Pasadena Weekly 11.24.22

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Christina Fuoco-Karasinski christina@timespublications.com

DEPUTY EDITOR Luke Netzley lnetzley@timespublications.com

Every day can be Thanksgiving

By Ellen Snortland Pasadena Weekly Columnist

Thanksgiving is a day of gratitude that capitalists have not managed to coopt like other significant holidays… and for that, I am grateful! However, I have a Thanksgiving practice I do every day. I recommend it, and here’s how it works: Each day, our group of Landmark Wisdom Course grads — as far-flung as Kenya and Germany and as close as my hometown of Altadena — emails the group 10 things each of us is grateful for. We have done this faithfully since 2005. My “grateful list” looks like this:

Today I am grateful for…

• New friendships we’ve made this year with Michal Dawson Connor and Jenn Melyan. It’s as if we have known both of them our entire lives.

• Liking and loving my husband, especially after being raised by a couple who despised each other. When I once asked my late mother if she ever missed dad, without missing a beat she answered, “Nope. I’m glad he’s dead.” Well, OK then!

• The smell of a dog’s paws, reminiscent of Fritos? Popcorn?

• The strength and vision of my Indigenous friends in both the Dakotas and now in New Mexico.

• My beloved choir conductor and choirmates at All Saints Episcopal in Pasa dena.

• My communities at Empowerment Self-Defense Global and IMPACT Person al Safety.

• My community at Goddess Living; we are an inquiry into, and conversational network about, “What does it mean to be a woman in this era?”

• My writing students and my classes in writing that help me hone my art and craft.

• A dear friend discovering that not only are we friends, but we’re also cousins, when she got her 23andMe results.

• This gratitude practice, which has enhanced my appreciation for everything in my life.

That’s it; that’s the practice. I also have 17 years of these entries as a journal of my daily gratitude. I am happier because of it. We now know scientifically, not just anecdotally, that expressing gratitude impacts people’s lives. And hear ing or reading other people’s appreciation for the things they are grateful for uplifts us, too. According to Psychology Today, gratitude helps us by stimulating two important brain regions: the hypothalamus, which regulates stress, and the ventral tegmental area, which plays a significant role in the brain’s reward system producing feelings of pleasure.

Think of people who complain a lot and the feelings they leave us with… not pleasant, right? For some, complaining can even take on a certain level of “one-ups-personship.” You can often hear that subtle competition when people compare their physical maladies. “You think your gall bladder operation was bad? Well, let me tell you, my bunion removal was really bad!” On the other side of the coin, if you compare what you are grateful for, you can feel the spirits lift in the room.

Our home is an expression of gratitude. If you’ve read this column over the years or my pieces in the Huffington Post and elsewhere, I’m all about revealing what’s been made invisible regarding women and girls. Every wall, shelf, nook and cranny in our home has something on it that a woman has made, whether she’s in South Africa, South Dakota, Mexico, Pakistan, Israel, Norway, China or wherever else I’ve traveled. To the uninitiated, my decorating style is a mashup of Gloria Steinem, hygge and Martha Stewart on LSD.

Women’s arts and crafts have been criminally undervalued and taken for granted. I am grateful to my mother, who collected women’s needlework from her travels. She admired and reflected on the hours it took for the woman or girl to make the items she displayed around her home. She had a story about each piece, whether it was embroidery, lacework, fine painting or weaving. She pointed out a tiny drop of blood on a piece of white, finely worked linen from Norway.

I love looking at the beadwork clothing and animals I’ve gotten from South Dakota, Oaxaca and South Africa. The beading is out of imaginations that would give the surrealists a run for their money. In the so-called “new world,” I especially love the sequined Voodoo artwork that Haitian women make by first sewing sequins onto socks and then slipping the sock onto a malt liquor bottle.

I’ll leave you with one of my favorite quotes from George Bernard Shaw: “This is the true joy in life: being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one, being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole com munity, and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it what I can. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.”

Please don’t wait for a eulogy to express what your loved ones mean to you. Tell them how grateful you are for them now, or how about every day, as I do with my friends?

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

travel chill. Keeping winter

It’s easy to keep your travel chill this winter when you choose the fastest and easiest airport experience in Southern California. Ontario International Airport has over 65 nonstop flights to more than 25 major destinations with less traffic coming in and out, so getting here is a breeze. Because let’s be honest, faster is always better when it comes to your airport. And your holiday shopping.

Put the jingle in your travel – book your journey

Rose Parade floats gear up America’s New Year tradition

By Kateri Wozny Pasadena Weekly Contributing Writer

Thomas Larsen calls serving as a volunteer Rose Parade float test rider “beauti ful.”

“It’s so fun being part of something so beautiful,” said Larsen, who has also helped adorn floats at Phoenix Decorating Company in Irwindale for 14 years.

“I have been watching since I was a kid. When I was younger, I wish this would’ve been my career building floats.”

Larsen is just one of many volunteers participating in the Jan. 2, 2023, Tour nament of Roses Rose Parade. Phoenix Decorating Company collaborates with organizations such as the Kiwanis International Rose Float Club and Petal Pushers to decorate the many floats at its 110,000-square-foot manufacturing facility. The company has been building Rose Parade floats since 1985 and is considered the largest authentic all-floral float construction company in the United States. To date, it has helped construct 865 floats.

“We don’t just build floats; we build experiences,” said Chris Lofthouse, presi dent and CEO of Phoenix Decorating Company. “I want our clients to take as much pride in our floats as we do in building them.”

The process takes about a year to complete. Two months after a Rose Parade, Phoenix Decorating Company strips the float design and cleans off excess material so that only the chassis is exposed. After the design is approved by the client for the next parade, 3D construction begins in June and lasts three to four months. Fresh flowers and other materials that were ordered six to eight months prior arrive at the facility the week of the parade in December. Volunteers then assemble the items like a paint by color onto the floats.

“It is so important for the design process to be emotionally connected to the client and to the float,” Lofthouse said. “It’s also our responsibility to get the float through the parade.”

Floats are tested twice for mechanical and road inspections along Ornelas Street just outside of Phoenix Decorating Company between June and November. The road inspection test also includes a fire drill where volunteer riders have 45 seconds to vacate the float.

“We run a safety test to ensure everything is in order,” said Chuck Hayes, sponsor relations for Phoenix Decorating Company. “It’s like a mini parade on the street.”

For the 2023 Rose Parade, Phoenix Decorating Company’s clients include the city of Alhambra “Together We Rise,” City of Hope “Expanding Hope,” Elks USA “Investing in Our Communities,” Kiwanis International “Catching the Wave of Service,” Lions International “Bridging the World Through Service,” Lutherans Hour Ministries “A New Day with Jesus,” Mutual of Omaha “Protecting the Wild,” Odd Fellows and Rebekahs “Hope for Peace,” Queen’s Float “Royal Court,” Rose Bowl Legacy “Rose Bowl: America’s Stadium 100,” Rotary International “Serving with Imagination and Hope,” Shriners Children’s Hospital “Back in the Game,” Western Asset “Welcome to the Jungle,” Enjoy Illinois “Route 66” and Trader Joe’s “Onward!”

“These inspections are a signal that we’re getting really close (to the parade) and the floats are coming together,” said Mark Leavens, secretary for the Tournament of Roses. “It’s a really exciting time of year to see the float designs that we’ve been looking at for several months come to fruition.”

Hayes said the combined volunteer hours for the month of December is about 345,000 or equivalent to 60 to 100 people per float.

