Friday, June 19, 2015

Don’t Miss This Party on Saturday

The Father’s Day weekend will be an exceedingly festive one on Lake Avenue in Altadena where a new urban-chic mixed-use project opens to the public with a splashy party featuring free food and cocktails and shopping pop-up boutiques.

“Living Large at Millard Place” launches with a public open house on Father’s Day (Sunday, June 21) showcasing 12 condo units and one modern single-family home that offer sweeping views of the San Gabriel Mountains.

For Altadena Now readers, preferred clients and invited guests, there’s a VIP “preview day” from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Stop by to see what’s happening — food will be served, and cocktails are on the house at this grand open house.

 

The development is another indication of Altadena’s rising reputation in real estate circles as a great place to live with a wonderful quality of living.

The project is named in tribute to Henry W. Millard, who homesteaded in the mouth of a popular nearby canyon (know today as Millard Canyon) with his family in 1862.

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Thursday, June 18, 2015

Fourth of July at Pasadena Senior Center

Images of amber waves of grain and purple mountain majesties will be on everyone’s minds Saturday, July 4, at noon when the Pasadena Senior Center presents the annual Fourth of July luncheon and dance.

The Scott Pavilion at the center, at 85 E. Holly St., will be adorned with patriotic red, white and blue décor as everyone celebrates America’s independence with finger-licking ribs and chicken, salads, sides and dessert.

The Great American Swing Band will provide music for listening and dancing to complement this celebration of our nation’s independence.

The cost is only $8 for members and $10 for non-members of all ages. Prepaid reservations are due at the Welcome Desk by July 1.

For more information visit www.pasadenaseniorcenter.org or call (626) 795-4331.

Founded in 1959, the Pasadena Senior Center is an independent, nonprofit organization that offers recreational, educational, wellness and social services to people ages 50 and over in a friendly environment.

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Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Altadena Station’s Crime Blotter for the Week of June 7, 2015

The following information was provided by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department:

As the 4th of July holiday quickly approaches and celebrations are sure to be had, this is a friendly reminder that ALL fireworks and pyrotechnics are illegal to use within the unincorporated area of Altadena.  Deputies will be out in force for the entire holiday weekend and strictly enforcing fireworks ordinances in Altadena.

 

Sunday, June 7th

12:05 PM – An indecent exposure incident occurred in the area of Figueroa Drive and Lincoln Avenue.  The victim was walking when she heard a male yelling from his vehicle.  The suspect asked the victim for money.  When the victim handed the suspect a dollar, the victim noticed the suspect’s exposed genitalia.  Suspect described as a male, White or Armenian, 70 years old, gray hair, driving a gray 2004 Saturn 4-door.  On-going investigation.

 

Monday, June 8th

No significant incidents to report.

 

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Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Altadena Chamber of Commerce Serves Up a “Power Breakfast”

The Altadena Chamber of Commerce served up a power breakfast Tuesday morning at the Altadena Town and Country Club with a side helping of Social Media.

It wasn’t enough to fill up on coffee, danish, rolls, bagels and fruit. Oh no, we were served a generous helping of Social Media as well. Who would have thought going to breakfast would mean facebook, twitter, Instagram, pinterest, linkedin, snapchat and google would also be on the menu. It was and enjoyed by all in attendance. Bon appetit!

The panelists for the Social Media presentation were Aubin Wilson of Aubin E. Wilson & Associates and Hugo Arteaga of Hugo Arteaga Graphic Design. And were they ever on point. It was billed as a beginner’s class. Aubin and Hugo delivered a simplistic, easy to understand outline of what Social Media is all about and the importance of it to your business. They outlined the top Social Media sites/applications that are good for your business and have the greatest reach.

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Wednesday, June 17, 2015

In Memorium: Frances Dyer

Frances Dyer, who helped found Altadena Neighbors, a group dedicated to welcoming minority families to Altadena, and who was active in the NAACP to promote “… interracial understanding and neighborhood stability,” has died at 91.

Born Frances Lorraine Grunewald on December 5, 1923 died June 11, 2015. She was the 7th of eight children born to Ernest and Kathryn Grunewald in Windom, Minnesota. Moving to Boone, Iowa at an early age, she considered that her home town.

Predeceased by her parents, two brothers, three sisters, and also her husband of 46 years, Virgil Dyer. She is survived by Virgil’s daughter Nancy Fairchild of South Carolina, and Nancy’s three sons, Jeff, Andy and Gary McCartney, and Nancy’s grandchildren, Madison and A.J.; daughter Krista Ober of Missoula, Montana; son Thomas Dyer of Grass Valley, CA; two sisters and many nieces and nephews.

