Pasadena PIO

Mystery History -- Solved!

2012-01-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

I stumped everyone this week. I thought that by showing a photo of the esteemed person holding flowers up, thereby blocking part of his face, someone would make the leap that it was Dr. E=MC2 himself.

In the 1932 photo above, Albert Einstein and his wife Elsa are given a huge send-off as they prepare to leave Pasadena after one of their sojourns here.

Here's a more revealing shot:

I did screen captures from a historic video that you'll find here.

In the early 1930s, Einstein spent three winters in Pasadena, living the first year in a bungalow at 707 S. Oakland Ave. During the following two winters, he resided at Caltech as a visiting professor and gave prominence to that institution and others. He spent his time working, lecturing and making public appearances here and throughout the greater Los Angeles area.

In January 1933, Einstein and Pasadena stood together as he made a national radio address from the stage of the Pasadena Civic Auditorium advocating for peaceful relations with Germany.

Here's a photo of him at the curtain that evening:

An answer came back only a few days later when Adolph Hitler became chancellor and the Nazi party made it clear that Einstein, a German and a Jew, would never be welcomed back to Germany. He never again set foot in his native land.

Here he's looking through a telescope at the Mount Wilson Observatory, accompanied by Edwin Hubble (center) and observatory director Walter Adams.

And here he's giving a talk at the Carnegie Observatories headquarters in Pasadena in 1931:

Many of Caltech's competitors in the annual Pasadena Collegiate Field Tournament have worn curly white wigs in tribute to the physicist:

In 2005 I co-produced a video titled "When Einstein Lived in Pasadena" to commemorate the 100th anniversary of his famous five papers. Institutions throughout the world hosted exhibits and special events throughout the year and traditional media and websites explored his life and career. The City of Pasadena won a national award for the video from the City-County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA) that year.

The five groundbreaking papers set traditional scientific theories on their ears and sparked remarkable innovation that continues to this day. In the five papers, the 26-year-old patent clerk proved the existence of atoms, presented his special theory of relativity and put quantum theory on its feet.

When he was awarded his only Nobel Prize in 1921, it was for his work on the photoelectric effect, the basis for today’s quantum theory, which deals with the behavior of matter at the atomic and subatomic level.

These studies were just the beginning for Einstein, who went on to create the general theory of relativity (E=MC2) and to pioneer quantum mechanics.

Albert Einstein is considered the most significant person in the 20th century and one of the most brilliant minds in history.

And he was all ours for three winters in the 1930s.

Caltech has a nice site here.

Many thanks to British Pathe, Carnegie Observatories, Caltech and Corbis. The photo at the Pasadena Collegiate Field Tournament was shot by yours truly.

Mystery History

2012-01-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

Where are we? And what's happening?

The first person to guess correctly will have sweet dreams.

I'll have the full scoop on Thursday.

The Best Friends in the World

2012-01-11T19:46:00.000-08:00

I couldn't ask for better friends in the whole, wide world!

Last night at the home of Paul and Margie Grossman, some of the friends who made it possible for me to ride on the Kiwanis International Float in the Rose Parade gathered for a dinner and debriefing with me about my experiences. It was so sweet of them to have this post-parade celebration!

That's Claire and Bill Bogaard in the top photo.

Below are Dale Downs, Nancy Esbenshade and Judy Kent.

Ben Green and Dianne Philibosian:

Paul Grossman and Dale Downs:

Margie Grossman and Judy Kent:

Jerram Swartz and Dennis Downs:

Claire Bogaard and Tom Seifert:

Betty Ho and Deb Swartz:

Thank you so much, everybody!

See more about my experiences here, here and here.

More Kiwanis International Float Photos

2012-01-04T18:15:00.000-08:00

Many thanks to Isabel Chavez for the photo above and the next one below.

And many thanks also to Kathy Hernandez for this one (she was something like nine stories up!):

See more here and here:

I Love a (Rose) Parade!

2012-01-03T19:31:00.000-08:00

Well, yesterday was quite simply a dream come true and the thrill of a lifetime!

Thanks to a group of wonderful and generous friends, I rode on the Kiwanis International float in the Rose Parade (see this post for background). That's me waving to the right of horse in the photo above.

The day before the parade, all the riders got together in front of the float at the Rosemont Pavilion. The woman in the chair is 99-year-old Eleanor, who rode on the Vista del Arroyo Hotel float when she was 16. The others are Kiwanis International officials, Key Club high school students from around the world and Miss Latina Global. It has been the wish of the boy at front left, all his short life, to ride in the Rose Parade, so Kiwanis International flew him here from Charlotte, North Carolina.

Our navigator, who sat under the front of the float giving instructions to the driver in the back of the float:

The driver's seat:

Julie was trying to escape my lens in this next photo and almost made it! Her father, a member of Kiwanis for 50 years, was scheduled to be next to me on the float but was too ill so Julie rode in his honor, carrying a framed photo of herself with her dad in healthier circumstances. The guy in the white suit is a Tournament of Roses official.

The Wrigley Mansion, headquarters of the Tournament of Roses, is owned by the City of Pasadena. I shot this as we were passing the mansion on Orange Grove Boulevard:

Looking up at the Goodyear Blimp while "floating" down Colorado Boulevard:

A miniscule glimpse of the estimated 700,000 people who lined the 5.5-mile Rose Parade route:

My long-time PIO pal Karen George shot this on her TV screen in Minnesota:

By the end of the day I was happy, giddy, emotional, you name it! It was the thrill of a lifetime.

I can never repay the fantastic generosity of the friends who made this happen for me.

And many thanks to Cafe Pasadena for the top photo, which he shot from a rooftop on Colorado Boulevard.

See the next post down for what led up to this incredible day! And then go here for even more photos.

A One-horse Open Sleigh!

2011-12-30T20:30:00.000-08:00

Thanks to a couple of dozen generous friends, I'm going to be in the Rose Parade -- on the Kiwanis International float.

Here are some of those fantastic folks who are making this happen:

And those were just the friends who could be at McCormick & Schmick's on Dec. 21 to surprise me! There are several others as well.

I'm told it's a combination welcome-back-to-life and happy-retirement gift. I will be forever grateful for their generosity and friendship.

On Wednesday afternoon I visited the float in the Rosemont Pavilion near the Rose Bowl Stadium, thanks to Phoenix Decorating Company's Chuck Hayes, director of sponsor relations, and Dave Wallach, Kiwanis International Rose Float riders coordinator.

Rough illustrations for all 2012 Rose Parade floats had to be submitted and approved long before the 2011 parade, then the long process of 2012 float-building began just days after the 2011 parade.

Welders, engineers, designers, floral directors, scads of volunteers and more bring the floats to life.

I borrowed these photos of the Kiwanis International float in progress from Phoenix:

Horse head in the making:

Welder working on base:

Wire mesh icicles for the base:

Wire mesh fully in place everywhere:

I took the remaining photos below, all related to this float.

Every square inch of float exterior, even the wheels of the chassis, must be covered in natural plant, vegetable, fruit, tree, seed, grain and/or flower materials. Deciding which types will be used is a meticulous process decided a year in advance (which is why this board is pretty faded):

If you look closely, you'll see that the sleigh is covered with seeds of various natural colors (no dye allowed) and the trunks are covered in seaweed and other material. Those pink pads on top of the trunks will be covered with huge cascades of flowers.

Volunteers carefully attached thousands upon thousands of seeds to the horse, along with what looks like it might be pampas grass on the mane:

Two floats down from Kiwanis International -- the Roy Rogers Riders Club:

Yep, that's the honest-to-goodness Trigger, as good-lookin' as when he was taxidermed many years ago! Bullet will be his side. This massive float will celebrate the 100th birthday of the late King of the Cowboys. I grew up watching Roy Rogers and Dale Evans on TV in the 1950s, so this is a particular thrill!

Look for me on the Kiwanis International Float! I'll be sitting on one of the perches near the top of the base. On Orange Grove Boulevard I'll be on the west side, on Colorado Boulevard you'll see me on the north side and on Sierra Madre Boulevard I'll be waving from the west side. So what if I won't be on the "TV side" at Orange Grove and Colorado -- there'll be plenty of open spaces between the horse's legs, so you should be able to see me (and I you) just fine!

All the floats, including the riders, have to be on Orange Grove Boulevard for judging on Sunday at 10:30 a.m.. The parade will begin at 8 a.m. Monday, Jan. 2, since it's never on a Sunday.

Oh, boy!!!!

Remembering Bob O'Rourke

2011-12-28T20:06:00.000-08:00

Bob O'Rourke passed away yesterday.

He was a great friend. When I first knew him he was the director of public relations at Caltech, then he moved up in the world and became the vice president of public relations there.

Bob called me on Jan. 2, 1991 -- my first day on the job as Pasadena PIO -- to introduce himself, welcome me to Pasadena, set a date for lunch and ask what he could do to ease my transition. He was the very first person to call me and I've never forgotten that.

His Irish sense of humor, impeccable professional demeanor and that unmistakable Boston accent set him apart from anyone I had ever known.

Over the years Bob and I spoke on the phone quite a bit, visited each other's offices from time to time and ran into each other out in the community alot. He always showed a genuine interest in how I was doing and what I was working on, and had an easy-breezy way of switching gears from mentor to friend at any given moment.

After being diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and while patiently waiting, longer and longer, for a lung transplant, Bob devoted much of his time and energy to promoting awareness of IPF locally, regionally and nationally. From KPCC Radio to the Today show, he did what he did best as a lifelong PR man. The oxygen tube seemed to become part of him and never seemed out of place during his interviews.

He took a hiatus from his standard Caltech duties and served part-time as interim CEO of Kidspace Children's Museum, shining a light on that lovely institution and bringing in donations through special events and his unique personal touch. He was also the special advisor on external relations to Caltech president Jean-Lou Chameau.

I spoke to Bob by phone and e-mailed him many times during that period, and each time he responded personally and showed no signs of self-pity whatsoever. In fact, he encouraged me.

Many people, including me, looked in on the We Love Bob O'Rourke page on Facebook for updates.

Finally the news came that he had been accepted for a lung transplant. Huzzah! It was a very happy time indeed, especially since Bob had waited for so long.

The transplant took place and everything looked good at first. And then his body began to reject the new lung. It was a stunningly horrible turn of events.

He was home the past few weeks on Hospice care and surrounded by his immediate family.

Although friends and family knew the day would come, the news yesterday that he had passed away took my breath away.

I will miss him.

A memorial is scheduled Wednesday, Jan. 4, at 2 p.m. at Holy Family Church. I'll be there.

Caltech has a nice obituary here.

Mystery History -- Solved!

2011-12-22T00:00:00.000-08:00

Gregg G wins with his 1:34 p.m. Wednesday guess "That isn't one of Phil Hawkey's Halloween costumes is it?"

In the photo above, former Pasadena City Manager Phil Hawkey emerges on the "bridge" at City Hall as Hawkman during a Halloween event for city employees on Oct. 27, 1994.

Hawkman stood for truth in government, justice for all employees and the Pasadena Way.

Every year Phil, aided by the inspiration of his wife Dena, would don a different getup and entertain employees who gathered in the courtyard at noon for a costume contest, refreshments and fun. It was a great employee appreciation event that continued throughout Cynthia Kurtz's tenure as city manager.

There was always a little skit. Here's Phil and yours truly in 1994:

Don't ask me what my costume was -- I don't remember! I guess I was dressed as a hag!

Phil's other costumes over the years included Count Hawkula rising from a coffin ("I'm not dead -- I just got a two-year contract!"). . .

. . .Philip Scissorhands the Budget Cutter, Biker Phil, Energizer Bunny Phil and more.

When Cynthia was city manager, she incorporated a contest for the best-decorated office lobby into the mix and even served as one of the judges.

Those days are gone now, but so many city employees have happy memories of Halloween fun.

Phil is executive vice president and professor of public administration at the University of LaVerne. Cynthia is president and CEO of the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership.

Our current city manager is Michael J. Beck, who hosts an ice cream social for employees every summer.

Many thanks to Pasadena Museum of History and Dena Hawkey.

Mystery History

2011-12-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

Where are we? And what's happening?

The first person to guess correctly will be able to put a large feather in his or her cap.

I'll have the full scoop on Thursday.

My Roof

2011-12-07T20:44:00.000-08:00

During the hurricane-force windstorms last week, aside from the fact that everything got blown all over the place (including onto and off of my property), I lost most of the shingles on my roof and it's buckled near the chimney.

It looks like someplace on Tobacco Road!

Thank goodness there's no rain in the immediate forecast.

The insurance adjuster is coming on Monday.

I still haven't found the porch rocking chairs. They're literally gone with the wind. And there's debris from other properties on my porch and in the yard. I'll get to cleanup duties this weekend. Thank God for great neighbors.

Like so many at the City of Pasadena, I've been pretty crazed since the Wednesday and Thursday windstorms.

I had absolutely no time to do a Mystery History posting this week. Hopefully I can do one next Tuesday.