“Volunteers come back year after year after to create memories,” Hayes said. “There’s a passion from the organizations and general public to come from miles away for this experience. It’s bigger than just us as a company to build it; it’s part of the tradition.”

Folks can also volunteer to drive a float, while situated deep inside on a small seat. Drivers also rely on an observer, who sits in front of the float and looks through a small screen, to guide them along the route through a communicated headset. Gary Stovel has been a driver for the Shriners Children’s Hospital float and has been with the Rose Parade for about 20 years. Stovel got his start as a driver when he and his children decorated a McDonald’s float through his employer, Golden State Foods.

Pedro Ramirez, Joy Lintag and Thomas Larsen prepare the float.

Phoenix Decorating Company has helped construct 865 floats.

PASADENA | ALHAMBRA | ALTADENA | ARCADIA | EAGLE ROCK | GLENDALE | LA CAÑADA | MONTROSE | SAN MARINO | SIERRA MADRE | SOUTH PASADENA

Chris Mortenson/Staff photographer

“I was asked if I wanted to drive a float,” Stovel said. “This is the highlight of the year, and we all look forward to doing this.”

The day before the parade, floats are judged for five minutes. Afterward, they are brought to the staging area along Orange Grove Boulevard to ride the 5.2-mile route at 2.5 mph. This year’s 134th Rose Parade will be held at 8 a.m. Monday, Jan. 2. “There’s no describing what kind of pride I have being able to stand at the corner and watch a year of what we created go by,” Lofthouse said. “The Rose Parade is my life.”

134th Rose Parade

WHERE: The Rose Parade travels five miles down Colorado Boulevard WHEN: 8 a.m. Monday, Jan. 2

COST: Visit website INFO: tournamentofroses.com

Cancer Support Community seeks guild members

By Pasadena Weekly Staff

Membership is open for the 2023 Guild of Cancer Support Community, which annually raises more than $350,000 to help fund support groups, educational workshops and healthy lifestyle classes offered free of charge.

Interested individuals are invited to the guild recruitment event at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, at Pinocchio’s Restaurant, vintage banquet room, 1449 N. Lake Avenue, Pasadena.

To make reservations, visit cscp.link/guild2023 or contact Kim Burbank Fer reira at k.ferreira@cscpasadena.org or 626-796-1083.

The guild is open to anyone older than age 21 who is passionate about the mission of Cancer Support Community: to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community, Ferreira said.

The guild has three goals each year: to support the mission of CSC by planning and attending the organization’s fundraising events, secure sponsorships and donations, and have fun and get to know the other guild members.

Guild dues are $100 each year for anyone over 30 years old and $50 for those 30 years old and under. Guild members must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (boosters recommended, but not required).

Pasadena PD Community Briefs

By Pasadena Police Department

This information provides a greater awareness to the Pasadena community. The critical events detailed below are a snapshot of the calls received to the police communications center daily.

• Total calls for service for October 2022: 9,352 (year to date: 88,648)

• 911 calls for October 2022: 5,622 (year to date: 55,414)

• Total calls received by police dispatch center: 20,569 (year to date: 200,970)

• De-escalation techniques used during calls: 20 (year to date: 1,066)

• October 2022 collected/seized firearms: 20 (year to date: 217)

• Pistols: 13 (year to date: 155)

• Rifles/assault rifles: six (year to date: 47)

• Shotguns: one (year to date: 15)

Snapshot of calls

Oct. 1: Officers from the Pasadena Police Department responded to a business in the 1000 block of Colorado Boulevard. Callers advised that a suspect was pilfering and destroy ing cash registers. Officers responded to the scene and located the suspect walking away. As an officer attempted to detain the suspect, the suspect ran away and was subsequently physically restrained. During the ensuing scuffle, the suspect struck the officer in the face. The officer drew his Taser, and the suspect immediately complied. He was handcuffed and detained by other responding officers. No deployment of the Taser device occurred. The suspect was booked for felony assault, felony vandalism and theft-related offenses.

Oct. 1: In response to a robbery, Pasadena police officers went to the 3200 block of East Foothill Boulevard. The victims informed the responding cops that two individuals were demanding cash and access to a safe at a gas station. While brandishing a semi-automatic weapon, one of the suspects demanded workers on their knees. The staff obeyed, and sus pects left with money.

Oct. 3: Pasadena police stopped a vehicle for a code infraction at Lake Avenue and Ma ple Street. When the officer approached the driver, the car smelled of marijuana. The unli censed driver had two outstanding arrest warrants. A revolver was found under the driver’s seat and about 15 pounds of marijuana in the trunk after the driver agreed to a search of his car. The motorist was detained and taken to the Pasadena Detention Center.

Oct. 4: Officers from the Pasadena Police Department were called to the 500 block of East Union Street, regarding a person who would not leave. The victim claimed the suspect threatened to kill him with pieces of steel. The victim walked away and dialed 911. Uncoop erative, the suspect threw down the weapons and fled. Police arrested him for assault with a deadly weapon.

Oct. 5: Pasadena police officers were called to the 100 block of North Euclid Avenue about a suspicious person in a car. Officers arrived and saw obvious drug paraphernalia. The subject initially refused to cooperate, but he was eventually taken into custody. Along with the drug paraphernalia in the car, a dagger was found on him. A loaded firearm and meth amphetamine were found during a more thorough check of the car. After being detained,

the suspect was taken to the Pasadena jail and booked.

Oct. 6: Officers from the Pasadena Police Department were called to the 900 block of North Lake Avenue about a suspect who was carrying a gun and knives. The suspect was spotted shooting at passing people. When police arrived, the suspect was taken into custody. The suspect had a knife and ammunition that were prohibited. Officers discovered a loaded gun hidden inside the driver’s compartment. The suspect was taken to the Pasadena PD jail, where he was taken into custody for having a hidden weapon and a dagger.

Oct. 7: Officers from the Pasadena Police Department responded to a robbery call at a business near Lake Avenue and Orange Grove Boulevard. The victim told police he picked up a dropped lottery ticket as he was leaving the store. Two men approached him as he was crossing the parking lot and inquired about the lottery ticket. One of the suspects grabbed the victim’s prepaid cellphone card, while another displayed a tiny weapon. The suspects went south on Lake Avenue as they left.

Oct. 10: Pasadena Police Department sent officers to the 1300 block of El Sereno Avenue in response to a ShotSpotter alert. Six rounds were discovered by officers in front of a nearby house, but no victims were found. Three service requests were made to the Police Department Communications Center in addition to the ShotSpotter warning. Detectives have taken over the investigation.

Oct. 10: In response to a ShotSpotter alert, Pasadena police officers canvassed Wash ington Boulevard and Fair Oaks Avenue. They discovered a person in the parking lot near Washington Boulevard and Fair Oaks Avenue. Searching the person, they found a con cealed handgun. He ran and officers tracked him through the Kings Villages. Officers saw the suspect toss a weapon during the pursuit. They tased him, and he was taken to a nearby hospital. Officers found the weapon.

Oct. 14: Pasadena police detected the smell of marijuana during a traffic stop near Navarro Avenue and Washington Boulevard. The suspect (passenger) acknowledged having a weapon while the passengers were ordered out of the car. The suspect’s weapon was re moved, and he was detained for concealing a weapon.

Oct. 14: A driver was found to have a suspended license during a traffic stop near Mad ison Avenue and Orange Grove Boulevard. After the suspect was taken into custody, police asked him if there was anything illegal inside the car. He acknowledged keeping a firearm in the car; it was found in the center console. He was later detained in Pasadena jail for carrying a concealed weapon.

