Pasadena Weekly 10.06.22

Going to the dogs

By Ellen Snortland Pasadena Weekly Columnist

Will Rogers famously said, “If there are no dogs in heaven, then when I die, I want to go where they went.” Yes! My husband and I have rescue dogs, a.k.a. kids. I have always had three dogs, ranging from young to middle aged and old, and that is by design. I don’t want to grieve a dog without the comfort of other dogs. Our eldest, Bucco, is completely blind and bounces off walls like a pinball while our youngest, Ole, is a puppy. Which reminds me: Next time I’m offered a puppy, someone please say, “No, leave it!” Good girl.

Our canine cadre has become a bit much even for me, a certified dog addict, which is why I’m writing about finding an effective dog trainer. Months ago, we had a home visit by a person who raised my hackles. They had zero people skills — nope! Next, I took Ole to puppy school, which was fine for his canine A, B, Cs; he sits, stays and comes. But he still destroys shoes and rugs, drags his sister by her ears, displays enormous jealousy, and wets most surfaces. He’s a handful: with Ken, four handfuls. The first step to any problem is to admit that we need help. We need help!

Hark, who do I hear galloping to our rescue? Enter Alesone MacCormack, whose company Chosen2Serve Inc. is aptly named. Alesone (pronounced “Alison”) is a professional dog trainer special izing in service dogs, behavioral issues and day-to-day pet training. She is clearly the right person for our job.

Alesone visited our home and immediately sat on the floor with the kids. Bucco curled up next to her, which he never does, while Ole was suddenly well behaved. It’s like taking your car into the shop because of a noise that’s been making you nervous for a week. You get to the garage, and voilá! The worrisome sound is gone. I then brought out Ole’s sister Lena, and Alesone got to see Ole’s possessive ness, which we’ll need to work on.

Alesone and I decided to work together. We meshed, and I knew I’d found the right person when she acknowledged her Asperger’s.

For me, that’s a plus. I have people on the autistic spectrum on both sides of my family. I have read almost everything I can on neurodi versity; I also know that it’s no longer PC to use the term “Asperg er’s,” but that’s how Alesone self-identifies, as do others I know who are on the spectrum. The controversy around Asperger’s is kibble for another column.

Why would I enjoy working with a person on the spectrum? First, “autistic spectrum disorder” is a misnomer if there ever was one! I don’t think being on the spectrum is a “disorder” at all. It’s just as valid for someone on the spectrum to find neurotypical folks dis ordered. And my friends, what if neurodiversity is the direction we are evolving as human beings? So-called neurotypical men of all ilks are often disordered emotionally and destroy people’s lives through their inability to be appropriate with anger. Wouldn’t you rather have a person who doesn’t react “typically” when there are disputes? I would, and do.

During our time together, Alesone gave me some ideas she thinks about all the time. “What about elderly people having service dogs?” I asked. She had already thought about that. (Of course, she had!) She told me that the cost of service dogs is prohibitive for some, since a trained service dog often starts at $50,000 and is not covered by Medicare. Maybe she has a solution, maybe not, and it bears in vestigation. What about the ADA? Most people are clueless about it; Alesone can go to your business to teach a class on what the disabled person’s rights are and what the business owner’s rights are. The ADA regulations go both ways.

Nearing the end of our visit, I said, “I would love to work with you!” She agreed that the feeling was mutual. What a champ and a

sweetheart she is. Who’s a good person? Alesone is!

“I’m sorry, I paid more attention to your dogs than I did to you,” Alesone said. “Are you kidding?” I said. “That’s what I want.” The dogs were all calm around her, and I could tell that they trusted her immediately.

Whether you live in a Downtown LA skyscraper or a house in Altadena with a yard, dogs are all unique, yet they are all the same. They have particular needs that a professional trainer can identify immediately and address in simple language. We’re going to tackle my dog problems, starting with having Lena come when she’s called. Then we’ll take on being able to walk all the dogs up our steep-ish Altadena foothills without them sounding like a crazed pack of screaming meemies. We often see other people walking their dogs turn and head in the other direction when we come screeching up the hill. Bad pack!

In closing, it might be gauche to quote myself, but here goes: “Live life like a dog. Be happy when you see people, especially when they give you food.” And I’ll add: Don’t sniff their butts.

You can reach Alesone MacCormack at alesonemaccormack@ gmail.com

Ellen Snortland has written this column for decades and also teach es creative writing. She can be reached at ellen@beautybitesbeast. com. Her award-winning film “Beauty Bites Beast” is available for download or streaming at vimeo.com/ondemand/beautybitesbeast.

We want to hear from you!

Being in print is a lot more meaning ful than grouching on Facebook. Send compliments, complaints and insights about local issues to christina@timespublications.com.

Student Chronicles

By Pasadena Weekly Staff Writer

Know of a student doing something remarkable? Tell us about it! Email christina@timeslocalmedia.com.

Anumber of local students were named to the dean’s list for the spring 2022 at Washington University in St. Louis.

Altadena

Diego Jaime is enrolled in the university’s College of Arts & Sciences. To qualify for the dean’s list in the College of Arts & Sciences, students must earn a semester grade-point average of 3.6 or above and be enrolled in at least 14 graded units. Ryan Lo is enrolled in the university’s Olin Business School. To qualify for the dean’s list in the Olin Business School, students must earn a semester grade-point average of 3.6 or above and be enrolled in at least 14 graded units.

Arcadia

Anthony Chiang is enrolled in the university’s College of Arts & Sciences. To qualify for the dean’s list in the College of Arts & Sciences, students must earn a semester grade-point average of 3.6 or above and be enrolled in at least 14 graded units.

Paul Lee is enrolled in the university’s College of Arts & Sciences. To qualify for the dean’s list in the College of Arts & Sciences, students must earn a semester grade-point average of 3.6 or above and be enrolled in at least 14 graded units. Anushka Viswanathan is enrolled in the university’s College of Arts & Scienc es. To qualify for the dean’s list in the College of Arts & Sciences, students must earn a semester grade-point average of 3.6 or above and be enrolled in at least 14 graded units.

Wendy Wang is enrolled in the university’s College of Arts & Sciences. To qualify for the dean’s list in the College of Arts & Sciences, students must earn a semester grade point average of 3.6 or above and be enrolled in at least 14 graded units.

Pasadena Natalie Chen is enrolled in the university’s College of Arts & Sciences. To qualify for the dean’s list in the College of Arts & Sciences, students must earn a semester grade-point average of 3.6 or above and be enrolled in at least 14 graded units. Will Gunter is enrolled in the university’s College of Arts & Sciences. To qualify for the dean’s list in the College of Arts & Sciences, students must earn a semester grade point average of 3.6 or above and be enrolled in at least 14 graded units.

