Pasadena Weekly 12.22.22

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski christina@timespublications.com

DEPUTY EDITOR Luke Netzley lnetzley@timespublications.com

CONTRIBUTORS Christopher Nyerges, Morgan Owen, Ellen Snortland, Kateri Wozny

Webs are Mother Nature’s gift for catching undesirables

By Ellen Snortland Pasadena Weekly Columnist

Pencil poised, I lick the tip and wonder, “Why do people lick the tips of pencils?” See how deep I can be? In 2016, after Hillary’s loss to the Orange Foolius, I desperately needed to do something to distract myself. I straightened up my office in late November. When I straighten anything, it’s a sure sign of despair. I found an exquisite spider web stretching from my window to the top of my bookshelf, where I have my FCTRY Hillary action figure and my picture of Dolores Huerta and me. I lifted my feather duster, then stopped. “Wait a minute,” I thought, “What if I use this web to commemorate the web of lies that Drumpf and his supporters wove all his life to get him to the Oval Office?” So I dedicated it as a “performance art” piece: I cut a little Drumpf figure and put him smack dab in the middle of the web.

Eight years later, the web is still there. However, like the mental anguish Drumpf has caused us, the web is disintegrating. I pray this deterioration mirrors Drumpf’s inexplicable power over a segment of society that is, as Hillary so aptly described, “a basket of deplorables.” I check my web daily. It is definitely getting weaker. Is it an apt metaphor for the MAGA maniacs?

As we approach another New Year, this is a time to reflect on 2022 as we set our sights on 2023.

2022? As is often the case, it was a mixed bag. We’ve seen glimmers of hope via the House Committee on Jan. 6. Rep. Adam Schiff made my heart swell with pride and appreciation, as he always does. We witnessed the enormous brass ovaries that Republican Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) had to even be a committee member, let alone hold Drumpf and his minions accountable for a semi-armed insurrection. And Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) has some big brass ovaries himself. (If people refer to courageous women as having balls, I can refer to brave men as having big ovaries. So there!)

On the yucky side, we were often consumed by psychic puking almost every morning at the astonishing cruelty and reckless disregard that Drumpf and his minions continued to inflict on fellow human beings. I wonder how this soap opera will wrap up?

Regarding those treasonous, poisonous, putrid Republicans: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green, Rep. Matt Gaetz, Rep. Lauren Boebert, Rep. Madison Cawthorn (remember him?)… the list is too long for this (or any) column. However, I am forever grateful that most of these Drumpf-endorsed clowns lost in the midterms! Woo-hoo! That spider web is getting weaker and weaker. Even Sen. Mitch McConnell directly blames Drumpf for the weak Republican showing.

One of the things about social revolutions is that you don’t see what the turning points will be. The journey to personal and social liberation is often fraught with hairpin turns, collisions, cliffs and washed-out bridges, no matter how many road signs you’ve put up.

I am hopeful that 2023 will usher in a time of consequences, real consequences, for MAGA heads and their leader. A possible signpost was the conviction of Oathkeepers co-founder Stewart Rhodes for seditious conspiracy. One has to wonder how a group of militant right-wingers could follow someone who had shot his own eye out. Wow.

Meanwhile, there continues to be progress concerning sexual harassment. The following was a dialogue between two men (no attribution given) posted on Facebook:

Him: This “sexual harassment” BS is frickin’ ridiculous. Now I can’t even tell a woman she is pretty without getting crap for it?

Me: Well, we’ve worked together for two years, and you’ve never told me I’m pretty.

Him: That’s different because you’re a dude like me.

Me: Gotta tell ya, that’s a little disappointing, because I think you’re pretty.

Him: Cut that crap, bro. You’re creeping me out.

Me: Soooo, me telling you that you’re pretty when you neither asked for nor welcomed comments about your appearance makes you feel uncomfortable. Interesting.

Feminist can men use the above as a script or role model for what to say when a guy takes you into his sphere of confidence about sexual harassment.

What I long for — and, yes, pray for — in 2023 is for more men who will dig as deep as possible into their hearts, souls and spirits to speak up for the gender hubris that has run rampant throughout the world. Someone to facilitate forgiving each other at a cultural level. Could it be you?

Meanwhile, I keep my eye on my “spider web art installation.” As Rebecca Solnit says in her must-read book “Men Explain Things to Me,” “Spider webs are images of the nonlinear, of the many directions in which something might go, the many sources for it…”

No, I’m not all peppermint, puppies and Pollyanna yet, but I believe we can come out of this tumultuous period in our republic stronger and better. OK, maybe I’m a little bit of a Pollyanna, who, by the way, was a courageous girl!

