.Pasadenan News Tips

Schiff Still SOPA Proponent as Opposition Mounts

2012-01-17T16:40:00.000-08:00

By Dean Lee

With the treat looming that a number of popular internet sites —opposed to the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)— are poised Wednesday to “blackout” their services, including Wikipedia and the user-generated news link startup Reddit, Congressman Adam Schiff said Thursday, that he not only still supports the bill but thinks it necessary to stop overseas intellectual property theft of American goods.

Schiff is one of 12 original co-sponsors of the bill, known as H.R. 3261, introduced in October by Representative Lamar Smith of Texas.

“These are my constituents that are losing jobs because of this [pirated movies/TV] and a lot of the theft of this comes out of L.A. and out of our neighborhood,” he said.

Opponents of the bill included CEOs of some of the largest technology companies on Earth, including Google, Twitter, Yahoo, PayPal, eBay and craigslist.

In an open letter authored by, Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google, Jack Dorsey co-founder of Twitter and Arianna Huffington co-founder of the Huffington Post among others, says SOPA threatens the existence of the internet.

Their concerns rage from the bills requirement that file sharing sites and search engines must monitor what users link to, or upload; to implications that it would deny website owners the right to due process of law giving the government, in what opponents say, amounts to censorship.

Schiff, optimistic, said he thinks the bill is being improved.

“There have been some amendments that have been adopted in committee to address some of the concerns the have been raised,” he said. “The goal is really focused on these foreign websites that are the venue for massive amounts of theft of American work product.”

In December The House Judiciary Committee held three markup sessions, one lasting over 10 hours. Schiff said the bill was currently still in markup and would again be heard Tuesday when the House convenes.

Reports from Computerworld.com, at the time, said about 20 amendments designed to address SOPA concerns were voted down.

The bills leading supporters include the Motion Picture Association of America, and the Recording Industry Association of America. Schiff said companies are losing billions of dollars and thousands of jobs to overseas pirating.

ANTONOVICH TO HONOR TOMMY LASORDA

2012-01-17T11:16:00.001-08:00

MEDIA ADVISORY

Contact: Tony Bell, Communications Deputy

Office: (213) 974-5555 Cell: (213) 215-5176

E-mail: tbell@bos.lacounty.gov

January 17, 2012 For Immediate Release

ANTONOVICH TO HONOR TOMMY LASORDA

ON HIS 63^RD SEASON WITH THE LOS ANGELES DODGERS

WHO: Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich

Hall of Fame winning Dodger manager Tommy Lasorda

WHAT: Supervisor Antonovich will honor Tommy Lasorda on 63 seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers with an official presentation at the regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors.

WHEN: Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 1:30 pm

WHERE: Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration

Board Hearing Room – 381B

500 West Temple Street

Los Angeles, CA 90012

Pasadena Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Votes to Support Exploration of NFL Interim Opportunity at Rose Bowl

2012-01-17T11:13:00.000-08:00

Chance for lucrative defined-term NFL tenant should not be dismissed without knowing terms and financial benefits to Rose Bowl, City of Pasadena and local businesses

Pasadena, CA – At its December meeting, the Board of Directors of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce voted to formally take a position in support of the Rose Bowl exploring the opportunity to host an interim professional National Football League (NFL) team for as many as four years.

“Without a deal on the table and without knowing what the financial, environmental and neighborhood impacts may be, the Chamber Board overwhelmingly supported the idea of looking at the Rose Bowl hosting an NFL team on a short-term basis, should that opportunity arise,” said Chamber CEO Paul Little. “The Board felt very strongly that it would be a huge lost opportunity to dismiss the interim NFL team before even hearing what any deal terms may be and without understanding what impacts may result.”

To date, there has not been an NFL team announced for the Los Angeles area. Two proposals are currently competing for the rights to bring a team to Los Angeles, one that would be located in the City of Industry and the other intended to be housed at a stadium to be built in downtown Los Angeles. Neither entity has been able to secure an agreement to re-located an NFL team to Los Angeles. If and when that happens, it is very likely that the Los Angeles NFL team would need a temporary stadium in which to play its home games for as many as four years as their permanent home is being built.

“Right now there is no indication that an NFL team will relocate to Los Angeles anytime in the near future, though we all recognize that an announcement could come in the next few weeks or five years from now,” said Mr. Little. “The Chamber Board simply wants our Rose Bowl stadium to be able to entertain the idea of hosting an interim NFL team. The Board encourages the Rose Bowl to, at the very least, look into the opportunity and determine if it is in the best interest of the stadium, the community and our local economy to play host to professional football for a defined period of time. If, at some point, there is a deal to be considered, the Chamber Board will likely look at the deal points and decide if the economic benefits outweigh any impacts to our community or the Arroyo Seco.”

The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and Civic Association is a professional business organization. Since the earliest days of Pasadena, the Chamber has played a major role in the development of this internationally renowned city. Since 1888, when the organization was founded as the Board of Trade, the Chamber's primary purpose has been the enhancement of both the business climate and the quality of life in Pasadena. The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce serves 1500 members.

New York Man Sentenced to One Year in Federal Prison for Illegally Uploading Copy of X-Men ‘Wolverine’ Movie to Internet Site

2011-12-20T14:24:00.001-08:00

LOS ANGELES – A New York man who admitted illegally uploading to the Internet a pirated, nearly final “workprint” copy of the movie “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” was sentenced this afternoon to one year in federal prison.

Gilberto Sanchez, 49, who resides in The Bronx and who used screen names that were variations on “skillz,” was sentenced by United States District Judge Margaret M. Morrow, who described the offense as “extremely serious.” In addition to the prison term, Judge Morrow imposed one year of supervised release and numerous computer restrictions.

“The federal prison sentence handed down in this case sends a strong message of deterrence to would-be Internet pirates,” said United States Attorney André Birotte Jr. “The Justice Department will pursue and prosecute persons who seek to steal the intellectual property of this nation.”

Sanchez “uploaded the workprint more than one month before theatrical release, he has a prior conviction for a similar offense, he had been regularly uploading pirated movies for four or five years, and did not appear remorseful after charges were brought,” prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memorandum.

Sanchez pleaded guilty in March to one count of uploading a copyrighted work being prepared for commercial distribution. When he pleaded guilty, Sanchez admitted that he uploaded a “workprint” copy of the copyrighted “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” to www.Megaupload.com in March 2009, about one month before the motion picture was released in theaters. After uploading the Wolverine movie, Sanchez publicized the upload by posting links on two publicly available websites, so that anyone who clicked on the links would have access to the movie and be able to download it. Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation owns the copyright to the movie.

“Although Fox was able to get defendant’s Wolverine Workprint removed from his Megaupload account within approximately one day, by then, the damage was done and the film had proliferated like wildfire throughout the Internet, resulting in up to millions of infringements,” prosecutors said in court documents.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Connecticut Man Allegedly Affiliated with Anonymous Arrested on Charges of Attacking and Shutting Down Gene Simmons’ Website

2011-12-13T16:30:00.000-08:00

LOS ANGELES – FBI Special Agents this morning arrested a Connecticut man who is charged with waging a denial of service attack against GeneSimmons.com, a website operated by the frontman for the rock band KISS.

Kevin George Poe, 24, of Manchester, Connecticut, who used the screen name

spydr101, was taken into custody without incident at the federal courthouse in Hartford. Poe made his initial appearance this morning in United States District Court, where a judge ordered Poe released on a $10,000 bond and ordered him to appear in federal court in Los Angeles on a date that has yet to be scheduled.

A federal grand jury in Los Angeles returned an indictment last week that accused Poe of being affiliated with the Anonymous hacking group. The indictment specifically charges Poe with two counts – conspiracy and unauthorized impairment of a protected computer.

During a five-day period in October 2010, Poe and others linked to Anonymous allegedly conducted a distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack against Simmons’ computer systems, sending tens of thousands of electronic requests designed to overload the computer server and render the website useless. According to the indictment, Poe used a favorite software tool of the Anonymous collective – a Low Orbit Ion Cannon, which is a computer program that is used to send extremely large numbers of “packets” or requests over a network in an attempt to overwhelm a target computer.

If convicted of the two counts in the indictment, Poe would face a statutory maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.

The case against Poe was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Los Angeles Field Office. Poe was arrested by special agents at the FBI New Haven Field Office.

LA County passes new amendments to dog regulations

2011-07-19T15:43:00.001-07:00

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has just passed an amendment to its existing dog regulations.

The new amendment is more stringent and less tolerant of so-called dangerous dogs and re-defines what is considered an aggressive dog. It also re-defines what is considered a severe injury from aggressive dogs.

Full Story http://www.myabc7.com/wap/news/text.jsp?sid=11&nid=56377408&cid=3&scid=-1&ith=1&title=Los+Angeles

ANTONOVICH INCREASES REWARD FOR INFORMATION IN DODGER STADIUM BEATING CASE TO $25,000

2011-07-19T15:41:00.001-07:00

LOS ANGELES COUNTY – The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion by County Mayor Michael D. Antonovich to increase the reward to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the attack on Bryan Stow, the San Francisco Giants fan beaten in the parking lot of Dodger Stadium on March 31.

TOURNAMENT OF ROSES® FOUNDATION NAMES NEW PRESIDENT

2011-07-19T15:39:00.001-07:00

Jacqueline Howard to Lead the Tournament of Roses Foundation

PASADENA, Calif. (July 8, 2011) – The Tournament of Roses® Foundation has elected Jacqueline Howard as its new president. Howard is an adjunct professor in the Education Department at California State University, Northridge and an adjunct professor in the Graduate School of Education at National University. She was appointed to the Tournament of Roses Foundation Board in July 2007 when the board expanded from nine to 13 members. She served as secretary in May 2008 and became vice president in May 2009. Former Foundation President Wellington Chen held the office since May 2009 and will remain on the board.

In addition to volunteering on the Tournament of Roses Foundation Board, Howard is a member of the Pasadena/Altadena Links and was recently elected as vice director of the Western Area of Links, Inc. She founded “Pasadena’s BEST Program,” a five-year, after-school program for latch-key children. Howard was also the co-founder of “Links, Inc. Saturday School,” an academic enrichment program for at-risk students.

Professionally, Howard served for more than 30 years in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). While employed with LAUSD, she was a classroom teacher, reading specialist, curriculum advisor, personnel advisor, assistant principal and elementary principal.

Howard is a graduate of Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. She holds a Master of Arts Degree in Curriculum Design and Development and a Master of Science Degree in Administrative Services from California State University, Los Angeles. She is married to Charles Howard and has two children and three grandsons.

The Tournament of Roses Foundation is a tax exempt, non-profit public benefit corporation established in 1983 to receive and manage contributions from the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association, its supporters, and the general public. The Foundation supports charities in the Pasadena area by funding sports and recreation, visual and performing arts, and volunteer motivation and leadership development. The thirteen member board of directors is comprised of community leaders and Tournament members, appointed by the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association. Organizations or individuals interested in making a contribution or requesting a grant application may contact the Foundation at (626) 449-4100 or visit our website at www.tournamentofroses.com/pasadena-tournament-of-roses/foundation.

CA Abolition Bill Passes Committee

2011-07-19T15:35:00.001-07:00

The bill to abolish the death penalty in California has successfully passed committee and is en route to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. Senator Hancock, author of the bill, stated, “Capital punishment is an expensive failure and an example of the dysfunction of our prison system. California’s death row is the largest and the most expensive in the United States”. Click here to keep the bill moving toward abolition!

Altadena Crime Blotter

2011-07-19T15:23:00.001-07:00

Friday, July 8th
4:30 PM – A petty theft occurred in the 200-block of E. Palm St. Suspect(s) stole a purse that was placed on top of the victim’s vehicle. Loss: blk/gry Coach purse containing personal items.

Monday, July 11th
Between 5:50 PM & 6:30 PM – A petty theft from a vehicle occurred at Millard Campground. Suspect(s) entered an unlocked blk Nissan Pathfinder. Loss: beige purse containing a red wallet & a pink Samsung Fascinate cell phone.

Friday, July 15th
8:33 AM – A vehicle was reported stolen in the 20-block of E. Woodbury Rd. Loss: wht/blu ’99 Chevrolet Silverado 1500.

Lieutenant Joseph Dempsey
626-798-1131
jedempse@lasd.org

Partner to prevent or report crime by contacting your local Sheriff’s station. Or if you wish to remain Anonymous, call “LA Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org

To receive detailed, up-to-date information directly from the Los Angeles County via e-mail and/or text, register for "Nixle" alerts at http://www.Nixle.com and register for "LASD - Altadena, Los Angeles County Sheriff" and “LASD – HQ Newsroom (SHB), Los Angeles County Sheriff” or, text your zip code to 888777 to receive text alerts only. Standard text messaging rates may apply, depending on your calling plan.

For a listing of previous posts from Altadena Sheriff’s Station:

http://local.nixle.com/lasd---altadena-station-los-angeles-county-sheriff/

League of California Cities, California Redevelopment Association and Two Cities File Lawsuit in State Supreme Court to Overturn Unconstitutional Redevelopment Elimination Legislation (AB 1x26/27)

2011-07-19T15:21:00.001-07:00

Today, the League of California Cities (League), the California Redevelopment Association (CRA) and the cities of San Jose and Union City filed a petition with the California Supreme Court, challenging the constitutionality of AB 1X 26 and AB 1X 27, the two redevelopment bills passed as part of the state budget in June. AB 1x 26 eliminates redevelopment agencies. AB 1x 27 allows agencies to continue to exist (albeit on life-support) if they agree to pay their share of $1.7 billion this year and $400 million annually in perpetuity.

The lawsuit also requested the California Supreme Court to issue a stay to prevent the legislation from going into effect until the Court can rule on the merits of these claims.