Tomas Quiroz is enrolled in the university’s College of Arts & Sciences. To qualify for the dean’s list in the College of Arts & Sciences, students must earn a semester grade-point average of 3.6 or above and be enrolled in at least 14 graded units.

South Pasadena Meagan Chang is enrolled in the university’s College of Arts & Sciences. To qualify for the dean’s list in the College of Arts & Sciences, students must earn a semester grade-point average of 3.6 or above and be enrolled in at least 14 graded units.

Caroline Kelleher is enrolled in the university’s College of Arts & Sciences. To qualify for the dean’s list in the College of Arts & Sciences, students must earn a semester grade-point average of 3.6 or above and be enrolled in at least 14 graded units.

San Marino

Anjee Feng is enrolled in the university’s College of Arts & Sciences. To qualify for the dean’s list in the College of Arts & Sciences, students must earn a semester grade-point average of 3.6 or above and be enrolled in at least 14 graded units. Caroline Peacore of Pasadena was named to the dean’s list at St. Olaf College dean’s list in Northfield, Minnesota. The dean’s list recognizes students with a semester grade point average of 3.75 or higher on a 4-point scale. The English major is the daughter of Matthew and Linda Peacore.

GOP, MAGA candidates must be defeated

Editor:

In America, there is a real possibility that a legitimately elected president will not be able to take office in the future. We, as Americans, must forget party differences and severely defeat MAGA candidates and their leaders in Congress in order to prevent the destruction of our democracy and the loss of our rights.

Here are some of the lies and positions expressed by extreme MAGA/QAnon candidates. They describe abortion as a “satanic practice”; others show that there is no cure for stupid.

One top candidate suggested that women should stay in an abusive relationship while another claimed that violence boils down to Black people. Even worse, the Re publican Party wants to “sunset” Social Security and Medicare even though Americans

age 55 and older will almost double between now and 2030 from 60 million today to 107.6 million.

Finally but not the last, on “Tucker Carlson Tonight,” Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake, a true MAGA, talked about how “excited” she is over the recent election in Italy, praising and comparing herself to neo-fascist Giorgia Meloni. “This is somebody I can relate to.”

The worst is yet to come. MAGA violence is getting worse, and law enforcement better be prepared.

Dr. Richard A. French Pasadena

Justin Jones appointed as District 3’s new city councilmember

By Morgan Owen Pasadena Weekly Staff Writer

Following the unexpected death of the Honorable John J. Kennedy, the Pasadena City Council held a special meeting on Sept. 29 to review applications for the open seat.

Three applications were submitted to the council that met the residency require ments, that of Brandon Lamar, Pastor Lucious Smith and Justin Jones.

After all the applications were reviewed, Justin Jones was selected for the position and immediately administered the oath of office by a city clerk.

“I thank the council for putting their trust in me to serve and represent the constitu ents of District 3 and the city of Pasadena at large. I will not let you down,” Jones said in his inaugural statement. He expressed excitement in speaking with each city councilmem ber further, especially those who did not assent to his appointment.

Jones was selected to serve District 3 in a 5-2 in a vote put forward by Mayor Victor Gordo. Councilmember Jess Rivas voted against Jones’ appointment, and Councilmember Steve Madison abstained. Per Pasadena City Charter rules, the city council was required to fill the vacant seat by appointment upon the death or resignation of a standing coun cilmember.

Kennedy passed away on July 21 at the age of 61 due to unspecified causes. He had faithfully served District 3 since 2013, and deliberations regarding which of the three applicants should assume his position focused heavily on how they would serve his legacy and his district.

Brandon Lamar, the only candidate to previously participate in a District 3 election, was thought by some to have a better claim to the position. There was also concern that Jones had only recently returned to District 3, though he did live there throughout his youth.

Ultimately, the city council decided that Jones was the most-qualified candidate and the person who might best serve the legacy of Kennedy. Additional arguments in favor of Jones were his wealth of experience working with the city government and his ability to advocate effectively for District 3.

Jones, 31, has been employed as an associate civil engineer for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works since 2015, where he focuses on water and public engage ment. Jones has also worked for the city of Pasadena Water and Power and the city of Pasadena Public Works. His commitment to water issues for District 3 mirror’s one of Kennedy’s top priorities, and his experience as a civil engineer will be an asset in this regard.

In community service, Jones has served as chair for the Environmental Advisory Com mission and the Pasadena Human Relations Commission, the latter of which he pursued with Kennedy’s recommendation.

Jones has deep roots in the community of District 3 and values Pasadena’s culture of civic engagement and the strength of its small businesses.

“I have seen this city through the eyes of a child and a teenager and now as a young married professional,” he described.

As a councilmember, he aims to ensure those involved in the community remain engaged and to work at increasing public outreach.

The Pasadena City Council seems confident in Jones’ ability moving forward, but they must reaffirm his position come December. After that, residents from District 3 will have an opportunity to cast their vote again in 2024 in the general municipal election.

ENVISION T HE NIGHT

a free evening of art, music and entertainment when

city’s most prominent arts and cultural institutions open their doors for ArtNight Pasadena.

PARTICIPATING INSTITUTIONS

Alkebu-Lan Cultural Center, A Room to Create, Armory Center for the Arts, ArtCenter College of Design (3 sites), artWORKS Teen Center at First United Methodist, Boston Court Pasadena, City of Pasadena City Hall, Jackie Robinson Community Center, Lineage Performing Arts Center, Parson’s Nose Theater, Pasadena City College Galleries, Pasadena Conservatory of Music, Pasadena Museum of History, Pasadena Playhouse, Pasadena Public Library Lamanda Park Branch, Red Hen Press, Remainders Creative Reuse, The Gamble House, and USC Pacific Asia Museum

FREE SHUTTLES

• Limited shuttle service due to regional bus and driver shortages.

• Free shuttles run 6–10 p.m. and loop throughout the evening with stops at each venue.

PASADENA TRANSIT

Pasadena Transit Route 10 runs along Colorado Boulevard and Green Street until 8 p.m. Schedule at: PasadenaTransit.net

METRO GOLD LINE

Attend ArtNight by taking the Metro Gold Line to Memorial Park Station in Pasadena. Check metro.net for information.

