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,

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Authorities Prepare for Possible Electrical Outages

The Altadena Sheriff’s Station issued a statement Wednesday night saying deputies were “doing everything we can to be prepared for any emergencies that may arise” during a potential electrical power shutoff by Southern California Edison (SCE) Thursday, October 10, and Friday, October 11.

SCE said that in response to the Santa Ana conditions, it is considering widespread Public Safety Power Shutoffs to reduce risk of wildfires.

“During these events, we will proactively turn off power in high fire risk areas to reduce the threat of wildfires,” an SCE statement said. “Turning off our customers’ power is not something we take lightly, but PSPS events are one of the ways we can better ensure the safety of the public, our customers, and our employees.”

The electrical shutoffs would not affect customers of Pasadena Water and Power.

Altadena Station deputies reminded Altadenans to make sure that their residences are locked and secured as alarm systems may not work during power outages.

Saturday, October 5, 2019

Pickleball is Back at Farnsworth Park

After having been closed for refurbishing since July 15, Farnsworth Park’s courts will open this Monday, October 7 for pickleball from 6 – 9 p.m. with the following weekly schedule:

Evenings: Tuesdays & Saturdays: 9 to noon
Mornings: Tuesdays & Saturdays: 9 to noon
Morning: Thursdays: 9 to noon for DRILLS only

To all beginners, those of you who have wanted to try this “pickleball” thing out, now’s the time. The weather is lovely, the view spectacular (most of the time) and there are newly refurbished courts. Equipment is provided at Farnsworth Park; you provide proper court/tennis shoes. Free lessons for beginners will be offered on Thursday evenings from 6 to 7 and Saturdays from 9 to 10.

Some interesting information about the game:

• No partner required; you play with whoever is at the court;
• No reservation required; just show up on any day on the schedule during the posted times;
• It’s an inter-generational game;

Wednesday, October 2, 2019

Barger Lauds Responsible County Budget Prioritizing Child Services, Public Safety and Mental Health Care

Supervisor Kathryn Barger announced that the Board of Supervisors approved a $36.1 billion final budget that places a strong emphasis on critical issues affecting county residents.

“In addition to a $600 million Rainy Day fund, which will be held in reserves for the next economic downturn, our County CEO has presented a balanced and fiscally-responsible budget that provides needed services to our residents and prioritizes child welfare, public safety and homeless services.

Public safety is a top priority and funding for Sheriff’s Department recruitment will enable more deputies to be on patrol in our communities. To improve protection of children in our care, particularly in the Antelope Valley, we are implementing Continuous Quality Improvement Teams and adding vital resources to improve services in the Palmdale and Lancaster offices of the Department of Children Services. This investment will improve child safety in the Antelope Valley and countywide.

Additionally, we allocated $7.6 million to provide transportation for foster youth who want to remain at their school.

Friday, September 27, 2019

Altadena’s Crime Blotter for the Week of Saturday, September 21st

Sunday, September 15th

1:00 AM – A spousal battery occurred in the 2100 block of N. Hill Avenue. Suspects were taken into custody.
Between 4:00 AM and 5:40 AM – A vehicle burglary occurred in the 2100 block of N. Lincoln Avenue. Suspect(s) entered the vehicle by shattering the window. Stolen: black Herschel backpack, green backpack, black cellphone charger and currency.
4:20 PM – A vehicle was reported stolen from the 500 block of W. Palm Street. Vehicle described as a black 2004 Toyota Tacoma. Vehicle was recovered the same day by LASD Altadena.

Monday, September 16th

6:02 PM – An assault with a deadly weapon occurred in the area of Allen Avenue and Oakwood Street. Suspect was taken into custody.

Tuesday, September 17th

Between 10:30 AM and 1:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 400 block of Wapello Street. Suspect(s) entered the residence by cutting the window screen. Stolen: gold ring with ruby,