Happy New Year!

Ellen Snortland has written “Consider This…” for a heckuva long time, and she also coaches first-time book authors! Contact her at ellen@beautybitesbeast.com.

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

We want to hear from you!

Fentanyl causes a rise in teen deaths

By Morgan Owen Pasadena Weekly Staff Writer

Over Halloween, the Pasadena Police Department warned parents to look out for “rainbow pills” laced with fentanyl, a dangerously addictive drug that authorities are attributing to the marked increase in youth overdose deaths in LA County.

Since 2010, the rate of teen overdose deaths has remained stable, averaging around 500 deaths a year. But from 2019 to 2020, teen overdoses increased by 94%. In 2021 alone, at least 1,146 adolescents nationally (aged 14 to 18) died from substance-related causes.

In September, Melanie Ramos, 15, died from a suspected fentanyl overdose after taking a fake Percocet. Alexander Neville, 14, passed away from a fentanyl overdose in 2020 after taking what he thought was an oxycontin pill. Zachary Didier, 17, also overdosed in 2020 after buying fentanyl-laced Percocet on Snapchat. In 2019, Trevor Leopold, 18, died after taking what he believed to be oxycodone.

While the data relating to overdose-related deaths would appear to indicate more teens are dangerous and taking illicit drugs, The Department of Health and Human Services reported 2021 marked the largest single-year decrease in adolescent substance use since 1975.

“The bottom line is the drug landscape has changed,” said Ed Ternan, president of Song for Charlie, a Pasadena-based organization that addresses the risks of drug use in the age of fentanyl. “Street drugs are no longer plant-based, but rather a random mixture of chemicals. You need to know what is going on so you can protect yourself and your friends.”

Fentanyl is a highly addictive synthetic opioid. Fentanyl is 80 to 100 times more potent than morphine and 40 to 50 times more than heroin. It is odorless, tasteless, and as little as two grains can be fatal.

In California, fentanyl-related overdose deaths increased by 625% from 2018 to 2020. In 2021, UCLA researchers identified that fentanyl contributed to as much as 77.14% of adolescent overdose deaths, far outpacing other drugs as the leading cause of substance-related deaths.

“That’s why we say fentanyl changes everything,” explained nonprofit founder Julie Shamash, president of the Drug Awareness Foundation, which she founded after her son, Tyler, died from a fentanyl-related overdose in 2018. Ternan agreed that “the street drug supply has never been more unpredictable and risky.”

“Most of the kids who are dead from fentanyl — It’s not like they used too much of something. It’s because fentanyl was in what they used,” Shamash said.

When Tyler Shamash died from a fentanyl-related overdose, he had been recovering from a long-standing addiction and residing at a sober living facility. It was later that Shamash and her family found it was fentanyl that had killed Tyler.

“The No. 1 thing I want parents to know is never say ‘not my child,’ because fentanyl is killing anyone and everyone. It’s killing longtime users, and it’s killing kids that are trying to experiment,” Shamash said.

The drug emerged on the market around 2015. At that time, the primary use for the drug was as a cost-effective way to cut and make heroin more addictive. But as opioid pills, like oxycodone, Percocet, oxycontin, and stimulants, like Adderall and Ritalin, became more popular, illegal drug manufacturers began to lace pills with fentanyl, too.

In 2022 alone, the Pasadena Police Department’s Major Narcotics/Special Investigations Section, along with local and federal agencies, seized over 700,000 fentanyl pills and 31.5 kilos of fentanyl.

Many teens are obtaining these drugs through social media and online, even getting them delivered through the postal system. A quick google search will yield multiple websites a teen might be able to purchase illegal opioids. Snapchat and other social media platforms are also popular platforms for dealers and customers to connect.

Carrying Narcan can save someone from an overdose. Narcan is an over-the-

counter nasal spray that can help reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It is used by first responders, is needle-free, and is easy to carry.

Another way to keep someone safe from a fentanyl overdose is to use fentanyl testing strips. However, to use a testing strip, the pill must be crushed and placed in water.

“Drug users need to know that any pill they get online or on the street contains fentanyl, and quite possibly a lethal amount. There is no reliable way to test pills for fentanyl without destroying them, which is impractical,” Ternan said. And there is no guarantee all pills you purchase are from the same batch.

Both Samash and Ternan’s approach to awareness is not to get kids to stop experimenting, because they know this approach is less successful than teaching kids to be safe. However, they highlight the fact that experimenting with drugs can never be made safe, the only thing parents and teens can do is take preventative measures to mitigate risks, like carrying Narcan.

