Mountain Views News, Sierra Madre Edition [Pasadena] Saturday, February 25, 2017

5


Mountain View News Saturday, February 25, 2017 


Council 
to Discuss 
Bike Share 
Stations

NASA Telescope Reveals 
Earth-Size, Habitable Planets

 
The city council is set to enter 
into a contract Monday night 
with Metro for the Countywide 
Bike Share program to install 
34 bike stations throughout 
the city. 

 The locations include 
Huntington Hospital, 
Pasadena Central Library, 
Rose Bowl, Caltech, and many 
other surrounding streets 
including Lake Ave, Raymond 
Ave, Allen Ave, Hill Ave. and 
Green Street among others. 
Absent from the list are streets 
to the extreme north and south 
of the city, such as Washington 
Blvd. or Glenarm Street. There 
are also no stations proposed 
east of Allen Ave.

 Staff said the locations were 
picked by factors such as 
housing density, population 
density, employment density, 
intersection density, zero car 
households, transit frequency 
and transit ridership. 

 According to a city staff report 
other factors included “an 
evaluation of potential revenue 
from each bike share station 
location and potential effect on 
operational rebalancing efforts 
that move bikes around to 
match demand and to ensure 
that the appropriate number 
of bikes and open docks are 
available at all stations.” 

 There was also an internet-
based crowdsourcing map 
to directly collect suggested 
locations and to chart likes and 
dislikes. Crowdsourcing areas 
of high marks included the 
Civic Center, Old Pasadena, 
Playhouse District, South 
Lake areas around Caltech and 
Pasadena City College.

 The bikes will available 
for 30-minute rides and 
fees depend on single rides, 
monthly or annual flex passes. 

 A TAP card and credit card 
are both needed to rent the 
bikes. More info at bikeshare.
metro.net. The city council 
meets Monday night at 6:30 
p.m. at City Hall 100 North 
Garfield Avenue, Room S249.

 

 NASA officials announced 
Wednesday that the Spitzer 
Space Telescope, managed by 
the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 
has revealed the first known 
system of seven Earth-size 
planets around a single star. 
Three of these planets are firmly 
located in the habitable zone, 
the area around the parent star 
where a rocky planet is most 
likely to have liquid water, they 
said.

 “This is the most exciting 
result I have seen in the 14 
years of Spitzer operations,” 
said Sean Carey, manager of 
NASA’s Spitzer Science Center 
at Caltech/IPAC in Pasadena, 
California. “Spitzer will follow 
up in the fall to further refine 
our understanding of these 
planets so that the James Webb 
Space Telescope can follow 
up. More observations of the 
system are sure to reveal more 
secrets.”

 According to the 
announcement, the discovery 
sets a new record for greatest 
number of habitable-zone 
planets found around a single 
star outside our solar system. 
All of these seven planets could 
have liquid water -- key to life 
as we know it -- under the right 
atmospheric conditions, but the 
chances are highest with the 
three in the habitable zone.

 At about 40 light-years (235 
trillion miles) from Earth, the 
system of planets is relatively 
close to us, in the constellation 
Aquarius. Because they 
are located outside of our 
solar system, these planets 
are scientifically known as 
exoplanets.

 The new results were 
published Wednesday in the 
journal Nature, and announced 
at a news briefing at NASA 
Headquarters in Washington.

 Using Spitzer data, the team 
precisely measured the sizes of 
the seven planets and developed 
first estimates of the masses 
of six of them, allowing their 
density to be estimated.

 Following up on the Spitzer 
discovery, NASA’s Hubble 
Space Telescope has initiated 
the screening of four of the 
planets, including the three 
inside the habitable zone. These 
observations aim at assessing 
the presence of puffy, hydrogen-
dominated atmospheres, typical 
for gaseous worlds like Neptune, 
around these planets.

 NASA’s Jet Propulsion 
Laboratory in Pasadena, 
California, manages the 
Spitzer Space Telescope 
mission for NASA’s Science 
Mission Directorate. Science 
operations are conducted at 
the Spitzer Science Center, at 
Caltech, Pasadena, California. 
Spacecraft operations are based 
at Lockheed Martin Space 
Systems Company, Littleton, 
Colorado.

 For more information about 
Spitzer, visit: nasa.gov/spitzer.