ArtNightPasadena.org facebook.com/ArtNightPasadena instagram.com/ArtNight_Pasadena

FEATURE

Collectible show brings differing political sides together

By Doyoon Kim Pasadena Weekly Staff Writer

The United States may be divided over political beliefs, but Thomas Morton, a member of Southern California Chapter of the American Political Items Collec tors, said his organization’s shows are different.

“The best part about the Political Collectibles Show & Sale is that the people are re ally nice,” Morton said. “It’s a great way to build friends, and to grow your collection.”

This year’s event is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, at San Marino Masonic Center, 3130 Huntington Drive, San Marino. The nonprofit is dedicated to preserving and educating the public about America’s political history

Admission is $3 for adults but free for children younger than 13 and students with identification. Visitors can browse and purchase political memorabilia from the last 150 years and receive free appraisals for political items they bring in. Free buttons will also be given to young collectors.

The APIC is a nationwide organization founded in 1971 with over 2,000 members. The organization focuses on political memorabilia collecting and hosts shows around the greater Los Angeles area.

The annual Political Collectibles Show & Sale allows the public to see political memorabilia and learn about U.S. history from Abraham Lincoln’s presidency to the 2020 presidential campaign.

However, the October show will have a wide variety of original items from George Washington’s time up to current political campaigns. Thousands of political memora bilia items including campaign posters, buttons, badges, ribbons, books and vintage Americana will be for sale to the public during the event.

“We have everything from the 1800s to now,” Morton said.

“We have Washington to Lincoln, to Roosevelt to Kennedy — a lot of hot items. There’ll be original items from campaigns and lots of stuff that you won’t see anywhere else.”

The public can also bring their own political items for appraisals. In the past, guests have brought in items from their attics, trunks and basements without being aware of their value. Previous appraisals have uncovered valuable JFK posters, Theodore Roos evelt autographs, Civil War letters and FDR buttons.

In addition to appraisals, there will be an auction held in the early afternoon. During the pandemic, masks were required. Now, they are optional.

Political Collectibles Show & Sale

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8

WHERE: San Marino Masonic Center, 3130 Huntington Drive, San Marino

COST: $3 for adults but free for children younger than 13 and students with identification

INFO: Tom Morton, 818-894-6113

The 2021 Political Collectibles Show & Sale included a display of political items from the 1948 presidential election campaign.

DINING

Dino’s Famous Chicken is best known for its original chicken plate.

Dino’s Famous Chicken opens in Pasadena

By Luke Netzley Pasadena Weekly Deputy Editor

When Demetrios Pantazis opened Dino’s Chicken and Burgers on Pico Boulevard in 1969, he had taken the first step on the journey to creating a DTLA staple that would capture the hearts of Angelenos for the next five decades.

In 1980, after the strong urging from his wife, Eleni, Demetrios created a unique, one-of-a-kind rec ipe that combined ingredients from traditional Greek and Latin cooking to create the Dino’s Famous Chicken that remains today.

After his passing in 2017, Demetrios’ four daughters — Katerina, Konstantina, Maria and Nicole — have carried on the legacy of their father in Downtown and beyond.

“We all came in and we all started working and learning the business,” Maria said. “We didn’t realize how busy our dad’s restaurant was and how successful it was until we actually stepped foot in it and seen, ‘Well, we have something good here, and let’s expand it. Our dad worked so hard in order to get it this far. Let’s make him proud and let’s take it to the next level.’ And that’s what we did.”

Now the beloved chain has opened its doors to the Pasadena community with its new location on Madison Avenue. The restaurant is now one of only five locations, including Azusa, Pico Rivera, Pomona and the original Dino’s on Pico Boulevard, where the original Dino’s Famous Chicken recipe can be found.

“We grew up going to Pasadena all the time,” Maria explained. “It’s really close to home for us.”

“We also have a lot of clients that come from Pasadena,” Konstantina added.

For the first time in 50 years, Dino’s Famous Chicken’s menu has grown to include tenders and wings.

“One of my elementary school friends is on the corporate (team) of Kitchen United,” Nicole said “She was telling me, ‘Let’s bring you to Pasadena! Let’s bring you to Pasadena.’ I’m like, ‘I’d love that.’

And that’s why we looked into it. This is the way of the future, going into these kind of deliv ery, pickup places so that we can expand in places where we’re not really there yet.”

With the sisters at the helm running operations and continuing their father’s traditions, Dino’s has kept family and customer relationships as the primary focus of the business, maintaining personal connections within their communities despite recent expansion.

“For me, I still want to have a connection with our customers, and we want to still have that feel like home and you’re a part of the family while we’re there … like an extension of the LA store,” Maria explained.

This commitment to community has guided the Dino’s leadership team in enriching lo cal neighborhoods throughout the restaurant’s history. For instance, Dino’s owners donated water bottles to nearly every high school in Azusa during their football season before the pandemic. They also cater the Parks and Recreation Department’s monthly gathering in Azusa.

“We do help out in those communities, and we also contribute to some of our own per sonal communities that we live in,” Nicole said. “For our high school that my kids go to, or in elementary school, we do a lot of donations with them and we do fundraisers. … We’ve done Dig for the Cure, which was a volleyball cancer fundraiser that we did at our high school. My sisters give to their elementary schools.”

“Here in the Berendo School, there’re a lot of families that don’t have the financial means and they are struggling with food,” Konstantina explained. “So they come and ask us and we give vouchers. … We give 150 meals for them to come and eat at our restaurant. … They’ll come and get a free meal. It’s usually 150 meals per day. And for us, we would love to do more. … We’re more than willing to help the neighborhood.”

The love that the team at Dino’s has for the communities it serves doesn’t end with do nations and charitable work, but is also reflected in the kitchen. Freshness is a driving force for the business, with daily fresh hand-cut French fries and never-frozen ingredients served across all five locations.

For the first time in over 50 years, new additions have been made to the menu with the introduction of Dino’s Famous wings and Dino’s Famous tenders. To perfect the new dishes, the sisters brought acclaimed LA-based chef Royce Burke into the kitchen.

“We decided, ‘Well, we have only one chicken item on this menu.’ And that was our orig inal chicken plate,” Maria explained. “We wanted to expand to other chicken items. We all love chicken wings, we love chicken tenders, and we had families saying, ‘Hey, do you have something for kids?’ So we decided we wanted to expand our menu to the chicken wings and chicken tenders.

“We thought it would be beneficial for us to bring chef Royce Burke onto our team to help us create new recipes in a way that would complement our existing chicken plate that we’re known for. He’s helped navigate us on keeping our original flavors of our Dino’s famous chicken marinade that we’re known for, our seasoning and our juice, to make our wings and our tenders.”

