Monday, December 31, 2012

Rose Parade Traffic: Freeway Ramps Closed

Tuesday's 124th Rose Parade will result in the closure of ramps serving three Pasadena-area freeways.
The closures will be in effect beginning Monday night and continuing through New Year's Day, according to Caltrans.
The eastbound Orange Grove Boulevard off-ramp of the Ventura (134) Freeway will be closed from 8 p.m. Monday until 2 p.m. Tuesday. The westbound on-ramp will close from 2 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday.
The eastbound San Gabriel Boulevard off-ramp of the Foothill (210) Freeway will be closed from 8 p.m. Monday until 4 p.m. Tuesday. The westbound Sierra Madre Boulevard off-ramp will close between 8 p.m. Monday and 4 p.m. Tuesday.
On the Long Beach (710) Freeway, the southbound off-ramp at Del Mar Boulevard will close from 9 p.m. Monday until 11 a.m. Tuesday, while the northbound Del Mar Boulevard and California Boulevard on-ramps will close between 6 p.m. Monday and 11 a.m. Tuesday.
"Caltrans' top priority is the safety of both motorists and parade attendees," the agency's Kelly Markham told City News Service. "These closures are an effective means for us to achieve these goals."
- City News Service

Another Great Day in the Pomona Valley

Ren's Then and Now

This is at the corner of Park and 2nd St. looking northeast. I use to go there with my dad and my brother to get a new tube for his bike. But then they moved to where their at now, near the corner of Holt Ave. and Palomares. Which by the way use to be a Safeway Market back in the day, next time your at PEP BOYS check out the doors near the front where they fix your car, those are the old doors of the market, and where they pull your car in, that use to be 3 big windows so just a little history for yea.....B^)

Chase the Fox

Ren's Music Corner

Jan 04, 2013 - 06, 2013

SoCal Auto Showcase

Location :Fairplex Gate 23

BUY or SELL "PRIVATE PARTY" Vehicles at Fairplex!
EVERY WEEKEND - RAIN or SHINE! Friday 4pm - 8pm, Saturday 8am - 8pm, Sunday 8am - 4pm

SELLERS: bring your Autos * Trucks * Motorcycles * Boats * RV’s * Trailers * ATV's * JET SKI'S and more for display!
WHY:
We are NOT a dealership and NOT a consignment lot! We bring buyers and sellers together! Private party vehicles sell faster here because there are NO COMMISSIONS! Sellers avoid losses on TRADE - INS! Buyers LOVE NO HASSLES with sales people.
All sales are DIRECT between Buyer and Seller!
BENEFITS:
* It is not safe to open your home to strangers/potential buyers.
* It is not courteous, effective, or legal to leave your vehicle on any public roadway or common area with a for-sale sign.
* We get great weekend foot-traffic! Hundreds of buyers "physically" see/inspect vehicles at our lot each weekend!
* We supply all DMV forms to complete your transaction right at the lot!
* We help you price your vehicle and give you helpful tips to sell your vehicle quickly!
* We provide cell phones to potential buyers so they can contact you immediately when interested in your vehicle!
* (Sellers must be present for test drives ... No exceptions).
* We provide all-night supervision (Friday & Saturday nights). See Disclaimer and Release upon registration.
* We have brought hundreds of buyers and sellers together since opening!
Vehicle Drop-Off anytime during the hours listed above. The sooner the better for Maximum Exposure! We'll supply the "For Sale" sign.
Sellers pay ONE TIME FEE to display vehicles! Return unlimited weekends FREE until SOLD! NO TIME LIMIT!
(Check our website for pricing options and detailed information: http://www.socalautoshowcase.com)
ADMISSION AND PARKING FREE FOR BUYERS!
"GET THE BEST DEALS ON WHEELS AT SOCAL AUTO SHOWCASE"
Call (818) 634 - 8496 anytime for additional information!

Koruscant Weekend, Finish Ticket, The Bad Spells, Little Red Lung

Sat, January 5, 2013

7:00 pm

The Glass House

Pomona, CA

$10.00

Tickets

This event is all ages

Ambassador Meeting

Date: January 3rd
Time: 4:15pm
Location: Chamber Office
The Ambassadors are made up of business professionals who assist with the development of Chamber Membership by making sure members feel welcomed and involved. They often are the most recognized individuals at our events. They help promote the Chamber and in turn respective businesses

Camping Out for the Rose Parade? There Are a Few Rules

With tens of thousands of people expected to camp out Monday night for prime Rose Parade spots, Pasadena police and fire officials issued a list of guidelines to keep parade-goers safe and within the law.
Among the rules and regulations governing parade goers are:

Overnight camping is permitted Monday night only.
A permanent spot on a sidewalk can be kept by standing vigil, starting at noon Monday. The traditional Rose Parade "blue line" along the street is the honor line. People and their belongings must remain on the curb until 11 p.m. Monday, when they can move to the honor line.
Small grills must be kept at least a foot off the ground are must be 25 feet from buildings and other combustible items. Those cooking along the parade route need to have a fire extinguisher and water on hand.
People younger than 18 are allowed along the parade route between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. only if with an adult.
Overnight campers should dress for the cold. Children and senior citizens should overdress, in layers, to guard against hypothermia.
Stay hydrated and eat regularly to avoid becoming dehydrated.
Report any suspicious activities or unattended packages to authorities along the parade route.
In case of emergency, call (626) 744-4241 from a cell phone, or 911 from a land line and be ready to give a location

