Mystery History -- Solved!

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.

Do You Loop?

Some people walk at brisk pace, some stroll while having a leisurely chat, others jog, bike and skate.

Hands-down, the Rose Bowl Loop is Pasadena's most popular exercise track.

And that's the point of a community meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. tonight: What does the future hold for this 3.3-mile recreational loop?

In the Arroyo Room at Brookside Clubhouse, the city's Transportation Department will lay out proposed plans for slurry-sealing the entire loop, widening the section for walkers in both directions, creating a lane for cyclists and vehicles that will accommodate both, as well as a narrower outside lane for vehicles only.

The innermost portion of the loop would remain a dedicated walkway separated from adjacent bicycle and vehicular traffic by a painted buffer zone.

Come on down, learn more about it, speak your peace and chat it up with others!

Look here for the final draft of the plan.

Station Fire: Pasadena Update

The Pasadena Public Health Department reminds everyone that air quality remains unhealthy today due to the Station Fire.

Everyone should take precautions when they are outside and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, especially people with respiratory or heart disease, pregnant women, elderly persons and children.

Schools that are in session, after-school programs and children’s sports organizations are advised to cancel outdoor activities until conditions improve.

The Pasadena Fire Department has two fire engines and 10 personnel on the fire lines to assist in combating the Station Fire. They are working side-by-side with firefighters from many other jurisdictions who have been assigned to the blaze.

Flags at all Pasadena fire stations have been at half-staff in memory of Arnaldo Quinones and Tedmund Hall of the Los Angeles County Fire Department who died in the line of duty on Sunday. Pasadena Fire Department personnel also are wearing black bands across their badges in honor of their fallen brothers.

“I am immensely proud of the men and women of the Pasadena Fire Department, other city departments and all personnel from other agencies who are responding to this devastating fire,” said Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard. “Our community has a long history of rallying during times of emergency. I commend the Pasadena businesses, organizations and residents who have donated their time and resources to assist with this immense effort.”

People from evacuated neighborhoods in other communities who are staying with friends or relatives in Pasadena may need to arrange for short-term, temporary overnight parking permits. Special permits will be available beginning Sept. 2 at no cost at the city's Parking Office, 221 E. Walnut St., Suite 199. The permits will expire on Sept. 7.

Visit www.cityofpasadena.net/disaster for emergency preparedness information; visit www.aqmd.gov/ej/CAC/wildfire_safety_tips.htm for information about preventing the health impacts of smoke or call the Pasadena Public Health Department information line at (626) 744-6012.

Excellent ongoing coverage of the fire situation can be found at www.altadenablog.com. Many of our local bloggers have been posting about the fires, including fantastic photos. Take a gander at the list on the right and click away!

Photo: Pasadena Star-News