Today's the day for the social event of the year: the second annual San Gabriel Valley Bloggers' "Primavera in Altadena" potluck, at Farnsworth Park, starting at noon today.  That's where we'll be!

With clear skies ahead, there are going to be two good chances to see the International Space Station in the next few days.

Tonight, it will fly overhead at about 8:17, starting in the northwest.  On Monday, it will start at 7:32, again in the northwest, and fly almost directly overhead.

The Altadena Chamber of Commerce's annual golf tournament is just around the corner -- May 7, to be exact.

• The Altadena Library will have Toddler Story Time at 11 AM;  teens and tweens games, starting at 4 PM in the main library; and the Bob Lucas branch welcomes award-winning juggler David Cousin, also at 4 PM.

• The Altadena library's Friday Fun Flick for the month is Where the Wild Things Are, 3:30-5 PM, at the community room.

• Altadena MOMS Club is at the Webster's complex from 10 AM-2 PM with their clothing swap fundraiser
• The Pasadena Police Dept. helipad on Windsor will hold an open house from 11-2 to introduce their new, quieter helicopter.
• The Covert Potters Assn. offers "Soup's Up" at Amy's Patio Cafe: have a great lunch with good company, fine soup, and keep the bowl, handmade by a local artisan, starting at 11:30.
• The bloggers of the San Gabriel Valley will welcome spring with the second annual "Primavera in Altadena" potluck at Farnsworth Park, starting at noon and going on until the last blog is hung (sponsored by Altadenablog, Altadenahiker, Altadena Above It All, and Open Mouth Insert Fork).
• And if you're not a blogger, but want to be one, Anne Louise Brown's workshop, "Blogging for fun and (maybe) profit" will be held at the ever-busy Library Community Room, starting at 2 PM.

We subscribe to all kinds of interesting emails, and sometimes they're even relevant!

Altadena-based Hughes Estate Sales will be conducting an estate sale on the property of Dr. Albert & Mrs. Marka O. Hibbs on Friday and Saturday.  Dr. Hibbs, "The voice of JPL," worked on many pioneering spacecraft and authored several important scientific books and papers, occasionally with his colleague Dr. Richard Feynman.  Marka Hibbs was a longtime Altadena resident, a fine artist, librarian at Flintridge Prep, world traveler and bohemian party-thrower, and mother of PSN's Larry Wilson.  Even if you're not planning on going to the sale, gawk at the pictures, by all means!

The fierce Altadena author Ellen Snortland celebrates Women's History Month  on Mon., March 29 at the Altadena Library.  Snortland will present an entertaining yet practical guide to self-defense for women and girls, based on her book Beauty Bites Beast.  It starts at 7 PM at the library, 600 E. Mariposa, and admission is free.

Not enough Ellen for you?  Then check out her workshop on April 19, "Burst Out With Your Creative Juices," also at the library at 7 PM.

• The Town Council is considering an ordinance to restrict overnight parking of RVs and other vehicles on Altadena streets.  According to council chair Gino Sund, ever since Pasadena stepped up enforcement, some out-of-town RV owners are storing their rigs on the streets of Altadena, moving them every three days to avoid getting ticketed -- and even if they do get a ticket, it’s cheaper than paying hundreds of dollars a month in storage fees.  The council is exploring issuing overnight parking permits to residents only, giving law enforcement a tool to discourage residents of other communities from using Altadena streets as storage space.
• There was also discussion on the Foothill Municipal Water District’s plans for a parcel tax to pay for up to $65 million in improvements to local water supplies and delivery.  The town council’s Water Task Force attended Foothill’s Monday public meeting in La Canada Flintridge, raising several questions about the vagueness of the plan and lack of public outreach.  Sund said that owners of undeveloped foothill land could be on the hook for several thousand dollars a year if they don’t ask to opt out by the April 5 deadline.
• Incoming Altadena sheriff Capt. Steven McLean said that in the past two weeks the deputies have arrested eight burglary suspects, two of them known gang members,  Investigation is continuing, but some of them may be tied into other thefts.  McLean said that, compared to the first two weeks in February, burglaries are down 45%.  He also introduced his replacement as lieutenant, Lt. Roosevelt Johnson (not to be confused with departing Capt. Roosevelt Blow).