Bear with me!

Holiday Soiree at the Castle Green

2011-12-04T19:30:00.000-08:00

I serve on the board of the Friends of the Castle Green. This afternoon (Sunday) there was a private get-together for residents of the historic former hotel, now filled with privately owned flats on several stories above the first floor common areas. The event took place in some of those common areas: the salon, sun room, Turkish room and Moorish room. About 50 people were there, entertained by Janet Klein and Her Parlour Boys.

The Turkish room, like all the others, was decked out for the holidays.

Long shot from the corridor between the lobby and the ballroom:

The gorgeous lobby:

With Tom Coston:

Another shot of Janet Klein and Her Parlour Boys. They performed music of the 1920s and were so entertaining!

Mashed potatoes, tri-tip beef and gravy in a martini glass. Now that's catering!

I love every inch of the Castle Green and was happy to be there today. Nearly 20 years ago the building was the first and only designated by the Pasadena City Council as an official city architectural treasure.

I Love My Family

2011-12-03T08:38:00.000-08:00

This photo was taken in 1967. Brother Jamie in front; l-r next row Charlou, yours truly and Rick; Daddy and Mommy in back. Grandma and Grandpa, my mother's parents, lived in Kansas City (where my sister and I were born) and had a winter apartment in Chula Vista, where this photo was taken.

Daddy and Mommy are in Heaven.

Jamie is a music teacher and lives in Bonita with his wife Annie and young sons Ryan, Jesse and Christopher. I blogged about Jamie here.

Charlou is a registered nurse and lives in Bella Vista, Ark., with her husband Bill. My nephews Rich, Mark and Matt live in Clovis, Fresno and Arcata respectively. Rich is married to my niece-in-law Nicole.

Rick is an independent construction contractor and lives in San Diego. His daughter Tara is a forestry student at Humboldt State University.

Oh, me? I have two daughters -- Becky lives in Clovis with her husband Mario and their fraternal twin sons Phillip and David, who are students at Fresno State. Daughter Jessica lives in Chula Vista with my grandson Steven (I blogged about Steven recently here) and honorary grandson Johnny. My granddaughter Kimberly lives in El Cajon and is a student at UEI (I blogged about her high school graduation here).

My siblings and I have always been very close and have also had some "precious moments" over the years when we were at odds from time to time. But we always come together in love, with the legacy of Mommy and Daddy and our strong family history.

Thank goodness for Facebook! Many of my family members, from siblings to grandchildren, have Facebook pages -- a great way to communicate since there are so many miles between us.

I love my family!

Mystery History -- Solved!

2011-12-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

UPDATE: I always write up the big reveal well in advance and add the winner's name the night before it publishes. This week, with the wind storms and being called to duty, I didn't have a chance to announce that Roberta Martinez won this week's contest. Congratulations, Roberta!

=================

In the photo above, taken on Nov. 26, 1952, members of the Shakespeare Club of Pasadena pose in costume for the club's American Heritage Day pageant.

Left to right are Mrs. Don C. McMillan (wife of Pasadena's city manager at the time), Mrs. I. William King, Miss Helen C. Houson, Mrs. Anne Mellor, and Mrs. Harold Shirk.

Here are, left to right that same day, Mrs. Leo G. McLaughlin, past president, Miss Helen Louise Taylor, director of public affairs, Mrs. Arthur L. Howells, founder/chairman of the American Heritage Day Pageant and Mrs. Brown S. McPherson, president of the Pasadena Shakespeare Club.

This was when the Shakespeare Club was at 230 S. Los Robles Ave., its home from 1905 to 1971:

In 1972 the club moved to 171 S. Grand Ave.:

I had the pleasure of speaking to the club a few years ago about city issues during one of their monthly luncheon meetings there.

I included a photo of Mrs. McMillan in this blog post in June.

The Shakespeare Club of Pasadena is the oldest women's club in Southern California. There's some wonderful history here.

Many thanks to the Shakespeare Club of Pasadena, Pasadena Public Library and the University of Southern California.

Mystery History

2011-11-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

Where are we? And what's happening?

The first person to guess correctly will win the respect and admiration he or she so richly deserves.

I'll give you the full scoop on Thursday.

Mystery History -- Solved!

2011-11-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

Cafe Pasadena came closest with his 9:34 a.m. Tuesday guess "...this Pasadena officer is holding a dozen Roses & sitting in a wheelchair given to him by one of the nice people he gave a ticket for overnite or overtime parking, of all things!"

In the December 1951 photo above, able-bodied Pasadena Police Officer Robert Hultman uses a wheelchair as he marks car tires while smelling the lovely aroma of iconic Pasadena roses.

The wheelchair kept him low to the ground so he didn't have to bend up and down all the time.

Another officer would come around in an hour or two, check to see if any cars with marked tires were still there, and issue parking tickets accordingly.

The roses were delivered collect by what was believed to be an irate driver who had been ticketed for overtime parking.

Talk about your photo opp!

These days, the Transportation Department is charge of parking, not the Police Department.

Freedom From Want

2011-11-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

"Freedom from Want" is one in a series of Four Freedoms oil paintings created in 1943 by Norman Rockwell and made famous when they were printed in the Saturday Evening Post that same year.

He was inspired to paint the series based on President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's State of the Union speech on Jan. 6, 1941, one month after the U.S. entered World War II.

...In the future days, which we seek to make secure, we look forward to a world founded upon four essential human freedoms.

The first is freedom of speech and expression -- everywhere in the world.

The second is freedom of every person to worship God in his own way -- everywhere in the world.

The third is freedom from want, which, translated into world terms, means economic understandings which will secure to every nation a healthy peacetime life for its inhabitants -- everywhere in the world.

The fourth is freedom from fear, which, translated into world terms, means a world-wide reduction of armaments to such a point and in such a thorough fashion that no nation will be in a position to commit an act of physical aggression against any neighbor -- anywhere in the world.

That is no vision of a distant millennium. It is a definite basis for a kind of world attainable in our own time and generation. That kind of world is the very antithesis of the so-called “new order” of tyranny which the dictators seek to create with the crash of a bomb.

To that new order we oppose the greater conception -- the moral order. A good society is able to face schemes of world domination and foreign revolutions alike without fear.

Since the beginning of our American history we have been engaged in change, in a perpetual, peaceful revolution, a revolution which goes on steadily, quietly, adjusting itself to changing conditions without the concentration camp or the quicklime in the ditch. The world order which we seek is the cooperation of free countries, working together in a friendly, civilized society.

This nation has placed its destiny in the hands and heads and hearts of its millions of free men and women, and its faith in freedom under the guidance of God. Freedom means the supremacy of human rights everywhere. Our support goes to those who struggle to gain those rights and keep them. Our strength is our unity of purpose.

To that high concept there can be no end save victory.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Decorating My Office for Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T00:00:00.000-08:00

I got this nice figurine at Stats. It's on the desk in my office.

I also got this door hanger.

I love my historic door with its transom window:

There's so much to give thanks for this year: my very life, my family, my friends and so much more.

What are you thankful for?

Have a happy Thanksgiving!

Mystery History

2011-11-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

Where are we? And what's happening?

The first person to guess correctly will sleep soundly in the knowledge that he or she is the smartest thing on the face of the planet.

I'll have the full scoop on Friday. (I know, it's usually Thursday, but that's Thanksgiving and I'll have a special post that day.)

Lizards and Tigers and Snakes, Oh My!

2011-11-21T13:38:00.000-08:00

My grandson Steven, who's 16, has an after-school and Saturday job at South Bay Tropical Marine and Reptile in Chula Vista, which caters to snake, lizard and tropical fish aficionados.

Occasionally Steven gets to go along with the boss and other staff to related conventions where South Bay Tropical is a big player. This past weekend they were at the Phoenix Reptile Expo.

Earlier this month, they were in Pasadena for the Herp World Expo at the Pasadena Convention Center. So I got to go! It was in the exhibition hall.

Here's just a small portion of the exhibition hall:

The South Bay Tropical booth was very popular:

Here's Steven with a coworker:

Lizards and snakes for sale:

The expo also featured a photo area where people could get their pictures taken with a really big boy:

There was even a young tiger (he wasn't for sale):

I posted about the 2010 Herp World Expo here, including a photo of Steven and me cuddling with a 40 lb. python!

Mystery History -- Solved!

2011-11-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

Well, I stumped everybody this week. In the 1934 photo above, demolition of the Horace Mann building at Pasadena High School is in full swing where Pasadena City College stands today.

There were orange groves and the old Grant School at the 18-acre site when construction of the PHS campus began, and the campus began to take shape the following year with three primary structures including the Horace Mann building.

Here's the Horace Mann building under construction:

And the completed structure:

This closeup shows the spectacular architectural elements:

And this aerial shot illustrates the huge scale of the building:

A population boom in Pasadena after World War I -- 45,000 grew to 76,000 -- created the need for major expansion of the school system. After the passage of a bond issue in 1924 for this purpose, the school board established Pasadena Junior College on the Pasadena High School campus.

The Field Act, passed by the California legislature after a series of earthquakes in the early 1930s, stated that governing bodies of school districts could be held criminally liable if students were injured in subsequent temblors. The report from a structural survey in July 1933 recommended that the Horace Mann building be stripped down to its steel frame.

After the demolition was completed, 50 temporary tents were set up to house classrooms.

There's much more detailed information here.

Many thanks to Pasadena City College and Pasadena Public Library.

Mystery History

2011-11-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

Where are we? And what's happening?

I can no longer offer a fabulous prize from the City of Pasadena, but the first person to guess correctly will have the knowledge that the weekly virtual honor of being best and brightest will be coming his or her way!

I'll have the full scoop on Thursday.

Make Doo Dah Not War

2011-11-14T00:00:00.001-08:00

I'm not allowed to post items about City of Pasadena programs and events anymore, so I'm switching gears and we're going to have a little fun from now on!

In this photo, taken several years ago, I'm waiting to ride in the Doo Dah Parade pace car, which that year was a red vintage Volkswagen convertible. The war in Afghanistan was in full swing, so I decided to dress as an aging hippie carrying these signs of peace.

The hate speech I received from some of the parade-goers was really troubling. I tried to diffuse it by saying, "Hey, it's Doo Dah -- lighten up!"

For many years I rode in the Doo Dah pace car, which was different every year: a wheelchair, a motorized Radio Flyer wagon, the sidecar of a vintage motorcycle, a 14-foot-tall highchair, a gigantic toilet, a flower cart and many more.

Here I am as Elvis, in full regalia, riding in a vintage Cadillac convertible.

I finally gave it up -- too harrowing sometimes! Now every year I sit with Doo Dah Czar Tom Coston at the official reviewing stand, where we hold court while the parade passes by.

That's much more to my liking at this time in my life!

Many thanks to Paddy Hurley for the top photo, Stevena905 for the second photo and Julie Klima for the bottom two.

We'll Drink to That!

2011-10-24T08:16:00.000-07:00

A ribbon-cutting, tours and a very special toast ushered in a new era for Pasadena Water and Power Oct. 20 when the groundwater treatment plant at Monk Hill was celebrated with a grand opening. The project is cleaning perchlorate and other compounds from four City of Pasadena water wells near JPL that were contaminated by volatile compounds from rocket fuel that was was dumped into pits after World War II and leached into the ground over the years.

Left to right in the photo above are California Assemblyman Anthony Portantino, PWP Principal Water Engineer Gary Takara, PWP Water Engineering Manager Brad Boman, Mayor Bill Bogaard, NASA Facilities and Environmental Manager Steve Slaten, EPA Superfund Director Jane Diamond, NASA Strategic Infrastructure Manager Olga Dominguez and PWP General Manager Phyllis Currie.

It was the culmination of more than 10 years of partnership among the City of Pasadena, NASA, EPA and other agencies to bring the project to fruition.

The event included tours of the treatment plant as well as the adjacent Windsor Reservoir (that's Brad Boman in the photo below leading a tour inside the reservoir).

Here are more photos from the celebration:

Many thanks to Eric Reed for the photos.

Be Prepared at 10:20 a.m. today!

2011-10-20T08:12:00.000-07:00

Are you be ready for the Great Southern California Shakeout today at 10:20 a.m.?

We want you to be part of it, and that means learning how to protect yourself properly during the next "Big One."

Dr. Lucy Jones of the U.S. Geological Survey has led an alliance of scientists, emergency managers, engineers, government officials and others to study the likely consequences of a potential magnitude 7.8 earthquake in great detail. The result is the ShakeOut Earthquake Scenario.

The Great Southern California ShakeOut is one opportunity to practice your earthquake survival skills. These kinds of drills train us to act quickly – to Drop, Cover and Hold On immediately to minimize injury.

The Pasadena Fire Department continually spreads the word to Pasadena residents, neighborhoods, schools, the faith community, businesses and non-profit organizations throughout the community, and emergency crews review preparedness plans to make sure they’re as complete as possible.