The central claim in the lawsuit is that AB 1X 26/27 violate Proposition 22, the constitutional amendment passed by 61 percent of California voters in November 2010, just eight months ago. Prop. 22 was passed by voters to “conclusively and completely prohibit State politicians in Sacramento from seizing, diverting, shifting, borrowing, transferring, suspending, or otherwise taking or interfering with” revenue dedicated to local government. The revenues protected by Prop. 22 specifically include the annual increments of property taxes allocated to California’s 400 redevelopment agencies.

“California voters overwhelmingly passed Prop. 22 just eight months ago to stop State raids, shifts and diversions of local redevelopment funds,” saidChris McKenzie, executive director, League of California Cities. “The Governor and legislature have blatantly ignored the voters and violated the State Constitution. We must now go to the Supreme Court to uphold the voters’ will and the Constitution by overturning this unconstitutional legislation. We are confident the Courts will uphold the will of the voters.”

Unless nullified, AB 1X 26/27 will result in the elimination of redevelopment agencies or force “ransom” payments by local agencies that will greatly reduce the ability of local agencies to pursue revitalization and job-creation projects. The measures will kill hundreds of thousands of jobs and leave many communities with no opportunity to revitalize downtrodden areas with high unemployment, high crime and significant blight.

John Shirey, executive director, California Redevelopment Association, said: “Since the budget bills passed, many redevelopment agencies have notified us that they cannot afford the ransom payment and will cease to exist. And those agencies that are planning on making the payment tell us that it will greatly diminish their ability to pursue vital local projects. This legislation is a job-killer and an opportunity killer for many local communities in need. Fortunately, voters passed Prop. 22 to put a stop to these types of destructive raids by the legislature. We must now go to the Courts to protect our local communities and economies.”

Joining as co-petitioners are the cities of San Jose and Union City. In declarations provided to the Court each city says that it currently anticipates being unable to make the payment required to avoid redevelopment agency elimination.

The city of San Jose declares that, unless overturned, AB 1X 26/27 could result in the forced termination of its redevelopment agency and kill hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of vital redevelopment projects. These include the Strong Neighborhoods Initiative, a project to revitalize 20 of the city’s most disadvantaged and struggling residential neighborhoods; a flood control project needed to protect industrial properties; and several interchange widening projects near Hwy 101.

The city of Union City does not currently believe it will be able to pay the funds required to avoid elimination of its redevelopment agency. Elimination will kill the “Station District Plan” to create a transit-oriented development near BART and multiple rail lines, with planned housing, office, commercial development and pedestrian and roadway connections on formerly contaminated industrial land. This project has been in the planning and implementation process for several decades, and the agency has spent tens of millions of dollars. The Station District Project will remain unfinished if the agency is dissolved.

The cities of Brentwood, Oakland, Modesto, West Sacramento, and Guadalupe also filed declarations in support of the lawsuit.

The Petitioners’ counsel are Howard Rice Nemerovski Canady Falk & Rabkin, located in San Francisco. The petition was filed directly in the state’s highest court because expedited resolution is needed. Under the terms of AB 1X 27, cities with redevelopment agencies intending to make the “ransom” payment must notify the state by October 1. The petition asks the Supreme Court to make an initial ruling on the request for stay by Aug. 15.

For a full copy of the press release please visit the Coalition’s website.

NASA TO ANNOUNCE LANDING SITE FOR NEW MARS ROVER

2011-07-19T15:20:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON -- NASA and the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum will host a news

conference at 10 a.m. EDT, Friday, July 22 to announce the selected landing site for the agency's latest

Mars rover. NASA Television and the agency's website will provide live coverage of the event that

will be held at the museum's Moving Beyond Earth Gallery. In addition, the event will be carried live

on Ustream, with a live chat available, at http://www.ustream.tv/nasajpl .

The news conference participants are:

-- John Grant, geologist, National Air and Space Museum, Washington

-- Michael Meyer, Mars Exploration Program lead scientist, NASA Headquarters, Washington

-- John Grotzinger, Mars Science Laboratory project scientist, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena,

Calif.

-- Dawn Sumner, geologist, UC Davis, Calif.

-- Michael Watkins, Mars Science Laboratory project engineer, JPL

To participate, reporters must contact Isabel Lara at larai@si.edu by 1 p.m. PDT (4 p.m. EDT)

Thursday, July 21.

The Mars Science Laboratory, or Curiosity, will land on the surface of Mars in August 2012. Curiosity

is being assembled and readied for a November launch at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Curiosity is about twice as long and more than five times as heavy as any previous Mars rover.

The rover will study whether the landing region had environmental conditions favorable for supporting

microbial life and for preserving clues about whether life existed.

July 22 is Mars Day at the National Air and Space Museum. The annual event marks the July 20, 1976

landing of Viking 1, the first spacecraft to operate on Mars. The day will feature displays, family

activities and presentations by scientists from the museum's Center for Earth and Planetary Studies, the

Museum of Natural History and NASA. Visitors will learn about the latest Mars research, missions and

see a life-size model of Curiosity.

For NASA TV streaming video, scheduling and downlink information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/ntv .

For more information about the new rover, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/msl .

JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, manages the Mars Science

Laboratory mission for NASA.

Altadena Sheriff's Station - Community Day in the Park

2011-07-19T15:17:00.001-07:00

This event is designed to show law enforcement’s appreciation to the citizens of Altadena. Our mission is to build strong, positive relationships with the community we serve. This event will allow the citizens of Altadena an opportunity to come together, interact and bond. This will be a festive family atmosphere filled with food, fun, and safety information. Please come celebrate with us as we continue to grow as a community.

Location: Charles White Park
77 Mountain View St.
Altadena, CA 91001

Date: Saturday, August 6, 2011

2011 National Night Out in Altadena

2011-07-19T15:16:00.001-07:00

Join the Altadena Sheriff’s Station, the Altadena Sheriff’s Support Group and all the Neighborhood Watch Groups for a Community Potluck and Barbecue.

Learn about Neigborhood Watch Programs, CERT training and other safety tips to help keep the Altadena Community Safe.

For further information, contact Deputies Greg Gabriel, LaMark Williams or Sgt. Mike Randenberg at (626) 296-2134

To receive detailed, up-to-date information directly from the Los Angeles County via e-mail and/or text, register for "Nixle" alerts at http://www.Nixle.com and register for "LASD - Altadena, Los Angeles County Sheriff" and “LASD – HQ Newsroom (SHB), Los Angeles County Sheriff” or, text your zip code to 888777 to receive text alerts only. Standard text messaging rates may apply, depending on your calling plan.

For a listing of previous posts from Altadena Sheriff’s Station:

http://local.nixle.com/lasd---altadena-station-los-angeles-county-sheriff/

Deputies seek robbers who met with Chihuahua Counterattack

2011-07-19T15:15:00.000-07:00

Two suspects, one armed with a rifle, got an unexpected canine counterattack on July 7th, when they entered an Altadena smoke shop to rob it at 7:30PM.

The men entered Ace Smoke Shop on North Lake Avenue, with Suspect #2 pointing a rifle at the victim. Both suspects repeatedly ordered the victim to give them his money, telling him to put it into a backpack that Suspect #1 placed on the front counter.

Fearing for his life, the victim gave the suspects his cash, placing it in their backpack.

During the robbery, the victim’s pet Chihuahua attacked the suspects by barking and jumping on them. The dog appeared to create such a nervous distraction to the suspects that Suspect #2 even pointed his rifle at the dog. The suspects hurriedly fled the location on foot, last seen running southbound on Maiden Lane from Mariposa Street, with the victim’s money in their backpack and the dog chasing after them.

The robbery victim and the dog were not injured.

Surveillance footage of the robbery is available for viewing on the LASD youtube below. Please advise the Sheriff’s Department if you think you may know one or both of the suspects:
http://www.youtube.com/LACountySheriff

Suspect #1: MH/18-25 years, 5’06”-5’10”/150-180 pounds; wearing a black, hooded sweatshirt; white shorts; black shoes; and a red bandana; carrying a black/gray backpack

Suspect #2: MH/18-25 years, 5’06”-5’10”/150-180 pounds, wearing a black jacket with yellow trim, dark shirt, dark pants, and a black ski mask, armed with a rifle

Weapon: Rifle, dark in color, unknown make/model

Detectives at Altadena Sheriff’s Station are asking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspects. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Detective Binder at 626-296-2114 or 626-798-1131. If you prefer to provide information ANONYMOUSLY, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

To receive detailed, up-to-date information directly from the Los Angeles County via e-mail and/or text, register for "Nixle" alerts at http://www.Nixle.com and register for "LASD - Altadena, Los Angeles County Sheriff" and “LASD – HQ Newsroom (SHB), Los Angeles County Sheriff” or, text your zip code to 888777 to receive text alerts only. Standard text messaging rates may apply, depending on your calling plan.

For a listing of previous posts from Altadena Sheriff’s Station:

http://local.nixle.com/lasd---altadena-station-los-angeles-county-sheriff/

Supreme Court asked to invalidate actions by Gov. Jerry Brown

2011-07-19T15:11:00.000-07:00

A group representing Los Angeles and other cities asked the state Supreme Court on Monday to invalidate action by Gov. Jerry Brown and the Legislature that will dissolve redevelopment agencies in California unless they pay the state $1.7 billion.

Full Story http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/07/cities-ask-state-supreme-court-to-block-raid-on-redevelopment-money.html

Carmageddon a success

2011-07-19T15:09:00.000-07:00

The success of "Carmageddon" has given way to a political and lifestyle question: If L.A. residents can cut their driving for one weekend, why can't they drive less the rest of the time?

The closure of the 405 Freeway over the Sepulveda Pass came with the threat of epic gridlock -- but the exact opposite happened. Streets and freeways were clear. Caltrans statistics show there were significantly fewer cars on some freeways and significantly less traffic, even in areas far from the 405.

Full Story http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/07/carmageddon-success-has-some-hoping-la-will-ditch-cars-more-often.html

SUPERSCOOPER FIREFIGHTING AIRCRAFT LEASE CONTRACT APPROVED FOR DUTY IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY

2011-07-19T15:05:00.001-07:00

LOS ANGELES COUNTY – To prepare for the 2011 fire season, County Mayor Michael D. Antonovich announced that the Board of Supervisors authorized a contract to lease two CL-415 SuperScoopers fire-fighting aircraft from the Government of Quebec for use by the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

“To ensure our County Fire Department has the tools they need to be fully prepared for fire season, these vital aircraft have been requested to supplement the Department’s water-dropping helicopters and other fire-suppression machinery,” said Antonovich.

SuperScoopers are a fixed-wing aircraft that can carry up to 1,620 gallons of water and takes only 12 seconds to scoop water from a lake and inject it with fire-resistant foam – a combination up to 3 times more effective than water alone. They can be airborne in as little as five minutes and fly three hours before refueling.

The SuperScoopers are expected to arrive on Monday, September 1, 2011, and will be placed into service through November 31, 2011.

Amazon is battling the online tax in several states

2011-07-19T15:03:00.000-07:00

Reporting from New York—

Amazon.com Inc. has insisted that California's new law requiring it to collect sales taxes from customers in the state would hurt the company's ability to compete in the nation's biggest retail market.

Nevertheless, in New York, the company and other out-of-state, Internet-only retailers have paid $250 million in sales taxes over three years, thanks to a similar law that state adopted in 2008.

Full Story http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-amazon-taxes-20110719,0,5661341.story

Homeowners pay new fee to live near fire zones

2011-07-19T15:01:00.000-07:00

Fire season may seem distant on a day like today, but California is already planning for it. The Los Angeles Times reports that Gov. Jerry Brown and the state legislature re now requiring “rural homeowners who rely on state firefighters to pay a $150 annual fee for fire-prevention services.”

Full Story http://www.scpr.org/blogs/environment/2011/07/19/morning-greens-homeowners-pay-new-fee-live-near-fi/

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR BILL BOGAARD ON REDEVELOPMENT BILLS PASSED BY CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE

2011-06-21T09:53:00.001-07:00

On behalf of the Pasadena City Council and the entire community, I want to extend gratitude to Assemblyman Anthony Portantino for his opposition to two California Assembly bills and his support for redevelopment.

Last week, despite his opposition, the California Legislature, as part of their budget package, passed the two bills – ABX1 26 and ABX1 27 – that seek to extract $1.7 billion from redevelopment agencies this year and $400 million next year and ongoing into the future.

ABX1 26, as adopted, eliminates redevelopment agencies effective Oct. 1, 2011; ABX1 27 exempts any redevelopment agency from elimination if it makes specified payments to the state.

At this time we do not know the exact payment amounts. Legislation of this type directly underminesPasadena’s financial ability to move forward with many of our planned projects such as the rehabilitation of the YWCA building, renovations to the Villa-Parke Community Center gymnasium and improvements to Central Park in Old Pasadena.

This legislation also jeopardizes many jobs throughout our community and eliminates millions of dollars in revenue that otherwise could be used to provide safe and affordable housing opportunities for Pasadena residents who need them most.

We will continue to analyze the two bills and formulate a strategic response to the legislative action that will keep Pasadena’s tax dollars in Pasadena.

Nonetheless, we believe, along with many legal experts throughout the state, that the bills violate the following provisions of the California Constitution:

· Article XIIIA, Section 25.5, which prohibits city or county property tax from being used for schools.

· Article XIIIA, Section 1, which prohibits the transfer of property tax to transit districts.

· Article XIII, Section 24, which prohibits the legislature from restricting the use of taxes imposed by local governments for their local purposes.

· Article XIIIA, Section 25.5, which prohibits indirect allocation of tax increment to schools, transit districts and fire protection districts.

