Happy Halloween!

For the second year in a row, City of Pasadena departments, divisions and sites were invited to compete in a Halloween lobby-decorating contest.

The judges (including yours truly) went at noontime to the various lobbies. It was a real hoot!

And the winner is: The Environmental Health Division of the Public Health Department.

One of that division's responsibilities is restaurant inspections, so the employees transformed their lobby into a restaurant called Hell's Kitchen...

...with ghoulish waitresses in blood-stained aprons (one was named Salma Nella)...

...and code violations that would make even the most seasoned restaurant inspector run for cover!

Patrons could choose a cute little fishie right out of the tank!

The restaurant inspection report for Hell’s Kitchen:

Safe and Supervised Halloween Events

If you're looking for some safe and supervised Halloween events, on Oct. 31 or leading up to it, here's a rundown of city-sponsored activities. Events are free unless otherwise noted.


Wednesday, Oct. 29, 10:15 and 11:15 a.m. – Children ages 5 to 12 will enjoy Halloween Storytime at Hastings Branch Library, 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd. Come in costume! (626) 744-7262.

Wednesday, Oct. 29, 10:30 a.m. – Bring your preschoolers ages 3 to 5 for not-so-scary stories, treats and a craft at Allendale Branch Library, 1130 S. Marengo Ave. (626) 744-7260.

Wednesday, Oct. 29, 4 p.m. – Children ages 5 to 12 will enjoy not-too-scary “Goosebumps” movies and sweet treats at Hill Avenue Branch Library, 55 S. Hill Ave. (626) 744-7264.

Wednesday, Oct. 29, 6 to 9 p.m. – Families with children ages 2 to 13 are invited to a safe event at Pasadena Police Department, 207 N. Garfield Ave., featuring Officer McGruff the Crime-Fighting Dog, the popular film “Haunted Mansion,” treats, goody bags, costume contest, safety information and fingerprinting. (626) 744-7650.

Thursday, Oct. 30, 4 p.m. – Children over 10 years old will hear spine-tingling and hair-raising tales told by local storyteller Leslie Perry at Allendale Branch Library, 1130 S. Marengo Ave. (626) 744-7260.

Friday, Oct. 31, 2 to 4 p.m. – Enjoy Halloween at Washington Park, southeast corner of El Molino Avenue and Washington Boulevard, with pumpkin carving, face painting, costume contests, arts and crafts, music, treats and more. (626) 744-8332.

Friday, Oct. 31, 5 to 7 p.m. – Grab bags, costume contest, games and prizes are among the activities at Villa-Parke Community Center’s Halloween Festival, 363 E. Villa St. (626) 744-6523.

Friday, Oct. 31, 5 to 7:30 p.m. – A Halloween festival at Robinson Park, 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave., will include arts and crafts, treats, face painting, food, a costume contest and more. (626) 744-7330.

Have a spook-tacularly good time!