Here are the steps you should take whenever you train for an earthquake:

1. Drop to the ground, take Cover under a sturdy table or desk, and Hold On to it as if a magnitude 7.8 earthquake were happening. Stay down for at least 60 seconds. Practice now so you can protect yourself immediately during a real earthquake.

(Why should you Drop? Because in a major earthquake, if you don't drop to the floor on your own, the force of the energy will knock you off your feet.

Why should you Cover? Because objects in your home or office will probably be flying all over the place.

Why should you Hold On? Because the table or desk you're under will probably begin sliding, and you'll need to slide with it.)

2. While still under the table or desk, look around and imagine what would happen in a major earthquake when shaking may last for one to two minutes. What would fall on you or others? What would be damaged? What would life be like in the immediate moments after? What should you do before the actual earthquake happens to reduce losses and recover quickly? You can't know unless you plan ahead!

3. Practice what you will do after the shaking stops.

4. Complete your disaster plan and emergency preparedness kit as soon as possible.

For vital information and to sign up for Pasadena Emergency Response Team (PERT) training, visit www.cityofpasadena.net/disaster.

Also, please note:

Some Internet sites and several email chains have recommended a "Triangle of Life" position to be taken during major earthquakes, under the assumption that most Americans will have their homes and workplaces collapse around them.

Don’t believe it! The fact is that there is absolutely no scientific research to suggest that the Triangle of Life position works, and agencies such as the American Red Cross, U.S. Geological Survey and Governor's Office of Emergency Services have gone on record as disputing this viral rumor.

It has been proven time and time again, during documented scientific research, that the Drop, Cover and Hold On technique is the best method for survival in the U.S.

Here's a little video a Leadership Pasadena class produced.

Best Of...

2011-10-19T08:34:00.001-07:00

Thank you, readers of the Pasadena Weekly, for filling out the annual "Best Of" poll and saying I'm the best public employee.

The Eye of the Beholder

2011-10-17T10:49:00.000-07:00

One day last week I saw a man with paints and easel in the courtyard at Pasadena City Hall. He was painting his interpretation of the east side of the grand entrance looking through to Holly Street.

There's not a bad view of City Hall anywhere, which is why artists, photographers and film production companies flock to this place.

Mystery History -- Solved!

2011-10-13T10:48:00.001-07:00

D5 rep wins with her 9:21 a.m. Tuesday guess "opening of the court house?"

In the Jan. 12, 1954, photo above, the Pasadena Municipal Court building in the civic center is rededicated in conjunction with its new ownership by the county of Los Angeles. Everyone is reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, led by L.A. County Sheriff Eugene W. Biscailuz.

A few years later, the county added the huge monstrosity that encompasses the L.A. County Superior Court to the north end of the historic building. That "modern" courthouse has been an eyesore in the stately Pasadena Civic Center ever since.

The exterior used to be red brick and gray concrete. It underwent a facelift couple of years ago, so at least it's a more neutral color.

I'll get more detailed with Mystery History reveals after Oct. 31, when I'll be back on a full-time basis.

Pasadena Firefighters Are in the Pink!

2011-10-12T10:03:00.000-07:00

Pasadena firefighters participated in a photo opportunity in front of the Rose Bowl Stadium this morning, followed by a walk around the 3.3-mile Rose Bowl Loop.

They traded their Pasadena Fire Department uniform shirts for pink t-shirts to help raise awareness of breast cancer, women's cancer research and the benefits of exercise for cancer prevention.

Pasadena City Councilman Victor Gordo and his field representative Vannia De La Cuba donned the pink shirts as well!

Victor was among the speakers at the event...

And Vannia did an on-camera interview with Azteca TV (channel 26).

Purchase your very own t-shirt for just $20 at Fire Station 33, 515 N. Lake Ave., or at pasadenagoespink.com. All proceeds will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

They even come in children's sizes, although apparently not small enough for Pasadena's youngest future firefighter!

Mystery History

2011-10-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

Where are we? And what's happening?

The first person to guess correctly will win a fabulous prize!

I'll post the full scoop on Thursday.

One of These Days

2011-08-15T08:33:00.000-07:00

Today begins week 5 of my recovery from a catastrophic medical issue. I've been posting on Facebook for a couple of weeks (as Pasadena PIO), so you can catch up there if you're not aware of the circumstances. I'll return to blogging one of these days, though it'll be awhile before I'm up to it. In the meantime, I'll see you on Facebook.

Mystery History -- Solved!

2011-07-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

Bellis wins with her 3:55 a.m. Tuesday guess "The first traffic signal in Pasadena? I'm guessing the year could be 1910 or thereabouts, and the location Fair Oaks and Colorado."

The photo above was one of many taken to document the installation of new traffic signals in downtown Pasadena. Unfortunately the year and specific intersection are not identified.

Here's the best guess as to the date, according to Pasadena Public Library research staff:

This photo was taken for the Pasadena Water and Power Department (then called the Power Department), most likely to record the installation of new traffic signals. Although we can be certain that it was taken in Old Town Pasadena, the background is too blurry to suggest a definite location and date. However, one can reasonably use photo 5002 to establish a date for this photo. The two photos were clearly taken at the same time for the same purpose. Interestingly, photo 5002 also displays the same police officer so prominent in this photo.

And here's photo 5002, at Colorado Street and Fair Oaks Avenue:

The most recent traffic signal at the intersection of Madison Avenue and Orange Grove Boulevard was installed in May 2011 as part of an ongoing citywide effort to enhance pedestrian safety.

There was a big celebration in the street that day, followed by practice in safe street-crossing for the students at Madison School, which is just around the corner.

Here are children learning about the inner workings of traffic signals that day. That's Fred Dock, director of the Transportation Department, behind City Councilman Victor Gordo.

Learn more about pedestrian safety here.

Many thanks to Pasadena Public Library and Vannia De La Cuba.

Today's the Deadline!

2011-07-13T13:56:00.001-07:00

If you haven't taken our General Plan survey yet, what are you waiting for? Today's the deadline for telling us what your priorities are for the future of land use in Pasadena.

Don't let these decisions be made without your input! Click here.

Mystery History

2011-07-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

Where are we? And what's happening?

The first person to guess correctly will win a fabulous prize!

I'll have the full scoop on Thursday.

Looking for Something to Do?

2011-07-11T13:17:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, July 12, at 3 p.m. – Tour the world! Explore Scotland through stories, games, activities, crafts and snacks at Santa Catalina Branch Library. This is a Summer Reading Club event. Be sure to pick up your passport any Pasadena public library; attend two or more world tour programs or have your passport stamped at all 10 library sites to enter a drawing for special prizes!

Tuesday, July 12, at 7:50 p.m. – If it’s dusk, it’s time for movie night on the field at Villa-Parke Community Center, 363 E. Villa St. Tonight’s feature is “Kung Fu Panda” (2008, PG). Don’t forget the lawn chairs and blankets!

Wednesday, July 13, at 10:30 a.m. – Tour the world! Explore Germany through stories, games, activities, crafts and snacks at San Rafael Branch Library, 1240 Nithsdale Rd. This is a Summer Reading Club event.

Wednesday, July 13, at 1 p.m. – This week’s film at Lamanda Park Branch Library is “Coraline” (2008, PG) with the voices of Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher and Ian McShane in the animated story of an adventurous girl who finds another world that is a strangely idealized version of her frustrating home, but with a few dark secrets.

Wednesday, July 13, at 7 p.m. – Do you love Pasadena’s open space areas and want to see them protected for future generations? The Draft Open Space and Conservation Element of the General Plan will be presented during a community meeting at La Casita del Arroyo.

Through Wednesday, July 13 - The deadline to take the General Plan Survey has been extended to July 13! The survey asks which land use alternative for future growth, or combination of alternatives, are preferred for six planning areas. A special newsletter with information on the alternatives with the survey was mailed to all households and businesses in mid-June.

Thursday, July 14, at 10 a.m. – Barbara Wong will tell mysterious, centuries-old tales from China and Hawaii in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Pasadena Central Library. This is a Summer Reading Club event.

Thursday, July 14, at 1:30 p.m. – Barbara Wong repeats her program at Allendale Branch Library.

Thursday, July 14, at 3:30 p.m. – Tour the world! Explore France and England through stories, games, activities, crafts and snacks at Lamanda Park Branch Library. This is a Summer Reading Club event.

Thursday, July 14, at 6 p.m. – Help assess Pasadena’s critical needs and funding priorities during a workshop in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Pasadena Central Library sponsored by the Human Services Commission.

Friday, July 15, at 6 p.m. – Bring the family for movie night at Victory Park, 2575 Paloma St. Family fun, food and music will begin at 6 p.m. and “How to Train Your Dragon” (2010, PG) will begin at dusk. Bring blankets or lawn chairs!

Saturday, July 16, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – It’s the second annual Summer Festival at Robinson Park with loads of family fun!

Saturday, July 16, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. - The second annual L.A. Street Food Fest at the Rose Bowl Stadium will feature well-known celebrity chefs, 15 gourmet food trucks, 24 restaurants, five local loncheros, eight carts and stands, and so much more that you'll have to experience it to believe it! Purchase a ticket for the session(s) of your choice, bring a picnic blanket and get ready for a tasty good time!

Through Aug. 14 and Aug. 20
It’s Summer Reading Club time with the theme One World, Many Stories through Aug. 14 for children 12 and younger and through Aug. 20 for teens. They can register at any Pasadena public library. Children will get a special reading log, stickers and book bag, then bring their reading records in when they’ve read 200 minutes to receive their prizes. Hey, teens: Every time you finish a book, magazine, graphic novel or audio book, fill out a prize entry slip with a bit of information about you and the item you’ve finished, then drop it into a specially designated prize box.

All events listed are free unless otherwise noted.

See a more comprehensive schedule of events for the same time period, including commission meetings and city council meetings, here.

See even more community events (and add your own) here.

Update on the Nishaiarai Daishi Temple Bell

2011-07-08T15:41:00.000-07:00

Remember this Mystery History post from March about the centuries-old Japanese bell? It was war booty that wound up at Pasadena City Hall before being returned to the Nishaiarai Daishi Temple in Tokyo.

Thanks to Sid Gally, everybody's favorite research archivist at Pasadena Museum of History, I have an update!

Sid's son, Tom Gally, is a professor at the University of Tokyo and visited the temple last week. He provided these photos to his dad, who was kind enough to pass them on to me.

Tom even had this photo taken of himself with a monk holding the Pasadena Star-News, which I hope we'll see soon in the pages of the paper.

Bravo, Sid and Tom! Pasadena thanks you.

Mystery History -- Solved!

2011-07-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

Chris Brandow wins with his 4:02 p.m. Tuesday guess "busch gardens, maintaining the gnome decorations down in the arroyo."

In the 1933 photo above, an artist touches up sculptures of gnomes at the 30-acre Busch Gardens in Pasadena's Arroyo Seco.

Gnomes were featured at several locations on the property, including the Snow White exhibit shown in this colorized postcard...

...and gnomes fishing at the Mystic Hut:

Busch Gardens included 14 miles of pathways, 100,000 plants and shrubs, rare birds and more than 100 brightly painted sculptures imported from Germany, including Little Red Riding Hood.

Other popular spots at Busch Gardens included the Old Mill:

But the sheer scope and majesty of Busch Gardens was the ultimate draw.

Adolphus Busch, president of the Anheuser Busch Brewing Association, came by train to Pasadena from St. Louis with his wife Lilly in 1904 and just weeks after arriving bought property on Orange Grove Avenue, which would come to be called Millionaires Row, overlooking the Arroyo Seco. The Busches built their winter home there, called Ivy Wall:

It had a sloping back lawn that went down into the Arroyo Seco.

Here are Adolphus and Lilly (center woman in black dress) at Busch Gardens:

There's so much more to the Busch Gardens story than can be told here on my little blog, so I'll point you in the direction of additional information.

The Pasadena Museum of History hosted a very important exhibition in 2005 commemorating the 100th anniversary of the opening of Busch Gardens.

A series of very good descriptions of Busch Gardens and dozens of photo images can also be found here.

Pasadena Daily Photo blogger Petrea has posted about remnants of Busch Gardens, such as this one.

Many thanks to Pasadena Public Library and Pasadena Museum of History.

Mystery History

2011-07-05T15:52:00.000-07:00

Where are we? And what's happening?

The first to guess correctly will win a fabulous prize!

I'll have the full scoop on Thursday.

Looking for Something to Do?

2011-07-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

Monday, July 4, from 2 to 10 p.m. -- It's the family festival outside the Rose Bowl Stadium at 2 p.m., then gates will open at 6 p.m. for the Fourth of July entertainment and fireworks. If you watch fireworks from outside the Rose Bowl, you'll miss out on the incredible tribute to U.S. military personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Jan and Dean Show featuring Dean Torrence, the Mariachi Divas, Drum Corps International's Phantom Regiment, motorcycle stunts performed by the Ives Brother FMX and, of course, the biggest and best fireworks spectacular in Southern California, which includes a lot of ground effects inside the stadium. Tickets are still available at just $13 per person (children under 7 and active military personnel are free).

