available for purchase from Amazon.

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Nathan and Jessie Bring Back the Folk ‘N Swing

Nathan & Jessie, the gypsy, bluesy, jazzy, folky, California duo are dusting their boots off from their Mexico tour and making their way to Altadena for a performance at The Coffee Gallery Backstage accompanied by local music group The Honolulu Ave. Strummers, on Thursday, December 10, 7:00 p.m. Tickets at $10.

Nathan Rivera and Jessie Andra Smith, winners of Best Blues and Best Country of Temecula Valley 2014, are a fusion of jazzy folk and blues on two National Reso-Phonic guitars and accordion, with dynamic interplay between female and male vocals. Their trilingual performances are uplifting, fun, and with a message for people of all ages and cultures.

With honest songs of love, life, travel and stories to match, Nathan and Jessie’s upcoming performance at beloved music venue, The Coffee Gallery Backstage, guarantees to be an unforgettable night of music.

For more information, contact Jessie Smith at jessieandra@gmail.com or visit www.nathanandjessie.com.

The Coffee Gallery Backstage,

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Altadena Station’s Crime Blotter for the Week of November 14, 2015

Sunday, November 8th

5:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 800 block of E. Sacramento Street. Suspect(s) entered the residence by prying the garage door. Stolen: ladders, yellow Dewalt drills, paint buckets.

Monday, November 9th

11:15 AM – A package theft occurred in the 1000 block of Marcheta Street. Stolen: package containing cat food, ant spray, face cream.
6:04 PM – A package theft occurred in the 2000 block of Pepper Drive. Stolen: package containing clothing.
7:40 PM – Hiram Cormier, 38 years old of Pasadena was arrested at Walmart, 2408 Lincoln Avenue for possession of a controlled substance and shoplifting.
10:00 PM – A petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred in the 1700 block of Coolidge Avenue. Stolen: GMC key fob.

Tuesday, November 10th

5:00 PM – A boat was reported stolen from the 2400 block of N. Lincoln Avenue. Stolen: 1999 Bayliner Mercury Cruiser.
11:00 PM – Elizabeth Kamau,

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Soroptimist Club Hosts Monte Carlo Night

A bit of Las Vegas came to Pasadena the evening of Friday, Nov. 13th, as the Altadena-Pasadena branch of Soroptimist International hosted its second annual Monte Carlo Night at the Women’s City Club.

Attendees enjoyed playing casino games—such as Roulette, Blackjack and Craps—for the chance to win raffle tickets. They also ate delicious food, served buffet style, including some delicious mushroom cornmeal canapés. Raffle items included dinner for two at a variety of local restaurants, retail gift certificates, and other treasures. Attendees bid for silent auction items that included Rose Parade tickets, Disneyland admission, tickets to the Pasadena Playhouse, fashionable handbags, and tickets to the Distinguished Speaker Series. A Wine Toss afforded the opportunity to win fine wines.

All in all, the Soroptimist Monte Carlo night was a great success and fun for all who attended. Club Co-President Margie Mason thanked the Monte Carlo Night Steering Committee, and remarked, “A special thanks goes to Jane Kolb who spearheaded the whole event from start to finish.” Co-President Phyllis Howard said to the members and guests,

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Altadena Town Council Expected to be Asked to Sign on to NBBA’s “Historic Corner: Historic Choices” White Paper

Altadena School and Civic Organizations Seek Town Council Participation in Effort to Improve Lake Avenue/Calaveras Building Plans

Neighbors Building a Better Altadena, together with Altadena Chamber of Commerce, Altadena Heritage, Altadena Historical Society, Eliot Arts Magnet’s PTA, School Site Council, and Principal said yesterday they will ask the Altadena Town Council to join them in signing a White Paper, “Historic Corner : Historic Choices,” that encourages a “better design for the building slated for construction on the northeast corner of Lake Avenue and Calaveras Street.”

Read the white paper here: LakeCalaverasWhitePaper v4.9

The construction site is located at the historic gateway to Altadena called Altadena Junction and is situated directly north of Eliot Arts Magnet Middle School, designed by the renowned architects Sylvanus Marston and Edgar Maybury during the Depression era.

