Is it possible to port your phone line from a land line to Google voice? Apparently yes, but it requires some work, and you have to check to make sure that your area code is supported. First you have to move the landline service to a mobile service. In my case I chose TING, which offers a SIM card for $5 + $4 shipping. I am waiting to receive the SIM to proceed with porting my landline. Many landline customers have cancelled their service, but still the cost for a landline from Spectrum is $9.99 but can be higher depending on the level of service. Having a landline with Spectrum really offers no benefits.

If you live in Pasadena and are having issues with Spectrum you can contact: Franchise Administrator – City of Pasadena 150 S Los Robles, Suite101 Pasadena CA 91102 Phone: (626) 794-8585

The telcom companies of today are known for their questionable practices in billing and acquiring and retaining customers, and for years there have been those questioning the tactics used to deliver and shape speed of broadband to customers. In particular seeing as companies run speed tests on their own speed test sites, and use that to tout their speeds. Not disclosing that those controlled tests are far from the reality of what customers experience. On top of all this the FCC yearly review and release of scores on providers, comes under scrutiny as well as those results are again influenced as the companies know who and where the locations of where the tests are performed. How is that a “real” test? That then the telcom companies use to tout the speed of their service.

Spectrum and AT&T are notorious for questionable practices as per an article in the Wall Street Journal just published.

To top this the proof that many providers limit speeds to Netflix, and perhaps other services is controversial. What is the level of guaranteed service these companies must offer. Is this why the entry of SpaceX and others into the broadband market will increase competition and improve performance for customers? We hope so. Run your speed tests and call your carrier and make sure you are getting the speeds you are paying for. I know I had Spectrum supposedly upgrade my service and charge me only to find out my service was never upgraded and the rep actually admitted to be this. Which I think asked what my recourse was. Basically there was no recourse. Billing dept was closed. And nobody can help. This is the environment that Spectrum, AT&T and others want to promote, basically giving their customers no options and trapping them into their service, so they can increase prices and their profits and customers have nowhere else to go. But there is a breaking point for customers and other companies will come into the market and offer better service for a lower price.

Tesla has new operational chargers in Pasadena, in the Paseo parking lot across from the BJ’s and Equinox, top level parking structure. There are what appears to be 24 Tesla changers and at least 20 of the non-Tesla Level 3 chargers. There will be 44 chargers total when the Pasadena Fast Chargers become operational. A ribbon cutting is anticipated sometime in February 2020. There are other large charger facilities around but 44 in one location is certainly a large installation. If you have been to Caltech you have seen the installation of chargers there with a variety of different chargers.

The City of Pasadena labeled chargers are pay to use, we are not certain of the rates to use, and the only other Level 3 DC fast charger we know about is located at the Del Mar parking structure operated by Greenlots. For these it appears that Titanium has been working with with ChargePoint on the network.

The biggest challenge here is knowing what the charge is to charge and driving up to the top floor. And parking rates, perhaps this lot with 90 minutes free with validation, or 30 minutes free without, it wasn’t even clear to the people using the Tesla chargers this past weekend, but it appeared that all the Tesla chargers are in full operation and this location is not even showing on the Tesla app. Once that happens we expect usage to go way up, perhaps Tesla will increase the number of chargers as there is room, and perhaps solar panels will be installed to help with energy production.

There is a handicap parking spot for EV, which makes sense as the portion of chargers is important to have a spot for handicapped parking.

According to reports Tesla covered the infrastructure cost for installing the 20 city owned chargers, estimated at $140,000..

There are a few level 2 chargers located on the bottom floor.

Margie Otto, spokesperson for Pasadena Water and Power

Vroman’s Bookstore Wine Bar named 1894 is slated to open soon, the window sticker shows as November 2019.  Located at 695 East Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA  (626) 449-5320

This is the website link for the wine bar.

Transformations in Animation: 11th Creative Talent Network animation eXpo Returns to Burbank

Post Date: 11/20/2019 11:40 AM

Burbank, CA (November 20, 2019) – International animation sensation CTN animation eXpo will be taking over the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Hotel and Convention Center with 400+ top creators on the exhibition floor along with 10,000 fans and attendees from the world-wide animation industry, Thursday, November 21 through Sunday, November 24. Tickets start at $40 and are available at www.ctnanimationexpo.com.

For the 11th year, the CTN animation eXpo will turn the spotlight on production artists and creative visionaries in the animation, visual effects, and video game communities. The 2019 theme is “Transformations,” shedding a light on growth in both the hard and soft skills of being an artist in the animation industry, providing rocket fuel to creators establishing their talent and position in the industry. Animators consistently empower the content that brings films, CGI, special effects, and virtual reality to life across a wide spectrum of entertainment, signaling the importance of the CTN eXpo to filmmaking.

