Monthly Archives: February 2021
Feb 26 2021
Kenneth Ott Passing February 23, 2021 Rest in Peace

It is with great sadness to report the passing of our good friend Ken Ott.  Below is the obituary to be published in several newspapers. If you knew Ken you knew someone who was certainly intriguing to the end. With his wit and humor and his network of friends and acquaintances. His experiences many only could dream of.  May he rest in peace after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Passing of Kenneth J. Ott February 23, 2021.

Born in Yonkers, New York, to Albina and Charles Ott (and welcomed by older brother Charlie), the family moved to Bloomington Indiana, where his father worked for the Otis Elevator Company and his mother was employed by Indiana University. Lifelong friendships were formed during his University High School years; lifelong activities included travel and many reunions with UHS classmates.

He spent his undergraduate years at Indiana University, studying theater and working as an actor in summer stock at the Brown County Summer Playhouse. By the time he graduated from IU in 1973, he had established his own theatre production company, Midwest Theatre Productions, based in Bloomington.

Ken went on to earn an MFA in Directing and Management from the University of Montana. For his graduate thesis he researched and produced “A Director’s Approach to Selective Naturalism in Tobacco Road.”

At age 27 he moved to Aurora, Illinois, to become the director of information at the Paramount Arts Centre, gaining national press attention for the restored community redevelopment project, attracting new audiences and Chicagoland celebrities to the arts centre, and initiating his long career as an arts advancement professional.

He moved to Anchorage, Alaska in 1978 to become the Manager of the ACC Performing Arts Center. In Alaska he befriended many local luminaries, including noted dogsled musher and explorer Col. Norman Vaughan.

Southern California was his destination in 1980, working in theater and film development, Ken authored a number of screenplays, and served as a Development Officer at the University of Southern California School of Medicine. He joined the Pasadena Playhouse in 1988 as Development Director, supporting productions including Other People’s Money and The Twilight of the Golds, and later joined Loyola University as the Assistant Dean of the law school. Parkinson’s Disease forced his retirement from LLS in 2013.

Ken was known for his intelligence, wit, and his gentle heart (evidenced by his weekend trips to the LLS campus to feed the stray felines), and for his unerring palate when recommending wines from every appellation.

He became an active participant in Rock Steady Boxing in 2016, working out every week with his fellow PD boxers at the Kaizen studio in Monrovia.

He passed peacefully in his Altadena home, lovingly tended by his wife of 31 years, Marilyn Delanoeye, and in the company of his two cats and many friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be directed to The Michael J. Fox Foundation, Parkinson’s Foundation, or Kitten Rescue.

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Feb 25 2021
Altadena Farmers’ Market Order Online

Altadena Farmers’ Market is a great resource for the Altadena, Pasadena, La Canada, Sierra Madre, and surrounding communities.

Order online.

There’s all sorts of great produce and baked goods, artisanal cheese, honey, berries, avocados, and much more.

Order here

 

 

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Feb 25 2021
Bloomberg Crypto Summit 2021
From the site:
Broadcast

Starts 2 min before the session time

10:00 am – Opening Remarks

  • Mike McGlone, Senior Analyst, Commodities and Cryptocurrencies, Bloomberg Intelligence

10:05 am – Taking the Temperature: In Conversation With Glenn Hutchins

We’ll sit down with the Silver Lake co-founder to get his take on the state and future of digital assets, and what he sees around the corner in 2021.

  • Glenn Hutchins, Chairman, North Island and North Island Ventures & Co-Founder, Silver Lake
  • Interviewed by: Erik Schatzker, Editor-at-Large, Bloomberg

10:25 am – The Digital Hedge: Situating Cryptocurrencies in the Macro Environment

Institutional investors have been expected to buy into crypto for years, and it looks like the institutional demand for Bitcoin has finally surged this year amid the coronavirus crisis. What hurdles need to be removed and what infrastructure needs to be put in place for mainstream investors to embrace cryptocurrencies in a significant way? Is crypto its own asset class? Our panel of experts will also assess the geopolitical uncertainty surrounding cryptocurrency adoption, and also discuss what the impact of the Covid-19 crisis is on cryptocurrencies.

  • Michael Sonnenshein, CEO, Grayscale Investments
  • Catherine D. Wood, CEO & Chief Investment Officer, ARK Investment Management LLC
  • Moderated by: Mike McGlone, Senior Analyst, Commodities and Cryptocurrencies, Bloomberg Intelligence

10:55 am – Prime Brokerage and the Rise of Institutional Validation

What is a prime brokerage in the crypto ecosystem and why is it on the rise now?  What services could crypto prime brokerages provide in comparison to the traditional prime brokerage in banking? Will this service attract more institutional investors into crypto, and how could they benefit from Crypto prime brokers?

