Mystery History -- Solved

Elijah wins with his 7 a.m. Tuesday guess "Is Myron Hunt posing by the fountain in the Central Library courtyard at the library's dedication in 1927?"

In the photo above, architect Myron Hunt stands next to the courtyard fountain during dedication ceremonies for the new Pasadena Public Library on Feb. 12, 1927.

During the festivities Hunt gave the $586,000 building's keys to City Librarian Jeanette Drake (left in photo below) and received the Arthur Noble Civic Award from Franklin B. Cole, chairman of the Pasadena Board of City Directors (center).


Here's the award he received.


All of the Arthur Noble Civic Award recipients are listed on a wall plaque in the council chamber at Pasadena City Hall.



Learn more about the library's architecture here.

Myron Hunt designed many iconic buildings and other structures, including this little gem.

To answer Barbara Ellis's question, when the fountain was renovated in 2002, it was dedicated to long-time Pasadena Public Library Foundation volunteers Ann Jarvis Longyear and her husband Douglas McKay Longyear. The $15,000 cost of the renovation was donated by individuals specifically to honor the Longyears for their dedication. The renovation carefully preserved the flavor of the fountain, designed in 1927 to replicate one at the Alhambra in Granada, Spain.


Many thanks to Pasadena Public Library and Los Angeles Public Library.

Looking for Something to Do?

Here are highlights of upcoming events sponsored by the City of Pasadena. All events are free.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 29

* 6 p.m. -- What's in store for the Hahamongna Watershed Park Annex? During the Hahamongna Watershed Park Advisory Committee meeting at La Casita del Arroyo, 177 S. Arroyo Blvd., there will be an update on the Sunset Overlook project plus an update and consideration of recommendations on adoption of the park master plan amendment for the annex. (626) 744-4321.

* 6:30 p.m. – As part of our General Plan update, help map out the most important qualities and characteristics of Pasadena and define the community’s most pressing issues during a workshop at Boys & Girls Clubs of Pasadena, 3230 E. Del Mar Blvd. (626) 744-4009.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 30

* 1 p.m. – This week’s film in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Pasadena Central Library, 285 E. Walnut St., is “A Beautiful Mind” about Nobel Prize-winner John Forbes Nash’s experiences with schizophrenia. (626) 744-4066.

* 6:30 p.m. – “Streets, Traffic and Transit” is the topic of a panel discussion followed by plenty of audience Q&A at PCC’s Community Education Center, 3035 E. Foothill Blvd. as part of our General Plan update. Speakers are Ellen Greenberg, an expert in smart mobility, sustainable streets and transit-oriented development; and Philip Erickson, president of Community Design + Architecture and a planner, urban designer and architect with special expertise in city streets. (626) 744-4009.

THURSDAY, OCT. 1

* 6:30 p.m. – How can Pasadena’s bikeway system be improved? Bring your best ideas to a meeting at Jackie Robinson Center, 1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave. (626) 744-7254.

* 7 p.m. – All seven Pasadena City Council members will host discussions in their respective districts about future priorities for Pasadena as part of our General Plan update. The first will be hosted by City Councilman Terry Tornek for District 7 residents at Hamilton Elementary School, 2089 Rose Villa St. (626) 744-4009.

SATURDAY, OCT. 3

11 a.m. – The Latino Heritage Parade will begin on Los Robles Avenue at Howard Street, head south to Washington Boulevard, then west to a jamaica/community fair at La Pintoresca Park with free arts and crafts, entertainment, exhibits and food until 4 p.m. Wave to City of Pasadena officials in the parade and stop by the City of Pasadena booths at the jamaica! (626) 791-7421.

SUNDAY, OCT. 4

5 p.m. – Join Pasadena City Councilman Terry Tornek for a walk through District 7. Meet at the Assistance League’s Craft Fair Gift Shop, 820 E. California Blvd. Parking is available in the lot at the shop and on Hudson Avenue. The walk, which will begin promptly at 5:15 p.m., will highlight scenic Arden Road and the Caltech campus, followed by a raffle and refreshments. For more information visit www.upandmoving.org or call District 7 Field Representative Pamela Thyret at (626) 744-4737.