“I’m not going to tell you not to do drugs, because you already know you shouldn’t be doing drugs,” Shamash said. “But if you’re going to do drugs, make sure you use with a friend, make sure you have Narcan, (and make sure you have) fentanyl testing strips.”

Song for Charlie, is a Pasadena-based organization committed to

the dangers of fake pills 530 S. Lake Avenue, Suite 632, Pasadena realtalk@songforcharlie.org

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

raising awareness on

Justin Jones reappointed to city council

By Morgan Owen Pasadena Weekly Staff Writer

Justin Jones was reappointed to the Pasadena City Council’s District 3 position on Dec. 15 after opponent Brandon Lamar withdrew his name from consideration at the special meeting.

Lamar said he was uneasy about divisiveness of the appointment process, reassuring supporters he would return in 2024.

Since Jones’ initial appointment in September, supporters of the two candidates have continued to clash in anticipation of December’s second appointment process. While some dissatisfied citizens have suggested Jones could be recalled following the council’s decision, the new Pasadena code dictates the city council fill the open seat through an appointment. Without additional applications, the process could again result in competition between Jones and Lamar.

The city council initially appointed Jones District 3’s seat in December after an in-depth discussion regarding which of the original three candidates, Jones, Lamar and Pastor Lucious Smith, would best serve the legacy of the late councilmember John J. Kennedy.

Kennedy died unexpectedly last July after winning a re-election bid the month before. Jones was appointed to serve the remainder of Kennedy’s original term while applications were received for candidates to fill his re-elected seat. Jones and Lamar applied for the second appointment.

Arguments in favor of Jones during his initial appointment were his wealth of experience working in the government sector and his alignment with the late council member’s political views. However, opponents to Jones have since alleged he was only appointed to serve Mayor Victor Gordo’s political agenda.

In response to Lamar’s withdrawal, Gordo said he was surprised but encouraged Lamar’s continued perseverance in serving Pasadena as a public official.

Without questioning, Jones accepted his position with gratitude, stating, “all I’ve ever wanted to do for the city of Pasadena is to serve my community. It’s poured so much into me, and I’ve always thought it was only right I pour back.

“I’ve been honored to serve on the council. I’ll be honored to serve for the next two years. I (am) honored to represent a community I care so much about, and I’m ready to get to work.”

Pasadena City Councilmember Justin Jones.

Rose Queen Bella Ballard is proud of her court

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Pasadena Weekly Executive Editor

Bella Ballard sees her role as the 104th Rose Queen as a “huge honor and responsibility,” one she never thought she would achieve.

“Every day, I take it as an opportunity to not only be the best version of myself, but to be a role model in the community,” said Ballard, a 17-year-old senior at The Ogburn School, a distance learning school.

“I believe that we as a court all have a huge responsibility. It’s not just myself. We all can make changes and together we can make a bigger impact. I feel like I’ve gained six best friends.”

Those “friends” are Michelle Cortez Peralta, Uma Wittenberg, Adrian Crick, Salia Baligh,

Bella Ballard’s court is, from left, Michelle Cortez Peralta, Uma Wittenberg, Adrian Crick, Salia Baligh, Zoe Denoncourt and Sahanna Rajinikanthan.

Zoe Denoncourt and Sahanna Rajinikanthan.

An Altadena resident, Ballard volunteers with Ronald McDonald House Charities and the Chelsea Football Club. She plays soccer at with the Santa Clarita Blue Heat and West Coast football clubs. Ballard is a street soccer player at Venice Beach Football Club and a tennis player at The Arroyo Seco and Flint Canyon Tennis Clubs. Sports are important to the soccer midfielder’s family, which includes her parents, Joseph and Angela Ballard, and a sister, Samantha.

“My mom played soccer at LMU and my dad played sports his entire life,” she said. “I got into it just for fun. It’s a family tradition to do something in sports. I’ve been blessed with a lot of opportunities through soccer. It’s one of my biggest passions.”

Ballard enjoys reading, calligraphy, collecting vinyl records, playing chess and learning about astronomy and astrophysics. She will attend Yale in the fall and is interested in studying economics, law and astrophysics.

“I’ve committed for soccer at Yale and I’m going to continue on with that,” she said excitedly.

Ballard was crowned during an announcement and coronation ceremony presented by Citizens Business Bank on the front steps of Tournament House.

Hosted by KTLA5 anchor Lu Parker, the announcement was made by 2023 Tournament of Roses President Amy Wainscott and follows a month-long selection process with students from 30 Pasadena area schools participating in interviews.

The Royal Court was selected based upon a combination of qualities, including public speaking ability, academic achievement, youth leadership, and community and school involvement.