While the original Dino’s location on Pico Boulevard is temporarily closed due to construction, the business’ culinary expansion has also included selling the restaurant’s infamous seasoning and “juice” to the public online for the first time in Dino’s history. Both Dino’s Famous Chicken Seasoning and Dino’s Famous Chicken Sauce are currently listed for sale on the restaurant’s website.

“We noticed that a lot of the seasonings that we’re shipping out are not local. They’re in Texas, they’re in New York, I think we sent one out to Hawaii, North Carolina,” Maria began. “We hope that will be a good avenue for us.”

“A goal of ours when my dad was alive, and I think I speak for all my sisters, was for him to be able to see his hard work across the globe,” Nicole said. “He sacrificed a lot. And hav ing four daughters, everyone used to tell him, ‘You’ve got four daughters, your legacy will won’t go on,’ because, of course, we can’t carry on his last name.

“This is our way of carrying on his legacy for his grandkids. So although he can’t witness it here on earth, I’m sure he’s up in heaven and going to see what we’re doing to carry on his legacy that way.”

Dino’s Famous Chicken

WHERE: 55 S. Madison Avenue, Pasadena

HOURS: Open every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

INFO: dinosfamouschicken.com

Dino’s Famous Chicken’s chili cheese fries are one of the restaurant’s beloved specials.

New York Chicken & Gyro offers a taste of Queens

By Frier McCollister

Pasadena Weekly Contributing Writer

Considering the dishes that traditionally define the regional cuisine of New York City, street fare tends to dominate the list: the $1 pizza slice; the frankfurter with sauer kraut and tomato relish; the potato knish slathered with brown mustard.

Over the years, food trucks and street carts began to proliferate with a wider menu of expanded fare. The “halal” street cart soon became a curbside fixture. The term “halal” refers to meat that is butchered and prepared according to Islamic dietary law, similar to the “kosher” designation in the Jewish tradition.

These carts feature grilled lamb, beef or chicken as well as falafel all wrapped in warm pita bread or served on a plate or platter with rice. The offerings provided by the so-called “halal” carts of New York City provide an inexpensive and delicious alternative to the city’s all but ubiquitous pizza slices and hot dogs.

Thanks to the Mehirdel brothers — Moe, Sam and Hafiz — Pasadena can sample their version of this East Coast fare at New York Chicken & Gyro, also known as NYC&G. It opened amid much fanfare on Sept. 9, on a quiet stretch of Green Street, just east of Lake Avenue.

The grand opening was attended by Pasadena’s Vice Mayor Andy Wilson and officiated by Paul Little, president and chief executive officer of the Pasadena Chamber of Com merce. The Green Street operation is now the third location of a burgeoning minichain, already represented in Canoga Park and Santa Monica. The next location is slated for Venice Beach.

“Our first and ideal location was in Canoga Park, which was our busiest location until now,” Sam said. “(In 2020) we had the opportunity to open another location in Santa Mon ica. It’s a ghost kitchen.”

Referring to a commercial kitchen complex, where restaurant operations are ganged to provide takeout and delivery orders, the model flourished during the pandemic lockdown. The Santa Monica ghost kitchen location of NYC&G is owned and operated by Colony Cooks.

“I introduced this concept,” Sam said. “I said this will actually give us the opportunity to expand, and at the same time it will attract other people from a different area and get our name out there. It skyrocketed. We are still operating that location. It’s profitable.”

The impending new location will be operated by the same ghost kitchen entity.

“Colony Cooks have been great for us. They opened another facility in Venice Beach,” Sam said.

That one is located on Lincoln Boulevard and Flower Avenue.

“Hopefully we can open that spot by the end of the year,” he speculated. “We will have two storefronts and two ghost kitchens. We did not think we were going to come so far with this brand.”

Early years

It all started in Flushing, Queens, when the family patriarch Habib emigrated to the United States from Kandahar, Afghanistan, in the mid-’80s. Speaking of his father, Habib and his influence on the business, Sam was effusive and emotional.

“Our dad is a 40-year expert in the game,” Sam said. “He’s been in the restaurant game ever since he came here. He is the sole pillar for this business.”

Upon his arrival in New York City from Afghanistan, Habib began working as a dishwasher at a pizzeria and ultimately made his way into co-ownership of several pizza emporiums in Queens. His activity inspired his three sons.

On trips to Los Angeles to visit extended family, the brothers noted a deficit in the local culinary landscape and a potential opportunity.

“What we noticed when we traveled here was there were not a lot of ‘halal’ options, and (we thought) specifically this type of concept would make some noise. So, around 2017, we made our move,” Sam explained.

There is a distinct familial chemistry at work.

“I’m 28 years old. My brother Moe is 30, and my younger brother Hafiz is 23,” Sam said.

“Moe is a marketing genius. I’m an operational genius, and we complement each other. My younger brother Hafiz is a whiz with ideas. We do a good job in presenting ourselves with utmost honesty. Presentation, friendliness and environment. These three things are very essential for the business. And just being authentic.”

The compact restaurant has seating for 20 guests and is decorated in a colorful graffiti motif with a large video monitor displaying a reel of shots of New York City street life. The south wall features an actual New York City payphone. The menu is simple, split between platters, gyros and sandwiches.

Sam Mehirdel is a co-owner of NY Chicken & Gyro.

Lamb gyro, mixed chicken and lamb platter, fish platter and fries

“We don’t want to overwhelm the customer with a lot of items. We do what we’re good at,” Sam noted.

“Halal” dietary law, like kosher restrictions, does not allow for the consumption of pork. At New York Chicken & Gyro, chicken and lamb are the dominant animal proteins, although a fried swai fish filet is available as a platter option.

Gyro typically refers to meat stacked and roasted on a vertical spit. The term originated in Greece and Turkey, and the Greek version often features pork and is also referred to as the dish souvlaki. At NYC&G, the preparation is authentic to the street carts of Queens.

“New York style, we prepare it in a very unique and distinct way, which is very wellknown on the street corners of Manhattan and Queens,” Sam said. “When they do it on a spinner (vertical rotisserie) that’s called shawarma. When you do it on a grill it’s called gyros.”

Only in Queens. Whatever one’s understanding is of the dish and its preparation histori cally, the gyros are delicious at NYC&G.

Notably, the restaurant’s website includes a link to an article written by Andrew Fiou zi for the online journal Mel Magazine titled, “Should You Be Embarrassed to Confuse ‘Middle Eastern Food’ with ‘Mediterranean Food’?” In a town, where Armenian kebab shops proliferate widely, often under the “Mediterranean” banner, the article provides some meaningful distinctions and points to how the fare at NYC&G is distinguished from its neighbors in town.

