altadenablog

Current storm information Tues.

We're keeping this at the top of the page today.

UPDATE 1:30 PM: CERT Volunteers requested to be on standby: From the sheriff's station:

Because of the current storm event, the Altadena Sheriff's Station is on standby if Incident Command requests CERT trained volunteers to report for duty.

If you are a CERT trained volunteer and can report for duty within two hours of being notified, please call Sergeant Dan Bartlett or Deputy Michael Prince at the Altadena Sheriff's Station - 626 798 1131, to let them know what your availability is.

If the CERT volunteers are asked to assist, you will be required to show up at Descanso Gardens in LaCanada at a designated time.

We don't know when that call may come, or that it will, but CERT volunteers should be on standby today, tonight and tomorrow.

Please understand, you must already be a CERT trained volunteer and must be available to report to the command post within two hours of notification.

If you're willing and available, please contact Sergeant Bartlett or Deputy Prince.

UPDATE NOON: Another missive from Gino Sund -- and Meadows residents better check on their stocks of groceries:

There is an unstable cold front heading West that has the potential for heavy to intense showers and thunderstorms starting around noon or before.  

There is a high probability that a blockage will occur at Canyon Crest Road which will result in a road closure.  There is no evacuation of the Meadows, and residents are advised to shelter in place.  An unmanned Fire engine is stationed in the neighborhood with a crew prepared to hike in to operate the equipment if necessary.

 

Altadena man charged in burglary, stalking, sexual battery

An Altadena man was charged with four counts of burglary, one of stalking, and one count of sexual battery following his Feb. 3 arrest by Altadena sheriff's detectives.

Ralph Wyatt, 49, described as a black male, was arrested at his home on the 1000 block of E. Woodbury Rd. where "conclusive evidence of his involvement with the crimes was uncovered," sheriffs say.

Between Jan. 23 and 31 of this year, multiple burglaries were reported at two Altadena residences.  Detectives say the suspect left "unique apology notes at each scene, which included sexual explicit references and indicated on at least one note, that he would return," according to a sheriff's press release.  The victims were identified as two women, age 49 and 89.

A partial print was connected to "a registered sex offender, residing in Altadena," the release says, following which deputies obtained a search warrant for Wyatt's home.

Sheriff's say that, based on the circumstances of the crimes, there may be additional victims.  Anyone with additional information should contact Sgt. Danny Robinson, Altadena Station Detective Bureau, 798-1131.

Millard still evac'd, Meadows watching and waiting

Carolyn Seitz of the Sheriff's Community Advisory Council is passing out this news:

The purpose of this email is to provide information made available to the Altadena area, as well as other areas of Los Angeles County affected by recent fires and the last two storm events.

The County of Los Angeles continues to work with all local, state and federal agencies, and continues to provide detailed information to key people in all of the affected areas.  Gino Sund, Chair of the Altadena Town Council is among those key people being briefed.

The Millard Campground is the only area currently evacuated.  No other evacuations have been announced for Altadena.

The only road closure continues to be Chaney Trail from the gate into the National Forest area.

There is a probability that Canyon Crest may experience additional disruptions from debris flows coming down Millard Creek.  As a result, the Fire Department has deployed a Fire Engine to be staged in The Meadows and the Sheriff's Station is on alert to assist.  There is no planned evacuation for The Meadows area at this time.

There are no anticipated additional road closures or evacuations for this storm event for Altadena.

You may find additional information on the website managed by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.  Here's the link:

www.dpwcare.org

On that site, you can sign up for mud flow, debris flow, flood and road closure emergency notifications.  These notifications can be received through email or as a text message on your cell phone.

You'll note on their website that there is a list from which you may choose other notifications as well, including hazardous waste and e-waste roundups.

Stay safe!

Carolyn

Riders on the storm

Whenever we need the word about the weather, we go to Bill Westphal (and who wouldn't?):

Based on the latest Computer Models, it appears that Los Angeles County will receive the brunt of this approaching Storm.  Although not expected to be as strong as last Saturday’s, the mountains may receive up to 1.50” of rain along with the possibilities of Thunderstorms and Hail.

 

The bulk of the Shower and Thunderstorm activity is expected Tuesday afternoon into Tuesday evening but showers could linger into Wednesday as the Storm wraps around. 