• California Highway Patrol Officer Ming Hsu said that CHP officers dinged 20 drivers for violations during a sting operation  at Lake and Morada last month, ticketing drivers who entered crosswalks while pedestrians were in them.  Hsu said that CHP is also working with the Sheriff Dept. on a “Start Smart” class for teens and other first-time drivers, dealing with driving safely.
• There was also a presentation on proposed improvements to Charles White Park, which will include a new group picnic area and picnic tables, a new basketball court, walking path, onsite parking, and new walkways and pathways, all landscaped with water-saving native plants, trees, and hybrid bermuda grass.  Congressman Adam Schiff is now looking for funding on the improvements, which are estimated at $4.74 million.
• Chairman Sund announced that the Altadena post office will do a survey on the blue postal drop boxes that have been removed from several corners to see if they should be reinstated.  Sund said that postal carriers have seen an uptick in the amount of mail people are mailing out from home, which is usually an indicator that the boxes are needed.
•  In census tract reports, Techumseh Shackelford (CT 4610) announced that the police helipad on Windsor will hold an open house on Saturday, March 20, from 11 AM-2 PM, to introduce their newer, quieter helicopter.  And Gaurav Malhotra (CT 4611) said that the neighborhood is fighting an illegal recycling center set up at the Fair Oaks Burger parking lot.
• Sund said that the council is looking for one more community member to fill out the 2010 election committee.

• Annika Lenz took a bronze at the 10 meter qualifying event in Guadalajara, Mexico last weekend, which means the 15 year old Altadenan and Pasadena Poly freshman will compete in the inaugural Youth Olympics in Singapore this August.  PSN has the details
• Paul Burri of Noozhawk in Santa Barbara and Goleta (probably another one of those astroturfing "local news" enterprises like the Examiner)  talks about his friend, 'Mike" from Altadena, who is also from Brooklyn, and it shows.
• Another Hollywood stalker blog -- Finding the Famous -- has just started, and host Lisa looks at 90210 Dylan's house, which is actually in 91001 on Altadena Dr.  There are a couple of Pasadena locations here as well that are worth checking out.
• And finally, Hometown Pasadena looks at this weekend's main event: The San Gabriel Valley Blogger's Potluck!  Saturday at Farnsworth Park, starts at noon, be there or be square!

Danny's Farm held an open house Saturday, and all kinds of people showed up to see the animals and learn about the good work the Farm does with adults and children with disabilities.

Farm namesake Danny Gott and his large rabbit greeted all comers.

Quite a crowd of people enjoyed looking around.

Anybody who was anybody was there.  Here, Altadena Town Councilman Greg Middleton, left, talks to new Altadena Sheriff Capt. Steven McLean.

The latest edition of Danny's Farm's newsletter, detailing upcoming activities for spring and summer (note that spring activities are coming up quickly!)  You ARE planning on going to today's open house from 10-12, right?

Looks like nothing too urgent on the agenda, but chairman Gino Sund tells us that (item 9.3) the council will be getting public input on a proposed ordinance for overnight parking permits for oversized vehicles.  Commercial vehicles in excess of 10,000 lbs. are already forbidden from parking overnight on our streets, but there is a problem of non-residents parking their oversize vehicles in Altadena. The proposed ordinance would provide a free parking permit for residents, in order to control the problem of non-residents who park their vehicles on Altadena streets.

No longer the red-headed stepchild of the foothills, Altadena boasts not one, but three census assistance centers per PSN:  the Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Drive, Altadena. 626-398-6174; the Senior Center, 560 E. Mariposa St., Altadena. 626-798-4971; and Loma Alta County Park, 3330 N. Lincoln Ave., Altadena. 626-398-5451.  Call before visiting to ensure it's staffed -- census forms will be arriving starting Monday.