Special appearances at this year’s CTN animation eXpo include:

• Adonna Khare, an American master carbon-pencil storytelling artist. Her work has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, The Huffington Post, Juxtapoz Magazine, Hi-Fructose, Mashable, and more.

• Award-winning fantasy illustrator and educator Ed Binkley, who has crafted a masterful style of illustration that is finely detailed and signature to him.

• Acclaimed and highly sought-after fashion illustrator Jacqueline Bissett. Her clients include such fashion giants as Louis Vuitton, Giorgio Armani, Yves Saint Laurent, Cartier, Ralph Lauren, Vogue, Disney, and more.

• Paul Heaston, an obsessive sketchbook-keeper who has spent his life mastering the concept of drawing normal everyday things and turning them into visual symphonies of sketch art.

• Sergio Pablos, one of the most successful animators transformed to writer, director, and studio owner working today.

Additional appearances include animators Will Weston, Ross Tran, Jake Parker, Charles Hu, Mac Smith, Glen Keane, Kris Pearn, Max Ulichney, Don Hahn, and Peter Schneider.

Sneak Peek Screenings include: 

• Sneak screening of the most-awaited Disney sequel, Frozen II.

• A preview of Netflix’s exciting slate of 2020 films with special guests and never-before-seen footage of projects including Kris Pearn’s The Willoughbys and Glen Keane’s Over the Moon.

• Late night screening of I Lost My Body with director Q&A.

• A premiere screening of Klaus, written and directed by Sergio Pablos in his directorial debut, and distributed by Netflix as its first original animated feature.

• Premiere of Walt Disney Animation’s Short Circuit, an experimental short film due for release in 2020.

• Additional screenings include Waking Sleeping Beauty and Who Framed Roger Rabbit. 

Long-format Master Classes include Michal Makarewicz for animation; Oliver Thomas, Jerrica Cleland and Dave Zaboski for story; and Goro Fujita for VR.

Attendees are encouraged to make a connection with talent on their own or through CTN’s Information Scavenger Hunt and Design This challenge, where participants are encouraged to bring a sketchbook, and connect with as many of the headliners in the Featured Artist Live Studio as possible.

Ford Motor Company with the announcement of the Mach-E is attempting to change the game. Funny thing is that they are trying to copy Tesla in many aspects. Tesla is the leader and all the big auto companies are playing catch up, The big auto companies have the distribution and manufacturing capacity to crank out the volume. Tesla is far behind in the ability to meet demand. Ford has a name and it will be interesting to see how the public reacts and if it accepts the Mustang brand as an EV. 300 mile range is certainly increasing the game and others will soon follow. Expect to see 300+ as a standard range in the next year. Nissan Leaf will be left in the dust.

All new Mach E was announced on November 17, 2019 in Los Angeles.

Jim Hackett CEO of Ford. Fast 4G modems. When will test drives be offered? When will we be able to test drive? Made in Mexico.

JOB FAIR

We are excited to be bringing Big Chicken to The Americana at Brand in Glendale, California! Before we can open the doors to California’s first Big Chicken, we need to find the hardest working and most talented people to join our team! Please join us November 19 – 22 at our Job Fair where we will be hiring for Cashiers, Cooks, and Supervisors.

LOCATION

Community Room inside The Grand Lobby
(between Apple and H&M)
The Americana at Brand
889 Americana Way
Glendade, CA 91210

DATE/TIME

Tuesday, November 19, 2019 · 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Wednesday, November 20, 2019 · 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Thursday, November 21, 2019 · 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Friday, November 22, 2019 · 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM

ARRIVAL

Please check-in at the Concierge Desk upon arrival. You will then be directed to the Community Room where interviews will be held. Interested candidates should bring their resume, work cards, be prepared to complete an application and possible interview on-site.

Verizon is offering new and existing customers of certain plans a free 12 mo subscription to Disney+, this move should prove to move Verizon and Disney into a partnership of content and bandwidth providers. You can sign-up here, the rate of 12 mo is $6.99 per month. Disney advertises the service as

The best stories in the world, all in one place.

Only Disney+ gives you endless access to your favorite movies and series from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and more.With Disney+, you get:

• Classic films, the latest movies, and your favorite TV shows.
• Exclusive new Originals from master storytellers at Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic.
• Unlimited downloads on up to 10 devices- take Disney+ with you.
• Streaming on up to 4 devices simultaneously.
• Select titles in stunning 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos Sound.

