US State Department Issues Worldwide Travel Alert on Terrorist Attacks
Going into the busiest travel season of the year, the US State Department has issued a worldwide travel alert after the recent rash of terrorist attacks.
You can read the travel alert here.
This Travel Alert expires on February 24, 2016. Which takes it beyond the upcoming holidays.
The official alert:
The State Department alerts U.S. citizens to possible risks of travel due to increased terrorist threats. Current information suggests that ISIL (aka Da’esh), al-Qa’ida, Boko Haram, and other terrorist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks in multiple regions. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics, using conventional and non-conventional weapons and targeting both official and private interests. This Travel Alert expires on February 24, 2016.
Authorities believe the likelihood of terror attacks will continue as members of ISIL/Da’esh return from Syria and Iraq. Additionally, there is a continuing threat from unaffiliated persons planning attacks inspired by major terrorist organizations but conducted on an individual basis. Extremists have targeted large sporting events, theatres, open markets, and aviation services. In the past year, there have been multiple attacks in France, Nigeria, Denmark, Turkey, and Mali. ISIL/Da’esh has claimed responsibility for the bombing of a Russian airliner in Egypt.
U.S. citizens should exercise vigilance when in public places or using transportation. Be aware of immediate surroundings and avoid large crowds or crowed places. Exercise particular caution during the holiday season and at holiday festivals or events. U.S. citizens should monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities. Persons with specific safety concerns should contact local law enforcement authorities who are responsible for the safety and security of all visitors to their host country. U.S. citizens should:
- Follow the instructions of local authorities. Monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities.
- Be prepared for additional security screening and unexpected disruptions.
- Stay in touch with your family members and ensure they know how to reach you in the event of an emergency.
- Register in our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
Foreign governments have taken action to guard against terrorist attacks, and some have made official declarations regarding heightened threat conditions. Authorities continue to conduct raids and disrupt terror plots. We continue to work closely with our allies on the threat from international terrorism. Information is routinely shared between the United States and our key partners in order to disrupt terrorist plotting, identify and take action against potential operatives, and strengthen our defenses against potential threats.
For further information:
- See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
- Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
Self-Guided Tour Featuring-
- 52 Artists showing
- 30 Studios & Locations
- Live Music & Demos
- Food & Refreshments
See more here
With 30+ studios:
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#1 – Ana Marini Genzon
710 Florecita Terrace
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#2 – LA General Store
295 West Las Flores Drive
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#3 – Beth Spiegel Studio
265 West Las Flores Drive
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#4 – Gothard Art
215 Laurel Drive, Altadena
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#5 – Telling Images Studio
3199 Glenrose Ave, Altadena
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#6 – Zorthian Ranch
3990 North Fair Oaks Ave.
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#7 – HalfCity Productions
333 Marathon Road
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#8 – Yoga for Balance
3034 N. Raymond Ave.
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#9 – ArtCrush Studio
2361 Lincoln Ave, Altadena
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#10 – Perry’s Joint
2051 Lincoln Avenue
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#11 – ARK Gallery & Studios
2599 Fair Oaks Avenue.
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#12 – Hoopla! Emporium
2591 Fair Oaks Avenue.
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#13 – Sidewalk Café
2057 N. Los Robles Ave.
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#14 – Altadena Library
600 E. Mariposa St. Altadena
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#15 – Daarina Abdus Samad
946 Dolores Dr. Altadena
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#16 – Jewelrey by Peter
927 E Poppyfields Drive.
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# 17 – Art Space Gallery
2605 N. Lake Ave. Altadena
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#18 – Merge Framing
928 E. Altadena Dr. Altadena
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#19 – Trudy Joost Studio
2507 N Lake Ave. Altadena
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#20 – McGinty’s Gallery
869 East Mariposa St. Altadena
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#21 – Janell Mithani Studio
2502 Highland Ave. Altadena
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#22 – Apodaca Studio
2711 Tanoble Dr. Altadena
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#23 – Fox & Traveling Gypsy
1183 Garfield Ave.
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#24 – Dave Lovejoy Studio
1000 N. Oakland Ave. Pasadena
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#25 – Feinblatt Studio
1174 N Hudson Ave, Pasadena
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#26 – Saint-Oyant Studio
1170 N Catalina Ave, Pasadena
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#27 – Linley Eathome Studio
868 N Mentor Ave, Pasadena
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#28 – Renée Rusak Strouse
1716 Morada Place. Altadena
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#29 – Chantal Giddens Studio
2174 Midlothian Dr. Altadena
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#30 – Leah Knecht Studio
1208 N. Oxford Ave. Pasadena
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#31 – Christodoulides Studio
1958 Beverly Dr. Pasadena
Sponsors + Partners
Pasadena City Manager Michael Beck Resigns for UCLA Job
Michael Beck has resigned from his position as Pasadena City Manager, Nov, 20, 2015.
Beck’s official last date is Feb 14, 2016.
The discussion of filling the position of City Manager, it is the responsibility of the mayor to select a new City Manager for Pasadena.
Beck leaves the city of Pasadena with a $6.5 million embezzlement, police community relations stressed, crime up, the McDade report, city staffing issues, development/planning controversy, and a variety of other issues, much like Beck did with the City of Riverside. The time for him to leave seemed, right as the embezzlement report was issued the week prior.
Coincidentally with the release of the embezzlement investigation released earlier in the week, Mr. Beck turned in his resignation.
Beck succeeds Jack Powazek, who retired in July after more than 40 years of service to UCLA in various capacities, including as administrative vice chancellor since 2011.
Also, interesting to note that UCLA is an occupant of the Rose Bowl, and has been for many years.
A letter to city employees was sent Friday.
He assumes leadership of the UCLA administrative division on March 1, 2016. The division comprises eight units: campus police, environment health and safety, campus human resources, housing and hospitality services, facilities management, transportation and events, information technology services and the central ticket office. The division is UCLA’s largest, with more than 4,400 employees and a budget of approximately $625 million.
Beck is taking the position of administrative vice chancellor.
Here’s the tweet from UCLA
UCLA hires @PasadenaGov city manager Michael Beck as administrative vice chancellor https://ucla.in/1OjijZn
Best wishes to Beck in his new endeavor.
ANNUAL Green Business Networking HOLIDAY PARTY’s “MakeChange BASH”!!!
Tuesday, December 8th
Networking from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
In Partnership With:
Drinks and Appetizers (organic and mostly vegetarian) provided.
And Samples by:
Tender Greens – fresh, organic, salads
Beanfields Snacks – Certified B Corp – organic, vegan chips
Wildeflowers – Chocolate Super Tonics
Quintessential Wines – Representing Multi-generational, family owned-and-operated wineries
Aguavida – premium water
Kevita – probiotic drinks
Fruigees – Squeezable Fruit & Veggie Snacks
You Are Loved Foods – Amazing Paleo Treats
Music By: Sound System LA
A+D Museum established in response to the need for a space that would be devoted expressly to the exhibition of progressive architecture and design in Los Angeles.
A+D is the only museum in Los Angeles where continuous exhibits of architecture and design are on view. Through exhibits, symposia, multi-disciplinary projects, educational and community programming, A+D serves as a showcase for the work of important regional, national and international designers, providing a forum for contemporary issues in architecture, urbanism, and design that are helping to shape the city.
PARKING and TRANSPORTATION: Street Parking available. 10 minute walk from Gold Line Little Tokyo stop or Union Station. Bus Transit available on Alameda – 1 block away.
The tax-deductible CASH door charge on the day of the event is $15, or only $10 when you contribute in advance by clicking the DONATE button on this page.
The Future of the Inland Empire Economy (#AT30)
December 9, 7pm – Orton Center, University of Redlands
Not long ago, the Inland Empire was one of the regions hardest hit by the recession. Today, its economy is predicted to be one of the fastest-growing in the nation. Will new opportunities be enough to retain a new generation of skilled workers? Can the region become a major competitor? For the final AT30 event, Larry Mantle will lead a discussion on the economic future of the Inland Empire. RSVP now.