Things that are banned along the parade route include:

tents, sofas and boxes that an be used as stools or seats
unoccupied chairs
bonfires
fireworks, except as part of scheduled official events

City and parade officials also noted that no people or groups can march in the parade unless they have been approved by the Tournament of Roses.
Items may not be sold along the parade route without a permit, and no public areas -- sidewalks, curbs, gutters, streets -- can be cordoned or roped off. It is also illegal to buy, sell or give away horns on the parade route, and selling space along the route is illegal.
Pets are not recommended because they are easily frightened by sudden, loud noises.
Spectators also may not throw any projectiles into the parade, including seemingly harmless items such as tortillas, marshmallows or flowers.
Vehicles obstructing emergency lanes will be towed, and walking in the street is not permitted during the parade. Open containers of alcohol are illegal on public streets, sidewalks or other areas.
Because of large crowds, police will resolve any problems quickly and remove from the scene anyone who violates the law or disturbs the peace.
During the parade, it is typical for the Pasadena Fire Department to respond to more than twice the number of normal calls because of hypothermia, illegal burning, miscellaneous medical issues, assaults and alcohol-related matters.

Sunday, December 30, 2012


313 N. Figueroa Street, Room 806 \| Los Angeles, CA 90012

For Immediate Release:
December 29, 2012

For more information contact:
Public Health Communications
(213) 240-8144 | After-hours/wknds: (213) 990-7107
media@ph.lacounty.gov

Rain Advisory:
Advisory for all Los Angeles County beaches in effect until Tuesday, January 1, at 7:00 a.m.

LOS ANGELES - Because of current rainfall, the County Health Officer is cautioning residents who are planning to visit Los Angeles County beaches to be careful of swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters around discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers. Bacteria, debris, trash, and other public health hazards from city streets and mountain areas are likely to enter ocean waters though these outlets. "Fortunately, discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers only comprises a small portion of the beach, and therefore, anybody who wants to go to the beach will be able to enjoy their outing," said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Public Health Director and Health Officer. "We do advise swimmers and surfers to stay away from the storm drains, creeks and rivers as there is the possibility that bacteria or chemicals from debris and trash may contaminate the water near and around these areas, and some individuals may become ill." Areas of the beach apart from discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers are exempted from this advisory. This advisory will be in effect until at least Tuesday, January 1, at 7:00 a.m. This advisory may be extended depending on further rainfall. Recorded information on beach conditions is available 24-hours a day on the County's beach closure hotline: 1-800-525-5662. Information is also available online at our website: http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/beach/. The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Public Health comprises nearly 4,000 employees and has an annual budget exceeding $750 million. To learn more about Public Health and the work we do please visit http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov, visit our YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/lapublichealth, find us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/lapublichealth, or follow us on Twitter: LAPublicHealth.

#####

Related Information Site(s): Information on Beach Conditions |

Communities Invited to Honor Children Lost in 2012

The sudden loss of child is always difficult, but rarely has it weighed so heavily on the country as it did in 2012 in great part because of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings in Newtown, Conn.
For 13 years, The Unforgettables Foundation has honored the hundreds of children lost throughout the previous year during the annual Lights for Little Lives event held on New Year’s Eve.
While the main focus of the event is to honor the local children whose families have received help from the foundation, anyone feeling the loss of a child or those who want to honor and remember a child who had died is invited to attend.
Lights for Little Lives features a dove release, a candlelight vigil and a walk. The names of the children are read aloud, especially by those whose families are helped by the foundation.
“This is the truest thing to our mission,” said Tim Evans, the foundation’s founder “This is for the families who are left behind. This event is very meaningful.”
Every year, dozens of families in counties across Southern California must to struggle with the cost of burial services for a youngster. Evans, a former chaplain at Loma Linda University Medical Center, said he has seen families grief compounded by the inability to afford proper burial services.
No one is ever prepared to bury a child, Evans has said.
Through a network of local volunteers and funeral homes, these families are referred to The Unforgettables Foundation. The organization will provide money to cover a portion, if not all, of the cost, organizers said.
Two Lights for Little Lives events are planned.
The first is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Sunday. The event is presented by the Coachella Valley chapter, based in Palm Desert. It begins at the Palm Desert Civic Center. In past years, the group has walked to Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
The second, and older event, is scheduled in Loma Linda also at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, New Year’s Eve. That event begins at the Ronald McDonald House. After a brief ceremony, participants walk to Campus Hill Church near the Loma Linda University campus.
The Unforgettables Foundation began in Loma Linda, but is now based in Redlands. For more information, call (909) 335-1600 or (760) 8370-7373 or visit the foundations website.

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Could this be the same passenger train when I was growing up?