Wednesday, July 6, at 1 p.m. – Our weekly film series has moved from Central Library to Lamanda Park Branch Library for the summer. The season kicks off with “Tangled” (2010, PG), the animated Disney take on the Brothers Grimm tale of Rapunzel.

Thursday, July 7, at 10 a.m. – Folkteller Michael McCarty will share tales from all over the world in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Pasadena Central Library. This is a Summer Reading Club event.

McCarty will share tales the same day at 2 p.m. at Hill Avenue Branch Library.

Through July 8 -- Take the General Plan Survey! It asks which land use alternative for future growth, or combination of alternatives, are preferred for six planning areas. A special newsletter with information on the alternatives, with the survey included, was mailed to all households and businesses in mid-June. The survey can also be completed online.

Saturday, July 9, from 8:30 a.m. to noon – The Pasadena Police Department will sponsor a public workshop on the rights of crime victims.

Through Aug. 14 and Aug. 20 -- It’s Summer Reading Club time with the theme One World, Many Stories through Aug. 14 for children 12 and younger and through Aug. 20 for teens. They can register at any Pasadena public library. Children will get a special reading log, stickers and book bag, then bring their reading records in when they’ve read 200 minutes to receive their prizes. Hey, teens: Every time you finish a book, magazine, graphic novel or audio book, fill out a prize entry slip with a bit of information about you and the item you’ve finished, then drop it into a specially designated prize box.

All events listed are free unless otherwise noted.

See a more comprehensive schedule of events for the same time period, including commission meetings and city council meetings, here.

See more community events (and add your own) here.

Mystery History -- Solved!

2011-06-29T20:00:00.001-07:00

I stumped everybody this week, although there were some very clever and creative guesses!

In the 1903 photo above, young students plant gardens at James A. Garfield Elementary School.

The school, at what is now the northeast corner of Pasadena Avenue and California Boulevard, was designed by the firm Ridgeway, Stewart and Son in the Anglo-Teutonic style.

It opened in 1888 on a large property that included gardens and orchards planted and tended by students (with supervision, of course).

In their 1902 book "The World's Work: A History of Our Time," Walter Hines Page and Arthur Wilson Page wrote:

The Garfield school at Pasadena, California, is again conspicuous for its masses of pink ivy-geraniums over the stone wall which supports the sloping lawn, its beds of pink and white geraniums, its clusters of rose bushes and palm trees. In New York, limited space has prevented extensive gardens but an occasional playground is oulined by a hedge of green.

With Pasadena’s population boom in the late 1800s, additions were built on the campus, including this charming kindergarten building that opened in 1902:

I love this photo of kindergarteners learning woodworking skills on one of the building's porches:

Garfield School is long gone (a Vons shopping center is there now). These hale and hearty young boys bid you farewell.

Many thanks to Pasadena Public Library and Pasadena Museum of History.

Mystery History

2011-06-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

Where are we? And what's happening?

The first person to guess correctly will win a fabulous prize!

I'll have the full scoop on Thursday.

Mystery History -- Solved!

2011-06-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

Mike wins with his 10:23 a.m. Wednesday guess "this is Don Juan Benavidez playing his guitar to these kids, and I assume serenading their mothers too, at Citihall."

In the May 18, 1961, photo above, Don Juan Benavides entertains two rootin' tootin' cowpokes in front of Pasadena City Hall during the kickoff to the city's week-long 75th anniversary celebration.

Here are some photos and excerpts from the Los Angeles Times (sorry for the quality -- they're photocopies, not from negatives).

Mrs. J. Robert Paine, left, of the Shakespeare Club and Mrs. Don C. McMillan, wife of Pasadena's city manager, show off their 1886-era costumes:

A schedule of events for the celebration is as follows:

Wednesday: Kick-off Breakfast, 7 to 9:30 a.m.; costume contest during breakfast featuring clothes of 1874, 7 to 8:30 a.m., sponsored by the Shakespeare Club and Shakespeare Club Juniors.

Open house at City Hall, 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., displays showing operation of city government; free transportation for tour of Civil Defense Center, 1 to 4 p.m., also for tours of power plant, 1 to 8 p.m.; Pasadena City College Oratorical Contest finals, 3:30 p.m., council chambers, sponsored by Women's Civic League of Pasadena.

Barbershop Harmony Show, 8:20 p.m., Civic Auditorium; square dancing, 8:30 p.m., City Hall Plaza.

John Walmagott (left), Mayor C. Lewis Edwards and William R. Thompson admire a 1913 car that will be entered into the horseless carriage parade:

Thursday: Open house, same exhibits and trips as previous day; Kiwanis luncheon, noon, Masonic Temple, honoring citizens who resided in area during year of incorporation.

Mormon Choir of Southern California, 8:30 p.m., Civic Auditorium.

Friday: YMCA open house, commemorating 75th birthday of that organization, all day and evening. Boys Club of Pasadena open house, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday: Open house at the new home of the Tournament of Roses Assn., the former Wrigley family estate, 2 to 5 p.m.

Wanda Anderson, the reigning Miss Crown City, sits atop the city's vintage 1909 Seagrave engine. (To this day the engine is housed at the Pasadena Fire Museum at the Station 31. Stop by and see it and the other treasures some time!)

May 22: State and County Day, open house displays at plaza, Board of Equalization Building and County Courts.

Horseless carriage parade 11 a.m. from Bullocks parking lot, north on Lake Avenue to Colorado Boulevard, west to Garfield Avenue, north to City Hall. Presentation of resolutions from county and state marking the occasion.

Luncheon at Huntington Sheraton Hotel for public officials, 12:30 p.m. Richard Nevins, member of the State Board of Equalization, will represent the state and Supervisor Warren M. Dorn will represent the county.

May 23: Industrial Show, 1 to 10 p.m., Pasadena Civic Auditorium, sponsored by the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce.

May 24: Industrial Show, same hours; Pasadena Symphony Orchestra concert, 8:30 p.m., Civic Auditorium.

Throughout the celebration the Santa Fe Railroad will display two old engines, the Death Valley Scotty engine and a wood-burning engine of 1880, at their yards on Arroyo Parkway near the station.

The history of Pasadena will be shown with photographs and historical documents at Bullock's Pasadena Monday to May 22. The mementos are the property of the Pasadena Historical Society.

Fast forwarding to 2011, this is the 125th anniversary of the city's incorporation in 1886. Throughout June and into July and August, we're partying like it's 2099!

See a full lineup of events and more information here.

Many thanks to Pasadena Public Library and USC.

Mystery History

2011-06-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

Where are we? And what's happening?

The first person to guess correctly will win a fabulous prize!

I'll have the full scoop on Thursday.

Looking for Something to Do?

2011-06-19T17:33:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, June 21, at 6:30 p.m. – Councilman Steve Madison will host a District 6 town hall meeting in the Crawford Family Forum at Southern California Public Radio, 474 S. Raymond Ave. Special guest Vince Bertoni, director of planning, will discuss the General Plan and the future of Pasadena.

Wednesday, June 22, at 1 p.m. – This week’s free film in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Pasadena Central Library, 285 E. Walnut St., is “Away from Her” (2006, PG-13) starring Julie Christie, Gordon Pinsent and Olympia Dukakis in the story of a man who plunges into an emotional abyss after moving his Alzheimer’s-stricken wife to a nursing facility. Christie earned an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of the fading yet graceful Fiona. (626) 744-4066.

Thursday, June 23, 2:30 to 4 p.m. – Learn about the four alternatives to the General Plan land use and mobility updates and how they would affect jobs, housing, greenhouse gas emissions and more. This workshop in the Creveling Lounge (Building CC) at Pasadena City College, 1570 E. Colorado Blvd., will include exhibits, presentations on the alternatives and an opportunity to ask questions of the community members who helped draft the alternatives.

The next opportunity to learn more about the General Plan is Saturday, June 25, from 9;30 to 11:30 a.m. in the auditorium at Madison Elementary School, 515 E. Ashtabula St.

Saturday, June 25, at 10 a.m. – Children 12 and under will enjoy “Stories from the Old Country” as Flights of Fantasy Story Theatre tells folktales and fables using costumes, props and a healthy dose of laughter in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Pasadena Central Library, 285 E. Walnut St. This is a Summer Reading Club event (see below).

Saturday, June 25, at 6 p.m. – About 90,000 people are expected to attend the Gold Cup final soccer game at the Rose Bowl Stadium, so be prepared for traffic in the areas surrounding the stadium.

Sunday, June 26, from noon to 4 p.m. – Free HIV testing will be offered in Lot B at the Rose Bowl Stadium sponsored by California Assemblyman Anthony Portantino and the Pasadena Public Health Department.

Through July 8 -- Take the General Plan Survey and tell us which land use alternative, or combination of alternatives, you preferred for six planning areas. A special newsletter with information on the alternatives with the survey has been mailed to all households and businesses.

Through Aug. 14 and Aug. 20 -- It’s Summer Reading Club time with the theme “One World, Many Stories” through Aug. 14 for children 12 and younger and through Aug. 20 for teens. They can register at their nearest Pasadena public library. Children will get a special reading log, stickers and book bag, then bring their reading records in when they’ve read 200 minutes to receive their prizes. Hey, teens: Every time you finish a book, magazine, graphic novel or audio book, fill out a prize entry slip with a bit of information about you and the item you’ve finished, then drop it into a specially designated prize box.

All events listed above are free.

See a more comprehensive schedule of events for the same time period, including commission meetings and city council meetings, here.

See even more community events (and add your own) here.

Mystery History -- Solved!

2011-06-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

Ben, our resident baseball guru, got it right off the bat (get it?) with his 6:30 a.m. Tuesday guess "Walter O'Malley checking out the Rose Bowl as an option to house the Brooklyn Dodgers."

In the 1957 photo above, National League President Warren Giles, Brooklyn Dodgers owner Walter O'Malley and Pasadena City Manager Don McMillan stand on the field of the Rose Bowl Stadium during contract negotiations that would enable the Dodgers to play at the stadium for up to two seasons during their transition to Los Angeles.

O'Malley, a real estate mogul, decided to move the Dodgers out of Brooklyn because the decrepit Ebbets Field was no longer a viable option for league play and his proposal for building a modern stadium in that burrough fell through when he could not get support for suitable land.

In May 1957 the National League approved the move to Los Angeles, and in October 1957 the L.A. City Council made it official.

But where would the newly named Los Angeles Dodgers play their 1958 season? And how about 1959?

O'Malley's grand plans for a stadium at Chavez Ravine couldn't take shape in time for a number of reasons that I won't go into here (look it up), so he and L.A. city officials turned to Pasadena to discuss a possible temporary home at the Rose Bowl Stadium.

Here from left to right, Los Angeles Mayor Norris Poulson, Pasadena Mayor Seth Miller and O'Malley pore over a map of the Rose Bowl Stadium on Dec. 11, 1957:

During the Dec. 17, 1957, meeting of the Pasadena Board of City Directors (now called the City Council), the chamber was packed with people, many in favor and many opposed to the Dodgers using the stadium.

Excerpt from the minutes of that meeting:

The Chairman announced that the matter of use of the Rose Bowl by the Brooklyn Dodgers would now be taken up and on the order of the Chairman, the City Clerk announced that to this hour, 150 letters were received expressing opposition to the use of the Rose Bowl by the Dodgers, which includes 5 organizations, and that 40 letters were received favoring the said use by the Dodgers which includes 9 organizations.

There was plenty of testimony in the chamber during the meeting.

Here's Oliver B. Prickett representing the Linda Vista Association in opposition of the proposal:

Richard Spaulding representing sporting groups in favor of it:

And James B. Wilcott speaking in favor on behalf of the Pasadena Quarterbacks:

Dozens of people gave their public testimony, for and against. After all was said and done:

Moved by Director Benedict,
"That we direct the City Manager to work out the details of a contract with Walter O'Malley for his Dodgers Baseball Club to use the Rose Bowl as a temporary location for a period of one and one-half to two seasons".

The motion passed six to one.

Excerpts from a Los Angeles Times article Jan. 6, 1958:

Walter O'Malley will climb aboard the Dodger merry-go-round again today, hopeful that he can grab the brass ring -- temporary tenancy for his big leaguers in the Rose Bowl.

This morning the Dodger prexy will resume his discussions with City Manager Don C. McMillan of Pasadena, which were broken off temporarily last month when O'Malley flew east to bring his family back to California.

Their initial negotiations merely were exploratory, but with time running out -- the Dodgers' first home game will be April 18 against the San Francisco Giants -- O'Malley realizes that he must get down to brass tacks.

There is some organized opposition to the Dodgers in Pasadena, principally from residents in the vicinity of the bowl. However, the bulk of the Crown City's citizenry, including leading merchants, labor groups, service and fraternal organizations, are enthusiastic about the prospect of hosting O'Malley's homeless waifs.