All the platter options are priced at $10.99 and include rice and salad. A mixed platter includes lamb and chicken, or they can be ordered exclusively.

“The chicken we marinate in a specific way,” Sam said.

“We add a special marination that occurs 24 hours ahead of time before cooking it. We cook everything on a flat grill.”

Plant-based eaters should be satisfied with the fresh house-made falafel. Extra meat can be ordered for an additional $2.50 and double meat for $4.99 more. The gyros offer the same list of ingredient options wrapped in a warm pita and drizzled with the house special “white sauce.” If these traditional halal favorites don’t appeal, there are burgers and fries ($10.99$13.99) and a crispy chicken sandwich with fries ($10.49).

Finally, chicken wings are also available in hot or mild varieties (six pieces $10.99) or try the new “drip wings” ($11.99).

“Drip wings: I want to give credit to my younger brother, Hafiz,” Sam said. “He came up with this recipe. It’s a distinct, unique sauce that he made from scratch. He was experiment ing for some time. Fried wings, we dip in that special sauce, and we coat them in paprika to give it that flavor. What makes us unique are our meats, our rice and our sauces. Everything is made from scratch.”

The popular house white and distinctive hot sauces are also available for sale in 24-ounce and 16-ounce bottles to use at home.

The Mehirdel brothers are committed to local community engagement and at the Pasa dena grand opening, Moe presented a $500 donation to the Pasadena City College Founda tion, dedicated to the school’s hospitality and culinary program.

The Mehirdel brothers also donated $500 to the Foothill Unity Center’s regional food bank. The restaurant also offers first responder discounts. “In this life, the only thing that makes us happy is being well-respected in the community,” Sam mused.

“We’re still learning. We’re still trying to get better. I think we’re doing a pretty good job. Honestly, God is great.”

New York Chicken & Gyro

E. Green Street, Pasadena

We sell and

sell

clothing,

ARTS & CULTURE

Leticia Maldonado’s ‘The Storytellers’ debuts at MONA

By Luke Netzley Pasadena Weekly Deputy Editor

When the Museum of Neon Art was founded in Glendale over four decades ago, it was built to elevate neon artists and showcase the industry’s cutting-edge works. Today, this mission is more alive than ever as the museum has welcomed LAbased artist Leticia Maldonado to debut her new show, “The Storytellers,” on Saturday, Oct. 8.

“Leticia is one of the best examples of how exciting neon is today and that there’s this new generation of artists that are really pushing the craft, pushing themselves to create with both like the craftspersonship of making tubes,” MONA Executive Director Corrie Siegel described.

“Leticia is really amazing at creating these very intricate shapes that ordinarily would take a bender even more than 10 years to learn. She’s extremely technically skilled, but also in terms of the way she’s pushing the medium and pushing our expectations. This show integrates a lot of different technology and approaches.”

Maldonado is a visual storyteller and has honed her abilities in neon bending for the past 10 years, learning under neon artists Lili Lakich and Michael Flechtner. While she was born in West Covina, Maldonado was raised in Las Vegas, where she grew up beneath the eye-catching neon masterpieces that decorated the grandiose casinos across the strip.

Her new show at MONA is a multimedia exhibition in which her life-size sculptures are paired with animation and lighting effects to convey deeply personal memories and reflect on ideas surroundings memory, empathy imagination and grief.

“I wanted to create sculptures that represented archetypes, and I wanted to show in a visual collage kind of way the different formative memories that might create an arche type,” Maldonado said. “Then something super personal happened to me, and I pivoted that concept into something that also could incorporate memories, and it became very personal.”

The sculptures themselves are built from plexiglass, neon, found objects and vintage technology, breathing intimacy and a sense of history into the forms.

“I collected different mementos. I use different other technologies, different mixed me dia to stack all of that inside the form so that if you look at the form and you walk around it and you take in all the different visual elements, hopefully that would add up to these feelings of memory, grief, loss,” Maldonado explained.

“These are really complicated emotions, and I think as a person sometimes they’re experienced in different, I want to say ‘media,’ within yourself. Sometimes when you’re experiencing an emotion, it’s not just a set of words or a feeling. There could be visuals to it. There could be a smell that takes you there. I feel like it’s often a collage in the human experience, so I just approached it by making a visual collage.”

One of Maldonado’s most personal pieces within the exhibit is called “The Grave.” It’s a life-size adult figure made in varying shades of transparent blue plexiglass lying on a box the size and shape of a human grave with an 8 mm projector casting found footage into the body. Above the figure, a 4-foot moon hangs in the darkness as neon waves wash over the piece.

“It’s the one that’s the most succinctly about grief and loss,” Maldonado said. “I ex perienced the loss of my father earlier this year … so I didn’t intend to make this piece so personally about my experience, but because I was going through it at the time, I feel very, very connected to this one in particular.”

“I’ll get super personal again and say that I had a pretty rough childhood, and I think one of the things I’ve struggled with as a person is low self-esteem. … Once I committed to this craft and went on the journey of being dedicated to learning it and to under standing it and to educate myself, it gave me an anchor where I felt like I didn’t have one before.

“It allowed me to explore what I’m capable of and feel myself, learn things and accom plish things just within glasswork. And I don’t even mean like relating that to exhibitions. I mean just a day in the studio when I can pull off something hard, it just makes me feel really good about myself and a lot of that has added up. I think it’s just that journey of exploring myself through exploring the craft has made me a way stronger person than I was when I started.”

Another piece within Maldonado’s exhibit, called “The Architect,” depicts a child

LA-based neon artist Leticia Maldonado was born in West Covina and raised in Las Vegas.

crouched on the floor about to draw in a giant book with a crayon. Two imaginary friends, a skeletal figure and Raggedy Ann doll, watched on from a shelf above her.

The child is constructed out of transparent plexiglass and neon symbols glow from within the figure, where Maldonado drew words within the tubes. It’s a feature that Siegel said she had never seen an artist include in a neon work before.

“I think one thing that resonates with the body of work throughout is that it takes something that’s very specific to Leticia’s life and so personal,” Siegel began. “The fact that she centers in on these very personal memories and objects that connects to her child hood growing up in Las Vegas, it makes a resonance for me and I think it will make a resonance for every person who sees it because we all have these specific totems or ways of connecting to our memories, to our childhood, and that’s really powerful.”

“The Storytellers” will be on display at MONA through Saturday, Feb 11. The opening will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8, and is free to the public.

