Friday, October 18, 2024

Taste of Dena Draws 300 for an Evening of Jazz, Wine, and Community Spirit, Raising $49,000 for Altadena Library

STAFF REPORT

Guests enjoy Taste of Dena benefiting the Altadena Library and honoring Brenda Galloway and the Galloway Family [Taste of Dena]

Who doesn’t love live jazz, a beautiful sunset and a nice glass of wine! Nearly 300 people gathered on September 28th at the Altadena Library for the Altadena Library Foundation’s biggest annual fundraiser, Taste of ‘Dena. ALF honored Altadena’s own, Brenda Galloway and the Galloway Family for their longstanding commitment to community and literacy.

Guests enjoy Taste of Dena benefiting the Altadena Library and honoring Brenda Galloway and the Galloway Family [Taste of Dena]

Local wood turner and fine artist, Tiprin Mandalay Follett gifted Brenda Galloway a wood sculpture to honor her community impact. Attendees included Brenda Galloway and her extended family, California State Senator, Anthony Portantino, US House of Representative, Judy Chu, California State Representative, Chris Holden, and LA County Supervisor, Kathryn Barger.

Guests enjoy Taste of Dena benefiting the Altadena Library and honoring Brenda Galloway and the Galloway Family [Taste of Dena]

Taste of Dena showcased several local wineries,

Thursday, October 17, 2024

Altadena Town Council Election Set for November 5th, With Additional Voting on November 9th

STAFF REPORT

Residents to vote on representatives for several council seats across various census tracts

Altadena residents will head to the polls on November 5 noon to 6 p.m. and November 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to elect new representatives for the Altadena Town Council.

“The Altadena Town Council provides two days of voting to allow for all those wishing to vote to have ample opportunity,” explained Executive Committee Chair Victoria Knapp.

The election aims to fill positions across Altadena’s eight census tracts, ensuring community representation on the volunteer council that addresses local issues and represents residents’ interests.

“I move to approve the slate of candidates as presented here,” said Pat Sutherlen, recording secretary, at the October 15th Town Council meeting where candidates introduced themselves.

The motion passed unanimously, setting the stage for the upcoming election.

Voting will take place on Tuesday, November 5th from noon to 6 p.m.

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Proposed West San Gabriel Valley Plan Sparks Debate in Altadena

STAFF REPORT

The proposed West San Gabriel Valley Area Plan (WSGVAP), set for a Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors vote on December 10, has ignited controversy among Altadena residents. The comprehensive long-range policy document aims to guide future growth and development in nine unincorporated communities, including Altadena, but some fear it could radically alter the area’s character.

“From what I can tell, there’s H five zones, H 18 zones, H 30 zones. This is 30 units on the corner of Altadena Drive and Lincoln. We’re going to have huge apartments going up. You’re talking about traffic deaths. You’re going to be looking at a lot of increased traffic, increased danger to pedestrians,” said resident Alan Zorthian during public comment at the Tuesday, Oct. 15 Altadena Town Council meeting.

The plan, developed by Los Angeles County, would establish new land use and zoning designations across Altadena, East Pasadena-East San Gabriel, Kinneloa Mesa, La Crescenta-Montrose, San Pasqual, South Monrovia Islands,

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Altadena Town Council Announces First-Ever Holiday Celebration at Rose Bowl

STAFF REPORT

The Altadena Town Council is partnering with local organizations to host its annual holiday party at the Rose Bowl this December, offering Altadena residents a unique opportunity to tour the historic stadium.

“The Rose Bowl is looking to expand its outreach to include Altadena and this is one step in that direction,” said Council Chair Victoria Knapp at the Oct. 15 meeting. “There are many people that have been lifelong Altadenans that have never toured the Rose Bowl and you’ll get a chance to do that.”

The event, scheduled for Dec. 17, will replace the Council’s usual December meeting and be held in collaboration with the Altadena Library Foundation, Altadena Rotary, and Altadena Chamber of Commerce.

It represents a departure from the Council’s typical “raucous holiday party” and usual meeting location.

The Rose Bowl will provide food and beverages for attendees. This developing partnership reflects broader efforts by the Council to strengthen ties between Altadena and neighboring institutions.

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Polytechnic School Scraps Altadena Sports Complex Plan, Citing Unexpectedly High Costs

BREAKING: Polytechnic School has abandoned plans to build a sports complex in the Altadena foothills due to unexpectedly high development costs, school officials announced early Tuesday.

In a letter to the school community, Board of Trustees Chair Alec Hudnut and Head of School John Bracker said Poly is officially withdrawing its land use application for the project.

“Infrastructure, engineering, and grading requirements drove the development costs to levels that were much higher than anticipated, and far beyond what we believe to be reasonable,” the letter stated.