· Article XVI, Section 6, which prohibits the transfer of city or county revenues to schools, transit districts and fire protection districts, which are unlawful gifts of public funds.

· Article XIIIB, which prohibits the use of property tax to fund state mandates.

· Article XVI, Section 16, which requires all tax increment to be used to repay indebtedness incurred by redevelopment agencies to carry out redevelopment projects.

· Article XIIIA, Section 25.5, which prohibits city and county property tax from being transferred to special districts without a 2/3 vote.

Overall, we stand with the League of California Cities and the California Redevelopment Associationand their members in the belief that ABX1 26 and ABX1 27 are bills that would eliminate the only local tool available to create jobs, eliminate blight and fund affordable housing.

PASADENA POPS TO LIGHT UP SKY IN CELEBRATION OF CITY’S 125TH ANNIVERSARY

2011-06-14T15:52:00.001-07:00

The Pasadena POPS, founded in 1928 as the Pasadena Civic Orchestra and initially funded by the city of Pasadena, will celebrate Pasadena's 125th anniversary with a special concert of patriotic music and fireworks Saturday, June 18, at the lawn adjacent to the Rose Bowl Stadium.

Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. and the concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. Single tickets range from $25 to $90. Children 14 and under are $10. Seating options range from round tables with chairs to lawn seating for those who want to bring blankets and low-back chairs. Concert goers may bring their own picnics and beverages or pre-order from four restaurants. Parking is free at the site.

The Fireworks POPS Spectacular will be led by guest conductor Michael Krajewski, principal Pops conductor for the Houston, Atlanta and Jacksonville symphony orchestras.

The concert will feature a multimedia screening that commemorates the beauty of Pasadena and its fascinating history.

The evening will end with a dazzling display of fireworks set to music. Programming will include “1812 Overture,” “America the Beautiful,” “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” and “Rockin’ with the Beach Boys.”

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.pasadenasymphony-pops.org or call (626) 793-7172.

For more information about all of Pasadena’s 125^th anniversary celebrations, visit www.cityofpasadena.net/125 or call (626) 744-4755.

Former Schiff Intern Captures Big Win on Jeopardy!

2011-06-14T12:18:00.001-07:00

Wednesday June 01, 2011

Washington, DC– Rep. Adam Schiff (CA-29) is proud to acknowledge the accomplishment of former intern Tom Brown, on his big Jeopardy win. Brown served as an intern in the Congressman's Washington, DC office in the summer of 2006. While simultaneously juggling an internship and coursework at Princeton University, Brown demonstrated a strong work ethic and intellect that served him well in preparing for his big win in Jeopardy.

“It is wonderful to see our interns move on to succeed in life as impassioned educators, entrepreneurs, businessmen, policy makers, or in Tom Brown’s case, a Jeopardy winner!” exclaimed Schiff. “Witnessing the successes of members of our team reminds me of how fortunate I am to be working with such unique and talented individuals. This is a great achievement for Tom, and I hope he continues to thrive in all of his future endeavors.”

Brown currently works as a special assistant to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski.

Schiff Condemns Murder of Pakistani Journalist

2011-06-14T12:17:00.001-07:00

Wednesday June 01, 2011

Washington, DC –Today, Rep. Adam Schiff (CA-29) released the following statement after reports that Asia Times Online’s Pakistan bureau chief Syed Saleem Shahzad was found tortured and slain yesterday near the town of Mandi Bahauddin, about 75 miles southeast of Islamabad:

“I am deeply distressed and saddened by the news that Asia Times Online’s Pakistan bureau chief Syed Saleem Shahzad was found tortured and slain yesterday about 75 miles southeast of Islamabad.

“For months Shahzad had expressed to colleagues that he feared for his life, as he had been warned by intelligence agents to stop writing about sensitive matters.

“The 40-year-old went missing on Sunday, two days after he published an article claiming Al Qaeda had infiltrated the Pakistani navy and asserting that the May 22 siege on a naval base in Karachi, which resulted in the death of 10 security personnel, was carried out by militants in retaliation after the military refused to release a group of naval officials suspected of having militant ties.

“Reporting is a dangerous business, especially for journalists reporting on militant groups in Pakistan, the intelligence community and potential links between the two. My thoughts and prayers are with Shahzad's family and friends in their time of loss and sorrow, and I strongly condemn this brave journalist’s death.

“Tragically, Shahzad’s death is just the latest in a long series of beatings and murders of journalists in Pakistan, which the Committee to Protect Journalists listed as the world's most dangerous country for reporters in 2010. Last year alone, eight journalists were killed in the country, and Shahzad was the third reporter to be slain in Pakistan this year.

“Unfortunately, Pakistan’s constitution, in addition to other legislation, such as the Official Secrets Act, authorizes the government to stem freedom of speech on a myriad of issues, from the constitution itself, to the armed forces, the judiciary, and religion.

“These principles violate international law, which clearly guarantees freedom of expression and the right to a free press. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus for the Freedom of the Press, I urge the Pakistani government to undertake all efforts to ensure the safety of journalists within its borders, in addition to a full, independent and transparent investigation into the death of Shahzad.

“Governments throughout the region and elsewhere in the world must protect journalists and allow them to do their work without having to fear being harassed or detained, or worse.

“A free and open media is an essential guarantor of human rights. The censorship, intimidation, imprisonment, and murder of journalists violate not only their personal liberty, but also the rights of those who are denied access to these ideas and information.

“The Pakistani government must make every effort to bring Shahzad’s killer to justice, as the failure to prosecute individuals who have carried out crimes against journalists contributes to that nation’s climate of intolerance and impunity.”

Metro announces June changes affecting Altadena routes

2011-06-14T12:15:00.000-07:00

From the AltadenaBlog

Via LAist, Metro has announced some route changes and cuts that will affect bus transit in Altadena:

180 Hollywood-Glendale-Pasadena via Los Feliz Bl & Colorado Bl

New late night shuttle service on Lake Av between Colorado Bl and Altadena Dr, providing connections with Metro Gold Line Lake Station. Shuttle will operate daily.

485 Altadena-Downtown LA via Lake Av. & El Monte Busway

Operate Line 485 from Altadena Dr & Lake Av to Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) between the hours of 6am and 9pm with a frequency of 40 minutes at peak hours and 60 minutes off-peak, weekdays only. Discontinue Saturday and Sunday service. Late night weekday service on Lake Av provided by new Line 180 shuttle.

More details on routes and schedules are at www.metro.net.

SASI Innovation Grants to Enable Pasadena City College to Achieve Set Goals

2011-05-12T11:04:00.000-07:00

The Pasadena City College Board of Trustees recently provided Student Access and Success Initiative (SASI) innovation grants to select faculty and staff. The grants will provide a structure and process for individuals, cross-disciplinary groups, and campus departments or divisions to develop and implement new and innovative educational projects that will help the college achieve the Project 90 goals set forth in the Educational Master Plan (EMP).

Monika Hogan, PCC English Division associate professor, was awarded $10,000 to support the creation of a guest speaker series, campus-wide First Year Experience (FYE) task force, and the “One Book, One Campus” program.

“The FYE speaker series and the “One Book, One Campus” initiative will contribute to and inform our ongoing conversations about who our students are and how we can best serve them, as well as what kind of campus we want to be,” Hogan said. “The FYE Task Force and “One Campus, One Book” committees will serve in a crucial advisory role as we begin to offer the FYE course for pathways students.”

Russell Di Fiori, PCC Natural Sciences Division instructor, was awarded $48,000 to develop interdisciplinary, contextualized learning modules that will enhance the mastery of course content and attract more students to successful completion of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) degrees.

“In each module, student teams from more than one discipline will work together to solve a real scientific problem linked to a professional environment,” Di Fiori said. “The contextual learning projects will be employed at both the general education and major level so that students recruited into the STEM majors will have higher success rates in subsequent courses.”

            Salomon Davila and Deborah Bird, PCC Engineering and Technology Division instructors, were awarded $100,000 to fund a model Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway, a professional learning community for students with an interest in design careers. The pathway curriculum will apply contextualized basic skills in math and English. Using multidisciplinary design problem-solving, students will work in teams applying design technology, math, and English to develop solutions. Curricular development from pathway faculty will focus on success in certificate and transfer possibilities.
            Katie Rodriguez and Paul Jarrell, PCC Natural Sciences Division instructors, were awarded $100,000 to develop structured block programs with accelerated options for highly prepared “pre-health science” students. Students in these pathways will be guaranteed placement in courses and will receive supplemental instruction as needed. To increase access to advisement and resources, faculty within the Natural Sciences Division will develop an online portal for the pre-health sciences, and many courses will be prepared for online delivery. Faculty will work with PCC Distance Education to be trained in online teaching and learning before delivering courses online.
            Lastly, Leslie Tirapelle, interim director of PCC Distance Education, was awarded $93,500 to purchase and to train in Lecture Capture technology for online, hybrid, and on-campus courses.

“Echo360 Lecture Capture combines the instruction, visuals, video, and instructor into a seamless environment that can be viewed any time, anywhere by students,” Tirapelle explained. “Learning outcomes, engagement, and satisfaction are improved when students can access and review lectures and course content as needed. The ability to easily capture high-quality instructional media increases distance learning opportunities and expands access to impacted courses and reducing strain on facilities.”
For more information, please contact Robert B. Miller, interim dean of Educational Services, at (626) 585-7171.

CLAREMONT OFFICIAL APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF PASADENA HUMAN SERVICES AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

2011-05-12T11:02:00.000-07:00

Pasadena City Manager Michael J. Beck has announced the appointment of Mercy Santoro as director of the Human Services and Recreation Department effective June 1.

The department develops neighborhood leadership and linkages and promotes positive use of recreation and leisure time. Social services, recreation and education activities are delivered at several community centers and parks in Pasadena as well as 14 Pasadena Unified School District sites.

Over the past two years Santoro has directed the Human Services Department in Claremont, including social services, human relations, recreation classes, adult and youth sports programs, and parks and facilities management.

“Mercy Santoro has all the qualifications and capabilities needed for Pasadena ’s next director of human services and recreation,” said Beck. "I am confident she will continue the traditions of leadership, management and community partnerships that have been the hallmarks of the department.”

During her tenure in Claremont, Santoro oversaw the update to the city’s Youth and Family Master Plan, developed a phased approach to the 17-acre Padua Avenue Community Park with Claremont’s first sustainable park design, carried out a needs assessment to direct services and programs communitywide, developed the process for restoration of the 144-acre Sycamore Canyon Park, helped secure more than $4.5 million in grant funding to acquire 150 acres of open space, coordinated the city’s homeless funds and resources with local agencies, developed the Healthy Community Policy adopted by the Claremont City Council this year and initiated various branding efforts to convey wellness benefits of services through city programs and the park system.

“I am honored by the opportunity to join the Pasadena team and look forward to meeting and working with the community and staff in addressing the quality of life needs of our great city,” said Santoro. “I plan to be present in community life so I can connect with partners to ensure our goals for community well-being remain a top priority.”

Santoro served as deputy director of the Claremont Human Services Department from 2006 to 2009, was a superintendent and supervisor in the department from 2000 to 2006 and was recreation supervisor and coordinator for the Rialto Recreation and Community Services Department from 1995 to 2000. She taught developmental psychology at theUniversity of La Verne as adjunct faculty from 2005 to 2007.

She holds a Master’s Degree in child development from the University of La Verne and a Bachelor’s Degree in English literature from California State University-San Bernardino.

She is Claremont ’s liaison to the San Gabriel Valley Housing and Homeless Coordinating Council, is a member of theCalifornia Parks and Recreation Society, completed studies in human services leadership from Pacific Oaks College and certification in recreation risk management from the Joint Powers Insurance Authority. In 2009 she earned the city ofClaremont the honor of receiving the League of California Cities prestigious Helen Putnam Award for a shuttle service that connects underserved teens to youth programs throughout Claremont .

The mother of one daughter, Santoro lives in Claremont .

PCC Architecture Student Places Second at Prestigious “2x8” Exhibition

2011-05-12T10:58:00.001-07:00

Gabriella Colmenares, Pasadena City College architecture student, placed second at this past weekend’s “2x8,” an annual exhibition sponsored by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) that showcases exemplary student work from architecture and design institutions throughout California.

The AIA jurors selected Colmenares’ project, “Places of Performance Los Angeles Grand Central Market,” from 22 entries by Los Angeles-area undergraduate and graduate architecture students. Competing programs included Woodbury, SCI-Arc, USC, UCLA, Art Center, Cal State Long Beach, and Cal Poly Pomona. The “2x8” exhibition was held at the A&D Museum in Los Angeles.

“The students’ design work is judged by a noteworthy panel of architects and designers,” said Coleman Griffith, PCC Architecture Department coordinator. “This year’s esteemed jury included Zoltan Pali, Michael Folonis, and Sam Lubell.”

Former PCC student Cody Glen won first place at last year’s “2x8” event. During the 2009 competition, PCC student Erick Rodriguez won second place overall. The 2x8 exhibitions have raised close to $100,000 in scholarship funds to support California design students.

For more information, please contact Griffith at (626) 585-7370.

PCC Community Business Center to Hold Passport Mixer on May 19

2011-05-12T10:58:00.000-07:00

The Pasadena City College Community Business Center (3035 E. Foothill Blvd.), which began offering passport services this past April, will be holding a festive mixer on May 19 at noon to celebrate the new service.

The event will include music, food, drinks, goodie bags, and of course, passport and travel information. The Los Angeles Passport Agency, United States Postal Service, Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, and PCC Police and Safety Services will be present. Additionally, Walgreens will be offering passport photos at a discounted price. The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce will be performing a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 12:30 p.m.