TUESDAY, OCT. 6

* 3 p.m. – From parks to community centers, the City of Pasadena has plans for making structural improvements to public places so people with disabilities can use them safely and conveniently. Learn more at a community meeting hosted by the Accessibility and Disability Commission in the Grand Conference Room (basement room 038) at Pasadena City Hall, 100 N. Garfield Ave. (626) 744-4762.

* 6:30 p.m. – Pasadena City Councilman Steve Haderlein will host a District 4 workshop about future priorities for Pasadena at the historic Stuart Pharmaceutical Building, 3660 E. Foothill Blvd., as part of our General Plan update. (626) 744-4009.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 7

* 7:30 a.m. – Join Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard, Fire Chief Dennis Downs and Pasadena Forward’s Executive Director Israel Estrada for a walk around the 3.3-mile Rose Bowl Loop. Meet at Gate A at the Rose Bowl Stadium. (626) 831-2980.

* 6:30 p.m. – Pasadena City Councilwoman Jacque Robinson will host a District 1 workshop about future priorities for Pasadena at the Rose Bowl Press Box, 1001 Rose Bowl Dr., as part of our General Plan update. (626) 744-4009.

FRIDAY, OCT. 9

* 6 to 10 p.m. – More than a dozen of our community’s finest institutions will open their doors for free during ArtNight Pasadena. Complimentary curb-to-curb shuttles will whisk you from one venue to the next. Be sure to stop by Pasadena Central Library, where the Crown City Chamber Players will perform classical hits. www.artnightpasadena.org. (626) 744-7887.

SATURDAY, OCT. 10

* 8 to 11:30 a.m. – Are you ready to go solar at your home? Price reductions, a 30 percent federal tax credit and hefty rebates from Pasadena Water and Power make it easier than ever! Learn more at a workshop at the Salvation Army, 960 E. Walnut St., including a comprehensive overview of incentives, how to choose an installer, and more. Reservations are required. (626) 744-6970.

THROUGH OCT. 10

Register for after-school homework help, tutoring and recreation on school days through May 28 for kids in first through eighth grades at Robinson Park Center, 1085 N. Fair Oaks Ave. (626) 744-7501.

THROUGH OCT. 12

Have you taken one or more MoveAbout Tours yet as we prepare for the General Plan update? Download a guidebook or pick one up at Pasadena Central Library, Pasadena City Hall and other locations. Be sure to include your feedback and return your booklets no later than Monday, Oct. 12. The General Plan is the blueprint for our community's future, so let your voice be heard! (626) 744-4009.

Many thanks to Latina Heritage for use of the parade photo.

Looking for Something to Do?

Here are highlights of upcoming events sponsored by the City of Pasadena. All events are free.

Saturday, Sept. 12

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – The family-friendly water conservation fair at Allendale Park will include demonstrations, information about how to save water and plan drought-tolerant gardens, lots of freeebies, food prepared by our very own firefighters, children’s activities and plenty of fun.


Monday, Sept. 14

10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Are you trying to get a grant but don’t know how to begin? Staff from Flintridge Foundation will be on hand at La Pintoresca Branch Library, 1355 N. Raymond Ave., to show you how to generate targeted lists of funding prospects in seconds. Reserve your spot by calling (626) 449-0839.


Tuesday, Sept. 15

*4 p.m. – Children 5 to 12 will be transported to the Hawaiian Islands by the music of Kimo West, one of the world’s top “slack key” guitarists, at Hastings Branch Library, 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd. (626) 744-7262.

* 6:30 p.m. – What do you get when you seat a full-time parent next to a retired machinist, a graphic arts student and a nurse who works the night shift? Enlightening conversations! Lend your voice during a series of community workshops about the General Plan during which you'll help map out the most important qualities and characteristics of Pasadena and define the community’s most pressing issues. Tuesday’s workshop will be at Jackie Robinson Center, 1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave. (626) 744-4009.