Being a long time Charter Spectrum customer I have experienced all the bait and switch tactics used by these companies all in an effort to raise their revenue per subscriber. There is much debate as to the harm long term they are doing to the “relationship” many believe they have with their customers. One thing for sure, is that Spectrum is one of the worse companies at “bill creep”, they tout no “monthly contract” but that means basically they can raise their rates as the please, although they claim to lock rates, but according to an online chat yesterday their “policy” is that there is real “lock” , which is really deceptive.

The customer service representatives must really take a lashing from irate customers with the way Spectrum handles business, why doesn’t Spectrum honor current promotions for existing customers? It is all about the margin and bottom line. These companies don’t care about long term. It is really unfortunate but you see it time and time again. My bill went from $49.99 to $79.99 within 6 months, that is for basic internet and phone. There are customers who are paying double to triple that when you factor in video service.

Spectrum has a customer retention department, which is basically the cancellation department, the chat function online is not very effective.

I was able to chat with a representative who basically knocked $10 off my monthly bill, but get this. Since you pay in advance with Spectrum, if you adjust services, they do not prorate your service adjustment! That is their policy. Really! So if you pay for a full tank of gas at the gas station and only fill up half way, you don’t get your money back with Spectrum, imagine how many gas stations would disappear if they did that to customers.

Spectrum has a lot to learn, spending millions on advertising and churning customers, is a long term disaster waiting to happen. AT&T and even SpaceX with their internet offerings will gradually eat away at Spectrum and with 5G looming, internet will be ubiquitous, and inexpensive, under $50 for 1GB will be standard, this will blow Spectrum out of the water. AT&T is lagging with their fiber services, otherwise Spectrum feels like they have no competition, and that becomes a FCC and government oversight issue. Surely Spectrum is paying millions in lobby PAC donations to protect their interests. But Apple, Amazon, Google can all swing the access game very quickly, just look at what has happened with digital content. Although many traditional media companies are still in business, you now have Netflix, Amazon, Apple, etc all producing content and garnering a respectable market share of subscribers of content, Spectrum is not even a player when it comes to content and they are getting slaughtered with carrier fees and royalties.

Spectrum can turn the tide, but it starts with treating customers with care. And so far that’s not happening. The number of lawsuits will continue to plague Spectrum including class-actions.

Klatch Coffee is scheduled to be opening a location in Pasadena, near San Marino, on San Gabriel and Huntington Drive. Slated for a Spring 2020 opening.

In the same location previously occupied by Starbucks and home to Trader Joe’s. The location at 3007 Huntington Dr, Pasadena, CA 91107

Learn more about Klatch a local roaster to Southern California.

Locations: SAN DIMAS | ONTARIO | RANCHO CUCAMONGA | REDONDO BEACH | FONTANA

With several locations around Los Angeles, sweetgreen is preparing a location in the Pasadena area, specifically in the Playhouse District of Pasadena on Colorado, neighboring Urth Cafe, which will give those who visit Urth Caffe frequently an option. Tender Greens is across the street.

We don’t have an opening date yet, but anticipate the location could open before the end of the year. For info on the location and updates, you can text to (626) 727-9440. The location was previously Angels School Supply. But has been vacant for some time. The architecture should make for a very attractive location for sweetgreen. The location at 600 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91101

Lowe’s opens its first-ever Lowe’s Outlet location in Monrovia.

The 31,000-square-foot store, at 725 W. Huntington Dr., grand opening and ribbon cutting will be held at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22.

Phone: (626) 873-2570 Hours appears to be 8am to 8pm daily.

Save up to 70% on a new refrigerator, stove or microwave, scratched and dented may be your ticket.

Do you have unused or expired prescription medications that needs to be disposed of? If you do, bring them to the police department THIS SATURDAY between 10AM – 2PM to have them disposed of in a safe manner.

Other locations:

San Gabriel Airport Open House and Air Fair October 26 & 27, 2019

9am to 4pm Sat
9am – 3pm Sun
Free Admission

We are having our annual Airfare on Oct. 26th & 27th Saturday, & Sunday 9am-4pm Sat. 9am-3pm. Sun. We will have aircraft and car displays, food and hard goods Venders, Airplane rides, and a kids Carnival. Come and bring your kids in costume and have fun.

San Gabriel Valley Airport Airfare (626)448-6129

Mosquito Forum Flyer

Pasadena Connect Week 2019 is kicking off this year with 30+ events over 7 days.

You can see all the events taking place at various locations and register to attend, most are free to attend. From an Open House at the Pasadena Bio Collaborative to the TechSparks Connect Pitchfest to the closing event Art Center College Car Show.