PCC students, faculty, staff, as well as the general public, are invited to attend the festivities. Customer service representatives will be available to answer questions about passport applications, renewal applications, and other passport-related processes. All regular passport application fees apply.

In addition to passport services, the CBC also offers Live Scan fingerprinting, ink fingerprinting, notary, child identification cards, and mobile services. No appointments are necessary.

For more information, please contact Tunisia Bailey, supervisor of the Community Business Center, at (626) 585-3210.

GOODWILL TO HONOR ACHIEVERS, PARTNERS AND GRADUATES WHO INSPIRE HOPE

2011-05-12T10:51:00.000-07:00

Labels that could potentially deter an employer from hiring someone including “deaf, autistic, single mother, drop-out, English as a second language,” have not stopped this year’s Goodwill Southern California (GSC) Hope, Jobs & Futures’ honorees from achieving personal and professional success. “These are people who don’t take no or even maybe for an answer and we are really looking forward to sharing their inspiring stories,” said GSC Event Manager Lorgia Orozco.

Helping people with disabilities or other vocational challenges find gainful employment is what GSC does everyday. Honoring those who take that help and go on to truly transform their lives through the power of work, happens only once a year. GSC is hosting their 13^thannual Hope, Jobs & Futures event on Tuesday, May 17, 2011, from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at the Pasadena Convention Center.

“Hope, Jobs & Futures recognizes outstanding achievers, and program graduates who have overcome extreme adversity to create a more independent and fruitful future for themselves and their families,” said Doug Barr, GSC CEO and President. “Goodwill is proud to offer a hand-up to people in need, but what some people are able to achieve with that boost is nothing less than astounding, and deserves to be honored.”

The event also acknowledges several of GSC’s business partners. These organizations have advanced the Goodwill mission either by contracting secure shredding, e-waste and document destruction services that directly employ individuals with disabilities, or through their financial support of programs, advocacy, and hiring Goodwill trainees and program graduates. Honorees in this category include Kaiser Permanente, Superior Grocers and Wells Fargo. Volunteers and benefactors who have supported GSC through significant contributions of time and resources will be recognized as well.

About Goodwill Southern California

Transforming lives through the power of work. We serve people with disabilities or other vocational challenges, as well as businesses, by providing education, training, work experience and job placement services.

In 2010, GSC served 92,353 including individuals with disabilities and vocational disadvantages and 5,581 businesses. We placed 7,490 people in new jobs through programs and services offered at three campuses and 24 job service centers throughout Los Angeles (north of Rosecrans Ave.), Riverside and San Bernardino counties. GSC supports its mission of “Transforming lives through the Power of Work” with proceeds generated from 67 retail stores and 42 attended donation centers. Charity Navigator, an independent charity evaluator has awarded GSC its highest four-star ranking for 10 consecutive years; largely due to the fact GSC spends 92 percent of its budget on programs and services. Committed to caring for the earth, last year GSC diverted 25.4 million pounds of electronics, paper, and textiles from landfills. Goodwill is Good For Everyone!

For more information about Goodwill Southern Califronia, please call (888) 4-GOODWILL or visit www.goodwillsocal.org.

JET PROPULSION LABORATORY EVENTS CALENDAR MAY 2011

2011-05-05T10:15:00.002-07:00

From NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. Some events subject to change and might be accompanied by a news release or media advisory. To cover events at JPL, RSVP to Media Relations at 818-354-5011 or numbers listed below.

The JPL Media Relations Office will be closed for Memorial Day, Monday, May 30.

MAY 14-15: JPL OPEN HOUSE

JPL welcomes the public for its annual Open House on Sat., May 14; and Sun., May 15, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The popular free event includes exhibits, demonstrations and childrens’ activities that highlight JPL’s ongoing research and space exploration. Many scientists and engineers will be on hand to answer questions about how numerous spacecraft study Earth, other planets, and the stars and galaxies beyond our solar system.

http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/events/open-house.cfm

Contact: Priscilla Vega 818-354-1357

MAY 17: AQUARIUS PRELAUNCH MISSION AND SCIENCE BRIEFING

In June, NASA is scheduled to launch a new international spacecraft that will make NASA’s first space-based global measurements of salinity – the concentration of salt – on the ocean surface. Aquarius, the NASA-built primary instrument on the Aquarius/SAC-D observatory, provided by Argentina’s space agency, Comisión Nacional de Actividades Espaciales (CONAE), will provide scientists with a key missing variable in satellite observations of Earth that links ocean circulation, the global balance of freshwater and climate. Other instruments contributed by Argentina, Canada, France and Italy will collect environmental data for a wide range of applications. Details of the mission will be presented in a news briefing at NASA Headquarters in Washington on May 17 at 10 a.m. PDT, and will be aired on NASA Television.
http://www.nasa.gov/aquarius
Contact: Alan Buis 818-354-0474

MAY 22-26: ASTRONOMERS AMASS IN BOSTON

One of the oldest disciplines, astronomy, will be the topic of discussion in one of the oldest American cities -- Boston. The 218th meeting of the American Astronomical Society will meet at Boston's Westin Copley Place. Scientists will report news from NASA's Spitzer and WISE missions, as well as the European Space Agency's Herschel Space Observatory, which has important NASA contributions. News conferences will highlight some discoveries.

http://aas.org/meetings/aas218

Contact: Whitney Clavin 818-648-9734

ADDITIONAL STORY IDEA:

JUNE 6: JPL TWEETUP

JPL will host a full-day planetary exploration Tweetup for approximately 120 Twitter followers. Tweetup participants will tour JPL and interact with JPL scientists and engineers working on current and future missions. The visit will include an opportunity to see the Curiosity Mars rover before it ships to Florida to prepare for a November launch.

http://go.nasa.gov/JPLtweet

Contact: Veronica McGregor 818-354-9452

PASADENA SYMPHONY ASSOCATION SUCCESSFULLY RESPONDS TO REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

2011-05-05T10:15:00.000-07:00

Pasadena, CA – The Pasadena Symphony Association was invited to submit a response to a Request for Proposal (RFP) sent by the Los Angeles County Arboretum in February 2011 as a part of the Arboretum’s review of its long-term summer entertainment offerings. Over the course of the next several months, the Pasadena Symphony Association met with the Arboretum representatives to discuss the contents of its proposal.

After a three month competitive process, based on the merit of its submission, the Pasadena Symphony Association was informed that the Arboretum Foundation Board of Directors voted to give the opportunity to begin negotiations of an agreement to the Pasadena Symphony Association.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to produce not only a Summer POPS Series at the Arboretum beginning in 2012, but at the prospect of presenting an entire summer of entertainment offerings for the San Gabriel Valleywhich will include concerts for children and families. We have greatly enjoyed our partnership with the Rose Bowl and our ongoing relationship with the City of Pasadena . This summer we look forward to another successfulsummer season of music-making on the Lawn adjacent the Rose Bowl. We remain committed to offering free music to Pasadena through our annual Music Under The Stars concert on the steps of City Hall. The move to the Arboretum will allow the Pasadena Symphony and POPS to share its artistic resources to an even wider audience and confirms our commitment to serving the entire San Gabriel Valley community,” states Paul Jan Zdunek, Chief Executive Officer of the Pasadena Symphony Association.

As one of the many non-profit organizations within the vast community of Arts ensembles that make up theSouthern California collective, the Pasadena Symphony Association remains supportive of all of our colleagues who serve this community. It looks forward to working with a variety of performing organizations as it presents its Summer Series in partnership with the Arboretum beginning in the summer 2012.

About the Pasadena Symphony and POPS

The Pasadena Symphony Association was founded in 1928 by Conductor Reginald Bland. Originally named the Pasadena Civic Orchestra, its first members were mostly volunteer musicians, many of whom were students of Bland. The annual operating budget was a$3,500, which was funded entirely by the City of Pasadena .

The Pasadena Symphony and POPS is an ensemble of Southern California ’s most talented, sought after musicians. With extensive credits in the film, television, recording and orchestral industry, the artists of Pasadena Symphony and POPS are the most heard in the world.

In the fall of 2007, the Pasadena Symphony incorporated the Pasadena POPS into its Association under the new name Pasadena Symphony and POPS. This merger created an expanded Classics and POPS series providing the community with a full spectrum of live symphonic concerts year-round. The Pasadena POPS’ summer home is on the Lawn adjacent the Rose Bowl and the Pasadena Symphony provides a musical experience like no other at the Ambassador Auditorium – known as the Carnegie Hall of the West. Internationally recognized, Presidential Medal of Arts Recipient, Maestro James DePreist, serves as the Pasadena Symphony Association’s Artistic Advisor. The Pasadena POPS welcomes Marvin Hamlisch this season as its new Principal Pops Conductor beginning in summer 2011.

A hallmark of its robust education programs, the Pasadena Symphony Association has served the youth of the region since 1972 through the Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra comprised of over 160 gifted middle school students from more than 40 schools all over the Southland.

For More Information – Please Visit:

www.PasadenaSymphony-Pops.org

“CITY BEAT” TOPICS INCLUDE FIRE STATION 39, CIVIC CENTER MIDTOWN IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

2011-05-05T10:02:00.001-07:00

The closure of Fire Station 39 due to earthquake damage and the Civic Center-Midtown Improvement Project are among the topics on the latest edition of “City Beat” on KPAS and the Internet.

Moderator Ann Erdman is joined by Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard, Crown City News news director Tami DeVine andMountain Views News editor Dean Lee.

“City Beat” replays Mondays at 2 and 6 p.m., Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m., Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m., Thursdays at 7 p.m.,Fridays at 8:30 p.m., Saturdays at 5:30 p.m. and Sundays at 8:30 a.m.

KPAS is on channel 3 on the Charter Communications cable system in Pasadena and channel 99 on AT&T U-Verse. Streaming video of all KPAS programming can be accessed in real time at www.cityofpasadena.net/publicaffairs and clicking on the KPAS icon.

For more information about the program call (626) 744-4755.

ANTONOVICH SALUTES ARMED FORCES ON BIN LADEN DEATH, AFFIRMS LOS ANGELES COUNTY PREPAREDNESS

2011-05-05T09:54:00.000-07:00

At a news conference with Sheriff Leroy Baca, local and federal law enforcement officials at the County Emergency Operations Center , Los Angeles County Mayor Michael D. Antonovich issued the following statement regarding the death of Osama Bin Laden and the County’s terrorism prevention effort:

“I would like to extend gratitude to the brave men and women of our nation’s armed forces who killed Bin Laden, the mastermind behind 9/11 and leader of al-Qaeda. This was a great accomplishment for America and the World.

“Nearly a decade ago, I was in Washington D.C. when the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were attacked causing a devastating loss of life and prompting our nation'sdeclaration of war on global terrorism.”

“In those tragic events and during the nation’s darkest moments, we saw true heroes emerge. We must never forget that more than 3,000 civilians, law enforcement, and fire personnel lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Last night, justice was served but the war is not over.

While we will continue to work with our Sheriff’s department and other law enforcement agencies to ensure that our County is prepared to prevent and respond to any threats, we encourage the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious or unusual activity to local law enforcement or visit lacrimestoppers.com or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

If you see or hear something, say something.”

USO SHOW

2011-05-05T09:50:00.001-07:00

Lamanda Park Branch Library will host Theatre Americana on Wednesday, May 25 at 6:30 p.m. as they present a USO show honoring our veterans and active military personnel. Enjoy music of the 30s and 40s along with contemporary songs as they take you on a sentimental journey through the history of the camp shows.

Lamanda Park Branch Library is located at 140 S. Altadena Dr. For more information, phone Lamanda Park Branch Library (626) 744-7266.

FAMILY FUN DAY AT LA PINTORESCA

2011-05-05T09:49:00.001-07:00

La Pintoresca Park and Branch Library will host their annual Family Fun Day, a fun filled day of activities on Saturday, May 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy great food, entertainment, arts and crafts, a skate park competition, disc jockey and more!

La Pintoresca Branch Library is located at 1355 N. Raymond Ave. For more information, call (626) 744-7268.

REORGANIZATION OF PASADENA COUNCIL

2011-05-05T09:47:00.001-07:00

During tonight’s meeting of the Pasadena City Council, Councilman Steve Haderlein stepped down after 12 years serving District 4; Gene Masuda was sworn is as the new councilman representing District 4; Mayor Bill Bogaard, District 1Councilwoman Jacque Robinson, District 2 Councilwoman Margaret McAustin and District 6 Councilman Steve Madison were each sworn in for another four-year term; and Margaret McAustin was elected vice mayor by her council colleagues for a one-year term.

STATE’S UNFUNDED EARLY RELEASE PROGRAM COSTS LOS ANGELES COUNTY TAXPAYERS NEARLY $10 MILLION

2011-05-05T09:45:00.001-07:00

The Los Angeles County Chief Executive Officer released a report highlighting the cost of early released non-revocable parolees to the County taxpayers totaling nearly $10 million between January 1, 2010 and March 25, 2011, announced Mayor Michael D. Antonovich .

“Just sweeping dust under the rug doesn’t get rid of the dirt,” said Antonovich. “Shifting unfunded mandates to the County without compensation doesn’t solve our government’s fiscal problems.”

The costs of Los Angeles County ’s early released non-revocable parolees requiring Department of Mental Health outpatient facility services totaled $9.5 million and the Sheriff’s Department cost for location searches, parolee contracts, and parolee arrests was an additional $415,000.

Sheriff's Homicide & Coroner's investigators confirm ID of armed, deceased man wanted in Chantry Flats murder

2011-05-05T09:43:00.000-07:00

Los Angeles County Coroner's investigators and Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Homicide investigators are reporting that the body of a man found yesterday in the Chantry Flats area of Angeles National Forest is that of Kevin Wolfe Pochter. Pochter was a 55-year old resident of Huntington Beach.