Oct. 19: Pasadena police officers stopped a vehicle for violating traffic laws near Fair Oaks Avenue and Hammond Street. Officers approached the passengers and detected a marijuana stench. The driver told police he was wanted on an active warrant. A loaded weapon was discovered next to the driver’s seat. The driver was detained and taken to jail.

Oct. 21: Pasadena police officers responded to a report of gunfire in the 2000 block of North Raymond Avenue. The witness claimed they overheard one of five individuals men tion firing a gun, and they also heard one shot. Officers searched the area and discovered one spent .40 caliber casing and one unfired 9 mm round. Detectives took over the investi gation.

Oct. 22: Officers attempted to pull over a car for a traffic infraction on the 210 Freeway. The car failed to stop and collided with two more vehicles. The driver sped off but was apprehended. Three people were arrested.

Oct. 23: Officers responded to a hate crime in the 500 block of East California Boule vard. They discovered the victim’s Diwali holiday decorations were damaged. Prior to the arrival, a suspect threatened the victim with a hammer and made disparaging remarks about his religion and race. The suspect was detained and lodged in the Pasadena Detention Center.

Oct. 25: Pasadena police officers went to the 1700 block of Asbury Drive to investigate vandalism. Officers discovered the culprit used a heavy, pointed gardening tool called a mattock to break eight windows at the home. Officers were looking for the suspect, when a bystander said a female with a mattock walked into a house on the 1600 block of Casa Grande Street. Officers secured the house and tried to speak with the suspect. The mattock was retrieved as evidence and the culprit was hauled into jail.

Oct. 25: Officers from the Pasadena Police Department responded to a possible explo sion at a business in the 1600 block of East Washington Boulevard. Police found no evi dence of such but found an open rear door. A person inside admitted to being on probation for drug possession. After conducting a probation compliance search, the officers discov ered a phantom gun. For alleged firearm violations, he was detained.

Renters rejoice Measure H’s success

By Morgan Owen Pasadena Weekly Staff Writer

Avictory for the Pasadena Tenants Union, Measure H has passed with 52.11% in favor and 47.89% against. The charter amendment alters the city’s annual rent control ordinances to 75% of the current CPI and institutes an inde pendent board that will oversee rent adjustments and adjudicate petitions.

“This is a win for every renter and every resident in Pasadena who is tired of watching their longtime neighbors getting priced out,” Measure H field director Bee Rooney said. “We’ve talked to thousands of people across the city who are ready to keep fighting displacement and unfair evictions with us.”

Although the city’s analysis of Measure H cautioned advocates that legal chal lenges may arise, campaign organizer Ryan Bell does not foresee complications in implementing the measure. According to Bell, the amendment is modeled after rent control legislation seen throughout California and is supported by precedent in other rent-controlled cities.

Moving forward, the first step after the election results are certified will be for the Pasadena City Council to post a notice for applications to the rent control board. Each city council member will appoint one applicant from their district, and the council at large will elect four members at large. District applicants must be tenants, whereas members at large may be any form of resident.

Sixty percent of Pasadena residents are tenants, but passing this measure in volved earning the support of Pasadena homeowners. Five years ago, the Pasade na Tenants union worked to put Measure H on the 2018 ballot but did not obtain enough signatures. Since the last election, however, the pandemic and inflation may have shifted the political climate of Pasadena more in favor of tenants.

“We knew that we needed a lot of homeowners to vote for us if we were going

to win. And I do think people really understood the plight of tenants in a way that maybe they hadn’t before COVID,” Bell said.

Passing the charter amendment also meant getting voters to support the finan cial component. The ultimate cost outlined in the measure dictates that the city of Pasadena will advance $310,000 in startup costs and $5,453,460 for 26 employees to support a renters board. Thereafter, funds to support the board will be ob tained through an annual rental housing fee charged to landlords.

The purpose behind Measure H was to create effective accountability measures that would protect tenants from bad-acting landlords, including updated eviction protections. However, the charter amendment does outline a process for land lords to petition the board for exceptions to the rent increase limit to ensure a fair return on their investments.

The rent control cap also does not apply to multifamily rental units built after 1995 and most single-family homes and condominiums, even though new eviction protections apply to all renters in Pasadena. Those protections include reducing lawful evictions to only 11 conditions and expanding the situations in which landlords must provide relocation assistance.

Bell said he’s glad tenants in Pasadena no longer have to worry about arbitrary evictions and that he has spoken to multiple renters who are relieved they will be able to afford to live in Pasadena with the new rent control limits.

As Pasadena adjusts to these new standards, Bell acknowledged that change takes time. He said, “For tenants, try to have a little patience as (Measure H) is implemented. It’s not going to magically change overnight, but relief is on the way.”

HOLIDAY GUIDE

Share cheer with older adults this holiday season

By Pasadena Weekly Staff

As the community prepares to celebrate the season of giving, Home Instead encourages Pasadena residents to share the holiday spirit with older adults who may not have family and feel alone.

Through Be a Santa to a Senior, community members can give a special holi day gift to an older adult who may otherwise go without.

“A simple gift can bring such joy to older adults who may not have loved ones to celebrate with,” said Greg Sanchez, owner of the Pasadena Home Instead office. “Through Be a Santa to a Senior, we can help them feel the holiday spirit.”

Program coordinators hope to collect gifts for 250 local older adults. This is the program’s fifth year in the area.

To participate, shoppers can look for a Be a Santa to a Senior tree at Home Instead, 200 E. Del Mar Boulevard, Suite 350, in Pasadena. Ornaments featuring the name and desired gift of an older adult will be on display, and shoppers can buy the requested gift and return it to Home Instead with the ornament at tached. Ornaments will be available through Monday, Dec. 12. The gifts will be

delivered to local older adults in time for the holidays.

“This program is so much more than gift giving — it’s about the special moments and joy shared between the older adults and the community around them,” Sanchez said. “There is nothing better than seeing the smile on an older adult’s face when they open their gift.”

Be a Santa to a Senior is a true community program, with support from local businesses, nonprofit organizations, retailers, numerous volunteers, and mem bers of the community. The Home Instead office serving the Pasadena area has partnered with volunteers from Elizabeth House and the Women’s Club of La Canada to help with gift collection and distribution.

Since the program’s inception in 2003, Be a Santa to a Senior has mobilized more than 65,000 volunteers, provided approximately 2.2 million gifts, and brightened the season for more than 750,000 older adults nationwide. For more information, visit beasantatoasenior.com or call 626-486-0800.

To learn more about helping older adults in Pasadena, visit imreadytocare.com.

South Lake Avenue turns into a winter wonderland

By Kaila Mellos Pasadena Weekly Staff Writer

South Lake Avenue businesses are inviting celebrants to their annual Holidayfest to promote the many stores and restaurants.

“Our holiday celebration always gets event attendees into the holiday spirit and invites everyone to explore the district while creating memories with friends and family,” said Gina Tleel, South Lake Business Association executive director.

“Holidayfest is a great way to support local Pasadena businesses while enjoying the magic of the holiday season. This community building expe rience also inspires guests to start tackling their holiday shopping lists by taking advantage of special in-store promotions and dining specials offered the day of the event.”

South Lake Avenue has an array of complimentary family activities, including photos with Santa and a snow globe-making station.

“We broke up the district and themed the courtyards in which we are offering complimentary activities throughout South Lake Avenue,” Tleel said. “The intention was to get people inspired to walk around, learn about us, start tackling their holiday shopping. It really gets people in the holiday mood, and we all deserve that after a rough two years.”