 

This is a Cold Low Pressure System and Snow Levels are expected to be 3000’ in the Northern Mountains Tuesday Afternoon and possibly drop to 2000-2500’ Tuesday Night.  (Echo Mountain is 3500’.  Top of Lake Ave is 1800'). 

 

Hopefully the Burn Areas will be spared any further damage but we should all be alert especially during heavy Thunderstorms.  Depending how things turn out we could get some snow out of this storm. 

 

Enjoy the Weather.

We have rain pictures ...

And as we get ready for the next rain, have we more pictures for you from the last one.

Reader Dan Morse gave us these shots of an unnaturally wet Arroyo Seco:

I took these Sunday morning....there is a tremendous amount of water and debris now in Hahamongna....there used to be quite a few trails down in the dry riverbed that I run through....those are all filled in with mud now....its pretty impressive...

Dan's pictures -- and pictures from a new correspondent -- follow after the jump:

LWV sponsors open government community forum March 6

Access to Impact: Using Open Government to Create Change

A community forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters Pasadena Area and its Community Partners

Saturday, March 6, 2010  8:30 a.m.-Noon

Neighborhood Church, 301 North Orange Grove Boulevard, Pasadena

Free parking. Morning refreshments. Translation.

RSVP 626-798-0965 or e-mail lwvpasocialpolicy@gmail.com

Altadena Library District is a community partner with League of Women Voters for this event.
 

Community meeting on Charles White Park improvements Feb. 27

There will be a community meeting at Charles White Park at 1 PM on Sat., Feb. 27.  The Los Angeles County Dept. of Parks and Recreation is looking for input on proposed projects for the park.  The meeting follows three previous meetings with residents by representatives from the county and Congressman Adam Schiff to discuss the future of the park.

Christmas Tree Lane take-down starts Sat.

A reminder from the christmas Tree Lane Association:

Please come and join your neighbors and friends beginning February 13^th from 9am to 12pm for “Take Down”. As long as the weather permits, we will be taking the lights off the trees every Saturday and Sunday thereafter from 9 to 12 until all the trees are finished. In the morning you will be greeted with donuts, coffee and hot chocolate and after 12:00 lunch will be provided.

 We will be starting at the top of Christmas Tree Lane (Santa Rosa and Altadena Drive) and working our way down every weekend until finished.

Zack-apalooza: now at Sierra Madre Playhouse

The book tour continues for Michele Zack, author of Southern California Story: Seeking the Better Life in Sierra Madre. She will be the featured speaker at the Sierra Madre Historical Preservation Society’s annual program meeting Thurs., Feb. 18, starting at 7 PM (admission is free).  The presentation will be at the historic Sierra Madre Playhouse.

The program, titled “The Battle for Sierra Madre Canyon,“ will revisit the dawn of the Environmental Movement and Culture Wars in an illustrated talk.  How major social changes at the national level played out in Sierra Madre — through opposition to the US Army Corps of Engineers and National Forest Service plans to alter the Canyon's environment, creation of the Sierra Madre Mountain Conservancy, as well as in-town tensions over youth-oriented "Canyon Culture" —will be the focus of this talk.  Time for questions and discussion about this fairly recent history will be included in the program.

Copies of Southern California Story will be available for purchase and autographing.

The Sierra Madre Playhouse is located at 87 West Sierra Madre Blvd. in Sierra Madre.  For more information, visit www.smhps.org or call 626.355.8129.

Have you signed up for emergency alerts?

LA County sends this:

Residents/Businesses Urged to Sign Up For Emergency Alerts

With the renewed threat of rainstorms, Los Angeles County officials today urged residents and businesses to sign up for emergency alerts by registering their cell phone numbers and
e-mail addresses on the Alert.lacounty.gov website.

The County’s emergency mass notification system, called Alert LA County, has the capability to use phone, text and e-mail messages to alert residents and businesses when there is an emergency situation in their area and advises of needed actions, like evacuations.

The system was activated 25 times between Jan. 18 – Jan. 22 due to rain, flooding and mudslides, with some warnings going to as few as 34 people and some to as many as 513.

