Wednesday, October 30, 2019

County to Explore Increasing Availability of Domestic Violence Exams to Help Crime Victims

The Board of Supervisors approved a motion by Supervisor Kathryn Barger directing county departments to make domestic violence exams more readily-available for victims of crime.

“In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it’s critical that we provide improved services and justice for victims,” Supervisor Barger said. “By increasing the availability of forensic exams for those experiencing domestic violence, we can address this growing threat to public safety.”

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office sees an average of 11,000 domestic violence cases per year, which is roughly 200 cases each week. The County of Los Angeles serves these victims by offering shelter, counseling, legal and health services. However, there are significant barriers in the initial step of completing a hospital exam. Under current law, hospitals are only reimbursed for the forensic medical-legal examinations of sexual assault victims and not domestic violence victims.

New developments in technology, such as Touch DNA and advanced software imaging, now allow forensic nurses to collect the suspect’s skin cells in cases involved with strangulation by swabbing the victim’s neck and fingernail scrapings.

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Altadena’s Crime Blotter for the Week of Saturday, October 26th

Tuesday, October 22nd

Between 6:00 PM and 9:20 AM (Wednesday) – A residential burglary occurred in the 3300 block of Rubio Crest Drive. Suspect(s) entered the residence by shattering the rear sliding door. Stolen: Unknown.
7:50 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 800 block of E. New York Drive. Damage: shattered window.
7:50 PM – A vehicle vandalism occurred in the 700 block of E. New York Drive. Vehicle damage: dents and scratches.

Wednesday, October 23rd

1:00 PM – A vehicle was reported stolen from the 1700 block of Craig Avenue. Vehicle described as a white 2006 Mazda 3. Vehicle was recovered by LASD Altadena.

Thursday, October 24th

Between 8:30 AM and 12:30 PM – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 1900 block of Pinecrest Drive. Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the window. Stolen: tan tote bag, yellow leather purse, white Kindle, and currency.
1:48 PM – An assault with a deadly weapon occurred in the 1800 block of N.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Altadena Arts Magnet Jog-A-Thon November 22

Altadena Arts Magnet announces a “Wacky Fun Run” jog-a-thon fundraiser which will occur on Friday, November 22 from 7:50-8:30 a.m. Students, parents, and community members are invited to dress in their wackiest outfits and join us.

The proceeds will be used for campus beautification and safety. The goal is to raise $15,000 and have the full participation of all students.

Community partners are welcome to donate at the “Wacky Fun Run” website: https://pledgestar.com/altadena/pledge/?LgAdGRVZegEBHXpQXnxXRQ—

If you or your place of work would like to learn more about corporate sponsorship of our jog-a-thon, please email AltadenaFunRun@gmail.com

The Jog-a-thon is organized by the Altadena Arts Magnet PTA.

All media are welcome. Please enter at the main office to obtain a campus pass. You will be directed to the playground area. Please check-in at the PTA table.

For more information, contact Victoria Knapp, Altadena Arts Magnet PTA President (626) 818-7092 or Jennifer Nishizaki,

Thursday, October 24, 2019

High Winds Expected through Friday, Millard Campground Closed to Vehicles, and Campfires

Starting this evening 10/23/19 Altadena Sheriff’s Station and United States Forest Service will be closing the Millard Canyon Campground along with many portions of the Angeles National Forest to be under red flag fire warning. The National Service has issued a Santa Ana wind condition and red flag warning.

The conditions could exist in the next few days through Friday. A Red Flag Warning is the highest alert. During these times, extreme caution is urged by all residents because fires are more likely to ignite and those that do are more likely to spread rapidly and be more difficult to control, therefore the area will be closed and the Chaney trail gate remain locked. The area is closed to vehicles however pedestrians / hikers are still able to visit the area.

Also the Angeles National Forest will be under fire restriction starting today, asking people not to build maintain or attend any campfire, fire, or stove fire within the forest boundary.

“We thank everyone for their cooperation.”

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Second Annual Eliot Arts Magnet Academy Auction

Eliot Arts Magnet Academy will host their second annual auction at the Altadena Town & Country Club on November 2 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. This auction is a fundraiser for the Eliot Arts Annual Fund. Tickets are $40 and include appetizers, wine and beer. The Eliot Arts Annual Fund Chairperson Jennifer Hall Lee said “We are excited to be at the Altadena Town & Country Club for a second time. The auction is the school’s biggest fundraiser for the annual fund.”

Principal Lori Touloumian said of the annual fund “Last year we were fortunate to raise $50,000.00 securing our artist residencies and arts resources.This year our goal is $75,000.00, which includes funding for a new innovation “Fab Lab”, where students will learn Laser and Vinyl cutting, Woodworking, Electronic Circuit-making and more. This expansion will weave in a STEM component to our arts integration program, broadening the unique experience we offer at Eliot Arts.”

