The New Green Line That Divides Altadena

If you look back 50 or 60 years ago in Altadena's history you would see a much different picture from today. Back then, racial separation was a practice that was just beginning to crumble, sort of like the dismantling of the Berlin Wall that divided East from West Germany.

Up until the 1960s Lake Avenue was the primary line separating our east from the west. It divided the Whites from the Blacks, or the haves from the have-nots. Even to this day you can still see remnants of this line. But for the most part the primary color has changed. The new color is green, as in money!

What does Altadena look like today compared to then? On the surface of things you won't see that much change. However, the good news is that people of all races occupy both sides of town. This was not true just a while back.

What might not be as evident is the different type of separation based upon one's economic worthiness. For example, the more affluent would naturally want to invest their funds in areas that would enhance their quality of life. This is not a matter of racism or bias, but merely taking advantage of what one has. Who wouldn't want what is best for their families?

Unfortunately, some of the practices of the past still have a direct impact upon people today, as is evident in neighborhoods that may be more heavily populated with people of certain persuasions or financial abilities.

There is very little we can do to change the past, but we can make the present and future much better for all. This would require a conscious afford to stamp out all forms of bigotry whenever we see it. We need to do more things that bring us together rather than divide us.

In order to build a brighter future we would need to convince the have-nots that it's possible to become one of the haves. Until people are taught to believe they can succeed, many won't even try.

This would require making a quality education available to all who seek its reward. Affording higher education can be an extreme challenge for the poor ...  but not impossible. Our mission is to alleviate the burden as much as possible.

As Altadenans we need to take advantage of our diversity rather than view it as an obstacle. Each group adds a special element to our mixture. Altadena belongs to us all. We must find ways to share what we have with each other.

Although this town may not have had a perfect inception, we can certainly learn from our past mistakes and do more things we know to be right and decent. There are a lot of people in Altadena already passionately working toward this outcome. 

Yes, Altadena is quite diverse in many ways. We have some of the smartest minds living here, as our neighbors run the space station and explore our galaxy from JPL. With such diversity amongst us the sky is quite literally the limit.

We are only bound by the restrictions that we place upon ourselves. If we dare to be great, then great we become. Sitting back should no longer be an option.

Personally, I see a great spirit among Altadenans. There are good folks both young and old and of all distinctions working their tails off trying to make this town even better. If more would contribute, just imagine what might be possible.

Yes, Altadena is a good place to live. Imagine how great it could be if we gave it our all.