* Also at 6:30 p.m. – A proposed city ordinance would require the monitoring of water used in the irrigation of grass, shrubs, trees and other plants in landscaped areas on very large public and private properties (equivalent of about 43,000 square feet of landscaped area on public and commercial properties and 5,000 square feet of landscaped area on residential properties). Learn more about it during a public meeting at the Salvation Army Tabernacle Fellowship Hall, 960 E. Walnut St. Enter the parking lot from Mentor Avenue. (626) 744-6880.


Wednesday, Sept. 16

* 1 p.m. – This week’s film in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Pasadena Central Library, 285 E. Walnut St., is “Pay It Forward” starring Kevin Spacey, Haley Joel Osment and Helen Hunt in the true story of a boy who responds to a school assignment with a plan to help three people who will help three more, and so on, in an ever-widening circle. (626) 744-4066.

* 6:30 to 8 p.m. -- What do you think about density in Pasadena? Architectural design? Traffic? Hear what the future has in store during the first in a series of community talks at PCC’s Community Education Center, 3035 E. Foothill Blvd. Panelists on Wednesday will include Dowell Myers, USC professor of policy, planning and development, and director of the Population Dynamics Research Group; Lisa Padilla, principal of CityWorks Design in Pasadena; and Bill Huang, director of the Pasadena Housing Department. After a conversation among the panelists, there will be plenty of time for Q&A. The speaker series is among many activities organized in association with Pasadena's General Plan update. (626) 744-4009.


Friday, Sept. 18

If you’re interested in providing input on a marketing plan for Northwest Pasadena, today’s the last day to sign up! (626) 744-6750.


Any day through Oct. 11

Take one or more of the self-guided MoveAbout Tours on your own or with family, friends or neighbors. The final day for taking the tours has been extended by popular demand -- the guidebooks are flying off our public counters so we've done a second printing. (You're seeing it here first; I'm not announcing the extension until Monday.) Download the entire guidebook or print it out one tour at a time. Be sure to get your "passport" pages stamped at the stops that are listed so you'll eligible for prizes at our big General Plan open house in November. Be sure to turn in your guidebooks, complete with your written impressions, no later than Oct. 12. This is one of many activities planned in association with Pasadena's General Plan update. (626) 744-4009.

Looking for Something to Do?

Here's a listing of upcoming free events sponsored by the City of Pasadena.

Saturday, May 9
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Meet the dedicated men and women of the Pasadena Fire Department during open houses at all fire stations and dramatic demonstrations of fire-fighting and life-saving.


Also Saturday, May 9, also 10 a.m. 4 p.m.– Celebrate with us as we break ground for the expansion of Robinson Park, 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave., with guest of honor Delano Robinson, widow of late Olympian Mack Robinson and sister-in-law of the late Jackie Robinson. This will be followed by the Black History Festival, which had been postponed from an earlier date. It’s all part of the Jackie Robinson All-Star Weekend. (626) 796-7164, ext. 10.


Monday, May 11, through Saturday, May 16
It's Bike Week Pasadena! This annual week-long event educates and motivates people to use bicycles for recreation, commuting to work and getting around town. This year's events include an early evening bike ride with Mayor Bill Bogaard around the Rose Bowl Loop, a documentary film, children's activities, ladies' night and workshops with such titles as "How to Lose Up to 3,000 Pounds in One Day, or the Amazing Car-lite Diet." (323) 478-0060.

Tuesday, May 12
8 a.m. – If you own a small business you’ll want to attend the free “Managing Your Business Effectively” workshop in the press box at the Rose Bowl Stadium, 1001 Rose Bowl Dr. It’s part of the Art of Small Business Survival series. Registration is required. (626) 744-4660.

Wednesday, May 13
1 p.m. -- This week's free film in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Pasadena Central Library, 285 E. Walnut St.. is "Millions," the story of two boys who stumble on a satchel of British pounds just days before that nation switches to the Euro, so they must quickly find a way to spend and share the wealth. Directed by Danny Boyle. (626) 744-4755.