There will also be a live music stage at The Shops on Lake, with four scheduled sets throughout the day starting at 1 p.m. The lineup includes Quitapenas, a tropical Afro-Latin band influenced by the 1960s to 1980s music; Dreaming of You, a Selena tribute band; Las Cafeteras, a band that has a little influence from everywhere, and between sets, DJ William Reed.

Holidayfest will also have three live raffles in the Macy’s Courtyard be tween 2 and 5 p.m. To enter, shop throughout the day and submit a photo of receipt(s) to the South Lake Avenue website. There is a wide variety of prizes to win, including but not limited to two one-hour service vouchers valued at $250 from Massage Envy, two free CAVA Bowls valued at $30 from CAVA, five Class Package & Swag valued at $300 from Barry’s, and 10 free ice coffees, one dozen donuts valued at $60 from Dunkin Donuts.

“You’ll do your shopping, whether it just be a cup of coffee or you can start tackling a shopping list over at Macy’s,” Tleel said.

“You just take a photo of your receipt, you submit it through our web site, and that’s how we will be selecting the raffle winners up to three times. We have over $4,000 in prizes we’re giving away.”

Tleel said it’s important to organize the day, considering the number of activities in the South Lake Avenue district.

“Are you going to tackle Santa’s Village? Are you here for the live music? We offer so much more than you have to plan your day,” Tleel said.

“It’s how you plan your day and squeeze it all in within five hours for families and friends to prioritize what’s meaningful for them that day. Is it to enjoy photo opportunities with the holiday characters like Santa? Or catching live music?”

Holidayfest

The Shops on Lake, 345 S. Lake Avenue southlakeavenue.org

Districtwide

Holiday characters, music and pro motions

Santa’s Village

Photos with Santa, live music raffles plus photo opportunities with holi day characters Macy’s, 401 S. Lake Avenue

Holiday Artisans Market Cookie Decorating

The Commons, 140 S. Lake Avenue

Winter Workshop

Ornament Making Pasarroyo, 251 S. Lake Avenue

Snow Globe Station

By Burlington Arcade, 396 S. Lake Avenue

Music Stage

Quitapenas (1 p.m.), Las Cafeteras (4 p.m.), DJ William Reed (all after noon), as well as the Selena tribute, Dreaming of You (2:30 p.m.).

Holidayfest will bring family activities and music to South Lake Avenue.

Santa will be in attendance at this year’s Holidayfest.

Holidayfest was made to support local businesses during the holidays.

Descanso

Descanso Gardens presents Enchanted Forest of Light

By Luke Netzley Pasadena Weekly Deputy Editor

As a famed public botanical garden that has served the communities of the San Gabriel Valley and beyond for nearly 70 years, Descanso Gardens is always changing. Each year the leadership team dreams of new ways to showcase the 150-acre space through a different lens, especially through its sea sonal events.

Descanso Gardens’ annual “Enchanted Forest of Light,” which runs from Nov. 20, until Sunday, Jan. 8, is a local favorite.

“This will be the sixth year of Enchanted,” said Jennifer Errico, marketing manager at Descanso Gardens. “Our executive director, Juliann Rooke, thought we should have our own light show. She traveled all over the United States looking at everyone’s light shows, and one really stood out to her at the Morton Arboretum, which is near Chicago. … It highlights the beauty of the gardens and what’s special about the gardens, and it’s not necessarily holiday-ish, even though it is a really nice thing to do during the holidays.”

Rooke returned to La Cañada Flintridge inspired by what she had seen and decided to create a show specifically catered to Descanso Gardens that would highlight its oaks, tulips and ancient forest.

In the spring, the Descanso Gardens Guild plants between 30,000 to 40,000 tu lip bulbs along their promenade. For Enchanted, the organization installed 3,000 to 4,000 electric tulips that put on a light show during the event called “Flower Power.” Errico described it as a complete revamp from previous years.

“They’re going to be brighter than ever,” she said. “The cool thing about Flower Power is we put these 3,000 tulips out and then a computer person comes in and he or she generates the light show. It’s called pixel mapping. They listen to the mu sic, and they decide whether things are going to flash and what colors are going to happen and the waves. … It’s a full 10-minute show with the tulips, and I think everyone who’s come before and loved them will love them even more this year.”

The garden’s ancient forest, home to redwoods and cycads, will also be illu minated blue and green with installations that look like fireflies twinkling in the undergrowth.

“It’s really beautiful,” Errico described. “You just get an experience like no other. My favorite part is the Oak Grove. I love oak trees … and during Enchant ed we have them lit upwards so you can look up at the blues and the greens. And then you are part of the experience, and you can change the light that’s shining up into the oak trees and see all the different colors in the canopy.

“I can say that my family, my whole extended family, we come every year. It’s a tradition for us. My nephews started coming when they were 9, and now they’re 14. We all come, and we have hot chocolate, we wear our blinking jewelry and get our sweaters on and spend a couple hours walking around.”

Errico explained that one of the artist displays found in the garden is a collec tion of stain glass houses built by contemporary sculptor Tom Fruin in the Rose Garden. They’re made of recycled plastic signs, primarily found around his home

in Brooklyn. There is also a collection of sparkling, swirling installations from HYBYCOZO on the Main Lawn.

“People can see the gardens in a different way,” Errico said. “Being here in the evening is always fun.”

On Nov. 19, Descanso Gardens hosted their annual preview party fundraiser for Enchanted, giving visitors a chance to experience the show before it opens to the public.

Along with live entertainment and an open bar, Descano Gardens hosted a food festival on their lawn with a variety of choices from burgers to tacos to a mashed potato bar.

“We always have DJs. … The School for the Performing Arts also comes out and they play music and do special performances throughout the whole exhibi tion,” Errico said. “It really is a fundraiser, so it means it allows us to plant the real tulips and have our spring flowers, to make sure the gardens look beautiful all year, that our plants stay healthy and that we continue to grow. So we’re very grateful when people come join us.”

Descanso Gardens’ “Enchanted Forest of Light”

WHERE: 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge

WHEN: The event runs through Sunday, Jan. 8.

COST: Ticket prices are $22 to $28 for members and $34 to $40 for nonmembers.

INFO: descansogardens.org

Descano Gardens installed over 3,000 tulips for its light show.

Gardens’ annual Enchanted Forest of Light runs until Sunday, Jan. 8.

Sculptor Tom Fruin built stain glass houses in the Rose Garden.

Photo by Eric Pargac. Trisha Miller.

Celebrating the holidays

the San Gabriel Valley

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Pasadena Weekly Executive Editor

in

Arts patrons can celebrate the holidays with traditional events, as well as new twists on classic stories like marionettes telling the “Nutcracker” story or Latina comedians sharing Christmas stories.

Want something low-key? Check out the various tree-lighting ceremonies.

A Noise Within’s “Latina Christmas Special”

7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13; Wednesday, Dec. 14; and Tuesday, Dec. 20

A Noise Within, 3352 E. Foothill Boulevard, Pasadena

“A Noise Within” presents three performances of “Latina Christmas Special,” stories of holidays past told by three acclaimed Latina comedians. When these three sassy BFFs get together, they down plenty of tequila and dish about everything from moms to cucara chas to Farrah Fawcett, and share their funny and intimate stories of childhood Christmas “dramas” that make them uniquely American, undoubtedly Latina and friends. Tickets start at $19.

Info: 626-356-3100, anoisewithin.org/noise-now

A Noise Within’s Adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” Various times Saturday, Dec. 3, to Friday, Dec. 23

A Noise Within, 3352 E. Foothill Boulevard, Pasadena

A Noise Within’s stage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” has become a Los Angeles tradition with its innovative staging, whimsical costumes, original music and boundless good cheer.