The live auction portion of the event includes Lunch with LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger,

Monday, October 21, 2019

The 4th CRxEATIVITY Festival is Bringing the Laughs

The first round of performers are announced for the 2019 edition including The Book of Mormon’s Tony Award-Nominated Performer Rory O’Malley

STAFF REPORT

It’s often said that “laughter is the best medicine” and the producers of the CRxEATIVITY Festival couldn’t agree more by confirming the theme for 2019 as “Laughter: The Rx Without the Co-Pay.” The 4th annual edition will certainly be bringing the laughs along with the talent, confirming Tony-Nominated actor Rory O’Malley (Hamilton, The Book of Mormon) to perform. The jam-packed event will be on Saturday, November 16th at a stunning private residence in Altadena.

“We’re thrilled to be focusing our 4th edition on laughter, something I truly believe is needed in 2019,” said Executive Producer and Ovation Award-Winning Actress Jennifer Seifert. “We are bombarded by the news every day, and so much of it makes us feel disempowered that we start to lose hope. I am a true believer of the healing power of creativity, at some point we must find the joy and lightness of laughter again.”

Attendees of The 4th CRxEATIVITY Festival will enjoy live performances,

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Altadena’s Crime Blotter for the Week of Saturday, October 12th

Sunday, October 6th

Between 1:00 AM and 6:00 AM – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 300 block of W. Palm Street. Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the window. Stolen: Enfamil baby formula.
Between 1:00 AM and 6:00 AM – A vehicle burglary occurred in the area of Loma Alta Drive and Lincoln Avenue. Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the window. Stolen: black MacBook.
1:30 AM – An assault with a deadly weapon occurred in the 700 block of E. Sacramento Street. Suspect has not been identified.
4:36 PM – Edward Kish, 53 years old, transient was arrested in the area of Mesa Gould Campground for vehicle vandalism.
4:43 PM – A commercial vandalism occurred in the 700 block of W. Mountain View Street. Suspect was taken into custody.

Tuesday, October 8th

Between 3:00 PM and 6:00 AM (Wednesday) – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 600 block of Athens Street. Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the window.

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Coroner Identifies Altadena Woman Who Died Driving Two Young Child Passengers in Car Which Overturned

The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office has identified the woman who died Tuesday about noon after the car she was driving with two young children as passengers overturned and then struck an oncoming minivan on Woodbury Road on the Altadena-Pasadena border.

She was 32-year-old Lisa Polanco, the Coroner’s Office said, reportedly an Altadena resident.

The two children, both under 10 years of age, survived.

Authorities said the collision occurred about noon as Polanco’s SUV traveled eastbound on Woodbury Road just east of El Molino Ave.

A California Highway Patrol spokesperson said investigators are attempting to determine why the SUV overturned. Initial reports indicate Polanco may have clipped a parked vehicle first.

CHP Sergeant Bender said that the driver of the minivan was uninjured.

The north side of Woodbury Road in this area is Altadena, the south side is Pasadena. The incident was responded to by Altadena Station deputies, Los Angeles County Fire crews and the California Highway Patrol.

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Woman Driver of SUV with Two Child Passengers Dies After Car Overturns and Is Rammed; Children Not Seriously Hurt

A woman driving an SUV with two children as passengers eastbound on Woodbury Road just east of El Molino Ave. about noon Tuesday died after her car overturned and apparently was then struck by an oncoming minivan.

The two children, both under 10 years of age, survived. They were transported to a local hospital for “precautionary reasons,” authorities said.

As of Wednesday morning, the woman’s identity had not yet been made public.

A California Highway Patrol spokesperson said investigators are attempting to determine why the SUV overturned. Initial reports indicate the driver may have clipped a parked vehicle.

CHP Sergeant Bender said that the driver of the minivan was uninjured.

The north side of Woodbury Road in this area is Altadena, the south side is Pasadena. The incident was responded to by Altadena Station deputies, Los Angeles County Fire crews and the California Highway Patrol.

Monday, October 14, 2019

Altadena Historical Society Quarterly Program Toypurina and the San Gabriel Mission Tongva Revolt

The story of the San Gabriel Mission Tonva revolt led by California’s Joan of Arc, Toypurina, will be told at Altadena Historical Society’s October quarterly program, on Monday, Oct. 28.

The program, open to the public, will begin at 7 p.m. at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Drive, Altadena. The program is free to Historical Society members; donations from non-members are appreciated.

Kat High, a Hupa Indian from Northern California, will lead this engaging and informative talk about an important time in San Gabriel Valley history, through the story of this remarkable woman’s bravery, leadership, and wisdom.

In 1785, soon after the San Gabriel Mission was built, a group of Tongva tribe members revolted against the Spanish. One of the leaders of this revolt, Toypurina, was a young medicine woman known today as the Joan of Arc of California.

Angered by the theft of Tongva lands and the disruption of the Tongva way of life,