Glenarm Repowering Project Goes Online

By Dean Lee

 Pasadena Water and Power and 
city officials held a ceremony 
Friday morning in recognition 
of completion of the Glenarm 
Repowering Project, a $136 
million extensive power plant 
upgrade that included the 
replacement of a 51-year old 
system. 

 “Many of the benefits of this 
project are environmental, 
meeting and is some cases 
exceeding the required 
emission standards and other 
environmental benchmarks, 
has not been easy… said 
councilmember and chair of the 
Municipal Services Committee, 
Margaret McAustin. “Pasadena 
can claim a new local natural gas 
fueled combined cycle electric 
generating unit with state of the 
art pollution controls.” 

 McAustin also said that 20 
percent of those hired by the 
contractors to build the unit 
were local. 

 PWP staff said the benefits 
include, Pasadena’s ability to 
generate power locally helps 
to reduce the city’s exposure 
to region-wide outages and 
limitations with imported 
power supply. GT-5 provides 
a stable source of back-up 
power that allows PWP to 
integrate more renewable – but 
intermittent – energy such as 
solar and wind. And that, GT-5 
offers quick-start capability 
and can generate power within 
minutes as opposed to the 72-
hour start up time needed for 
the old generator.

 “This maybe the very last fusel 
fueled investment that Pasadena 
will make,” said Mayor Terry 
Tornek in regard to the city’s 
plan of 50 percent use of green 
energy by 2035. “And I think 
that highlights that technology 
is moving so fast and on so 
many fronts, that the other side 
[of the facility] maybe all battery 
storage and a solar farm.” 

 Tornek also said there would 
be a very small impact on the 
rate payer’s bill, “The bond for 
this facility was backed into the 
rate structure sometime ago.” 
He said. “The real impact on the 
rate payer here is that if we get 
into a summer time peak-load, 
semi emergency, they push the 
button and in 10 minutes this 
thing come on line and can 
provide the extra power.”

 McAustin said the plant is a 
landmark in Pasadena, “it is a 
primary entry point to Pasadena 
that is impossible to miss … and 
through the one percent for the 
arts program, we will have the 
opportunity to see this power 
plant be home to an iconic art 
installation.”

Tree Care 
after Recent 
Storms

 Pasadena residents are 
reminded that they should 
use only licensed contractors 
and certified arborists when 
facing the challenge of a 
fallen or severely leaning tree. 
Residents also are reminded 
to report any storm damage 
that they have experienced to 
the County of Los Angeles.

 During the recent series 
of storms, the City received 
reports of 21 trees that fell 
throughout Pasadena. Of 
those, 10 were City-owned 
trees from Pasadena’s Urban 
Forest inventory of more 
than 60,000 trees. The rest 
were privately owned trees on 
private property.

 City trees are generally 
located in the center medians 
or in the parkway strip areas 
along streets in the space 
between the sidewalk and the 
roadway. When in doubt, call 
the Pasadena Citizen Service 
Center at (626) 744-7311.

 City officials urge the public 
to only use a currently licensed 
and insured contractor for 
any work at their property, 
including the emergency 
removal of a downed tree. 

 The City recommends using 
a certified arborist to help 
determine the health and 
status of your trees. The cycle 
of drought and now abundant 
rain can put stress on trees that 
may otherwise look healthy. 

 If a privately owned tree has 
fallen on private property, 
the owner is responsible for 
its removal. No tree removal 
permit is required from the 
city if the tree has already 
fallen. If the fallen tree is a life-
threatening emergency, or has 
damaged structures and/or 
utilities, call 9-1-1. Otherwise 
please notify the City via the 
Citizen Service Center of your 
non-emergency tree situation.

 Got storm damage? Make 
sure Los Angeles County 
officials know! To complete 
a damage assessment survey 
go to www.211LA.org and 
click on the link for Damage 
Assessment Survey. At this 
website, residents can also 
find up-to-date weather info, 
road closures and emergency 
preparedness tips.

 A Noise Within Theatre, in 
collaboration David Miraglia 
and Chuck Dalaklis, 
announces an evening of 
song and merriment entitled 
“The Yale Whiffenpoofs in 
Concert.” The internationally 
respected a cappella group 
performs live on Monday, 
March 13, 2017 at 7:30 pm, 
singing Barber Shop to The 
Beatles, and even songs The 
Muppets made famous. See 
them in Pasadena before the 
group departs for a world 
tour in May.