Sheriff's Homicide investigators had alerted the public that Pochter was a suspect in the shooting death of his long time friend, 53-year old Dean Albert of Arcadia, in Chantry Flats on April 28, 2011. Pochter was considered armed and dangerous.

The massive search for Pochter stretched over 62-miles of rugged terrain and involved patrol deputies from several sheriff's stations, Mounted Enforcement Detail deputies, K-9's, sheriff's reserve deputies on Search and Rescue Teams,U.S. Forest Service rangers, and the Arcadia, Sierra Madre, and Monrovia Police Departments. Of particular assistance was the Sierra Madre Search & Rescue team, which included a large number of dedicated community volunteers.

A member of the public saw the victim's vehicle on Saturday near Mount Wilson and alerted deputies. He had read about the search for the car and the armed and dangerous suspect in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

On Monday morning, yet another alert member of the public who was hiking in the Chantry Flats area, saw a man who he thought was sleeping and told authorities. Sheriff’s Mounted Enforcement Detail deputies went to the described area and located Pochter, who was deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound . A handgun was found near the body.

The second member of the public had read about the wanted suspect in the Pasadena Star News newspaper. He read that the Sheriff's Department had said he was armed and dangerous, so he wisely did not approach him.

"The two members of the public are directly responsible for the Sheriff's Department locating the victim's car and the suspect when we did," said Captain Mike Parker, Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau. "They handled it exactly as asked, and helped to ensure the safety of everyone, without unnecessarily endangering themselves. We extend our thanks to both of them. Futhermore, they received this important information through the news media, whom the Sheriff's Department works closely with in order to share information to help keep the public informed. We appreciate this partnership in the interest of public safety. This case certainly showed how important it is."

"We want hikers, area workers and the public to know that no other suspects are being sought in this homicide. The case is closed," said Sheriff's Homicide Detective Ray Lugo.

Earlier news releases are included below.

Alumnus Robert Westerbeck (’36) Leaves Pasadena City College $4 Million

2011-05-05T09:40:00.000-07:00

Bequest to Endow Student Scholarships is Largest Gift in College’s 87-Year History

The Pasadena City College Foundation has received a gift of $4 million – the largest single donation in the college’s 87-year history – from the Westerbeck Family Trust, PCC President Dr. Mark Rocha announced Tuesday.

The gift, which will be used to establish the Robert Westerbeck Scholarship Endowment, is also to be believed one of the largest single bequests to a community college.

“The extraordinary generosity of alumnus Robert Westerbeck and his wife Adrienne will create a permanent endowment for student scholarships and help to insure access to quality public higher education for generations of students to come,” Rocha said.

Dr. Lisa Sugimoto, vice president of college advancement, estimates that the endowment gift could provide more than 200 new full scholarships annually.

“The impact of the Westerbeck Endowment on student access and success is incalculable,” Dr. Sugimoto added.

Westerbeck (known to his friends as Bob) attended Pasadena Junior College (PJC) from 1932 through 1936, graduating from both PJC High School and the college.

The story of Westerbeck and his wife, Adrienne, is rooted in the PCC tradition of a fervent belief in education as the way to realize the American Dream. Westerbeck, who died in 2006, often credited his success to the education he received at PCC. Adrienne, who died last year at the age of 103, taught organ and piano at PCC until her retirement in 1971.

For both, PCC was part of a lifetime of service to their community.

After Westerbeck graduated from PJC, he worked for Lockheed Aircraft in Burbank and later for Perkin-Elmer Corporation, another engineering firm then located in Pasadena. Westerbeck was a very tall, distinguished and friendly man with many interests. He played varsity basketball while at PJC and excelled in nearly every sport he attempted, including archery, golf, and cycling. His interests also included music, which led him to meet the love of his life, Adrienne.

In addition to teaching music at PCC, Adrienne gave private piano and organ lessons at Waltrip’s Music Company in Altadena and from her home. Westerbeck met Adrienne when he first took lessons from her, leading to a lifelong romance. The two were married for nearly 50 years until Bob’s passing in 2006.

Adrienne attended the University of Southern California and received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music, as well as a master’s degree in education. After Westerbeck’s passing, Adrienne continued to play the organ on Sundays and Wednesdays at the Christian Science Church in Los Feliz. She passed away on April 3, 2010, just shy of her 104^thbirthday.

The Westerbeck Family Trust is managed by Trustee Hermina Allen, who will participate in a ceremony and press conference announcing the gift on May 3 at 10:30 a.m., on the steps of the main entrance to PCC’s Horace Mann Building (C building). Allen will present a symbolic check to the college at this event.

“I am pleased to be able to implement the bequest of Bob and Adrienne Westerbeck,” Allen said. “There is nothing they wanted more than to give back what Pasadena City College gave them. I know they would be delighted to know that their legacy will be that hundreds more students will have the opportunity for the PCC education that they were so grateful for.”

Sugimoto, added: “The Robert Westerbeck Scholarship Endowment will provide much needed relief to the students at Pasadena City College in these challenging economic times.”

A provision of the scholarship agreement will allow funds to be matched by the Bernard Osher Scholarship, which will increase the total endowment for student scholarships.

“Thanks to the Westerbeck family and the steadfast support of our entire Foundation and community, PCC has become one of the leading public community colleges in the nation for student access to higher education,” Rocha added.

Rocha also announced plans to recognize the Westerbecks through the college’s Center for the Arts, which is now under construction and due to open in October 2012. “We will make sure that when you enter our beautiful new Center for the Arts, you will be able to hear ‘Adrienne’s piano’ as a new generation of music students take their lessons.”

COMMUNITY TO CELEBRATE NEW TRAFFIC SIGNAL AT MADISON/ORANGE GROVE INTERSECTION

2011-05-05T09:38:00.001-07:00

After a ceremonial flip of the switch Friday, May 6, a new traffic signal at the intersection of Madison Avenue and Orange Grove Boulevard in Pasadena will be fully operational.

But first, a community celebration with refreshments and pedestrian safety lessons are in order.

The intersection has a crosswalk heavily used by families who live in the neighborhood and walk to Madison Elementary School . The new signal was installed as part of an ongoing citywide effort to enhance pedestrian safety.

The community is invited to the one-hour celebration, which will begin at 8:30 a.m. More than 50 Madison Elementary School students, families and staff will take part in the event as well.

Speakers will include Pasadena City Councilman Victor Gordo, who represents District 5, and Madison Elementary School Principal Carmen Serrano. Pasadena police officers and firefighters will remind students of the rules for crossing the street safely.

During the event, Madison Avenue will be closed to traffic between Orange Grove Boulevard and Ashtabula Street so participants can gather safely near the intersection. The Pasadena Transportation Department will have the traffic signal set at flashing red the night before.

At about 9:30 a.m. when the festivities are completed, the flip will be switched on, participants will cross the street with the help of the signal and the street will be open to traffic.

For more information call (626) 744-4741.

Police and Citizens Honored For Courage and Community Service

2011-05-05T09:33:00.000-07:00

The Pasadena Police Department honored police personnel and local citizens at the 40th Annual Police and Citizens Awards Luncheon Thursday.

Organizers said, the honorees have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to public safety through bravery, dedication and community service. Recognition is based on a heroic deed or excellent service and commitment displayed over time.

In addition to 14 police department employees, the following community members will be recognized: Edwin Diaz, Brian Biery, Patricia Campbell, Samson Chen, John Ludwig, Keshzek Marek, Rowdy Dale Metzger, Maria Perez, Kim Resendiz, John Sullivan and Jose Toral.

“This is an opportunity to give an annual tip of the hat to people who have gone above and beyond what is expected of them,” said Chief Phillip L. Sanchez. “It is the Police Department’s way of recognizing them for their remarkable service to the department and the community.”

Michaela Pereira, co-anchor of the KTLA Morning Show, served as MC.

PASADENA TO CELEBRATE FIRE SERVICE DAY WITH OPEN HOUSES AND DEMONSTRATIONS

2011-05-05T09:25:00.000-07:00

Meet the dedicated men and women of the Pasadena Fire Department during Fire Service Day on Saturday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

At Fire Station 33, 515 N. Lake Ave. , firefighters will demonstrate life-saving and fire-suppression techniques includingvehicle fires and extinguishments, vehicle rescue operation using the Jaws of Life, and aerial ladder operations. Big red fire trucks and other apparatus will be on display, and there will be hot dogs and other refreshments as well as entertainment. Fire Station 33 is on the west side of Lake Avenue just north of Villa Street .

Parking will be available in Lots C and D at Lake Avenue Church one block south of the fire station.

All other fire stations in Pasadena will be open to the public as well to meet firefighters and see big red fire trucks:

* Fire Station #31, 135 S. Fair Oaks Ave.

* Fire Station #32, 2424 E. Villa St.

* Fire Station #34, 1138 E. Del Mar Blvd.

* Fire Station #36, 1140 N. Fair Oaks Ave.

* Fire Station #37, 3430 E. Foothill Blvd.

* Fire Station #38, 1150 E. Linda Vista Ave.

For more information call (626) 744-4675.

TWO NASA SITES WIN WEBBY AWARDS

2011-05-05T09:22:00.001-07:00

WASHINGTON -- Two NASA websites have been recognized in the 15th Annual Webby Awards -

- the leading international honor for the world's best Internet sites.

NASA's main website, www.NASA.gov, received its third consecutive People's Voice Award for

best government site. NASA's Global Climate Change site at http://climate.nasa.gov/, which won last

year's People's Voice Award for science, won the 2011 judges' award for best science site.

"NASA is committed to sharing its compelling story with people everywhere and with every

communication tool," said David Weaver, NASA's associate administrator for communications. "We

are very grateful to the online community for its continued support of what we are doing, and are

excited about our future."

NASA recently posted new interactive pieces on the 30th anniversary of the Space Shuttle Program

and the 50th anniversary of the first U.S. spaceflight. And in the last year, the agency has

streamlined its online video presentation into a single player and deployed a version of the site

optimized for mobile devices.

"NASA has a very broad-based Web team that can take content, literally the best raw material in the

universe, and create compelling imagery, video and multimedia pieces to tell the agency's story," said

Internet Services Manager Brian Dunbar in the Office of Communications at NASA Headquarters in

Washington.

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif., manages the Global Climate Change site for

the agency’s Science Mission Directorate.

"NASA satellites take key measurements of our climate, and the Global Climate Change site gives

the public access to that data as a visual, immersive experience," said Randal Jackson, JPL’s Internet

communications manager for the Global Climate Change site. "We're grateful for the high degree of

interest the public has shown in Earth's vital signs."

NASA has had a Web presence almost since HTML was invented in the early 1990's, but the site's

popularity skyrocketed after a 2003 redesign and relaunch focused on making it more usable and

understandable for the general public. Since then, there have been more than 1.5 billion visits to the

site, and its customer-satisfaction ratings are among the highest in government and comparable to

popular commercial sites.

Reaching beyond the agency’s website, NASA's online communications include a Facebook page

with more than 368,000 "likes"; a Twitter feed with more than a million followers; and more than

160 accounts across a variety of social media platforms. Last fall, NASA placed first by a wide

margin in the L2 Digital IQ Index for the Public Sector study that ranks 100 public sector

organizations in the effectiveness of their websites, digital outreach, social media use and mobile

sites.

The Office of Communications and the Office of the Chief Information Officer, both at NASA

Headquarters, manage the agency's website.

Presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, the Webby Award recognizes

excellence in technology and creativity. The academy created the awards in 1996 to help drive the

creative, technical, and professional progress of the Internet and evolving forms of interactive media.

While members of the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences select the Webby award

winners, the online community determines the winners of the People's Voice Awards.

To find all the ways you can connect and collaborate with NASA, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/connect .

The California Institute of Technology in Pasadena manages JPL for NASA.

PCC Architecture Students to Participate in “2x8” Exhibition at A+D Museum

2011-05-05T09:17:00.001-07:00

Gabriella Colemanares and Paul Tuason, Pasadena City College architecture students, have been selected to participate in “2x8,” an annual exhibition sponsored by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) that showcases exemplary student work from architecture and design institutions throughout California. The exhibition will open on May 7 at 7 p.m. at the A+D Museum in Los Angeles.

“About 10 years ago, the AIA came up with the idea for the “2x8” scholarship exhibition to link emerging talent into the professional world,” explained Coleman Griffith, PCC Architecture Department coordinator. “In recognition of the contribution and success of the PCC Architecture Department to architectural education and the profession, the AIA invited our program as the first community college program in California to be part of this prestigious event in 2003.”

Former PCC student Cody Glen won first place at last year’s “2x8” event. During the 2009 competition, PCC student Erick Rodriquez won second place overall. The 2x8 exhibitions have raised close to $100,000 in scholarship funds to support California design students.

For more information, please contact Griffith at (626) 585-7370.

Distinguished Lecturer Award Winner to Present “Gaga, Garnett, and Gucci in the Classroom”

2011-05-05T09:16:00.001-07:00

Dootsdeemalachanok “Tooktook” Thongthiraj, recent winner of the Pasadena City College Academic Senate and Board of Trustees Faculty Lecturer/Performance Award, will be presenting “Gaga, Garnett, and Gucci in the Classroom”on May 19 at noon in room C333. A reception will follow in room C217 at 1 p.m.

Thongthiraj, an assistant professor in the English Division, was honored with the prestigious award for outstanding service to students and excellence in creative and innovative teaching. Her presentation will include how and why she teaches popular culture.

“It is an honor to work at Pasadena City College,” Thongthiraj said. “Here, my parents first started their education in the United States. Here, my sisters and I also started our college education. I grew up two blocks from PCC on Allen Avenue, and as I rode my tricycle past PCC, I never thought that one day I would have the privilege of working here. To receive the Faculty Lecturer/Performer Award is another pleasant surprise.”