Wine Winter Wonderland
dusitD2 Hotel Constance
Friday, December 11, 2015 from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM (PST)
Pasadena, CA
Claud’s at the Constance in the historic Hotel Constance will be the setting for an exclusive social gathering filled with hand-picked wines, and world-class cuisine. Co-hosted by Chef Claud Beltran and Mr. Pasadena, the evening promises to be a night to remember.
Order tickets here
Wine Winter Wonderland Get 20% discount on your tix purchase use discount code “mrpasadena”
OIR Redacted Report – McDade Shooting
The City’s plan to release a redacted version of the Office of Independent Review Group (OIR) report regarding the March 24, 2012 police officer-involved shooting of Kendrec McDade was confirmed by Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge James Chalfant during a hearing on Nov. 17, 2015. During the hearing, Judge Chalfant confirmed the City’s November 2014 redacted version of the OIR Report could be released to the public. A PDF copy of that report is provided here:
Redacted OIR Report November 2014 (23 MB)
There will be additional court proceedings in this matter and it is expected the court will ultimately confirm the City’s plan to release a less-redacted version of the report. The next court hearing is currently scheduled for Dec. 1, 2015. When a less-redacted version of the OIR report is available to release, it will be posted on this page.
South Lake Avenue Annual Holidayfest!
FREE HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES – LIVE MUSIC – HORSE & CARRIAGE RIDES – SANTA – AND MORE!
South Lake Avenue in Pasadena, CA – Saturday, December 5, 2015, 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Pasadena’s South Lake Avenue celebrates the most wonderful time of the year during the annual Holidayfest with special themed happenings and complimentary festive activities Saturday, December 5th at The Shops on Lake Avenue, 345 S. Lake Avenue. Presented by the South Lake Business Association, guests can catch the holiday spirit by taking advantage of in-store specials and promotions at over 50 South Lake Pasadena merchants. Additional seasonal activities include photos with Santa, roaming characters, horse & carriage rides, live musical performances, carolers, holiday crafts, kids activities, a themed scavenger hunt, giveaways and much more!
A highlight of this year’s celebration is special outdoor musical performances from some of Southern California’s most popular acts including indie synth pop group DWNTWN, and the unique bluegrass, blues soul collective The Dustbowl Revival. The free event also includes a performance from famed group Magic Giant, who has been named as artist on the verge by Billboard and featured on NPR’s Songs We Love.
In addition to the exciting live musical performances, attendees are invited to participate in traditional holiday festivities including photos with Santa, horse and carriage rides, carolers and an exciting scavenger hunt with prizes and giveaways.
Throughout the celebration, event goers can enjoy numerous in-store sales and promotions offered at over 50 of South Lake Avenue’s restaurants, eateries and retailers listed below. “Our holiday celebration definitely gets event attendees in the holiday spirit and invites everyone to explore the district while sharing memories with friends and family. Guests can tackle their holiday shopping lists by taking advantage of special in-store promotions offered on the day of the event” – Gina Tleel, Executive Director of the South Lake Business Association.
The South Lake Business Association gives special thanks to Corporate Center Pasadena, The Commons, Pasadena Star News, Pasadena Outlook, Pasadena Weekly and The Shops on Lake Avenue.