PUSD staff to recommend rejection of 3rd Aveson school

Aveson Charter Schools, which presently runs two charter schools at the Noyes school property in Altadena, is trying to start a third in northwest Pasadena.  Brian Charles of PSN says that PUSD staff will recommend rejecting Aveson's petition for a School for the Arts, because it will take up to $2 million away from an already-strapped school district.  Details are here.

Benjamin Quaye dies in Santa Cruz

Benjamin Quaye, 21, from Altadena, was found dead in a ditch in Santa Cruz on Sunday.  The UC Santa Cruz student apparently died of a head wound from a fall. The San Jose Mercury News has the full story.

Another storm on its way

This from the screamin', all-caps National Weather Service: another significant storm heading this way, maybe reaching the area tonight and going on thru Wednesday, weather, flood, and mud warnings and watches possible.  Full NWS report after the jump:

Short takes

• Greg Stanton at the Meadows blog shares with us that he has stunning pictures up of El Prieto Canyon during the weekend rains.
• In our ongoing series of "Altadenablogmeister vs. the modernism thought police," we were pointed to this blog of spare comments about spare living, for your amusement.

Sheriffs to hold Neighborhood Watch conference Feb. 27

The Altadena Sheriff's Station and Community Advisory Committee has released more information about the Neighborhood Watch Conference, to be held Sat., Feb. 27 at Loma Alta Park, from 8 AM-3 PM.

(You know they're serious about this because complimentary continental breakfast, lunch, and child care will be available!)

To reserve your place, contact Sgt. Daniel Bartlett at the Altadena Sheriff Station, 626-798-1131 x 2600 or email to altadenaconference@gmail.com

Canyon Crest to open soon

Got this message from town council chairman Gino Sund at roughly 4 PM:

This latest I have is that the road will be open to one way traffic is a couple of hours.  Trails are being installed to divert the water.  Emergency use is currently allowed at this time.

Laura Monteros at the Examiner has some more pictures and interviews, and check out Greg Stanton's Meadows blog for more pictures and on-the-scene updates.

UPDATE: Canyon Crest washed out, Meadows cut off

Thanks to our Meadows readers and the omnipresent Bill Westphal for sharing the what's going on. (Bill took the picture this morning of the collapsed pavement and the car in the middle of it to your left).

Our readers tell us that there was a massive debris flow coming down the creek that not only washed out the hairpin turn at Canyon Crest, but collapsed the pavement as well -- so for the duration, there appears to be no way into or out of the Meadows.

First, the rain.  As Bill tells us:

That was a huge Storm Cell that passed over just after 7am.  I measured 4.84" per hour Rainfall Rate.  Total Rain so far is .51" yesterday and 2.52" today since Midnight.

Second, reader Bob Reid tells us:

This was a huge debris flow that roared down the canyon, not just a clog at the harpin. It shook the house it was so loud, trees and boulders just went streaming by across the street in canyon on lower Canyon Crest.

(Photo: Jane & Todd Szabo)

UPDATE:  Debbi Swanson Patrick has some interviews on her blog here.

More photos after the jump.

San Gabriel Valley Blogger's Potluck: Primavera in Altadena II

Well, the Mighty Bloggers of Altadena (us, Deb Swanson Patrick of Altadena Above It All and Altadena Daily Photo; Susan Carrier of Open Mouth Insert Fork, Cancer Banter, and The Orange Cat; and Karin Bugge, the legendary Altadenahiker) didn't learn their lesson last spring, so once again this year we will be hosting the spring potluck for the bloggers of the San Gabriel Valley at Farnsworth Park on March 20. Open to all bloggers, families, fans, and groupies, the food and company are always first rate.  Hope to see you there!

Ian Whitcomb turns 'em on

Fun for a Friday: Hometown Pasadena interviews Altadena fixture Ian Whitcomb, who says of his adopted hometown: "It’s a lawless place of eccentrics, layabouts, blowhards and gangs. There aren’t enough Jews."  No comment from this quarter on any of that!  But we note that Whitcomb joins a crowd of people in Hometown's "Creative Types" section that hail from the high 'Dena.

Flash flood watch today

From the all-caps National Weather Service:

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH NOW IN EFFECT THROUGH SATURDAY AFTERNOON FOR THE RECENT BURN AREAS...