For more information, contact the Academic Senate at (626) 585-7211.

open government advocate Rich McKee dies

2011-04-28T09:58:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

It is with deep regret and a very heavy heart that I must report that our dear
friend and colleague, Rich McKee, suddenly passed away today, April 23, 2011.
I have no further details at this time, but I will share what I can as it becomes
known to me in the coming days and weeks.

Rich was one of our greatest champions throughout the years, and we truly could
not have done any of this without him. I hope you will join me in sending support and
prayers to his family and friends as they learn to cope with this incredible loss.

My deepest regrets,

CELEBRATE FREE COMIC BOOK DAY, SATURDAY MAY 7

2011-04-28T09:54:00.000-07:00

Pasadena Public Library will join with other libraries and comic book stores all over the United

States in celebrating Free Comic Book Day on Saturday, May 7 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. While supplies

last, kids and teens can each get a free comic book at any of the following Pasadena Public Library

locations; Allendale Branch Library - 1130 S. Marengo Ave., Hastings Branch Library - 3325 E. Orange

Grove Blvd., Hill Avenue Branch Library – 55 S. Hill Ave., Lamanda Park Branch Library – 140 S.

Altadena Dr., La Pintoresca Branch Library, 1355 N. Raymond Ave., Linda Vista Branch Library – 1281

Bryant St., Santa Catalina Branch Library – 999 E. Washington Blvd. and Central Library in the

Children’s Room, 285 E. Walnut St.

This year is the 10^th annual celebration of this event, which is timed to coincide with the May

release of superhero-themed movies. Central Library will also have video programs, a visit by popular

artist Kazu Kibuishi, and more, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.in the Children’s Story Room. Hastings Branch

Library will be showing superhero videos including the very early Superman cartoons at 1 p.m.

Why Free Comic Book Day? Aren’t things always free at the library? Yes, but this is a comic

book that is free to keep, with no due date.

Why comics in the library? The traditional form of the comic book is a thin, monthly magazine,

not very durable. Then, in the 1970s, the idea of book-length comics became more popular, reprinting

older works or printing new works for the first time as books filled with comic book content. These books

were called “graphic novels,” but in essence they were long comic books in better bindings, a better fit for

libraries. La Pintoresca Branch Library was an early experimenter with circulating comics and graphic

novels in a library setting. Local writers and artists have made appearances at the library and this has

helped the collection and the readership to grow.

Comics, in the form of bound volumes, anthologies and graphic novels, are now among the most

popular items in the library, for kids, teens and adults. Superman, Batman and other icons of the

superhero side of comics have now been around for over seventy years, but newer comics creations from

all over the world have become part of our culture. Major authors, including Steven King, Dean Koontz,

Janet Evanovich, Charlaine Harris, George R. R. Martin, Ray Bradbury, and others have seen their works

adapted into graphic novels. Maus won the Pulitzer Prize for its creator. Steven Spielberg is currently

adapting the Belgian comic Tintin for the big screen.

Comic books are not a genre, like westerns or mysteries. Instead, they are a way of telling a story

with a combination of text and images, a form that appeals to readers who enjoy this blend. The library

has graphic novels and comics about superheroes, reporters, cowboys, aliens, elves, zombies, and almost

anything else you can imagine. Everything from the Civil War to the space program to the history of

instant noodles is contained within the non-fiction graphic works in our collection. Stop by and discover

what comics and graphic novels you can find at the library!

PUBLIC INVITED TO COMMENT ON A DRAFT ORDINANCE WHICH WOULD BAN PLASTIC CARRYOUT BAGS

2011-04-28T09:46:00.000-07:00

The City of Pasadena encourages Pasadena residents and business representatives to provide input on a draft ordinance on plastic carryout bags.

At a special meeting Thursday, April 28, city staff will present a report on a draft ordinance to the Environmental Advisory Commission that would ban plastic carryout bags, impose a ten cent charge on paper carryout bags, and require affected stores to provide reusable bags to customers for sale or at no charge.

The stores that would be affected by the ordinance include supermarkets, grocers, retailers with at least 10,000 square feet of retail space and a licensed pharmacy, as well as farmer’s markets, drug stores, pharmacies, convenience food stores, food marts, and liquor stores.

In partnership with the business community, Pasadena is committed to forging policies in support of increasedenvironmental stewardship. Pasadena ’s Green City Action Plan, adopted in 2006, identifies the development of a plastic bag reduction program to support its goal of achieving zero waste to landfills by 2040.

The special meeting of the Environmental Advisory Commission will be held at 6 p.m. in Pasadena City Hall Council Chambers, 100 N. Garfield Ave., S-249.

PASADENA FIRE STATION 39 TO BE VACATED AS RESULT OF SEISMIC STABILITY STUDIES

2011-04-28T09:44:00.001-07:00

Built in 1949, Pasadena Fire Station #39, located at 50 Avenue 64, will be vacated effective Wednesday, April 26, 2011. This station currently houses four Fire Department safety members per shift (three shifts) and one Fire Engine.

As part of the Fire Department’s 2005-2010 Strategic Plan, an evaluation of Fire Department facilities was identified to anticipate the needs of a continuously growing population and to improve the Department’s existing aging infrastructure.

Analysis of all eight Fire Stations for building and site areas, services performed, functional efficiencies, structural integrity and aesthetic conditions were conducted. The study prioritized categories as related to the life and safety of the crew, the buildings structural integrity and the operational needs of the Department.

Of the Department’s eight Fire Stations, Station #39 was identified for potential structural failure if subjected to significant seismic loads. Station #39’s construction consists of masonry bearing walls, wood frame floor and a wood framed roof. The report states, in part, “There is significant risk of structural failure of the 2 ½” steel columns supporting the lintel in masonry opening. This portion of the second floor is in danger of collapse when subjected to seismic loading. Safety of the fire crew and protection of equipment is paramount and should be addressed without delay.” In addition, the study found that there is no practical manner in which to resolve Station #39’s structural deficiencies.

“Firefighter safety is of utmost concern and this closure is of a critical, time sensitive nature so as to not jeopardize the crew and apparatus. A large seismic event is imminent, even though we can’t predict when it will occur. As first responders, our Firefighters need to get to an emergency in a timely manner. According to this report, in the case of a significant earthquake the crew members assigned to Station #39 could very well need rescue themselves. We recognize that we cannot afford to wait to take action,” states Dennis J. Downs, Fire Chief.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) sites specific data that indicates probable seismic accelerations. This data was utilized to determine design standards to withstand seismic loads, as outlined in the California Building Code as “Essential Service Facilities.” All new Fire Stations built in California are required to be built to this Essential Service Facility standard.

“Pasadena Fire Stations #31 and #38 in combination with Aid Agreements with adjacent agencies, which include the City and County of Los Angeles , will help in maintaining response times in the area served by Station #39,” adds Downs .

Downs went on to state, “The City Manager has recommended allocating a $400,000 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) request to initiate design and entitlements on the replacement facility. This action helps to ensure that Fire Station #39 will be returned to service in the shortest amount of time possible.”

NASA Technology Looks Inside Japan's Nuclear Reactor

2011-04-28T09:43:00.000-07:00

This image shows Urbie, one of PackBot's "ancestors." This lightweight structure, which included some NASA technology, had rugged features that were useful in emergency response situations. age credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

April 26, 2011

Design techniques honed at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., for Mars rovers were used to create the rover currently examining the inside of Japan's nuclear reactors, in areas not yet deemed safe for human crews.

The iRobot PackBot employs technologies used previously in the design of "Rocky-7," which served as a terrestrial test bed at JPL for the current twin Mars rovers, Spirit and Opportunity. PackBot's structural features are modeled after Rocky-7, including the lightweight, high-torque actuators that control the rover; and its strong, lightweight frame structure and sheet-metal chassis.

PackBot's other "ancestor," called Urbie, was an urban reconnaissance robot with military and disaster response applications. Urbie's lightweight structure and rugged features also made it useful in emergency response situations; for example, at sites contaminated with radiation and chemical spills, and at buildings damaged by earthquakes. Urbie's physical structure was designed by iRobot Corp., Bedford, Mass., while JPL was responsible for the intelligent robot's onboard sensors and vision algorithms, which helped the robot factor in obstacles and determine an appropriate driving path. Following the success of Urbie's milestones, the team at iRobot created its successor: PackBot.

Since 2002, iRobot has delivered variations of the PackBot model to the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy. The tactical robot's first military deployment was to Afghanistan in July 2002, to assist soldiers by providing "eyes and ears" in the most dangerous or inaccessible areas. It was also used to search through debris at Ground Zero after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks in New York.

Recently, iRobot provided two PackBots to help after the devastating March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The PackBot models, currently taking radioactivity readings in the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant buildings, are equipped with multiple cameras and hazard material sensors. The images and readings provided by the PackBots indicated radiation levels are still too high to allow human repair crews to safely enter the buildings.

Urbie was a joint effort of the Defense Advanced Research Project's Agency's (DARPA) Tactical Mobile Robot program, JPL, iRobot Corp., the Robotics Institute of Carnegie Mellon University, and the University of Southern California's Robotics Research Laboratory. JPL is managed for NASA by the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena.

John Singleton Named Honorary Chair Of The PCC Foundation Capital Campaign For The Center For The Arts

2011-04-28T09:40:00.000-07:00

John Singleton, acclaimed film director and Pasadena City College alumnus, has been named the honorary chair of the Center for the Arts capital campaign. He joins the campaign as PCC looks to augment and complete the state-of-the-art building as a student and community resource with community support.

“PCC is very important to me because without PCC I never would have gone onto film school and eventually become a filmmaker and realize my dream,” Singleton said. “The arts are the savior of any society and to have a great new facility where resource access is available for students would just be phenomenal for the community.”

Singleton, who is best known for his 1991 Oscar-nominated film “Boyz in the Hood,” studied film at PCC in the mid-1980s. He took his first cinematography class under PCC instructor Jack Akien and later transferred to the University of Southern California to earn a bachelor's degree in Film Writing. His body of work includes such movies as “Poetic Justice,” “Higher Learning,” and "Shaft.” In 1992, the then 24-year-old Singleton became the youngest person, and the first African American, ever to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Director.

“When I attended PCC and took a cinematography class there, I learned the foundation of camera work, editing, and how to make a film work.” Singleton said. “That class really got me thinking about what was possible for me in film.”

“We are very humbled and honored to have someone of John’s stature as honorary chair of the Capital Campaign for the PCC Center for the Arts,” said Dr. Lisa Sugimoto, vice president of College Advancement. “We at PCC are very proud of his accomplishments and his willingness to be involved with the institution he credits for his start in filmmaking.”

Singleton will be working with Preston Howard, the general campaign chair, for the PCC Foundation’s $3.5 million Center for the Arts capital campaign. The unnamed, 69,000-square-foot building will encompass studios, classrooms, laboratories, auditoriums, rehearsal halls, music practice rooms, teaching studios, a music resource center, black box theater, art gallery, rehearsal hall, sculpture studio, ceramics lab, printmaking studio, metals/jewelry lab, graphic design studio, product design studio, illustration lab, painting, drawing and design labs, digital media labs, open air terrace/patio spaces, stock rooms, film/sound stage, photography studio and labs, division shops, indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, and offices.

“There is still time to be involved with the campaign and make a positive difference in the lives of our students,” Sugimoto added.

For more information and on ways to contribute, call (626) 585-7468.

MARCH DISARM SEARCHES NET 166 ARRESTS, 27 HANDGUNS, SIX RIFLES AND OVER $525,000 IN DRUGS AND DRUG MONEY

2011-04-28T09:37:00.001-07:00

LOS ANGELES COUNTY — During the month of March, D.I.S.A.R.M. Officers confiscated 27 guns and six rifles, over $525,000 in illegal drugs and drug money, and arrested 166 probationers during 1259 unannounced searches of residences, persons, vehicles, and businesses, announced Los Angeles County Mayor Michael D. Antonovich .

The searches were conducted through the Probation Department’s D.I.S.A.R.M. (Developing Increased Safety through Arms Reduction Management) program, initiated by Supervisor Antonovich following the tragic August 1999 shootings at the North Valley Jewish Community Center and the murder of a postal worker by Buford Furrow, an armed felon on probation from Washington State .

The D.I.S.A.R.M. program entails pairing Deputy Probation Officers with local law enforcement personnel to perform unannounced searches of probationers and their homes, as a condition of probation, and targets the confiscation of guns, drugs, and other contraband.

Since its implementation in February of 2000, the D.I.S.A.R.M. program has seized over 7,300 weapons and more than $218 million in illegal drugs and drug money, and resulted in 14,659 arrests. Nearly 10 percent of probationers searched in this program have been found to be out of compliance with their terms of probation.

CATHERYNNE VALENTE AUTHOR OF PALIMPSEST

2011-04-28T09:33:00.001-07:00

Catherynne Valente, Hugo award nominee and bestselling author of Palimpsest will speak on Wednesday, May 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Pasadena Central Library’s Donald Wright Auditorium, 285 E. Walnut St. Valente will discuss her book and her career as a fantasy author. A question and answer period and book signing will follow. Books will be available for purchase at the event.

For more information, contact Nick Smith at nsmith@cityofpasadena.net or (626) 744-4119

LIAN DOLAN AUTHOR OF HELEN OF PASADENA

2011-04-28T09:32:00.000-07:00

Lian Dolan, bestselling author of Helen of Pasadena, will discuss and sign her book on

Thursday, May 12 at 7 p.m. at Pasadena Central Library’s Donald Wright Auditorium, 285 E. Walnut St.

