Walmart Neighborhood Market Community Meeting

Musson, Angulo, Shackleford

I covered the community meeting set up by Altadena Town Council members Tecumseh Shackleford and Brent Musson of Census Tract 4610 on Thursday night.  I got some exclusive quotes, and pinned Walmart rep Javier Angulo down on how soon they will apply for a liquor license.

Altadenans on the west side of town have been concerned for years about the number of free-standing liquor stores and check-cashing places in the area.  The site where the Walmart Neighborhood Market will be on Lincoln Ave. is already licensed for a grocery, but not liquor. 

Read the article on Altadenablog: Packed house as Walmart spokesman answers questions

Altadena outdoors: Horses, lumberjacks, and earthquakes

Up close & personal with the mountains on the Rubio trail

A writer should never ask to be excused for not writing. But I have been writing! Just not on Bluehouseviews. Below is the list of articles I've written for Altadena Patch and Altadenablog since the first of the year. Other than that, my Examiner columns, and the writing group at Monte Vista Grove, I've been enjoying my first grandson.

Patch got a three-parter out of the Altadena Crest Trail Restoration Working Group, which met with a representative from L.A. County to share ideas of what needs to be done to ensure trail access for residents. The first part, "Concerns Over Altadena Crest Trail Conveyed to County Consultant" addresses the trail. Part 2, "Altadena's Equestrian Future", talks about equestrian concerns, and Part 3 about bicycling.

What does one do with all those downed trees after a windstorm? Read "Altadena Heritage hosts urban lumberjacks (and they're OK)" on Altadenablog to find out. And check back next week for a follow up, "Managing the Urban Forest".

I wrote about my experiences getting Community Emergency Response Team training in "What Is CERT and Why Is It Important" for Patch. CERT teaches regular folks to be prepared for emergencies from simple first aid to massive earthquakes.

Of course, my Examiner columns (listed at right) have lots of interesting goings-on with Altadena, the San Gabriel Foothills, and the Tournament of Roses.

What's behind the hedges?

Home of Sarah Noble Ives, Altadena's first historian

Ever wondered what stories there are behind the hedges and walls of some of the beautiful old homes in Altadena? Altadena Historical Society had a tour of some of the historic places on and near the spur of East Mariposa just east of Lake Avenue.

Altadenablog assigned me to cover the story.  There were lots of surprises and new discoveries. Read about them in "History, mystery and scandal on Historical Society's tour of Mariposa".  I especially liked the miniature golf course and revisiting the home of my old friends from Westminster Presbyterian, Herb and Betty Herr.

It was also inspiring to see the artwork of Sarah Noble Ives, whose picture-book illustrations were, I think, among the first in full color and established a style that lasted for decades.

Catching up: Boys Republic, Altadena Urban Farmer's Market, Tournament of Roses

It is hot in my office right now, about 95 degrees. The only mitigating thing that can be said, as my fingers stick to the keys as I type, is that it is much nicer here in Gabriel's old bedroom than when I had my office upstairs.  Sometimes there is a 20-degree difference in temperature.  Not today, today it's only about 10 degrees.

Here are my latest stories for Altadenablog, Patch, and my Tournament of Roses column.


"Boys Republic Auxiliary's century of service" took me to a thrift shop in Altadena next to the post office.  The ladies and gents sell used merchandise to raise funds for the Boys Republic.  Actor Steve McQueen, a juvenile delinquent, had his life turned around at Boys Republic and was a supporter the rest of his life.

"Altadena Urban Farmer's Market Seeking New Location" presents the decisions the fledgling organization faces as it seeks to re-establish the popular underground market.  It was formerly held at the Zane Grey estate in Altadena.  There's also mention of the certified farmer's market which is on tap for October at Loma Alta Park.  I can walk there!

Of course, my favorite stories are usually about the Rose Parade or other local events.  Here are two:

"Pasadena's birthday party shows of 125 years of vehicles" is the last in my series of articles about the quasquicentennial of Pasadena.  It made for a summer of fun!
"Service clubs participate to spread the word" is another in my series on the 2011 Rose Parade floats.  Each of the award-winner got its own article, and the rest I've divided into categories.

Soon it will be time to guess the next Grand Marshal, welcome the Queen and Royal Court, and attend celebrations, announcements, and the parade itself.

Keep reading!

