Welcome to North East Pasadena

MARCH 18-27...10 DAY BAN on Outdoor Watering

2011-02-25T16:28:00.000-08:00

Just wanted everyone to know about this so you won't be fined. With all this rain the last few weeks, it shouldn't be a problem.

10-Day Ban on Outdoor Watering During MWD Shutdown, March 18-27

PWP will go before City Council on February 28, 2011 to urge a total prohibition on outdoor watering from March 18-27, 2011 during a temporary shutdown of a major regional water treatment plant.

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), which supplies about 60 percent of Pasadena’s water, is planning a seismic upgrade of its Weymouth Treatment Plant in LaVerne and will stop all water deliveries to Pasadena and neighboring cities to perform the retrofit.

For those 10 days, Pasadena must rely solely on groundwater and reserves. We’ll need to eliminate all outdoor watering to cut citywide water use by 40 percent.

Read on for "HOW TO PREPARE" and get answers to "FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS."

Please share this information with your gardener, family, neighbors and co-workers, and CHECK HERE AGAIN ON MARCH 1 to find out about the final plan approved by City Council at the public hearing on Feb. 28.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE EMERGENCY SHORTAGE

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. The week before (March 11-17), give your plants as much water as they will tolerate so they’ll be well saturated, and then cover the beds with mulch to prevent soil from drying out.

2. The night before (March 17), turn off your automatic sprinkler system (including drip systems and smart controllers) until March 28.

3. Talk to your gardener and let him or her know about the watering ban.

4. Consider postponing your spring planting until after the shutdown.

5. Check for daily updates at here and or 744-8888 to see if the prohibition has been lifted early or possibly extended.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

STAY INFORMED

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For questions not answered in the FAQ below, please submit your question here and a PWP representative will respond within 24 hours.

For more information and daily updates during the shutdown, check this webpage or call the Water Shortage Hotline at 744-8888.

Attend a public meeting:

City Council Public Hearing: Level 4 Water Shortage Emergency
Monday, February 28, 7:30 pm
City Hall Council Chambers, 100 N. Garfield Ave.

District 6 Town Hall Meeting: PWP Asst. General Manager Shan Kwan Discusses MWD Shutdown
Tuesday, February 22, 7:00 pm
SAN RAFAEL SCHOOL AUDITORIUM
1090 Nithsdale Road

Article taken directly from http://ww2.cityofpasadena.net/waterandpower/shutdown/

For all your real estate needs give me a call.

Jess Mangubat
626.431.2266
jessmangubat@yahoo.com

How to Dispute Mistakes In Your Credit Reports With the Credit Bureaus

2010-12-21T20:52:00.000-08:00

A few helpful tips if you see something that shouldn't be on your credit report.

You can dispute mistakes with the credit bureaus by mail or telephone, but you’ll get the fastest results if you initiate a dispute online. Here are the websites and phone numbers you should use for the credit bureaus when you contact them to dispute errors:

http://www.investigate.equifax.com or 888-800-8859
http://www.Experian.com/disputes or 866-200-6020
http://www.Transunion.com/investigate or 800-916-8800

It’s best to dispute errors one at a time – because contesting a slew of alleged mistakes all at once may cause your dispute(s) to be thrown out. By law, the credit bureaus can opt not to investigate your claims if they deem your dispute(s) to be “frivolous” or “irrelevant.”

What to Expect From the Credit Bureaus

Generally speaking, all three credit bureaus allow you to dispute errors related to the “Ownership” of an account or the “Account Information”/“Status” of an account. For example, when you fill out the dispute investigation forms supplied by the bureaus to mail them in, or when you file an online dispute, the bureaus will ask you to check off boxes that specify what information you are contesting.

Disputing Ownership of an Account

If you dispute “Ownership” of an account, you will check one of these boxes:
• I have no knowledge of this account.
• This account does not belong to me.
• This is not my account; it belongs to a relative or another person with same/similar name.
• This account belongs to my ex-spouse.
• This is a fraudulent account; account opened by someone who stole my identity.
• Fraudulent charges were made on my account.
• Creditor agreed to remove my liability on this account.
• Corporate account.
• I am no longer liable for this account.
• I did not authorize this inquiry.
• This is a fraudulent inquiry.
• Other.

Disputing “Account Information or “Status”

If you dispute the “Account Information” or “Status” of an item, you will check one of these boxes:
• This account is included in my bankruptcy.
• My credit limit and/or high credit amount is incorrect.
• My account balance is incorrect.
• Please verify date of last payment, date opened, date closed, or date of delinquency.
• Please verify the account descriptions shown on my account.
• I have never paid late.
• This account is closed.
• This account is not closed.
• My account is closed per my request to the creditor.
• This account is paid.
• I have paid this account in full.
• I paid this account before it went to collection or before it was charged off.
• Too old to be on file, please remove.
• Terms are incorrect.
• Creditor agreed to remove charges and/or fees.
• Creditor agreed to remove this account from my file.
• This account is transferred to another lender
• I am a victim of a natural or declared disaster.
• I have Active Military Duty status.
• Account is deferred.
• This account is settled.
• Other.

There may be variations in some of the wording. But as of this writing, these are all the possible reasons for disputes at Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

The Differences Between Equifax, TransUnion and Experian

At Equifax and TransUnion, you can only choose from either the “Ownership” dispute category or the “Account Information” category that best describes your dispute. You can not make selections from both categories.

Equifax’s online dispute system also allows you to add a “Dispute Account Statement.” There you can type up to 250 characters to provide additional information to support your dispute.

At Experian, you can enter up to 120 characters about your reason for disputing something in your credit file. Experian alerts consumers that it will send your statement to the creditor. For example, assume you check the reason for your dispute as “I have never paid late.” If you then want to explain your position, you might add a statement such as: “The creditor said they misapplied my payment,” or “I moved but my creditor acknowledged that they erroneously sent the bill to my old address.” Such statements will be sent by Experian to your creditor to help them understand why you are disputing certain reported information. (Under federal law, all creditor bureaus are supposed to forward your explanation statements or supporting information to creditors/furnishers when you have a dispute. But critics say the credit bureaus routinely violate this requirement just to cut costs and save money).

At TransUnion, the online dispute service specifies that you can make only one submission that includes all of your requests for investigation or changes of information. If you need to make additional requests after your online dispute, you must call or write the bureau. TransUnion’s mail-in form, called a “Request for Investigation,” also includes a section for you to write in additional comments related to your dispute.

Proving That a Mistake Exists is Up To You

Remember: In the event of a mistake, the burden is on you to notify the credit agencies about that error. And it’s not enough to simply say something is “incorrect.”

You have to state why certain information is erroneous or outdated. Once you do, your claim will be investigated. If you have documentation like statements or cancelled checks, provide copies to support your claim.

In general, the credit bureau has 30-45 days to investigate your dispute and respond to you, in writing, with the results of the investigation.

Hopefully this helps and let me know your input.

How to Safeguard Your Credit, Privacy and Accounts While Holiday Shopping

2010-12-05T08:57:00.001-08:00

After a tough couple of years, Americans are loosening the grips on their wallets and planning to do a bit more shopping this holiday season.

The National Retail Federation predicts the average U.S. shopper will spend $689 over the holidays, up slightly from $682 in 2009.

Many of us will hop on the Internet to comparison shop and score bargains. But plenty of people will head to the malls and other brick-and-mortar stores to purchase holiday gifts, decorations, toys and more. Here are some helpful tips to safeguard your credit, your privacy as well as your bank accounts whether you’re shopping over the Internet or in person.

For Online Shoppers

While Black Friday – the day after Thanksgiving – has traditionally kicked off the official holiday shopping season, savvy consumers are increasingly interested in Cyber Monday deals that can typically be found only online.

So if you’re like me and you dread the thought of getting up early for in-store deals or battling massive hordes of shoppers, use these guidelines to shop safely and easily from the convenience of your home.

Only Use Secure Sites

The number one rule of safe online shopping – during the holidays or any other time of the year – is to only use secure websites. These are highly safe sites because they utilize encryption technology, which scrambles your credit card number and other personal information, making it nearly impossible for thieves and hackers to steal your data.

You’ll know a site is secure if it has any of these three things:

*a website or order page that says https://. The letter ‘s’ is your clue that the site uses encryption;

*a closed padlock at the bottom of the page. Don’t place any orders on sites where there’s an open padlock; or

*an unbroken key, which also signals safety measures are in place.

Stick With Reputable Sellers

When buying online, it’s best to patronize merchants and retailers you know, or those you’ve done business with before. If you plan to purchase something from an individual or a company that you’re not familiar with, be sure to first check out consumer reviews about the merchant. You can also check out companies from the Better Business Bureau.

Pay the Right Way

Never sends personal checks or money orders for merchandise you buy online. Credit cards generally are a safe option because they allow buyers to seek a credit from the issuer if the product isn’t delivered or isn’t what was ordered.

Guard Your Passwords

Many websites require you to set up an account or create passwords in order to complete online transactions. Be sure to keep passwords private and not divulge them to others. Also, don’t create easy-to-crack passwords, such as those with birthdates.

Read the Privacy Policy

To decrease the chances of winding up on someone’s spam list, or getting unwanted junk emails, always find and read the privacy policy for an online retailer you’re patronizing. Usually the privacy policy is on a website’s home page or in a section called “Legal.” The privacy policy will tell you what information the seller plans to collect from you, and how that information might be used, and how you can stop data about you from being distributed to third parties. Don’t ever give up private information like your social security number to anyone online. And ideally, you’d want to see a seal from a privacy enforcement organization, such as BBBOnLine or TRUSTe.

Complain if Necessary

If something goes wrong with an online purchase – say, your order doesn’t arrive or you get double billed – don’t hesitate to complain to the seller. If your complaints are not satisfactorily handled, you can also register complaints with the Better Business Bureau (http://www.bbbonline.org), the Federal Trade Commission (http://www.ftc.gov or 877-FTC-HELP) or the State Attorney General in either your state or the seller’s state (http://www.naag.org).

For In-Store Shoppers

Those of you shopping in retail stores should follow these tips:

Know the Return Policy

You should know a retailer’s return policies before spending money in a particular store. In addition to getting the low-down on how many days you have to make a return, or what items are and aren’t exchangeable or refundable, pay close attention to return policies that are specifically tied to your use of credit cards. For example, some stores may demand that you show the same credit card used during a purchase if you want to make a return. Others will only give you store credit, or credit back on your credit card, as opposed to cash refunds. Whatever the details, make sure you understand everything upfront before buying anything.

Keep Those Receipts

In the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, it’s easy to lose track of how much money you spent and where. To minimize your risk of being over-charged and to protect your credit information, destroy carbon copies you might get from retailers, but keep the receipts. Later, check those receipts against the charges shown on your credit card statements to make sure everything is correct.

Limit What You Carry

Don’t carry your entire collection of credit cards, your checkbook and a wad of cash with you all in the same wallet. If a pickpocket targets you or you lose your wallet, you could lose all of it. Instead, leave some things at home and carry only what you need. And remember, never carry your Social Security card in your wallet.

Protect Your Cards

Lastly, you can protect your credit cards in several ways while shopping in stores. Start by only carrying one or two cards with you. Also, always double-check to make sure that cashiers return your credit cards after you’ve made a purchase. And finally, create a list of all your credit card account numbers and the numbers to call if they’re lost or stolen. Put this list away at home for safe-keeping.

By following these steps, you’ll have peace of mind this holiday season, knowing that your personal information, credit and privacy are all being properly guarded while you’re shopping online and in person.

Help spread the word of this wonderful local community celebration!

2010-10-21T11:43:00.000-07:00

Come join us for a wicked good time at Old Pasadena’s FREE Halloween family celebration, Saturday, October 30 and Sunday, October 31. Spooktacular activities throughout the district include a pumpkin hunt, kids Halloween craft center, costumed characters, Halloween moon bounces, live ghoulish music, scary animal and bug show-and-tell, kid-friendly haunted house, store-to-store trick-or-treating and much more!

The celebration begins, Saturday, October 30 at 1pm for Old Pasadena’s first family Halloween Celebration at Central Park. Kids are invited to join in a special Halloween pumpkin hunt. Mini pumpkins filled with candy, treats and toys will be hidden amongst fall hay, a mini graveyard and much more. Dressed up little ones can make their-own scary art project at the Armory Center for the Arts’ craft center. The festivities also include a scary animal and critter show-and-tell from the Natural Museum of History, three Halloween moon bounces, and roaming costumed characters for photo opportunities. Throughout the celebration live ghoulish music will be performed by the LA Music Academy. Come early as the first 200 in attendance will receive a free caramel apple.

The spooky fun continues, Sunday, October 31 when over 75 stores and restaurants in Old Pasadena open their doors for free store-to-store trick-or-treating. Merchants will supply a variety of festive candy and confections for all the dressed up little ghosts and goblins in attendance. Bring the little ones to the One Colorado Courtyard for free haunted professional photos against a festive background and hundreds of pumpkins. One Colorado will also host multiple screenings of Halloween cartoons throughout the evening. Guests can enjoy a unique opportunity to meet and greet with various popular Halloween costumed characters.

For more information visit www.oldpasadena.org

10-12-10 PUSD SCHOOL CONSOLIDATION STUDY COMMITTEE STATEMENT

2010-10-14T10:30:00.000-07:00

NEWS RELEASE October 12, 2010

Contact: Binti Harvey

(626) 396-3606

PUSD SCHOOL CONSOLIDATION STUDY COMMITTEE STATEMENT

Pasadena, CA – Jon Furman, Chair of the School Consolidation Study Committee, issued the following statement regarding the school consolidation process:

“On Saturday, October 9, the PUSD School Consolidation Committee, by a vote of 12 - 8, recommended that three elementary schools -- Loma Alta, Burbank, and Jackson -- be consolidated, and that the Norma Coombs Alternative School program be relocated from the Norma Coombs site to the Burbank site. These changes would be for the 2011 - 2012 school year; there will be no changes occurring during the current school year.

“At its next meeting on Wednesday, October 13 (at 5:30 pm in the McKinley School Auditorium), the Committee will consider where the students in those three schools might be reassigned (recognizing, that with Open Enrollment, parents may apply to any school within the district regardless of home school Attendance Zones). The Committee will further consider where the District might relocate the District Offices, currently housed in the Education Center at 351 S Hudson St., and where the Rose City High School might be relocated.

“Additionally, the Committee is charged with recommending any additional mitigating measures that might ease the impact of these consolidations on PUSD students and families.

The Committee will be submitting these recommendations to Superintendent Edwin Diaz. The Superintendent will then submit his recommendations to the Board of Education by the end of October; the Board, after public study sessions and open hearings, will make a final decision on this set of recommendations. That decision is tentatively scheduled for the Nov. 23 Board meeting, so that the District's plan will be in place before the beginning of Open Enrollment for the 2011 - 2012 school year.”

# # #

For the latest news and information about the Pasadena Unified School District, including Board of Education Meeting Highlights, watch KLRN-TV or go to www.pusd.us.

SCHOOL CONSOLIDATION STUDY COMMITTEE TO HOLD COMMUNITY FORUMS

2010-09-29T22:38:00.000-07:00

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release September 28, 2010

Media Contact: Binti Harvey

(626) 396-3606

SCHOOL CONSOLIDATION STUDY COMMITTEE TO HOLD COMMUNITY FORUMS

List of Schools will be Narrowed from Seven to Five this Saturday

Pasadena, CA – The Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) School Consolidation Study Committee (Committee) will convene two community forums next week to offer community members the opportunity to learn more about school closures and possible program moves. Community Forums are scheduled for Monday, October 4, 2010 at the Eliot Middle School Auditorium from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., and Friday, October 8, 2010 at the Wilson Middle School Auditorium from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

The Committee will meet this week on Friday October 1 from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m., and Saturday October 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., both at McKinley.

The Committee, composed of 21 stakeholders representing Altadena, Pasadena and Sierra Madre, parent groups, collective bargaining units, school site administration, and other community groups, has held four meetings since September 11 to explore options for school consolidation and closure to narrow the budget deficit. In response to an unprecedented $30 million loss of funding over the past three years, and the prospect of sustained enrollment declines in the foreseeable future, the Board of Education approved school consolidation to help decrease expenditures and generate ongoing revenue to support instructional priorities.

The three-year budget adopted in June identified the closure of a minimum of three schools in 2011-12 to reduce operating expenses associated with excess capacity on school campuses. The Board of Education established the School Consolidation Study Committee to assist the Superintendent in developing a recommendation regarding school consolidation and closure. Over the past several weeks, the Committee has reviewed a broad range of information including: a list of sixteen sites recommended for consideration by the asset management report, academic achievement, special educational programs, transportation, and neighborhood impacts.

The Committee will make final recommendations in a report to Superintendent Diaz in October. Following his review of the Committee report, the Superintendent is tentatively scheduled to make a recommendation to the Board of Education at its meeting on November 23, 2010.

Members of the public may obtain additional information about the school consolidation and closure process, including meeting summaries and documents, at www.pusd.us.

Let's support our local schools and attend one of these meetings!!

Recommendation for the new ice skating rink

2010-09-25T22:24:00.000-07:00

Recommendation for the new ice skating rink

is on the City Council Agenda for

Monday, September 27th.