You can see the schedule of events on the official event website.

ArtNight Pasadena is taking place Oct 11, 2019 from 6-10pm. With 22 venues participating and numerous food trucks, look for a great turnout.

Check out the brochure for ArtNight Oct 2019.

Free shuttles and admission.

This is a must visit:

ArtNight, Friday, October 11 from 6-10pm: “Prosthetic Reality” curated by @thenawlz Over 40 artists from around the world explore the possibilities of Augmented Reality art – that allows digital art to… https://instagram.com/p/B2lO1A7F2jk/

If the Spring event is any indication on turnout expect over 25,000 people to attend.

Read more about ArtNight Pasadena and the participating locations.

Sep28

Tastes & Sounds Fall Crawl on South Lake

12:00pm – 5:00pm — 345 S. Lake Avenue, Pasadena

Launched in 2009 as Taste of South Lake, this free and family friendly outdoor event has evolved into a district-wide celebration making South Lake Avenue one of San Gabriel Valley’s premier culinary destinations. Tastes & Sounds is a district crawl showcasing South Lake Avenue businesses where guests can enjoy live music from internationally known bands, in-store promotions, a vendor village, family friendly activities and more!

TASTES & SOUNDS 2019 IS A SOUTH LAKE AVENUE CELEBRATION PRESENTED BY:

• Logix Federal Credit Union

This FREE outdoor celebration kicks off at The Shops On Lake located at 345 S. Lake Avenue, Pasadena (view map!) and offers:

• COMPLIMENTARY ADMISSION
• AMPLE PARKING (Free and Paid)
• LIVE MUSIC PERFORMANCES
• FAMILY FRIENDLY ACTIVITES
• VENDOR VILLAGE
• FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER and INSTAGRAM!

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CLICK TO VIEW:

• PRINTABLE FLYER
• EVENT MAP AND IN-STORE PROMOTIONS
• MUSIC FLYER
• EVENT FAQ
• If you have a disability and require assistance, please call SLBA at 626-792-1259 at least 5 days prior to the event date. ADA restrooms and parking are available throughout the event. Further information can be viewed at http://www.southlakeavenue.org/events/event-faq/

SPECIAL LIVE MUSIC PERFORMANCES:
The Shops on Lake: 345 S. Lake Avenue (view map!)

• 1:00pm: Sunflower Bean – American rock band acclaimed by NPR and Billboard among others.
• 2:30pm: Ella Vos – One of the most exciting new acts in pop music, garnering over 250 million Spotify plays and acclaimed by Rolling Stone.
• 4:00pm: Ximena Sarinana – Grammy nominated Mexican singer-songwriter known for her Latin pop and alternative fusion.
• KCRW DJ Raul Campos spinning between sets

2019 PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS & BUSINESSES INCLUDE:

• Arnold’s Fine Jewelry
• Corner Bakery Café
• Custom Comfort Mattress
• Del Frisco’s Grille
• Dunkin’
• Du-Par’s Restaurant & Bakery
• Facile Dermatology & Boutique
• Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting
• Granville Restaurant
• Green Street Restaurant
• Kreation Organic
• LA Fitness
• Lemonade Restaurant
• Logix Federal Credit Union
• Macy’s
• Mercado Pasadena
• Nekter Juice Bar
• Nick’s South Lake Avenue
• Nothing Bundt Cakes
• Pokemix by Flour & Tea
• Real Food Daily
• Sanrio Pasadena
• SanSai Japanese Grill
• SoulCycle
• SunLife Organics
• Ten Thousand Villages
• The Vitamin Shoppe
• TravelStore
• Zo Skin Centre Pasadena

VERY SPECIAL THANKS TO 2019 EVENT AND MEDIA SPONSORS:

• Logix Federal Credit Union (2017, 2018 & 2019 Presenting Sponsor)

• Allied Universal
• KCRW
• Pasadena Outlook
• Pasadena Star News
• Pasadena Weekly

ADDTIONAL MEDIA PARTNERS:

• DoLA
• KPCC
• LAist
• Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau

EVENT INFORMATION BOOTH LOCATIONS:

• 140 S. Lake Avenue – View Map
• 251 S. Lake Avenue – View Map
• 345 S. Lake Avenue – View Map

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

• DOWNLOAD EVENT FLYER!
• FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER and INSTAGRAM!
• View pics of Tastes & Sounds 2018!
• www.southlakeavenue.org
• Details subject to change
• Event occurs rain or shine

Add to iCal, Google Calendar, Outlook

Download Event Flyer