See a Movie, Read a Book!

They're positively star-struck at Pasadena Central Library.

For some time they have offered "See A Movie, Read A Book" every Wednesday at 1 p.m. in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium.

The free film series features well-known movies based on literary works.

Most movies based on literature leave out big chunks of the stories in the interest of time. One of my favorite examples is "Gone with the Wind." If you've only seen the Academy Award-winning movie but never read the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, you've missed the true development of Margaret Mitchell's characters, the bigger picture of the American Civil War -- told from the perspective of the women left behind -- and her beautiful and brilliant writing.

So see the movies, then put the novels on your to-do list to check out from the library or purchase from Vromans. That way you won't miss a thing!

JANUARY 14
"I am David" (2003) starring Jim Caviezel, Joan Plowright and Ben Tibber chronicles the struggles of a boy who manages to flee a communist concentration camp through sheer will and determination with only a loaf of bread, a letter to deliver to someone in Denmark and a compass to get him there. Based on the novel by Anne Holm.

JANUARY 21
"The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" (2005) starring America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn and Bradley Whitford centers on a mysterious pair of pants that perfectly fits four different-sized best friends who each take a turn with the pants during special adventures. Based on the novel by Ann Brashares.

JANUARY 28

"The Education of Little Tree"(1997) starring Graham Greene, James Cromwell and Joseph Ashton in the heartwarming tale of a Cherokee boy in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee in the 1930s who is sent to live with his mountain-dwelling grandparents after the loss of his mother and father. Based on the novel by Forrest Carter.

The series will be on hiatus in February for Contemporary Black Images in Film in commemoration of Black History Month, also Wednesdays at 1 p.m.

February 4:
"Akeelah and the Bee" (2006) starring Laurence Fishburne, Angela Bassett and Keke Palmer

February 11:
"Lilies of the Field" (1963) starring Sidney Poitier and Lilia Skala

February 18: "Pride" (2007) starring Terrence Howard, Bernie Mac and Kimberly Elise

February 25: "Dreamgirls" (2006) starring Jamie Foxx, Danny Glover, Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé Knowles and Eddie Murphy

New Chamber of Commerce Blog

Check out the new Pasadena Chamber of Commerce blog and leave your comments on some very timely posts!

"The Hummingbird's Daughter"

The book selection for Pasadena’s seventh One City, One Story community reading celebration is “The Hummingbird’s Daughter” by Luis Alberto Urrea.


I just started reading it on Tuesday night and I'm about 100 pages into the substantial biographical novel.

Part folk tale, part history and 100% mesmerizing, it takes place in revolutionary-era Mexico in the late 19th century and is filled with vaqueros, bandits, indigenous Yaquis and a whole cast of other characters.

At the heart of it all is Teresita, known in Mexico to this day as La Santa de Cabora. Born to an impoverished mother who abandons her, she seems destined to live in dire poverty at the hands of her abusive aunt until Teresita, just a small child, walks into a certain house one day and her life begins to change forever.

My favorite character -- so far -- is Huila, a powerful, cantankerous healer who lovingly, patiently shows Teresita that she is worth something while encouraging her natural, mystical gifts.

Urrea completed two decades of research about his ancestor before writing "The Hummingbird's Daughter.


One City, One Story community activities and events, including book discussion groups, a film series, lectures and more, will be scheduled in March. I'll keep you posted on that.

I am very excited to announce the the author will speak to the community about "The Hummingbird's Daughter" during a free event Sunday, April 5, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Pasadena Convention Center.

You'll find more information here.

Get the book! You can check it out at Pasadena Central Library or you can buy it at Vromans.

Setting City Budget Priorities

With massive budget cuts at the state level, municipalities all over California are wrestling with the impacts on local government services and programs.

From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8, the Pasadena City Council will try to sort out the realities of this issue during a special workshop.

They'll get input from City Manager Michael Beck and department directors, and the discussion will serve as the basis for setting City of Pasadena budget priorities for this fiscal year and into the future.

Public comment will take place at 8:30 a.m., so if you have some wisdom about this topic, that will be the opportunity for you to speak your peace. And, of course, you'll be welcome to stick around for all or part of the rest of the workshop.

The location is Room 211 at Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E. Green St.

Your Property in a Starring Role

Pasadena homes and landmarks have been featured in many movies, from "Gone with the Wind" to "Changeling."

In the photo above, "Changeling" director Clint Eastwood and the film's star, Angelina Jolie, take a break during filming in the courtyard at Pasadena City Hall.

Coming soon to a neighborhood near you: A residence on South Oakland Avenue will be the site of some scenes for the film "G-Force" on Jan. 9; and a residence on South Oak Knoll Avenue will be the site of some scenes for a remake of the movie "Fame" the week of Jan. 23.

Pasadena properties have also starred in countless TV programs, from "Batman" to "American Idol." (If you're an "Idol" fan, when the finalists go to Hollywood for the first few weeks of competition and elimination, it's actually the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.)

Your property could be the next star of TV or film with help from our Film Office. The team, led by Ariel Penn, maintains an online database of locations that has become a popular spot for industry scouts looking for that perfect home, bridge, warehouse, office building and more.

Turning your home over to Hollywood pros gives you something to tell friends and family about, plus you could earn an average of $5,000 a day in tax-free income. (Best of all, the first 14 days of rental income are exempt from federal and state taxes!)

You can learn more by going to this page on the city website and clicking on the orange buttons on the left side of the page.

Beat the Holiday Blues

With so many parties and festivities, the holiday season can by joyful and special, but also overwhelming and stressful.

Winter depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), affects many with feelings of sadness, loneliness and irritability at this time of year.

If you or someone you know seems to be experiencing extended sadness, fatigue, lack of energy or increased abuse of drugs or alcohol during the holidays, the Pasadena Public Health Department urges you to call a medical or mental health provider right away.

There are plenty of local resources, including Pasadena Healthcare Link, a 24/7 information line at (626) 744-7445 that can help you find the assistance you need.

Our Recovery Center, an outpatient drug prevention and treatment program, is also available at (626) 744-6001.

Breathe a Little Easier

Well on its way to becoming a green city, Pasadena is clearing the air!

Fair warning to smokers who light up along the parade route on New Year's Day: You'll be asked by a police officer to either put it out or go a block or so away from the route to enjoy your cigarette, pipe or cigar. The fine for ignoring the officer: $100 for the first violation (it goes up from there).

Due to newly strengthened tobacco control laws put in place in October by the Pasadena City Council, smokers throughout the community can no longer light up at outdoor shopping malls, outdoor patios at bars and restaurants, outdoor public gatherings like parades and festivals, or outdoor areas of private smokers’ lounges and tobacco shops.

Smoking is also prohibited in or within 20 feet of an outdoor waiting line, such as a bank ATM or movie theater ticket booth, or within 20 feet of a doorway or window of a building where smoking is prohibited.

Pasadena Public Health Department is spreading the word about the new law with public education and new signage.

Enforcement is mostly based on complaints received. To report a violation, or for more information, call 744-6014.