Joining O'Malley in his negotiations with McMillan and Rose Bowl Manager Bob McCurdy will be his legal eagle, Harry Walsh; Amos Buckly of the Allied Maintenance Co., Dick Walsh, assistant director of the Dodger farm system, and an engineer.

Business Manager Harold Parrott will be back at his Wrigley Field office today after a brief trip, and Vice President Buzzie Bavasi is expected to return from the East shortly.

Here are Don McMillan (left), Bob McCurdy, Warren Giles and Walter O'Malley going over tentative plans on Jan. 6, 1958:

But here's the thing: Just because a motion passes and negotiations begin, that doesn't mean a contract will actually be executed.

Los Angeles Times - Jan. 14, 1958:
After weeks of careful study the Dodgers' engineers reported that it would cost a minimum of $750,000 to transform the 100,000-seat Rose Bowl into a ball park of major league standards.

A joint statement issued by McMillan and O'Malley asserted that "this amount of money could not be amortized in a short-term, two-year lease." Furthermore, they agreed that "the alterations would leave physical scars on the beautiful Rose Bowl."

During the Pasadena discussions the Coliseum Commission declined to deal further with O'Malley, but some members said they would be willing to revive negotiations if the Rose Bowl plan failed.

The Dodgers would play four seasons in the Coliseum until Dodger Stadium opened on April 10, 1962.

Many thanks to Pasadena Public Library, the City Clerk's Office and USC.

Mystery History

2011-06-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

Where are we? And what's happening?

The first person to guess correctly will win a fabulous prize!

I'll have the full scoop on Thursday.

Our 125th Birthday Kickoff

2011-06-13T14:36:00.001-07:00

Thousands gathered throughout the day on Saturday for the kickoff to Pasadena's 125th birthday celebrations. The opening bash was at the Pasadena Museum of History, where the galleries and grounds were bustling with excitement.

People waited eagerly for events to begin on stage:

Mayor Bill Bogaard was a big part of the festivities:

Children's activities included storytellers who engaged audiences throughout the day...

...and fancy hat-making, such as this chapeau created and worn by Anastasia Rodriguez:

And then it was time for the enormous and elaborate birthday cake created by pastry chefs at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Pasadena:

But wait -- there's more! Click here for information about additional 125th birthday celebrations in the near future.

Many thanks to Linda Centell, Petrea Burchard and Terry Miller.

Mystery History -- Solved!

2011-06-07T09:12:00.000-07:00

I stumped everybody this week, although plenty of people provided clever guesses.

In the photo above, shot on Oct. 25, 1951, Pasadena City Manager Don C. McMillin accepts $2 from 7-year-old Bobby Bukshpan for a previously owned bicycle at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium during what was billed as the world's largest rummage sale. McMillin served as a volunteer cashier at the event, which was a benefit for the California Junior Republic Auxiliary.

I'll let these other photos speak for themselves:

Nowadays rummage sales aren't so popular. But plenty of people in Pasadena have yard sales on their properties. Remember, you need a permit! You can get two yard sale permits annually, each of which is good for up to three consecutive days.

Many thanks to USC.

Mystery History

2011-06-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

Where are we? And what's happening?

The first person to guess correctly will win a fabulous prize!

I'll have the full scoop on Thursday.

Looking for Something to Do?

2011-06-03T20:31:00.000-07:00

Saturday, June 4, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Get Healthy Pasadena is a day of free health screenings, healthy food and lifestyle demonstrations and activities, talks by leading health professionals, live music and much more at Pasadena Senior Center and Memorial Park. Pre-register here or call (626) 389-2758.

Saturday, June 4, from 10 to 11 a.m. – A new tree has been planted at the top of the Victory Park’s “V” garden at the northeast corner of Altadena Drive and Paloma Street in recognition of former Pasadena City Councilman Steve Haderlein’s 12 years of service to District 4. Stop by and see the tree, greet Steve and enjoy this very special section of the park.

Saturday, June 4, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Bring your family and friends to an open house at the Pasadena Police Department Heliport! See the helicopters up close, meet the pilots, see K-9s in action, watch CSI demonstrations, enjoy refreshments and much more.

Monday, June 6 -- Is your child or teen the artsy type? Today’s the deadline for entries in PWP’s water conservation poster art contest.

Tuesday, June 7, at 6 p.m. – Wondering why all that road construction is being done on North Los Robles and when it will be completed? Learn all about it during a community meeting hosted by Pasadena City Councilwoman Jacque Robinson.

Tuesday, June 7, at 6:30 p.m. – This is your final opportunity to meet with City Manager Michael Beck and give him your input on the ideal qualities the next director of public works should possess and the issues the director should be prepared to undertake.

Wednesday, June 8, at 1 p.m. – This week’s film in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Pasadena Central Library is “Charly” (1968, PG) adapted from the novel “Flowers for Algernon” by Daniel Keyes. The film stars Cliff Robertson, who won the Academy Award for his role as a developmentally challenged man who gradually develops a genius-level IQ following experimental surgery and then learns it won’t last long.

Wednesday, June 8, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. – The community is invited to a reception welcoming Mercy Santoro, the new director of the Human Services and Recreation Department.

Saturday, June 11, from noon to 7 p.m. – It’s Pasadena’s 125th birthday party extravaganza at the Pasadena Museum of History, complete with a cake created by chefs from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, live music, dance, theater, storytelling, exhibitions, children’s activities and much more! Admission, activities and birthday cake are free; food prepared by local restaurants will be offered for sale. Birthday events are also scheduled throughout the summer at City Hall, the Rose Bowl Stadium, Memorial Park and other locations.

Admission is free to all of these events. See a more comprehensive schedule of events sponsored by the City of Pasadena for the same time period, including city council and commission meetings, here.

See more community events (and add your own) at www.cityofpasadena.net/calendar.

Many thanks to Kevin Joyce for the photo from the 2010 heliport open house and Pasadena Museum of History for the 125th birthday photo.

Mystery History -- Solved!

2011-06-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

A few people nibbled around the edges but two people came closest first, so I'm calling it a tie: Karin with her 7:48 a.m. Tuesday guess "I think they're filming a movie in Castle Green" and Daniel with his 4:10 p.m. Tuesday guess "It is Rudy Valentino kissing the hand of a woman in the Hotel Green, now known as the Castle Green."

In the 1919 photo above, silent screen star Rudolph Valentino kisses the hand of Dorothy Gish at the Hotel Green during a scene from "Nobody Home." The film, also called "Out of Luck," is about an extremely superstitious young woman who is wooed by two men: one villainous and one virtuous. Valentino played the shady guy. (The plot thickens!). There's a nice little story about the filming here.

Now the historic Castle Green, the building was once part of a trio of hotel buildings in the vast Hotel Green complex.

Here's a circa 1905 photo that shows all three buildings in the complex. If you look very closely, you can see the enclosed bridge that connected the buildings on the west and east side of Raymond (half the bridge, including the little tower, still stands today). The photographer was standing in the new Central Park.

And here's a page from a historic illustrated souvenir booklet showing the huge complex from a similar angle, with the park a little more mature.

The one-story building at the southeast corner of Raymond Avenue and Green Street -- now Stats Floral Supply -- is all that's left of the east building in the complex. Note the curvature of the window on the corner, which is very similar to the two remaining buildings.

Here's the Castle Green today on the west side of Raymond Avenue between Green and Dayton streets:

The interiors are spectacular and haven't changed much in all these years:

And here's the original portion of the complex, which now is the Green Hotel Apartments at the southeast corner of Green Street and Fair Oaks Avenue, along with some first-floor businesses:

I've seen and heard the history dozens upon dozens of times. Perhaps the best eye-witness account is in my favorite local reference book, "Pasadena: Historical and Personal" by J.W. Wood, published in 1917, which can be found in the Centennial Room at Pasadena Central Library:

The Green was an outcome of the frenzied boom and Ed Webster's altitudinous ambition. Webster was the top-notcher in enterprise about 1886-87, when ranches were being sliced up into town lots. Property owners like Romayne Williams and P.G. Wooster, who fortunately owned "ranches" down along the newly opened Raymond Avenue, were strictly "in it." Wooster owned the property where now stands the Green Hotel and part of Central Park. Williams' land lay just south of Wooster's; therefore, when came the trend of speculation in that direction, Wooster parted with some of his land to Webster and Webster started to build a hotel on it. To help things along, he also built a depot for the Santa Fé on condition that that road would move its office from north of Colorado Street, where it then was, to the new location. Of course, this being handed a fine new brick depot that cost $10,000, situated on a fine lot, all free of charge, the Santa Fé people couldn't refuse, and with due modesty and kindly feeling moved to the new location. This was in 1887. Thus was begun the original edifice, then called the Webster, later the Green Hotel.

Colonel Green happened into Pasadena one fine day and met Andrew McNally and some other congenial spirits. I believe William Morgan later joined "the crows." It didn't take Webster long to get these gentlemen interested in Pasadena, and it was through his efforts that they eventually made large investments and became regular winter residents. Then Webster ran out of money, and what more natural than that he borrow from Green? He did that very thing, and in the distressful end, when Webster got a monkey wrench in his financial machinery, Green had a two-story unfinished hotel on his hands that he did not want. This was in 1891. Morgan fared likewise, but only drew a smaller building on Raymond Avenue which still is part of the Morgan estate.

Green enlarged and improved his purchase and made it a high-class hostelry. He built the west wing in the park that surrounds it; then buying the Wooster Block on Fair Oaks Avenue, and including that in the plant in 1895. J.H. Holmes, a brother-in-law of Colonel Green, was made manager of the business and brought to it much fame as a high-class hotel; for Major Holmes had the "hotel genius," lacking which it bodes no man to attempt such an undertaking. These two structures, the east and the west wing, are joined, Siamese twinlike, by a bridge which spans the thoroughfare between – an unique link. Not a "bridge of sighs," indeed, but a causeway to neighborly comity between the dwelling places. The Green was conducted by Major Holmes until he became lessee of the U.S. Grant Hotel at San Diego. In 1916 the Green was leased to D.M. Linnard, who now conducts it as one of his trio, and has recreated its former prestige.

I could go on forever but I won't. You can find more history on the Castle Green and Pasadena Heritage websites.

The Castle Green is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. A homeowners association takes care of the inside of the building; Pasadena Heritage and Friends of the Castle Green raises funds for exterior restoration. (In the interest of full disclosure, I serve on the Friends board).

The Castle Green is open to the public only two days each year for tours, the proceeds of which help fund those exterior renovations. The next tour is on Sunday, June 26. The grounds behind those heavy gates, the first floor common areas and several of the privately owned apartments will be open for anyone and everyone to see and learn more about this architectural wonder designated by the city council years ago as an official City of Pasadena Treasure.

Do you have a historic property that you'd like to preserve? Take a gander at the web pages for the Design and Historic Preservation Section of the Pasadena Planning Department.

Many thanks to the Castle Green, Pasadena Public Library, Pasadena Heritage and Pasadena Museum of History.

Mystery History

2011-05-31T06:00:00.000-07:00

Where are we? And what's happening?

The first person to guess correctly will win a fabulous prize!

I'll have the full scoop on Thursday.

Looking for Something to Do?

2011-05-27T19:55:00.000-07:00

Saturday, May 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – It’s Family Fun Day at La Pintoresca Park and Branch Library! Join us for entertainment, food, arts and crafts, skate park competition and much more.

Monday, May 30 -- City of Pasadena administrative offices, libraries, community centers and health clinics will be closed for the Memorial Day holiday. Trash and recycling pickup will be on the regular schedule this week.

Monday, May 30, at 11:45 a.m. – A wreath will be placed at the Pasadena Vietnam Memorial during a public ceremony at Memorial Park (Raymond Avenue between Holly and Walnut) organized by the Pasadena Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans Association. Children will sing the National Anthem, and many veterans will be in attendance. The ceremony will be preceded by a flyover at 10:45 a.m. (626) 795-8141.

Tuesday, May 31 – Interested in serving on the Redistricting Task Force? Today’s the deadline for applications.

Tuesday, May 31, at 6:30 p.m. – City Manager Michael J. Beck is asking for your input on the ideal qualities of Pasadena’s next director of public works.

Thursday, June 2, at 6 p.m. – Attend the last in a series of four community workshops where you’ll share ideas for the design of a proposed park in the Playhouse District.

Saturday, June 4, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Bring your family and friends to an open house at the Pasadena Police Department Heliport!

See a more comprehensive schedule of events for the same time period, including city council and commission meetings, here.

See more community events (and add your own) here.

Many thanks to Kevin Joyce for the photo from the 2010 heliport open house.

Mystery History -- Solved!

2011-05-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

Update (5/26, 11:20 a.m.): I'm giving Sid a prize just for all the wonderful work he does as Pasadena's favorite and most renowned historic photo archivist!

* * *

Sid Gally got it right, but he's a leading archivist of historic photos in Pasadena, so he's disqualified from winning the prize. Nice try though, Sid!