It stars Clifton Adams, Stella Bullock, José Donado, Geoff Elliott, Bert Emmett, Rafael Goldstein, Stanley Andrew Jackson III, Emily Kosloski, Sydney A. Mason, Amalia Anne Morris, Kwayi Ndjamen, Jeremy Rabb, Cynthia San Luis, Roshni Shukla, Andrea Somera Deborah Strang and Frederick Stuart. Presented by A Noise Within, Geoff Elliott and Julia Rodriguez-Elliott, producing artistic directors. Tickets start at $25; student tickets as low as $18.

Info: 626-356-3100, anoisewithin.org

Bob Baker’s “Nutcracker”

Wednesday, Nov. 30, to Thursday, Dec. 29 Pasadena Playhouse’s Carrie Hamilton Theater, 39 S. El Molino Avenue, Pasadena

Bob Baker Marionette Theater puts a new twist on “Nutcracker” at the Pasadena Play

Geoff Elliott appears as Scrooge in A Noise Within’s rendition of “A Christmas Carol.”

house. The troupe and more than 100 handcrafted puppets to take guests on an adventure through the wizardry of strings and into the enchanted world of the “Nutcracker.” Tickets are $15 for members; $20 general admission and free for children 2 and younger.

Info: bobbakermarionettetheater.com/nutcracker

Pasadena Symphony’s “Holiday Candlelight”

4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17

All Saints Church, 132 N. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena “Holiday Candlelight” has become a cherished community holiday tradition that sells out quickly. Resident pops conductor Larry Blank will lead the orchestra along with LA Bronze Handbell Ensemble, the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus, the Donald Brinegar Sing ers and JPL Chorus. Multi-Grammy and Emmy-winning guest vocalist LC Powell will take center stage to sing favorites like “O Holy Night,” “White Christmas,” “God Bless the Child,” “Silent Night” and “Hallelujah!” A Disney regular, Powell’s voice has appeared on both “Fro zen” films, “Mulan” and “Lady and the Tramp,” as well as on Michael Bublé’s “Nobody but Me” album among many others. Tickets start at $25.

Info: 626-793-7172, pasadenasymphony-pops.org

South Pasadena Theatre Workshop’s “A Christmas Carol”

7 p.m. Fridays; 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays Dec. 2 to Dec. 18

South Pasadena Theatre Workshop, 1507 El Centro Street, South Pasadena

Originally written by Charles Dickens, “A Christmas Carol” recounts the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly miser, hard and sharp as flint, whose dead business partner Jacob Marley appears to him on Christmas Eve to warn him to change his ways before he becomes an eternally joyless, wandering soul. Scrooge is then visited by three spirits — Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Future — who all carry the keys to his reclamation. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 children and students when using the promo code CHILD at online checkout.

Info: southpasadenatheatreworkshop.com

Tree-lighting ceremonies

Pasadena Mayor’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2

City Hall, 100 N. Garfield Avenue, Pasadena

Join Pasadena Mayor Victor M. Gordo for the mayor’s annual tree-lighting ceremony. Bring family and friends to this free celebration featuring local singers and dancers, crafts for kids provided by Armory Center for the Arts, light refreshments, and a special appear ance by Santa Claus. Gordo will light the city’s official tree at 6 p.m. Guests who have means may help Pasadena Fire Department give local underserved children and teens a holiday to remember. Pasadena firefighters will be at the tree-lighting ceremony collecting donations of new, unwrapped toys, sports equipment and gift cards for the annual Spark of Love Toy Drive.

Live entertainment throughout the night will feature performances by local groups, including Pasadena’s Afterschool Adventures Program, Rosebud Academy choir, Willard Elementary’s Rising Stars, Pasadena LEARNs, and Elements Dance Space. The emcees are retired police lieutenant Rodney “Rodney D” Wallace and retired sergeant Glen Thompson.

Viewers can access the live broadcast starting at 5 p.m. on KPAS TV, Charter Spectrum Channel 3, AT&T U-Verse Channel 99, or OTT Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV Pasadena Media apps.

Info: pasadenamedia.org

100th Annual Altadena Christmas Tree Lane Lighting Ceremony and Winter Festival

3 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10

Altadena Library, 600 Mariposa Street, Altadena

The tree has been lit for 102 years, but ceremonies were not held during the pandemic, 2020 and 2021.

On the National Register of Historic Places & California Landmark, Christmas Tree Lane will be featured 5:30 p.m. to midnight afterward through Jan. 7.

Info: christmastreelane.net

One Colorado Holiday Celebration

Throughout December

One Colorado’s seasonal offerings include the Holiday Tree Celebration, 12 Days of Holiday and a Holiday Pop-Up store.

Kicking off the festivities will be the Holiday Tree Celebration starting Saturday, Dec. 3. Guests can visit the One Colorado Courtyard and inside Industrious to enjoy fully deco rated trees and vote for their favorite tree in support of local nonprofit organizations. The winning non-profit tree will receive a $1,000 donation from One Colorado.

In addition, carolers will fill the shopping center with a cappella holiday sounds starting Saturday, Nov. 26, and participating retailers and restaurants at One Colorado will be hand ing out complimentary gingerbread kits as a gift with purchase beginning on December 3. Finally, visitors will be able to enjoy “12 Days of Holiday” with an array of complimentary and curated events beginning Dec. 10.

Info: onecolorado.com/events

DINING

Authentic Spanish cuisine is an experience at Dos Besos

By Kateri Wozny Pasadena Weekly Contributing Writer

In Spain, it is tradition to greet and say goodbye to one another with dos be sos (two kisses) on either side of the cheek. At Spanish restaurant Dos Besos, owners and husband-and-wife team Alejandro and Kit Llobet open their hearts to every single person who walks through the door.

“We like to get to know everyone that comes in and feed as many people as we can with amazing, fresh ingredients,” Kit said.

Alejandro, who’s also the head chef, hails from Barcelona while Kit grew up in Pasadena. The Llobets previously owned a private catering business called Villa Paella before opening their brick-and-mortar location earlier this year. The design has a contemporary look with a Spanish flare and has floor to ceil ing windows, string lights, an open kitchen and an outdoor patio.

“We wanted to bring traditional Spanish cuisine to Pasadena,” Kit said. “Having a kitchen that isn’t mobile also allows you to be more creative.”

The Llobets purchase their ingredients and wines from local vendors that import products from Spain. Starting with a glass of Spanish wine ($12 to $16), Dos Besos has a wide selection of cavas (sparkling), blancos (whites), ro sados (rosé) and Tintos (reds). The Rioja wine is the most requested amongst customers. There’s also a small selection of cervezas (beer, $8 to $9) and soda, tea, coffee, juice and sparkling water drinks ($5 to $10).

“The Rioja region has an ancient way of harvesting their wine,” Kit said. “It

is smooth and has many flavors.”

Tapas (starters, $12 to $52) include the gazpacho Andaluz with Andalusian vegetable soup served cold, tortilla Española with Spanish potato and onion in an omelet, albondigas a la Española with Spanish meatballs in tomato sauce, Jamón Ibérico de Bellota Marcos Salamanca with acorn-fed Iberian ham and the popular pan con tomate with bread rubbed in homemade tomato paste seasoned with olive oil and salt.

“Everyone loves bread but this this one (pan cristal) is from the Catalan re gion of Spain,” Kit said. “It’s a good combination of softness and slightly crispy on the outside.”

Dos Besos is known for serving their paella, a traditional Spanish dish from the Valencia region made with bomba rice infused with saffron, a protein or vegetable and an optional socarrat layer. Each paella takes about 35 minutes to cook.