  • Mike Belshe, Co-Founder & CEO, BitGo
  • Michael Moro, CEO, Genesis
  • Moderated by: Olga Kharif, Reporter, Bloomberg News

11: 25 am – In Conversation with Michael Saylor, Chairman & CEO at MicroStrategy

The head of one of the most important firms in crypto talks with Bloomberg’s Joe Weisenthal about his views on where the market is headed and what investors need to know now.

  • Michael Saylor, Chairman & CEO, MicroStrategy, Inc.
  • Interviewed by:  Joe Weisenthal, Executive Editor, News, Bloomberg Digital, Anchor, Bloomberg Television

11: 45 am – Break

11:55 am – Central Bank Digital Currencies: Futuristic or Real?

Our panel of experts will assess and evaluate global governments’ plans for digitizing their currencies, and how investors view CBDC’s in comparison to bitcoin and stablecoins. Will the Covid-19 pandemic and the world-wide move to a cashless society further accelerate central banks’ efforts in creating CBDCs and moving them towards the mainstream? What benefits could CBDCs bring to the markets from an investors point of view, and are there any technological barriers left to overcome? Could Chinese cryptocurrencies potentially shift the global balance of economic influence challenging America’s historic market dominance and dollar? Will the digital yuan gain worldwide market trust?

  • Cuy Sheffield, Head of Crypto, Visa
  • Sheila Warren, Head of Data, Blockchain, and Digital Assets, and a Member of the Executive Committee, World Economic Forum
  • Moderated by: Vildana Hajric, Reporter, Cross-Asset Team, Bloomberg News

 12:25 pm – Update on the Regulatory Landscape

Cryptocurrencies were invented just over 10 years ago but the legal status of this asset still remains unclear, and varied jurisdictions give cryptocurrencies different definitions. This panel will clarify the current cryptocurrency regulatory framework, and what could the industry expect from the regulators in the nearest future. If Facebook’s proposed Libra project will be launched next year will it pass regulatory scrutiny? What will happen to stablecoins if tougher regulations are imposed on KYC and money laundering? The OCC is giving the green light to banks to custody cryptocurrency but will the financial establishment be tempted to get involved? Will it change the sector?

  • Lewis Cohen, Co-Founder, DLx Law
  • Colleen Sullivan, Co-Founder & CEO, CMT Digital Holdings LLC
  • Peter Van Valkenburgh, Research Director, Coin Center
  • Moderated by: Ben Elliott, Washington Policy and Equity Research Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence

12:55 pm – The Value of Bitcoin         

Fiat currencies’ increased volatility and value decline has fuelled bitcoin’s value this year to record level. This has been driven by investors who are trying to avoid exposure to the current economic environment, central banks‘ stimulus and low interest rates. Is Bitcoin as an asset class is the new gold? This panel will seek to explain who the buyers of Bitcoin’s are this year and how to value such a volatile asset

  • Nic Carter, General Partner, Castle Island Ventures and Co-Founder, Coin Metrics
  • Joey Krug, Co-Chief Investment Officer, Pantera Capital
  • Caitlin Long, Founder & CEO, Avanti Bank & Trust
  • Moderated by: Katherine Greifeld, Markets & ETFs Reporter, Bloomberg News

1:25 pm – Closing Remarks

  • Katherine Greifeld, Markets & ETFs Reporter, Bloomberg News

Click here for real-time transcription of this session. Please excuse any typos. The final transcription will be available in this page after the event concludes.

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Feb 24 2021
Fry’s Electronics Closes All Stores 2/24/21

Fry’s Electronics Closes All Stores 2/24/21

After 36 years and building out to 31 stores, with several locations in California. Including Burbank, CA

 

 

Some info from wifipedia

Customer service: 1 (408) 350-1484

CEO: John Fry (1985–)
Founder: John Fry
Founded: May 17, 1985, Sunnyvale, CA
Headquarters: San Jose, CA
Number of locations: 28 (as of January 2021)
From the posting on the company website:

 

 

After nearly 36 years in business as the one-stop-shop and online resource for high-tech professionals across nine states and 31 stores, Fry’s Electronics, Inc. (“Fry’s” or “Company”), has made the difficult decision to shut down its operations and close its business permanently as a result of changes in the retail industry and the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Company will implement the shut down through an orderly wind down process that it believes will be in the best interests of the Company, its creditors, and other stakeholders.

The Company ceased regular operations and began the wind-down process on February 24, 2021. It is hoped that undertaking the wind-down through this orderly process will reduce costs, avoid additional liabilities, minimize the impact on our customers, vendors, landlords and associates, and maximize the value of the Company’s assets for its creditors and other stakeholders.

The Company is in the process of reaching out to its customers with repairs and consignment vendors to help them understand what this will mean for them and the proposed next steps.