Books will be available for purchase at the event. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Dolan is a writer, producer, talk show host, podcast pioneer and social media consultant. She writes the blog and produces the weekly podcast The Chaos Chronicles a humorous look at modern motherhood that gets 50,000 downloads a month. She writes weekly for Oprah.com as a parenting expert. A decade ago, Dolan created Satellite Sisters, a talk show, blog and website with her four real sisters. From 2000 to 2009, Satellite Sisters won eight Gracie Allen Awards and had a million listeners a week. Dolan is also the co-author of Satellite Sisters Uncommon Senses, published by Riverhead. She is a popular speaker for groups and corporations, always using humor as a hook.

For more information, contact Christine Reeder at creeder@cityofpasadena.net or (626)

744-7266.

GREEN DAY: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LANDSCAPING

2011-04-28T09:28:00.000-07:00

Linda Vista Branch Library will host Green Day on Saturday, May 14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Presented by the Theodore Payne Foundation, Los Angeles County Arboretum and other gardening experts. Learn about sustainable planting, gardening and landscaping design for the Southern California climate. Plants will be available for sale too!

Linda Vista Branch Library is located at 1281 Bryant St. For more information, call (626) 744-7278.

Foothill Ecoliner battery-electric buses

2011-04-28T09:22:00.000-07:00

Foothill Transit has three prototype battery-electric buses made by Proterra. One was on display at the SCAQMD for its Zero-Emission Transportation Technology Forum last Wednesday (4/20/11). Also see George Karbowski's presentation (3 MB PDF) for technical details. (click to enlarge photos)

Gold Line ridership up as gas tops $4 a gallon

2011-04-28T09:17:00.000-07:00

Ridership rose from 31,544 passengers in March 2010 to 34,544 last month, the latest for which numbers were available. On March 25, the average price for a gallon of self-serve regular unleaded gas in the county passed $4 for the first time since August 2008.

Read more:http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_17930219#ixzz1KpqjtMcn

Planetary Society’s Shuttle LIFE experiment: The countdown is on!

2011-04-28T09:12:00.000-07:00

Thank you for your support!

Dear Friend of the Planetary Society,

The countdown is on!
The excitement surrounding the Planetary Society’s Shuttle LIFE experiment is building.

Check out these photos of our micro-passengers being loaded into their tiny tubes for launch>>
This experiment, backed by members and supporters of the Planetary Society, is scheduled to launch on the last flight ofSpace Shuttle Endeavour on April 29…stay tuned!

Let’s change the world together,

Bill Nye
Executive Director

P.S. It’s not too late to join the team!

Planetary Society 85 South Grand Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105

American Lung Association Releases Annual Report on Air Quality

2011-04-28T09:10:00.000-07:00

Though still home of worst air in U.S., State of the Air 2011 report shows positive trends across California, urges everyone to “take action” for cleaner air

(Los Angeles, CA) –The American Lung Association released the State of the Air 2011 today, an annual report on air quality which includes lists of both the cleanest and most polluted areas in the country. While the report indicates that California still has some of the worst air in the nation, it also shows continuous progress in reducing ozone and particulate pollution over the past ten years. The findings reinforce the effectiveness of California’s stringent clean air laws and the importance of a strong Clean Air Act and a Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which have come under Congressional attack in recent weeks.

“Air pollution is a serious health threat to all Californians,” said Jane Warner, President and CEO of the American Lung Association in California. “California has made tremendous improvements in the fight for clean air thanks to the work of the state’s strong Air Resources Board and local Air Quality Management Districts but much still needs to be done. Cleaning up pollution results in healthier air. Now is not the time to stop progress.”

More than 90 percent of Californians still live in counties plagued with unhealthy air, particularly in areas such as the Central Valley, Los Angeles, the Inland Empire, Sacramento, and San Diego. California cities once again dominate lists for the top ten most polluted areas in the nation for ozone (smog) and short-term and annual particle pollution. Specifically, of the top ten cities with the worst air pollution, California ranked as follows:

Ozone Pollution *8 out of the Top 10*	Short-Term Particle Pollution *6 out of the Top 10*	Annual Particle Pollution *6 out of the Top 10*
#1 Los Angeles-Long Beach-Riverside	#1 Bakersfield-Delano	#1 Bakersfield-Delano
#2 Bakersfield –Delano	#2 Fresno-Madera	#2 Los Angeles-Long Beach-Riverside
#3 Visalia-Porterville	#4 Los Angeles-Long Beach-Riverside	#2 Visalia-Porterville
#4 Fresno- Madera	#7 Visalia-Porterville	#5 Hanford-Corcoran
#5 Sacramento-Arden-Arcade-Yuba City	#9 Hanford-Corcoran	#6 Fresno-Madera
#6 Hanford-Corcoran	#9 Sacramento-Arden-Arcade-Yuba City	#10 Modesto
#7 San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos
#9 Merced

Despite these poor rankings, many of these cities continue to show improvements, including reductions in unhealthy days reported in all cities on the ozone list. The positive trends cited in the State of the Air 2011 report show that due in large part to California’s advanced vehicle and fuel regulations, the Los Angeles metro area, San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento region, and San Diego have seen marked improvements in reducing air pollution. Beginning Wednesday, April 27, please visit www.lungusa.org/california to view these trend charts.

California’s pollution problems are primarily driven by high emissions from cars, trucks, buses, fuels, diesel equipment, and other transportation sources. Oil refineries, manufacturing plants, and residential wood burning also are key sources of emissions. In addition, California’s warm climate promotes the formation of ozone pollution, and valleys and mountains in the central and eastern portions of the state trap pollution where it can linger for days and put residents at risk for the onset of lung disease.

“Ozone and particle pollution levels today still contribute to thousands of hospitalizations, emergency room visits and early deaths every year. We know that air pollution can literally stunt children’s lung development,” said Dr. Sonal Patel, volunteer physician for the American Lung Association in California. “People suffering from asthma and other lung andheart diseases are particularly at risk. Sickness and deaths caused by air pollution not only represent personal tragedies, they also place a huge financial burden on our healthcare system. California needs cleaner air to save lives and prevent costly illnesses.”

Even though so many people live in areas where bad air can make them sick, some members of Congress are proposing changes to the federal Clean Air Act that would interfere with efforts to reduce air pollution and protect public health. According to the EPA, the Clean Air Act saved more than 160,000 lives in 2010. Congressional attacks would undermine the Clean Air Act and strip California of its authority to adopt stronger clean car regulations.

“The American Lung Association in California continues to advocate for the Clean Air Act, strong clean air regulations and investment in programs whose aim is to reduce air pollution,” said Warner. “We urge all Californians to voice support for the Clean Air Act and to make an effort to reduce air pollution in their communities by driving less, recycling, avoiding wood burning, and using energy efficient appliances.”

To view a full copy of the State of the Air 2011 report, state and regional fact sheets, trend charts, and maps go towww.lungusa.org/california.

About the American Lung Association

Now in its second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is “Fighting for Air” through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visitwww.lungusa.org/california

LOCAL ‘PIRATES’ EXPECTED TO SWARM SATURDAY’S GRAND OPENING OF PIRATE-THEMED ACCESSIBLE PLAYGROUND

2011-04-28T09:06:00.000-07:00

More than 30 “pirates” from neighboring Sierra Madre are expected to swarm Saturday’s grand opening celebration of Reese’s Retreat, a pirate-themed playground designed to be universally accessible.

Luckily, these are good pirates who will help direct parents to the parking lot, play with the kids on the new playground, and perform “ Treasure Island ” for the crowd later that morning.

To the cheers of adventurous children across the seven seas, Pasadena city leaders will christen the pirate ship of Reese’s Retreat during a grand opening celebration Saturday, April 30, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Reese’s Retreat is Pasadena ’s first universally accessible playground--designed with unique play elements to delight children of all ages and abilities. It is located in the southeast corner of Brookside Park, just east of the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center .

Beckoning with its pirate ship, Reese’s Retreat comes complete with ramps, a cannonball climber, an eight-bay swing setand sensory play structures that invite children to play with water and sand. The vast blue “ocean” provides a soft floor and easy access for users in wheelchairs and those with impaired mobility. There is also a shipwreck, green sea serpent,treasure chest and gently swaying dinghy.

At the dedication, the nearly half-acre oasis will teem with play activity for children and resources for parents. The official dedication is at 9:30 a.m. with Mayor Bill Bogaard and Councilmember Jacque Robinson christening the ship. “Pirates” from Fairy Tale Theatre of Sierra Madre Playhouse will play with the children until 11:30 a.m., when they will entice the children to join them at the “shell” theater for an interactive performance of Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1883 classic, “ Treasure Island .”

Pirate attire and cameras are encouraged. The day will also feature carnival games compliments of Pasadena Unified School District , free hot dogs cooked by Pasadena Firefighters Association Local 809, the Police Department’s KID ID program, and clubs and organizations promoting kids’ activities.

The fanciful spot is named for Reese Elliott, the late son of Marchelle Sellers and James Elliott. Born with special needs, Reese played pirates and superheroes with other children, inspiring his mother to become a vocal supporter of inclusive playgrounds.

Like Reese, about 2,600 kids in Pasadena have disabilities.

The boundless play area was designed in partnership with the Pasadena Public Works Department, Accessibility and Disability Commission, Recreation and Parks Commission, Shane’s Inspiration, Interplay Design, Recreation West Outdoor Products, and David Evans and Associates. The $1.2 million cost was covered by a $1 million state grant, a $25,000 award from the National Organization on Disability, Brookside Gold Course greens fees and residential impact fees.

The Aquatic Center is located at 360 N. Arroyo Blvd. Free event parking is available at the southern end of Lot I.

Pasadena’s newest playground is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. For more information call (626) 744-4321.

PCC Public Relations Awarded Top Honors for Social Media

2011-04-14T14:06:00.000-07:00

The Pasadena City College Public Relations team recently earned top honors from the National Counsel for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) for its social marketing campaign. PCC was presented with a Gold Paragon award for excellence in promoting the college through social media efforts.
PCC employs a plethora of social networking tools in order to provide students with pertinent information and to build a strong online community. Campus news ranging from upcoming events to scholarship deadlines are delivered several times a week through Facebook, Twitter, and Lancer Life, the college’s official blog. The college began employing social networking tools in November 2009. Students, alums, and the community have been most receptive to the college’s efforts on Facebook; the page currently has more than 5,000 fans.
In addition to the Gold Paragon award, PCC earned a bronze for the “Student Success” banners that currently line the perimeter of the campus as well as the Industrial Technologies Building.
NCMPR, which represents marketing and public relations professionals at community and technical colleges, has more than 1,550 members from more than 650 colleges across the United States, Canada, and other countries.
For more information, please contact Juan Gutierrez, PCC director of public relations, at (626) 585-7264.

City Draws the Line for Pedestrian safety

2011-04-14T14:05:00.001-07:00

The city of Pasadena has a simple, clear message for drivers: Stop before the Line.
The city’s Transportation Department was awarded a public education grant—from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration—to remind drivers to stop their vehicles before the double white, crosswalk lines.
Common knowledge? Perhaps. But in 2009, Pasadena ranked as second worst in California cities its size for pedestrians killed and injured, following Berkeley .
Statistics showed that most of the collisions happened at intersections with traffic signals, and more than 80 percent were the driver’s fault.
The city’s Transportation staff realized they needed to reach out to drivers to get them on their side. As Traffic Engineer Joaquin Siques said, “It is not a case of drivers versus pedestrians, because the fact is, every time motorists step out of their cars, they become pedestrians. In this fight, everyone wins.”
Traffic engineers agree that stopping before the line is critical to the safety of Pasadena ’s pedestrians. Those extra two feet make all the difference.
The Stop Before the Line campaign, running through May, features Pasadena ’s safety mascots Dena the pedestrian and Otis the driver. In the introductory phase of the campaign, Dena and Otis exchange tips and ideas online via the campaign website www.cityofpasadena.net/trans/watch4pedestrians and other new media.
Targeted at motorists and pedestrians to help make Pasadena a safer place to walk, the website is the place to go for the public to weigh in and learn more.
There are benefits from participating retailers for doing so. Supporting outreach materials being distributed by local merchants include stickers, magnetic decals, and posters in English and Spanish. Other media include billboards, public service announcements and events, all designed to increase awareness of pedestrian safety among both those who walk and those who drive.
Previously, the Pasadena Police Department obtained a Selective Traffic Enforcement Program grant from the OTS. That grant provides funding for enforcement operations targeting drunk driving, speed, red-light running, and other intersection-related violations, all in an effort to help combat pedestrian-involved auto collisions.
For more information call (626) 744-6900.

Feds Bar Local Man from Issuing Pension Plans

2011-04-14T14:04:00.000-07:00

Two Local Companies Allegedly Promoted Tax Schemes that Cost the Government at Least $30 Million

A federal court in Los Angeles has permanently barred a Pasadena business owner, and his two companies, from selling or administering pension plans or employee welfare-benefit plans, the Justice Department announced Thursday.

The court’s order, to which Alexander and his companies Retirement Plan Services Inc. and Lyons Pensions Inc. consented, also prohibits them from preparing federal tax returns for others for a fee or representing others before the Internal Revenue Service.

In August 2010, the Justice Department sued Alexander, alleging that he promoted tax fraud schemes involving sham pension plans and welfare-benefit plans. According to the government complaint, Alexander helped small business owners create bogus pension plans so they could re-characterize their salaries as pension-plan contributions. Alexander then allegedly caused the sham contributions to be refunded to his customers through fake loans from the plans. According to the complaint, Alexander advised his customers that they could deduct the purported contributions in order to reduce or eliminate their federal income taxes. The complaint also alleged that Alexander fraudulently misrepresented his customers’ non-deductible personal expenses as deductible pension-plan contributions. The government alleged that Alexander’s promotion of these schemes cost the government at least $30 million.