In the circa 1924 photo above, boys ages 6 to 14 with medical issues such as low weight, chronic fatigue, anemia and malnourishment soak up the sunshine under the supervision of a nurse at the Pasadena Preventorium built on about 10 acres that overlooked the Arroyo Seco.

Established in 1922 and one of several in the nation, it was designed to help build up the boys' strength through exercise, rest and sunshine while keeping them in isolation to help prevent the highly contagious disease from invading their bodies.

Several partner agencies were involved in the establishment and management of the site, including the city, the school district and the Pasadena Tuberculosis Society. In addition to providing as much care and activity as possible to help prevent tuberculosis in the children, there was an on-site school to ensure that their daily lessons would continue. Monetary donations from the community helped sustain many of the fiscal needs.

Prior and into the 1920s and 1930s, many children in the U.S. died of tuberculosis, so it was considered prudent to establish these preventoriums to help ensure they would grow up to be healthy adults.

The preventorium accepted only boys in its early years; female children were welcomed after a capital campaign for the purchase of a new site for a girls' wing.

Excerpt from an April 11, 1928, article in the Los Angeles Times about the fund-raising campaign:

The fact that sun bathing is an important part of the children's routine at the schools makes it desirable to separate the boys' and girls' divisions, according to Mrs. J. Ross Charles, president of the council.

Donations to the preventorium were also important for the sponsorship of frail children from low-income families. The same was the case with summer camps for pre-tubercular boys.

Here's a photo from one of the local summer camps:

Do you know the Pasadena Public Health Department maintains a tuberculosis clinic to this day? Learn more here.

Many thanks to Pasadena Public Library and Pasadena Museum of History.

Mystery History

2011-05-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

Where are we? And what's happening?

The first person to guess correctly will win a fabulous prize!

I'll have the full scoop on Thursday.

Photos Galore from Events Galore!

2011-05-11T14:26:00.000-07:00

The casting pond in the Arroyo Seco reopened on Saturday with a celebration of renovations to the beloved fly fishers' mecca.

On April 30, Reese's Retreat at Brookside Park had its grand opening celebration. The playground, with a pirate ship theme, is accessible to children of all abilities:

That same day, the sixth anniversary of Arlington Garden was celebrated with tours, art exhibitions, talks and much more:

Many thanks to Loren Pluth, Kicker McKenney and Chuck Hudson.

Looking for Something to Do?

2011-05-06T17:42:00.000-07:00

Saturday, May 7, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – It’s the Free Comic Book Day celebration at Pasadena Central Library for children and teens, with special video screenings, a design-your-own-superhero event, a visit by popular graphic-novel illustrator Kazu Kibuishi and much more! (There’s also something happening at each branch library.)

Wednesday, May 11, at 1 p.m. – This week’s film in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Pasadena Central Library is “Sherlock Holmes” (2009, PG-13) starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law in the tale of Sir Arthur Conan’s Doyle’s detective and his stalwart sidekick Watson in a battle of brains and brawn against a nemesis who threatens all of England.

Thursday, May 12, at 7 p.m. – “Helen of Pasadena” author Lian Dolan will discuss her popular novel in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Pasadena Central Library. Bring yours for her to sign!

Saturday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Share your ideas for a proposed park site at the corner of Union Street and El Molino Avenue in the Playhouse District.

Saturday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – It’s Fire Service Day, complete with demonstrations (flames! jaws of life!), open houses, food and lots of big, red fire engines!

Saturday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Learn about sustainable planting, gardening and landscape design for Southern California’s climate at Linda Vista Branch Library, presented by experts from the Theodore Payne Foundation and Los Angeles County Arboretum.

Sunday, May 15 -- Today is the Pasadena Marathon! We’ve set up a special web page with regularly updated info on road closures, transit detours, parking restrictions, maps and more.

All events listed above are free.

See a more comprehensive schedule of events for the same time period, including commission meetings and city council meetings, here.

See even more community events (and add your own) at www.cityofpasadena.net/calendar.

Mystery History -- Solved!

2011-05-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

Daniel wins with his 7:54 p.m. Tuesday guess "Blacker House garage under construction." (Daniel, you didn't include any contact info, so please e-mail me at aerdman@cityofpasadena.net and I'll tell you about your fabulous prize!)

In the 1907 photo above, workers near completion of the garage at retired Michigan lumber magnate Robert R. Blacker's estate while landscaping materials are brought in.

Charles and Henry Greene were meticulous about every aspect of the house's and outbuildings' designs, including the garage:

Here's the house under construction:

Teak, mahogany and ebony were used. Total cost of the project was $100,000 -- a whopping amount of money at that time.

Los Angeles Times, May 10, 1908:

As Mr. Blacker, the owner, is an old lumber man, he has taken great pride in having the best material obtainable for the house. Days and weeks have been spent in securing timbers which would suit his taste. The exterior works consists of a great deal of detail work obtained by cross timber work and wherever there is an exposed beam this is absolutely perfect, without a knot or chuck. Hand-wrought iron fastenings hold these timbers in place and will be allowed to rust to get the desired effect. Hammered copper sheets, formed into gutters and ducts, lead the rain water to the cement drains and are tarnishing to an aged look.

The E.O. Nay Company got the plumbing contract for the buildings and grounds.

For many years the Blacker House, with its seven-acre grounds, gardens and ponds, was the crown jewel of the Oak Knoll subdivision in the early 20th century.

(Robert Blacker died in 1931. After his wife Nellie passed away in 1946, the acreage was parceled off into smaller lots.)

As was the case with the Gamble House, Greene & Greene designed everything from the exterior to the furniture and fixtures.

Unfortunately, in 1985 the house was sold to a Texan who didn't have the appreciation of this monumental feat that the rest of the world does. He perpetuated the so-called cultural rape of the Blacker House, selling off to private collectors and institutions more than 50 leaded art-glass light fixtures, doors and panels that were all custom-designed by Greene & Greene for this particular home. They were, as the Los Angeles Times put it, "sold off as body parts":

...Some of the lamps fetched $100,000 each, and at least one of the more imposing chandeliers sold for about a quarter of a million dollars. A handful of fixtures was sufficient to cover the price of the house. (Mr. English declined to give figures.)

Pasadena citizens, including Mr. Makinson*, loudly declared their outrage, and with the support of Pasadena Heritage, a preservation group, the city passed an emergency ordinance that slowed further removal of the pieces. Citizens guarded the house in cars parked out front.

Mr. English sold the Blacker House in 1988, never having lived in it. The removal of the fixtures had violated the integrity of Greene & Greene's design. The brothers had created interiors that were symphonies of carefully orchestrated parts, and suddenly the first violin section was missing in every room. One of the finest works of American architecture had been desecrated...

Enter Harvey and Ellen Knell. They bought the Blacker House in 1994 and immediately set their minds to restoring it to the best extent possible. They worked with Mackinson, master craftsman James Ipekjian, Hamm Glass Studios and other specialists who replicated the sold-off fixtures and restored the house inside and out.

After four years of restoration, a benefit dinner hosted by actor Brad Pitt celebrated the completion of the project. The Blacker House had finally regained its state of grace intended by the Greene brothers.

Here's the Blacker House today:

It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1986 and is an important component of the annual Craftsman Weekend organized every October by Pasadena Heritage.

I could get into much more detail and history, but I'll leave it you to learn about. The Gamble House has a couple of web pages devoted to the Blacker House here.

"Greene & Greene: The Blacker House" is an excellent book if you want to learn even more (way more!) about it.

You can also drive by the Blacker House -- the Knells wouldn't mind. It's at 1177 Hillcrest Ave.

* Randell Mackinson of Pasadena is a historic restoration architect with a specialty in Greene & Greene.

Many thanks to Pasadena Public Library, Randell Mackinson, the Gamble House, Hamm Glass Studios and Hometown Pasadena.

City Council Reorganization

2011-05-04T15:08:00.001-07:00

City Manager Michael Beck presented the outgoing District 4 councilman with his very own Steve Haderlein Field, made with loving hands by Michael and his children.

Monday was a bittersweet evening, full of fond farewells and new beginnings as the Pasadena City Council reorganized.

Mayor Bill Bogaard and Vice Mayor Victor Gordo presented Steve with photos of District 4 shot by the very talented Brian Biery:

Jane Haderlein and their daughters offered touching testimonials about their great husband and father, and the impact of his dedicated public service on their lives.

The meeting was adjourned and civilian Steve Haderlein joined his family in the audience.

Next the mayor called the meeting to order again, and it was time for the swearing in of newly elected and re-elected officials by City Clerk Mark Jomsky. From left are District 6 Councilman Steve Madison, District 4 Councilman Gene Masuda, District 2 Councilwoman Margaret McAustin, District 1 Councilwoman Jacque Robinson and Mayor Bogaard.

Mayor Bogaard presented Victor Gordo with a commemorative clock in appreciation of his two years of service as vice mayor.

The final order of business was the election of a new vice mayor. Congratulations to Margaret McAustin, who will lead council meetings and perform other duties whenever Mayor Bogaard is not available.

Everyone posed for a photo before heading home. (Missing is District 7 Councilman Terry Tornek, who was not able to be there.)

Photos by the mighty Zack Stromberg of the Public Affairs Office.

Mystery History

2011-05-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

Where are we? And what's happening?

The first person to guess correctly will win a fabulous prize!

I'll have the full scoop on Thursday.

Saturday with the Police Chief

2011-05-02T11:34:00.000-07:00

Pasadena Police Chief Phil Sanchez and his wife Deborah stopped by the Jim Stivers Memorial Reviewing Stand to say hi during the 34th occasional Pasadena Doo Dah Parade on Saturday...

...and on Saturday evening we were at the same table at Villa Esperanza's Blue & White at Night benefit gala.

I posted more photos of both events on Facebook.

Looking for Something to Do?

2011-04-29T20:17:00.000-07:00

Saturday, April 30, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – It’s the grand opening of Reese’s Retreat at Brookside Park – a delightful playground for pint-sized pirates of all abilities.

Saturday, April 30, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Celebrate the anniversary of Arlington Garden, Pasadena’s only dedicated public garden.

Tuesday, May 3, from 2 to 4 p.m. – Get a blood pressure check and diabetes risk assessment and screening at Santa Catalina Branch Library, 999 E. Washington Blvd., presented by Huntington Hospital Community Outreach. (626) 744-7272.

Wednesday, May 4, at 1 p.m. – This week’s film in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Pasadena Central Library, 285 E. Walnut St., is “Pride and Prejudice” (2005, PG) starring Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen and Donald Sutherland in the adaption of the Jane Austen’s novel.

Wednesday, May 4, at 4 p.m. – Children will celebrate their moms by creating a special craft at Hastings Branch Library, 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd. All materials will be provided. (626) 744-7262.

Thursday, May 5, at 3 p.m. – Children will celebrate their moms by create a special craft at Hill Avenue Branch Library, 55 S. Hill Ave. All materials will be provided. (626) 744-7264.

Thursday, May 5, at 3:30 p.m. – Teens are invited to a Cinco de Mayo party at Allendale Branch Library, 1130 S. Marengo Ave., where they’ll snack on chips and salsa while watching “Nacho Libre” (2006, PG) starring Jack Black, Ana de la Reguera and Efren Ramirez.

Friday, May 6, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Teach yourself Microsoft PowerPoint using a self-paced, online tutorial at La Pintoresca Branch Library, 1355 N. Raymond Ave. (626) 744-7268.

Saturday, May 7, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – It’s the Free Comic Book Day celebration at Pasadena Central Library for children and teens, with special video screenings, a design-your-own-superhero event, a visit by popular graphic-novel illustrator Kazu Kibuishi and much more! (There’s also something happening at each branch library.)

All events listed above are free.

See a more comprehensive schedule of events for the same time period, including commission meetings and city council meetings, here.

See even more community events (and add your own) at www.cityofpasadena.net/calendar.

No Mystery History This Week

2011-04-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

I'm taking a few days off for R&R. Mystery History will be back next week with a new head-scratcher!

Looking for Something to Do?

2011-04-23T23:07:00.000-07:00

Monday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Flintridge Center staff will conduct a workshop for grant seekers at La Pintoresca Branch Library, where you’ll learn how to generate targeted lists of funding prospects from an online database in seconds. Call (626) 449-0839 for a reservation.

Monday, April 25, at 5 p.m. – This is the deadline for submitting an application to serve as a Pasadena City Council appointee on the Charter Amendment and Sub-Geographic Districting Task Force.

Wednesday, April 27, at 1 p.m. – This week’s film in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Pasadena Central Library is “Cleopatra” (1963, PG) starring Elizabeth Taylor as the Egyptian queen, Richard Burton as Mark Anthony and Rex Harrison as Julius Caesar.

Thursday, April 28, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. – Attend the first in a series of four community workshops where you’ll share ideas for the design of a proposed park in the Playhouse District.

Saturday, April 30, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Come to the grand opening of Reese’s Retreat, the universally accessible playground for pint-sized pirates at Brookside Park.