The meeting starts at 6:30 PM at City Hall (2nd Floor)

*** Please get the word out again for all interested parties to attend this meeting. ***

The following is the agenda item:

PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT OF AN ICE RINK FACILITY IN THE PAVILION LOCATED AT THE CONVENTION CENTER UNDER PASADENA CENTER OPERATING COMPANY (PCOC) MANAGEMENT

Recommendation of City Manager and PCOC Chief Executive Officer:
It is recommended that the City Council:
(1) Authorize the City Manager to issue a 10 year 2.5% annual interest bearing loan, not to exceed $1.5 million from City funds to the Pasadena Center Operating Company (PCOC), to be used for the ice rink relocation to the pavilion if the conditional use permit is granted; and
(2) Recognize and appropriate the expenditure of $1.5 million in PCOC Reserves for the ice rink relocation to the pavilion if the conditional use permit is granted.

The staff report can be found at:
http://ww2.cityofpasadena.net/councilagendas/2010%20agendas/Sep_27_10/AR%2010.pdf

Pasadena "Build The Rink" Committee
Pasadena, California
BuildTheRink@yahoo.com

LA County Fair Discount

2010-09-07T12:59:00.000-07:00

COURTESY OF Bolton and Company

We are again pleased to offer to all Bolton clients, your employees and their family members, special pricing for the LA County Fair, which will be opening Labor Day weekend (Saturday, September 4th). The Bolton rate is $9 for adults (vs. $17 on the weekends) and $6 (vs. $12) for children ages 6-12 (please note that there is a $1 processing fee per order). This discounted pricing can only be obtained online with the exclusive access code as listed on the flyer below.

Enjoy!

Finance Your Home Solar System

2010-08-31T19:34:00.000-07:00

Los Angeles County recently launched an innovative home energy efficiency financing program to help you cover the upfront costs of home energy improvements, including solar panel installation. Your eligibility for these county loans does not depend on your credit rating and you’ll have up to 20 years to pay them off as a line item on your property tax bill. The loan obligation stays with the house, and not with you, if you decide to sell your home before you’ve paid off the loan.

The Los Angeles County Energy Program (LACEP) promotes energy efficiency in existing homes, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and puts construction professionals back to work. Homeowners can start applying for county financing by summer’s end. Watch for details!

With PWP’s $2.40/watt solar rebates, aggressive federal tax credits, and now this new financing option, the power of the sun is within reach for more Pasadena homeowners than ever before. Learn more at www.cityofpasadena.net/solar.

Article taken from Pasadena In Focus July-Aug 2010

Fashion's Night Out Sept 10, 2010

2010-08-22T19:52:00.000-07:00

Fashion's Night Out September 10
6 to 11 p.m.

You're invited to the world's biggest shopping party! Thousands of stores in dozens of countries will be celebrating Fashion's Night Out. Join the fun at One Colorado.

You're an FNO VIP
Start by picking up your VIP Passport in the courtyard. (The first 200 guests get free swag bags!) One Colorado merchants are treating FNO guests to fall fashion previews, consultations, demonstrations, samples, and refreshments. Your VIP Passport will have all the details!

There's a catwalk in the Courtyard!
You won't want to miss the The Fall Preview Fashion Show at 8 p.m. Thanks to Bokaos Aveda Salon for hair and makeup services.

Feeling lucky?
Use the back page of your VIP Passport to collect stamps from at least five participating One Colorado merchants and make a purchase at least one of the stamped stores. Drop off your completed passport and receipt in the Courtyard by 10:30 p.m.

At 10:45 p.m., we'll draw the winners of fab prizes—including The One Colorado Diva Bag (valued at $1,000!). No need to be present to win, but why would you leave early?

Meet and tweet
Use the #FNO hashtag and @OneColorado to get updates on Twitter before and during Fashion's Night Out.

Stay in the know by connecting with our Facebook Page.

Plan your shopping strategy
Celebrate FNO with these One Colorado merchants:

A.B.S.
55 W. Colorado Bl.
What's new: Faux fall furs
What's hot: Military chic
What's fun: Skinny jeans with zippers
Just for FNO: Indulge in free chocolate and champagne—plus a free make-up and hair consultation.

Akbar Restaurant
44 N. Fair Oaks Ave.
FNO nosh: A free dessert with any entrée purchase. Maybe…mango cheesecake? Or Mango Surprise? Yum!

Crate & Barrel
75 W. Colorado Bl.
What's new: Marimekko Bedding and Bath patterns
What's hot: Leather tote bags for him/her
What's fun: Pet accessories in the fashionable houndstooth design
Just for FNO: Demonstrations and food sampling featuring the latest products for entertaining and cooking. Learn to design stunning tablescapes for fall dining and parties.

Dots Cupcakes
21 N. Fair Oaks Ave.
FNO nosh: Flash your passport for a free mini-cupcake (while supplies last)! Check out the one-night-only FNO flavor!

Elisa B.
12 Douglas Alley
What's new: Elizabeth and James "Textile" Collection
What's hot: Alexander Wang Bomber Jackets
What's fun: Phillip Lim Harem Shorts
Just for FNO: Get a $25 Elisa B. gift certificate when you donate a clean, gently used coat. OneWarmCoat.org will distribute coats to those in need. Enjoy refreshments plus special FNO fun!

Gap
63 W. Colorado Bl.
What's new: Black Magic
What's hot:
What's fun:
Just for FNO: Dabble in Black Magic and discover the perfect black pants! Gap staffers will reveal the “five fits” and offer an incentive for purchasing during FNO. Enjoy refreshments before visiting the in-store soothsayer. What does your future hold?

Gold Bug
22 E. Union St.
What's new: Crunched Canvas Top Hats by Heathen
What's hot: Melissa Joy Manning Precious Stone Stacking Rings
What's fun: Andy Paiko Hand Blown Glass Bell Jar Collection
Just for FNO: Resident designer Jason Anderson of Anachroni will be demonstrating his fully functional rotary and bluetooth cell phones.

Il Fornaio Restaurant
24 W. Union St.
FNO Nosh: A complimentary dessert with every entrée purchased. Have you tried the tiramisu?

In SoHo
13 Douglas Alley
What's new: Fall designs by So Charlotte
What's hot: Jewelry by Tat2 Designs
What's fun: Win dinner for 2 at Il Fornaio (a $100 value) when you purchase the select item of the day!
Just for FNO: Check out the limited-edition jewelry and special pricing at the Tat2 Designs trunk show. The celebration continues all evening with Brazilian food, music, and Mardi Gras masks.

J Crew
3 W. Colorado Bl.
Just for FNO: Light refreshments and new arrivals. Be one of the first to spend $150 or more (before sales tax) and receive an exclusive gift with purchase. (While supplies last. Valid for FNO only.)

Juicy Couture
37 W. Colorado Bl.
What's New: Fun and edgy Menswear Inspired Collection
What's Hot: Faux Fur and our new perfume, Peace, Love, and Juicy Couture
What's Fun: New glammed up track suits in exciting colors with charm zippers
Just for FNO: Two hunky Juicy boys serving refreshments. Get 20% off any purchase. Spend $200 or more and get a free fragrance gift.

Jumping Jellyfish
34 Hugus Alley (courtyard)
What's new: Kit & Lili rompers and dresses
What's hot: Tea Collection clothing
What's fun: Munster tee shirts
Just for FNO: Refreshments, snacks ‘n' a live DJ! Bring your little ones between 6 and 9 p.m. for a free photo shoot and a 5x7 photograph.

Kate Spade
39 W. Colorado Bl.
What's new: The Five Points Camille handbag
What's hot: Sequin Lena cami
What's fun: Charm shoe
Just for FNO: Go wild! Try on fabulous fall apparel to discover your signature look. Are you the dance partner, multi-tasker, tour guide, week-ender or the muse?

Leonidas Chocolates Café
49 W. Colorado Bl.
FNO Nosh: Enjoy one complimentary premium Belgian chocolate. Take 10% off your purchase during FNO, and get a coupon for 10% discount for a future visit.

Place Vendome
48 Hugus Alley (courtyard)
What's new: Fun and original designs from Dodo
What's hot: Bracelets on cord by Jean Dinh Van
What's fun: Unusual gemstones in the Pomellato collection
Just for FNO: Play dress up! Try on jewelry that best reflects your style, then smile for the camera. Place Vendome will email your photo to you—or your significant other. Perhaps a special someone will get the hint?

Russell's Restaurant
30 N. Fair Oaks Ave.
FNO Nosh: Free wine and cheese.

Scarpa D'Oro
47 W. Colorado Bl.
What's new: Charles David lace up boots
What's hot: 5” Michael Kors peep-toe heels
What's fun: Colorful comfort with Pikolino shoes
Just for FNO: Refreshments and live entertainment, plus a 20% discount on your purchase.

**Information taken from http://www.onecolorado.com/fno/**

See you all there!

PCC FLEA MARKET! AUGUST 1st,2010 SUNDAY

2010-07-31T23:14:00.000-07:00

Pasadena City College Flea Market

Sunday, August 1, 2010
8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
PCC Flea Market

Welcome

One of the Southland's largest flea markets, the show is held the first Sunday of every month. Come enjoy the browsing and the bargains. With over 500 vendors, the Market features fascinating antiques and collectibles, thousands of records, tools, clothes, toys and much more, not to mention food and good company.
ALWAYS FREE ADMISSION
News
Flea Market Sold Out for August Show

As has been the case for the past several months, all spaces have been sold for the next PCC Flea Market.
Release date 07-26-2010
Vendor Memo: Reservation Wait Times

Please see memo regarding wait times for monthly vendor spaces.

1570 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91106

Taken from PCC website

AMC $1 POPCORN AND $1 SODA- JULY 25th

2010-07-27T10:50:00.000-07:00

July 25th will be a great day to take the family out to an AMC theatre near you because of the special promotion they are having for any size popcorn and any size soda/drink for $1.00!!

That's right!

Enjoy the movies and if you know anyone buying or selling please let me know.

Jess Mangubat
Dilbeck Realtors - Pasadena
jessmangubat@yahoo.com

Join Us for a Summer Block Party!!!

2010-07-19T21:41:00.000-07:00

One Colorado - Old Town Pasadena

courtesy of One Colorado
http://onecolorado.com/

Summer Block Party Sunday, July 25th
11am - 5pm

Shop the block with special Courtyard and in-store promotions from One Colorado merchants. Enjoy a festive day in the Courtyard with free photo booth keepsakes, live DJ performances, a courtyard lounge, and a Kids’ Corner with face-painting and balloon art.

Courtyard sale
11am-5pm

Free photo booth sessions
11am-5pm

Free custom face painting and balloon art
12pm-3pm

Be sure to print this page or pick up a booklet on Sunday, July 25th, to redeem in-store promotions throughout the day. Cash is encouraged for courtyard sale purchases.

ABS
55 W. Colorado
Enjoy 50-80% off select merchandise in the courtyard and 20% off any in-store fashions.

Bokaos Aveda
52 Hugus Alley
Indulge in complimentary chair massages, hand, scalp, and neck treatments, make-up touch-ups, hair consultations and mini-facials. Salon savings of 20% off select services and 10% off gift cards.

Crate & Barrel
75 W. Colorado
Enjoy free samples of different summer Lemonades and Teas, and get entered into our Basket of Goodies Raffle with an in-store purchase of $20.00 or more!

Dots Cupcakes
21 N. Fair Oaks
25% off all Dots Cupcake merchandise - cupcake platters, cupcake lipgloss, cupcake aprons for kids and adults, and more! Buy 9 mini cupcakes in the bake shop and receive 3 minis free while supplies last.

Gold Bug
22 E. Union
Something summery, something sexy, something savvy, something swell all at 50% off. Visit us in the courtyard for a treasure map to additional in-store savings throughout the day.

In Soho
13 Douglas Alley
Free gift with purchase of $50 or more (excluding sale items). Win a dinner for two at Il Fornaio in Pasadena (a $100 value) when you purchase the select item of the day!

Johnny Rockets
16 Miller Alley
Sip on a free milkshake with purchase of a hamburger. Fries are always included!

Jumping Jelly Fish
34 Hugus Alley
$15 - $40 courtyard sale items for your little ones. Get a coupon for 10% off a purchase of $100 or more August 1 - September 12, 2010.

kate spade
39 W. Colorado
Stop into kate spade Pasadena for our latest fall fashions! Enjoy 20% off one full price item and tasty refreshments!

Leonidas Chocolate Café
49 W. Colorado
Two free pieces of our fine Belgium chocolates with a minimum purchase of $10. Come in and cool off with our selection of iced coffees and teas!

Origins
15 Douglas Alley
Its mini-facial time at Origins! Call or stop by today to book your complimentary mini-facial. Includes personalized skin consultation and skin brightening exfoliation.

Papyrus
20 Hugus Alley
Summer savings of up to 50% on selected gift items including frames and candles.

Patagonia Pasadena
47 N. Fair Oaks
Free Organic Cotton Tote with every purchase of $50 or more while supplies last on July 25th only. Enjoy the summer sale of 30% off select merchandise through July 29, 2010.

Place Vendome
48 Hugus Alley
For this day only, we are proud to offer lustrous, choker length, Chinese freshwater pearls at $40 a strand. Available throughout the summer for their full retail price of $100.

The Soap Kitchen
43 N. Fair Oaks
Pamper yourself with special courtyard deals on our all natural handmade olive oil soaps. Receive a free natural sisal washcloth or wooden soap dish with any soap purchase inside our shop.

Scarpa D'Oro
47 W. Colorado
Save up to 25% on fine handbags and shoes for men and women. Buy one pair of boots and receive 50% off a second pair.

Information taken directly from onecolorado.com

Keep Coyotes at a Safe Distance

2010-07-13T22:22:00.000-07:00

I actually saw a couple of coyotes last night while taking the trash out......

Keep Coyotes at a Safe Distance

If you think you spotted a coyote, you probably did! According to the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA, there are more coyotes in Southern California than ever before and many of them live on our neighborhood streets.

These wild animals are omnivores, meaning they feed on rabbits, rodents and birds, as well as berries and plants. If they’re hungry enough, coyotes will prey on small pets such as dogs and cats.

They’ve also been known to carry rabies, the Pasadena Public Health Department warns, so keep them away with these tips:

• Make sure your dogs are spayed or neutered and their vaccines are up to date. Bring small pets inside with you at night.

• Keep pet food, water dishes and bird feeders inside.

• Make sure outdoor trash can lids are on tight and keep compost contained.

• Pick up fallen fruit every day.

• Clear excess brush and wood piles that may serve as shelter.

• Make sure the fence or wall around your yard is at least six feet tall with no gaps.

• Coyotes have been known to hurdle over fences, so make sure yours is at the maximum allowable height with no gaps underneath.

• Consider installing motion-sensor lighting or sprinklers.

While outdoors, especially in hillside areas, keep children and pets close to you.
If you find yourself in the presence of a coyote, look it in the eye, try to appear as large as possible, wave your arms, throw rocks and make loud noises. Try spraying it with a hose. Never turn your back or run away – this makes their “chase” instinct kick in.
For more tips or to report sightings, call the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA at 792-7151 and press 9 or dial ext. 102.

article taken from Pasadena In Focus July-August 2010

BLOCK YARD SALE JULY 10TH SATURDAY AT 7:30AM

2010-07-04T14:23:00.000-07:00

Come one Come ALL!!

Through the collective efforts of our neighbors, there will be a block yard sale with at least 4 neighbors contributing to this event.

If you would like to participate please contact Simbi at qigong4life@aol.com. She would love for you to help in anyway. Here is a preview of items that will be on sale:

I hope everyone had a great 4th of July! If you have any further questions, please contact me as well.

Jess Mangubat
jessmangubat@yahoo.com

What is a Decline-in-Value Reassessment?

2010-06-05T15:02:00.000-07:00

NOTICE OF REVIEW OF 2010 ASSESSED VALUE

California Law provides for a temporary reduction in assessed values when the Prop 13 value of a property excees the actual market vlaue as of Jan 1.

For more information regarding decline-in-value reassessments, please visit the Assessor's website at
http://assessor.lacounty.gov and review the information.

If you have any questions please feel free to call me.

Remember this is a free service!!

Various private companies may be sending mailings to property owners offering their services to pursue a reduction in their property taxes. These companies may charge hundreds of dollars to file for a reduction in value on behalf of the property owner. Some companies even impose late fees if the application is received after an arbitrary deadline. Be aware that solicitations from private companies offering to pursue a reduction in property taxes must clearly indicate that they are NOT a government agency and that their services are NOT approved or endorsed by any government agency. Failure to provide such notice is a violation of California law.

I hope this information is useful. Thank you for following my blog.

Enjoy the your weekend!!

Jess Mangubat
Dilbeck Realtors - Pasadena
626.431.2266
jessmangubat@yahoo.com

It's the FIRST-ever Rose Bowl Stadium Games

2010-05-15T09:10:00.000-07:00

BRING FRIENDS, FAMILY AND NEIGHBORS to the Rose Bowl Stadium Games on Sunday, May 16, from noon to 3pm featuring full access to the field, interactive games and tours of the landmark stadium. Admission IS FREE; gates will open at 11:30AM.

You'll be among the first to learn about the renovation plans for the 90,000-seat stadium as well as its history and tradition.

With a backdrop of great music, a local emcee will lead participants and spectators through a soccer challenge, armchair quarterback game, speed pitching, field goal kicks, free-throw challenge, bean bag toss, and fitness challenges. Watch the stadium's Jumbotron screens to see the fun as it happens. Little ones can also enjoy bounce houses, face painting and other child-friendly activities.

