Twenty-One days and counting before the kick-off of Altadena's "Olde Fashion Parade and Festival." The event, which is in its 37th year(!!), will be held on Saturday, October 30th. It not only gives our community an annual opportunity to come together for an enjoyable day in the sun/in the foothills, but also to enjoy the sound of marching bands, decorated vehicles, equestrians, parade entries, and good food. This year's event will be no exception. In fact, it should prove to be exceptional. With a theme that highlights "The Magic of the Arts", it promises to provide an enjoyable opportunity to experience just how important the arts are to our community's quality of life and to the education of our children and youth. This year, The Altadena Arts Council will inaugurate "ArtBreak," a day-long series of workshops; demonstrations; exhibits; performances; photo contests; "ArtSpell;" Trader Joe's Stores "Pumpkin Art Painting;" clowns; face-painting; mask-making; a special appearance by the rock and roll recording artists; "50 Cent Haircut;" the new Pasadena Unified School District All-Star Marching Band(!); cotton candy; popcorn; hotdogs; and a whole range of events to celebrate and promote the importance and power of the arts. There may also be a surprise appearance by several other well-known guests to add to the day's enjoyment. The Arts Council is seeking volunteers, student-artists interested in participating in ArtBreak and ArtBreak sponsors. There is still time to participate as a vendor. Information can be obtained by calling the Arts Council at 626-398-4178/e-mail: altadenartscouncil@sbcglobal.net or the Chamber at 626-794-3988

There is still time to sign on for the Chamber's annual golf tournament which is scheduled for Friday, October 15th, at the Altadena Golf Course. Registration will begin at 1:30 am. Here's an opportunity to take a swing at the game and follow that up later with a fantastic dinner and good fellowship. Just in case you can't do dinner, call the Chamber and sign on for other ways to make a contribution to our scholarship fund.

On November 2nd, Altadenans will be voting on Proposition B, to continue the eleven-year per parcell assessment that brings the Altadena Libraries one-third of their budget. Without the parcel assessment, which appears on our property tax bills, the libraries will face drastic cuts in operaating hours, book purchases, maintenance and services. The annual assessment will be $40.63 per parcel (up $0.84 from the current level of $39.79), $27.85 per apartment unit, $82.38 per commercial parcel under 10,000 square feet, and $111.39 per commercial over 10,000 square feet. The assessment, which raises about $500,000 anually, is tied to the Los Angeles/Anaheim/Riverside All Urban Consumer Price Index. To find ut more about Proposition B, readers can email AltadenaPAL@yahoo.co.

The Altadena Sheriff's Station is introducing a new anonymous e-mail and telephone "Tip-Line" system. This system is designed to provided concerned citizens of Altadena with the opportunity to anonymously report criminal activity, such as gangs, wanted persons, drug activity, or other important information they believe should be brought to the attention of law enforcement. The e-mail and telephone "Tip-Lines" will be accessed daily by Sheriff's staff. Information will be relayed to the appropriate specialized units, such as the Gang Unit, Narcotics, Detectives, or Patrol, for follow-up. This new system is not intended to replace the Emeregency 911 System or direct calls to the Sheriff's Station that require immediate response by Deputies. Citizens wishing to provide information contact the Tip-Line at 626-296-2110 or by e-mail: altadenacrimetips@lasd.org or altadenasheriffs@lasd.org.