THE FLASH FLOOD WATCH IS NOW IN EFFECT FOR

* THE RECENT BURN AREAS IN VENTURA AND LOS ANGELES COUNTIES.

* THROUGH SATURDAY AFTERNOON

* RAINFALL RATES COULD EXCEED ONE HALF INCH PER HOUR AT TIMES TODAY THROUGH SATURDAY...ESPECIALLY ACROSS SOUTH FACING SLOPES AND NEAR THUNDERSTORMS. THIS WILL BRING THE POTENTIAL FOR FLASH FLOODING AND DEBRIS FLOWS IN AND DOWNSTREAM OF THE BURN AREAS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A FLASH FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS MAY DEVELOP THAT LEAD TO FLASH FLOODING. FLASH FLOODING IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.

RESIDENTS IN OR BELOW THE RECENT BURN AREAS ARE URGED TO TAKE THE STEPS NECESSARY TO PROTECT THEIR PROPERTY. PERSONS IN THE WATCH AREA SHOULD REMAIN ALERT AND FOLLOW DIRECTIONS OF EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS OFFICIALS.

"In The Name of Love": V-Day benefit for Haiti @ Coffee Gallery

Celebrate Valentines Day At The Coffee Gallery

IN THE NAME OF LOVE: A BENEFIT FOR THE PEOPLE OF HAITI

FEATURING
JULIE SANDOVAL, Comedian
RIUA AKINSHEGUN, Writer/Performer
AND
HOBERLEIGH PHREIGH Performing
"Over The Caesar Salad" By SARA HUNTER
FINN CARTER and LESLIE PERRY In
"The Muse" By Leslie Perry
With
LAURA VEGA, MC


SUNDAY FEBRUARY 14th at 3:30 p.m.
Coffee Gallery Backstage
2029 North Lake Ave.
Altadena, CA 91001

Free, But Donations Accepted

For more info call 626.398-7917

Start Mardi Gras early at Sacred Heart Church Feb. 13

Laissez les bon temps rouler! (let the good times roll!)

Sacred Heart Church, 2889 N. Lincoln Ave in Altadena, is celebrating Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) New Orleans-style with a fabulous party on Sat., Feb. 13, from 7 to 11 PM.

The festivities include traditional N'awlins specialties, free beads, a live DJ, dancing, The Second Line and a costume contest. A no-host bar will also be available, serving wine and beer.

Tickets cost $15 per person, $25 per couple. Contact Edwina Clay at 626-794-7814 to purchase or for more information.

Have a Snort this weekend!

Local author/actor/activist Ellen Snortland is performing at the Actor's Repertory 3rd Annual Solo Festival in Burbank, and now it's crunch time.  She tells us:

My show, "Now That She's Gone" is in the finals this weekend ... If I get the most audience members, I will win a two week run. I need a run so I can get reviewed, invite casting directors, meet my pension and health benefits min., etc. Anyway, I need all the help I can get! Plus, it's a great show.

Last minute! Get your tickets now!
“NOW THAT SHE'S GONE: Unraveling The Mystery Of My Mother”
Written & Performed By: Ellen Snortland
Now That She’s Gone is a play that explores Ellen Snortland’s often hilarious, irreverent and sometimes torturous relationship with her Norwegian-American mother. Now That She’s Gone has been described as a Lily Tomlin / Garrison Keillor / Eve Ensler hybrid… passionate, poignant and funny in turns. A memoir piece with Eleanor Roosevelt, sex, drugs and lutefisk, the play and performance has received rave reviews and standing ovations in California, New York, and Washington, D.C.
Actors Repertory 3rd Annual Solo Festival
2811 W. Magnolia
Burbank, CA 91505
Admission: $15
Cheap! Two for one!
A Double-header With One Seating:
Saturday, February 6, 8:00p.m.
“OBLIGED: A one woman wedding show you’re obligated to attend”
Written and Performed By: Megan Grano
“NOW THAT SHE'S GONE: Unraveling The Mystery Of My Mother”
Written & Performed By: Ellen Snortland
Purchase tickets by visiting
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/93945
or calling 1-800-838-3006
For more info, visit www.theactorsrepertory.com

Short takes

• On the down Lowe in San Marino: The Crowell Library in San Marino will feature Michael A. Patris, founder of the Mt. Lowe Preservationist Society, who will give a talk about Prof. TSC Lowe and his railway on March 2 at 7 PM.
• But what about the T-shirts? PUSD has quietly put an end to former town councilman Herbert Simmons' student and teacher of the month awards.  His Altadenans website has some details.