For more information, or to RSVP or volunteer, visit

www.rosebowlstadium.com/games or call 626-577-3100

Article was taken from the May-June 2010 Pasadena in Focus

Councilman Steve Haderlein requests your assistance in completing the:

2010-05-02T10:57:00.000-07:00

Hastings Branch Butterfly Garden
Join in the fun as we create a Children's Butterfly Garden for Hastings Branch Library.

The community is invited to bring their gardening tools, sun screen, hats, and gloves and join in planting new native drought tolerant plants sure to attract Monarchs, Queens, Swallowtails, Painted Ladies, Buckeyes, Red Admiral, Suphurs, Whites, Gray Hairstreaks, Skippers and Azures!

Sign up below for this event or contact Rhonda Stone at rstone@cityofpasadena.net or (626) 744-4740.

Community project partners include; City Councilman Steve Haderlein, District 4, the Pasadena Public Library and City of Pasadena’s Public Works Parks and Natural Resources Division.

Bring your sun screen, hat, gloves and garden tools as we plant native drought tolerant plants sure to attract a variety of butterfly species. Refreshments will be served.

Funding provided from the Post Parade Account, local Hastings Business, local Neighborhood Associations with generous donations from Magic Growers and City of Pasadena Parks and Natural Resource Division of the Public Works Department and Pasadena's Public Library.

Saturday, May 8th

8 - 11 am

Hastings Branch Library

Hastings Branch Butterfly Garden Registration

Please bring garden tools and gloves. If you plan to attend, sign up below or contanct Rhonda Stone at (626) 744-4740.

If you do not have an email account, visit Yahoo or Google and sign up for a free email account or call Rhonda Stone at (626) 744-4740 to sign up for the event over the phone.

This article taken from the website
http://cityofpasadena.net/District4/Butterfly_Garden/

2010 Walk Now for Autism Speaks: Los Angeles

2010-04-23T14:39:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Walk Now for Autism Speaks: Los Angeles

Saturday, April 24, 2010 • The Rose Bowl, Pasadena • Map it

Registration opens at 8:00am • Walk kicks off at 10:00am

Join Autism Speaks as we walk to change the future for all who struggle with autism!

Walk Now for Autism Speaks is a fun-filled, family friendly event and is our single most powerful force to fund vital research that will lead us to the answers we need. Experience the power of thousands united by a single cause by joining Walk Now for Autism Speaks. Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disorder – we need more volunteers to join our fight. Whether this is your first walk or the 10th, take the first step and register today.

Every 20 minutes, another family receives the devastating news that their child has autism. Help us change that! Start fundraising today. Whether you strive to join our new "Grand Club" (walkers that raise $1,000 or more) or sell lemonade to boost your total, you become a piece of the puzzle! Don’t wait another minute - start a corporate, school or family team today!

We look forward to seeing you at the event!

The Los Angeles Resource Fair is completely full. We are excited to have a wonderful array of organizations represented and offer many opportunities to families!

Governor Schwarzenegger Signs $10,000 Homebuyer Tax Credit Legislation

2010-04-10T23:59:00.001-07:00

Governor Schwarzenegger Signs $10,000 Homebuyer Tax Credit Legislation

Posted using ShareThis

RULES OF THE ROAD: CROSSWALKS

2010-03-21T15:57:00.000-07:00

PEDESTRIANS HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY IN CALIFORNIA. Crosswalks are painted in roadways to make sure walkers can cross safely but they simply don't work unless people follow the rules. In fact, one in six traffic fatalities involves a pedestrian. But do you know there are also unmarked crosswalks?

PEDESTRIANS
If you're on foot or using a wheelchair, cross the street only at corners or inside marked crosswalks. Look around for any approaching vehicles and make eye contact with drivers to make sure they see you. If available, push the button and wait for a green signal; do not step off the curb if the signal is already flashing or solid red - you won't have time to make it.

Even though it is legal for pedestrians to cross at unmarked crosswalks - intersections where there are no painted crosswalks - it may be safer to walk a block or two to the nearest painted crosswalk, especially on streets with heavy traffic.

DRIVERS
If you're driving, always stop for pedestrians crossing at intersections, whether or not there is a painted crosswalk. Allow extra time for older pedestrians, people with disabilities and parents with strollers or young children. Always be especially careful when turning a corner at a red light: is someone preparing to cross in the other direction?

Never, ever pass another vehicle that has stopped at a crosswalk - a pedestrian you can't see may be crossing! - and never come to a stop in the middle of a crosswalk, forcing pedestrians to walk out into traffic to get around you.

If you drive an electric or hybrid car, remember that walkers may not hear you coming! Leave a safe distance and use extra caution.

For the California Vehicle Code Chapter related to pedestrian rights and duties, visit www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/vc/vctoc.htm and go to Division 11, Chapter 5. For more information call the Pasadena Police Department at 744-4590.

This article was taken from the Pasadena In Focus March - April 2010 issue

Pasadena's neighborhood mural program tries again

2010-03-14T09:53:00.000-07:00

By Janette Williams, Staff Writer Pasadena Star News

PASADENA - Technically, the mural by artist Luis Ituarte is the second commissioned in the city's grant-funded Neighborhood Enhancement Mural Program.

But since an ill-fated first mural in Northwest Pasadena was mistakenly painted over soon after its completion, "Cool Succulents" will become the program's first piece of public art.

This time the new 880-square-foot mural won't actually be painted on a wall.

It was created digitally by computer and transferred to specially treated weather-resistant material, Ituarte said.

But that doesn't mean the process was problem-free.

Plans were to install the mural on the side of the Pasadena Fish Market and Restaurant, 181 E. Orange Grove Blvd. last week, but some technical glitches in the process have put in on hold for perhaps a few weeks, according to the artist's wife, Gerda Govine-Itaurte.

Since the program's murals are designed to be in place only for five years, Ituarte said, having it on fabric makes more sense than painting it directly on a wall.

After that long, he said, any mural on an exterior wall will need some serious repair, which could cost more than the original.

"It's pretty unique," Ituarte said of the technique he used. "I think this way of doing a mural is going to take off... If an artist paints a mural on a wall and after five years you're going to cover it up, that's pretty sad."

Ituarte said he created five different designs for the mural, funded in part by a $2,500 city Arts Commission grant.

"We went to the place it was going to be, invited the community to the restaurant last year and they decided which one they wanted," he said. "They liked the succulents very much. I think people relate to them in our semi-desert climate - and some people think they look like green roses."

Ituarte, whose father was an architect, said he believes a mural should enhance a building's style.

"An architect has to comply with certain regulations, the way the building or house or whatever looks," he said. "Then these people come along and make a mural not respecting what was originally there."

When installed, the mural will cover an entire wall of the restaurant, which Ituarte describes as being in a "classically nondescript" 1960s building.

"It's very pleasant for this place," he said. "People who drive past can see it from the street. And the subject matter is pleasant, not political - sort of a flower combined with an abstract."

Ituarte is known locally for his "Poly-Paint" murals for the Pasadena Boys and Girls Club, the Scott McKenzie Child Care Center and the Art Center College of Design. He has exhibited work in the California, Washington, D.C., Canada, Italy and Mexico over the past 38 years.

Some of his mural work is included in the USC library, Los Angeles and California Mural Collection and the California Ethnic and Multicultural Collection, city officials said.

Rochelle Branch, the city's cultural affairs manager, said the mural is considered an artwork rather than a "super-graphic," and that it can simply be removed when the time comes.

"It allows the artist to easily take possession of the work, should the need arise," she said. "The other benefit is to the property owner, who may have a different use for this space in coming years."

Branch said the city is in the process of "finalizing" a new site and a new commission for artist Christian Alderete. His mural at a store on North Fair Oaks Avenue was painted over in November after a code-enforcement mix-up.

Ituarte is happy with the fabric mural.

"The technique wasn't something I invented, but in the circumstances it's turning out to be great," he said.

This article was from the Pasadena Star News Paper

Water Don't Waste It!

2010-03-08T09:09:00.000-08:00

With all this rain we've had, we are still in a mandatory conservation actions. This is just a reminder to please adhere to the city's Level 1 Water Shortage Procedures(Enforced by Pasadena Municipal Code 13.10).

WATER SHORTAGE PROCEDURES ORDINANCE (PMC 13.10.040)
(Amended July 4, 2009)

The following is a summary of the key components in the Water Shortage Procedures Ordinance. Click here to read or print the unabridged ordinance.

1. Effective July 4, 2009, the following instances of water waste will be permanently prohibited:

No watering outdoors between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., except with a hand-held container or hose with a shut-off nozzle, or for very short periods when adjusting a sprinkler system;

No watering during periods of rain;

No excessive water flow or runoff onto pavement, gutters or ditches from watering or irrigating landscapes or vegetation of any kind;

No washing down paved surfaces unless for safety or sanitation, in which case a bucket, a hose with a shut-off nozzle, a cleaning machine that recycles water or a low-volume/high-pressure water broom must be used;

All property owners must fix leaks, breaks or malfunctions when they find them, or within seven days of receiving a notice from PWP;

Fountains and water features must have a re-circulating water system;

Vehicles must be washed with a hand-held bucket and/or hose equipped with a water shut-off nozzle (does not apply to commercial car washes);

Restaurants may not serve drinking water unless by request and must use water-saving dish wash spray valves;

No installation of non-recirculating water systems at new commercial car washes and laundry systems. Effective July 1, 2010, all commercial car washes must have a re-circulating water system or secure a city waiver.

Hotels and motels must give guests the option to decline daily bed linen and towel changes.

No installation of “single pass cooling systems” in buildings requesting new water service.

If you have witnessed a possible instance of water waste and would like to report it to PWP, please complete the form below, or call the Pasadena Water Shortage Hotline at (626) 744-8888.

PWP will send a formal notice to the address where water waste is thought to have occurred. The goal of these notices is to give all persons and businesses the opportunity to correct the problem, become better informed about the importance of water conservation, deter future instances of waste and change water habits for the better.

http://ww2.cityofpasadena.net/waterandpower/watershortage/waterwastereport.htm

Thank you all for following this and if it's raining please turn off your sprinklers.

Sunday 02.21.2010 Pasadena Marathon

2010-02-11T17:16:00.000-08:00

It's the 2nd ANNUAL PASADENA MARATHON presented by Kaiser Permanente on Sunday February 21st, 2010.

Quick Info
Start and Finish at Pasadena City College
1570 E. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91106

Start Times
BIKE TOUR - 6:15 am
MARATHON - 7:00 am
HALF MARATHON - 7:00 am
5K - 7:30 am
FUN RUN/WALK 7:30 am

PACKET PICK UP
Pasadena Convention Center
300 E. Green Street, Pasadena, CA
Expo Hours
Friday, Feb 19th 12-7 pm
Saturday, Feb 20th 9 am - 6 pm

STREET CLOSURES BEGINNING AT 5:15AM please visit www.pasadenamarathon.org for specifics.

It's Girl Scout Cookies TIME!!!!

2010-01-31T10:39:00.000-08:00

Are your tummies ready?

The annual Girl Scout cookie sale has begun. It's been 90 years since Girl Scouts® began selling home-baked cookies to raise money. The idea was so popular that in 1936, Girl Scouts of the USA enlisted bakers to handle the growing demand. Since then, selling Girl Scout Cookies® has become a successful way to help girls develop important leadership skills and earn money for activities.

This year's cookie sale runs from January 24 through March 14.

There are two official bakers of Girl Scout cookies: ABC Bakers and Little Brownie Bakers.

The Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles will be going the traditional route, taking pre-sales from January 23 through February 5, with booth sales from February 26 through March 21.

Their cookie offerings this year are:

•Lemon Chalet Cremes
•Trefoils
•Do-Si-Dos
•Samoas
•Dulce de Leche - my personal favorite!
•Thank U Berry Munch
•Tagalongs
•Thin Mints
Their supplier is Little Brownie Bakers.

This year, the Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council (which covers most of the Inland Empire) are doing away with the pre-orders and just selling cookies.

Hooray for instant gratification!

This year's cookie sale runs from January 24 through March 14.

There are two official bakers of Girl Scout cookies: ABC Bakers and Little Brownie Bakers.

The Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council gets their cookies from ABC Bakers.

The cookies they're offering this year are:

•Thin Mints
•Peanut Butter Patties
•Peanut Butter Sandwiches
•Caramel deLites
•Shortbread
•Lemonades
•Thanks-a-Lots
•Daisy-Go-Rounds
The west end of the Inland Empire (Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, Mount Baldy, Claremont, Ontario, Montclair, Chino, Chino Hills, San Dimas and Pomona) is represented by the East Region of Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles.

I never knew different regions sold different cookies. Whether you'll be buying Samoas or Caramel deLites, Tagalongs or Peanut Butter Patties, get ready to open up your wallets and your mouths to take in this annual journey into cookie goodness and support our Girl Scouts!

DILBECK REALTORS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

2010-01-16T10:25:00.001-08:00

We are once again asking for your HELP!

DILBECK REALTORS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

IS TEAMING UP WITH OUR LOCAL CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS TO HELP THE VICTIMS OF THE HAITI EARTHQUAKE.

DOUBLE YOUR DONATION!!!!

As all of you know . . .Tuesday, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake caused widespread damage on the island of Haiti, especially in the capital city of Port au Prince. Every building has been damaged. Every hospital has been destroyed...every school, every house, every car, every street, every makeshift home, every orphanage, every church, every shantytown; even the capital’s main prison and presidential palace have been ruined by Tuesday’s massive earthquake. The sheer magnitude of this quake seems to have left the government there unable to mount any significant relief effort. Haitians are digging through the rubble with their bare hands as international relief agencies mobilized. It's the disaster of the century,! It has been reported that there are thousands and thousands of dead and injured.

Our Local Red Cross Needs our Help.

Dilbeck Realtors & Associates Charitable Foundation is starting a Matching Funds Drive to help the quake victims of Haiti.
The foundation’s Grants Committee is putting in place a matching grants program where the foundation will match every dollar contributed, up to $5,000. This means, if you give $25 your donation will be $50.

HERE IS HOW YOU CAN HELP AND DOUBLE YOUR DONATION:

Due to the immediate need of these victims your donation must be received by
Monday, February 1st.
Please pouch your tax deductible donation to Dennis Falsetti in the La Canada office.

Make your check payable to American Red Cross – Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund

To make a credit card donation: download a credit card authorization form from the Dilbeck intranet, fill out the information and forward to Dennis Falsetti in our La Canada office.

THANKS FOR YOUR BIG HEART!

If you have a question please contact me,
Bev Widney, 626-852-3929, or email, bev.widney@dilbeck.com or
Phone Dennis Falsetti, 818-949-7848 or email, dennis.falsetti@dilbeck.com

Dilbeck Warm Clothing Drive

2010-01-09T22:31:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

This week and next week, we will have our Warm Clothing Drive laundry bags in our office. We are distributing them to help us remember to clean out our closets . . . .

REMEMBER: It doesn’t cost anything!!!! We don’t have to go to a store and buy something!!!! All we have to do is look in our closets, our drawers, anywhere we have clothes.

Something that we wear once a year or something we are saving because someday we might wear it . . . Could be keeping someone warm everyday—right now.

Please HELP. The L.A. Mission will take anything but I’m hoping that each of us finds just one blanket or one sweater, or one coat, or one jacket or one sweatshirt that will keep someone warm.

Bring it to our office or drop it off at our front porch...I will then Drop it in our Dilbeck laundry bag and know that someone will spend the Winter a little warmer . . . It’s COLD out there on the Street in the middle of the NIGHT.

Dilbeck Realtors . . . Standing up and making a DIFFERENCE!

Thanks, stay well and stay warm ------

Jess Mangubat

2010 Citi BCS National Championship Game.

2010-01-07T11:05:00.001-08:00

The City of Pasadena is pleased to welcome the 2010 Citi BCS National Championship Game.

On Thursday, January 7th, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. (PST) the Rose Bowl will host a match up between the Texas Longhorns and the Alabama Crimson Tide. This game will be broadcast exclusively on ABC.

Date: Thursday, January 7, 2010
Time: 5:00 p.m. (PST)
Match-Up: No. 2 BCS-ranked Texas Longhorns vs. No. 1 BCS-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide
Location: Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif.
Television: ABC

Fellow Residents, plan your drive home accordingly. There will be additional traffic.

Enjoy the GAME!!!

2010 Public Works Schedule

2010-01-06T17:52:00.000-08:00

PLEASE KEEP FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR FOR REFERENCE
2010 PUBLIC WORKS
For more information on other trash and recycling programs, visit their website at:
http://www.cityofpasadena.net/PublicWorks or call us at 626-744-4087

2009 / 2010

CHRISTMAS TREE COLLECTION
DROP OFF DATES & LOCATIONS
TIME OPEN: 7:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m.
DECEMBER 2009/ JANUARY 2010

EATON BLANCHE PARK
3100 E. Del Mar Blvd.
Bring your tree to the parking lot on Millicent Way

ROBINSON PARK
1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave.
Bring your tree to the parking lot on Morton Street.
PLEASE REMOVE ALL STANDS, ORNAMENTS AND LIGHTS.
CURBSIDE PICKUP DATES
(on your trash pickup day)

JANUARY 2010
MON - 28 TUE - 29 WED - 30 THUR - 31 SAT - 2

MON - 4 TUE - 5 WED - 6 THUR - 7 FRI - 8

MON - 11 TUE - 12 WED - 13 THUR - 14 FRI - 15

January 1 New Year’s Day
January 18 Martin Luther King Day
September 6 Labor Day
November 25 Thanksgiving Day
TRASH/RECYCLING COLLECTION WILL BE ONE DAY AFTER YOUR NORMAL PICK UP DAY.

