Monday, February 1, 2016

Altadena Public Library Presents African American Heritage Drum and Dance Circle

[Editor’s Note: We apologize! we omitted the date and time of this event! It will be Saturday, February 13  from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. in the Barbara J. Pearson Community Room of the Main Library.]

Join the Altadena Library District in celebrating African American heritage with a Drum and Dance Circle presentation led by Onochie Chukwurah, the founder & owner of Rhythms Of The Village, located in Altadena. Rhythms Of The Village is a cultural shop that sells many handmade and authentic African goods.

The program, aimed at sharing Nigerian Culture, begins with traditional water libation, a ritual pouring of a liquid as an offering to a god or spirit or in memory of those who have died. Onochie then begins the drum and dance circle presentation with a drum call and storytelling. Once the music and dancing begin, the audience is encouraged to participate in the circle through guided drumming, dancing, and singing.

Whether it is music, dance, storytelling, or art,

Monday, February 1, 2016

Paella for a Great Cause

Learn the language of love through food and celebrate Día del Amor y la Amistad with a paella fundraiser for the Rayuela School.

This immersive Spanish-English School helps students acquire useful language skills and expand their horizons.

Rayuela will serve traditional dishes including, paella, tortilla de patatas and gazpacho by Chef Pablo Scarpellini. Wash the meal down with a glass of Spanish sangría and feel good about promoting cross cultural learning.

The fundraiser will take place on February 13 from 7 to 10 p.m. and will support Rayuela’s classrooms and playground

Tickets for the fundraiser cost $65, email rayuelaprogram@gmail.com to reserve your spot.

Rayuela School is located at 850 East Mariposa Street in Altadena.

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Altadena Public Library is Holding It’s Annual Summer Reading Bookmark Contest with “Read for the Win! Theme

The Altadena Library is holding its annual summer reading bookmark contest. The contest began January 20, 2016 and is open to students in Kindergarten through 12th grade who live or attend school in Altadena. Participants are asked to create an original bookmark based on this year’s Summer Reading theme.

Summer Reading 2016 will be a celebration of sports and achievement with the theme: Read for the WIN @ the Altadena Library! Entry forms are available at the Altadena Main and Bob Lucas Branch libraries. Limit one entry per person. All entries must be the original artwork of the participant. Entries will be judged on creativity and originality.

All entries will be on display at the library during National Library Week in April. The winning bookmarks will be printed and handed out during the 2016 Summer Reading Club. Deadline for entry is Saturday, March 19, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. For more information please contact the Youth Services Department at (626) 798-0833.

The Altadena Library is located at 600 East Mariposa Street,

Monday, January 25, 2016

Altadena Library Seeks New Poet Laureate-Deadline Extended to January 30

The Altadena Library is now accepting applications for Poet Laureate for the Altadena Library, May 2016 – April 2018. Poets who live or work in the Altadena community are invited to apply. The application deadline has been extended to midnight January 30, 2016 and may be emailed to the Altadena Library Poet Laureate Committee at altalaureate16@gmail.com. Information on applying to be the new laureate can be found online at the library’s website at (www.altadenalibrary.org).

The inauguration of the new laureate will take place on April 30 from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the library’s annual Poetry & Cookies celebration to be held at the Altadena Senior Center. The laureate’s poetry will be featured at this event and in the Altadena Poetry Review, (formerly the Poetry & Cookies Anthology). This publication is sponsored by the Friends of the Altadena Library and edited by the library’s current poet Laureate, Dr. Thelma Reyna.

There is no entry fee.

Sunday, January 24, 2016

Do These Young Ladies Look Familiar? They’ve Been Found, But Their Owner Hasn’t

Marcia M. reports these dogs followed her husband and their dog into the patio of their BraeBurn Road home on the evening of January 10.

“We have tried in multiple ways to find the owners and no one has claimed them. So now we are working to find them a home,” Marcia reports.

These are spayed females about 3-4 years old. They are in good health and are very sweet and social. They love to cuddle and have belly rubs. They are now vaccinated and micro-chipped, she says.

“We are working in various ways to find homes for them including shameless asking of others walking in the streets of Altadena.  We are working to find a rescue group to take them. Many of these groups are full,” Marcia continues.

If you are the owner of these beautiful dogs or if you’d like to take them in, please email Altadena Now by using the “Contact Us Now” link at the left,

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Altadena Public Library Continues Award-Winning PBS Documentary Series ‘Latino Americans: 500 Years of History’ Grant with Screening of Episode 5: “Prejudice and Pride (1965-1980)” with Daniel Castro

Saturday, February 20th at 2:00 p.m. in the Barbara J. Pearson Community Room of the Main library, the Altadena Library District will continue its Latino American Grant award programming with “Prejudice and Pride (1965-1980)”, Episode V of a six-part, NEH-supported documentary film, “Latino Americans: 500 years of History.” Created for PBS in 2013 by the WETA public television station, the award-winning series chronicles the history of Latinos in the United States from the 16th century to present day.