Welcome Altadenablog sponsor: scissors/paper/rock salon & boutique

scissors/paper/rock, Yolande Carson’s salon and boutique at 1864 N. Allen, strives to be a place to be stylish and a place to relax.

“We like it to be intimate, so the clients get one-on-one treatment, like it’s their place,” she said.  “A place to go to go to the refrigerator and get a drink, a place to relax.”

Carson has been in the hair styling business for 25 years, but she and her husband followed parallel careers as musicians -- they met each other playing in bands, and moved up to the Pasadena area to be closer to family.  She says she worked in big salons and spas, but never wanted her own, until she  decided that “I kind of wanted arenas for music, and to do my thing.”

That idea became scissors/paper/rock, a place for “shopping, fashion, and music,” Carson said.  In addition to hair styling and beauty services, the store sells fashion jewelry and hosts trunk shows and hair and makeup seminars.

Besides the funky but serene decor, music is a big part of scissor/paper/rock’s experience -- jazz or Sinatra are always on the sound system, and every summer she holds an acoustic music concert series at the salon.

The staff includes hair stylist Rickelle Howard, who has spent 17 years in styling in the area and specializes in black hair care; manicurist Tracy Vuong; and assistant Celeste Oliverez.  The salon plans to add skin care and waxing services in the near future.

scissors/paper/rock has been in business for ten years, the last four at the Allen location .  The salon is also expanding into the storefront next door by mid-February.



Carson also believes in giving back to the community: every Christmas the salon holds a fundraiser for URDC Human Services, a nonprofit program for women and children in Pasadena trying to conquor substance abuse.  Every Mother’s Day, they hold a beauty day with makeovers for URDC clients.

As for the name?  The “scissors” comes from the hairstyling, the “rock” comes from the funky chunky jewelry -- but “paper?”  “We’re still working on it!” Carson said.

Pictured: Yolande Carson, left, and RIckelle Howard.

More found animals [UPDATE]

UPDATE:  Tiny is home, thanks to our compadre Karin the Altadenahiker!  Check the comments for the full dish!

Two more before we call it a day:

From Joell:

A dog was found on Sacramento St close to El Molino Ave today with a black collar and no home.  A neighbor brought him to me to see if I could find the owner of this incredibly cute and friendly little dog.  I have attached 2 photos of him.  He looks very well loved and taken care of.  Can you help?
My number is 310-850-2029.

And: our first rabbit!:

This bunny has been spotted around the Altadena Dr. / Olive Avenue area, specifically at the corner of Olive and Palm this past week. 
The bunny is black and white, it looks like a Dutch breed.  I am sure this is someone's pet.

Email: gmills78@gmail.com  if you know who's pet this is.

For rent: garage, starred in "Transformers"

Thanks to an alert reader who spotted this on Craig's List:  Ronnie's Automotive is up for lease.

Book tour: Michele Zack @ Pasadena Museum of History Feb. 16

If you've missed her previous talks at Vroman's or the Altadena Community Center, local historian Michele Zack will be talking and signing books at the Pasadena Museum of History on Feb 16, featuring her new book, Southern California Story: Seeking the Better Life in Sierra Madre. Details are here.

Altadena congregations respond for Haiti relief

Laura Monteros has done a fine job of legwork, checking out what local houses of worship are doing to provide relief to the people of Haiti.  We recommend her piece in the Examiner to give you some ideas of where to provide assistance.

Education Spectrum & Caltech discuss autism/Asperger research

Altadena=based Education Spectrum and Caltech invite you to an informative overview of Caltech's Autism and Asperger Syndrome Research Program. Ralph Adolphs, Ph.D., Bren Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience will describe fascinating studies of the cognitive and emotional aspects of adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Laurie Stephens, Ph.D., Clinical Director of Education Spectrum, will then join Dr. Adolphs for a dynamic discussion about eye contact, brain function, and practical data.