Ren's Wayback

Ren's Music Corner

Great-granddaughter of Pio Pico dies at Baldwin Park home

BALDWIN PARK - There's an extensive lineage linking generations of descendents to Pio Pico, the last California governor under Mexican rule. Among the closest of familial ties to the historic figure was Adeline Pico Verdugo, one of Pio Pico's two remaining great-granddaughters. The 95-year-old Verdugo passed away at her Baldwin Park home on Christmas day. "She had dementia and she went to sleep and just didn't wake up," said her son Arthur Pico Verdugo. "My mom to me was everything," he added. Adeline, nicknamed Della, was one of 12 children born to Celestino and Ramona Pico and grew up in a little area known as Jimtown, which in the 1860s became part of the former governor's 9,000-acre El Ranchito, according to an article in the Los Angeles Times. The Baldwin Park resident of 50 years was proud of her bloodline and often wanted to visit her great grandfather's mansion at Pio Pico State Park, said her daughter Bonnie Landeros. "I think she loved seeing all of the that stuff there again," Landeros said. "And because she got a lot of attention there. My mother loved attention." Adeline's sister, Bobbie Pico Cabral, 96, died in March of this year at her Los Nietos home. The last of Pio Pico's great-granddaughters, Josephine Pico Marquez, 99, resides in Duarte. In her late teens, Adeline married Ernest John Verdugo and the two had nine children together. John Verdugo died in 1984, their family said.
Close relatives fondly remembered Adeline as a strong woman with a huge heart. "She was a very loving mother," said Landeros, who was Adeline's primary caregiver. "She was such a rich lady. Not rich with money, but rich with her love." The woman was not only good to those who were related by blood, but also helped anybody who needed her, Adeline's family said. "She had a heart for people and she took me in when I was homeless," said Oscar Soto, a Baldwin Park resident and close family friend. The 95-year-old loved sharing stories of her time working on Hollywood movie sets, where she met stars like Leo Carrillo, her family said. At 17 years old, to work as an extra, she had to lie about her age, she told this newspaper earlier this year. "The doorman told me `next time they call you, tell them you are 18' and right away they gave me a job," Adeline said. "I got $2.50 an hour just to get autographs!" But her time in the motion picture industry was limited because her father forced her to quit when he found out, her family said. "She's always talked about the movies that she played in with Leo Carrillo and all the movie stars that she met," Liz Antuna said of her grandmother. Adeline is survived by her sister, four children, 29 grandchildren and 52 great-grandchildren. A rosary in her memory will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Guerra and Gutierrez Mortuary, 6338 Greenleaf Ave., Whittier. A burial mass will take place Monday at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 8545 S. Norwalk Blvd., Los Nietos.

'Golden Tickets' to Pasadena Showcase of Design Still Available

Golden Tickets" for the 2013 Pasadena Showcase House of Design will remain available through Monday. They cost $60, can only be purchased online, and are good for one admission into the Showcase House on any date it is open to the public.
This year's Showcase House is a 10,433 square-foot, two-story Monterey Colonial-style home on Hampton Road in Arcadia. It was built in 1941 and designed by architect Roland Coate. It also boasts a pool, spa, 982-square-foot pool house and an asphalt tennis court.
Barker Brothers furniture store founder Lawrence Barker once owned the home.
The Pasadena Showcase is one of the oldest, largest and most successful house and garden tours in the United States. Each year, Southern California’s most prominent interior and exterior designers renovate an estate of architectural significance using the latest design products and concepts.
Proceeds support the arts in the San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles.
The event regularly draws about 30,000 visitors.
General tickets go on sale Feb. 4. They cost cost $35-$45 and may be purchased online, by phone at (714) 442-3872, or by mail order. The Showcase runs from April 21, 2013-May 19, 2013

Walnut Elementary Teachers Visit China

Earlier this month, two Walnut Valley elementary teachers were doing what they do best – teaching – across the globe in Hangzhou, China.
Walnut Elementary School teachers Kelly Ebel, Title I and intervention, and Amy Wu, Dual Language Immersion kindergarten, were guest presenters at the 14th annual West Lake International Expo held December 6-13 held at Walnut Elementary’s sister school, the 1^st Affiliated Primary School of Hangzhou Normal University.
They taught demonstration lessons and participated in a panel discussion during the conference attended by 300 teachers and principals.
Ebel and Wu taught fractions to fourth graders during a math lesson and fifth graders learned about sea otters in a science/oceanography lesson.
They taught in English using the repetitive and visual Guided Language Acquisition Design (GLAD) strategies to about 20 Chinese-speaking students while conference participants observed, Wu explained.
Ebel and Wu used chants, input charts, and showed photos on their iPod. GLAD strategies are designed to help English Learners.
Last January, the sister school visited Walnut with 20 students. And the students have continued to be pen pals with their Chinese friends, Ebel said.
Both of the Walnut teachers were first time visitors in China
“It was freezing, but it was a great trip,” Ebel said.
“Hangzhou is beautiful – it’s like a resort,” she added.
Wu said it was a learning opportunity for educators in China.
“I believe the schools over there wanted to learn about how we teach our students in the States, They want to learn more about our progressive education,” Wu said. “The teachers took turns showing us around Hangzhou and were very hospitable. We had a great time with them.”
Ebel and Wu toured the Lei Feng Pagoda, Ling Yin Temple, and West Lake with their English teachers.
“I enjoyed every moment there,” Wu said.
Ebel shared her favorite sight.
“I enjoyed the Ling Yin Temple the best,” she said.
Walnut Elementary Principal Janet Green praised the bond between the sister schools.
“It is incredibly thrilling and an honor to have a real relationship with a sister school,” she said. “It’s not just on paper. They visited us last year, and now we’ve sent teachers."
Ebel said the exchanges are lessons in sharing.
“They want to have teachers from both schools teach on the same topic and then share it,” Ebel said. “They want to keep sharing ideas.”
Ebel and Wu brought home tiny harmonica souvenirs for their students and green tea for Green. Very fitting.
--Walnut Valley Unified School District