While Maldonado has been featured in two museum group exhibits, including “She Bends: Women in Neon” and “Building Bridges,” her show “The Storytellers” at MONA is her first solo museum exhibition.

“The fact that this museum is dedicated to our craft and I get to, for a brief moment, represent our craft is an extra honor and also an extra responsibility. Like I do my best, but I did my extra best here,” Maldonado said with a laugh. “I know that the level of audience is going to be far more informed than in like an art museum that encompasses all mediums. … This will be a very informed, educated audience looking at this work not just for the emotional impact, but also respecting the technical rules of the craft.”

“It’s really exciting to have (Maldonado) here because it’s often said that neon is a lost art form or that it’s an endangered art form, but when you see her work you see some thing that’s very much alive that’s very much applicable to where we are today,” Siegal described.

“I think that especially having an exhibition that deals with grief, which is so compli cated and so universal. … It’s an incredibly powerful thing to bring people together when many of us experience some sort of grief, whether it was a loss of a loved one, a loss of a former self or a loss of routine. And to be in a space together looking at these pieces and drawing our own connections, I think, is extremely powerful.”

Leticia Maldonado: “The Storytellers”

WHERE: Museum of Neon Art, 216 S. Brand Boulevard, Glendale

WHEN: The opening will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8, and the exhibit is on display through Saturday, Feb. 11.

COST: Free

only

GENRE: Magical Realism Fictional Memoir

Excerpts from this novel--The Pollinator In His Own Words--read by the author, exemplify the intimate relationship between two art forms: painting and writing. The protagonist of this tale, through the mystic art of surfing, slowly develops the ability to fly.

Excerpts from this novel--The Pollinator In His Own Words--read by the author, exemplify the intimate relationship between two art forms: painting and writing. The protagonist of this tale, through the mystic art of surfing, slowly develops the ability to fly.

Excerpts from this novel--The Pollinator In His Own Wordsread by the author, exemplify the intimate relationship between two art forms: painting and writing. The protagonist of this tale, through the mystic art of surfing, slowly develops the ability to fly. As the story evolves, he discovers that he can, during flight, by way of olfactory engendered clairvoyance, accumulate and store inter nally essential love; eventually he is able to bestow this love. The following excerpts, inspired by the paintings of Edward Hopper, occur in the story when the protagonist is beginning to collect such essences of primal bliss.

Excerpts from this novel--The Pollinator In His Own Words--read by the author, exemplify the intimate relationship between two art forms: painting and writing. The protagonist of this tale, through the mystic art of surfing, slowly develops the ability to fly. As the story evolves, he discovers that he can, during flight, by way of olfactory engendered clairvoyance, accumulate and store internally essential love; eventually he is able to bestow this love. The following excerpts, inspired by

GENRE: Magical Realism Fictional Memoir

As the story evolves, he discovers that he can, during flight, by way of olfactory engendered clairvoyance, accumulate and store internally essential love; eventually he is able to bestow this love. The following excerpts, inspired by the paintings of Edward Hopper, occur in the story when the protagonist is beginning to collect such essences of primal bliss.

As the story evolves, he discovers that he can,

GENRE: Magical Realism Fictional Memoir

The neon Raggedy Ann doll is part of Maldonado’s “The Architect” piece within her new MONA exhibit, “The Storytellers.”

For the first time since the start of the pandemic two years ago, Pasadena’s Fall ArtNight has returned to the city’s storied venues.

The wait is over as Fall ArtNight returns to Pasadena

By Luke Netzley Pasadena Weekly Deputy Editor

During the pandemic, Pasadena’s art and cultural institutions and venues closed their doors as audiences pivoted to virtual platforms. The city’s annual Fall ArtNight was no different, as the event moved online for the past two years. On Friday, Oct. 14, however, the highly anticipated “signature cultural tourism” event will make its long-awaited in-person return to Pasadena, showcasing art, theater, music and dance performances throughout the city.

“ArtNight began many years ago with a small consortium of arts and cultural or ganizations in an attempt to expand their potential membership base by offering free arts programming and one consolidated four-hour segment on Friday, twice a year,” cultural affairs manager Rochelle Branch explained. “The event has subsequently grown to include as many as 26 organizations from the original eight that I inherited when I took over as the cultural affairs division manager 15 years ago. It’s expanded exponentially and has continued to garner interest from not only Pasadena residents, but in concentric circles and ZIP codes as far away as Northern California, San Di ego, Riverside, San Bernardino County … on a consistent basis.”

This year’s event, which runs from 6 to 10 p.m., will feature offerings such as improv lessons at Pasadena Playhouse taught by Impro Theatre artists, a preview of “Chilling Classic Tales!,” a live radio-style performance by Parson’s Nose Theatre,

readings by award-winning authors and family-friendly literary games at Red Hen Press, and an exploration of Jackie Robinson’s legacy and impact on African Amer ican culture in Pasadena through historical images and artifacts at Jackie Robinson Community Center. There will also be live music at City Hall.

“The nice thing about ArtNight is that you can get to the venues and experience many different types of media within a four-hour timeframe,” Branch described. “Oftentimes we find people who are new to the event will use ArtNight as an oppor tunity to explore organizations with which they have not been familiar.”

Along with food trucks on-site at City Hall, Alkebu-Lan Cultural Center and Pas adena Museum of History, there will be a free shuttle service available throughout the night that stops at each venue.

“It’s not a walk, and it’s not in one concentrated geographic region. It’s across the city, and we do provide transportation, so that’s the unique aspect of our night,” Branch said. “In the last several years, we have added a few organizations that have increased the multidimensionality of the program. For example, the Gamble Hall. … This year we also have the Alkebu-Lan African American Cultural Center, which is I think the second ArtNight that they will have participated in. … It’s going to be a very lively, robust ArtNight, and we’re very much looking forward to it.”

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ArtNight is produced by the cultural affairs division of the Pasadena Planning & Community Development Department in partnership with participating ArtNight organizational partners and is free of charge to the public. Guests can enjoy hands-on, interactive activities for all ages and interests as the city’s creative community is put on display for all to see.

“The city’s commitment to ArtNight and subsequently to the arts and cultural orga nizations that are participants is both deep and broad,” Branch described. “We provide this consistent funding that makes this event a holistic event as opposed to a series of individual open houses.”

The city of Pasadena also has its own docent program, paired with its youth am bassador program, that provides people to aid ArtNight audience members at each location.