With special guest Dr. Daniel “Sancho” Castro. Daniel A. Dr. Castro is an educator who has served as college president/superintendent at both Riverside City College, and Los Angeles Trade Technical College. His community college experience also includes service as Vice President of Academic Affairs, Associate Dean of Student Activities, instructor of Sociology and Chicano Studies at various Community Colleges around Los Angeles. Dr. Castro served as senior legislative consultant to the California State Legislature as district manager for the 32nd Congressional District. He also ran for the State Assembly,

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Altadena’s Crime Blotter for the Week of Saturday, January 16th

Sunday, January 10th

6:09 AM – A vehicle burglary occurred at 740 W. Woodbury Road. Suspects entered the vehicle by using a lock pick. Suspect #1 described as a male, 38 – 40 years old, thin build, unshaven, wearing a black beanie and dark clothing. Suspect #2 was observed wearing a green or grey hooded sweatshirt. Property Stolen: unknown. On-going investigation.
8:00 PM – Shyjuan Prudhomme, 20 years old of Altadena was arrested in the 500 block of W. Terrace Street for battery on a peace officer.
9:30 PM – An assault with a deadly weapon (hands/feet) occurred in the 100 block of W. Woodbury Road. Suspect described as a male, (no further details).

Monday, January 11th

8:00 AM – A residential burglary occurred in the 2800 block of Maiden Lane. Suspect(s) entered the residence via unknown means. Property Stolen: burgundy jewelry tray containing miscellaneous jewelry. On-going investigation.

Tuesday, January 12th

2:30 PM – Issac Brooks,

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Altadena Library Seeks New Poet Laureate

The Altadena Library is now accepting applications for Poet Laureate for the Altadena Library, May 2016 – April 2018. Poets who live or work in the Altadena community are invited to apply.

The inauguration of the new laureate will take place on April 30 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the library’s annual Poetry & Cookies celebration. To be held at the Altadena Senior Center. The laureate’s poetry will be featured at this event and in the Altadena Poetry Review, (formerly the Poetry & Cookies Anthology). This publication is sponsored by the Friends of the Altadena Library and edited by the library’s current poet Laureate, Dr. Thelma Reyna.

Information on applying to be the new laureate can be found here or online at the library’s website at (www.altadenalibrary.org). There is no entry fee. Letters of Applications are due midnight January 23, 2016 and may be emailed to the Altadena Library Poet Laureate Committee at altalaureate16@gmail.com.

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Altadena Public Library Continues Second Saturday Series with PCH in the Main Library

On Saturday, February 13th at 6:30 p.m. in the Reading Court of the Main library, the Altadena Library District will continue its Second Saturday Series with the band PCH.

Using lush harmonies, acoustic instrumentation and intricate arrangements, PCH brings their signature sound to some of rock’s greatest songs by artists like Steely Dan, James Taylor, The Eagles, Neil Young, The Beatles, Eric Clapton, Pink Floyd, and many more. They have been hired for private events by the Rolling Stones and Rod Stewart and continue to gain popularity with every music lover that hears their unforgettably unique sound.

David Blasucci: Vocals, Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin– In addition to his career as a solo artist, David spent years touring with Bobby Kimball (Toto). As an actor, you can see him as a member of the New Main Street Singers in the Christopher Guest comedy “A Mighty Wind,” and playing alongside Catherine O’Hara and Parker Posey in “For Your Consideration”.

Pat Thomi Lead guitars, Vocals: was born in Switzerland,

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Altadena Public Library Presents Therapy Dogs International’s “Talk Waggin’ Tutors” Program with Cedar and Cedar’s Handler Michelle

Beginning Saturday, February 6th at 11:00 a.m. in the Children’s Room of the Main library, the Altadena Library District will begin its “Tail Waggin’ Tutors’ programming with Therapy Dogs International.

Therapy Dogs International’s “Tail Waggin’ Tutors” program encourages children to read by providing a non-judgmental listener and furry friend to read to that won’t laugh at them if they make a mistake or stumble over a word, but rather lie next to them and enjoy the story being read to them. The children learn to associate reading with being with the dog, and begin to view reading in a positive way. Over time, the child’s reading ability and confidence can improve because they are practicing their skills, which will make them enjoy reading even more.

Libraries have had great success by utilizing “Tail Waggin’ Tutors” as part of their Summer Reading Program or After-school Program. While the program was initially developed for struggling readers, even those who can already read well don’t want to pass up the chance to read to a Therapy Dog.