Pasadena – Altadena | ||||||||||||||||||||
Mountain Views News, Sierra Madre Edition [Pasadena] Saturday, December 8, 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||
5 Mountain View News Saturday, December 8, 2018 Legislation Declares 710 Tunnel Option Dead PCC Names Endrijonas Sixteenth President Tournament Announces Opening Spectacular The Pasadena Community College Board of Trustees announced Wednesday that they have chosen Erika Endrijonas, Ph.D. (pictured right) as the next superintendent/president succeeding Rajen Vurdien. She is currently president of Los Angeles Valley College. Endrijonas is set to begin late January. “My entire career has been focused on finding new ways to ensure students succeed in their goals – no matter their background or their dreams.” Endrijonas said. “The team at PCC is firing on all cylinders and helping more and more students reach new heights. I can’t wait to get to work.” Endrijonas hire is subject to the parties reaching mutual agreement on an employment contract, with formal approval expected at the district’s Jan. 16, regular board meeting officials said. “Dr. Endrijonas is exactly the leader that PCC needs at this moment,” said Anthony Fellow, Ph.D., board president of the Pasadena Area Community College District. “Her exceptional record as an administrator and her service throughout her community have distinguished her as a stellar executive who will guide the college into the next chapter of its history.” Prior to her service at L.A. Valley College, Endrijonas was executive vice president and accreditation liaison officer at Oxnard College and dean of educational programs at Santa Barbara City College. Statewide, she has served on the California Community College boards of the Chief Instructional Officers and Chief Student Services Officers associations and the Association for Occupational Education. She is also a board member of the California Community College Athletic Association and co-chairs the board of the national association LGBTQ Presidents in Higher Education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in history from California State University, Northridge, and a master of arts and Ph.D. in history from the University of Southern California. In May 2018, the Aspen Institute named PCC one of ten finalists in a $1 million national competition to honor innovation in two- year colleges, citing its achievement in graduating students who go on to succeed at four-year universities. The honor represents the second consecutive time PCC has been recognized by the Aspen Institute, placing it in a select set of institutions that are adapting to meet the needs of the next generation of community college students. In the 2017-18 academic year, it awarded more associate degrees (4,028) and associate degrees for transfer (1,393) than any other community college in California. It has been recognized for embedding equity and diversity in its hiring and retention of faculty and staff, and in Spring 2019 it will begin offering college classes in Northwest Pasadena on the campus of John Muir High School. Endrijonas succeeds Rajen Vurdien, Ph.D., who is retiring after having served as the college’s chief executive since 2015. Assemblymember Chris Holden will introduce legislation Wednesday to remove the 710 North Project Area between Interstate 210 and Interstate 10 from the California State Freeway and Expressway code. The legislation, also became public Monday, and came just days after the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) did not identify the freeway tunnel as the preferred alternative in its Final Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS) for the SR 710 North Project Area accoring to Holden. “Fixing our state’s highway code to reflect the new reality is the logical next step to bury the tunnel idea once and for all,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden who represents the cities of Pasadena and South Pasadena in the California State Assembly. The legislation aims to quell lingering concerns about Caltrans’ Final Environmental Impact Report and a 2017 Los Angeles Metro motion to move away from the tunnel concept for largely financial reasons. The reasoning for both decisions may leave the tunnel solution open to future consideration he said. Holden’s legislation specifies that State Route 710 is from Route 1 to Route 10, essentially eliminating any future possibility of freeway tunnel. The bill is also the result of a two year legislative effort by Assemblymember Holden that began with the introduction of AB 287 in 2017. After many discussions with Caltrans, Metro and, most importantly, members of the community Assemblymember Holden’s AB 533 (last legislative session) came to be. The bill brought together the cities of South Pasadena, Alhambra, and Pasadena to create language they could all agree on. This historic collaboration will be memorialized in the bill being introduced today. “We couldn’t get to this point without the decades of hard work, passion, and leadership of community stakeholders, who have also made a direct impact on my views on this issue,” said Holden. For more information visit: a41.asmdc.org. The Pasadena Tournament of Roses announced Wednesday the Opening Spectacular presented by Honda, the Grand Finale presented by Wells Fargo. This year’s theme, “The Melody of Life,” celebrates music, the