• Alta-diver Annika Lenz will be going to Mexico to compete for a spot in the Youth Olympic Games, to be held in August in Singapore.
• Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich named Dr. Sandra Thomas as the 2009 “Woman of the Year” for the Fifth Supervisorial District at the 25th Annual County Commission on Women Awards Luncheon.
  
  “Dr. Thomas is a superb role model and an example of how one person -- with hard work, vision and strong leadership can make a difference in the lives of young people,” said Antonovich. In 2004, Dr. Thomas founded the Quality of Life Center which provides individualized instruction and attention to youth with their studies successfully providing students with the tools they need to achieve and live productive lives.  Her Bright Scholars program encourages students to realize their goals with networking opportunities, social support, and training on how to best market themselves for both college and jobs.
• That Hollywood stalker gal Lindsay Blake takes a look at the Fair Oaks Ranch/Crank House, and its movie career (Scream 2 and Catch Me If You Can).
• ... and a mountain bike ride at El Prieto (note: not for the easily motion-sick!)

One of our favorite people in the universe (who shares a spot with us on Hometown Pasadena's Top Ten List), Petrea Burchard, the creator of Pasadena Daily Photo, will hold a salon at the Women's City Club of Pasadena next month.

It's everything you need to know about blogging, all in one spot, by one of the doyennes of the local blogosphere.  What more can we say?

Details are on the flyer, and Petrea tells us that, despite being held in a women's club, men can come, too!

Sheriff's Support Group president Robert Klomburg give us the scoop on this summer's concert series at Farnsworth Park:

The funds we raise for the Summer Concert Series are completely outside of the funds we raise for equipment and services for the Altadena Sheriff's Station. It has always been that way, and will continue to be that way. We have a number of sponsors lined up, but we could always use more.

 

Our partnership with Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, the Altadena Sheriff's Station, Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich and our dedicated sponsors, Warner Bros. Entertainment, Rotary Club of Altadena, Beven & Brock, Inc., Toyota of Pasadena, Georgia Rutherford, and Dickson Podley Realtors, has, in my opinion, has made this 14 year Altadena tradition, one of the best events that happen in Altadena.

 

This year were are hoping one of local eateries will also be participating by having boxed dinners for purchase prior to the evenings concert. I don't yet have confirmation on that, but I am looking forward to a 'Hollywood Bowl' dining experience!

 

As you can see, our line-up is as diverse as the community. We had more than 40 acts apply for the 9 slots we had available. All were worthy to participate!

 

Personally, I am looking forward to our Grand Finale, yet another tribute show. In the past years we have had Elvis, Neil Diamond, Johnny Cash, the Diamonds, the Sounds of the Supremes, the Coasters and the Platters. This year we are doing a tribute to the great 40's & 50's swing music. Something we have never done before. The Grand Finale will feature tributes to: Gene Krupa & Buddy Rich in their infamous 'drum off'. Other tributes will be made to Connie Francis, Peggy Lee, Louis Prima and we will have, as special guests, in a tribute to the Andrew Sisters for our September 11th concert.  The show stars Randy Caputo as Gene Krupa, Jimmy Ford as Buddy Rich, Gina Harlan as Connie Francis & Peggy Lee. And MORE!

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Laura Monteros in The Examiner, as usual, has been doing some yeoman duty on hard topics.  Her latest entries look at the history of water development in Altadena and environs in light of the Foothill Municipal Water District's plan to impose a parcel tax to develop local water sources.  It all starts right here.

(BTW, Foothill's workshop with local residents to discuss their plans and financing will be held 8:30 AM on March 15 at the La Canada Presbyterian Church, 626 Foothill Blvd. in La Canada).

