Letter from the Chair

​First and foremost, I want to put the spotlight on Altadena Heritage’s long-time newsletter editor, Mark Goldschmidt. This will be his last issue. Mark — along with essential help from his wife, Michele – has brought these newsletters to print almost 20 years, delivering interesting, solid and informative journalism to our community. The hours he has devoted are truly countless. We plan to continue these newsletters and will strive to replicate the smart, succinct writing and the attractive layouts that Mark’s talents have consistently produced. Thank you, Mark, for your years of dedication to local journalism that has enhanced the Altadena Heritage membership experience.

I’m also happy to report that our membership now includes Patrons, Angels and Heroes. Many of you stepped-up to those higher levels. Out of about 300 members, we have 66 Patrons, 11 Heroes and 3 Angels. Thank you for your generosity. It’s only appropriate that the focus of this Newsletter is on Altadena artists. This edition profiles just a few of the many artists that help make Altadena a creative and beautiful place. Also this year, through the energy and initiative of board member, Gary Mendes, we have added art and photography contests to the many events we organize. We reached out to young people especially who were awarded cash prizes for their work. We plan to continue these competitions over the years to tap the art and photographic talents of Altadenans.

This year we also added an “Art-Full House Tour” to our calendar. We look forward to seeing you on September 14th to visit three homes in Central Altadena where art – both inside and outside – is a unique and prominent feature. Special thanks to Brian and Andrea Mark, Mark Goldschmidt and Michele Zack, Sabine Meyer zu Reckendorf and Kent Johnson for opening their homes to Altadena Heritage. This December we will hold our annual member holiday gathering. (Free to all members.) Once again, it will be at an historic home that exemplifies the beauty and elegance of Altadena’s architectural legacy. We look forward to seeing you there.

Val Zavala