The history of the Rose Queen dates back to 1905 when Hallie Woods was selected to ride in a horse-drawn carriage down Colorado Boulevard. Since then, Rose Queens have had a wide range of success. From May Sutton, queen in 1908, the first American player to win the singles title at Wimbledon, to the 2000 queen, Sophia Bush, an actor nominated for a People’s Choice award for her role on “Chicago P.D.”

The 1940 Rose Queen, Margaret Huntley Main, is the longest living queen at 101 years old. From Northern California, she watched Ballard be crowned live on the Tournament of Roses YouTube channel.

During the coronation ceremony, Wainscott presented Rose Queen Bella Ballard with a Mikimoto crown featuring more than 600 cultured pearls and six carats of diamonds.

As the Rose Queen, Ballard, along with her Royal Court, will attend numerous community and media functions, serving as ambassadors of the Tournament of Roses, the Pasadena community, and the greater Los Angeles area.

“We attend over 100 community events,” she said. “We just rode on the Goodyear blimp. That was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Each Royal Court member will receive a $7,500 educational scholarship from the Pasadena Tournament of Roses.

“To be honest, I never thought I would be here today,” she said. “You drive past the Tournament House every day and think, ‘Oh my God, that’s where the queen and princesses live.’ Now I still can’t believe that it’s real.”

134th

WHEN: 8 a.m. Monday, Jan. 2

WHERE: Starts at Green Street and Orange Grove Boulevard, Pasadena

COST: See website for tickets

INFO: tournamentofroses.com

Rose Parade presented by Honda

Regina Galvan ‘goes wild’ for a week

By Christopher Nyerges Pasadena Weekly Contributor

Regina Galvan of Los Angeles been working in the private insurance sector for over two decades. Her educational training is in political science with a focus on international relations and conflict management.

Her primary interests are psychology, physical fitness, spirituality and multicultural education.

Galvan learned about Boulder Outdoor Survival School (BOSS) after reading Matt Graham’s book, “Epic Survival.” Graham talked about his experiences running with the Tarahumara Tribe of northwestern Mexico and how living alone in the wilderness with little to no modern amenities improved him physically, mentally and emotionally.

Boulder Outdoor Survival School (of Utah) was founded by students of Larry Dean Olsen in the late 1960s, and endeavored to improve the lives of troubled youth through extended therapeutic wilderness expeditions. Today, BOSS is an organization that offers programs for adults who want to learn traditional primitive living skills.

When Galvan read about this experience, she was unhappy with life and societal expectations. Working at a corporate job to earn money to buy more things “was not cutting it for me.”

Regina Galvan wasn’t happy with her work-life balance, so she enrolled in Boulder Outdoor Survival School.

“There had to be something more out there besides what we see on television or what were told we are supposed to be doing in our lives,” she said.

“I also have an all-engulfing curiosity about how to be self-sufficient without all the modern technology we rely on in the city.”

So, Galvan enrolled in the one-week wilderness course, where no prior outdoor experience is required to enroll.

So, how did Galvan prepare for what could be a grueling week?

“I mentally and physically prepared myself for the course a year in advance,” she explained with a smile. “My daily routine consisted of walking, swimming, hiking, running and going to an indoor gym on a consistent basis. I wish I had done more running outside for long distances, or hiking with a weighted pack at higher elevations. I pushed myself beyond my comfort zone so I could build endurance mentally also. The two go hand in hand.”

The BOSS program takes place in Southern Utah’s mountains and desert canyons, near Boulder, Utah. The week’s agenda consisted of learning a certain skill, then another. They had an orientation, group expedition, solitary time to practice what they learned, navigation challenges and a graduation.

“The instructors always kept us on our toes so we wouldn’t know what was coming next,” Galvan said.

“Just like in a real survival situation.”

Additionally, they hiked from 15 to 20 miles each day.

“On our last day, we hiked around 25 miles,” Galvan said.

“It was difficult for me, having a pack on, going uphill in the heat. I learned how to conserve my energy for the harder ascents. Did I mention it was hot?”

The group gathered their water from streams and water sources that they found in the field. However, they were provided food rations, so they did not hunt or gather food.

Galvan did not bring a tent or sleeping bag, but was taught how to sleep on the ground under the stars, gathering leaves for insulation.

During her week-long trip, she brought only very basic supplies, consisting of a blanket, water bottle, cup, knife and a first-aid kit. The BOSS organization provided a list of mandatory and optional items.

“Less is more when traveling long miles, up hills, in a heatwave,” Galvan said.

Galvan’s week-long trek consisted of 11 students and three instructors.