Wednesday, April 30, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Celebrate the sixth anniversary of Arlington Garden with guided tours, art exhibitions, expert garden advice and much more!

Please note all events are free.

View a more comprehensive list for April 25 to 30, including public meetings, here.

There are even more community events here (and you can add your own!).

Mystery History -- Solved!

2011-04-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

Wanda wins with her 7:24 p.m. Tuesday guess "guests are enjoying their stay at the Arroyo Vista Guest House, which later became the Vista del Arroyo Hotel (quite a renovation) and is now the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals."

In the circa 1890 photo above, guests congregate outside the Arroyo Vista Guest House.

This photo is circa 1888:

Mrs. Emma C. Bangs purchased the plot of land -- several acres -- between Orange Grove and the Arroyo Seco in 1882.

The Arroyo Vista Guest House was a boarding house and hotel that served winter tourists, travelers and several people with lung disorders who had come west for a climate more tolerable for their conditions.

Here's a really fun excerpt from my favorite local reference book, "Pasadena: Historical and Personal" by J.W. Wood, published in 1917, which can be found in the Centennial Room at Pasadena Central Library:

There are many ways that might be sought to amuse. Even the sick can find opportunities. Mrs. Jennie Banbury Ford furnishes the following as illustration.

"When Mrs. Bangs' boarding house was most flourishing, there were many consumptives coming and going. It became so depressing it was suggested that they band themselves together under the head of "the busted lung brigade," and create more hopeful and cheerful feeling. The suggestion was carried out and proved very successful. They elected officers, had a beautiful silk banner with "B.L.B." embroidered on it and met all "busted lungers" with open arms. Those whose stay was ended were started on their several ways with smiles and cheers. Each member was compelled to sign the by-laws, which were amusing at least. They must not sit in a draft, must consume just so much milk and so many eggs each day and look after each other's comfort, etc. To help the fun along, Mrs. Bangs bought a parrot in Los Angeles who knew how to cough exactly like a "lunger" and contributed much to the amusement. I don't believe a more grotesque club ever existed, do you? It lasted for several years."

The guest house was eventually demolished and then rebuilt in 1920 as the magnificent, 400-room Vista del Arroyo Hotel designed by architects Sylvanus Marston & Garrett Van Pelt. A year later, architect Myron Hunt added his touches, which transformed it into the resort hotel that became so famous for so many years.

In this undated photo guests are in front of the east wing of the hotel with a trellis over the main entrance:

In this 1940s photo a fashion show is taking place on the lower portion of the property:

Here's another view of the lower grounds:

Its life as a hotel ended in 1943 when it was procured by the federal government under the War Powers Act to serve as a U.S. Army hospital. From 1951 to 1974 the building housed a number of federal agencies. It was remodeled again, and since 1981 has served as the Ninth Circuit U.S. Federal Court of Appeals.

The interior is just as spectacular as the exterior:

Here's one of the courtrooms:

There's a nice little history on the federal General Services Administration site.

Tours are offered by appointment: (626) 229-7250

I've been there a few times, mostly for staff and board retreats in one of their community rooms.

I've always loved this photo, which is courtesy of the Pasadena Convention and Visitors Bureau:

Many thanks to the Pasadena Museum of History, University of Southern California and Richard H. Chambers U.S. Court of Appeals.

Mystery History

2011-04-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

Where are we? And what's happening?

The first person to guess correctly will win a fabulous prize!

I'll have the full scoop on Thursday.

Mystery History -- Solved!

2011-04-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

Wanda wins with her 2:02 p.m. Tuesday gueas "This must be the interior of the Pasadena Steam Laundry, which had been located at the corner of Villa and Raymond."

In the 1888 photo above, workers at the Pasadena Steam Laundry take advantage of the natural light coming in from the large windows.

The business catered to residents and tourists and was located on Wilson Avenue at Villa Street -- in the outskirts of town at the time.

Before washing machines became a staple in many homes, Pasadena Steam Laundry picked up dirty laundry, delivered clean laundry and provided tailoring and mending services.

In addition to servicing residents and tourists, the business had contracts with some schools, retaurants and hotels.

In an 1892 advertisement in the Pasadena Daily Evening Star, the Pasadena Steam Laundry advertised the fact that no Chinese labor was used:

No leprous or diseased individuals around OUR laundry. None but white labor employed.

Chinese immigrants who helped build the transcontinental railroad from the 1860s to 1880s became cheap labor in other industries throughout the nation. In Pasadena, Chinese laborers worked in the orange groves and other agricultural fields, but were not necessarily welcomed in other enterprises.

This is a Chinese immigrant working at a local vineyard:

The Pasadena Fire Department was established after a makeshift Chinese laundry burned in 1885 and a race riot broke out. Read about that incident here.

Many thanks to the Pasadena Museum of History.

Mystery History

2011-04-12T11:22:00.001-07:00

Where are we? And what's happening?

The first person to guess correctly will win a fabulous prize!

I'll have the full scoop on Thursday.

Friendly Feud

2011-04-11T14:49:00.000-07:00

By now most people who read my blog know there has been a long-standing feud between Lisa Derderian and me over who has the best PIO hat.

A couple of weeks ago Lisa, who is the emergency management coordinator and PIO for the Pasadena Fire Department, and Fire Chief Dennis Downs stopped by my office with a special gift: my very own Pasadena Fire Department PIO hat!

It includes a miniature firefighter, hydrant, fire truck, a PERT sign, a photo of Lisa, a whistle, a firefighter badge and perhaps the most important tool of my trade: lipstick!

Apparently Lisa thought I would fall for this faux peace offering.

Think again, sister.

In a moment of obvious weakness, she allowed me to place my new Pasadena PIO hat on her head.

Who has the best hat now, Lisa?

You're wearing it!

Photos by the mighty Zack Stromberg of the Public Affairs Office.

Mystery History -- Solved!

2011-04-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

Bill H. wins with his 3:59 p.m. Tuesday guess "...this is a construction photo of the Christian Science Building at Green and Oakland."

In the 1910 photos above and below, construction of the First Church of Christ, Scientist is in various stages at the southeast corner of Green Street and Oakland Avenue.

The church cost $100,000 to build. It was designed by architect Franklin P. Burnham of Chicago, who also designed the Georgia State Capitol, Carnegie Art Museum, and the Riverside County Courthouse.

In 1903 Pasadena's burgeoning Christian Science community built its first church at the southeast corner of Colorado Boulevard and Madison Avenue:

It was expanded in 1905:

1905 was also the year the land at Green and Oakland was purchased. After years of fundraising drives and proposals from various architects, Burnham was hired and construction began in 1910. It was completed the following year.

The church had the largest number of square feet of any building in Pasadena at the time. It was designed to be completely fireproof and was topped by one of the earliest examples of a reinforced concrete dome.

Nearly a century after this church was built, structural work revealed the need for a large-scale seismic upgrade. The project team, led by Architectural Resources Group, analyzed the building’s condition, installed a major structural system that is virtually invisible, and restored historic finishes. And they did it all in 18 months with a budget of only $3.5 million, without disrupting a single church service.

The retrofit and restoration project received the prestigious Preservation Award from the Los Angeles Conservancy in 2009.

Pasadena's rich history includes incredible architecture of churches throughout the community, past and present.

The City of Pasadena has dozens of partners in the faith community that are actively engaged in helping us tackle issues ranging from homelessness to violence prevention.

Many thanks to Pasadena Museum of History, Los Angeles Conservancy, Architectural Resources Group and the University of Southern California.

Mystery History

2011-04-05T14:02:00.001-07:00

Where are we? And what's happening?

The first person to guess correctly will win a fabulous prize!

I'll have the full scoop on Thursday.

Looking for Something to Do?

2011-04-01T22:05:00.000-07:00

Sunday, April 3, through Friday, April 8, from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. -– Caltrans will close up to two lanes in both directions on the 110 Freeway overnight between Glenarm Street and Interstate 5 as part of the Arroyo Seco Parkway Improvement Project.

Monday, April 4, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. -– Adults are invited to make their own unique greeting cards in a workshop conducted by Martha Anderson of Creative Memories at Santa Catalina Branch Library.

Tuesday, April 5, at 7 p.m. – Meet Vince Bertoni, director of the Pasadena Planning Department, at a town hall meeting hosted by Councilman Terry Tornek. You don’t have to be a resident of District 7 to attend.

Wednesday, April 6, at 1 p.m. – This week’s film in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Pasadena Central Library, 285 E. Walnut St., is “All the President’s Men” (1976, PG) starring Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman as Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, the New York Times reporters who uncovered details of the Watergate scandal that led to President Richard Nixon’s resignation.

Thursday, April 7, at 2 p.m. – A four-part program will introduce homeschooled children ages 6 to 8 to basic library skills at Hastings Branch Library, 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd. A different topic will be covered every Thursday in April at 2 p.m., from the parts of a book to how to use the library’s computerized catalog. Call (626) 744-7262 to make a reservation.

Friday, April 8, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. – Local colleges will compete in wacky games during the second annual Pasadena Collegiate Field Tournament at PCC’s Jackie Robinson Stadium. Come cheer on your favorites!

Saturday, April 9, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Pasadena Emergency Response Training (PERT) will be hosted by City Councilwoman Margaret McAustin and the Pasadena Fire Department.

For a more comprehensive list, go here.

See more community events (and add your own) here.

Mystery History -- Solved!

2011-03-31T01:10:00.000-07:00

Wanda wins with her 8:17 p.m. Tuesday guess "Charles Frederick Holder at the Valley Hunt Club?" (Wanda, you didn't link to any contact info, so please e-mail me at aerdman@cityofpasadena.net and I'll tell you about your fabulous prize.)

In the 1910 photo above, Charles Frederick Holder sits in the library of his Pasadena home.

The rectangular photo above the mantel is of Catalina Island where he explored and fished. The man in the framed photo above the mantel is Charles Darwin, one of his heroes.

Born to a wealthy Quaker family in Massachusetts, Holder was an explorer, college professor, philanthropist, conservationist, sportsman, master swordsman and author.

It's not surprising that he had a love of the great outdoors and all things nature-related: His father, Dr. Joseph Holder, was the curator of invertebrate zoology at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. As a child, Charles hunted and fished with his father in locations along the eastern seaboard and spent hours on end exploring every corner of the museum; in 1871 he became his father's assistant at the museum and began writing about natural history.

When he was in his 30s, Charles was diagnosed with a lung condition. He followed the advice of his doctors and moved west, settling in Pasadena in 1885 with his wife, Sarah Ufford Holder.

They were active in Pasadena's civic and cultural affairs: He served on the boards of trustees of the public library and the public school system and was the first president of the Tournament of Roses, and she was on the board of directors of the Pasadena Children's Training Society, a home and school for what now would be considered foster children (it morphed into Hathaway-Sycamores).

Here's a charming illustration of the public library from Charles F. Holder's book All About Pasadena and Its Vicinity (1889, Lee and Shepard publishers):

Excerpt from the book:

The public buildings of Pasadena speak well for its future. On Fair Oaks Avenue is the Young Men's Christian Association, a large and expensive building in course of erection. On Colorado Street near the extensive Carr estate the Union Club-House is rising, and returning to Raymond Avenue we find the Public Library building, the finest of the kind west of Denver. Here is a fine collection of books, and a reading-room containing all the papers and periodicals of the day. The reading-room is free to all visitors, and books are obtainable by paying a small monthly fee.

In the library are the rooms and museum of the Pasadena Academy of Sciences -- which eventually will contain some of the finest collections in Southern California, among which may be mentioned the H.N. Rust collection of antiquities, ranging from the mount builders of the West to the California aborigines; the Carr collection of fossils, representing the great and varied field covered by New York State; the zoölogical collections of Delos Arnold and C.F. Holder, while many other citizens of Pasadena propose to contribute their private collections, which will make the museum one of the most valuable in the State.

Holder co-founded, along with Dr. Francis Rowland, the Valley Hunt Club* in 1888.

Here's a photo of Holder circa 1889 with Valley Hunt Club foxhounds. The photo is in his book Life in the Open (1906, G.P. Putnam's Sons publishers):

In 1890, members of the Valley Hunt Club invited their friends on the east coast to an annual mid-winter holiday in Pasadena where they could watch chariot races, jousting, foot races, polo and tug-of-war under the warm California sun.

Here's a chariot race (that's Throop University on the right, which would become Caltech):

Holder had an idea for expanding the event:

"In New York, people are buried in snow," he announced at a Valley Hunt Club meeting. "Here our flowers are blooming and our oranges are about to bear. Let's hold a festival to tell the world about our paradise."

And the Tournament of Roses was born.

He and Rowland were the grand marshals of the 1910 Tournament of Roses.

Holder founded the Tuna Club of Avalon on Catalina Island, where he fished and explored for many years.

Here he is in a photo captioned "Mr. Holder fishing for sheepshead, Catalina Islands" from his book Big Game at Sea (1908, Hodder and Stoughton publishers):

He lost his life in 1915 as a result of a terrible automobile accident. He was 66 years old.

