http://altadenatowncouncil.org/altadena-community-visioning-process/
There is pride over our beautiful San Gabriel mountains, the hiking trails within them, the campgrounds, waterfalls and shady spots for a picnic! Geographically speaking Altadena's topography is one of the things that makes it most unique. My husband has recently been doing a lot of work in Idaho, New Mexico and others that are 'flat' by comparison. Looking out at 'big sky' for miles and miles is such a different sensation than always having giant mountains in your eyeline. So let's add the beauty of our topography as something that needs to be preserved and enhanced!! It is also this topography that almost prevents a center of town similar to our neighbors.
Many towns with a small town community feel have that because there is a center, a gathering place or a monument. Many of these towns are also geographically flat. With inclines such as Altadena, pedestrians have to commit to getting their exercise to enjoy the fruits of town! So this begs the questions.... Where is the center of town? Or, Where should the center of town be? Personally I think the shops along Mariposa have a great appeal as a Main Street, it has even been depicted as such in Movies and Television! Where do you think the center should be and what should be in it? Personally I'd like a few restaurant choices, a coffee shop, ice cream shop and a few Mom & Pop type businesses.
Big Chains? Well here's the thing, Altadena wants to spring forward but not the way everyone else does. We aren't everywhere else so it is almost like bringing in a name brand chain would take some of the unique diversity that we are all so proud of! For instance Starbucks. Many people are interested in having one in Altadena but it seems to be many more that believe it would be a blemish to our vibe. Here's what I think, a gathering place for neighbors that offers great coffee would be a benefit. Yes we have the Coffee Gallery but I am thinking of something that can't be compared to that. Nor should it cut into the business of such a dedicated neighborhood gem. So location would be key. I am thinking of Caribou Coffee! Perhaps you have enjoyed their K-Cups in your Keurig or their pouches on business trips. The actual stores to me fit how Altadena should be represented!
As for a Jamba Juice, as much as I love them I think Altadena can do a more unique representation! How about Juiceblendz? They have stores that are both juicing and a frozen yogurt bar YoBlendz. Here's the thing, it's a franchise, so let's have Altadena Residents be business owners. The key is, it serves the demand bit it's a little different just like Altadena-just like us!
And of course a cafe! My thoughts are one with a patio and preferably a VIEW! Can you imagine a great place to dine with views of our San Gabriels AND the city lights we are treated to?! Here is a place that I think would be greeted with open arms! Look at the pictures and imagine something just as warm and rustic in Altadena!!! This is in Canada but I LOVE the way it feels and something similar would thrive here!
http://www.river-cafe.com/our_story/gallery/interior
So may be you are understanding what I am getting at. Let's have the businesses that are void in Altadena but let's have them in our own unique way! Instead of going to neighboring areas for goods and services lets have them here but not the same ones that neighbor us. Imagine is Altadena were evern MORE unique than it is now? If done respectfully in content and design these businesses would not only become our treasures but more people would 'Drive up the Hill' for great service and invest in our community along side of us!!!
What do you think? Let's stop arguing and create the balance. There will be times when you aren't happy, when I'm not happy and we'll disagree a bit but in the end as long as we move FORWARD we will all win!!!!!
