Sunday, April 29, 2012

Visioning Altadena

As you've most likely heard, Altadena is embroiled in the monumental task of deciding its future.  We have a chance to rewrite our outdated Community Standards and we have attended the two visioning meetings held thus far.  Our local newsblogs have covered the meetings nicely, and have open threads to discuss and present ideas, which are coming in thick and fast.

Altadena Town And Country Club - Prospect Park Publishers

The purpose of this post is not to argue which of the ideas are better than the other.  It's not to even set forth my own ideas, although you can reference many of them in my prior posts.  What I'd like to do is point out that what most people want are sustainable, viable business areas in Altadena.  What I don't see much of are people pointing out what is already good and available to us here, right now.  Just along upper North Lake Avenue, you have two businesses offering printing services, a photographer, two different clothing and accessory shops, salons, chiropractic services, a dance studio, an exercise studio, a martial arts center, two sit-down restaurants, two fast food eateries, two pharmacies, a deli, two liquor stores, a bar, a smoke shop, a grocery store, a health food/organic produce/vitamin store, two thrift stores, two bakeries, and us.

Pine Street Products Natural Soaps
Are people even aware what these businesses offer?  Speaking with Sean Manning, of Manning's Press, I learned that they've been losing a large share of business to internet printers.  Their prices are competitive with internet printers, but where is the business?  Printing is not the only thing these good folks do, they also do vinyl lettering for business and clothing, like t-shirts.  Do people know that Walt's Photography can help restore vintage and antique photos, or take passport photos?  How many people know they can take a thumb drive to Ms. Dragon printing and get copies made?  How many of you local people know that the place for fashion is Winsome's Pretty Woman (shoes, too!) and Ritzy Rags? 

Earl's Gone Wild Barbeque Sauce


It makes me wonder how many people in town are aware of what WFS is and does.  Do they know that we offer products from many Altadena Urban Farmer's Market vendors?  That we represent and carry over 50 area artists' products, ranging from books, artwork both original and printed, holistic medicinal and body products, natural soaps and gourmet food mixes and sauces?  That we carry fair trade fashion accessories, leather goods and decor?  Did you know that we host monthly wine tastings, highlighting seasonal varietals with food from area restaurants?  How about Fancy Food Truck Fridays, or our soon to be continued Social Media For Business seminars?
Jabberwocky Smooth Jerk

HomeBody Botanicals


For all those folks on the blogs who ask for more relevant businesses in Altadena, I can answer that we are striving to meet your needs.  I'd love to talk with you more about what we can do together to build this community.  I'll be at the next visioning meeting, working hard with our neighbors to figure this all out - come find me and we'll talk!

Have a great week!

Lori and Scott

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