From our friend Ann Erdman, Pasadena's public information officer:

EXHIBITORS WANTED FOR PASADENA’S GREENING THE EARTH DAY FESTIVAL
 
Exhibitors that provide green services or sell green products are encouraged to display their wares at the eighth annual Greening the Earth Day and Armory Family Arts Festival in Pasadena.
 
The free event will be on Saturday, April 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Memorial Park, Armory Center for the Arts, and on Raymond Avenue between Walnut and Holly streets.
 
This year’s festival promises more exhibitors and eco-friendly vendors. Businesses and nonprofit organizations have the opportunity to display information or sell items that promote green lifestyles, composting, organic foods, hybrid and electric vehicles, alternative energy and green building design.  Last year’s event had more than 80 exhibitors and 5,000 visitors.
 
The festival is also the place to learn more about the city of Pasadena’s resources and plans for waste reduction, recycling, water and energy conservation and other Green City initiatives.
 
A guided bicycle tour of the city’s green projects and facilities organized byC.I.C.L.E. will begin at 11 a.m.
 
Entertainment will include music from local bands, an interactive drum circle and dancers.  Children can enjoy arts and crafts, live animals and more.
 
Sponsors include the city of Pasadena, Armory Center for the Arts, Conscientious Projector and Metro.
 
For an exhibitor application form or more information call (626) 744-4721 or visit www.cityofpasadena.net/earthdayexhibits.
 

• The county board of supervisors is expected to renew its $10,000 reward offer in the slaying of Altadena teen Jerrill Dulaney last year.  PSN has details here.
  
• Donna Barnes-Roberts is offering a new session of watercolor classes at the Coffee Gallery, starting March 15.  Details are here.
• A woman fell and was injured in Eaton Canyon Tuesday, Sketchy details here.
• A new website just went up, about the art in the Coffee Gallery: The Gallery in the Gallery, of course!
  

The delightful Molly Tierney at Photography by Walt and the Altadena Arts Coalition has sent us this announcement of the next community photography happening:

Sign up to be apart of another community photography project starting March 13th-April 13th!

ABSTRACT ALTADENA!

A Community Photography Project brought to you by the Altadena Arts Coalition

Go explore, and take pictures with the idea in mind that each image you look at could be seen differently. Try different perspectives on everyday objects or scenes. Or try extreme close ups, including parts of certain objects. That light post with the weathered decay close up leaves the viewer with only the texture and color present. Shadows on a wall or reflecting colors through a car window you can see this anywhere. The idea of what the object was is excused, and you are left with something new to take in. Anything ordinary can be seen abstractly. How can you create new abstract images from everyday imagery?? Make it interesting! Most importantly have fun!!

How to participate: Sign up at Photography by Walt starting March 13th and receive the email and instructions where the photos will be sent. ($15 participating fee) Photos will be due April 13th. You will be submitting up to three Jpeg images for the upcoming event on May 1 (one will be selected). The community project will be on display in the Galloway Alley with the Altadena Arts Coalition May 1st event. Same location where Project Altadena was held!

There will be live music, food, and other art functions for the exhibition!

SIGN UP @ PHOTOGRAPHY BY WALT Starting March 13th  $15 Fee
875 E. MARIPOSA ST! (studio hours tue-fri 10:00-5:30 sat 10:00-4:00)

PHOTOS DUE APRIL 13TH VIA EMAIL (3 Jpeg maximum, 1 will be selected for show)

EXHIBITION HELD MAY 1ST IN THE GALLOWAY ALLEY!

UPDATE: Adjusted the participating fee price.

Per this article in PSN, Foothill Municipal Water District will hold an open house on March 15 (altho' the story doesn't say where -- we're looking into it) to meet the public on its proposed $4/month parcel tax for its customers, which include 30,000 households in Altadena (Foothill is the middleman between the Metropolitan Water District and the local water districts).  Foothill's plan is to develop local water supplies so it is not so dependent on DWP, the bulk of which will be plants for reclaiming waste water and pumping it back into the aquifers.