If you have questions, please contact us using the following email addresses:

            • For customers who have equipment currently being repaired, please email customerservice@frys.com, to arrange for return of your equipment.
            • For customers with items needing repair under a Performance Service Contract, please call (800) 811-1745.
            • For consignment vendors needing to pick up their consignment inventory at Fry’s locations, please email omnichannel@frys.com.

Please understand if we are a bit slow to respond given the large volume of questions. The Company appreciates your patience and support through this process.

Sincerely,

Fry’s Electronics

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Feb 16 2021
Pasadena Community Meeting: Villa Parke & Public Safety this Thursday 6:30PM
Villa Parke Virtual Community Meeting
Reunión Comunitaria Virtual para Villa Parke
Thursday, February 18, 2021 at 6:30PM
jueves, 18 de febrero, a las 6:30PM
Traducción en español estará disponible
Phone 669-900-6833
Meeting ID: 854 3360 5215
If you have a question or comment you would like included for the meeting, please send here.
Si tiene alguna pregunta o comentario que le gustaría que se incluye en la reunión, envíe aquí.

Dear Neighbors:

On Sunday afternoon, a young child was shot and critically injured in an unconscionable senseless act of violence in the Villa Parke neighborhood. While our Police Department had increased its presence in and around the Villa Parke neighborhood, yesterday’s incident still occurred. We need your voices front and center in this critical public safety issue.
This pandemic has been difficult for us all, especially so in our more vulnerable communities. We must come together, work the problem, and address the issues that affect our neighborhoods and lead to the increased violence we are experiencing. I ask you to join me, newly appointed District 5 Councilmember Jess Rivas, City Manager Steve Mermell, and Chief John Perez, for a virtual community meeting this Thursday, February 18, at 6:30PM (meeting link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85433605215). We will discuss steps the City is taking to keep our community safe, plans for programming at the Villa Parke Community Center, and an update on access to the COVID-19 vaccine. Most important, we want to hear from you about your concerns and your recommendations for the Villa Parke neighborhood.
Sincerely,
Mayor Victor M. Gordo
Mayor Victor M. Gordo
Pasadena City Hall
100 N. Garfield Ave., Rm. S228
P.O. Box 7115
Pasadena, CA 91109-7115
Vannia De La Cuba
Deputy to the Mayor
Araceli Mellem
Executive Assistant
Jana Stewart
Administrative Analyst
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Feb 16 2021
Pasadena Mayor Gordo’s Virtual State of the City Address – Feb. 24th at 7 pm
Mayor Victor M. Gordo to Host Virtual State of the City Address
PASADENA, Calif.—Mayor Victor M. Gordo will hold his first annual State of the City address virtually this year. The event will air on Wednesday, Feb. 24, at 7 p.m. on KPAS TV. It will also be livestreamed online at pasadenamedia.org/kpas.
The State of the City address will reflect on the challenges the community has faced over the last year, highlight accomplishments included in the City’s 2020 Annual Report, and look ahead to the future of Pasadena. The City’s 2020 Annual Report will be available for review online at www.cityofpasadena.net/city-manager/annual-reports/starting Feb. 24. The address will also include a special video presentation, and Mayor Gordo will respond to questions from community members submitted via video. The City will provide Spanish translation.
During this year’s State of the City, the community is encouraged to support local businesses by ordering takeout or delivery from one of Pasadena’s restaurants. The City of Pasadena, in collaboration with the Pasadena Convention and Visitors Bureau, launched an online directory of restaurants that have remained open during the pandemic. The directory is categorized for easy access and ordering. View the directory at visitpasadena.com/covid-19-resources/pasadenabusinesses.
“These have been trying times for all of us. To help support our local restaurants, I am inviting you to order takeout and join me from the comfort of your home as I deliver my first State of the City address directly from my home. Thank you for the honor and privilege of serving as your mayor,” said Mayor Gordo.
Stay connected to the City of Pasadena! Visit us online at www.cityofpasadena.net; follow us on Twitter at @PasadenaGov, and Instagram and Facebook at @CityOfPasadena; or call the Citizen Service Center, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at (626) 744-7311.
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Feb 16 2021
Mario Ramirez – Pasadena 10 year old Shot on Valentines Day 2021 Gang Involved Shootings – GoFundMe Campaign

Mario Ramirez – Pasadena 10 year old Shot on Valentines Day 2021 Gang Involved Shootings – GoFundMe Campaign

Donate here – approaching $20k raised for the boy, who was in front of his yard and is no fighting for his life to survive multiple shots.
Apparently the gang related war is between the Crips and Villa Boys, a long standing rivalry.
Streetgangs.com has details on Villa Boys
Raymond Ave Crips info

On Valentine’s Day, 10-year-old Mario Ramirez was caught in a crossfire while playing in front of his home. Mario sustained life threatening injuries during this senseless act of violence and is currently fighting to recover. Family and friends continue to pray for Mario every day, he is currently in stable condition. Upon full recovery, Doctors advise that Mario will require extensive physical therapy among other things to aid in his recovery process. Any donation is greatly appreciated.