 The Yale Whiffenpoofs is a 
collegiate a cappella singing 
group comprised of 14 male 
seniors from the esteemed 
university in Connecticut. 
Established at Yale in 1909, it 
is the first and oldest of such 
groups in the United States. 
The line-up changes each 
year, and they are renowned 
for having had Cole Porter as 
a former member.

 One of the top a cappella 
choirs in the world, 
the Whiffenpoofs have 
performed at prestigious 
venues such as The White 
House, Lincoln Center, 
Carnegie Hall, and the Rose 
Bowl; they have appeared 
nationally on Saturday Night 
Live and 60 Minutes. More 
info at whiffenpoofs.com

 The performance takes 
place A Noise Within, Main 
Entrance and Box Office are 
located at 3352 E Foothill 
Blvd (at Sierra Madre Villa). 

 tickets can be purchased 
online at anoisewithin.org/
poofs or by calling (626) 
356-3100.

The Yale 
Whiffenpoofs 
in Concert


St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon

 May the luck of the Irish be 
with you at the St. Patrick’s 
Day lunch and dance Sunday, 
March 12, from 1 to 3 p.m. at 
the Pasadena Senior Center, 
85 E. Holly St.

 Sure and begorrah, the Scott 
Pavilion will come alive with 
shamrocks, leprechauns and 
pots of gold as the National 
Charity League San Marino 
Chapter hosts homemade 
treats and sandwiches 
prepared by member 
mothers and their daughters.

 The Great American Swing 
Band will perform musical 
favorites for listening 
pleasure and dancing. 

 The cost is only $10 for 
members and $12 for non-
members of the Pasadena 
Senior Center. Reservations 
may be made at the Welcome 
Desk or by calling 626-795-
4331.

A One-Night-Only 
concert at A Noise 
Within

Pet of the 
Week


Free Events Roundup at the 
Pasadena Senior Center

 Coco (A299506) is a 
10-year-old, spayed female, 
white and tan Chihuahua 
mix. This sweet gal is an 
energetic senior who loves 
to go on walks with her 
former housemate Limbo 
(A275778), a 14-year-old 
dachshund. She’s friendly 
with all people and has 
been known to sneak in a 
face kiss or two with our 
volunteers. Coco is looking 
for a new home. Could it be 
yours? 

 Coco qualifies for our 
Seniors for Seniors program, 
so her adoption fee is just 
$20 for adopters age 60 and 
up. The standard adoption 
fee for dogs is $125, which 
includes the spay or neuter 
surgery, microchip, and 
vaccinations.

 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.

 Call the Pasadena Humane 
Society & SPCA at (626) 
792-7151 to ask about 
A299506, or visit at 361 S. 
Raymond Ave. in Pasadena. 
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. 
Directions and photos of 
all pets can be found at 
pasadenahumane.org.

 There is something for 
everyone in February at the 
Pasadena Senior Center, 85 E. 
Holly St. You do not have to be a 
member to attend. Some events 
require advance reservations. 

 LA Opera Talk: “Salome” 
– Monday, Feb. 27, at 1 p.m. An 
LA Opera community educator 
will lead guests through the 
opera “Salome,” a Biblical tale of 
lust and betrayal set in ancient 
Judea. “Salome” is based on 
Oscar Wilde’s scandalous play 
with revolutionary music 
composed by Richard Strauss.

Tax Time – Wednesdays and 
Fridays through April 14, from 
9 to 10:30 a.m. Representatives 
from the AARP Foundation’s 
Tax-Aide program will assist 
low- to middle-income seniors 
ages 50 and older in preparing 
their federal income tax returns. 
Appointments are required: 
626-795-4331. Please note there 
is no age limit for this service.

 Citizenship Classes – 
Wednesdays through May 17, 
from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Make your 
dreams come true by attending 
these sessions to become a U.S. 
citizen! The first classes cover 
some of the American history 
and U.S. government questions 
on the citizenship exam along 
with discussions about the 
rights and responsibilities of 
citizenship. The four remaining 
classes cover more questions on 
the exam as well as strategies 
for completing the application 
for citizenship and having a 
successful interview.