universal language. Music has the power to bring us together and create the soundtracks that define our lives. The 2019 Opening Spectacular presented by Honda exemplifies “The Melody of Life.” The musical celebration will be led by Dancing with the Stars Champion and a host of Dancing with the Stars Jr., Jordan Fisher. He will be joined by 2019 Tournament of Roses Grand Marshal and ten-time GRAMMY Award winner Chaka Khan, and a cast of over 400 as they welcome the first day of the year with musical performances, dancing and a few surprises in between. The Opening Spectacular features: Jordan Fisher, Multi-talented Actor, Musician and Dancer HTEDance & Spirit Group (Irving, TX) Kaiser Catamount Pride Band & Color Guard (Fontana, CA) Chaka Khan, 2019 Tournament of Roses Grand Marshal, joined by her nephew Tyler McCrary and grandsons, Jett and Josh Khan-Corley The Boys of Temecula, Temecula Dance Company (Temecula, CA) Wilson Middle School Drum Corps (Pasadena, CA) The 2019 Grand Finale Presented “Where Flowers and Football Meet” caps off this year’s stunning Rose Parade featuring multi-platinum pop artist Anne-Marie. Anne-Marie is welcomed to the parade route by Jordan Fisher as they bring parade fans, football fans, and music fans together in the Grand Finale of America’s New Year Celebration. The Grand Finale Features: Anne-Marie, multi-platinum pop artist To punctuate the Grand Finale theme, a celebrity guest will throw a football from the parade route that will magically soar to the Rose Bowl Stadium and be caught by another notable personality. Who’s going to make the throw? Who’s going to make the catch? Stay tuned for the anticipated surprise reveal. The Pasadena Tournament of Roses also announced the 40 float entries that will participate. For a complete list visit: tournamentofroses. com. Health Care Open Enrollment Pasadena Tournament of Roses New Sip & Savor Free Monthly Events at Pasadena Senior Center Meet with a certified enrollment counselors at the Altadena Library. A new end-of-year celebration debuts with the Pasadena Tournament of Roses SIP & SAVOR. On the event menu is an impressive array of offerings for all ages from many of Southern California’s favorite eateries and culinary brands, along with wines and craft brews from throughout the Golden State, plus an exciting line-up of entertainment and up-close viewing of Rose Parade® float decorating. The event takes over the Rosemont Pavilion/Jackie Robinson Memorial Field near the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena from December 28- 30 (Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.). Various ticket prices and packages are available, ranging from general admission of $15 to a deluxe VIP package of $150, and can be purchased in- person at the event or online at sipandsavorpasadena.com. As part of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses SIP & SAVOR experience, guests can visit the Rosemont Pavilion, a workshop of color, imagination, and ingenuity. Inside guests will see hundreds of skilled volunteers painstakingly hand- applying millions of florals to incredibly designed Rose Parade floats. With wide-eyed wonder, guests can personally witness the parade floats slowly taking shape. “Our entire team is immensely proud to partner with the Tournament of Roses to take the Rose Parade experience to a whole new level,” states Craig Bugajski, CEO of Artistic Entertainment Services (AES) “As the producers of SIP & SAVOR, it’s a terrific opportunity for us to take an iconic event like the Rose Parade and build upon the success of this historic brand with this new and exciting event.” One of the main attractions of the event is the Sports Bar hosted by Firestone-Walker Brewing Company from Paso Robles, CA. Here adult sports fans won’t miss any action via six large screen TV monitors, while they enjoy a great line-up of finely crafted beers from the Firestone-Walker Brewery. The Pasadena Tournament of Roses SIP & SAVOR is also a destination for guests seeking great music and entertainment. The event boasts a great line- up of entertainment options for the whole family. The main stage will play host to a variety of bands ranging from classic 80s, hip-swinging rockabilly, top hits of today, plus daytime performances by the GRAMMY® Award-winning, Mariachi Divas. “We’re very enthusiastic about this new way of extending the fun, excitement, and anticipation of the Rose Parade for locals and out-of-town guests alike,” states David Eads, Executive Director and CEO of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses. “Guests will get the best of both worlds as they get an up-close and intimate look at our beautiful Rose Parade floats and then enjoy the great food, family fun, and entertainment.” There is something for everyone in December 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. Stay Connected with Social Media – Tuesdays and Thursdays to Dec. 27, from 9 to 11 a.m. Learn how to keep in touch with family and friends via email, Skype, Facebook and other forms of social media during a 30-minute, one-on-one session with instructor Edison Samuel. You’ll choose which applications you want to learn. Bring a laptop or use one of the onsite computers. If you have an email address, bring it and your password. Sign up at the Welcome Desk or by calling 626-795-4331. Screening Mimis Film Discussion Club – Tuesday, Dec. 18, at 