Pasadena – Altadena | ||||||||||||||||||||
Mountain Views News, Pasadena Edition [Sierra Madre] Saturday, September 8, 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||
3 Mountain View News Saturday, September 8, 2018 ‘Power-up Pasadena’ Kick-off Campaign Zest Gala to Benefit Senior Center in Pasadena and Honor Rosemary Simmons Curiosity Surveys a Mystery Under Dusty Mars Skies After snagging a new rock sample on Aug. 9, NASA’s Curiosity rover surveyed its surroundings on Mars, producing a 360-degree panorama of its current location on Vera Rubin Ridge. The panorama includes umber skies, darkened by a fading global dust storm. It also includes a rare view by the Mast Camera of the rover itself, revealing a thin layer of dust on Curiosity’s deck. In the foreground is the rover’s most recent drill target, named “Stoer” after a town in Scotland near where important discoveries about early life on Earth were made in lakebed sediments. The new drill sample delighted Curiosity’s science team, because the rover’s last two drill attempts were thwarted by unexpectedly hard rocks. Curiosity started using a new drill method earlier this year to work around a mechanical problem. Testing has shown it to be as effective at drilling rocks as the old method, suggesting the hard rocks would have posed a problem no matter which method was used. There’s no way for Curiosity to determine exactly how hard a rock will be before drilling it, so for this most recent drilling activity, the rover team made an educated guess. An extensive ledge on the ridge was thought to include harder rock, able to stand despite wind erosion; a spot below the ledge was thought more likely to have softer, erodible rocks. That strategy seems to have panned out, but questions still abound as to why Vera Rubin Ridge exists in the first place. The rover has never encountered a place with so much variation in color and texture, according to Ashwin Vasavada, Curiosity’s project scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. JPL leads the Mars Science Laboratory mission that Curiosity is a part of. “The ridge isn’t this monolithic thing -- it has two distinct sections, each of which has a variety of colors,” Vasavada said. “Some are visible to the eye and even more show up when we look in near-infrared, just beyond what our eyes can see. Some seem related to how hard the rocks are.” The best way to discover why these rocks are so hard is to drill them into a powder for the rover’s two internal laboratories. Analyzing them might reveal what’s acting as “cement” in the ridge, enabling it to stand despite wind erosion. Most likely, Vasavada said, groundwater flowing through the ridge in the ancient past had a role in strengthening it, perhaps acting as plumbing to distribute this wind-proofing “cement.” Much of the ridge contains hematite, a mineral that forms in water. There’s such a strong hematite signal that it drew the attention of NASA orbiters like a beacon. Could some variation in hematite result in harder rocks? Is there something special in the ridge’s red rocks that makes them so unyielding? For the moment, Vera Rubin Ridge is keeping its secrets to itself. Two more drilled samples are planned for the ridge in September. After that, Curiosity will drive to its scientific end zone: areas enriched in clay and sulfate minerals higher up Mt. Sharp. That ascent is planned for early October. The Pasadena Senior Center’s annual Zest gala Saturday, Sept. 29, will be an elegant, fun-filled evening honoring Rosemary “Rary” Simmons, a long-time community volunteer whose good works have impacted thousands in the greater Pasadena area. Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction during a 5 p.m. reception will be followed by dinner and the program at 6 p.m. Dr. Drew Pinsky, known to international television and radio audiences as Dr. Drew, will serve as master of ceremonies. He is a prominent Pasadena physician who is an addiction specialist and media personality. “We are pleased and proud that our Zest gala this year will honor Rary Simmons, who has developed an extraordinary legacy of community and philanthropic leadership over the decades through her faithfulness to the Pasadena and San Marino communities and her generous disposition,” said Akila Gibbs, executive director of