Status update

2009-12-31T14:50:00.000-08:00

Hello North East Pasadena followers -

I apologize for the long delay between my last blog, but this blog will be back for a vengeance in 2010.

Some housekeeping while I was away - There was a car broken into in our neighborhood. Here are 10 things on how to AVOID CAR THEFT:

1 - Park your car in an area that is well-lit, garage, driveway and/or near lots of people.

2 - the windows rolled up and the car locked, even if it's parked at your own house.

3 - Keep valuables in your car hidden. Consider buying a removable stereo face to keep in your trunk or carry with you.

4 - Consider buying a visible mechanical locking device to lock the steering wheel, and/or an auto theft alarm system.

5 - Install locking lug nuts to prevent your custom wheels or externally mounted spare tire from being stolen.

6 - Keep in mind when purchasing a new car that some makes and models have a higher incidence of theft than others, from the lastest studies HONDAS and ACURAS are still number 1.

7 - Keep your car registration and insurance card with you instead of in the glove compartment so that thieves cannot produce these documents if stopped by police.

8 - Disconnect either the battery or the coil wire from the distributor cap if you have to leave your car unattended for an extended period of time. Car thieves will often not have the time or the desire to diagnose why the car won't start.

9 - Take your ignition keys to a locksmith or car dealer to remove the key number, which thieves can use to have the keys duplicated (jot down the number for your records first).

10 - Etch the vehicle identification number (VIN) onto the doors and fenders of your car with an electric engraver for extra protection. This helps to discourage professional car thieves, who will have to remove the markings to resell the car.

Well Enjoy the New Year's Festivities and I wish EVERYONE A HAPPY HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Jess Mangubat
jessmangubat@yahoo.com
626.431.2266

SANTA AT DILBECK PASADENA OFFICE DEC 2ND WED 5:30 TO 7:00PM

2009-12-02T16:44:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

Well it true . . . Santa is on his way!

Santa is visiting our office and please feel free to come to the office for a FREE PICTURE! The time is from 5:30PM to 7:00PM
address is 132 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena CA 91105 - park between the office and Bally's fitness parking lot. Tell them you are there for Santa at the Dilbeck office!!

I know it's short notice, but it's never too late to get a free picture!

Call me if you have any questions.

Jess Mangubat
Dilbeck Realtors - Pasadena
626.431.2266
702.285.2779
jessmangubat@yahoo.com

Funding for Line to Azusa Approved

2009-10-25T22:35:00.000-07:00

Northeast Pasadena Blog,

Yesterday, the Metro Board of Directors approved the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), committing the agency to fund construction of Foothill Extension Phase 2A to Azusa as well as complete the line to Claremont!

This victory stands as a testament to the efforts of Foothill Extension supporters who attended Metro Board meetings month after month, speaking on behalf of the San Gabriel Valley and sending letters and emails to board members to make sure this project was not forgotten. For your continued efforts, we sincerely thank you. Without your enthusiasm and commitment, we could not have reached this point.

The Metro Board approved the LRTP unanimously, following the inclusion of a variety of amendments that provided "regional rationality and equity" (in their words) to the plan. With these amendments, the adopted plan resolves many of the concerns we had with the draft plan. It made the following changes in support of the Foothill Extension:

Confirmed that the agency intends to complete the line to Claremont
Committed to operating the line to Azusa and Claremont as soon as each segment is built
Identified it as one of three first priority projects (along with the Crenshaw line and I-5 Highway improvements) for which the agency will pursue additional funding (outside federal New Starts) to complete the project (we need approximately $320 million to complete the line to Claremont)
Over the next few weeks, we will work out how these important changes in the LRTP influence our plans to complete the line to Azusa in 2013. We look forward to continuing to work with Metro Board Chairman Ara Najarian to reach our common goal of having our ground breaking in June 2010!

Sincerely,

I Will Ride Outreach Team
www.iwillride.org

Old Pasadena Halloween 2009

2009-10-18T13:49:00.000-07:00

This Halloween don’t miss all the wonderful goings-on in Old Pasadena. Come early to shop for your costume, buy treats and decorations, visit the Old Town Haunt, and take advantage of merchant coupons and promotions. Then come back on Halloween afternoon with your family for Trick-or-Treating and more holiday fun.

Old Town Haunt
Open weekends until November 1, 2009
Old Pasadena's award winning, scariest haunted house is back! Descend into the basement of the historical Union Savings Bank Building where mysterious occurrences have taken place in the building’s deadly 107-year history. Don’t miss the child-friendly tour and walk-through with the lights on is available early afternoon on selected dates.
More info

Gold Bug – Special Exhibition & 2nd Anniversary Party
Friday, October 9, 5:00 to 9:00pm
This wonderfully eclectic and unique boutique celebrates their 2nd Anniversary and the opening reception for “Death by Cat”, original photography by Bruce Wolf. Also on view will be beautiful stories, shrines and treasures by Jack Howe, and a creepy, crawly “Insect Petting Zoo” featuring hissing cockroaches, scorpions, tarantulas, and spiny walking sticks from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles.
More info

Store-to-Store Trick-or-Treating
Saturday, October 31, 4:00 to 7:00pm
Bring your little Ghosts and Goblins to Old Pasadena for trick-or-treating, and get treats for Grown-ups, too. Our stores and restaurants are treating Moms and Dads to hundreds of dollars in savings. Plus, there will be wandering spooks, free haunted photos, and more! On Saturday, October 31, from 4:00-7:00pm, merchants will beckon you with treat signs in their windows. A photographer will take free haunted pictures of your little ones among hundreds of pumpkins in the One Colorado Courtyard. Throughout the celebration, guests will also enjoy a unique opportunity to meet and greet with various popular Halloween costumed characters.

Great Places to Shop
for Halloween Decorations, Treats & Costumes

Lula Mae offers loads of whimsical Halloween decorations, gifts of wit and charm, and some darling costumes for toddlers.
October Promotion: 50% Off Your Choice of One Regularly Priced Item

Leonidas Chocolate Café is a world-renowned chocolate maker, selling over 100 different kinds of Belgian chocolate. Don’t miss their marzipan pumpkins and ghosts. Now featuring freshly brewed Peet’s Coffee and Tea.
October Promotion: 10% Off Your Purchase with Coupon

Mignon Chocolates continues the traditional creation of fine chocolates following original family recipes since 1935. Try their wonderful selection of unique flavors.
October Promotion: 10% Off Your Purchase with Coupon

Temptations Chocolate Factory creates all kinds of delicacies made fresh daily with only the freshest ingredients, and by dedicated chocolate chefs.
October Promotion: 10% Off Your Purchase with Coupon

Stats Home Decorative Center is the traditional place to shop for all of your seasonal décor. They have an incredible selection of pirates, skeletons, tombstones, witches and more for making your very own haunted house.
October Promotion: 10% Off Your Purchase with Coupon

Francisco's Halloween Shop is a temporary location selling costumes for every age, makeup, masks and hats.
October Promotion: 10% Off Your Purchase with Coupon

Aaardvark’s Odd Ark has a wonderful range of vintage clothing, costumes, shoes, and wigs with which to create your Halloween persona.

oldpasadena.org home| terms of use| contact us| merchant log-in| site map| give us feedback
Copyright 2007-2009 © Old Pasadena Management District, Pasadena California

Don’t Let Metro Think You've Given Up

2009-10-17T12:58:00.001-07:00

Thursday October 22, 2009:

Metro Board to Vote on Foothill Extension Funding!

Your Help Means More Now Than Ever

Northeast Pasadena,

Wednesday’s Metro Planning and Programming Committee gave us our first glimpse of what to expect at next Thursday’s Metro Board Meeting when the Board will consider the Long Range Transportation Plan. Metro is still planning to delay the Foothill Extension by four years from operating in 2013 to 2017!

So many of you over the last two years have told us countless stories about why you need Foothill Extension service from Pasadena to Azusa as soon as possible. Your support means more now than ever.

The Construction Authority is ready to break ground in June 2010, so why the wait? Metro has collected an increase in your sales tax dollars for months now, so why the delay?

These are questions you can ask Metro between now and next Thursday and you deserve answers.

Here is what you can do:

Join your fellow I Will Ride supporters and attend next Thursday’s Metro Board Meeting – Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009 at 9 a.m. at Metro Headquarters. Click here to RSVP. Let us know if you need transportation.

Send an e-mail to the Metro Board of Directors by visiting www.iwillride.org/email.html. You can send the e-mail direct to all 13 Board Members with one easy click.

Let’s make sure the Metro Board knows that a four year delay is not acceptable to the San Gabriel Valley.

Questions? E-mail info@iwillride.org, call (888) 977-2269, or visit www.iwillride.org.

Sincerely,

I Will Ride Outreach Team

www.iwillride.org

50% OFF Coupon at Teri & Yaki

2009-10-14T13:07:00.001-07:00

Congratulations! Your company has been selected as our 50% OFF DAY
winner.

Please print a copy of this email and present it to our cashier at the
time
of purchase as your 50% OFF coupon.

Here are the specifics:

. Who: for anyone associated with your company

. When: from today to 10/16/09, 2009 (Fri), 11AM to 5PM

. Where: any Teri & Yaki Location, DINE-IN ONLY

. What: 50% OFF any item on the menu (

http://www.teriandyaki.com/daily_menu.html)

. How: Bring a copy of this e-mail

Enjoy and feel free to forward this email to anyone in your company.

--
Ryan
Teri & Yaki

"Voted Best Chicken" - Pasadena Weekly
"Great Food" - L.A. Times

Whole Foods Market Pasadena - Hastings Ranch

2009-10-11T22:19:00.000-07:00

October 12th - October 18th
Fire/Police Department Appreciation Week

Whole Foods Market is thanking the men and women of the Police and Fire Departments with daily events. Stop by and show some love. They will be fund raising the entire week to support both departments favorite charities, The Police Activities League and the Firefighters Relief Association.

3751 E. Foothill Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91107 USA
map, directions & nearby stores

Phone 626.351.5994
Store contact form

Store hours:
7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. seven days a week.

Metro Board to Vote on Foothill Extension Funding!

2009-10-09T22:28:00.000-07:00

Save the Date!

Thursday, October 22, 2009:

Be There to Show Your Support!

Jess,

Attend this critical meeting when the Metro Board will finally decide on the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), which will determine Metro’s transportation funding priorities for the next 20 years. While the $851 million included in the draft LRTP is an important start, it is not enough to complete the line to Montclair.

Your attendance at the meeting will keep the pressure on Metro to show their commitment to finishing the line, and to keeping all funding options open.

Let’s not wake up on October 23 wishing we had done more to get the San Gabriel Valley’s fair share of transportation funding. Will you be there?

Don’t let the Metro Board of Directors think you are giving up on the Foothill Extension.

Metro Board Meeting
Thursday, October 22, 2009
9 a.m.- Noon
Metro Headquarters, Board Room
One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Map

To RSVP e-mail info@iwillride.org, call (888) 977-2269, or visit www.iwillride.org to sign up online.

Sincerely,

I Will Ride Outreach Team

www.iwillride.org

P.S. Need some inspiration? Take a look back on our journey by visiting the I Will Ride You Tube Channel at www.youtube.com/iwillride.

Bungalow Heaven in Pasadena Named One of America's Top Ten Neighborhoods

2009-10-07T11:53:00.000-07:00

Media Contact:
Ann Erdman
Public Affairs Office
(626) 744-4755

Pasadena’s Bungalow Heaven landmark district has been designated one of the 10 great places in the America.

In making the announcement, the American Planning Association cited the large number of significantly important historic homes as well as collaborative efforts between neighborhood residents and the city of Pasadena for restoring, protecting and maintaining Bungalow Heaven’s unique character and sense of place.

“Bungalow Heaven demonstrates how historic neighborhoods have an enduring appeal, especially in a city like Pasadena where there is a strong commitment to history preservation and the early 20th century Arts and Crafts movement,” said Vice Mayor Victor Gordo, whose district partially encompasses Bungalow Heaven. “Residents throughout Pasadena have invested years and years of work to protect their neighborhoods, and it is a testament to those first dedicated residents of Bungalow Heaven.”

APA’s annual Great Places in America program exemplifies exceptional character and highlights the role planners and planning play in creating communities of lasting value.

Most of the home-building in Bungalow Heaven took place between 1905 and 1920. About 70 percent of the 1,100 single-family homes are bungalows from the Arts and Crafts period and no two are exactly alike.

When a classic Craftsman bungalow was demolished in 1985 at the corner of Wilson Avenue and Washington Boulevard and replaced with a generic stucco-faced apartment building, neighbors took action. A petition drive led to the Pasadena City Council authorizing a down-zoning limiting the number of residential units per lot and establishing the first local historic landmark district.

The landmark status requires property owners to apply for certificates of appropriateness to ensure that any changes to the exterior of their homes comply with the Secretary of State’s Standards for Rehabilitation and Illustrated Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings.

Compact and walkable, the neighborhood features homes sited on 50-foot-wide parcels with generally uniform front-yard setbacks, porches in front, garages in the rear and a huge tree canopy.

The Bungalow Heaven Neighborhood Association has supported the historic district by offering financial assistance to homeowners with limited incomes and promoting a strong ethic of pride in the neighborhood and its historic character. The association also has taken an active role in restoration and improvements at McDonald Park, conducts workshops for residents and coordinates an annual home tour – a rare opportunity for thousands to walk the neighborhood and go inside selected homes.

“Bungalow Heaven has matured as an organization and retained a strong sense of community, improving their neighborhood park and public library while helping to shape policy in the city as a whole,” said City Councilwoman Margaret McAustin, whose district also includes part of Bungalow Heaven. “The organization has had other real impacts on City Hall by serving as a growing ground for neighborhood leaders and elected officials.”

City staff in the Pasadena Planning and Development Department work closely with the neighborhood association and helped create a conservation plan that promotes rehabilitation of historic homes and stipulates when exterior work requires review by the Historic Preservation Commission and city planning staff.

Listed in the National Register of Historic Places and the California Register of Historic Resources, Bungalow Heaven has become a regional laboratory for the study of Arts and Crafts bungalows and restoring the historic integrity of these homes. Feature articles about Bungalow Heaven have appeared in regional, national and international publications.

Through Great Places in America, the American Planning Association recognizes unique and authentic characteristics found in three essential components of communities – streets, neighborhoods and public places. Features considered include architecture and community involvement.

“Bungalow Heaven is truly remarkable in that there are more than a thousand historic homes in the neighborhood,” said APA Chief Executive Officer Paul Farmer. “Residents and the city are rightfully proud of this architectural legacy, and we applaud them for their ongoing commitment through planning and planning follow-through to protect and enhance their neighborhood’s unique sense of place.”

The other nine APA 2009 Great Neighborhoods are Faubourg Marigny in New Orleans; the Haymarket in Kenmore, New York; Downtown Fargo in North Dakota; Ladd’s Addition in Portland, Oregon; Franklin Historic District in Franklin, Tennessee; Montrose in Houston, Texas; Historic Hilton Village in Newport News, Virginia; and Browne’s Addition in Spokane, Washington.

For more information about Bungalow Heaven visit www.bungalowheaven.org; for more information about city of Pasadena historic preservation programs visit www.cityofpasadena.net/historicpreservation or call (626) 744-4009; for more information about APA 10 Great Places visit www.planning.org/greatplaces.

from http://www.cityofpasadena.net/EkContent.aspx?theme=Navy&id=4036&bid=2970

Pasadena "Build The Rink" Committee

2009-10-06T16:52:00.000-07:00

!!! IMPORTANT !!!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Included below is a link to an online petition
to request a revote of the Pasadena Coucilmembers
to pursue negotiations for a privately-funded arrangement with Polar Ice Ventures
to build a new ice skating rink in the City of Pasadena.

Even if you have already sent an email or have already hand-signed the petition at the rink,
PLEASE take a moment to click on this link
to sign and provide your information as requested.

Thank you for your support and pass it on!

Click here to access the online petition >>>> http://www.PetitionOnline.com/PISC1009/petition.html

Be a Neighborhood Crime Fighter

2009-10-06T16:41:00.001-07:00

Pasadena In Focus,Pasadena In Focus - September - October 2009

You don’t have to wear a badge to join the Pasadena Police Department in fighting crime!

Protect Your Home.
During warmer weather, many residents leave their windows and doors open to catch a breeze. That’s an open invitation to thieves! Always lock up when you’re not home; when you are home, consider using wooden dowels or window stops to leave a narrow opening big enough for ventilation but too small for a person.
Always use your peephole or a window before responding to a knock at the door. Leave the porch light on at night. Never open the door to a stranger. If you’re uncomfortable with the person outside, call the police and give a description.

Get Involved in Neighborhood Watch.
By starting your own group and working with local police, you can get to know your neighbors, learn how to recognize suspicious activities and become more assertive about reporting crimes. To find or start a Neighborhood Watch group in your area, call 744-4551.

