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.

Mystery History -- Solved

Mike wins with his 7:37 a.m. Tuesday guess "Looks like an event in preparation to build the new & improved Colorado St bridge in 1951."

In the photo above, a ground-breaking ceremony is taking place in May 1951 for the "new" Colorado Street Bridge, which by the time it opened would be renamed Pioneers Bridge.

Caltrans had called for the Colorado Street Bridge to be demolished because a more sturdy bridge with a larger number of lanes was going to be built. It would be called the New Colorado Street Bridge.

But the people of Pasadena protested vehemently, Caltrans backed off and the beloved bridge was saved.

Caltrans then decided to build a completely separate bridge, parallel to the historic landmark.

By the way, I'm not sure that if this photo were taken today we'd see a little tot playing directly underneath that gigantic earth mover!

Veterans Day at Memorial Park

Today is Veterans Day. There was a very nice ceremony at Pasadena's Memorial Park.

A color guard was comprised of Junior ROTC members from high schools in Pasadena.


Other PUSD JROTC members representing three military branches stood by.




The John Muir High School choir performed.


Congressman Adam Schiff was among the speakers.


I didn't want to disturb this veteran who was having a private moment at the park's Pasadena Vietnam Memorial.


The Civil War Memorial is just north of the Vietnam Memorial.


At exactly 11:11 a.m. there was a flyover by the Condor Squadron of World War II vintage aircraft.


Unfortunately I couldn't stay for the echoing "Taps" by two buglers at opposite ends of the park. This is an extremely moving moment every year but I had to get back to City Hall. If anyone else took a photo of one or both of the buglers, please let me know and I'll post it here with a credit.

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?

All events are free.

Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 9:30 a.m. – What is the future direction of Northwest Pasadena? If you are a business or commercial property owner in that area, participate in a focus group at Pasadena Enterprise Center, 1015 N. Lake Ave. (That's NATHA headquarters in the photo above.)


Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 6:30 p.m. – Now that Police Chief Bernard Melekian is headed to the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. (sob), what should be the ideal characteristics of Pasadena’s next police chief and what challenges will that person need to meet? Give your opinion during a meeting in the Council Chamber (S249) at Pasadena City Hall, 100 N. Garfield Ave.


Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 6:30 p.m. – What’s the plan for Pasadena’s water future? Learn more and provide your input at a workshop sponsored by Pasadena Water and Power at Jackie Robinson Center, 1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave.


Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 10:30 a.m. – Veterans Day will be commemorated at Memorial Park (Raymond Avenue between Holly and Walnut), including PUSD’s combined Junior ROTC color guard, low-altitude flyover by the Condor Squadron of World War II vintage aircraft, music by John Muir High School band and choir, and echoing "Taps" by buglers from Boy Scouts Venturing Crew 560.


Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 1 p.m. – This week’s film in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Pasadena Central Library, 285 E. Walnut St., is “October Sky” starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Cooper and Laura Dern in the true story of a coal miner’s son who was inspired by the first Sputnik launch to take up rocketry, against his father’s wishes.

Thursday, Nov. 12, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. – If you’re uninsured and fit the profile for a high-risk group, get a free H1N1 vaccine at Victory Park Center, 2575 Paloma St.


Saturday, Nov. 14, from 1 to 4 p.m. – Has your voice been heard? Don’t miss the open house extravaganza the marks the final event of the first phase (community engagement) of Pasadena’s General Plan update!

Mystery History -- Solved

Susan wins with her 7:30 a.m. Tuesday guess "Is it Canto Robledo, the blind Latino boxing sensation, who will be honored by the City?"

In these photos, shot in July 1978, boxing trainer and coach Canto Robledo is very animated as he gives advice (above) and shouts instructions to his fighter in the ring.





Canto Robledo was born in 1913 in Tyron, New Mexico, and moved to Pasadena with his family 10 years later.

By the time he was 19, he won the Pacific Bantamweight Championship and was ranked as a world contender.


Just two years later his boxing career was over. Detached retinas in both eyes left him completely blind after several operations proved unsuccessful.

Years of depression followed, but he was able to lift himself up eventually and in 1940 began training local Pasadena boys in the art of pugilism.

He made history in 1949 when he was the first totally blind person to receive his professional trainer's license in the sport of boxing. He established Crown City Boxing Stables that same year, serving as a mentor to young boys, and the Pasadena Police Department referred many wayward youngsters to his gym for guidance, discipline and structure. He also sponsored amateur boxing shows at John Muir High School, Pasadena High School and Pasadena City College.

Shortly before he passed away in 1999 at age 86 from complications of a stroke, the World Boxing Organization awarded him a replica of the Pacific Bantamweight Championship belt that he had won but never received for his win over Speedy Dado.

There's an interesting 1985 Los Angeles Times feature about Canto Robledo here.

Just over a week ago the Pasadena City Council approved a memorial to honor Canto Robledo at Villa-Parke Community Center.



The memorial will feature a 37- by 25-inch bronze wall relief, and and an adjoining 10- by 16-inch plaque will explain Robledo’s accomplishments and contributions in detail.


Many thanks to Los Angeles 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.