The event will be held Sat. Feb. 27, at Broad Center Auditorium, Room 100 on the Caltech campus.  Check in is at 3:45 PM, and the program runs from 4-5:30.   There is no entrance charge, but seating is limited. The presentation is open to the community and especially geared for parents, caregivers and professionals.

"Coffee Talk" with PUSD's Tom and Bob Feb. 10 @ Webster Elementary

Join us for Coffee with PUSD Board President Tom Selinske and Board Member Bob Harrison!

Come enjoy a warm cup of coffee and get to know our PUSD Leadership 

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

9:30-11 AM

Daniel Webster Elementary Auditorium 2101 E. Washington Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91104

• Learn more about the budget crisis facing the district   
  
• Plans to close the shortfall
  
• Potential impacts on educational programs   
  
• Share your ideas on ways we can improve all our schools  

Bring your friends and neighbors!  Sponsored by Daniel Webster PTA

Register now for pre-SAT test at the library

Don't forget: there's still time to register for a free practice SAT test at the Altadena Library Feb.20 -- you must pre-register to participate.  The library will also have a workshop revealing results and SAT strategies on Tues., March 2.

Citizens of the Year

The indefagitable Bill Westphal sends this picture of Altadena Chamber Citizens of the Year "Mr. T" and C. Jake Truman, given recognition by state assemblyman Anthony Portantino.

Theatre Americana returns to Davies Hall

Pasadena Playhouse may be dead (our prediction: it will return), but Theatre Americana is rising like a phoenix.  The theater group, which has its roots in the WPA work of the Great Depression, went under in the year 2000, but is now coming back to life again at its old home turf, Davies Auditorium at Farnsworth Park.  Janette Allen of PSN has a  great feature on the theater's revival under the direction of co-presidents Donna Scarantino and Jim Hensley.

(We interviewed Scarantino for our own story, but the notes are locked in the dead computer that's in the shop!  We've learned a lesson here!)

We won't retread PSN's story here, but we WILL remind you that Theatre Americana is offering a reception and staged reading on Feb. 13 of Scarantino's original play, Polterheist.  More information and tickets are available at the Theatre Americana website.  Proceeds go to  the Farnsworth Park after-school program.

Another found dog

Can you please post this on the blog. I found this dog on the 19th on Lincoln Ave and Royce St in Altadena. He is a very friendly Shepherd Mix about 3 years old. Email me (Eric) donvitosboil@gmail.com if anyone has information on possible owners.

 

Altadena Library presents "Griot" Feb. 9

Asha's Baba presents "Griot," an experience for all ages and all times, exposing audiences to the ancient West African Bardic tradition known as Jaliyaa on Tues., Feb. 9, at 7 PM at the Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa.

Land Use Committee @ Community Center Tues., 7 PM

Click on agenda to open.

Altadena Connection now available

LA County's Altadena Connection, the community resource guide of local events and services, should have arrived in your mailbox and is available at the Community Center, library, senior center, and the usual places.  (We have a pdf version here.)  Particularly check out Page 11!

We've also been asked to include a survey (another pdf document here) so the county can know how to improve the publication and what you'd like to see.

"Relay for Life" kickoff today at 2 PM, Altadena Library

The American Cancer Society invites individuals and families who want to celebrate the lives of those who have faced cancer, remember loved ones lost and fight back against the disease to join us at our Relay For Life of Altadena Kickoff on Sat., Jan. 30 at 2 PM at the Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa.In 1985, Relay For Life began with one man who walked and ran around a track for 24 hours raising $27,000. This year, Relay For Life is coming to you in more than 4,800 communities and in Altadena we are hoping to raise $30,000 to fight back against cancer.

Our Relay For Life event is taking place May 15th-16th 2010 at Loma Alta Park –so Save the Date!

The Relay For Life kickoff rally is where anyone families, caregivers, cancer survivors, schools, companies, etc., get together to kick off annual Relay For Life activities and find out how they can get involved.