Crash on 60 Freeway Closes Lanes in Diamond Bar

Up to four vehicles were involved in a collision tonight on the westbound Pomona (60) Freeway, prompting lane closures in the Diamond Bar area.
Two left lanes, including the carpool lane, were closed during the investigation, California Highway Patrol Officer Tatiana Sauquillo said.
The multiple-vehicle collision was reported at 7:27 p.m., Sauquillo said.
"It was three to four vehicles involved," Sauquillo said. "Injuries are unknown at this time."

Friday, December 28, 2012

Suspect Who Caused Cal State Fullerton Lock Down is in Custody

One of five men suspected in a Moreno Valley jewelry store hold-up and shooting that led to a multi-county police chase and the lockdown of a university earlier this month was being held today without bail.

Roosevelt Andrew Fernandez, 26, of Compton was arrested Wednesday afternoon after he was identified as one of the alleged bandits involved in a Dec. 12 robbery at Empire Jewelry and Loan, 24571 Sunnymead Blvd.

Fernandez was found in Long Beach and arrested without incident, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, which did not disclose how he was linked to the crime.

Fernandez was booked into the Robert Presley Jail in Riverside on suspicion of attempted murder, robbery, conspiracy and parole violations.

His alleged cohorts -- Los Angeles residents Jerome Bernard Allen, 23, Damine Lavonte Banks, 30, and Traevon Cortez Vidaud, 24 -- are facing 20-plus years in prison if convicted of attempted murder, robbery and gang activity charges with multiple sentence-enhancing gun and great bodily injury allegations.

They're slated to be arraigned at the Riverside Hall of Justice on Jan. 3.

Four masked men armed with small-caliber pistols burst into the pawn shop in the middle of the afternoon and broke into display cases, stealing merchandise and shooting a clerk before fleeing in a charcoal-colored Lexus driven by a fifth suspect.

The bandits fled west on the Moreno Valley (60) Freeway, where they were spotted a few minutes later by the California Highway Patrol, whose officers pursued them at speeds of 100 miles per hour through San Bernardino, Los Angeles and Orange counties.

The robbers made their way south on the Orange (57) Freeway to Fullerton, where the chase ended on Nutwood Avenue, near Mihaylo Hall at the Cal State Fullerton campus.

Allen and Banks fled on foot and were arrested at or near the university, but two other men fled across the campus and melted in with the crowd.

Vidaud allegedly carjacked a motorist nearby, stealing his silver compact car, triggering a high-speed 20-minute chase that went west onto the Artesia (91) Freeway until the ex-con reached Compton, where he plowed through multiple intersections before pulling into the Imperial Courts Recreation Center in Watts and bailing on foot.

The spot happened to be where Los Angeles police Chief Charlie Beck and other officers were distributing gifts to underprivileged youngsters, and several of those officers helped chase down the defendant.

Meantime, at Cal State Fullerton, an estimated 10,000 people, mostly students, were stranded on the campus for more than seven hours as authorities searched for the two outstanding suspects.

The fifth man has not been identified.

Camping Out for the Rose Parade? There Are a Few Rules

Overnight camping is permitted Monday night only.
A permanent spot on a sidewalk can be kept by standing vigil, starting at noon Monday. The traditional Rose Parade "blue line" along the street is the honor line. People and their belongings must remain on the curb until 11 p.m. Monday, when they can move to the honor line.
Small grills must be kept at least a foot off the ground are must be 25 feet from buildings and other combustible items. Those cooking along the parade route need to have a fire extinguisher and water on hand.
People younger than 18 are allowed along the parade route between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. only if with an adult.
Overnight campers should dress for the cold. Children and senior citizens should overdress, in layers, to guard against hypothermia.
Stay hydrated and eat regularly to avoid becoming dehydrated.
Report any suspicious activities or unattended packages to authorities along the parade route.
In case of emergency, call (626) 744-4241 from a cell phone, or 911 from a land line and be ready to give a location

Things that are banned along the parade route include:

tents, sofas and boxes that an be used as stools or seats
unoccupied chairs
bonfires
fireworks, except as part of scheduled official events

One of the Original Tiles

This is one of the tiles that came off the Old Home Savings and Loan Bank (Chase Bank now) here on Garey and Second St. So I finally got around to making a stand for it, all I need to do is stain the wood.

Ren's Art Corner

I call this one The 3-Wheeler Wind Flyer, I still need to paint it and add a little bit more detail to it, and that should be it.

OUCH!

Ren's Wayback, Packing House Fire

Sunkist Packing House N. Park -- Ca. Dec. 1967 Fire drill burn by fire dept. at Main & Commercial later out of control. As a kid I seen this go up in flames that day, my uncle went over after the fire and pulled out a orange create. And I have it to this day the bottom had a little damage to it, but other then that it's in good shape

A MID-WINTER'S NIGHT SCREAM!