“Paella is served in a shallow pan and socarrat adds an earthy flavor and crusty texture,” Kit said. “It’s not only a dish that you share but it’s also an experience.”

Paellas ($47 to $58) include the Paella en su Tinta with squid ink, Fideuá de Mariscos with seafood noodles, Paella de Vegetales with vegetables and the most popular dish, the Paella del Mar with seafood.

Pasadena’s Dos Besos specializes in traditional Spanish cuisine and is known for its paella.

“Seafood goes well with rice,” Kit said. “It’s what everyone would want to order in Barcelona.”

For the platos principales (main courses, $28 to $49), there are the costillas de cordero with a New Zealand rack of lamb in rosemary sauce, solomillo a la pimienta verde with filet mignon in a peppercorn sauce, salmon al limon con alcaparras with salmon in lemon caper sauce and the lubina a la sal with Medi terranean sea bass baked in rock salt. All main courses are served with a side of roasted potatoes with herbs and sautéed string beans.

“The lubina a la sal is super fresh and light,” Kit said. “It has herbs and comes out in flames.”

Save room for dessert ($8 to $12). There are four choices: Sorbeto with lem on, pineapple and coconut sorbet, affogato with vanilla ice cream and a shot of espresso, helado de vanilla with vanilla ice cream and the tarta de Santiago, a Spanish almond cake with vanilla ice cream.

“The tarta de Santiago is flavorful and not very heavy,” Kit said. “It is full of almond flavor and has a light powdered sugar on top.”

The Llobets enjoy being a small boutique restaurant in town and have no plans on expanding.

“Seeing everyone’s milestones and being a part of their celebrations makes all the hard work worth it,” Kit said.

Dos Besos

99 Union Street, Pasadena instagram.com/dosbesospasadena

5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday; 5 to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday

18+ audiences only

18+ audiences only

GENRE: Magical Realism Fictional Memoir

GENRE: Magical Realism

Fictional Memoir

GENRE: Magical Realism

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 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.

Fictional Memoir

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.

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, 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

As the story evolves, he discovers that he can,

FIND EXCERPTS on YouTube

Dos Besos head chef Alejandro Llobet was born in Barcelona.

I Like Pie bakes up the individual experience

By Kateri Wozny Contributing Writer

Owner Annika Corbin of I Like Pie believes that pies should be an individual experience from the very first bite.

“We are committed to the individual pie,” Annika said. “We’re a destina tion brand where you can come in with 10 friends and get whatever you want.”

Before becoming a pie shop owner, Annika was working from home as an interior designer while her husband Rob worked as a residential homebuilder. They had once lived in Claremont as part of Rob’s job relocation. After moving multiple times around the country, Rob got laid off in 2010. At the time, the couple were living in Maryland and decided to relocate back to Claremont to try a different venture.

“I’m a serial entrepreneur in my head and I’m always coming up with ideas that are more challenging,” Annika said. “I love the idea of taking something and making it extraordinary.”

Annika’s first idea was to open a cupcake shop when the dessert was at its peak popularity in the early 2010s. When she realized another similar shop was near the space she wanted to rent, a friend convinced her to open a pie shop instead.

“There were no innovations with pies for thousands of years,” Annika said. “The answer was to create individual experiences with different pies in a box to warm in the microwave.”

Annika didn’t have the knowledge about making pie, so she enrolled at the American Institute of Baking in Kansas for two years to perfect her craft. During this time, National Public Radio had proclaimed that 2011 was “The Year of the

Pie”

“Claremont has a charming community and Pasadena is like a giant Claremont with walkability and a small business community feel to it,” Annika said. “We have seen an outpouring of support.”

Annika said that the I Like Pie name was inspired from a combination of the R&B band The Four Clefs’ “I Like Pie, I Like Cake” Lindy Hop song and the catch phrase “I like pie.”

“The phrase had come back into dialog where middle-aged kids were using it to diffuse a conversation with their parents,” Annika said. “We liked a name that is a statement.”

To make the perfect pie, Annika buys from vendors who purchase local and natural ingredients. One of the secrets to the pies is the crust formula.

“It’s magic,” Annika said. “It makes the pies better all the way around because it remains tender and flavorful, it’s not overworked.”

I Like Pie carries 10-inch whole sweet pies ($49 to $52), savory pies ($12.75 to $13), mini pies ($3.50 to $4), “handpies” that are sweet ($8.99) and savory ($11.50), and jelly jar pies ($8.50 to $8.99), which are cupcake shaped pies with crust around all sides, a filling and whipped cream or a garnish on top. Glu ten-free and vegan options are also available depending on the flavor and size of the pie.

Annika claims that her business was the first one to create the jelly jar pie

as the next big thing in dessert. In 2012, Annika opened up her first I Like Pie location in Claremont and the Pasadena store followed this month.

I Like Pie was fouded by Annika Corbin to bring quality, individual pies made with local ingredients to the Pasadena community.

Emily Birkeland with Dalia & Finch Photography/Submitted

concept.

“Each jelly jar pie is a work of art,” Annika said. “We’ve taken the time to per fect it and are always changing it to perfect it even more.”

The pie shop has a rotating seasonal menu. Best sellers for fall include the apple pie with tart apples mixed with cinnamon sugar and topped with a cinna mon shortbread crumble; lemon Danish with creamy lemon curd, a sweet cream cheese center and a shortbread crumble topping with drizzled glaze; salted cara mel banana cream with bananas, creamy vanilla pastry cream and salted caramel topped with whipped cream and salted toffee bits; s’mores with a graham cracker crust, chocolate ganache and a chocolate pastry cream topped with a toasted homemade marshmallow and chocolate square; and traditional pumpkin with creamy spiced pumpkin in a traditional pie crust topped with whipped cream.

“We keep the apple, chocolate chip chess, cookie butter, mixed berry and chicken pot Pies year-round,” Annika said. “The savories (chicken pot pie, turkey gravy with harvest stuffing and the spicy potato veggie handpie) in Pasadena have been selling at twice the rate.”

Customers can look forward to the winter selection of hot chocolate, lemon bar, lemon berry, mixed berry with cranberries and peppermint bark cream pies. In the spring, the banana split, pineapple upside down, strawberry rhubarb, strawberry shortcake and shepherd’s pies will be featured along with a strawberry handpie. Summer will include the lemon buttermilk, peach cobbler and peaches ‘n cream pies along with a peach handpie.

“We try to make each menu that signifies you’re in that season,” Annika said.

I Like Pie also has a special offer where customers can get the 12th pie free when they buy 11 jelly jar pies. There is also a loyalty program where customers can sign up and accumulate points to receive a free jelly jar pie.

“We’re going to have a holiday assortment with our specialty flavors and it comes with a ribbon and gift tag,” Annika said.

In the future, Annika sees I Like Pie expanding throughout Southern Califor nia. A big space commissary in Upland is also in construction for future baking classes.

“We want to have Los Angeles as a centric location and are also looking at Orange County (for future pie shops),” Annika said.

I Like Pie

WHERE: 38 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena

HOURS: Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Christmas Eve from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., New Year’s Eve from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

INFO: ilikepiebakeshop.com

I Like Pie is often known for its jelly jar pies.

Emily Birkeland with Dalia & Finch Photography/Submitted

Score big at Dog Haus during the World Cup

By Pasadena Weekly Staff

Pasadena-based Dog Haus wants its fans to score right along with the World Cup soccer players for the next several weeks.