The civil injunction order also requires Alexander to provide copies of the court’s order to anyone to whom he provided tax advice since Jan. 1, 2005, and for whom he has or can readily obtain a mail or e-mail address.

‘Open Carry’ of Handguns Bill Passes Committee

2011-04-14T14:03:00.001-07:00

A bill to repeal an “open carry” loophole in state law moved a step closer to approval Tuesday as the state Assembly Public Safety Committee voted in favor of Assemblymember Anthony Portantino’s AB 144.
The bill would make it illegal to carry an unloaded handgun in any public place or street. Law enforcement personnel are exempt as are hunters and others carrying unloaded weapons under specified licensed circumstances Portantino said in a press release.
“This is a sensible gun ban that law enforcement asked me to carry to make our streets and communities safer,” explained Portantino. “I think most Californians would agree that they don’t want people walking around in parks or in coffee shops with a gun strapped to their hip. Whether it’s loaded or not, it creates some very real public safety issues.”
Despite being passed by both houses in the legislature, similar legislation failed to reach the Governor’s desk last year due to a large number of controversial bills on file at the end of session. This means that Californians may walk into a grocery store carrying an unloaded weapon on one hip and the bullets on the other. After seeing a rise in these types of needless public displays, law enforcement officials sought the ban on this open display of firearms. Portantino took up the cause and has worked with law enforcement to re-introduce the “open carry” ban. The measure is supported by the California Police Chiefs Association and PORAC – rank and file police officers. Representatives from both groups testified at today’s hearing.
The Los Angeles city council recently voted to support AB 144 and asked the L.A. City Attorney to look into writing a similar law banning open carry handguns in Los Angeles.
California is one of many states that allow so-called “open carry” which gives gun owners the right to display weapons, though in California those guns must be unloaded. Carrying loaded firearms in public is already against the law in California.

Work Stopped on Alternative Cameras for Mars Rover

2011-03-25T17:37:00.000-07:00

The image shows Curiosity on a tilt table in the Spacecraft Assembly Facility at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California. Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

The NASA rover to be launched to Mars this year will carry the Mast Camera (Mastcam) instrument already on the vehicle, providing the capability to meet the mission's science goals.

Work has stopped on an alternative version of the instrument, with a pair of zoom-lens cameras, which would have provided additional capabilities for improved three-dimensional video. The installed Mastcam on the Mars Science Laboratory mission's Curiosity rover uses two fixed-focal-length cameras: a telephoto for one eye and wider angle for the other. Malin Space Science Systems, San Diego, built the Mastcam and was funded by NASA last year to see whether a zoom version could be developed in time for testing on Curiosity.

"With the Mastcam that was installed last year and the rover's other instruments, Curiosity can accomplish its ambitious research goals," said Mars Science Laboratory Project Scientist John Grotzinger, of the California Institute of Technology, Pasadena. "Malin Space Science Systems has provided excellent, unprecedented science cameras for this mission. The possibility for a zoom-camera upgrade was very much worth pursuing, but time became too short for the levels of testing that would be needed for them to confidently replace the existing cameras. We applaud Malin Space Science Systems for their tremendous effort to deliver the zooms, and also the Mars Science Laboratory Project's investment in supporting this effort."

Malin Space Science Systems has also provided the Mars Hand Lens Imager and the Mars Descent Imager instruments on Curiosity. The company will continue to pursue development of the zoom system, both to prove out the design and to make the hardware available for possible use on future missions.

"While Curiosity won't benefit from the 3D motion imaging that the zooms enable, I'm certain that this technology will play an important role in future missions," said Mastcam Co-Investigator James Cameron. "In the meantime, we're certainly going to make the most of our cameras that are working so well on Curiosity right now."

Mastcam Principal Investigator Michael Malin said, "Although we are very disappointed that the zoom cameras will not fly, we expect the fixed-focal-length cameras to achieve all of the primary science objectives of the Mastcam investigation."

The rover and other parts of the Mars Science Laboratory spacecraft are in testing at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif., which manages the project for the NASA Science Mission Directorate, Washington. The spacecraft will be delivered to NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida in coming months for launch late this year. In August 2012, Curiosity will land on Mars for a two-year mission to examine whether conditions in the landing area have been favorable for microbial life and for preserving evidence about whether life has existed there.

For more information about work on the zoom version of Mastcam, see http://www.msss.com/news/index.php?id=22 . For more information about the mission, see http://www.nasa.gov/msl .

City of Pasadena Highlights - March 18 to 26

2011-03-22T17:29:00.000-07:00

UPCOMING EVENTS

All events are free.

Friday, March 18

* Today the first day of a 10-day prohibition on outdoor watering in Pasadena ! http://bit.ly/h4gKrQ

Saturday, March 19

* 9 a.m. to noon – If you change the oil in your car by yourself, bring your used oil and oil filters to Kragen, 1860 E. Colorado Blvd. and receive a new oil filter for free as well as information about City of Pasadena recycling programs. Be sure to stop by our booth and say hello to some of our dedicated Public Works Department staff. (626) 744-7168.

* 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Bring the kids for a double-feature at Villa-Parke Community Center , 363 E. Villa St.: “Shrek Forever After” followed by “The Karate Kid.” Please note: It’s free, but tickets are required and seating is limited to 200. Tickets will be distributed beginning at 9:30 a.m. (626) 744-6530.

Wednesday, March 23

1 p.m. – This week’s film in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Pasadena Central Library is “A Soldier’s Story” (1984, PG) starring Howard Rollins, Adolph Caesar and Denzel Washington in the tale of an African American officer who investigates a murder in a racially charged situation during World War II. (626) 744-4066.

Saturday, March 26

* 10 a.m. – Come to a community meeting to learn more about about the next two phases of the Robinson Park Master Plan and provide your comments and suggestions. http://bit.ly/dIwwDZ

ONE CITY, ONE STORY

This year’s One City , One Story novel in Pasadena is Mudbound by Hillary Jordan, which takes place in the deep south after World War II. Related events are planned through March 31. Here are events taking place next week:

Saturday, March 19

* 10 a.m. – A panel of Pasadena residents, moderated by Larry Wilson, will share their experiences during World War II and the post-war period of the late ‘40s and early ‘50s. Pasadena Senior Center , 85 E. Holly St .

* 2 p.m. – Mudbound book discussion group at Linda Vista Branch Library, 1281 Bryant St .

* 2 to 3 p.m. – Learn how to find information about gardening and plants during a special event titled “Knowing and Growing the Land: Mudbound” at the Los Angeles County Arboretum Library, 301 N. Baldwin Ave. in Arcadia, presented by Arboretum Librarian Susan Eubank. Call (626) 821-3213 to reserve your spot.

Tuesday, March 22

1 to 2:30 p.m. – A panel of neighborhood eyewitnesses will World War II-era racial issues in this event titled “Race in Los Angeles : The Forties.” Topics will include the Zoot Suit riots, African Americans in the military and the incarceration of Japanese Americans. Creveling Lounge ( Campus Center ) at Pasadena City College , 1570 E. Colorado Blvd.

Wednesday, March 23

* 4 p.m. – Mudbound book discussion group at Hill Avenue Branch Library, 55 S. Hill Ave.

* 6:45 p.m. – Michelle Alexander will discuss her new book “The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness” at Pasadena Central Library. This event is co-sponsored by Flintridge Center .

Thursday, March 24

4 p.m. – Mudbound book discussion group at San Rafael Branch Library, 1240 Nithsdale Rd.

Friday, March 25

* 10 a.m. to noon – Mudbound author Hillary Jordan will share her experiences with students in the Creveling Lounge at PCC. The public is welcome to attend.

* 3:30 to 5 p.m. – Dr. Morgan Kousser, Caltech professor of history and social science, and Dr. Christopher Hunter, Caltech assistant professor of English, will join author Hillary Jordan in a conversation titled “Mudbound: Freedom and Entrapment in Rural Mississippi” about the state and the state of mind after World War II. Baxter Lecture Hall (Building 77) at Caltech, 1200 E. California Blvd.

Saturday, March 26

* 3 to 5:30 p.m. – Hillary Jordan will join Pasadena Public Libraries Director Jan Sanders in the ballroom at the Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E. Green St., in a discussion about the author’s experiences envisioning and writing Mudbound. A question-and-answer session with the community will follow. Bring your copy of the book for the author to sign!

Get more information about Mudbound and related events at www.cityofpasadena.net/library/OCOS and (626) 744-7270.

See more community events (and add your own) at www.cityofpasadena.net/calendar.

CITY COUNCIL

The Pasadena City Council will meet Monday, March 21, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber (S249) at Pasadena City Hall , 100 N. Garfield Ave.

* Renewable Energy – In 2009 the council adopted the Power Integrated Resources Plan (IRP), a 20-year roadmap for how Pasadena Water and Power will increase renewable energy supply to 40 percent of retail sales by 2020 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent of 2008 levels by 2020. On Monday night the council will receive an update on PWP’s renewable energy procurement status, requirements and estimated rate impacts.

* Urgent Care – The Pasadena Urgent Care Center and Primary Care Clinic at 3160 E. Del Mar Blvd. , owned by the City of Pasadena and operated by the Huntington Medical Foundation and the Community Health Alliance of Pasadena (CHAP), opened in October. The council will receive an update on community access.

* Pedestrian Safety – The council will receive an update on pedestrian safety enhancements at signalized intersections.

The agendas, including downloadable reports, are available at www.cityofpasadena.net/councilagendas/council_agenda.asp.

The meeting will be televised live on KPAS (channel 3 on the Charter Communications system and channel 99 on AT&T U-Verse) and via streaming video atwww.cityofpasadena.net/publicaffairs (click on the KPAS icon).

COMMISSIONS, COMMITTEES AND BOARDS

The Core Group of City Commissioners and the General Plan Update Advisory Committee will meet Saturday, March 19, at 9 a.m. in the Fair Oaks Community Room at Renaissance Plaza , 649 N. Fair Oaks Ave., second floor room 203 (next door to Vons). Agenda items include a workshop/follow-up to the November 2010 General Plan charrette, including review of maps and computer modeling data, and finalizing alternatives.

The City Council Public Safety Committee will meet Monday, March 21, at 4:15 p.m. in the Council Chamber (S249) at Pasadena City Hall , 100 N. Garfield Ave. Agenda items include proposed Pasadena Municipal Code amendments to reduce drifting tobacco smoke at multiunit housing; analysis of Los Angeles County sex offender ordinance; and public safety concerns in the Block 5 area.

The March 21 meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission has been canceled.

The City Council Municipal Services Committee will meet Tuesday, March 22, at 4 p.m. in the Council Chamber at Pasadena City Hall . Agenda items include update on National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES); water infrastructure prioritization and master plan update; and MWD water curtailment update.

The Hahamongna Watershed Park Advisory Committee will meet Tuesday, March 22, at 6 p.m. in room 117 at the Flintridge Retreat Center , 236 W. Mountain St . Agenda items include update on JPL employee parking lots at Hahamongna; update on L.A. County Department of Public Works sediment removal project; update on grants; and Hahamongna Annex and Environmental Education Center planning.

The Pasadena Center Operating Company Board of Directors will meet Wednesday, March 23, at 4 p.m. in room 211 at Pasadena Convention Center , 300 E. Green St . Agenda items include update on ice rink; update on Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon; and Los Angeles County lodging trends.

The Arts & Culture Commission’s Public Art Subcommittee will meet Wednesday, March 23, at 5 p.m. in the first floor conference room at the Permit Center , 175 N. Garfield Ave. Agenda items include Rotating Public Art Exhibition Program; and Public Art Master Plan.

The Planning Commission will meet Wednesday, March 23, at 6:15 p.m. Agenda items include recommended Capital Improvement Program for Fiscal Years 2012 to 2016; and public hearing on annual review of Fuller Theological Seminary development agreement.

The March 23 meeting of the City Council Legislative Policy Committee has been canceled.

The Transportation Advisory Commission will meet Thursday, March 24, at 4 p.m. at the Transportation Department, Room 210 at 221 E. Walnut St . Agenda items include memorandum of understanding with Metro regarding Pasadena ARTS bus service; and transportation impact review guidelines.

The Northwest Commission will meet Thursday, March 24, at 6:30 p.m. at Jackie Robinson Center , 1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave. Agenda items include presentation by Pasadena Police Officer Victor Cass about Pasadena Mental Health Day 2011; and funding recommendations and preliminary deliberations on Community Development Block Grants (CDBG).

More information about commissions, including downloadable agendas, is at www.cityofpasadena.net/commissions.

COMMUNITY INVITED TO COMMENT ON ROBINSON PARK MASTER PLAN AT MARCH 26 PUBLIC MEETING

2011-03-22T17:26:00.000-07:00

The Pasadena community is invited to a public meeting Saturday, March 26, at 10 a.m. in the Multipurpose Room at Robinson Park Center , 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave. , to learn about the second and third phases of the Robinson Park Master Plan and provide their comments.

Phases two and three will include renovation and expansion of the recreation and gymnasium building.

During the community meeting, presentations will be made about proposed funding for the project, timeline for initiation and completion, and conceptual design. Following the presentations the community will be invited to make comments and suggestions.

Staff in the Pasadena Public Works Department and the Pasadena Human Services and Recreation Department have been working with local residents to implement the master plan.

The first phase of the plan included the first regulation-size football field in any Pasadena park (with synthetic turf and a soccer overlay), enlarged and reconfigured baseball diamonds, new restrooms, a concession stand, field lighting, electronic scoreboards, bleachers and a storage building.

Robinson Park was named in honor of the entire Robinson family, including Jackie, Mack, their three other siblings and their mother Mallie.

For more information about the meeting call (626) 744-7333.