“The city’s student ambassador program has been a fixture of ArtNight for the last 15 years,” Branch explained. “(The students) not only know about ArtNight in general, but they also have a chance to learn about the individual organization where they’re going to be located. And they have also formed some great relationships. ArtNight is really not just about a one-night event twice a year. It’s about forming ongoing rela tionships and partnerships.”

This year’s participating arts and cultural institutions include A Room to Create, Alkebu-Lan Cultural Center, Armory Center for the Arts, Art Center College of De sign, artWORKS Teen Center, Boston Court Pasadena, Jackie Robinson Community Center, Lineage Performing Arts Center, Parson’s Nose Theater, Pasadena City College, Pasadena Conservatory of Music, Pasadena Museum of History, Pasadena Playhouse, Pasadena Public Library, Red Hen Press, Remainders Creative Reuse, the Gamble House and USC Pacific Asia Museum.

“My role as helping to facilitate the work of artists and arts and cultural organiza tions to reach audiences and to impact them,” Branch said. “But also … it’s a reciprocal relationship with the audience in the community. I’m very community focused, and I find art as the perfect medium for those relationships.

“ArtNight presents an opportunity for the incredible creative community that is Pasadena to be showcased, and it is a pleasure and an honor to be able to support this event.”

City of Pasadena’s Fall ArtNight

WHEN: 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14

WHERE: Locations vary COST: Free

PHOTO PAGE

City Hall memorial service honors the life of John J. Kennedy

By Luke Netzley Pasadena Weekly Deputy Editor

On Sept. 30, family, friends and community leaders joined in Pasadena City Hall’s Centennial Square to honor the life of District 3 Councilmember John J. Ken nedy, who died on July 21. The memorial service reflected upon and celebrated the achievements of Councilmember Kennedy and his lasting impact on the Pasadena community.

Kennedy was the youngest person to have served as president of the Pasadena branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). During his tenure on the city council, he was chair of the public safety committee, served on the finance committee and was one of three city representatives to the Burbank-Glen dale-Pasadena Airport Authority. In 2013, he became the councilmember for District 3.

Kennedy also served on a variety of local boards, including the Community Health Alliance of Pasadena, the Pasadena Police Foundation, the Tom Bradley Legacy Founda tion at UCLA, and the ChapCare Board of Directors.

His influence on the city of Pasadena remains ever-present, and his contributions to the community will not soon be forgotten.

Both Mayor Victor Gordo and Councilmember John J. Kennedy grew up in Pasadena and dedicated their lives to serving the community.

On Friday, Sept. 30, Pasadena City Hall hosted a memorial service for District 3 Councilmember John J. Kennedy, who died on July 21.

Pastor Terry Turrentine welcomes guests to the John J. Kennedy memorial service.

The Pasadena Police Color Guard pays its respects for Coun cilmember John J. Kennedy during his memorial service held in Centennial Square at the front of City Hall.

Elder Nolanda Lee reads from the New Testament.

Family, friends and community leaders alike joined in celebration of Councilmember John J. Kennedy’s life.

Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo shares some of his favorite moments with Councilmember John J. Kennedy.

UCLA wide receiver Kam Brown learned how to play football from a Super Bowl MVP.

Kam Brown makes the journey to Westwood

By Ron Sanzone Pasadena Weekly Contributing Writer

Beginning in high school, Bruins wide receiver Kam Brown took the scenic route to UCLA, but he could not have been happier with the journey or the destina tion.

The Colleyville (Texas) Heritage High School product fielded offers from numer ous Power Five schools while hauling in 147 receptions for 2,430 yards and 39 TDs during his prep career. He committed to UCLA, but when the school let head coach Jim Mora go he decided to attend Texas A&M University instead.

After two years of college ball in the Lone Star state, he entered the transfer portal and realized that, in his heart, he was a Bruin after all.

“It was a pretty fun journey,” he said of his path from high school to Westwood. “I loved everything about it (playing at Texas A&M), but I felt like this (UCLA) was home and this was where I was originally supposed to be at.”

Long before playing high school and college ball, his journey to becoming a Bruins starter had begun. He had a rare opportunity to learn the game not just from a former player but a Super Bowl MVP. His father, Larry Brown, a defensive back for the Dallas Cowboys, hoisted the Lombardi Trophy after being named MVP of Super Bowl XXX.

Growing up with a father who sported that kind of resume had a significant effect on the development of the younger Brown as a player.

“It had a huge impact,” he said. “I would say the maturity aspect had the biggest impact because I saw things from a point of view that most people don’t get to see.”

Kam did not merely rest on his father’s laurels. During his childhood, he had to make sacrifices and commit to a rigorous routine to achieve his future gridiron goals.

“Being a kid, it’s kind of hard to take that in when all your friends would want to hang out and he (Larry) is telling you if you really want this you have to work,” he recalled. “But as you start to get older and start to go through the process, you see how that really pays off. Missing out on certain things to go work out, eat the right foods, train … it’s hard at first, but in the end you’re really grateful for it.”

His father’s wisdom, as well as supportive teammates and coaches, helped Kam transition from a semester-based school to UCLA and its quarter system. And now that he has a year under his belt and is “super comfortable” on campus and in the football program, he is in turn able to assist those who are new to the team.

“Just bringing that maturity and being older in the room” is how he describes where he is now compared to a year ago. “Helping out the younger guys understand the system, how to read coverages. Going out there and making plays. Overall, just being consistent every day.”

Kam’s role on the team has expanded in 2022. As a Z receiver, he is one of the most flexible pieces of the offense, lining up in different positions in different forma tions. He sums up his skills as a receiver in three words: speed, routes and intelli gence.

Speed cannot be learned, but other qualities can be. And Kam had early lessons from his father in those.

“From a young age, being 6 years old and reading coverages, at the time I thought that was normal,” he said. “I didn’t really realize that when you get to college a lot of people are really just now starting to learn to read coverages. So that intelligence aspect has helped to take my route running to the next level.”

Kam has an inside-out perspective on playing receiver. Not only did he learn from his father how to see the game from the perspective of a defensive back, he learned it firsthand himself.

Kam’s first position in high school was defensive back. But he also played wide receiver and found that he had more fun on offense.

“I just got more joy scoring touchdowns,” he said. “At DB, if they don’t throw your way the game is kind of quiet. I liked getting into the action on offense, so in high school I realized I wanted to be a receiver.”

Now that he has developed into a starting receiver at the collegiate level, he and his father have lively debates on who would win a matchup between them if both were in their prime simultaneously.

“That’s something that we’ll never see eye to eye on,” the younger Brown said. “At the end of the day, I know that I would torch him every chance. If we had 10 reps against each other, I’d win all 10 reps. And he thinks the same. We’re both super hard competitors.”