1:30 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. Dec. 18: The Red Violin (1998, R) starring Carlo Cecchi and Samuel L. Jackson. A perfect red- colored violin inspires passion, making its way through three centuries, several owners and many countries, and eventually ending up at an auction where it may find a new owner. Friday Movie Matinees – Fridays, Dec. 14, 21 and 28, at 1 p.m. Everyone enjoys watching movies and the pleasures they bring. Dec. 14: The Preacher’s Wife (1996, PG) starring Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington. As a preacher’s struggles to keep his church afloat during hard economic times begins to take a toll on his marriage, an angel is sent to help him out. Dec. 21: The Night They Saved Christmas (1984, NR) starring Jaclyn Smith and Art Carney. A woman and her three children help Santa save his toy factory at the North Pole from being destroyed due to nearby oil drilling. Dec. 28: Crazy Rich Asians (2018, PG-13) starring Constance Wu and Henry Golding. An Asian American New Yorker is apprehensive about meeting her longtime boyfriend’s family when she accompanies him to his best friend’s wedding in Singapore. Improvisation for Lifeskills PLAYshop – Fridays, Dec. 7 and Jan. 11, from 10 a.m. to noon. Tap into your natural, creative talents while enhancing your health and well-being. This series will focus on improv techniques, theater games and creative drama to increase your spontaneity, memory, focus and interactive social and communication skills in a fun, playful and creative environment. Sign up at the Welcome Desk or by calling 626- 795-4331. Presented by Trisha Jauchler, founder and director of On Bright Wings and Theatre on the Threshold. Tree Trimming Party and Holiday Treats – Monday, Dec. 10, from 8:30 11 a.m. Help decorate the Pasadena Senior Center’s Christmas tree while enjoying holiday music. There will be free coffee, hot cocoa and festive treats at the Coffee Bar. For more information visit www. pasadenaseniorcenter.org or call 626-795-4331. Healthy Holiday Snacks – Thursday, Dec. 13, at 10 a.m. Get ready to entertain this holiday season with yummy, guilt-free snacks. A live demonstration will help you learn how to succeed. Presented by Anthem Blue Cross. The Pasadena Senior Center is an independent, donor-supported nonprofit organization that offers recreational, educational, wellness and social services to people ages 50 and older. For this year’s Open Enrollment period, ChapCare will have a certified enrollment counselor at the Altadena Library to help community members renew and sign- up for Covered California plans. In order to successfully enroll, you must bring the following documents: Identification: California State ID, Driver’s License, Passport, Utility Bill Proof of Legal Residency: Social Security Card, Birth Certificate, Legal Resident Card, Naturalization Certificate, Certificate of Citizenship Proof of Income: Recent tax return, W-2, recent paystubs Information necessary for ALL household members. The enrollment counselor will be at the Library from 5:00pm to 9:00pm on: Mondays, December 10, and 17 To make your appointment, call (626) 486-9729. The Altadena Main Library is located 600 E. Mariposa Street. Counselors will be in the small meeting room. Walk-ins are allowed but are not guaranteed, appointments depending on schedule and availability. Pet of the Week Chipa (A469091) is a beautiful 7-year-old cat with soft green eyes. She is gentle and eager to meet new people. Chipa will let you know how she is feeling through her purring and appreciates human affection. She enjoys relaxing throughout the day and would be the purrfect pet to cuddle with. Come meet her at the Neely Cat Center at the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA. 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 Tuesday, November 27th 8:29 AM – A vehicle was reported stolen from the 2500 block of N. Lake Avenue. Vehicle described as a white 1999 Ford F250. 9:00 PM – A commercial vandalism occurred in the 700 block of E. Calaveras Street. Damage: shattered windows. Thursday, November 29th 9:58 PM – Byron Hale, 54 years old of Altadena was arrested in the 300 block of E. Poppyfields Drive for being under the influence of a controlled substance. Friday, November 30th 8:30 AM – A residential burglary occurred in the 400 block of W. Poppyfields Drive. Suspects entered the residence via unknown means. Stolen: blue leather purse, black multi colored wallet, credit cards, and currency. Saturday, December 1st 11:00 AM – A grand theft of landscaping equipment occurred in the 2600 block of Vischer Place. Stolen: orange Echo leaf blower and orange Stihl hedge trimmer. 11:28 AM – A petty theft occurred in the 2300 block of N. Altadena Drive. Stolen: red air compressor, gray nail gun, and an orange cordless drill. 3:55 PM – A domestic violence incident occurred in the 1700 block of Sinaloa Avenue. Suspect was taken into custody. The 30th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration Join The Pasadena Library for Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community & Culture. Enjoy music, stories and tasty dishes prepared by members of the Pasadena Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Thursday, Dec. 27 • 11 a.m.-1 p.m. • La Pintoresca Branch located 1355 N Raymond Ave, Pasadena. 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||