Garrett Newkirk wrote this in an article the day after Holder’s death:

Dr. Holder was a man of the finest fiber, lover of all that is good, a hater of evil and despiser of shams. He will ever remain in the memory of those who knew him best as a type of the truest gentleman, a loving husband, a faithful friend, a patriotic citizen.

In 1998, Holder was inducted in the International Game Fish Association Hall of Fame.

Many thanks to Pasadena Public Library, Pasadena Museum of History and Tournament of Roses.

* Please note I very rarely link to Wikipedia pages, but in this case it was necessary because the Valley Hunt Club's site is available to members only.

Mystery History

2011-03-29T09:54:00.000-07:00

Where are we? And what's happening?

The first person to guess correctly will win a fabulous prize!

I'll have the full scoop on Thursday.

This is Pasadena Restaurant Week!

2011-03-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

It's Pasadena Restaurant Week!

The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, City of Pasadena and Pasadena Convention and Visitors Bureau are among the sponsors, and we had the press conference on the front steps of City Hall on Thursday.

Mayor Bill Bogaard was a great sport, letting local chefs and restaurant owners outfit him in the fashion and tools of the trade:

From A/K/A American Bistro to Yahaira's Cafe, each participating restaurant is offering a special prix fixe (fixed price) menu today through Friday, so get out there and eat something!

Many thanks to Terry Miller, editor of the Pasadena Independent, for the photos.

Terry also put together this fun YouTube video:

Looking for Something to Do?

2011-03-25T19:41:00.000-07:00

Saturday, March 26, at 10 a.m. – Come to a community meeting to learn more about the next two phases of the Robinson Park Master Plan and provide your comments and suggestions.

Saturday, March 26, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. – Hillary Jordan, author of Pasadena’s 2011 One City, One Story novel, will join Pasadena Public Libraries Director Jan Sanders in the ballroom at the Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E. Green St., in a discussion about Jordan’s experiences envisioning and writing Mudbound. A question-and-answer session with the community will follow. Bring your copy of the book for her to sign!

Monday, March 28, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Pasadena police officers will be on the lookout for distracted and aggressive drivers.

Monday, March 28, at 11 a.m. – Join in the Mudbound discussion group at Lamanda Park Branch Library.

Through 9 p.m. March 28 - No outdoor watering (with few exceptions)!

Tuesday, March 29, at 6 p.m. – Do you blog or use other social media? The Pasadena Community Access Corporation Board of Directors presents the 2011 Citizen Journalism Series, with guest speakers monthly through June. On March 29 André Coleman, reporter at the Pasadena Weekly, will discuss his journalistic career and the future of citizen journalism in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Pasadena Central Library, then answer questions from the audience.

Tuesday, March 29, at 7 p.m. – Join musicologist Carl Bergquist-DeVoe at Hastings Branch Library as he provides a history of film music, shows scenes from films throughout the decades, performs musical numbers and shares some great stories about film scores.

Wednesday, March 30, at 1 p.m. – This week’s film in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Pasadena Central Library is “Great Debaters” (2007, PG-13) starring Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker and Kimberly Elise in the fact-based story of a professor at Wiley College in Texas who inspired students to form the school’s first debate team that went on to challenge Harvard for the national championship.

Wednesday, March 30, at 3:30 p.m. – Local mezzo-soprano Gigi Johnson will sing jazz numbers from the 1940s, accompanied by pianist Bob Balbert, and shares the stories behind the songs at Hill Avenue Branch Library. This is a One City, One Story event that ties in to Mudbound themes.

Please note all events listed above are free and open to the public.

See an even more comprehensive list here:

Mystery History -- Solved!

2011-03-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

Cafe Pasadena wins with his 6:42 p.m. Tuesday guess "Early 1900's foto of a grocery/bakery on 679 S.Fair Oaks here in Pasa. I pass this block regularly in search of, I don't know what. Was owned by Carrie McAdoo, widow of Booker. This is basically across from Huntington Hosp."

In the 1909 photo above, McAdoo Grocery is open for business on West Colorado Street.

Inside the store:

Booker McAdoo, his wife Carrie Woods McAdoo and their three children came to Pasadena from Hot Springs, Ark., by way of Riverside, in 1899. Booker had worked all his life as an attendant in a bath house and massage parlor. After he contracted tuberculosis, his doctors recommended a move to California.

In Riverside he worked hard as a laborer in the orange groves, which made his medical condition worse. He and Carrie decided to move to Pasadena and open a business.

Early images of Booker...

...and Carrie:

When the McAdoos first came to Pasadena, they owned a restaurant that Carrie managed on her own due to Booker's failing health.

Later they opened a grocery store at 53 S. Fair Oaks Ave. It was the first grocery owned by African Americans in Pasadena.

After Booker passed away, Carrie closed the store and opened a larger one at 670 S. Fair Oaks Ave. She was 37 years old at the time.

Excerpt from the 1977 oral history of their son, Benjamin Franklin McAdoo:
She was pretty young, so she wanted to get permanently located. We bought property and she moved in two buildings and got things started and we began there with our grocery store. It was very prominent because people all around in the neighborhood would come there to buy.

Here's Ben with Stella, one of his two sisters:

Carrie and her family operated the McAdoo Grocery at 670 S. Fair Oaks Ave. until 1907 when the San Gabriel Valley Investment Company, an African American financial concern, bought the business.

Ben:

Then a black corporation was formed here in town called the San Gabriel Valley Investment Company and they bought the store out. They started to operate the store. They did a wonderful business, but there was some dishonest employees and that ruined the business. That was their end.

Carrie bought back the business in 1909, closed it right away and opened a larger store on West Colorado Street. The McAdoo family operated the store in that location until 1911.

Ben:

Then we sold out to Caucasian people. I don't know how long they ran it or where they moved to. I've forgotten about that.

Ben had a long and fascinating history of his own, which perhaps I'll tell one day.

For now, I leave you with this wonderful photo of Carrie in her golden years, surrounded by her grandchildren:

I would love to say that's Carrie in the top two photos, but the woman isn't identified. I say it's her. What say you?

Nowadays the City of Pasadena offers free workshops monthly to owners and managers of small businesses. The next one is Tuesday, April 12, with the theme "Great Customer Service: Acquiring and Expanding Your Customer Base." See more information here.

Many thanks to Pasadena Museum of History, Pasadena Public Library and Pasadena Heritage.

Mystery History

2011-03-22T14:21:00.001-07:00

Where are we? And what's happening?

The first person to guess correctly will win a fabulous prize!

I'll have the full scoop on Thursday.

Bloggers Picnic

2011-03-20T15:58:00.001-07:00

The 2011 Bloggers Picnic was yesterday (Saturday) at Farnsworth Park in Altadena. There were about 40 people who came throughout the day, including the merry bunch above.

Enter and sign in, please:

So many of my fellow bloggers have doubled as citizen reporters from time to time via their sites, often about City of Pasadena events, services and issues, which I appreciate.

Here's a closer look at a few local bloggers. You may recognize some of their names or blogs.

Petrea Burchard and Brigham Yen:

Roberta Martinez and Susan Carrier:

Irina Netchaev and Ibarionex Perello:

Lori Webster and Susan Campisi:

This guy (who wishes to remain nameless online) and Tim Rutt:

Ron Carter:

Karin Bugge:

Debbi Swanson Patrick (in red):

In addition to a Mandarin chicken salad, I brought along March/April PIFs and 2010 Annual Reports. I can't help myself -- that's just the kind of PIO I am!

Take a look here at last year's picnic.

It wasn't this kind of picnic. For one thing, we weren't dressed for it.

Many thanks to Tim Rutt for the top photo.

Coming and Going

2011-03-18T18:29:00.001-07:00

Vince Bertoni (center), director of the Planning Department, was welcomed by city staff and the community during a March 10 reception in the grand entrance of City Hall.

Patsy Lane, director of the Human Services and Recreation Department, retired yesterday. She was honored during a reception Wednesday on the bridge on the east side of City Hall.

It's always exciting when someone new comes on board and sad when someone leaves. Vince is a great addition to our team. I'll be keeping in touch with Patsy, who's moving on to teach university courses in social work. Those students are fortunate.

Photos: the mighty Zack Stromberg of the Public Affairs Office

Mystery History -- Solved!

2011-03-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

Scullery Captain wins with his 1:07 p.m. Tuesday guess "During the early days of the Pasadena Art Center College of Design, a professor explains contours and aerodynamics to a group of vehicle design students."

In the 1960 photo above, automobile design students enjoy a day in the sun as Art Center College of Design professor Strother "Mac" MacMinn leads a class.

Now called transportation design, this in one of many disciplines offered by Art Center. Some of the finest designers for the most prestigious automakers in the world are Art Center transportation design grads.

Art Center College of Design is one of the institutions that will open their doors for free on Friday, May 20, for ArtNight Pasadena. If you've never been to the Williamson Gallery at Art Center, get there on ArtNight!

Many thanks to Art Center College of Design.

Mystery History

2011-03-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

Where are we? And what's happening?

The first person to guess correctly will win a fabulous prize!

I'll have the full scoop on Thursday.

Everybody Loves a Big Red Fire Truck!

2011-03-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

On Saturday a new ladder truck was dedicated at Fire Station 32, followed by a tour and celebration.

Yours truly with Grant Derderian (kid extraordinaire) and Beverly White (local resident and KNBC-TV reporter):

Grant's mom Lisa Derderian, Pasadena Fire Department's emergency management coordinator:

You should know by now that every time I mention Lisa in this blog, I have to bring up our bitter feud.

Deep cleansing breaths. OK, moving on...

There were families galore, with lots of children:

They queued up for a chance to climb aboard the ladder truck:

Firefighters explained the truck and its contents to visitors:

Fire Chief Dennis Downs chatted with guests:

Ladders:

What a grand afternoon!

Click here for a reminder of the last time fire apparatus was dedicated.

Drop by any Pasadena fire station one of these days and say hello to the men and women who help keep us safe every day!

Looking for Something to Do?

2011-03-12T22:44:00.000-08:00

Sunday, March 13 --Change your clocks (and smoke detector batteries) for Daylight Saving Time.

Tuesday, March 15, at 10 a.m. – Come to the dedication of Pasadena's only pocket park, named for former City Councilman Sid Tyler.

Wednesday, March 16, at 1 p.m. – This week’s film in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Pasadena Central Libraryis “The Color Purple” (1985, PG-13) starring Danny Glover, Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey in the story of an abused and uneducated African American woman’s struggle for empowerment.

Wednesday, March 16, at 1:30 p.m. – The 1,600 remaining vote-by-mail and provisional ballots will be counted.

Wednesday, March 16, at 6 p.m. – The Golden Badge Awards Dinner in the ballroom of the Westin Hotel, 191 N. Los Robles Ave., honors the founders of Tom Sawyer Camps and benefits the Pasadena Police Department’s Police Activities League (PAL), which provides educational, athletic and other activities to develop and maintain a bond between police officers and at-risk youths. Tickets are $175 and there are still several slots left! jill@mhpevents.com or (626) 791-1225.

Thursday, March 17, at 3:30 p.m. – Children will create stretchy, slimy, green goo for St. Patrick’s Day at La Pintoresca Branch Library.

Thursday, March 17, at 4 p.m. – Kids will embark on an enchanted afternoon of St. Patrick’s Day crafts at Hastings Branch Library.

Through March 17 -- Give your plants and lawn as much water as they’ll tolerate so they’ll be well-saturated before the 10-day ban on outdoor watering! And be sure to cover your flower beds with mulch to prevent soil from drying out.

Friday, March 18 -- This is the first day of a 10-day prohibition on outdoor watering in Pasadena.

Saturday, March 19, from Noon to 2 p.m. – Teens will watch anime on a big screen at Pasadena Central Library and see the new manga we’re adding to the collection.

ONE CITY, ONE STORY EVENTS

This year’s One City, One Story novel in Pasadena is Mudbound by Hillary Jordan, which takes place in the deep south after World War II. Related events are planned through March 31. Here are events taking place next week:

Wednesday, March 16, from noon to 1 p.m. – Bring a sack lunch to a Mudbound book discussion group in the Research Conference Hall at Huntington Hospital, 734 Fairmount Ave. (across from the Outpatient Center). Beverages and cookies will be provided. Park in the east parking structure just north of the Research Conference Hall. (626) 744-7270.

Thursday, March 17, at 4:30 p.m. – Mudbound book discussion group at Santa Catalina Branch Library.

Friday, March 18, at 2 p.m. – Mudbound book discussion group at Villa Parke Branch Library.

Saturday, March 19, at 10 a.m. – A panel of Pasadena residents, moderated by Larry Wilson at the Pasadena Senior Center, will share their experiences during World War II and the post-war period of the late ‘40s and early ‘50s.

Saturday, March 19, at 2 p.m. – Mudbound book discussion group at Linda Vista Branch Library.

See more information about Mudbound here.

See more community events (and add your own) here.

Please note all events are free unless otherwise noted.