Assuming We Survive

Implants, Cromwell, I, Omega, Hammers and Hearts

Fri, January 4, 2013

7:00 pm

The Glass House

Pomona, CA

$10.00

Tickets

Mount Lowe Railway

The Mount Lowe Railway was the third in a series of scenic mountain railroads in America created as a tourist attraction on Echo Mountain and Mount Lowe, north of Los Angeles, California. The railway, originally incorporated by Professor Thaddeus S. C. Lowe as the Pasadena & Mt. Wilson Railroad Co.^[1] existed from 1893 until its official abandonment in 1938, and had the distinction of being the only scenic mountain, electric traction (overhead electric trolley) railroad ever built in the United States. Lowe’s partner and engineer was David J. Macpherson, a civil engineer graduate of Cornell University. The Mount Lowe Railway was a fulfillment of 19th century Pasadenans' desire to have a scenic mountain railroad to the crest of the San Gabriel Mountains.
The Railway opened on 4 July 1893, and consisted of nearly seven miles (11.2 km) of track starting in Altadena, California at a station called Mountain Junction. The railway climbed the steep Lake Avenue and crossed the Poppyfields into the Rubio Canyon. This part of the trip was called the Mountain Division.^[2] At this juncture stood the Rubio Pavilion, a small 12-room hotel. From there the passengers transferred to a cable car funicular which climbed the Great Incline to the top of the Echo Mountain promontory.^[3]
Atop Echo stood the magnificent 70-room Victorian hotel, the Echo Mountain House. Only a few hundred feet away stood the 40-room Echo Chalet which was ready for opening day. The complement of buildings on Echo included an astronomical observatory, car barns, dormitories and repair facilities, a casino and dance hall, and a menagerie of local fauna.^[4] Passengers could then transfer to another trolley line, the Alpine Division, which would take them to the upper terminus at Crystal Springs and Ye Alpine Tavern, a 22-room Swiss Chalet hospice with a complement of amenities from tennis courts, to wading pools, to mule rides.^[5]
For the seven years during which Lowe owned and operated the railway, it constantly ran into hard times. For one, its location was off the beaten path of the common traveler with little means of transportation up to the Altadena hillside.^[6] For another, fares did not cover the cost of continuous construction done on money borrowed at 10½% interest, and the opening day fare of $5.00 would not remain attractive to the greater public.^[7] Lowe went into receivership one or two times before losing the railway to Jared S. Torrance in 1899.^[8] The tiny railway was purchased at auction by a Mr. Valentine Payton of Danville, Illinois^[9] who, after only 14 months, sold it to Henry Huntington of the Pacific Electric Railway in 1902.^[10] Huntington operated it as a fringe venture the rest of its days alongside his expansive Red Car system that covered the greater Los Angeles and Orange County areas.
A series of natural disasters ate away at the facilities, the first of which was a kitchen fire that destroyed the Echo Mountain House in 1900.^[11] A 1905 fire destroyed the rest of the Echo buildings except for the observatory and the astronomer's cabin.^[12] In 1909 a flash flood tore out the Rubio Pavilion.^[13] In 1928 a gale force wind toppled the observatory.^[14] And in 1936 an electrical fire wiped out the Tavern.^[15]
The Mount Lowe Railway was officially abandoned in 1938 after a horrendous rain washed most everything off the mountain sides.^[16] Today, the ruins of Mount Lowe Railway remain as a monument to a once-ever experienced enterprise. It was placed on the National Register of Historical Places on January 6, 1993.

Dec 28, 2012 - 30, 2012

SoCal Auto Showcase

Rosemont Preserve Restoration on Saturday

Looking for a way to work off some of that holiday food and help out nearby? The next Rosemont Preserve restoration day is scheduled for Saturday so bring your sturdy shoes and get ready to work.
From 9-11 a.m. the public is welcome to help out at the event organized by the Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy.
Wear comfortable work clothes (long pants and sleeves are recommended), sturdy shoes and garden gloves. Bring the following tools if you have them: shovels, spades, loppers, hatchets, clippers. Other tools and equipment will be provided.
The Preserve is located at the north end of Rosemont Avenue, just past the chain link fence. Since street parking is limited, park at Two Strike Park.
No reservations are required and for further information contact RosemontFriends@gmail.com.

Blue Star Now on Display in Altadena Hills

One of the interesting notes about the Star is that in the early days before Altadena's imported forestation had grown to what it is today, one could see the Star from Christmas Tree Lane as it had a perfect alignment with Santa Rosa Ave. The Star was featured in a Pasadena Star News article published December 20, 1929. This is a quote from the article:
“Just below the lighted star will be the famous “Mile of Christmas Trees” on Santa Rosa Avenue, which attracts thousands of autoists each year from all parts of Southern California. The star, alone on the crest of the Sierra above, will be the only light in the dark, silent mountain area. This Christmas will be the second holiday season the star will have been lighted”. The Star continued to shine around the Christmas Season for many years. It was featured in other publications, including an article in the “Electrical Dealer” magazine in November of 1930. Then on October 25 1935, a fast moving brush fire swept across the foothills above Altadena. It destroyed a trestle on the Incline Railway along with other parts of Echo Mountain . It also destroyed Nightingale’s wooden Star of Palawoo. Nightingale would not be deterred however, and rebuilt the Star. This time he made it with metal. The Star continued to shine around Christmas for quite some time but it’s unclear exactly how long. The Nightingale Estate was purchased by Dr. Elkins in 1989. He was unaware of the Star and had lived there a while before noticing the old broken wire running up the hill behind his house. Using binoculars, Dr. Elkins could see a pole up on the hill, hiked up to investigate and found the Star lying on the ground. He erected the Star again and rewired it using conventional outdoor Christmas lights. The Star of Palawoo would shine again. Recently, in January of 2006, the Star was knocked down again by high winds gusting more than 40 miles per hour. Dr. Elkins had a tough time but was able to get the Star back up again. He hopes to find an Electrician willing to help him rebuild the Star using brighter bulbs much like those used by F. B. Nightingale on the original Star of Palawoo Special thanks to Dr. Elkins for information and photos of the Star