Paco the brave Chihuahua takes Altadena by storm

Paco with Ace Smoke Shop owner Erik Knight

Your Altadena Headlines Examiner was born and raised in Los Angeles.  Like all good Angelenos, she is not impressed by celebrities--with one exception.

That would be Brave Paco, the Chihuahua who chased two armed robbers out of a smoke shop in Altadena and became an instant hero when the surveillance video went viral.  

Paco’s most recent appearance was last night, Aug. 12, at Fancy Food Truck Fridays, a monthly food fest put on by the Webster’s stores on North Lake Avenue.  Altadena Headlines spoke with Erik Knight, the owner of Ace Smoke Shop and Paco’s good friend; Duane Dier, Paco’s proud owner; and dog expert Dr. Jane Brackman (affectionately known around town as “Dr. Barkman”) to find out first-hand what happened on that fateful morning.

Read all about it on Altadena Headlines Examiner.

Want filming at your house--but not in your neighborhood? Here's how!

ACONA (Altadena Coalition of Neighborhood Associations) pulls together various neighborhood and community organizations to coordinate information.  The organization puts together interesting, relevant programs every other month.

Russ Fega of "Home Shoot Home"

August's meeting brought in Russ Fega, a location manager, and Geoffrey Smith from Film LA to talk about filming in Altadena.  In general, they find Altadena to be welcoming to the filming crews.

The second part of the meeting focused on liquor stores in Altadena--surprise! We have one of the lowest ratios in the county for a community our size.  Speakers came from Alcoholic Beverage Control and the planning and business licensing departments of L.A. County.

Last, but of most urgent concern, Ellen Walton dropped in to talk about the increased coyote interactions we've been experiencing in the past few months.

Read all about it on altadenablog!

Keep on Truckin'! And save 107 acres of natural land

From Bob Barnes' slideshow

The story of the reclamation of the Cobb Estate at the end of Lake Avenue in Altadena is epic.  It's the stuff of movies.  A high school student and a social studies teacher bring an entire community together to save nature in that back-to-nature era referred to as "The Sixties".  A march to the top of the hill--a frenzied, last-minute bid--a realtor bowing to the will of the people.  Can't get much better than that.  Move over, George Bailey!

I was lucky enough to be assigned by altadenablog to cover the presentation given by Bob Barnes, the teacher.  It was a retelling of a familiar story in more detail--with a wonderful suprise at the end.  Read it here:

"This is the people's bid": the nail-biting drama of the Cobb Estate

Tuskegee Airman Oliver Goodall post office

There seems to be some confusion as to which post office will be named after Tuskegee Airman Oliver Goodall. I spoke with Maureen Shanahan in Adam Schiff's Washington office today to find out.  You can, too, if you read my article "Tuskegee Airman Oliver Goodall post office: Altadena is off the map".

Survey Altadena responses to be posted today

Altadena Chamber of Commerce mounted an online survey for six months, from November 2010 through April 2011.  The results are in and will be posted today at www.surveyaltadena.com.  Do they truly reflect Altadena residents?  What do you think?

Read the whole story on altadenablog.

The Golden Poppy awards were given out by Altadena Heritage on Sunday, and I covered the story for Altadena Patch. It was a lovely afternoon for a garden tea at a historic 1909 home. Read "Celebrating Altadena Gardens with Golden Poppy Awards" for all the details.  The flower at the right is not a California golden poppy, which is our state flower, but a red oriental poppy.  Or perhaps Icelandic.  I only take pictures, I don't garden!

What a beautiful day it was on Sunday, when Old Marengo Park was dedicated!  Taking a deserted, sandy triangle and turning it into a verdant garden that demonstrates the use of California native plants was an effort involving the entire community--Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy, Altadena Heritage, in-kind donations from local businesses, and hundreds of volunteer hours. 

The land is owned by Los Angeles County, but the park is maintained by the neighbors and other volunteers.  For more on the story, read about it in Altadena Patch.

Altadena gardens showcase native plants

I had a great time doing this story for Altadena Patch!  I visited two gardens in Altadena as part of the Theodore Payne Native Plant Garden Tour on Sunday.


These yards are amazing--gorgeous color, lots of quirky ornaments, wonderful secret spots around each corner.  And wicket gates!  My favorite garden feature!


I took lots of photos and picked the best of them.  I hope you enjoy leafing through them.

Here's the link: Photo Gallery: Altadena's Native Plants