Mario is a loving 10-year-old who is in 5th grade at a local Catholic school. Mario enjoys playing basketball and is a huge fan of the Los Angeles Lakers. When Mario isn’t busy shooting hoops, he enjoys playing video games online with his friends and spending time with loved ones. Family and friends kindly ask you to donate any financial capabilities to this fund. These proceeds will benefit Mario’s future recovery process. Please keep this family in your prayers and know the people affected by this are closer to God than ever before.

10-Year-Old Pasadena Boy Shot, Critically Wounded While Playing In Yard

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Feb 4 2021
Chick-fil-A Second Location in Pasadena, CA @ChickfilA

Chick-fil-A is moving forward with a second location in Pasadena, CA.

790 N Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91104
Lake and Boylston

This is located near a Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles and a KFC.   The location was most recently a Carl’s Jr.

Chick-fil-A has been a proud community partner with Pasadena for over five years, serving residents and guests at their restaurant on East Colorado Boulevard near Pasadena City College.

The presentation of the proposed location was made to the City of Pasadena, and approved.  A link here with the meeting agenda and presentation by officials.

There are certainly going to be some challenges and those who approved this are aware of the drive-thru congestion caused by the Starbucks across the street.   The same will occur with this location as has been seen at the other. Careful consideration should be given as the amount of traffic and patterns should be carefully evaluated.

 

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Feb 4 2021
Amazon Fresh Store Coming to Pasadena, CA? #amazonfresh @amazonfresh @BergmanKPRS #mckentlymalak

With rumors of an Amazon Fresh store opening in Pasadena, CA we thought it might be good to get to know a little more about this store.

The previously occupied OSH location was vacated by Lowe’s which is the parent company of OSH. Orchard Supply Hardware,

The architect:

Mckently Malak Architects

* FULL-SERVICE ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICE
* SPECIALIZING IN RETAIL, HOSPITALITY, MIXED-USE, HOUSING, AND URBAN REHABILITATION PROJECTS mckently.com

The builder/contractor:

BergmanKPRS

General Contractor. Full-service construction management and national roll-out program management, serving clients in 48 states. Call us @ 714.924.7000

 

Here’s some text from the Amazon page on Amazon Fresh and what we might expect to see at the Pasadena location.

What is the Amazon Fresh store?

Amazon Fresh is a new grocery store designed from the ground up to offer a seamless grocery shopping experience, whether customers are shopping in store or online. We’ve taken our decades of operations experience to deliver consistently low prices for all and FREE, same-day delivery for Prime members. Customers will find a wide assortment of national brands and high-quality produce, meat, and seafood; plus our culinary team offers customers a range of delicious prepared foods made fresh in store, every day. We’ve also introduced new ways to make grocery shopping more convenient, including the Amazon Dash Cart, which enables customers to skip the checkout line, and new Alexa features to help customers manage their shopping lists and better navigate our aisles.

Here’s a link to some stores, images:

https://goo.gl/maps/ddsqhRmFRdRDiUiE7

https://goo.gl/maps/PKnVUsXtoPz7mqSN6

The stores are certainly not consistent in front facing design, there’s variations perhaps some changes due to local restrictions.

Some other California locations include

Amazon Fresh store – Irvine
13672 Jamboree Rd
Irvine, CA 92602
Store hours 7 AM – 10 PM

Amazon Fresh store – North Hollywood
5101 Lankershim Blvd.
North Hollywood, CA 91601
Store hours 7 AM – 10 PM

Amazon Fresh store – Whittier
15225 Whittier Blvd
Whittier, CA 90603
Store hours 7 AM – 10 PM

Amazon Fresh store – Woodland Hills
6245 Topanga Canyon Blvd.
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Store hours 7 AM – 10 PM

Amazon Fresh store – Northridge
19340 Rinaldi St.
Northridge, CA 91326
Store hours 7 AM – 10 PM

Amazon Fresh store – Ladera Heights
6855 S La Cienega Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90045
Store hours 7 AM – 10 PM

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Feb 1 2021
Conversations on COVID-19: Wearable Technology for Temperature Monitoring @caltech

Conversations on COVID-19: Wearable Technology for Temperature Monitoring @caltech

Join Caltech science writers as they interview scientists and engineers from across campus and at JPL about how they are tackling COVID-19, and ask your own questions.

In this webinar, Professor Chiara Daraio, an expert in materials science, will speak with science writer Robert Perkins about new interdisciplinary projects that could provide early infection warnings and ways to assess personal risk of COVID-19 exposure.

Presented by the Caltech Science Exchange

Register

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