The private school in Pasadena had submitted an application to Los Angeles County in May for the “PolyFields” project. Intensive environmental studies conducted since then revealed the site to be “too complex,” according to school leadership.

Despite this setback, Polytechnic officials say they remain committed to enhancing the school’s athletic facilities. A special Board committee, co-chaired by Trustees Henry Choi and Rosalina Cardenas, will explore alternative options, including potential single-site or multi-property solutions.

Friday, September 20, 2024

LA County Unemployment Rate Increases Slightly in August

CITY NEWS SERVICE

Los Angeles County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 5.6% in August, up from a revised 5.5% in July, according to figures released Friday by the state Employment Development Department.

The 5.6% rate was above the rate of 5.1% from August 2023.

Meanwhile, the August unemployment rate in Orange County was 4.5%, up from a revised 4.4% in July and topping the 4% figure from a year ago.

Statewide, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.3% in August, up from 5.2% in July and above the 4.8% rate from August 2023. The comparable estimates for the nation were 4.2% in August, 4.3% in July and 3.8% in August 2023.

Total nonfarm employment in Los Angeles County increased by 13,700 jobs between July and August, reaching nearly 4.6 million, according to the EDD.

The government sector led the way by adding 15,500 jobs. The information sector lost the most jobs month over month,

Thursday, September 12, 2024

Free Flu Shots Offered in Altadena Community Outreach

STAFF REPORT

Huntington Health will provide free flu vaccines as part of a community outreach event on Tuesday, Oct. 1, at the Altadena Senior Center.

The one-hour event, scheduled from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., aims to boost community immunity as flu season approaches. High-dose vaccines will be available in limited quantities.

Participants must register in advance by contacting Fatima Rojas at fatima.rojas@huntingtonhealth.org or calling (626) 397-3376.

To be eligible for vaccination, individuals must be free of COVID-19 and flu-like symptoms. Children ages 9-17 require a parent or guardian to be present to give consent. Those with egg or influenza vaccine allergies, or a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome, are not eligible.

The Altadena Senior Center is located at 560 E. Mariposa St. in Altadena.

For more information about the flu vaccine event, call (626) 397-3376.

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Altadena Town Council to Discuss Housing Ordinances and Elect New Member

STAFF REPORT

Altadena Town Council [File photo]

Local officials and community leaders to address public safety, library updates, and accessory dwelling units

The Altadena Town Council convenes on Tuesday, Aug. 20, starting at 7 p.m. at the Altadena Community Center, located at 730 East Altadena Drive. The meeting agenda includes updates on housing ordinances and the election of a new Councilmember.

The Council meeting will begin with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Cub Scout Troop 40 from Jackson and Franklin Schools – a tradition often sets a community-oriented tone for the proceedings.

Ayala Scott from the Department of Regional Planning will provide an update on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and other housing ordinances. This presentation comes amid growing interest in alternative housing solutions in the area.

The Council will hold a supplemental election for Census Tract 4603.02, with candidates presenting statements before voting takes place. The newly elected member will be sworn in during the meeting.

Thursday, July 4, 2024

2024 California Ballot Measures: What You Need to Know

By CALMATTERS

Voting stickers are given to voters at the Alexander Hamilton Middle School voting center in Fresno on Nov. 8, 2022. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Much is expected of the California voter.

In any given election year, we may be asked to dust off our labor lawyer hats, brush up on oil and gas regulations, reacquaint ourselves with decades of tax policy, or analyze infrastructure funding. We may have to weigh the moral pros and cons of capital punishment, marriage equality or pig protection and — over and over again — oversee all things dialysis clinic.

This November, voters will decide the fate of 10 thorny policy proposals, including crime, health care, rent control and taxes. This year, there were far more last-minute changes than usual.

Wednesday, July 3, 2024

Construction Starts on Affordable Housing Project in Altadena

[Courtesy photo: Jonathan Ramirez, ArchLenz Photograph.]

New development aims to address growing need for affordable and special needs housing in LA County

Nonprofit housing organization EAH Housing has begun construction on Agave, a 58-unit affordable housing development in Altadena. The project, in partnership with Union Station Homeless Services, is aimed at providing permanent supportive housing for formerly unhoused individuals.

“As many cities in LA County, Altadena is dealing with a rapidly growing need for not only affordable housing but special needs and permanent supportive housing,” Laura Hall, EAH Housing CEO and President, said in a statement.

The four-story building, located at 2052 Lake Ave., will offer a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments for formerly unhoused individuals making 30% of the local Area Median Income. Residents will have access to various amenities, including a central courtyard, common spaces, bicycle parking, 18 parking spaces for residents and staff, and on-site laundry facilities.

All units will feature 100% energy-efficient appliances,