The signatories of the document are concerned that the Charles Company drawings have not been responsive to the community and are out of alignment with community visioning documents,

Monday, November 16, 2015

Four Rose Queens Meet and Greet Public, Inaugurate Altadena Exhibit

The 2016 Rose Queen Erika Karen Winter and her court of six princesses will meet the public and inaugurate a new exhibit showcasing Altadena’s colorful history in the Rose Parade, at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6 at the Altadena Historical Society.

The Historical Society is at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Drive, 91001. The event is free and open to everyone.

Also present will be Madison Triplett, the 2015 Queen; Ana Marie Acosta, 2014 Queen; and Kristina Smith, 1985 Queen, all from Altadena, and several current and former Princesses from Altadena.

“The queens and princesses will form a receiving line after the 3 p.m. program, for photos and congratulations from the public,” said AHS President Jane Brackman.

The exhibit, “Altadena in the Rose Parade,” will be open from 2 to 5 p.m. It features numerous vintage photos and articles about Altadenans’ key role in evolving the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl football game into international fame.

Monday, November 16, 2015

Webster’s Community Pharmacy Welcomes the Holidays at its 5th Annual Holiday Open House

Webster’s Community Pharmacy announced today that it will be hosting its 5th Annual Holiday Open House on Saturday, November 21, 2015 from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m.

In honor of the upcoming Holidays on Saturday, November 21, Webster’s Community Pharmacy will offer a special promotion for its customers. Customers who make a gift purchase will receive a 20% discount on their entire purchase, special presents and complimentary gift wrapping. All guests in attendance will be eligible to enter a drawing to win Holiday gift baskets. As an added bonus, our guests will have the chance to meet Michael Barnes, Webster’s design and display expert, to learn some special Holiday design tips and tricks. Savory snacks and holiday cheer will be served. The event is open to everyone!

“From the elegant “Frosted Sparkle” tree filled with crystal, shimmering and glistening ornaments and garlands, to the more traditional jewel tone and gold “Oh Holy Night Nativity” tree that is decorated with traditional symbols of Christmas – crosses,

Monday, November 16, 2015

Meredith M to Host 2nd Annual Holiday Open House

Meredith M announced today that it will be hosting its 2nd Annual Holiday Open House next Saturday, November 21, 2014 from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m.

On Saturday, November 21, Meredith M will offer special promotions for its customers. Customers who make a purchase will receive a 20% discount on their entire purchase, special presents and free gift wrapping. As an added bonus, our guests will have the chance to preview Holiday 2015 Fashions. Desserts and holiday cheer will be served. The event is open to everyone!

“We are delighted to offer our customers a collection of Holiday party attire that is trend-friendly, versatile and affordable. Many of the designs in our Holiday 2015 Collection are the perfect complement to accessories already found in one’s closet such as a strappy sandal or a great pair of boots and can easily be worn as part of an outfit that seamlessly transitions from day to evening. With only a few minor adjustments such as the addition of a sparkly sweater,

Sunday, November 15, 2015

State of the Mulch

“If we haven’t already converted our lawns, we will soon, so we need to get new plants started. We understand that el Nino will bring heavy rains, so we need ways to capture that water. But soil experts explain that the drought has actually made flooding more likely by diminishing the soil’s capacity to soak up moisture.”

Whether Nature sends too little or too much rain, it also provides trees to help. Placing chipped tree-wood mulch on soil enable heavy rain to land on many surfaces, which breaks its velocity and allows the rain to stay and soak in instead of racing off to the ocean. It provides water for trees long after the rainy day and some reaches the aquifer to be pumped out and purified for the drinking water no longer available to import.

So how to get enough of this versatile mulch to cover all bare soil? Pasadena provides some free mulch and can learn from other cities ways to provide more.

Friday, November 13, 2015

Altadena Students Meet Several Sheriff’s Dogs for “Hero’s” Week

Today Altadena Sheriff’s LASD partners got an opportunity to visit the Sahag-Mesrob Armenian Christian School in Altadena. The school is celebrating “Hero’s” week. The students got to meet canine Tula, and Narky, L.A. County Sheriff’s Transit Services Bureau explosives and narcotics detecting dogs. A member of the Sheriff’s elite Special Enforcement Bureau brought an apprehension dog. The students learned how the department members team up with dog partners and work together to keep the public safe.