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is an overnight community celebration where individuals and teams camp out, dance, and take turns walking around a track relay style to raise funds to fight cancer. At nightfall, participants will light hundreds of luminaria around the track in a moving ceremony to honor cancer survivors as well as friends and family members lost to the disease. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life represents hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day cancer will be eliminated.

    WHEN – Saturday January 30th 2010 at 2pm
    WHERE – Altadena Library, 600 E Mariposa St
    HOW – www.relayforlife.org/altadenaca
    Event Chair: John Pings

Isaac Kobla Gavor art reception at the Library Fri.

The Altadena Library Community Room Presents

Artwork by Isaac K. Gavor

Africa, Art and the Human Spirit

Opening Reception will be held Friday, February 5, 2010 from 5-9pm at the Library, 600 E. Mariposa.

This event is one night only! Please join us!

 

Isaac Kobla Gavor was born in Ghana’s Volta Region and, in 2008, immigrated to the United States.  His original acrylic and oil paintings are inspired by the people and rich cultures of Ghana, West Africa and combine styles of Abstract art, Expressionism, Cubism, Surrealism and Impressionism.

 

Found dog, NY and Allen

Got a message from Jenny LIn and haven't been able to post it until now (darn computers!):

Lost pup found at 9am this morning (Thu, 1/28) at Allen and New York. Email jennylinberoud@gmail.com if you are missing a small dog.

We asked for more description, and were told "small young dog."

Chandler School has ewaste collection Sat.

The weekend do-gooder activities just keep piling up:  tomorrow., Jan. 30, 10 AM-2 PM, the Chandler School in Pasadena will be holding an event:

Like to be as Green as possible but have a bunch of electronic stuff you'd like to get rid of? Chandler School in Pasadena is hosting an event this Saturday that gives you a way to finally get rid of it.

The school is at 1005 Armada Drive, Pasadena, but we will be holding the e-waste drive at the school's Seco Street entrance which doesn't have an address - it's near the Rosemont/Seco Street intersection near the Rose Bowl.  We will have some people at the Armada Street entrance who will be able to redirect people down to the Seco Street entrance.


Just drive up to the parking lot of the school at Seco Street in Pasadena and our friendly elves will take your e-waste.  You'll be rid of all that obsolete junk and feel good about it.

Here's a map to the location:  http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Pasadena&state=CA&address=%5B830-868%5D+Seco+St&zipcode=91103&country=US&latitude=34.158785&longitude=-118.16234&geocode=BLOCK

DETAILS:  a free e-waste event with e-Recycling of California on Saturday, January 30 from 10am to 2pm at their Seco Street Parking Lot.  Commonly accepted items:  computers, cell phones, laptops, microwaves, electric chairs, fax machines, cables and cords, hard drives, zip drives, shredders, DVD players and more.

Call Chandler School at 626 795 9314 if you have any questions.Commonly accepted items: televisions, computers, laptops, keyboards, printers, hard drives, microwave ovens, DVD players, cables and cords, telephones, cell phones, radios, shredders, stereo components, power supplies, zip drives, all business and consumer electronic devices and more.

(We cannot accept: Large Appliances, Toner Cartridges, Fluorescent Bulbs or Batteries of any kind.)

Note: All hard drives will be completely destroyed and recycled according to FACTA Standards

"Christmas Tree Lane: The Take Down!" starts Feb. 13

We received this message from Elizabeth Nelson of the Christmas Tree Lane Assn:

Please come and join your neighbors and friends beginning February 13^th from 9 AM to 12 PM for “Take Down”. As long as the weather permits, we will be taking the lights off the trees every Saturday and Sunday thereafter from 9 to 12 until all the trees are finished. In the morning you will be greeted with donuts, coffee and hot chocolate and after 12:00 lunch will be served.

 We will be starting at the top of Christmas Tree Lane (Santa Rosa and Altadena Drive) and working our way down every weekend until finished.

Two things to know before you come:

 1)      If you are bringing a group of more than 5 on any weekend and plan to stay and have lunch, PLEASE call (626) 403-1123 or E-Mail us beforehand so that we will have enough food for everyone;

2)      We can only move as fast as our tree climbers, so, if you would be willing to climb about one story up a ladder, please tell us when you come and we will show you what to do. (To get an idea of the height, go to any tree on the Lane, look up and see the metal box…that’s about how far up you’d need to go).