Special thanks to businesses offering in-store promotions, festivities and/or prizes: Aaron Brothers, Alexandria II Bookstore, Arnold’s Fine Jewelry, B.Luu, Bravo Spa & Salon, Carnelian Salon, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Coldwell Banker, Contessa Collections, Corner Bakery Café, Craft Fair Gift Shop, Culture Salon, Custom Comfort Mattress, Diamond Vision Optometry, Drapers & Damon’s, DRYBAR, Du-par’s Restaurant & Bakery, 18|8 Fine Men’s Salon, European Wax Center, Fish Dish, Float, Giggle, Green Street Restaurant, Jamba Juice, Keller Williams Realty, LA Fitness, Lemonade, Little Kuts, Magnolia House, Massetti Caffe, MeriEducation, Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio, Monaco Audio Video, Nekter Juice Bar, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Orvis Sporting Traditions, Pasadena Towers, Pet Food Express, Pie ‘n Burger, Pieology Pizzeria, PokeMix by Flour + Tea, Pottery Barn Kids & Teen, Premier Care Dental Group, Real Food Daily, Right Start, Salon Yuriy, Salutations Home, Sanrio, SanSai Japanese Grill, SECO New American, SoulCycle, Souplantation, Starbucks (Lake/California), Talbots, Ten Thousand Villages, The Bee Cottage, The Counter, Tiny Universe, Togo’s Sandwiches, Veggie Grill, Which Wich Superior Sandwiches, Williams-Sonoma, Winchell’s, Woody’s Home, WundaBar Pilates, Yogurtland and Yuan Lyu Boutique.
Date: Saturday, December 5, 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Event Location: 345 S. Lake Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101
Admission: FREE plus FREE parking at the Corporate Center Pasadena parking structure located at 251 S. Lake Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101
For more information visit: www.southlakeavenue.org
Pasadena’s South Lake Avenue kicks off its holiday celebration at 12:00pm on Saturday, December 5th with family friendly activities around the district! Presented by the South Lake Business Association with fun for the whole family! Guests can enjoy:
- Complimentary Parking, Admission & Holiday Activities
- In-Store Specials and Promotions
- Photos with Santa
- Horse and Carriage Rides
- Holiday Characters
- Live Music and Carolers
- A Scavenger Hunt
- Holiday Crafts for the Kids
- Free Parking available at the Corporate Center Pasadena parking structure located at 251 S. Lake Avenue (View Map!)
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CLICK TO VIEW:
- PRINTABLE FLYER
- HOLIDAY PROMOTIONS & IN-STORE FESTIVITIES
- SCAVENGER HUNT GAMESHEET
- LIVE MUSIC LINEUP
SPECIAL LIVE MUSIC PERFORMANCES BY:
- 1:00pm: DWNTWN – Indie Synth Pop Collective
- 2:30pm: THE DUSTBOWL REVIVAL – Bluegrass, Blues, Soul
- 4:00pm: MAGIC GIANT – Featured on Spotify’s New Music Tuesday, Billboard for ‘Artist on the Verge,’ and NPR’s Songs We Love
- Spinning between sets: DJ GRANT OWENS from We Found New Music
FOR MORE DETAILS:
- Please call 626-792-1259
- View pics of South Lake’s 2014 Holiday Celebration!
- Follow South Lake on Facebook , Twitter, and Instagram!
- Details subject to change
A VERY SPECIAL THANKS TO EVENT AND MEDIA SPONSORS:
- Corporate Center Pasadena
- KCRW 89.9
- Logix Federal Credit Union
- The Commons
- Pasadena Star News
- Pasadena Outlook
- Pasadena Weekly
- The Shops on Lake Avenue
INDOOR Winter Wonderland Festival
Michael Luna Productions and Scrumptious Dogs and Kabobs
Sunday, December 6, 2015 from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM (PST)
Skandia Hall
2031 E Villa St
Pasadena, CA 91107
Michael Luna Productions and Scrumptious Dogs & Kabobs presents our Fundraising and Charitable 2014 “Winter Wonderland Festival”. There will be over $2,000 worth of free prizes given out. The event will feature free door prizes every hour, a free fashion show, free concert and free games. The first 50 attendees will receive a free goodie bag valued at over $25. There will be photos with Santa for only $5, over 20 plus vendors with unique gift items including; gift wrapping services, delicious food and drinks, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, face painting, balloon artists, clothing, jewelry, mini spa and massage services, cosmetics and much much more!
Scrumptious Dogs & Kabobs will be holding a hilarious “Hot Dog Eating Contest” in which the prize winner will be receiving a gift basket worth over $150.
Part of the proceeds will be benefiting local schools and churches, and to help feed and clothe the homeless.