Resolution Solution: 20 Ways to Go Green in 2013

If you want to be kinder to the planet and save some money at the same time, here are 20 ways to go green in 2013.

Buy fresh, local food in season at your local farmers market.
Have your kids make their friends birthday cards and bring gifts in decorated paper bags or a cool reusable bag. Kids love getting a handmade card—as do adults.
Bring your own bags when you shop for groceries.
Shop at consignment stores and thrift stores.
Rip up some lawn and create new garden beds this spring, and then grow your own food this summer. Need help getting started? Contact your local gardening supply store. Your kids will eat more veggies if they grow them themselves.
Dispose of your hazardous waste properly.
Buy a share in a community-supported agriculture (CSA) farm to support local, sustainable farming and enjoy fresh veggies weekly.
Ditch those dreaded plastic sandwich bags and get some washable containers or bags. I like ReUsies, created by two Seattle moms.
Cut down on car trips and run your errands on your bike or on foot.
Pack cloth napkins instead of paper towels in school lunches.
Look for an environmental service project you can do with your children, such as removing trash and non-native plants and planting trees in their place.
Got an older house? Install double-pane windows and you’ll see immediate savings on your heating bill.
Plant a tree. A certified arborist can help you select and plant trees that will provide privacy and shade and even years of fresh fruit. Find a certified arborist in your area.
Dump your bottled water costs. You could save hundreds of dollars by buying snazzy metal water bottles for everyone in the family and a personal filter for your kitchen faucet.
Organize a Halloween costume swap in September. This can be a great service project for a Girl Scout troop. Reserve a room at the library and publicize to local parenting groups and preschools.
Replace your old light bulbs with LED bulbs. They last 15 times longer and use 75 percent less energy.
Expand your hand-me-down circle. Organize a clothing swap for your kids’ preschool or a group of friends. Everyone brings gently used and clean kids’ clothes to your garage and parents can take as many items as they donated. The rest goes to charity. You can also swap toys and books.
Replace your showerheads with low-flow models. Low-flow showerheads can save you up to 15 percent on water heating costs and reduce your water usage by as much as 20,000 gallons a year.
Save up to 30 percent on your monthly heating bills by having a home energy audit done by a professional. Check with your local utility to see if they offer this service.
Give service and experience gifts this year instead of stuff. Make homemade gift certificates for services and experiences that could include tech support, dinner and a movie, yard work, pet walking or babysitting, or a day of organizing support for the clutter challenged.

5 Strangest Bear Incidents of 2012

These aren't your garden variety bear incidents. Tell a local resident that bears were seen swimming in a pool or knocking down trash cans and expect to be met with a yawn. But the following five incidents show that life with wildlife can still surprise:
5. Bears Opening Car Doors?
A hillside resident told Patch this month that a bear has figured out how to open her car door and even broke in to a vehicle when it had no food in it. If a bear learns how to hot-wire the ignition and cruise around town, then we'll have a problem.
4. Free Bears. Get 'em While They're Hot.
A resident with a sense of humor posted a sign in front of a home in August advertising "Free Bears." However, those hoping to stock up on bears for the winter were likely disappointed; the sign specified a limit of three free bears per person.
3. Bear Raids Refrigerator for Pork Loin Steaks
Former Monrovia Mayor Lara Larramendi had an unwelcome house guest in August, and the furry intruder helped itself to "4 boneless pork loin steaks that were for dinner and the BBQ sauce was next to it."
2. Unsophisticated Bear Eats Cat Food
Apparently unaware that pork loin feasts are to be had at the Larramendi household, a bear settled for a meal of cat food after breaking into a Monrovia home in July. Then it came back later and ate some cat food on the porch.
1. Bear Gets Pepper-Sprayed
First the bear harasses some local nuns, then it gets pepper-sprayed. If you don't believe it, there's video proof.

12 Top Children's Books of 2012

Courtesy of the ReadKiddoRead Foundation
Maurice Sendak once said that one of the best things about being a maker of children’s books was that his audience kept being born. It’s true, of course: The great books from years past are brand new to today’s children and teens. But let’s take a moment at year’s end to recognize the books being published now for our young people. Here’s a quick roundup of a dozen highlights of 2012.
(For more, visit ReadKiddoRead.com and check out our reviews.)
Great Illustrated Books
(Ages 2-5)
Llama Llama Time to Share
By Anna Dewdney
For ages 2-5
When the doorbell rings, Mama Llama welcomes the neighbors – the Gnus. While Mama and Nelly have tea, their two toddlers are left with a boxful of toys to play with and share. All goes well…for a while—until that Gnu girl decides to play with Llama’s treasured Fuzzy Llama doll. Llama’s not ready for that much sharing! In the heat of the moment, Fuzzy Llama comes apart. Now what? Mama comes to the rescue, not only with needle and thread, but also with some Mama wisdom.
Creepy Carrots!
By Aaron Reynolds; Illustrated by Peter Brown
For ages 4 and up
Jasper Rabbit loves carrots, especially the ones that grow at Crackenhopper Field. He eats them every chance he gets, until the day the carrots start following him— or are they? This gently spooky, funny picture book will please youngest fans of scary tales while it delivers a subtle message about being greedy.

Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs
As Told by Mo Willems
For ages 4 up
There were once three hungry Dinosaurs: Papa, Mama, and a Dinosaur who was visiting from Norway. So begins this fresh and funny take on the well-known classic folk tale—with jokes in the telling and in the illustrations. Children who know the story well—and their parents—are sure to find plenty to laugh at together.
Great Beginner Reads
(Ages 6-9)
Bink & Gollie: Two for One
By Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee; Illustrated by Tony Fucile
For ages 6-8
In this amply-illustrated easy reader, Bink and Gollie go to the State Fair, have some fiascos and learn their future from a fortune-teller: They will always be friends. The book’s three short chapters feature brief text and plenty of comical illustrations. Throughout, the art sets the pace, providing youngsters with the clues they need to decipher the text as well as opportunities to rest and enjoy the action as it unfolds. This tale of friendship will resonate and succeed with new readers.
Fancy Nancy: Nancy Clancy, Super Sleuth
By Jane O'Connor; Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser
For ages 7-9
Children who have moved on from picture books don’t have to leave their favorite picture-book star Fancy Nancy behind: She’s got a brand new early chapter-book series. Nancy is a detective now—trench coat and all. What’s more, she—along with her best friend Bree—has a case. Something belonging to one of her classmates is suddenly, inexplicably missing. Nancy digs out the clues, follows the trail, and will not stop until she solves the mystery.
The One and Only Ivan
By Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao Costa
For ages 8-10

“The Ape at Exit 8” is Ivan, a mighty Silverback Gorilla, who lives in a circus-themed shopping mall. Based on a true story, but told in Ivan’s own voice using simple language and short chapters, this is the story of how Ivan uses his talent for drawing to rescue the other animals. For children ready to take their first steps into “real” novels, this tells a moving, and ultimately joyful story with wonderful characters (both animal and human) and the empowering message that one being can affect momentous change. A terrific read-aloud for younger children, a perfect transitional book for newly-independent readers, and simply a great feel-good story for stronger readers.
Great Pageturners
(Ages 9-12)
Three Times Lucky
By Sheila Turnage
For ages 8-11

Mo (Moses) floated into Tupelo Landing as an infant, carried by hurricane flood waters. Luckily, the Colonel found her. The only problem: He was an out-of-towner, too, who lost his memory during the storm. With an unclaimed baby, one suitcase (rumored to be full of cash) and no other plans that he could remember, the Colonel was taken in by Miss Lana. The threesome has made an odd family since then. Now, a murder—the first ever in Tupelo Landing—and another hurricane will bring the past to light. With this new storm brewing, Mo has to move fast to save the only family she’s ever known.
I Funny: A Middle School Story
By James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein; Illustrated by Laura Park
For ages 9-12

Jamie Grimm talks right to readers—his honesty and his humor making full impact on each of us—putting us firmly in his fan club. A good place to be. Not just because Jamie Grimm is one of the most entertaining and likable characters you’ll ever meet in a book, but mostly because he’s a terrific kid, facing a lot of tough stuff, and he needs us rooting for him—even though he’d never ask! Jamie wants to be a stand-up comic. (And, yes, he does see the humor in this, since he is in a wheelchair.) Jamie’s studied jokes from the best and readers get to enjoy them as he practices his delivery. Hilarious throughout and tender in turns, I Funny offers kids a reading experience that will be enjoyed all the way and then warmly remembered.

Wonder
By R.J. Palacio
For ages 9-12

August Pullman, now 10, was born with a deformed face. He lives in Manhattan, where’s it’s hard to hide, so even though he’s been homeschooled, he’s felt the stares, heard the whispers, and walked away when the boldest jerks called him Freak or Freddy Krueger. Now his parents have decided that it’s time for Auggie to meet the wider world, enrolling him in a private school for fifth grade. Though Auggie mostly succeeds at Beecher Prep, there are a few bad apples. In short chapters, Palacio skillfully sketches the ups and downs of his year. The “wider world” doesn’t only test his courage; it also takes the measure of everyone he comes in contact with. This is a rare book that just might open a closed heart. It could make the world a better place.
Great Advanced Reads
(Ages 12 and up)

Nevermore: The Final Maximum Ride Adventure (Book 8)
By James Patterson

The final book in the Maximum Ride series begins in the midst of the sad state of affairs where Angel left off: Angel is missing, and Fang has parted ways with Max and the rest to start his own gang. Meanwhile, a political uprising is gaining momentum. A group called the Ninety-nine Percenters is calling to purge the earth of the human race to make way for the growing, genetically-enhanced hybrid population.