If you have any further questions about the specifics of screwing in bulbs and taking lines off the trees, give us a call.

Thank you and we hope to see you on the Lane!!

Elizabeth Nelson

Monday watercolor sessions to begin at Coffee Gallery

Donna Barnes-Roberts tell us:

I teach a series of watercolor classes at The Coffee Gallery in Altadena. My new Monday Afternoon Watercolor Class will  begin February 22nd which goes for 8 weeks.

I teach the nuts and bolts of watercolor. If you have had other watercolor teachers, I can almost guarantee that my classes will be really different. For one thing, I only take 6 students per class, so I can see what is happening with your work, and we discuss EVERYTHING about watercolor - art, composition, pretty much anything you like.

The complete run-down is at http://barnesroberts.com/other1

PUSD announces strategic plan conversations in Feb.

Dear Community and Business Leader,

On behalf of the Pasadena Unified School District, we invite you to “Join the Conversation” at one of our four Community Forums in February.  The district is currently updating our new Strategic Plan and would like the community’s input and ideas on how to ensure that our students graduate ready for college and careers.  Please help shape the future of PUSD students by sharing your ideas at an upcoming Forum, by forwarding this message and the attached flyers to your employees, clients and networks.  If you would like a poster for your office or additional flyers delivered to your organization, please contact us at pusdstrategicplan@gmail.com  

Forum Dates & Locations  

Wednesday, February 3, 6:30 p.m.
Lake Avenue Church
393 North Lake Avenue Pasadena, CA 91101 

Saturday, February 6, 10:00 a.m.
The First Church of Nazarene of Pasadena
3700 East Sierra Madre Boulevard
Pasadena, CA 91107 

Wednesday, February 10, 6:30 p.m.
Loma Alta Park
3330 North Lincoln Avenue
Altadena, CA 91001 

Thursday, February 11, 6:30 pm.
Villa-Parke Community Center
363 East Villa St. Pasadena, CA 91101

To RSVP, please email pusdstrategicplan@gmail.com or contact Laura at 213-895-7010   We look forward to seeing you at one of our PUSD Community Forums!    Thank you,   The PUSD Strategic Plan Project Team pusdstrategicplan@gmail.com 213-895-7010  

Baha'is host "Pancakes and prayer"

Join us for a neighborhood gathering and bring your friends!

Saturdays, 10-11 PM581 Devonwood Rd.Contact: 626.797.4977

e-mail: nazaninho@gmail.com

Come and share ...- a prayer

• -a poem
• - a song
• - an inspirational quote
• - a devotional reading
• - a special “etc”

Pancakes and refreshments wil be served.  Sponsored by the Baha'is of Altadena

We got troubles ...

The screen to our workhorse MacBook Pro went dark today, and we're not hip enough for the Apple Store to deal with it (we had to make an appointment just to leave it with them!)  so things may run a little light for the next few days!

Chamber events: mixer at Amy's tonight, awards & installation dinner Fri.

Two Altadena Chamber of Commerce events coming up this week:

First, this afternoon, Wed., the monthly chamber mixer is at Amy's Patio Cafe, corner of Lake & Altadena Dr., from 5:30-7 PM.  The chamber would like to have a HUGE turnout to support Amy's, which is OPEN OPEN OPEN (despite what the Pasadena Weekly says).

On Friday, Jan.29, the annual chamber awards and installation dinner takes place at the Altadena Town & Country Club.  C. Jake and Robert "Mr. T" Truman are the Altadena Chamber's citizens of the year.  For more information, email altadenachamber@yahoo.com or call 626-794-3988 between 3-6 PM today and tomorrow.

Bring your can to Coffee Gallery for some comedy Sat.!

This Saturday night, Jan. 30 starting at 10 PM, the Coffee Gallery is holding its Cans for Comedy benefit.

The price of admission is canned food that will be donated to Friends in Deed food pantry

The line-up for this show includes Adam Norwest, Marsha Morgan, Brad Schecter, Courtney Ca, Julie Sandoval, Jorjeana Marie, Tracie Walker, and Henierietta, with Di Stanky hosting.  Over the last two years this show has raised 4,000 pounds of food.