Get your children involved!
The Pasadena Police Department is enrolling elementary school students ages 6 to 12 (and their parents) for the third annual Kids’ Safety Academy every Saturday from Oct. 3 to Nov. 14 from 9 a.m. to noon. Classes will cover stranger danger, fire safety, disaster preparedness, environmental stewardship, water skills, bike safety and much more. Reserve a seat by calling 744-7659 or e-mailing aramos@cityofpasadena.net.

The Pasadena Police Explorer Program invites teens and young adults ages 14 to 20 to explore careers in law enforcement. After an 18-week Saturday academy, recruits meet every second and fourth Wednesday at 6 p.m. plus participate in local competitions, march at ceremonies, volunteer at city events and enjoy field trips to local attractions. E-mail gthompson@cityofpasadena.net or call 744-7653 for details.

Be A Good Neighbor

2009-10-02T11:33:00.000-07:00

Pasadena In Focus,Pasadena In Focus - September - October 2009

Neighborhoods bring together people of many backgrounds and interests who want to live where it’s safe and pleasant. With our busy lives, being neighborly doesn’t mean what it used to, but being considerate is always in style! Here are a few tips from Neighborhood Connections, a division of the Human Services and Recreation Department:

• Treat others as you would have them treat you. Everyone wants to be respected and recognized as an equal.

• If you’re the shy type, at least get out occasionally. Sit on your porch and wave to passersby, or walk down the block. Chat with neighbors about the weather, compliment their yards or pets, or ask what’s new in their lives.

• Invite your neighbors over for coffee, afternoon tea or a glass of lemonade.

• Find out details about recent police activity and prevention tips, and then relay the information to neighbors.

• Report any suspicious activities at your neighbor’s property to your neighbor as soon as you can, with as much detail as possible.

• Be quieter in the evenings and on weekends.

• Give your neighbors plenty of notice if you’re having a party that may be loud.

• Exchange phone numbers for emergency situations.

• Over time, develop trust so you feel comfortable letting some of your neighbors know you’ll be away, or who will be house sitting or checking up on your home.

• Help coordinate a block party once a year.

• Organize Pasadena Emergency Response Team (PERT) training from the Fire Department or a Neighborhood Watch program through the Police Department.

• Find out if there’s a neighborhood association you and your neighbors can join. If not, consider organizing one for a stronger voice in city decision-making.

For more tips, visit www.cityofpasadena.net/humanservices and click on Neighborhood Connections, call 744-7290 or stop by the office at 1384 E. Walnut St. Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. or alternating Fridays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Pasadena Emergency Response Training (PERT)

2009-09-29T17:09:00.000-07:00

Are you, your family, neighborhood and business ready for the next disaster? The goal of the Pasadena Fire Department is to respond to emergencies within 5 minutes. During a disaster, you may need to be self sufficient for up to 72 hours.

Please join Councilman Steve Haderlein&The Pasadena Fire Department
for a
FREE
Pasadena Emergency Response Training (PERT)
Saturday, October 17th
8 am – 12:30
La Salle High School3880 E. Sierra Madre Blvd.Pasadena, CA 90017

PERT teaches you:
Disaster Preparedness, Disaster Medical, Fire Suppression, Light Search and Rescue(for complete details about what PERT teaches, visit www.cityofpasadena.net/fire/pert.asp)
Continental Breakfast and Snacks provided
Newsletters from Councilmember Steve Haderlein

courtesy of Pasadena Councilman Steve Haderlein, City Hall Newsletter

Possible Attempted Identity Theft Scam

2009-09-23T12:22:00.001-07:00

Possible Attempted Identity Theft Scam
Case No. 09-0797

On Monday, September 21, 2009, a realtor called the police department after checking a vacant house on Orange Grove Avenue with a for sale sign in the front yard. The realtor found a note posted on the front door addressed to UPS and Fed Ex, telling them to leave the packages on the porch for the Nelson family, who was in the process of moving in.

Suspects also placed items (i.e.: tennis shoes next to the front door, a welcome mat at the front door, a child’s bike helmet in a flower bed near the front door) throughout the exterior of the home to make it appear that someone may be living at the home. The realtor said that she has never heard of the Nelson family and the house has not been sold or leased.

This fits the method of identity thieves who arrange for delivery of goods obtained through fraudulent means.

If you see anything similar in your neighborhood, please immediately telephone the police department.

Hasmick Hartunian
Desk Officer # 132
Sierra Madre Police Dept
hhartunian@cityofsierramadre.com
626-355-1414 Main #
626-355-5468 Fax #

From Steve Hymon: Puck Boy Chronicles..

2009-09-16T11:32:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Pasadena City Council to Ice Skaters: Burbank Is That Way! Now Leave!
The end of ice skating in Pasadena may be near after the City Council in Seniorcitizensville on Monday voted against building a desperately needed new ice rink. My advice to skating enthusiasts: fetch a Thomas Guide and memorize the route to the Pickwick ice rink in Burbank -- the next closest sheet of ice. What happened Monday? The Council voted 4 to 3 to build the new rink. But five votes were needed for passage and the potential fifth vote, Councilman Victor Gordo, was absent from the meeting. Madison tried to postpone a final vote, but the three opponents of building the rink -- Chris Holden, Terry Tornek and Margaret McAustin -- also voted against that motion. It needed five votes to pass, so Holden, Tornek and McAustin were smart in a sneaky, sleazy kind of way: they knew that if Gordo decided to show up at a future meeting, the new rink might actually be approved.Instead, the Council ended up passing a motion to investigate renovating the existing rink. The current rink has one, small sheet of ice. The new rink would have had two -- meaning actual time and space for ice hockey. That's a good thing if you, like me, are 43 years old and trying to learn to play the game. Here's the thing about learning to play ice hockey: I've found it really helps to spend time on actual ice.In a sharply worded email sent to fellow supporters of the new rink, Councilman Steve Madison wrote that there are numerous reasons to believe the current rink in a converted ballroom at the Convention Center is doomed when its lease expires in Sept. 2011 (I added the italics for emphasis):
"I have asked for a detailed investigation into why the project took so long to come to Council such that we lost our momentum and ultimately the project itself, wasting a decade of time, energy and literally millions of your tax dollars. At the end of the discussion, a majority voted to explore renovating the current civic auditorium single sheet rink, so that the three councilmembers’ votes do not end ice skating in Pasadena. But the reality is that is likely what they accomplished--with parking now $9 at the convention center, a dilapidated rink that is too small to begin with, crammed into an old ballroom, and a lease that expires in September 2011, this may well be the end of figure skating and ice hockey in Pasadena."The new rink would have cost about $18 million. According to a city report, the city would have had to commit about $1 million to the project and guarantee about $8 million in bonds, meaning the city was potentially at risk of losing money if the new rink was under-utilized. In a short blog post on the vote, the Star News' Dan Abendschein reported that Madison implied that the three opponents of the rink aren't exactly supporters of youth activities. My opinion is that Madison is extremely correct on this point. The vast majority of people who use the Pasadena rink happen to be under 18. Go anytime and see for yourself. It's all munchkins, all the time -- with a few geezers like me thrown in as a novelty.Terry Tornek is my representative on the City Council, although I use the word 'representative' only in the strictest technical sense. He doesn't represent my views, nor does he seem even slightly interested in explaining his views. As I posted earlier, when I emailed Tornek last month expressing my support for a new rink, I received a bleak two-sentence no-reply: "Thanks for your comments. Sorry we disagree on every aspect of this proposal."Isn't it refreshing when a politician tries to explain himself? (Note to literal readers: That last sentence was intended to be exceedingly sarcastic).I'm going to email Tornek now and ask him the BIG question: How does renovating a rink that is too small -- and with no room to expand -- remedy the problem that the rink is too small? I am no physicist, but I'm pretty sure this makes no sense whatsoever. Here's my take: Ice skating is still seen as a freaky sport in Southern California. Although we have two pro hockey teams here and some of the world's best figure skaters (world champion Evan Lysacek, to name one) have called the area home, people just don't associate skating with the region -- likely due to the weather, poor media coverage and ineffective marketing of hockey by the perenially losing Kings. So when politicians are faced with a decision to spend public money on skating, their instinct is to think it's a waste, although anyone who has been to a busy rink knows that it is not.The full text of Madison's email to ice rink supporters is posted after the jump. It's worth reading. P.S. In case you also live in the 7th Council district and were curious, Tornek is up for reelection in 2013. He was elected to the Council earlier this year after serving on the City Planning Commission -- a gig he was appointed to by his predecessor on the Council, Sid Tyler.As for Tyler....In my former capacity as transportation reporter for the Newspaper Whose Name I Shall Not Speak, I once called Tyler and asked him why the traffic lights in Pasadena are amazingly unsynchronized. Tyler didn't know what I was talking about. Please. Anyone who has ever driven in Pasadena knows exactly what I'm talking about--green, red, green, red, red, red, etc. So whenever I hear the words "Sid Tyler" I always think of the phrase "out of touch." --Steve Hymon From: Steve Madison <smadison@cityofpasadena.net>Date: September 15, 2009 9:43:43 PM PDTSubject: RE: UPDATED! Pasadena "Build The Rink" (Your Support is Still Needed by July 31)Last night the Pasadena City Council ended our dream of building a new ice rink in Pasadena. Although Mayor Bogaard, Steve Haderlein, Jacque Robinson and I voted to continue negotiations to build the new rink, we needed 5 votes and Chris Holden, Margaret McAustin and Terry Tornek strongly opposed building a new rink in Pasadena and insisted on killing the project last night. Victor Gordo, who has been supportive of the rink and might have been the necessary 5th vote to continue to work on ways to build the rink, was unable to attend the meeting last night because of work commitments. At one point I made a motion to table (postpone) the matter until Victor was back. But that motion failed by the same vote—led by Chris Holden, the three opponents realized that the rink project might still be alive if we put the matter it over until we had all 8 councilmembers present, so they opposed my request for a postponement of one week! Again, we needed 5 votes to postpone and we only had 4.This decision essentially ends 8-10 years of work for many of us; years in which we spent $3 million of taxpayer money on the new rink, set aside another $2.5 million to be used to build it, acquired and readied a site in East Pasadena supported by the Councilmember from that district (Steve Haderlein), retained architects and developed plans for a new state-of-the-art double sheet rink that under the most conservative estimates would be a moneymaker for Pasadena (without even considering the indirect economic benefits of hotel stays, restaurant business, sales tax, etc.), and negotiated extensively with Luc Robataille and others for a management agreement that would have included the support of the LA Kings for the new rink.I have asked for a detailed investigation into why the project took so long to come to Council such that we lost our momentum and ultimately the project itself, wasting a decade of time, energy and literally millions of your tax dollars. At the end of the discussion, a majority voted to explore renovating the current civic auditorium single sheet rink, so that the three councilmembers’ votes do not end ice skating in Pasadena. But the reality is that is likely what they accomplished--with parking now $9 at the convention center, a dilapidated rink that is too small to begin with, crammed into an old ballroom, and a lease that expires in September 2011, this may well be the end of figure skating and ice hockey in Pasadena. I look forward to hearing from you as we go forward about what if anything you believe we should do at this point. Please pass this message along to anyone interested in skating in Pasadena, and let them know I would love to hear their thoughts about where to go from this point. Thanks for your support, and I am so sorry we were not successful.
Posted by Steve Hymon at 1:18 AM

Pasadena New Ice Skating Rink

2009-09-13T19:47:00.000-07:00

PASADENA NEW ICE SKATING RINK
UPDATE (9/11/09)

The Pasadena City Council will meet again on Monday, September 14 at 6:30 pm (Public Session) to resume discussions regarding options for building a new ice skating center in the City of Pasadena .

Your attendance at this meeting is important and encouraged. Thank you for your support!

Visit www.icesaver.org for more information.

The council meeting agenda item is shown below:
A. PROPOSED ICE RINK FACILITY Recommendation of City Manager: It is recommended that the City Council: (1) Direct staff to return to City Council by December 31, 2009 with a negotiated long-term ground lease with Polar Ice Ventures that includes: (a) Construction of an ice skating facility with two sheets of ice substantially conforming to the plans developed by the City; (b) A shifting of financial risk associated with construction and operation of the ice rink to Polar Ice Ventures, consistent with the terms listed in the Executive Summary section of the agenda report; (c) A public benefits program similar to that negotiated in the draft management agreement; (d) A First Source Local Hire Program and a commitment to provide an opportunity to those currently working at the ice rink in Pasadena; and (e) Exclusive partnership agreement between Polar Ice Ventures and the Los Angeles Kings. (2) Reject all bids received on April 1, 2009, in response to the Request for Bids for construction of the Pasadena Ice Skating facility. Alternatively, if the City Council elects not to move forward with the ground lease approach, staff recommends that the City Council direct staff to return to City Council by February 28, 2010, with a proposal to renovate the existing ice skating facility at the Convention Center, as well as a management agreement with PCOC to operate the facility. Staff would work with the Convention Center staff and Board to develop a rehabilitation plan for the facility and evaluate options for managing the facility, as the current lease terminates in September 2011. This action would preclude the rehabilitation of the facility as a ballroom until such time that a new facility can be built.
Pasadena “Build the Rink” Committee
buildtherink@yahoo.com

Los Angeles County Fair Discount

2009-09-09T15:41:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share this all with you from one of our service providers.

PLEASE EMAIL ME SO I COULD FORWARD YOU THE FLYER. I COULDN'T FIGURE OUT HOW TO POST IT ON OUR BLOG.

ENJOY THE REST OF THE WEEK!,

Jess Mangubat

From: Robert Kral [mailto:rkral@boltonco.com]
Sent: Friday, September 04, 2009 3:33 PM
To: Bolton & Company
Subject: Los Angeles County Fair Discount

We are pleased to pass along to all clients, your employees and their
family members, special pricing for the LA County Fair, which will be opening
Labor Day weekend (Saturday, September 5th). The Bolton rate is $9 for adults
(vs.$17 on the weekends) and $6 (vs. $12) for children ages 6-12. This
discounted pricing can only be obtained online with the exclusive access
code as listed in the attached flyer.

We appreciate your ongoing business; enjoy the fair!

Robert S. Kral

Executive Vice President

Bolton & Company
(626) 535-1498 Direct Phone

Cost of fighting Station fire tops $43 million -- latimes.com

2009-09-06T16:42:00.001-07:00

Cost of fighting Station fire tops $43 million -- latimes.com

Posted using ShareThis

Taste of Old Pasadena

2009-08-25T23:24:00.000-07:00

http://www.pfar.org/images/taste.gif

Tuesday, September 22, 2009
The PFAR Charitable Foundation proudly presents its 18th annual "A Taste of Old Pasadena."

Sample your way through Old Pasadena's finest restaurants on a walking taste tour! Each participating restaurant will provide maps to guide you on your tour - or you may zsimply follow the signs conveniently placed in front of the establishments.

Join fellow community members for an evening of great food company with proceeds going to support local charities!

Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Time: 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Cost: $25 for Adults; $15 for Children (4-12 yrs)*

Tickets are available at the PFAR office. For more information, contact 626-795-2455.

* Save $1 off regular admission by showing a Metro Pass, Metro Rail or Destination Discount Card when purchasing a ticket on the day of the event at Dilbeck REALTORS®, 132 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena.

GET UP AND GO!

2009-08-20T12:42:00.000-07:00

EXPLORE NEW POINTS OF VIEW ON A COMMUNITY MOVE ABOUT

COME ON, PASADENA - IT'S TIME FOR YOU TO WALK YOUR TALK!

Through a fun community MoveAbout tour, let's get out on the street to really experience and comment on different Pasadena locales. After all, it's one thing to form quick opinions as you zip by on the way to work, but quite another to amble along a sidewalk and get the feel for a place.

City planning staff and GPUAC members have desinged unique tours that highlight some of Pasadena's most challenging issues such as residentail density, the need for safe bike lanes, the walkability of the city and architectural desing. You can walk, bike, drive, or ride a Pasadena ARTS bus or the Metro Gold Line for very different perspectives. (Get a free all-day Metro Gold Line Pass Saturday, Aug. 29, from 9 to 11 am at the Fillmore Station.

But first, pick up a MoveAbout booklet starting August 22 from the information booth at Pasadena City Hall, the Permit Center at 175 N. Garfield Ave., or any Pasadena public library or community center. You can even download a copy from www.cityofpasadena.net/generalplan.

The handy booklet offers maps, commentary on key issues, thought-provoking questions, and spaces for you to get "passport" stamps from retailers. Along the way you'll see local landmarks and have the opportunity to taste the local flavor at neightborhood eateries.

Take as many of the tours as you like through Sept 27; turn in your completed booklet by Sept 28 at any of the locations listed above. The more passopoert stamps you receive, the more chances you have to win fun raffle prizes at the community open house in November.

Your perspective will be important as Pasadena's General Plan is updated.

CITY OF PASADENA ADOPTS NO SMOKING POLICIES

2009-08-12T17:03:00.000-07:00

CITY OF PASADENA
ADOPTS NO-SMOKING POLICIES

IN CERTAIN OUTDOOR PLACES

Community Update - New Outdoor No-Smoking Law

On October 27, 2008, City Council unanimously approved a No-Smoking Policy in certain outdoor places.

8.78.071 Smoking prohibited in certain outdoor public places.

A. It shall be unlawful to smoke in the following outdoor public places:

Outdoor areas of shopping malls;

Unenclosed areas of bars and restaurants;

In service waiting lines or within 20 feet of such lines;

Outdoor public gathering events/special events/parades/fairs.