the Pasadena Senior Center. Born and raised in the Los Angeles area, a graduate of Occidental College and a resident of San Marino since 1954, Rosemary “Rary” Simmons, serves on the advisory committee for the Pasadena-based Cancer Support Community; serves on the board of directors for Hill-Harbison House, which primarily benefits San Marino Girl Scout troops and City of San Marino Recreation Department programs; and is the only emeritus member of the Huntington Hospital board of directors, where she chairs the Philanthropic Committee. She previously served as board chair for the Sycamores Boys’ Home in Pasadena (now Hathaway-Sycamores Child and Family Services) and has served on boards and committees for the Los Angeles Music Center, Hillsides home for foster children and Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts. She served for 10 years on the San Marino City Council, was its first female member and went on to become the first female mayor of San Marino. She was married to Frank Simmons from 1952 until his death in 2008. She has five children and six grandchildren. For more information or to receive an invitation to the Zest gala, email pamk@ pasadenaseniorcenter.org or call (626) 685-6756. Tickets are $200 per person. Proceeds will help fund the Pasadena Senior Center’s enrichment classes and social service programs. The location of the gala will be included in the printed invitation. For more information about services and programs visit: pasadenaseniorcenter.org or call 626-795-4311. Kicking off National Drive Electric Week, Pasadena City Manager Steve Mermell and other City officials, CALSTART, City EV stakeholders and EV dealerships announced Thursday new incentives for Pasadena residents to purchase electric vehicles and businesses to install EV charging infrastructure. According to Mermell, the city of Pasadena is committed to the adoption of EVs by offering these incentives to customers who drive plug-in electric vehicles and install charging stations at their homes and businesses. Pasadena is also working to expand the charging infrastructure by installing chargers at public parking structures throughout the city and use electric buses at PUSD schools and academic institutions. Additionally, CALSTART, which is headquartered in Pasadena, is offering their SEED program to address concerns and misconceptions consumers may have with electric vehicles and experience range anxiety. EV’s are cheaper to run and maintain and are better for the environment, which translates to numerous long-term health benefits he said. The incentives include: Residents can receive up to $750 to buy/lease (new or used) EVs. This is in addition to the $10,000+, customers can receive from state and federal agencies. Businesses can receive up to $50,000 for installing EV chargers. Shared Electric Vehicle Employer Demonstrator (SEED) Program. SEED program offers Pasadena-based businesses the opportunity to have their employees learn more about EVs without the commitment of having to make a purchase. Pasadena businesses interested, can sign-up and to receive EVs to offer to their employees for test drive for a two-week period with no mileage constraints. For more information visit: cityofpasadena.net. Free Monthly Events at Pasadena Senior Center The Taste of Pasadena Returns to the Rose Bowl There is something for everyone in September at the Pasadena Senior Center, 85 E. Holly St. You do not have to be a member to attend. Some events require advance reservations as noted. Friday Movie Matinees – Fridays, Sept. 14 and 21, at 1 p.m. Everyone enjoys watching movies and the pleasures they bring. Sept. 14: The Leisure Seeker (2017, R) starring Donald Sutherland and Helen Mirren. A runaway couple goes on an unforgettable journey in their beloved old RV and, along the way, recapture their passion for life and their love for each other. Sept. 21: Book Club (2018, PG-13) starring Diane Keaton and Jane Fonda. The lives of four older women are turned upside down when they decide to tackle Fifty Shades of Grey, and in the process they inspire each other to make their next chapter in their lives the best chapter. Chiropractic for Good Health – Thursday, Sept. 13, at 10 a.m. A safe, effective and non-invasive technique called Quantum Neurology can uncover hidden neurological