Through the final whistle on Dec. 18, every Dog Haus Biergarten will offer World Cup action on its slew of televisions and plenty of food and beer specials.

For the morning matches, Dog Haus will serve its nine breakfast burritos. Pair one with a mimosa, beer or Michelada for $14.99.

As the matches roll on, the beers will flow because for each goal, a draft beer pint will be reduced by $1 for the duration of a match at Dog Haus, because when “they score, you score.”

“With so many talented players on such a global stage, the World Cup is the biggest spectacle sports have to offer,” said André Vener, Dog Haus founding part ner. “There is something special about cheering on your favorite country while enjoying great food, local craft beer and screaming at the TV with hundreds of fans. Our Biergarten locations will be providing that and so much more.”

Dog Haus is known for its gourmet hot dogs, sausages, burgers, plant-based and fried chicken offerings, creative full bar program and The Absolute Brands (virtual concepts).

Founded by longtime friends Hagop Giragossian, Quasim Riaz and Vener, the first Dog Haus opened in Pasadena in 2010.

Bogaard gets a glimpse into principal’s job

By Pasadena Unified School District

Pasadena Community Foundation program director, Jeannine Bogaard, recently got a rare glimpse at what it’s like to be a Pasadena Unified principal for a day.

She shadowed Dr. Karrone Meeks, principal of Washington Elementary STEM Magnet, as part of the annual event sponsored by the Pasadena Educational Foundation. The event brings business and civic leaders to school campuses to get a valuable perspective on running a public school.

Children welcomed her with a creative chant (and enthusiastic echo) of their motto and goals: “I come to school to do my best. In order to do my best, I must work hard and respect others. Hard work equals success. I am successful. Bears are the best!”

Bogaard heard from Washington STEM’s student council, visited STEM labs, music and coding classes, and was treated to a kindergarten performance of “The Three Little Pigs.”

“I really appreciate being here today, understanding how the school works, seeing the children in action,” said Bogaard, an alumna of Blair High School and PUSD schools. “PUSD is where you want your children to be.”

Washington Elementary STEM Magnet provides a rigorous science, technol ogy, engineering and mathematics-based curriculum that addresses the needs of each student from pre-K to fifth grade, including transitional kindergarten. A new five-year magnet grant will bring environmental science and a Spanish world language program to the campus along with collaborative and inspirational learning spaces.

To learn more about Washington STEM, visit washington.pusd.us. To take a tour of Washington or any school in the Pasadena Unified School District, visit pusd.us/tours.

Dog Haus will be showing each FIFA World Cup game until the final match on Sunday, Dec. 18.

Dog Haus/Submitted

Pasadena Unified School District News

By Pasadena Unified School District

Oh, the places you’ll go

College applications are due and Pasadena Unified seniors are busy filling them out, polishing their essays, and awaiting acceptances. CSU and UC college applications are due Wednesday, Nov. 30, and other deadlines are here: bestcolleges.com.

Neighborhood school enrollment for 2023-24

Neighborhood school registrations begin Thursday, Dec. 1:

• New to PUSD TK-12 students who prefer their neighborhood school.

• Current PUSD students who are advancing to 6th or 9th grades and prefer to attend their neighborhood school.

• Note: Lottery applications are required for all dual-language programs.

Info: pusd.us/Page/10249

Campus tours

PUSD is preparing children for success by nurturing life skills as much as academic excellence. See for yourself how PUSD equips your child to thrive. Info: pusd.us/tours

Navigating open enrollment

Considering a signature program like dual language or a PUSD school other than your school of residence? PEN (Pasadena Education Network) presents a detailed overview of the Pasadena Unified School District’s Open Enrollment process. This program will be offered virtually, with Spanish interpretation available tom 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6.

Register: bit.ly/PENReservations

Finding the right fit for high school

PUSD would like to help middle school families as they are trying to find the “right fit” in a district high school. Join a family engagement Zoom to meet high school principals, hear about the academies, and discover resources to help pinpoint the perfect school for children.

The event is 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8.

Register: bit.ly/FindtheRightFit

McKinley School’s key to student success

With the Summit Learning program, McKinley School (TK-8th grade) equips its middle school students with the knowledge, habits and skills they need to be successful.

Summit Learning is a personalized approach to teaching and learning that extends the classroom beyond the school day to help students, parents, and teachers stay connected.

McKinley students in grades six to eight develop lifelong learning skills, discovering how to take ownership of their learning and problem-solve with peers.

The platform comes with more than 200 projects where students can apply their knowl edge and deepen their learning. It’s a way of connecting the classroom to the real world. Within the core curriculum (English, math, history and science), students can also explore atypical topics that connect the classroom to the real world such as financial security, health/well-being, strong relationship building, and community leadership.

Through large and small groups and one-on-one sessions, students apply enduring skills — such as collaborating with a team, interpreting data, and presenting persuasive argu ments.

Students set long and short-term goals and discuss both their academic and emotional experiences while working toward these goals. Together McKinley’s teachers and students celebrate successes, discuss reasons for roadblocks, and talk about areas of learning.

“It’s so much more than assignments and grades. Students can find everything from teacher feedback to handouts, to notes, grades, and guidance,” explained Dr. Merian Stew art, McKinley school principal.

“Students have everything they need to be successful. It helps build their self-confidence and independence and prepares them for success in high school and beyond.”

Students can use the Summit Learning online platform to access the entire curriculum at any time of day. They see a detailed, color-coded dashboard explaining what work needs to be done, how to get it done and what resources are available to help them at any time.

Students work through content at their own pace and take assessments to demonstrate their understanding so that they can discover how they learn best, making them aware of what they’re learning and why they’re learning it.

Throughout the school day, McKinley teachers guide and mentor students. Before and after school, Summit extends the classroom beyond the school day and engages parents/ guardians.

Parents/guardians can see everything from educator feedback to assessments and grades on the Summit Learning online platform.

School leaders say it empowers students to plan ahead, to realize when they’re ready to take an assessment measuring their mastery of content and to go back and identify areas for growth.

“We understand that each child is unique and we encourage students to set their own goals and strive for new personal peaks with Summit,” said McKinley instructional coach Billie Johnson.

“We are making sure that kids are hitting certain deadlines but they can also retrace their steps to see where they may have gotten a little lost. This gives them the confidence to move forward.”

Open enrollment for the 2022-2023 school year is happening now at PUSD, visit pusd. us/enroll to learn more.

CALENDAR

Rose Bowl Turkey Trot

NOV. 24

Join family and friends on Thanks giving Day in the open outdoors of the Rose Bowl Stadium. Walkers, skippers and jumpers alike are all encouraged to join in on the 5k recreational loop to waddle for a good cause. All proceeds from the Turkey Trot go to the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation.

The Rose Bowl, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, admission price varies, rosebowlturkeytrot.com

Bad Bunny Dance Night

NOV. 25

Enjoy a crazy dance night with all the hits at The Mixx Club, featuring a full bar and kitchen menu, as well as a wide variety of music like funk, cumbia, newwave, classic hip-hop and latin-pop.

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

Upcoming Events

Turkey Ham-A-Dena!

NOV. 27

Celebrate your Thanksgiving weekend with a musical performance containing comedic and classic songs with a twist. The price at the door is $20. However, nobody will be turned away for lack of funds.

Bob Stane’s Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 Lake Avenue, Altadena, $20, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., coffeegallery.com

Goat Yoga at Castle Green NOV. 27

Experience the bizarre gift of goat yoga within the confines of Pasadena’s own historic treasure, Castle Green. A certified yoga instructor will guide students through a goat-friendly class among the animals meant to help devel op balance and open the core.