There’s never a dull moment in Nevermore, as in the rest of the series, as each page zips from one charismatic character’s brush with death to the next. Add this to the bubbling tensions that come with the series’ descriptions of the ethically-shady genetic experiments, along with an impending apocalypse, and this conclusion certainly does Patterson’s well-loved series justice.

The Obsidian Blade
By Pete Hautman
For ages 12 and up

The Obsidian Blade is heart-stopping, both literally and in its frenetic pace. The actual blade is used by a robed priest to stab the protagonist through his heart. And that horrifying scene is just one tiny piece of the breakneck action that swirls through shifting alliances and constant travel to destinations in the ancient past and the frightening future.

Tucker is a preacher’s kid in a small town. Both the boy and his hometown of Hopewell seem unlikely candidates for other-worldly adventure. Then, one ordinary day, Tucker’s dad mysteriously disappears, and Tucker’s life begins to veer off into totally uncharted territories. Time travel is just the background for the multiplying mysteries surrounding Tucker. Ghosts, mega-maggots, futuristic medicine, and futuristic weapons add paranormal science fiction to the mix in this pageturner of a read.

The Fault in Our Stars
By John Green
For ages 13 and up

It’s not hard to wrench emotion out of a story featuring two teens battling cancer; it’s much harder to produce a novel on such a heavy topic that manages to be as funny as it is heartbreaking.

Hazel Lancaster dropped out of school at 13 to concentrate on getting well. Now 16, she reluctantly agrees to attend a weekly support group with other teen cancer patients. It is there she meets Augustus Waters, a former basketball player who’s lost a leg to cancer. Their connection is instantaneous; both banter with razor-sharp wit as if it’s second nature.

Green skillfully uses their lives to ask the biggest questions there are—Why me? Why now? Why risk love? What does being alive mean?

Ren's Music Corner

Thursday, December 27, 2012

New Academic Program Launched at Walnut High

The Academic Design Program (ADP) has launched at Walnut High this year with 77 sophomores working through real-world problems in search of real-world solutions.
The new core engages students in an interactive learning environment that develops higher-level thinking, creativity, problem solving, and reasoning skills.
Students work in groups to complete hands-on projects that combine the core subject areas of math, English, and social studies.
ADP meets during Periods 1-3 with teachers Kate Borihane -English-language arts, Justin Panlilio -social studies, Jennifer La Certe –math, and Sue McCracken, grade level coordinator.
The ADP Team has the flexibility to design their program in the technology rich classrooms equipped with iPads, desktops, and NetBooks.
“When you walk into the three connected classrooms there’s a different feeling,” said Principal Jeff Jordan.
“There are no bells. The time is theirs and if they need more time in math that day – they take it. It’s their choice. There’s not a lot of talking at the students – there’s more collaboration,” he added.
The student teams design and build solutions to challenges related to building a community. ADP is modeled after the award winning Design-Based Learning program.
“Without the direct instruction - it’s noisy - and that’s good because learning is taking place,” Jordan said.
Students grouped in nine Domains are in the process ofbuilding their communities and dealing with the problems that come with urbanization and political systems in a world where they are mostly physically isolated, with growing interactions. World History, English, and Math standards are embedded in the activities.
“Students are finding that they are an active part of the building process – not just in their Domain, but in the program itself,” La Certe said. The connected classes encourage movement and gives flexibility for working in different configurations. One is designated as the technology base, another is the building room base, and the third is general purpose.
One recent group challenge was designing an “innovation” that improves life and efficiencies in their domains - and also makes money.
The project allowed students to experience some of thechallenges of the Industrial Revolution before ever discussing it. While marketing the products, they used the English skills of persuasion and rhetoric. In math they learned how to account for their finances and explored concepts including percent of change, simple and compound interest, and graphing.
Teams promoted their creative products ranging from a Canoe Car and water-powered Hydro Generator, to a Caterpillar Cleaner during a Trade Show.
“It’s packed full of awesomeness,” said one team holding touting their project while holding up a “Like Us On Facebook” sign’ The Miracle Works team promoted their “Bigger Fruit, Longer Life” invention.
“I like fruit – this one is my favorite,” exclaimed Panlilio. After the presentation, students compared and contrasted their experiences with the Industrial Revolution. The challenge fulfilled Englishstandards with persuasion and rhetoric in the writing and presentations. And in Math, groups learned about the financial aspect with percentages, percent of change, integers, graphing, and simple and compound interest.
The goal of ADP is to meet the needs of all types of learners, while maintaining a rigorous and relevant curriculum by tapping into the innate curiosity of students. ADP meets A-G requirements and students have personal learning plans. The core also aligns well with the new Common CoreStandards as the focus shifts to reasoning and problem-solving skills.
“Common Core fits perfectly with ADP and the transition will be smooth. It’s all about reasoning, understanding, experiential, andapplication – and our kids are applying all these skills,” La Certe said.
The program was created for a reason, Principal Jeff Jordan said.
“We are on a mission to help kids succeed," he said.
In the first six weeks of school more than 50 percent of the students improved their grades compared to the end of the previous school year.
Next year, the pilot program will double in size by adding another grade level. The long-term plan is to be a three-year program for sophomores through seniors.
“We just at the starting point right now and we are very proud of this program,” Jordan said.
--Walnut Valley Unified School District