weaknesses in the nervous system resulting from brain or spinal cord injuries, accidents and strokes. Learn more about this technique and whether it may be right for you. Presented by Dr. Nazee Rofagha. Book Discussion: Love Soup for Seniors – Friday, Sept. 14, at 11 a.m. Born in 2015 when author John L. Feeny met Ann on social media, Love Soup for Seniors encourages improved health and lust for life, and that happiness is sustainable. Presented by John L. Feeny. Books will be available for sale and signing; a portion of proceeds will be donated to the Pasadena Senior Center. LA Opera Talk: Verdi’s Don Carlo – Monday, Sept. 17, at 1 p.m. An LA Opera community educator will lead guests through Don Carlo, one of Giuseppe Verdi’s most dramatic and complex grand operas that is set in the 16th century during the Spanish Inquisition and based on actual historical figures. Don Carlo, son of King Philip II of Spain, loses Elizabeth de Valois, his fiancée, to his father in an arranged marriage to end a war between Spain and France. The broken-hearted Don Carlo realigns his sympathies and turns against the Spanish Inquisition, resulting in Philip II ordering his rebellious son to be thrown in prison with the possibility of the death penalty. Verdi’s masterful opera includes rich orchestrations, thundering choruses and an endless flow of rapturous arias and duets in an enthralling tale of morality and mortality. Room to Rent: Home Share Workshop – Tuesday, Sept. 18, at 6 p.m. For any homeowner thinking about renting out a room, this workshop will explain how to list your space and find a good renter to share your home. Topics will include finding an online site that suits your needs, what type of home partners you are seeking, safe practices and how to spot a scam, how to set up your rental agreement and more. There will be optional follow-up networking sessions. RSVP at the Welcome Desk or by calling (626) 795-4331. Screening Mimis Film Discussion Club – Tuesdays, Sept. 18, at 3 p.m. Diehard film fans are invited to watch a movie the first and third Tuesday of every month, preceded by a presentation about the film’s hidden history and followed by lively discussion. Sept. 4: Infamous (2006, R) starring Toby Jones and Sandra Bullock in director Douglas McGrath’s film about Truman Capote’s first- hand research for his book In Cold Blood. Sept. 18: Two Women (1960, NR) starring Sophia Loren and Jean- Paul Belmondo in director Vittorio de Sica’s film about a widow and her teenaged daughter who struggle to survive the ravages of World War II in Italy. Founded in 1960, the Pasadena Senior Center is an independent, nonprofit organization that offers recreational, educational, wellness and social services to people ages 50 and older. Pet of the Week Cocktail Bracket Challenge Finalists Named The SIP-tember Cocktail Bracket Challenge Finale is here. Which drink will be named Cocktail of the Year 2018? Will it be the SOS from White Horse Lounge? Perhaps the Money of Your Life from the Otis Bar at la Grande Orange Cafe? Maybe it will be the Japanese Blossom from the Taproom at the Langham Huntington Hotel? Or will the Old Town Bell from Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar be Pasadena’s Favorite Cocktail for 2018? Join us at the Taste of Pasadena at the Rose Bowl on Thursday, September 13, from 6pm to 9pm and you can taste and vote for your favorite. Get your tickets here: pasadena-chamber. org/forms/taste-pasadena- and-sip-tember-finale. Cost is $30 in advance and $60 at the door. Thirty-two cocktails entered the SIP-tember Cocktail Bracket Challenge. Only one will be named Pasadena’s Cocktail of the Year 2018. Round three voting ended at midnight on Wednesday, September 5th at midnight. Drinks were randomly entered in a head-to-head bracket challenge. Drinks named Pasadena’s Favorite Cocktail have included the Broad Street Hurricane from Ruth’s Chris Steak House, the Cucumber Skinny-tini from Toro Sushi, the Vin de Pomplemousse from Green Street Restaurant, White Horse Lounge’s 2016 Forbidden, Ruth’s Chris’ Julio’s Passion and The Ish from Sushi Roku. Once again, SIP-tember: A Celebration of the Cocktail culminates in a grand taste-off at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on September 13th. Everyone (21 years-old or older) attending the