One thing that Larry can point out, at least for the time being, is that he is the one who played in the NFL. This past summer, though, Kam got a little taste of some thing he hopes to experience in the future.

Along with Bruins softball star Maya Brady, Kam was selected to be a trophy presenter at this year’s ESPY Awards Show. Bringing trophies out and meeting NFL stars such as Odell Beckham Jr. and Travis Kelce fortified his desire to not only one day play in the NFL but “to be up there getting a trophy presented to me.”

Kam also has goals that do not involve football. He has interests in working one day in real estate and learning how to build online stores. But he is especially motivated by architecture. Originally an architecture major, schedule conflicts forced him to switch majors to history. But architecture is what makes his creative juices percolate, and therefore he is interested in one day retuning to that field.

“There’s really no limit to your mind,” he said. “Your mind is the greatest tool on earth. If you see it in your mind, you can make it happen. That’s what I really loved about architecture, you get to see something no one else can see and really bring it to life.”

If Kam applies the work ethic and intellect he has used to succeed in football to other fields, then he might one day receive not only ESPYs, but trophies that are unrelated to sports.

UCLA vs. Utah

WHEN: 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct.8

WHERE: Rose Bowl Stadium, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena

COST: Tickets start at $51

INFO: ticketmaster.com

CALENDAR

Upcoming Events

Have an event for the calendar? Send it to christina@timespublications.com.

Take And Make

OCT. 6 to OCT. 15

This October, sign up to make traditional Mexican crafts by hand, including a Hojalata, a traditional craft bookmark made with vibrant colors, as well as a Peruvian pan flute. Signups available while supplies last.

Santa Catalina Branch Library, 999 E. Washington Boulevard, Pasadena, free, 626-744-7272, cityofpasadena.net/library

Flu Shot and Moderna Vaccine Clinic

OCT. 6

Prevention is the best medicine. With flu season right around the corner and so many kids going back to school spreading germs, there’s never a more perfect time to get a flu shot or vaccinate against the coronavirus.

Hill Avenue Branch Library, 55 S. Hill Avenue, Pasadena, 2 to 4:30 p.m., cityofpasadena.net/library

Homework Help (K-Middle School)

OCT. 6

With school finally back in session, many students may find themselves struggling with a new grade and new work to do. Get them the help they need at the library and make sure they don’t fall behind with additional homework help.

La Pintoresca Branch Library, 1355 N. Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., free, cityofpasadena.net/library

Computer Help for Beginners

OCT. 6

Those who need computer help to learn the basic important skills of using a com puter or tablet are encouraged to La Pintoresca Library to book a half-hour appoint ment. It’s never too early or too late to understand a new technology.

La Pintoresca Branch Library, 1355 N. Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., cityofpasadena.net/library

’80s Night with Atomic Blond, a Live Tribute to Blondie & the ’80s

OCT. 7

Join The Mixx Club for another Flashback Friday as it holds a tribute to the band Blondie and all its great hits. Food and drink specials are held all night long.

The Mixx, 443 E. Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, ticket prices vary, 9 p.m to 1 a.m., themixxclub.com

‘Edward Scissorhands’ at Victory Park

OCT. 8

Come to victory park with friends and family to watch a classic film out in the open air. A brilliant inventor manages to create life, but dies before he is able to com plete his creation. Now Edward, the creation of the scientist, must learn to live with his new body and strange bladed hands.

Victory Park, 2575 Paloma Street, Pasadena, admission price varies, 5:30 to 11 p.m., streetfoodcinema.com/schedule

Latino Heritage Celebrations

OCT. 8

Celebrate Latino heritage with painting, chocolate skull making, painting aguas

frescas and more at Villa Parke. All supplies provided, with participants working under supervision of an experienced artist.

Villa Parke, 363 E. Villa Street, Pasadena, 2 to 5 p.m, pasadenalatinoheritageparade.org

Miss Tiki LA Pinup Pageant No. 2

OCT. 8

Fifteen beautiful tiki pinup contestants will compete for the title of Miss Tiki LA at The Mixx Club. Musical performances will be held as well by Madame X and DJ Hunny Rose.

The Mixx, 443 E. Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, ticket prices vary, 8 p.m to 1 a.m., themixxclub.com

Toon Con

OCT. 9

Toon Con is a celebration of American cartoons new and old, from the Wartime Era Golden Age to the present day. Come see actors, writers, animators and more and pick up all kinds of unique swag. Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E. Green Street, Pasadena, $25 admission, twitter.com/toon_con

Author Lauren Hughes: ‘The Spanish Daughter’

OCT. 11

Join rising Latina author Lauren Hughes over Zoom to discuss her book “The Spanish Daughter” face to face. Follow the lives of a family in a lush Ecuadorian cacao plantation ripe with betrayal and sibling rivalry, and ask questions about the book.

Free, 5 to 6 p.m., cityofpasadena.net/library

Jackbox Games for Teens OCT. 12

Join in on super fun and comical social games from the Jackbox Party Pack, including Quiplash, Fibbage, Trivia Murder Party and more. Get weird with it and make some new friends through social comedy. Hastings Branch Library, 3325 E. Orange Grove Boulevard, Pasadena, free, 3:30 to 5 p.m., cityofpasadena.net/library

ArtNight Pasadena OCT. 14

During Art Night, many of Pasadena’s most prominent museums and cultural institutions opens its doors to the general public for free, with special programming. Visit museums, theaters and performing arts centers for a packed night of education and entertainment. 6 to 10 p.m., free admission, cityofpasadena.net/artnight

Live Johnny Cash Happy Hours Tribute Show

OCT. 14

Listen to the back-to-back hits of one of the greatest country singers of all time, Johnny Cash. Drink and fool specials available all show long. The Mixx, 443 E. Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, ticket prices vary, 6 p.m to 1 a.m., themixxclub.com

Abused by Clergy in California?

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Fr. Patrick Joseph Hill

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Fr. Theodore Llanos Fr. Larry Lovell Fr. Denis Lyons Fr. Titian Jim Miani Fr. Donald J. McGuire

Fr. George Neville Rucker

John Anthony Salazar

Fr. Fidencio Flores Silva (Silva-Flores)

Carl M. Sutphin

Michael M. Sprouffske

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Fr. Joseph D. Pina Fr. Eleuterio V. Ramos Fr. Carlos Rene Rodriguez

Fr. Donald Patrick Roemer

Fr. Robert Van Handel Fr. John W. Wishard