B. Notwithstanding exemptions enumerated under California Labor Code

Section 6404.5, the prohibitions in Section A above shall apply to the
outdoor areas of a private smokers lounge and retailer or wholesale
tobacco shops as defined under state law and to significant tobacco
retailers under the City’s Zoning Code.

8.78.072 Reasonable smoking distance required – 20 feet.

Smoking in unenclosed areas shall be prohibited within a reasonable distance (20 feet) from any doorway, window, opening, or vent into an enclosed area in which smoking is prohibited, except while actively passing on to another destination.

The Ordinance takes effect on November 30, 2008. Staff will also be implementing a proactive public education communications effort, coupled with clear and prominent signage to notify the public about the newly adopted policies. Enforcement of the proposed policies would be built into an existing enforcement mechanism operated by the Public Health Department. This mechanism is a complaint-driven process with a telephone number and website for the public to register complaints. For more information or to report a violation of the new law, please contact call the Pasadena Public Health Department at (626) 744-6014.

MONDAY AUGUST 3 AT 4 PM

2009-07-31T09:06:00.001-07:00

The Pasadena Finance Committee Meeting agenda has been CONFIRMED
to include continued discussions for the proposed new Pasadena Ice Skating Center.

Monday, August 3 at 4 pm
City Hall / Council Chambers
(2nd floor - southeast corner)

All patrons, skaters, parents, coaches, and residents are encouraged to meet

in front of Paseo Colorado (Colorado side) at the bottom of the stairs at 3:30 pm..

We will walk over to City Hall as a united support group!

We encourage you to wear your hockey or figure skating attire!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Questions or comments? Please email us at buildtherink@yahoo.com.

Pasadena "Build The Rink" Committee
Pasadena, California
BuildTheRink@yahoo.com

When Will the Housing Market Rebound?

2009-07-25T17:23:00.000-07:00

Daily Real Estate News | July 24, 2009

When will the housing slump finally end? Even the experts' crystal balls are hazy.

The Wall Street Journal, which Thursday reported its latest quarterly survey of housing data, says it depends on which city or part of the country you’re talking about.

Home sales were up compared to last year in Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia, Orlando, Minneapolis, Southern California, and the San Francisco Bay area, according to findings from research firm MDA DataQuick as well as reports from local real estate practitioner organizations.

Sales declined in New York City and nearby Long Island, Chicago, and Charlotte, N.C., and the outlook was particularly bleak in Miami-Fort Lauderdale and much of Florida, Detroit, and Las Vegas.

But Jody Kahn, an analyst at John Burns Real Estate Consulting, a research organization, points out that there are variations even in the hardest-hit metro areas with the most attractive neighborhoods continuing to thrive.

Employment is the most telling factor, says Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Economy.com. "If people don't have jobs or fear losing their jobs, then buying homes is out of the question," he says.

Source: The Wall Street Journal, James R. Hagerty (07/23/2009)

Finance Committee Meeting has been rescheduled for Monday, August 3.

2009-07-25T16:42:00.000-07:00

Extended Email Deadline: Friday, July 31.

Although ALL support is needed, we ESPECIALLY need Pasadena residents to send an email.
Please forward this email to anyone you know who is willing to send an email
in support of city funding for the new Pasadena Ice Skating Center.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~UPDATED~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PLEASE SUPPORT CITY FUNDING FOR THE NEW PASADENA ICE SKATING CENTER

www.icesaver.org

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Pasadena Finance Committee meeting has been rescheduled for Monday, August 3 to continue discussion about the fate of building a new ice skating center in the City of Pasadena .

Without the continued support from Pasadena residents and patrons of the Pasadena Ice Skating Center , the plans for funding the new ice skating rink may likely be cancelled, and the Pasadena Ice Skating Center may be forced to close its doors for good in 2011.

This would leave our children, teenagers, figure skaters, hockey players, coaches, and community without an ice skating facility and force us to go outside of the city to other ice rinks. Our city deserves to have its own revenue-generating ice rink and we must show that we want and need it!

This is the last time to show your support to “Build the Rink” !

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

YOUR EMAILS ARE STILL URGENTLY NEEDED BEFORE FRIDAY, JULY 31.

1. Use the email sample on the back of this flyer to email the Mayor of Pasadena (Bill Bogaard) as well as each of the Pasadena Council Representatives. Email addresses to be used are listed in the sample.

2. Please attend the Pasadena Finance Committee Meeting on Monday, August 3 at 4:00 pm. The full council may actually vote on the new rink following the Finance meeting.

! WE NEED A LARGE ATTENDANCE FOR THE AUGUST 3 MEETING !

All patrons, skaters, parents, coaches, and residents are invited to meet

in front of Paseo Colorado ( Colorado side) at the bottom of the stairs at 3:30 pm.

We will walk over to City Hall as a united support group!

We encourage you to wear your hockey or figure skating attire!

HEAD TO THE PARK FOR SUMMER FUN

2009-07-22T15:35:00.000-07:00

KEEP KIDS ENGAGED WITH FREE AND LOW-COST ACTIVITIES
from the Human Services and Recreation Department, which has teamed up with Day One and CORAL to provide a summer full of adventure. Register in person or at www.cityofpasadena.net/reserve.

Summer day camps for ages 5 to 13 are ongoing at Villa-Parke Community Center, Victory Park Center and Allendale Park, offering everything from sports to fields trips. 744-6516.

Kids 5 to 13 will enjoy sports, swimming, arts and crafts, field trips and more weekdays at Jefferson Park, La Pintoresca Park and Washington Park. 744-8332.

Teens 14 to 16 can drop in weekdays at Robinson Park Center for free computer, fine art and graphic design classes and other activities. 744-7330

Recreational Swimming is available most days at Blair High School Pool, Pasadena High School Pool, Robinson Park Pool and Villa-Parke Community Center Pool(children 5 and under must be accompanied by an adult). Swimming lessons are also available at these sites plus the CORAL Center Pool at 2750 New York Dr. 744-7530.

Watch for fun-filled activities for 5 to 16 during Youth Month in August. Most activities are free. Look for calendars at libraries, community centers and City Hall or call 229-9750.

Please note that for all summer programs, enrollment is limited and spaces are filled on a first come, first served basis.

Article brought by Pasadena In Focus, July - August 2009

PASADENA ICE SKATING CENTER needs your support now more than ever to keep ice skating in the City of Pasadena!

2009-07-18T08:31:00.000-07:00

!!!! U R G E N T !!!!
The Pasadena Finance Committee will continue its discussion on Monday, July 27 regarding the fate of building a new ice skating center in the City of Pasadena .

Without the continued support from Pasadena residents and patrons of the Pasadena Ice Skating Center , the plans for funding the new ice skating rink may likely be canceled, and the Pasadena Ice Skating Center may be forced to close its doors for good in 2011.

This would leave our children, teenagers, figure skaters, hockey players, coaches, and community without an ice skating facility and force us to go outside of the city to other ice rinks. Our city deserves to have its own revenue-generating ice rink and we must show that we want and need it!

This is the last time to show your support to “Build the Rink” !

YOUR EMAILS ARE URGENTLY NEEDED BEFORE FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2009

1. Email the Mayor of Pasadena (Bill Bogaard) as well as each of the Pasadena Council Representatives.

2. Please plan to attend the Pasadena Council Meeting:
Monday, July 27 at 4 pm.

3. Add yourself to the distribution list: Email at buildtherink@yahoo.com.

- Pasadena “Build the Rink” Committee
- Pasadena, California

Click on the link buttons to the left for more information.

Please check http://icesaver.org/ for frequent updates.

Please click on this link for the news article in Pasadena Star News
http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_12753537

Information provided by one of our Mountain Neighbors. Thanks Catherine!

Metro Goldline Foothill Extension

2009-07-17T11:18:00.000-07:00

A significant milestone in the journey towards opening the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension is rapidly approaching. On July 23rd, the Metro board is expected to finally consider its Long Range Transportation Plan that will finalize the funding schedule for the Foothill Extension. Will you be there to show your support?

The draft LRTP proposes an opening date for the Foothill Extension in 2017, even though the Foothill Extension Construction Authority has presented a business plan to open it in 2013. This is your opportunity to tell the Metro Board that you will ride the Gold Line. Please urge the board to accelerate funding to operate the line 2013.

You have the ability to influence the decision. Tell Metro:

Don’t Delay Funding – Metro should dedicate funding to the Foothill Extension now so that construction begins as soon as possible! The Foothill Extension is ready to go.
Make Gold Line a Priority – The project will create thousands of jobs during construction, help get our economy on track and reduce congestion on local streets and freeways.
Get Us To Azusa in 2013 – The Construction Authority has a plan to get the line to Azusa in 2013. Urge Metro to support projects that can open sooner, so people can start riding at the earliest possible date. Why wait four extra years for the train?
It has been a long journey, but with your help we made significant progress in making the Gold Line a priority. Metro has proposed allocating $743 million for the Foothill Extension in the draft LRTP. Our next step is to persuade Metro to run the line when it's completed. We need your support.

Join the delegation of elected officials, community leaders, residents, business owners, students and others marching on Metro Headquarters! We need a strong showing of support at this critical meeting:

Metro Board Meeting
Thursday, July 23, 2009
9:30 a.m.
Metro Headquarters, Board Room
One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012 Map
RSVP TODAY

Need transportation? We can help! To RSVP, call (888) 977-2269, or e-mail us at info@iwillride.org.

A couple hours of your morning will make an impact in the lives of millions of San Gabriel Valley residents for generations to come. Many of you have shown your support but don't stop now. Speak up for mobility, reduced pollution and jobs now--the Metro Board of Directors needs to hear from you on July 23rd.

Sincerely,

I Will Ride Outreach Team
www.iwillride.org

**If you haven't already, please e-mail the Metro Board to voice your support for the Foothill Extension. Help send a strong message that the San Gabriel Valley can't afford to wait for jobs, improved air quality and reduced traffic congestion. Tell a friend!**

CALLING ALL KIDS: REPORT FOR DUTY AT YOUTH SAFETY ACADEMIES

2009-07-11T12:45:00.000-07:00

TWO FREE ACADEMIES WIL BEGIN THIS SUMMER, sponsored by Pasadena Police Department and Pasadena Fire Department.
The Pasadena Kids Safety Academy for elementary school students ages 6 to 12 and their parents meets from 9AM to 12noon on seven consecutive Saturdays beginning July 11 at Pasadena police headquarters.
Classes will cover stranger danger, fire safety, disaster preparedness, environmental stewardship, community leadership, water skills, outdoor safety, bike rules and nutrition. Space is limited to 30 children and their parents. Make reservations by calling 744.7659 or emailing aramos@cityofpasedena.net.
Through the Pasadena Junior Public Safety Academy, 40 teens ages 13 to 18 will be chosen for a five-day seminar to learn about police and fire careers Monday, Aug. 3, through Saturday, Aug. 8, from 7:30AM to 4:30PM.
Participants will learn about the duties of our police detectives, forensics team, traffic detail, jail staff and more at Pasadena police headquarters, then move on to Pasadena Fire Department to learn about fire safety, survival skills and what it takes to make it through police and fire training.

Pasadena takes green thinking online

2009-07-08T15:51:00.000-07:00

Pasadena, Calif., residents who may be a little behind in their environmental conservatism can pick up some tips from the city's new online Green Training Program. The Web site, www.cityofpasadena.net/greencity, is part of the city's Green City Action Plan that includes more than 70 initiatives. The 15-minute tutorial offers tips on how residents can support the city's green efforts, such as using recycled copy paper or reusable shopping bags instead of plastic ones, as well as links to other green Web sites. “This program is meant to inspire action,” the city's Environmental Analyst Ursula Schmidt said in a statement. “By the end of the training, we think people will be moved, hopeful and excited about the changes they can make in their daily lives for the good of the planet.” Pasadena's Green City Action Plan, created in 2006, is based on the United Nations' Green Cities Declaration and Urban Environmental Accords. It includes seven major themes: energy, waste reduction, urban design, urban nature, transportation, environmental health and water conservation.

PERMANENT WATER WASTE PROHIBITIONS

2009-06-28T13:27:00.000-07:00

Pasadena's amended Water Shortage Procedures Ordinance(PMC 13.10) will take effect in early summer 2009 and will include these and other permanent prohibitions on water waste:

NO watering outdoors between 9am and 6pm, except with a hand held container or hose with a shut-off nozzle, or for very short periods when adjusting a sprinkler system;

NO watering during periods of rain;

NO excessive water flow or runoff from watering or irrigating landscapes or vegetation of any kind;

NO washing down paved surfaces unless ofr safety or sanitation, in which case a bucket, a hose with a shut-off nozzle, a cleaning machine that recycles water or a low-volume/high pressure water broom must be used;

ALL property owners must fix leaks, breaks, or malfunctions when they find them, or within 7 days of receiving a notice from PWP;

Fountains and water features must have a re-circulating water system;

Vehicles must be washed with a hand-held bucket and/or hose equipped with a water shut-off nozzle(does not apply to commercial car washes);

Restaurants may serve drinking water only by request and must use water-saving dish wash spray valves.

FULL DETAILS ON THE WATER WASTE PROHIBITIONS CAN BE FOUND AT

http://www.pasadenasaveswater.com/ OR BY CALLING THE WATER SHORTAGE HOTLINE AT 626.744.8888

Guided Tours of the Wrigley Mansion

2009-06-24T17:57:00.001-07:00

Thursday, June 25, 2009
Time: 2:00 PM

Tournament of Roses enthusiasts and history buffs alike will have the opportunity to take a walking tour of the majestic 21-room, 18,500-square-foot Italian Renaissance-style house. Tours are conducted by Tournament of Roses volunteers well-versed in the organization's 121-year-history as well as in the architectural details of the 103-year-old mansion, designed by architect G. Lawrence Stimson. The interior of the house features richly paneled rooms, inlaid marble floors and ornate molded plaster ceilings. Exhibited items of interest are crowns and tiaras worn by former Rose Queens and Princesses, Rose Bowl Game trophies and memorabilia, and historic photographs. Among the highlights of the tour are a one-of-a-kind Waterford rose bowl commissioned for the centennial of the Tournament of Roses and the formal portrait of the reigning Rose Queen by Nick Boswell Portraiture. Tours take place at 2:00, 3:00 and 4:00 p.m.
Sponsored by: Tournament of Roses Event Location: 391 S. Orange Grove Boulevard, Pasadena Cost: Free For information, call: 626-449-4100 Map:
Website:

www.tournamentofroses.com

Thursday, July 2, 2009
Time: 2:00 PM
Guided Tours of the Wrigley Mansion
Tournament of Roses enthusiasts and history buffs alike will have the opportunity to take a walking tour of the majestic 21-room, 18,500-square-foot Italian Renaissance-style house. Tours are conducted by Tournament of Roses volunteers well-versed in the organization's 121-year-history as well as in the architectural details of the 103-year-old mansion, designed by architect G. Lawrence Stimson. The interior of the house features richly paneled rooms, inlaid marble floors and ornate molded plaster ceilings. Exhibited items of interest are crowns and tiaras worn by former Rose Queens and Princesses, Rose Bowl Game trophies and memorabilia, and historic photographs. Among the highlights of the tour are a one-of-a-kind Waterford rose bowl commissioned for the centennial of the Tournament of Roses and the formal portrait of the reigning Rose Queen by Nick Boswell Portraiture. Tours take place at 2:00, 3:00 and 4:00 p.m.
Sponsored by: Tournament of Roses Event Location: 391 S. Orange Grove Boulevard, Pasadena Cost: Free For information, call: 626-449-4100 Map:
Website:

www.tournamentofroses.com

WHOLE FOODS MARKET HEALTH FAIR

2009-06-17T22:29:00.000-07:00

HEALTH FAIR 12-3PM JUNE 27,2009

Join Whole Foods Market in the front of the store for an afternoon of educational fun. Discover new ways to improve your health, meet the hosts of Shop with the Doc; Dr. Jennifer Wicher and Dr. Stacey Kupperman, discover a new exercise program with No Excuses Indoor Boot Camp, find out what supplements are right for you.

3751 E. Foothill Blvd @ Rosemead Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107

Citibank Celebrate's Father's Day!

2009-06-16T07:36:00.000-07:00

285 S. Lake Avenue 626.795.9962

Friday, June 19, 2009 9:00am - 6:00pm

Please join Citibank on South Lake as they celebrate Father's Day with food and complementary massages for Dads. R.S.V.P preferred for a FREE massage session - 626.795.9962 (Linda Lim)

MAKE MUSIC PASADENA

2009-06-13T15:03:00.000-07:00

SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2009

Presented in part by Levitt Pavilions Free Music Across America

Make Music Pasadena is a FREE musical celebration throughout Pasadena. Make Music Pasadena takes place on World Music Day, the Summer Solstice, Sunday June 21, 2009.

On that day, sidewalks, parks, courtyards, alleys, building lobbies and other unconventional performance spaces will become spontaneous musical stages and social gathering places. Amateur musicians will bring their musical talents to the streets of Pasadena and perfrom to new crowds.

Interenationally known artists will perform at two main stages - One Colorado and Levitt Pavilion. What better way to jump start the summer than by dancing the streets, throughout the day, to these wonderful music performances.

All performancers are FREE and OPEN to the PUBLIC.