Taste of Pasadena that evening will be able to taste the four finalist cocktails and vote for their favorite. Get your tickets here: www.pasadena- chamber.org/forms/taste- pasadena-and-sip-tember- finale. Cost is $30 in advance and $60 at the door. In addition to the four featured cocktail finalists, guests at the SIP-tember Bracket Challenge Finale will be able to taste culinary treats from El Cholo, Foothill, POP Champagne Bar and Restaurant, Cabrera’s, Corner Craft kitchen and Bar at The Hilton, Twohey’s, Pasadena Sandwich Company, Dave & Buster’s, Fleming’s Prime Steak House, The Great Maple, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant, Stonefire Grill and many more. Stark Spirits and Old Oak Cellars will be tasting, as well. Taking part in the SIP- tember Cocktail Bracket Challenge for 2018 were: Mi Piace Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar Bistro 45 Foothill White Horse Lounge The Mixx Roy’s Hawaiian Ruth’s Chris Steak House True Food Kitchen Vertical Wine Bistro Lucky Baldwin’s Trappise Pub Trejo’s Cantina La Grande Orange - Otis Bar Taproom at the Langham Huntington Hotel Pasadena Fleming’s Prime Steak House and Wine Bar El Cholo Del Frisco’s Grille Just because the SIP- tember Cocktail Bracket Challenge ends, that does not mean you can’t visit one of the competitors and try a delicious drink (or have some tasty food, either.) 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 more than 1450 members. Macho (A271176) is an 8-year-old domestic shorthair in need of a loving family. He is a very sweet cat who spends most of his day in his cat tower or snuggled up with his roommates (he currently resides in a staff office). He meows for attention and will curiously come up to meet you. He head bumps you to pet him and purrs and rubs against you. Despite being 20 pounds he still loves to jump onto chairs and work desks to sniff around and find a better napping spot. Come meet Macho today at the Pasadena Humane Society! The adoption fee for cats is $75. All cats are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated before being adopted. New adopters will receive a complimentary health-and- wellness exam from VCA Animal Hospitals, as well as a goody bag filled with information about how to care for your pet. View photos of adoptable pets at pasadenahumane. org. Adoption hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email. ALTADENA CRIME BLOTTER Sunday, August 26th 3:25 AM – Maria Ahumada, 25 years old of Los Angeles was arrested in the 300 block of Mountain View Street for drunk in public. 11:00 PM – A battery occurred in the 2900 block of El Nido Drive. Suspect was taken into custody. Monday, August 27th 9:30 PM – A vehicle vandalism occurred in the 2200 block of Navarro Avenue. Vehicle damage: spray painted. 9:30 PM – A residential vandalism occurred in the 2100 block of Navarro Avenue. Damage: spray painted wall. Tuesday, August 28th 12:44 PM – A vehicle was reported stolen from the 2100 block of Lincoln Avenue. Vehicle described as a black 2013 Honda Fit. Vehicle was recovered by CHP. 4:20 PM – A battery occurred in the 2900 block of El Nido Drive. Suspects were taken into custody. Wednesday, August 29th 5:30 PM – A petty theft occurred in the 2300 block of N. Lake Avenue. Stolen: black Samsung Galaxy. Thursday, August 20th 9:00 AM – Cyril Waite, 62 years old of Altadena was arrested in the 3100 block of Lincoln Avenue for vandalism and trespassing. 3:40 PM – Danny Collazo, 28 years old of Pasadena was arrested in the 2000 block of N. Fair Oaks Avenue for possession of a controlled substance. Friday, August 31st 1:00 PM – A residential burglary occurred in the 300 block of W. Altadena Drive. Suspect(s) entered the residence via the rear window. Stolen: unknown. 5:15 PM – Jolie Gledhill, 48 years old of Pasadena was arrested in the area of Washington Boulevard and Altadena Drive for being under the influence of a controlled substance. 7:04 PM – Michael Soos, 59 years old of Altadena was arrested in the area of Roosevelt Avenue and Garfias Street for possession of a controlled substance. Saturday, September 1st 12:50 AM – Abigail Sanchez, 25 years old of Pasadena was arrested in the 400 block of Woodbury Road for drunk in public. Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com | ||||||||||||||||||||