 Five Wishes/Advance 
Directives – Thursday, March 
2, at 10 a.m. Do you know what 
kind of care you want if you 
become seriously ill? By filling 
out a simple form, you can tell 
your family and friends about 
your healthcare wishes ahead 
of time and spare them the 
uncertainty and confusion that 
can be associated with trying 
to make decisions without 
such a directive. Learn how a 
healthcare power of attorney is 
used in California and how to 
communicate your wishes using 
a concise yet comprehensive 
document. This class will 
highlight Five Wishes, the 
advance directive used by most 
physicians and health plans. 
Attendees will receive forms 
at no cost. Presented by Vitas 
Innovative Hospice Care.

Friday Movie Matinees 
– Fridays, March 3, 10 and 
17, at 1 p.m. Everyone enjoys 
movies and the pleasures 
they bring. March 3: “The 
Accountant” (2016, R) starring 
Ben Affleck and Anna 
Kendrick. A mathematics 
savant with more affinity for 
numbers than people works as 
a freelance accountant for some 
of the world’s most dangerous 
criminal organizations, then 
takes on a legitimate client – the 
U.S. government – to provide 
cover for his illegal actions. 

Writing Club – Fridays, 
March 3 and 17, at 11 a.m. and 
1 p.m. If you’ve ever considered 
writing a memoir, poetry, short 
stories or a novel, you’ll find 
support and peer feedback in 
this club. There are two groups 
– one meets at 11 a.m. and the 
other at 1 p.m. Choose the time 
that is most convenient for you. 
If you’re not sure whether you 
want to join, you’re welcome 
to come see one of the groups 
in action. Call Esther Gillies 
at 323-312-9901 for more 
information or to arrange for a 
visit.

The Pasadena Senior Center 
is an independent, nonprofit 
organization for people ages 50 
and older.

ALTADENA POLICE BLOTTER

Sunday, February 12th

3:00 AM – A petty theft 
occurred in the 1800 block 
of N. Lake Avenue. Suspect 
described as a male, 20-25 
years old, 6 feet, black hair 
and brown eyes. Stolen: 
Gatorade and snacks.

Monday, February 13th

1:50 PM – A grand theft 
occurred in the 2200 block 
of Garfias Street. Stolen: 
Echo leaf blower, Steihl tree 
trimmer, Honda lawn mower 
and TMC weed trimmer. 

8:50 PM – A vehicle was 
reported stolen from the 
area of Mendocino Street 
and Olive Avenue. Vehicle 
described as a burgundy 
2014 Dodge Ram.

Tuesday, February 14th

No significant incidents.

Wednesday, February 15th

6:00 PM – Loren Leonards, 
18 years old of Altadena was 
arrested in the 2400 block of 
Lake Avenue for battery.

10:30 PM – James Avila, 19 
years old of Pasadena was 
arrested in the 2000 block of 
Layton Street for battery.

Thursday, February 16th

4:50 PM – A package theft 
occurred in the 2900 block 
of Maiden Lane. Stolen: 
package containing clothing. 

5:00 PM – John McKinney, 
52 years old of Altadena was 
arrested in the 800 block 
of E. Mendocino Street for 
battery.

Friday, February 17th

5:00 PM – A vehicle burglary 
occurred in the 2700 block of 
N. Lake Avenue. Suspect(s) 
entered the vehicle by 
tampering the window. 
Stolen: unknown items.

6:35 PM – An attempt 
burglary occurred in the 1200 
block of E. Woodbury Road. 
Suspect attempted to enter 
the residence by removing 
the window screen.

Saturday, February 18th

4:11 PM – An indecent 
exposure incident occurred 
in the area of Woodbury 
Road and El Sereno Avenue. 
Suspect described as a male 
driving a silver older model 
sedan.

After School 
Program at 
Farnsworth Park

 Los Angeles County Parks 
is hosting an afterschool 
program every weekday 
from 2:00 pm to 6:00pm. 
All participants are 
supervised by park staff, 
and the program includes 
dedicated homework time 
and a healthy snack is also 
provided. Activities will 
include, arts crafts, games, 
outdoor activities, cooking 
classes, educational science 
projects and field trips. 
Everything is included for 
a cost of only $20 dollars 
per week for supervised 
activities, 4 hours per day 
from 2:00pm – 6:00pm. 

 The students will meet at 
the lower Davis building 
at Farnsworth Park, 568 E. 
Mt. Curve Ave., Altadena 
CA 91001. For additional 
information call (626) 798-
6335.

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