Foothill has also pushed back its deadline for exemptions from the parcel tax, to April 5, 2010.    Foothill also issued a press release about its plans, after the jump.

Foothill Municipal Water District Extends Deadline for Exclusions
Application for Real Property Assessment
 
Foothill Municipal Water District is considering a real property assessment to raise
money to pay for capital improvements to the District’s water system. The District’s
Board on February 16, 2010 approved exempting and excluding certain properties from
the real property assessment should the District proceed with the assessment.  The
deadline for applying was originally March 9, 2010.  However, due to the high interest
level, the deadline has now been extended to April 5, 2010.   To be excluded from the
assessment, property owners must apply to the District based on the criteria below. 

Applications can be found at www.fmwd.com or by calling the District at (818) 790-4036.

• Property owners may apply for the partial or whole exclusion of properties that do not
and will not use water as described below.
• Lands with conservation easements, 
• Lands where owners certify that they will not develop the land, and
• Lands where there are ordinances and general land use plans prohibiting 
development 
 
If the property owner later develops the land, they will need to pay the retroactive
parcel charge plus interest. 

Parcels exempt or excluded from the assessment will not be eligible to vote
regarding the levying of the assessment.  Parcels partially benefited will have the
weighted voting based on the amount of benefit.

The District will not process exemptions and exclusions submitted after April 5,
2010.  

The real property assessment is to help finance the Local, Reliable Water Supply
Program.  This program was necessitated by three years of drought in Northern
California, eight years on the Colorado River watershed and a decision by a Federal
Judge that severely restricted pumping in the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta due to the
diminishing population of the Delta Smelt has had impacts to the Foothill area.
  
The Program calls for a goal is to reduce by one-third to one-half the service
area’s dependence on imported supplies from the current average of 57%.  This would be
achieved through the development of recycled water, increased capture and recharge of
stormwater and conservation to meet the legislative mandate of 20% conservation by
2020.  

In addition to decreasing dependence on imported supplies, current system
rehabilitation and improvements are also part of the Program.  These include new backup
generators for electrical power at pump stations and rehabilitating pumps and reservoir
storage.

Total cost of the Program is estimated at $65 million with about half being funded
through federal and state grants.  The District plans to sell about $20 million in 30 year
revenue bonds for the first portion of the work.   By financing the payback over 30 years
with tax exempt revenue as opposed to paying for it with current water rates, the program
is more affordable and fair since current customers will pay their share in the current
years and future customers—who will also benefit from these projects—will pay their
share in future years.  To pay back the bond, the District is considering asking property
owners to vote on a real property assessment.  A vote is required by Proposition 218. 
The parcel charge identifies a unique benefit for each property and a specific assessment
amount based on that specific benefit. Those customers receiving more benefits would
pay more of the share of the financing through the property assessments.  The votes
would also be weighted to match the assessment.

The remainder of the revenues will come from State and Federal grants, MWD
LRP rebates and Foothill MWD rates and charges for recycled water and imported water
service.  
 

When every penny counts these days, it's nice to have an outlet for bargain clothes! EACH PIECE of CLOTHING is only $1.00. There are some larger items up for silent auction.
 
So, if you have any children under 5 -- or know anyone who does -- it might be worth your while to check this out!  They will also have women's clothing and shoes for sale, as well as some miscellaneous children/baby items, and a bake sale. 
 
All proceeds benefit Mother's Club of Pasadena and Haven House, both nonprofit groups that benefit women and child in our area.

It's just two weeks away, rain or shine -- the second annual Primavera in Altadena San Gabriel Valley Blogger's Potluck, at the covered tables at Farnsworth Park, Lake & Mt. Curve.  If you're a blogger, love a blogger, or are fans of bloggers, c'mon down and bring food!

(And if you are a blogger, spread the word!)

Hosted by the mighty quadrangle of Altadena bloggers (Open Mouth Insert Fork, Altadenahiker, Altadena Above It All, and Altadenablog), a good time will be had by all!