Altadena Heritage addresses its mission to raise awareness of our foothill community’s rich architectural, environmental, and cultural heritage by recognizing places that make Altadena unique. This work includes periodically designating sites and whole neighborhoods as Altadena Heritage Areas through our AHA! Program, annually celebrating gardens that give to the beauty of our streets in the Golden Poppy Awards and Garden Party, and holding other special programs that give members access to special places in our community.
Letter from the Chair
This issue of our magazine focuses on land use and housing. Land use is key to quality of life. It is also extremely complex. Zoning laws and regulations are often beyond the comprehension of the average resident. The prospective sale…
The ADU Story
In 2003 California’s state legislature passed AB 1866 amending “sections of the Government code to encourage the creation of second units…” The intent of the bill reads: “The Legislature finds and declares that second units…
Nuccio’s Nursery Over the Decades
A Love Affair with Camellias By Val Zavala – Nuccio’s sits on 13 acres of slightly rising land on Chaney Trail, hugged by the chaparral above Loma Alta and Fair Oaks Avenues. With expansive views south, and the San Gabriels…
Breakfast at Nuccio’s – 2008
Fifteen years ago Altadena Heritage thought we should celebrate one of our community’s oldest businesses, Nuccio’s, world famous for its camellias. February should be good, plenty of blooms, and we’ll have to drink tea…
Racial Change Over Time
Just as a pencil line drawn on a map of California in the 1850’s influenced the future of where Lake Avenue would be built — another pencil line drawn from the 1930s-60s denied or limited financial services, such as home loans…
Planning an ADU in LA County?
Two agencies must approve your plans; Regional Planning determines if your plans conform to zoning requirements – height, setback, etc. The Department of Building & Safety will make sure that your little unit conforms to…
We’re All Going to Die!
By Claire Smith It’s true, the inevitable will arrive for us all! So consider your heirs. To be in grief and not have any direction on where to start to settle a deceased family member’s affairs can be crippling. Think of your legacy, what can…
Altadena Now an Official “Tree City”
It all began when a member directed our attention to a home on Altadena Drive. It had changed ownership and a chainsaw massacre of magnificent mature trees soon followed. These trees provided shade and beauty, but were not legally…
Golden Poppy & Garden Party 2023 Edition
Heartfelt thanks to Mark and Carol Forbush, who graciously hosted the 20th annual Golden Poppy Awards & Garden Party in their exquisite garden. Their warm hospitality created a memorable experience for all. It was a perfect day…
Third Thursday with the Popenoe Family
Michele Zack – illustrated talk on the plant-exploring Popenoe family…