Castle Green, 99 S. Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, $45, 10 to 11 a.m.,

castlegreen.com

Great Literature Discussion Group NOV. 28

Join the literature discussion group for weekly chats about the value and quality of classic pieces of literature.

Lamanda Park Branch Library, 140 S. Altadena Drive, Pasadena, 10 to 11 a.m., free, cityofpasadena.net/library

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis NOV. 28

Celebrate over 35 years of Chip Davis’ Christmas Concert Tour; the longest running concert tour in the entertainment industry. Get in the hol iday spirit with all the classic Christmas jingles played by a professional traveling ensemble.

Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E. Green Street, Pasadena, $50, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Homework Help (K-Middle School) NOV. 29

With tests on the horizon and the holidays approaching, 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 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., free, cityofpasadena.net/library

Sew it Begins: Quilted Pillows NOV. 29

Teens and adults are invited to join in over Zoom to learn the basics of patchwork by making their own quilted pillow. Participants can along at home with their own sewing machine and cus tomize the pillow their own pillows. Hastings Branch Library, 3325 E. Or

ange Grove Boulevard, Pasadena, free, 3 to 6 p.m., cityofpasadena.net/library

Conversation@PAM: Exploring Late Modernism Through the Lens of Wayne Thom

DEC. 1

Renowned architectural photogra pher Wayne Thom comes to Pasadena to present his stories of photography, telling audiences the tale of how he came to capture the skyscrapers of Los Angeles to film.

USC Pacific Asia Museum, 49 N. Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena, free, 6:30 p.m.

Johnny Cash Holiday Tribute DEC. 3

Celebrate the season in style with 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 to 8 p.m., themixxclub.com

Teddy Bear Tea

DEC. 3

Teddy Bear Tea is a seasonal celebra tion with tea, sandwiches, scones and sweet treats for the whole family to enjoy.

Santa himself will appear to listen to the Christmas wishes of the children, and each child will receive a teddy bear as a memento of the experience.

The Langham Huntington, 1401 S. Oak Knoll Avenue, Pasadena, $85 admis sion, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., langhamhotels.com/en/the-langham/ los-angeles/offers/dining-offers/teddybear-tea

Pasadena City College Flea Market DEC. 6

With over 400 collectors and count less intermingling shoppers, the College Flea Market promises a little something for everyone, ranging from high end antiques to items you’d find in a typical rummage sale.

Pasadena City College, 1570 E. Colo rado Boulevard, Pasadena, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., 626-585-7906, pasadena.edu/ community/flea-market

Tuesday Musicale of Pasadena Concert DEC. 6

Bring the family and join Tuesday Mu sicale for a free concert of “Anniversaries” by Leonard Bernstein, as well as songs by Beethoven and Mel Torme.

Altadena Baptist Church, 791 East Calaveras, Altadena, 12:30 p.m., free, 626-797-1994, tmpasca.org

ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE

Since 1998 Times Media Group has been a locally owned news and entertainment media company. Fast forward to today and TMG is now one of the largest print and digital media companies in the Southwest. With this level of growth and expansion we need to add to our multi-media sales team.

Times Media Group is seeking an experienced advertising account executive. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated and experienced advertising sales professional.

TMG has grown significantly as a result of its great professional team, and its well-known print and digital media platforms, including the Pasadena Weekly and Arroyo Magazine.

WHAT WE NEED

Two years of outside advertising sales experience is preferred. A good candidate for this position is financially motivated, possesses exceptional organizational skills and is ready to embrace a real opportunity to work on a quality team.

An ideal candidate will be familiar with the San Gabriel Valley area including Pasadena, Alhambra, Altadena, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena and the surrounding areas.

We are seeking an individual who can sell solutions not just ads, who appreciates straight-talk, and is hardworking, motivated, and values working in a positive team environment.

WHAT WE OFFER

If, based on the requirements, you are a qualified candidate and would like to join a quality team and get on with your future, respond with your resume and a cover letter outlining why you believe you are a good fit for the position. We are currently scheduling interviews.

Times Media Group offers a positive work environment, great product line and a significant opportunity for income growth.

Times Media Group: Times Media Group is a digital and print media company that operates in the Phoenix, Tucson, San Diego, Los Angeles & Ventura County markets. It serves a wide variety of demographic audiences and communities.

Chris

lives

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Pasadena Weekly Executive Editor

Chris and Jill Yensen were working in the golf and software industries, respec tively, when they decided to make a life change.

Within a month, the couple married and founded Long Valley Solar Shades in 2005.

“We lived in a mountain resort, 100 miles north of Boise, and it had everything you would want in a recreation area,” Chris said.

“I was working at the golf course in the pro shop, and it was getting to be the first of September. We closed in October because of the weather. We were faced with me being unemployed. I didn’t want to work for anyone, so we went into business for ourselves.”

The move to LA last year was a return home for Jill, who was born and raised in Glendale. Here, Long Valley Solar Shades offers custom consultation, fabrication and installation of quality window treatments for San Gabriel Valley and the greater LA area. They specialize in solar shades but can tackle any window treatment job, from drapes to wood shutters and blinds, motorized installations to roller shades, and residential to commercial.

Jill handles the design, while Chris covers the technical and installation side. It’s a true family business.

“We do so much more than solar shades,” she said. “We do everything — hon eycomb shades, wood blinds. If it’s related to window treatment, chances are we’ve done it.”

Solar shades, Jill contends, can change and save lives. Installed on the exterior, they block dangerous UV rays and allow residents to stay comfortable and healthy.

“It protects your children as well as your artwork, textiles, photography and floors,” she said.

“Everyone wants to lower their carbon footprint. This does it all the time — without having to do anything. You can see through them when you leave them down. It allows you to use much less A/C.”

Chris adds that clients have reported to him an 8- to 15-degree temperature drop in the house.

“We do have other insulating shades, but the neat thing about solar shades is you’re killing the heat before they penetrate the glass and windows,” he said.

“We can also motorize just about any shade that we do — interior, exterior or patio shade.”

Many of the products the Yensens sell and install can be controlled on by a cellphone app. They’re safe, too, as the companies have eschewed design that could endanger children.

“Most of the manufacturers are really concerned about child safety issues,” he

said.

“They’re steering away from corded shades. It’s become a big legal liability. All of our products are safe for children. They’re breakaway or cordless, for example, which is wonderful. It’s a better look — a nice clean look. We love that.

“The cordless blinds from Hunter Douglas are really fantastic. They took the whole weight out of the shades. You don’t have to lift anything. Those last longer. Our clients really adore them — especially the honeycombs that you can open from the top. Then you can get light coming into the house, bouncing off the ceiling, but you still have the privacy.”

Blinds that open from the top are especially pleasing for LA residents who have close neighbors.

“We sell a lot of those for sure,” he said.

Recently, the Yensens have worked in the commercial field, setting up blinds for a modernized McDonald’s and a media post-production company in DTLA.

The Yensens are pleased they can make their customers’ lives more comfortable, but it’s a win-win. They enjoy meeting new people and learning the stories behind them.

“We get to meet so many neat people and see so many incredible homes,” he said. “We service everybody. We were fortunate enough to have some really nice jobs in Idaho.”

Jill adds, “We love meeting people. People are spending a lot more time at home since the COVID-19 quarantine. People want to make their space comfortable. That’s what we aim to do.”

Chris and Jill Yensen made the transition from the golf and software industries to window treatment after marrying in 2005.

Long Valley Solar Shades can tackle any window treatment

from drapes to wood shutters and blinds, motorized installations to roller shades, and residential to commercial.