Make Music Pasadena is presented in part by Levitt Pavilions Free Music Across America and is produced by Old Pasadena Management District.

78 DEGREES is so cool!

2009-06-11T00:08:00.000-07:00

Setting your air conditioning at 78° or higher conserves energy and saves money. Find out more about how to conserve by calling

PWP’s AnswerLine at 626-744-6970. Or visit www.PWPweb.com.

You have the power to conserve.

DAILY GRIND AND PASADENA FIREFIGHTERS

2009-06-08T23:37:00.000-07:00

Saturday, June 13, 2009
Presented by: Daily Grind and Pasadena Firefighters

Summer Cookout
Daily Grind and Pasadena Firefighters host a Summer Cookout to raise funds for the Pasadena Ronald McDonald House. Festivities include an engine display by the Pasadena Fire Department, music and hamburgers, hot dogs and ice cream.

Bring your whole family to Daily Grind at 100 W. Green Street (at DeLacey) in Old Pasadena.

100 W. Green Street
12:30 to 3:00pm
http://www.dailygrindpasadena.com
(626) 405-1053

The Price is Right at Your Neighborhood Library

2009-06-02T18:06:00.000-07:00

MONEY'S TIGHT ALL AROUND! Keep your brood entertained this season with free activities at your neighborhood library.

Beginning Saturday June 13, children in grades 6 and under can join the Summer Reading Club at any Pasadena Library. Sponsored by Friends of the Pasadena Public Library, the popular program offers young readers weekly prizes for visiting the library and telling us what books they've enjoyed. The program also includes family entertainment all summer long. Kicking off the season in June, "Flights of Fantasy" will have your kids laughing out loud. In July they'll be dazzled by "Illusions by Allen" and August will bring the creative critters of Pacifica Animal Productions. "Tales and Tunes" series Thursdays in July with musicians and storytellers.

For more information visit www.cityofpasadena.net/librarykids.

Teens can also jump into the Summer Reading Club starting Saturday June 20th! Just read a book, fill out a slip and place it in the decorated box at any Pasadena library for your chance to win weekly prizes with teen appeal.

And don't miss out on the fun teen programs listed at

www.cityofpasadena.net/libraryteens.

For more information about library programs for children and teens, call 744-4066, option 4.

This article taken from the Pasadena In Focus MAY-JUNE 2009 ISSUE.

Update: May 28th Metro Board Meeting "A Good First Step"

2009-05-29T20:44:00.001-07:00

Jess,
Thursday’s Metro Board Meeting was truly inspiring.

Many of you who came to Metro Headquarters to show your support helped influence Metro Board Members to budget $10 million for the Foothill Extension for fiscal year 2009-2010, which begins on July 1st. This is encouraging news since it far exceeds the $127,000 Metro officials originally intended to allocate to the Foothill Extension for the fiscal year and it is the first time Metro has funded the Gold Line Foothill Extension in 20 years! View the latest I Will Ride blog posting for a recap.

This step forward shows how your support is making an impact. Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich, who sponsored the motion for the $10 million in Foothill Extension funding said in an article in today’s San Gabriel Valley Tribune: “I have to give credit to the San Gabriel Valley people who kept showing up to meetings to lobby for this.”

While $10 million is a good start, it still falls short of securing a long term commitment from Metro to the Foothill Extension. On June 25th, the Metro board will be discussing the inclusion of the Foothill Extension into its Long Range Transportation Plan, which would determine a start and completion date for the project and the schedule of funding.
We can celebrate yesterday’s win, but we must keep our eye on the prize: getting Foothill Extension funding on track for operation to Azusa in 2013!

We will follow up with you in the next few weeks and hope that you can join us on June 25th to once again influence the Metro board and ensure the Foothill Extension is included in the Long Range Transportation Plan. Save the date!
Sincerely,I Will Ride Outreach Teamhttp://iwillride.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0219d8c372fdeb1f9f9eafb25&id=489268bda0&e=9d27d14a7f
P.S. Help us keep up the momentum and tell a friend to join the I Will Ride campaign. There is nothing better than riding public transit with a buddy!

Metro Board Meeting--Thursday, May 28th--Are You Ready to Go?

2009-05-26T20:23:00.000-07:00

A major decision affecting the fate of the Gold Line Foothill Extension is rapidly approaching. We are fired up and ready to go, are you?

This Thursday, May 28th, the Metro Board of Directors will be voting on the agency’s Fiscal Year 2010 budget. The current budget dedicates less than $127,000 for the Foothill Extension project, while allocating tens of millions of dollars to projects that are not as ready to go.

Why we need you to show your support on May 28^th:

1. The Foothill Extension is Ready to Go – Unlike other transit proposals in the County, we have completed the necessary approvals to break ground as soon as we receive sufficient funding.

2. Jobs Now – The project can create thousands of jobs during construction and help get our economy on track. We are the only rail project in LA County that can be under construction in a year.

3. Metro Needs to Hear From You –The Metro Board will consider a motion to add $10 million for the Gold Line in the 2010 budget. They need to see you in person and hear from you that you support that motion.

Many of you have sent in expressions of support but the time has come for you to speak up for mobility, reduced pollution and transit options—the Metro Board of Directors need to hear from you on May 28^th.

Join the delegation of elected officials, community leaders, residents, business owners, students and others marching on Metro Headquarters this Thursday! We need a strong showing of support at this critical meeting:

Metro Board Meeting
Thursday, May 28, 2009
9:30 a.m.
Metro Headquarters, Board Room
One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012 Map
RSVP TODAY

Need transportation? We will pick you up!

See schedule below. We have arranged transportation from the following locations:

University of La Verne (7 a.m.)

Meeting Spot: Parking lot at the corner of Bonita Avenue and “C” Street.

Citrus College (7:20 a.m.)

Meeting Spot: Main parking lot at the corner of Foothill Boulevard and Citrus Avenue – under the main marquee.

Metro Gold Line Sierra Madre Villa Station (7:50 a.m.)

Meeting Spot: Enter from Sierra Madre Boulevard, cross the fifth floor bridge and meet us near the token machines.

To RSVP, call (888) 977-2269, or visit www.iwillride.org to sign up online. If you are going to meet us at one of the transportation pick-up locations listed above, please indicate where you will meet us when you RSVP.

A couple of hours of your morning will make an impact in the lives of millions of San Gabriel Valley residents for generations to come. It’s time for action!

Sincerely,

I Will Ride Outreach Team
www.iwillride.org

10 Ways to Make Your House Greener

2009-05-24T09:56:00.000-07:00

Everybody's talking about the importance of eco-friendly living. We found some of the coolest and smartest products - at every price point - to help home owners do their part for the environment.
By Wendy Cole
February 2009

Smokefree Fireplace
As chic as it is eco-friendly, the EcoSmart Fire system gives you the pleasure of a fireplace without the pollutants. The self-contained unit is fueled by clean-burning denatured ethanol, a renewable resource. These portable fire boxes can be placed anywhere inside or outside a home since they require neither a utility connection nor a chimney. To make this green product even greener, the company will plant two trees on the buyer’s behalf for every unit purchased. Cost: Models range from $2,100 to $11,500. www.ecosmartfire.com

Vintage Year for Wall Tiles
Old wine bottles and other recycled glass get a new life as exquisite, glossy tiles suitable for kitchens and bathrooms. Glass donated by the public is sorted by color, ground into granules, and turned into tile by high-temperature fusion. Bedrock Industries introduces no colorants or oxides to the production process, which has saved hundreds of tons of material otherwise destined for landfills. Also, 100 percent recyclable material is used for shipping. Cost: Tiles start at $36 per square foot. www.bedrockindustries.com

Composting for the Masses
Instead of tossing food scraps in the garbage, NatureMill’s fully automatic and odor-free composter will recycle up to 120 pounds of kitchen waste, including paper, per month. A built-in computer on the 17-pound unit (20 by 20 by 12 inches) controls the mixing, heating, and aeration process. After two weeks, a red light pops on as a reminder that your composted fertilizer is ready for immediate use on your garden or lawn. Compost can also be piled outdoors until you need it. A NatureMill composter can recycle its weight in waste every 10 days, diverting more than two tons of waste from landfills over its life. Energy use is just 5 kilowatt-hours per month. Cost: Prices start at $299. www.naturemill.com

Your Plants (and Lawn) Have Your Number
You’ll never overwater another houseplant with the Botanicalls system. Digital sensors in the soil let your African violet or potted palm text message you when it needs water or light. The unit will also send a texted "thank you" after the plants’ needs have been met. The do-it-yourself kit offers a connection to your leafy green pal via Twitter. You can view status updates online or have them routed to your mobile phone. Botanicalls comes with all necessary parts to set up a soil moisture sensor communication system, even a leaf-shaped circuit board. While human intervention is necessary for the actual watering, the reminders are a novel means of keeping houseplants healthy so they can help reduce levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Cost: $99. www.botanicalls.com

A bigger water savings may come from Cyber-Rain XC, which lets you hand over the chore of watering your lawn to your Windows PC. Here’s how it works: Your sprinkler system receives information wirelessly from your PC about local weather conditions and uses this information to calculate the right amount of water needed for as many as eight yard zones. Households save 30 percent to 70 percent on their water bills annually, according to the manufacturer. Cost: $349. www.cyber-rain.com

Safe and Responsible Wood
Hardwood cabinetry can be beautiful and eco-friendly if it’s made from formaldehyde-free plywood. Columbia Forest Products’ cabinets are made from wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, which guarantees that responsible timber industry practices, including the maintenance of the ecological functions of the forest and respect for indigenous peoples’ rights, were followed. The company also uses an innovative soy-flour resin system to comply with leading green standards programs. Cost: $150 to $450 per linear foot. www.cfpwood.com

Heated from Within
The relatively constant temperature of earth a few feet below ground enables geothermal heat products to heat and cool homes using 40 percent to 70 percent less energy than conventional systems. In the winter, the pumps draw heat into a house through a series of underground pipes and an electrically driven compressor. In the summer, they pull the heat from the home and discharge it into the ground. Cost: The typical home requires a three-ton unit costing roughly $7,500, or nearly twice the installation price of a standard heat pump system. Drilling costs can add upwards of $10,000. www.geoexchange.org

Solar Cooking
You can bake, boil, or steam your family’s next meal using a the sun’s energy. The outdoor Sun Oven can cook food at temperatures up to 400 degrees and can be used during all seasons. The device is affected more by the brightness of the day than by the outside air temperature, meaning that cooking times can be slowed by the arrival of pesky clouds. But Sun Ovens help keep homes cool in the summer by keeping cooking heat outside. Cost: $279. www.sunoven.com

Whole New Light
It’s stunning, energy-efficient, and unlike any lighting technology you’ve seen before. Planilum is a light-emitting glass panel developed by two French companies, Saazs and Saint-Gobain Innovations. Less than an inch thick, each panel consists of four layers of glass infused with nontoxic gas and phosphorous compounds. Planilum lights can be incorporated into shelves or tables or can stand alone, Each light is expected to last about 20 years if used eight hours a day. Saazs’ One, a four-foot high panel featuring rows of doughnut-shaped light circles. Cost: About $3,400. www.saazs.com

Clean Driving Machine
Belgian-based Ecover began marketing phosphate-free washing powder more than 25 years ago, long before most people even realized that phosphates were an environmental hazard. Today, the company’s extensive indoor cleaning product line, designed to safely sanitize everything from glass to toilet bowls, has been expanded to include a plant- and mineral-based car wash and wax. The product, which includes coconut, citric acid, and carnauba wax, will help your hybrid or hot rod shine naturally. The packaging is 100 percent recyclable as well. Cost: $5.70 for 500 milliliters. www.Ecover.com

Biodegradable Furniture
These plush pieces may look like family heirlooms in the making, but the swanky chairs and couches from Montauk Sofa are, in effect, built for the compost heap. Using lumber harvested from sustainably run forests, uncoated screws and nails, latex foam derived from rubber plants, and organic fabric coverings, Montauk uses manufacturing and distribution principles dedicated to limiting the company’s environmental footprint. When you’re ready to redecorate, Montauk will take back its old pieces, strip them, and recycle the wood frame and spring systems. The lumber will be reused in new sofas. Cost: Chairs start at $2,600, sofas at $3,800. www.montauksofa.com

Wendy Cole is a senior editor at Realtor Magazine

12 Free Green Ideas for the Laundry Room

2009-05-21T20:11:00.000-07:00

Green your cleaning routine with these 12 free eco-friendly ideas for your laundry room.

1. Hang it Out to Dry- Air drying your clothes can save 700 lbs. of CO2 and $ 75.00 per person per year. Plus, clothes last longer and won’t pill or fade as much.

2. Install a Drying Rack- If you don’t want to take your laundry outside, install a drying rack over the tub.

3. Lose the Lint - Improve your dryer’s efficiency by thoroughly cleaning out the lint trap after each load.

4. Rinse, Repeat, Rinse, Repeat - Dedicate one day to do all of your laundry and be diligent. By doing your loads back to back, you’ll maximize your dryer’s efficiency because a hot dryer will dry clothes much more effectively than a cold one.

5. Wash on the Cold Cycle - You’ll save precious energy wasted to heat the hot water heater. Worried your clothes won’t get as clean? Purchase cold water detergent.

6. Use Free & Clear Detergent - Minimize the amount of dyes and perfumes that make their way into the water system.

7. Forgo the Bleach - 3% Hydrogen Peroxide can be an alternative to bleach in your washer to whiten and brighten. Simply add 1 cup to your wash cycle, avoiding use on wool, silk and dry cleaning only clothing.

8. Skip the Softener and Use Baking Soda - Also, another bleach alternative; use ½ cup per load to help whiten, soften, and remove odors from clothes.

9. Toss Your Dryer - Not literally! Add a few tennis balls or dryer balls (available at Target, CVS, Walmart) to your dryer load to help speed dry time and minimize wrinkles (yay! less ironing later).

10. Wash in Full Loads - Always wash in full loads.

11. Choose Concentrated Laundry Detergents - Reduced packaging means less waste.

12. Wear More than Once - Obviously, we aren’t talking socks and underwear here… but if your clothes aren’t soiled or smelly, wear ‘em again.

10 Simple (and Cheap) Green Ideas

2009-05-18T22:50:00.000-07:00

10 Tips to Save Energy (and Money) in Your Home
A whopping 46 percent of home energy use is, umm, energy loss! In other words, no productive energy use at all! Here are simple ways of reversing this, mostly by changes of habit.
Thanks to climatecrisis.net and The Home Energy Diet (New Society Publishers, 2005), for many of the carbon savings figures.

1. Each degree you turn down the heat saves 3 percent of heating costs, while each degree you raise the temperature of your air conditioner saves 3-4 percent of cooling costs. By changing the temperature by 2 degrees all year, you can save about 2,000 pounds of C02 a year.

2. Cook with a slow cooker or a toaster oven (or even a solar oven!) to reduce electrical use from kitchen appliances. For a meal that requires one hour to cook in an electric oven, and which uses 2.7 pounds of C02, a crockpot uses 0.9 pounds of C02 for seven hours, a toaster oven takes 1.3 pounds of C02 for 50 minutes, and a microwave only 0.5 pounds of C02 for 15 minutes of cooking. A solar cooker requires NO C02!

3. Switch to a laptop instead of using a desktop computer and cut three-quarters off your electrical use. Turn off the laptop at the end of the day.

4. Switch to cold water washing and save 80 percent on energy used for laundry and save an estimated $60 a year. Hang dry your clothes instead of using the dryer and save 700 pounds of C02 a year.

5. Plug anything that can be powered by a remote control or that has a power cube transformer (little black box) into a power strip, and turn it off, and/or unplug, when not in use. (Power cubes are 60-80 percent inefficient.)

6. Turn off the lights when you aren’t using them and reduce your direct lighting energy use by 45 percent. Stop using heat-producing halogen lamps (they can also be fire hazards). Install occupancy or motion sensors on outdoor lights.

7. Switch to compact fluorescent from regular incandescent bulbs and use 60 percent less energy per bulb and save 300 pounds of C02 a year.

8. Wrap your water heater in an insulation blanket and save 1,000 pounds of C02 a year. Insulate your hot water pipes.

9. Use public transportation whenever possible, carpool, shop locally, and ideally switch to a hybrid or energy-efficient car (if you haven’t already).

10. Keep your tires inflated to improve gas mileage by 3 percent. Every gallon you save also saves 20 pounds of C02 emissions.

COUNCIL APPROVES COMPREHENSIVE WATER CONSERVATION PLAN

2009-05-16T15:33:00.000-07:00

AT ITS REGULAR MEETING ON APRIL 13,2009, City Council approved PWP's "Comprehensive Water Conservation Plan," a roadmap for reducing water consumption citywide by 10,20, and 30 percent. PWP designed this plan in anticipation of continuing drought conditions, which have depleted our local groundwater supply, and distribution cuts of 10 to 15 percent from our imported water supplier, the Metropolitan Water District(MWD).

Pasadena has long gotten most of its water supply (more than 60 percent) from MWD, which itself is experiencing a very tight water supply situation due to long-term drought and restricted pumping rights in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, where it sources most of its own supply. Last month MWD announced that it will, in turn, reduce allocations to its 26 member agencies, including Pasadena, effective July 1,2009. MWD wil then impose surcharges on Pasadena if our city exceeds teh allocation targets prescribed by MWD.