Frances came to California in June, 1941, getting a job as Secretary at Union Oil Company in Los Angeles. She married Virgil Dyer (also from Iowa) in 1949 and they settled in Altadena,

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Sunday, June 14, 2015

Cornered, Petty Theft Suspect Threatens to Jump Headfirst From Balcony Into Concrete Below

[UPDATED]  Altadena Station Sheriff’s deputies responding to a possible petty theft in the 2200 block of Lake Avenue about 10:24 a.m. Sunday morning found themselves in a dangerously escalating situation as the suspect sat on a building ledge and threatened to jump headfirst in the concrete below. Authorities said the 30-year-old suspect had fled the scene of the alleged theft and used an exterior staircase to get out onto a second story balcony in the 800 block of East Mendocino Street. The man sat precariously near the edge as deputies tried to communicate with him. Authorities said it became evident quickly that the suspect “was under the influence, mentally unstable, and threatening to jump headfirst onto the cement below.” A command post was established. Los Angeles County Fire crews responded and the Mental Evaluation Team and Crisis Negotiation Team was requested. While on a training exercise the Altadena Mountain Rescue Team heard the call for additional deputies. Members of the rescue team responded and assisted in the containment of the area and set up safety rope system for members of the Crisis Negotiation Team,Read More »

Friday, June 12, 2015

ALDI Grocery Store Chain Confirms It’s Coming to California, But Won’t Confirm Altadena Location

ALDI, a 1,400-store grocery store chain in the U.S. which says it serves 30 million customers monthly, announced Thursday it will open 25 stores across Southern California in early 2016 but will not confirm that Altadena is among its planned locations.

Many Altadena civic leaders have assumed the property just north of Eliot Middle School at 2246 Lake Avenue is being developed to feature an ALDI grocery. The assumption seems to be based on reports that property developer Arman Gabay’s Charles Company has filed and been granted a permit for ALDI grocery store signage on the property.

However, according to a real estate industry insider, developers have been known to obtain pre-approvals for key elements such as parking and signage as a way to woo prospective tenants, so the reported ALDI signage permit application by Charles Company does not necessarily mean the future building has been leased to ALDI.

Neither Gabay nor Charles Company leasing director Gene Detchemendy returned calls seeking comment from Altadena Now yesterday.

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Friday, June 12, 2015

Vroom Vroom! Altadena Sheriff’s Station Stages 3rd Annual Car Show Saturday

The Altadena Sheriff’s Station is staging its 3rd Annual Car Show, this time a Classic Car Show sponsored by Toyota Pasadena, on Saturday, June 13.

The car show was held in April during the first two editions, but this year the Sheriff’s Station decided to hold it in the summer so bad weather wouldn’t threaten to dampen the festivities.

“Last year we got almost rained out. We had a strong storm coming through and the first show, too, we had a little bit of inclement weather,” said Sergeant Matthew Bossier at Altadena Station. “This year we thought that if we had it in June, it’s a little bit warmer.”

The Classic Car Show will be held at the Farnsworth Park at 568 Mount Curve Avenue in Altadena starting at 9 a.m. and running until 4 p.m.

Bossier said they have invited car owners and collectors with antique vehicles, street rods, classics, trucks and even motorcycles,

“We wanted to do something where you get a wide variety of vehicles.

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Thursday, June 11, 2015

Altadena Station’s Crime Blotter for the Week of May 31, 2015

Sunday, May 31st

1:45 AM – A vehicle vandalism occurred in the 200 block of Parkman Street.  Suspect(s) shattered the rear window with a pipe.

 

12:00 PM – A petty theft from an unlocked vehicle occurred at Ralph’s, 2270 Lake Avenue.  Property stolen:  Handicapped placard.

 

Monday, June 1st

12:56 AM – Gregory Drake was arrested in the area of Lake Avenue and Rio Grande Street for being under the influence of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

 

12:10 AM – An assault with a vehicle occurred in the 900 block of Dolores Drive when a theft victim reached into the suspect’s vehicle to retrieve his property.  The suspect started the vehicle and began driving.  The suspect accelerated the vehicle dragging the victim approximately 30 ft.  The victim was able to free himself from the suspect’s vehicle.  The suspect is described as a white male, 20 years,

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Thursday, June 11, 2015

Altadena Students Graduate from Sheriff’s VIDA program

Several Altadena students graduated from the Sheriff’s VIDA Program last Saturday, June 6. The Vital Intervention and Directional Alternatives program, where youth ages 11 to 17 ½ take part in activities that are meant to encourage the kids to making good decisions in their young life, and realize the possibilities for a better future.

This particular class that graduated last Saturday started their immersion on February 11 this year, and went through 16 weeks of activities designed for the participants to increase their academic performance, improve family relations, and develop positive social behavior.

Actor and LA native Efren Ramirez, who starred in the indie film series “Napoleon Dynamite,” was the keynote speaker during the graduation ceremony.

Capt. Christopher J. Reed, station commander of the Altadena Sheriff’s Station, dropped by to congratulate the graduates. It was Capt. Reed’s team that facilitated most of the training sessions under the program.

The VIDA program was conceived by the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department as an avenue for deputies who wanted to help troubled youths and their families.

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