I'm out ill and will post the big reveal to this week's Mystery History contest on another day.

Mystery History

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.

State of the City 2011

On Thursday evening, Mayor Bill Bogaard gave his State of the City report at Paseo Colorado's ArcLight Cinemas.

Hundreds of people came and gathered in the lobby prior to doors of Theater 9 being swung open for the proceedings.

Councilwoman Margaret McAustin came prepared for special effects!


The theater filled up quickly:


Vice Mayor Victor Gordo served as master of ceremonies:


The Blair High School JROTC presented the colors:


Mayor Bogaard is pleased every year to spotlight a local arts organization. This year it was Lineage Dance:


Before he began making his official remarks, Mayor Bogaard made a nice tribute to City Councilman Steve Haderlein, who received a standing ovation. After 12 years of service on the council, he decided not to seek re-election.



Mayor Bogaard also introduced Pasadena's new director of planning, Vince Bertoni.

Then it was on to the speech, the text of which you'll find here.


Mayor Bogaard reminded everyone that although there are enormous challenges, which he discussed openly, there are plenty of accomplishments to be proud of and it’s important to keep this in perspective.

By golly, he’s right.

Our Name in Lights

Last night was Mayor Bill Bogaard's State of the City event in the ArcLight Theaters at Paseo Colorado.

How fun it was to see the event on the theater's marquee!

Mystery History -- Solved!

I stumped everyone this week.

In the photo above, a chimpanzee enjoys some supervised free time on a goal post at Tournament Park in 1923.


The Elks Lodge put on a carnival at the park that year with rides and other attractions, including a side show. The chimp was a big draw.


He was a friendly chimp.




Many thanks to Pasadena Public Library.

Mystery History

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?

Saturday, Jan. 15, at 9 a.m. – The parking study for North Lake Avenue will be discussed during a community meeting at Santa Catalina Branch Library.



Saturday, Jan. 15, at 3:30 p.m. – Children are invited to meet the 2011 Rose Queen and her royal court, who will read their favorite princess stories at Hastings Branch Library. Come dressed in your finery as kings, queens, princes and princesses!



Monday, Jan. 17 -- City of Pasadena administrative offices, libraries and community centers will be closed for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.



Wednesday, Jan. 19, at 10 a.m. – It’s time to kick-start those New Year’s resolutions! Come to a heart health workshop at La Pintoresca Branch Library.



Wednesday, Jan. 19, at 1 p.m. – This week’s film in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Pasadena Central Library is “Father of the Bride” (1991, PG) starring Steve Martin and Diane Keaton in a remake of the Spencer Tracy classic in which a nervous father who can’t imagine life without his “little girl” goes a little nuts during wedding planning.



Wednesday, Jan. 19, at 7 p.m. – Pasadena City Councilman Steve Haderlein, who is not seeking re-election, will host a District 4 candidates forum at La Salle High School.



Thursday, Jan. 20, at 7 p.m. – Mayor Bill Bogaard’s State of the City event in the ArcLight Cinemas at Paseo Colorado will include a video showing last year’s accomplishments and the mayor’s speech looking into the future. Grab some popcorn (you pay for your own snackbar goodies), take a seat and learn where Pasadena has been and where it’s going.


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