Looking for Something to Do?

Here's a listing of upcoming free events sponsored by the City of Pasadena:


Saturday, May 2
8 to 11 a.m. -- If you like to take pictures and love the great outdoors, attend a free workshop taught by City of Pasadena naturalists and Armory Center for the Arts photographers at Hahamongna Watershed Park. Whether you prefer to shoot with conventional film or digitally, and whether you consider yourself a rank amateur or a downright crackerjack shutterbug, you'll enjoy this one! Reservations are required: (626) 744-7358 or email ejackson@cityofpasadena.net.

Wednesday, May 6
* 7:30 a.m. -- Take a walk around the Rose Bowl Loop with Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard and Erica Clark, co-founder of the Pasadena: City of Learning initiative. Meet at Gate A at the stadium. It's all part of Up & Moving Pasadena, a community effort to support fitness for health.
* 1 p.m. -- This week's free film in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Pasadena Central Library, 285 E. Walnut St., is "The Visitor" starring Richard Jenkins as a widowed professor who develops an unlikely friendship with an immigrant couple he discovers squatting in his Manhattan flat.

Saturday, May 9
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. -- Meet the dedicated men and women of the Pasadena Fire Department during Fire Service Day. At Fire Station 33, 515 N. Lake Ave., firefighters will demonstrate life-saving and fire-suppression techniques including vehicle burns and extinguishments, rescuing someone from a vehicle using the Jaws of Life, aerial ladder operations. Fire engines and other equipment will be display, and there will be hot dogs and other refreshments as well as entertainment. All other fire stations will be open to the public as well: Fire Station #31, 135 S. Fair Oaks Ave.; Fire Station #32, 2424 E. Villa St.; Fire Station #34, 1138 E. Del Mar Blvd.; Fire Station #36, 1140 N. Fair Oaks Ave.; Fire Station #37, 3430 E. Foothill Blvd.; Fire Station #38, 1150 E. Linda Vista Ave.; and Fire Station #39, 50 Avenue 64.

My ArtNight

I had to miss ArtNight Pasadena in March and October last year, so this time around I was determined!

On Friday night fourteen arts and cultural institutions threw open their doors for free for our 21st semi-annual event.

Jan Sanders, Stephanie DeWolfe and I set out at 6 p.m., starting at City Hall where there was a jazz combo, bistro, information table, shuttles and friendly people to answer questions.


Jan, at left below, is our library director, formally known as director of information services; Stephanie is our deputy director of planning and development.



We hopped a free shuttle and headed off to Side Street Projects.



Side Street had a huge array of the funkiest vehicles I've ever seen, and on display that night only.

Here's a sampling:





We stepped aboard Side Street's Woodworking Bus where children learn basic woodworking techniques.



There's a wall of blocks that children have personalized.



Then we hopped another shuttle and headed to Pasadena Museum of California Art, where everybody got free admission to their remarkable exhibition titled Data + Art: Science and Art in the Age of Information, curated by Jet Propulsion Laboratory's visual strategist Dan Goods and Mars public engagement outreach coordinator David Delgado.

All I can is Wow. Dan and David have translated scientific data into new art forms and challenged everyone's assumptions about where beauty can be found.

From closeup three-dimensional images of Mars to digital modeling created by keywords and rhythms captured on a computer, this exhibition was astounding.





Our final stop was Pasadena Central Library, where a Mexican fiesta was taking place to celebrate this year's One City, One Story novel "The Hummingbird's Daughter."

There was something happening in every room, from live music to folk dances to crafts.






Many of the adult participants in the Human Services and Recreation Department's Adaptive Recreation Program were displaying their fiesta-themed art in the library's Centennial Room.



So that was my ArtNight experience! There were plenty of other venues that had performances and exhibitions going on, but we decided to choose three venues, go to dinner and call it a night.

I'm sure there were others who did the entire circuit, which I did one year. It's a pretty ambitious undertaking.