Right on time, PWP's Comprehensive Water Conservation Plan provides a necessary roadmap to help our city and customers navigate just such a situation, and worse water shortage scenarios, should they arise in the future. The Plan takes a multi-pronged approach to achieving water conservation targets:

Implementing a new water rate structure to encourage conservation;

Adopting and/or amending city ordinances to promote sustainable water use, such as permanently prohibiting certain forms of water waste and adopting water use limitations on new development;

Providing water use audits, enhanced incentives for efficient practices and technology, and fully-subsidized installations of select technology innovations;

Providing water use education, outreach and information, including usage data on bills.

While each of these approaches will contribute significantly to water conservation efforts, implementing a new rate structure and adopting sustainability ordinances are most critical to the overall success of the Plan. It's important to note, however, that while the Council did approve the Plan in concept, changes to rates and ordinances are subject to public hearing. Look for notices of public hearing on these critical matters in this and future editions of Pasadena In Focus or online at www.cityofpasadnea.net/savewater, where you may also read the 26-page Comprehensive Water Conservation Plan in full.

This article was taken from Pasadena In Focus (May-June 2009) edition

Emergency Preparedness Training

2009-05-14T16:19:00.000-07:00

Hi neighbors,
The following was sent to me by Anita Butler, our police liaison, and is self-explanatory.
Please let me know if I can be of any help.
John Lihani,

Neighborhood Watch secretary
"I just spoke to Captain Daniel Serna from Pasadena Fire Department this morning and he advised me that they would like to give the Citizens of' Pasadena Pasadena Emergency Preparedness Training. These classes would consist of (four Saturday 3 hr. classes). This training covers basic skills that are important to know in a disaster when emergency services are not immediately available. With training and practice and by working as a team, you will be able to do the greatest good for the greatest number after a disaster, while protecting yourself from becoming a victim. A minimum group size of 20 participants is required to schedule Module 1; a participant roster will be required in advance. After completing Module 1 additional modules can then be scheduled by individual participants or as a group.
It would be great to have your Neighborhood Watch group take the class as a group and you will also receive certification for Emergency Preparedness after the class. Plus, you and your group will be better prepared for an emergency when it happens.
This class would be perfect for you and your neighbors to get yourselves organized for the emergency or possible earthquake that may occur. Please send this email to your neighbors to see if they would be interested in implementing a PERT class for your neighborhood.
Please call me if you have any questions."

Anita Butler Police Specialist IVCommunity Services SectionPasadena Police Department(626) 744-7650
abutler@cityofpasadena.net

Groundbreaking for $24 million renovation held at Robinson Park

2009-05-10T10:29:00.000-07:00

Posted: 05/09/2009 08:50:19 PM PDT

PASADENA - Officials broke ground Saturday on a $24 million renovation project at Robinson
Park, during a weekend dedicated to the trail-blazing baseball star Jackie Robinson.

Photo Gallery:Robinson Park Celebration

Delano Robinson, widow of Jackie Robinson's brother and Olympic medalist runner Mack Robinson, was one of about 100 people who attended. The event kicked off of the first phase of a three-phase project to expand the park and renovate its fields, facilities and parking lots.
Once completed at the end of the year, "It will be the crown jewel of the San Gabriel Valley, and definitely

Mrs. Delano Robinson ,center, wife of Mack Robinson with her family during a celebration of Baseball legend Jackie Robinson at Robinson Park on Saturday May 9, 2009 in Pasadena. (SGVN/Staff Photo by Keith Birmingham/SXCITY) the crown jewel of Pasadena," said Jarvis Emerson, director of the Jackie Robinson Community Center.
After the groundbreaking, the crowd was entertained with music and performances as part of the city's Jackie Robinson All-Star Weekend.
Festivities in honor of the baseball player, who grew up in Pasadena, will continue from 1 to 3 p.m. today at the park.

- Staff writer Brian Day

article taken from Pasadena Star News

SATURDAY, MAY 9TH

2009-05-07T22:43:00.000-07:00

The National Association of Letter Carriers, in conjunction with the United States Postal Service, will be collecting non-perishable food items liked canned meats and fis, canned soup, juice, pasta, vegetables, cereal, and rice on Saturday, May 9th to help families in need in our community.

You can help by placing your food donation at your mailbox on May 9th before your letter carrier arrives. It will be taken to the Post Office and then delivered to local food banks or pantries. Please do not include items that have expired or those in glass containers.

Thank you for caring,

Your Letter Carriers

www.helpstampouthunger.com

EAT WELL, SPEND LESS

2009-05-05T16:04:00.000-07:00

*MAKE A LIST. Reduce your impulse buying with a grocery list, and stick to it. Don't shop when you're hungry. Focus on the perimeter of the store where the fresh foods and produce are. Processed and packaged foods are in the middle.

*BULK UP. Most staple foods, like brown rice and olive oil, can be stored for a while. Buy them in bulk and when they're on sale. Store olive oil in the refrigerator.

*SNACK SMART. Junk foods are high in calories and low on nutrition. Whole foods are also more satisfying, so you eat less.

*GROW YOUR OWN. Start a garden. Vegetables such as tomatoes or Swiss chard are both easy to grow. Herbs and some vegetables also grow well in pots. Plant a fruit tree in your yard. Or, view a list of farmers' markets at kp.org/farmersmarket.

*KICK THE BOTTLE. Filter tap water instead of buying bottled water.

*COOK FOR THE LONG HAUL. Make dishes like chili, soup, or stew that can be served over several nights or frozen for later. You can also pack them for lunch.

*LATER, LATTE! Bypass the coffee shops and brew your own joe.

This article taken from Partners in Health Magazine(Kaiser Permanente).

Making Every Drop Count

2009-05-04T15:54:00.000-07:00

WITH SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FACING ONE OF THE BIGGEST WATER SHORTAGES IN YEARS, Dan and Maya Sharp from Northwest Pasadena wanted to be water-wise when washing their solar panels. With just $45 in materials and a few hours of labor, they made their own rain barrel to capture the runoff.

The barrel collects quite a bit. A typical roof gutter can siphon off about 200 gallons from a mere quarter inch of rainfall. The Sharps now connect a hose to the rain barrel to irrigate their vegetable garden and deep water their fruit trees.

The barrel was a practical idea that supported their approach to living: Even small changes can lead to big differences for the environment. One of the most important benefits of this do-it-yourself project, the Sharps say, is that it has taught their children about the value of water and how capturing and conserving it must not be taken for granted. Watch a how-to vido at www.cityofpasadena.net/savewater and learn how you can reduce, reuse, and recycle water.

THIS ARTICLE WAS TAKEN FROM PASADENA IN FOCUS

CELEBRATE BIKE WEEK ON TWO WHEELS

2009-04-26T01:06:00.000-07:00

Pedal your way to a party during Bike Week Pasadena, May 11 to May 16. Now in its third year, the fun citywide event promotes bike riding as a viable, healthy and sustainable transportation choice.

This year's festivities will include a free presentation on living a car-free life, a community screening of the documentary "Contested Streets," neighborhood bike salons, mini-workshops on shopping by bike, a women's even and the All-Pasadena City Bike Ride. For complete details, visit www.cicle.org or call (323) 478-0060.

While you're cycling around town, be sure to park your bike in one of 500 designated racks! If you chain it to a tree, pole or handrail, you run the risk of having it impounded.

To request a bike rack in a public spot, for a referral to a vendor to install a rack on private property, or for bike maps or safety brochures, call (626) 744-7254.

This article was taken for IN FOCUS PASADENA APRIL 2009

Six Degrees of Separation between your wallet and the earth

2009-04-24T22:28:00.001-07:00

Who's counting? But with the number of "green" ideas naysayed based on cost concerns one can't help but notice how many of the small things we've changed in our lives to save money are also small changes that help the environment! Every little bit counts.

MONEY-SAVING AND PLANET-SAVING QUICK TIPS

Use cloth kitchen towels and napkins or at least half-sheet recycled paper towels.
Get a water filter or refill dispenser jugs vs. single-sere, single-use plastic bottles.
Shop the bulk bins to save packaging on grains, beans, cereals, pasta and snacks.
Reuse shopping bags, and not just at the grocery store(in some stores give you money back).
Make and take your lunch and avoid the waste of single-use packaging or take-out containers.
Mix your own healthier soda by combining 2 parts mineral water to one part real juice.
Vacum your fridge coils 3 or 4 times a year (more often if you have pets).
Wash clothes in cold water because roughly 80% of washer energy used is to heat water.
Watch your portion sizes to help balance consumption with resources (and help your health).
Shop the sales on eco-friendly cleaners, recycled paper goods and local, organic and seasonal goods.

This article taken from "the whole deal", which is the WHOLE FOODS MARKET magazine

REMINDER! APRIL 25,2009 EARTH DAY

2009-04-23T22:42:00.001-07:00

City of Pasadena Greening the Earth Day & Armory Family Arts Festival

10:00 AM o 4:00 PM
Memorial Park
145 North Raymond Ave
www.cityofpasdena.net

Live Music - Dance Performances - Arts & Crafts for Kids - Bicycle Tour of Pasadena's Tree Canopy - Nature Hike - Over 70 Booths on Green Products, Energy and Water Efficienccy, Conservation, Recycling and More....

THINK GLOBALLY.... TAKE THE LIFESTRAW CHALLENGE

I HAVE COLLECTED OVER 100 CRV RECYCLABLES WHICH IN TURN PROVIDES ONE LIFESTRAW THAT PROVIDES A CHILD WITH DRINKING WATER FOR UP TO A YEAR....MORE INFO....WWW.COMMUNITYWITHOUTWALLS.ORG

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE....

Follow up Meeting For Marshall School Neighbors

2009-04-19T08:23:00.000-07:00

WEDNESDAY, 04/22/2009

6-30 - 7:30PM

MARSHALL SCHOOL CAFETERIA

990 N. ALLEN

(enter through parking lot on Allen)

Please join Council Member McAustin & PUSD Board President Tom Selinske to discuss the progress on issues brought forth at the 1/15/09 meeting. Please continue reading for the list of concerns.

1) PA system - Principal Derrick will look into reducing the volume of the outdoor speakers and try to minimize the alarm/bell that goes off every morning at 6:40AM.

2) Notification System - Principal Derrick will look into posting information on civic center permits issued for Marshall on the school's website.

3) Red Curb on Casa Grande at Tierra Alta - Council Member McAustin will investigate why the curb has been painted red and why the bus stop may have been moved.

4) Residential parking only on north side of Casa Grande _ Council Member McAustin will ask City Staff to look into the possibility of creating a preferential parking zone.

5) Field Lights - PUSD has no plans to issue permits that include lights

6) A follow-up meeting with neighbors will be held in March to talk about progress on these items. Council Member McAustin's office will organize the meeting on behalf of Board Member Selinske.

7) Donn Dufford has agreed to be the point of contact between the neighborhood and the school. He and Principal Derrick will connect to decide on how they will communicate.

FOR MOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL (626) 744 - 4742 or mfuller@cityof pasadena.net

2009 Clippers Basketball Camps

2009-04-10T08:36:00.000-07:00

For all those who are interested in putting their children through a basketball camp ages 7 - 17, this is a great way for them to have a great experience. To the parents, this is also affordable!

5 days of great instruction, games, contests, and fun. All players receive: Clippers Basketball, T-shirt, and a 2009-2010 Clippers Game ticket. To register please visit WWW.THEBASKETBALLACADEMY.COM or call 213.763.7924 for further details.

Earth Day & Armory Family Arts Festival

2009-04-04T22:33:00.000-07:00

Saturday, April 25, 2009 10AM to 4PM
145 N. Raymond Ave

Live Music - Dance Performances - Arts & Crafts for Kids - Bicycle Tour of Pasadena's Tree Canopy Nature Hike - Over 70 Booths on Green Products, Energy and Water Efficiency Conservation, Recycling and MORE!

Pasadena Weekend Calendar

2009-03-27T22:48:00.000-07:00

What's happening this weekend?

Central Library Exhibits

3/28/2009

Pasadena Central Library
285 E Walnut Street
Pasadena, CA 91101

One City, One Story Special Exhibit

3/28/2009

Pasadena Central Library
285 E. Walnut Street
Pasadena, CA 91101

Walking and Running Conditioning

3/28/2009

Rose Bowl Aquatics Center parking lot, 360 N Arroyo BLVD, Pasadena, CA 91103

T'ai Chi Classes

3/28/2009

Pacific Asia Museum, 46 N Los Robles AVE, Pasadena, CA 91101

Bicycle Ride

3/28/2009

S Hill Ave and San Pasqual St, Pasadena, CA 91106

The Pasadena Heritage Spring Home Tour
features 1920's to 1930's - era homes designed by
Johnston, Kaufmann & Coate in the California style.
Tickets are $32-$40. Please call 626.441.6333 or www.pasadenaheritage.org.

For any questions please refer to www.cityofpasadena.net/calendar

Have a great weekend everyone!

Community Without Walls update from the Pasadena Marathon...

2009-03-24T22:59:00.000-07:00

Hi Jess, The Marathon was a big success for us. We had 150 volunteers at the event doing a variety of tasks and we filled two large trucks with recyclable containers! Do you want the two of us to get together for coffee, visit our school and brainstorm with students regarding ways to join our efforts, or wait a week or so for a public meeting to discuss opportunities (like your community program) and assign roles to make Earth Day even more successful than the Marathon? Let me know. Peace, love and abundance,Greg Apodaca Community Without Walls-- www.communitywithoutwalls.org Linking People and Organizations to Service Opportunities ~ Matching Assets to Needs ~ Fostering Partnerships MountainTop Strategies - Guidance, planning, coaching and support for purposeful and successful lives, teams and communities. 626.345.0981

www.pasadenamarathon.org

2009-03-11T23:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Pasadena Residents and Business Owners:

On behalf of Pasadena Forward, I invite you to join us as we celebrate the inaugural Pasadena Marathon presented by Kaiser Permanente on Sunday, March 22nd, 2009.

Everyone is encouraged to come out to the race route to cheer on the thousands of runners, walkers and cyclists! Festivities begin Friday, March 20th with the opening of the Health & Fitness Expo at the Pasadena Convention Center. Expo hours are from 12:00p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20th and from 9:00a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 21st. Entrance is free.

Approximately 9,100 athletes are expected to participate in the Marathon, Half-Marathon, bike tour, 5k Run and 3.1 mile Fun Run/Walk. The event begins and ends at Pasadena City COllege with free parking available at PCC and nearby Caltech.

Please refer to the following information regarding the event day schedule, street closures, event day parking and instructions for vehicular traffic along the route. You may also refer to our website, www.pasadenamarathon.org for more detailed detour information, including race-day travel instrucions to churches alont the route.

We hope this information will help you plan your schedule and routes of travel on race day. See you on March 22nd!

Sincerely,

Israel Estrada
Executive Director

Collecting Recyclables for the Lifestraw Challenge

2009-03-07T14:11:00.000-08:00

For the Lifestraw Challenge - I will be collecting recyclables around our neighborhood. If you would like to donate your recyclables, please contact me to make arrangements. Let's help those who are less fortunate and give the gift of providing clean water.

Jess Mangubat
jess.mangubat@dilbeck.com
O:626.431.2266
C:702.285.2779

March 22, 2009 LIFESTRAW CHALLENGE

2009-03-07T14:00:00.000-08:00

Everyday, several times a day, we turn on the tap to shower, wash our hands, dishes, fruits and vegetables; we flush the toilet freely and keep our lawns green. But so many of us aren’t allowed those privileges. Many wash clothes, bathe, cook and drink from the same unclean water.

Community Without Walls is providing an opportunity of change. Join in their Lifestraw Challenge to bring clean water to those who are unfairly without. Help combat the 5 million who die a year from water-related diseases by providing filtration devises that purify water to make it drinkable. Whether it be one day or long term, sign up here to bring change.

Two upcoming events to get involved with:

WHAT/WHEN Sunday March 22 and Saturday April 25 To collect recyclable containers along the Pasadena Marathon route and at Pasadena’s Greening the Earth Day and Family Festival.

GOAL 1,000 students and adult will collect, sort and package CRV containers for recycling to kick-off the Lifestraw Challenge. They will be joined by students in high schools and other organizations across L.A. County in an effort to raise almost five million dollars to purchase 1,000,000 Lifestraws for distribution around-the-world to people who do not have sources of clean drinking water.

In addition, demonstration projects will be held at the Pasadena Earth Day Festival on current school-based recycling models that can be replicated at other sites. Teachers and students will be encouraged to launch student-run recycling programs or even businesses! As always, our plan is to show volunteers such a good time that they will then engage in longer-term volunteer opportunities on their own or through our Service Learning initiatives where service projects are used to make academics come alive!

HOW: Pre-registration is required to volunteer. Please visit our website for more information regarding partner opportunities, group participation, joining a committee or contributing resources.

SPONSORS:

Earth Day/City of Pasadena

Los Angeles Conservation Corps

Buy Local Pasadena

Welcome to our Blog Neighborhood

2009-02-25T07:49:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the North East Pasadena Blog!We’ve created this “blog” (short for web log) as a venue for the residents of North East Pasadena to share news, updates, interesting stories and pictures with other neighbors. We hope this will be a useful tool and reference.If you’d like to share something with your neighbors, please don’t hesitate to submit the information by emailing jess.mangubat@dilbeck.com. Thanks and Happy Blogging!