“Everyone got along very nicely and the camaraderie was strong,” Galvan said. “We had comedians in the group, so it was all very entertaining at times. Humor helps while struggling apparently.”

Everyone goes to such a potentially grueling test for different reasons. One participant had taken the course in his youth and wanted to try it again, and another was grieving the loss of a parent. There were others who simply wanted to test themselves, or live life to the fullest.

“It seemed like all of us were seeking something greater than ourselves,” Galvan said.

Galvan’s greatest fear was being the slowest and keeping the group behind schedule. “It’s not fun setting up camp in the dark when you arrive after sundown and you’re tired and hungry,” she said. “But the group was so unconditionally kind, non-judgmental and caring. It was a very supportive environment.”

Galvan said her greatest challenge was fighting with her internal self. Her inner voice that was telling her she couldn’t complete the challenge.

“But thanks to the instructors who gave us amazing support and encouragement, I proved that voice wrong,” Galvan said.

During her week with BOSS, Galvan learned how to tie important knots for setting up a sturdy shelter, fire-making, purifying water, knife skills and fire safety. She also learned the importance of communicating to the others.

“I arrived at the course with this stubborn idea that individuality was everything, and that it was my job to pull myself up by my bootstraps without anybody’s help,” Galvan said.

“It was like a pride-ego trip. I was wrong. Through humility, and falling (literally) many times, I learned that connecting with others and building community is an essential part of survival in everyday life.”

Galvan highly recommended this course to others, and plans to take another BOSS course.

Christopher Nyerges is an educator and author of many books such as “How to Survive Anywhere.” For more details, go to schoolofself-reliance.com.

Pasadena Residents, Bag up your holiday food waste, put it in your yard bin and we’ll turn it into clean, green biogas! THE WORLD WILL THANK YOU

Boulder Outdoor Survival School boss-inc.com

DINING

Valerie Confections opens new location in Glendale

By Morgan Owen Pasadena Weekly Staff Writer

At Valerie Confections’ new Glendale location, hundreds of tiny chocolates, toffees and truffles are perfectly arranged waiting to be sampled by customers. Jams and ready-packaged holiday confections sit atop recycled walnut shelves to be chosen as a perfect gift.

In the back, employees are hard at work baking pies and decadent eggnog cakes for the holiday party season. Everything at Valerie Confections is made in-house, from the peppermint candy that tops its popular peppermint bark to the candied flowers that top its cakes.

The new location is the primary production and shipping facility for all orders across the country. The property also has room for classes and tastings, and indoor/outdoor event spaces. In the latter, owner Valerie Gordon hopes to grow some of the produce used in their baking process and edible flowers.

Gordon and her partner, Stan Weightman Jr., see the bakery as a place where their team can “be inspired, be creative and feel refreshed.” The pair started the bakery in 2004 after the gift baskets Gordon created for her friends and family became increasingly elaborate.

Gordon began making sweet treats as a kid, starting with cookies and gradually evolving into more and more complex projects.

“Anything I ate as a kid that I liked, I thought, ‘I want to make that.’ And because I love toffee, toffee became the big thing (I made),” Gordon said.

Toffee is a signatures treat and one of the confections she has experimented with the most. Gordon said she felt like toffee has always been treated so informally by other chocolatiers, who often toss it into boxes and favor the presentation of more sophisticated confections, such as truffles.

“I thought, what if I take this American confection and apply the French process to it,” Gordon said. And not only did she apply new processes to toffee, but she also experimented with new flavors. “We started with sesame. (Then) we added flavors like black pepper, Durango, which is a smokey flavor, and almond. They are all delicious,” Gordon said.

Also available at the Glendale location are Gordon’s jams, cakes and pies. Cakes must be ordered two days in advance, and all other special orders can be picked up four hours after being placed. On Gordon’s holiday menu are her decadent eggnog cakes, apple and salted Caramel pies, and eggnog petit fours, but her most popular holiday treat is her peppermint bark.

Gordon said her creativity comes from being a self-taught chocolatier and her innate entrepreneurial spirit.

“There’s something to be said (for) the fact that I worked as a creative homemaker and I didn’t go to culinary school…. I feel like with sweets, more than savory, historically has been about doing things exactly the same as opposed to doing it with (creativity),” Gordon said.

As a kid, Gordon taught herself through cookbooks and practice how to bake and cook. And Gordon wouldn’t just keep her experiments to herself. Even in grade school, Gordon said she would bring cookies to class every Thursday to share them with her friends.

To this day, Gordon says one of her favorite parts about baking is the human connection and the looks on her friends’ faces when she presents them with her creations. Now, at the Glendale location, visitors who come by can find personal touch through a viewing window at the back of the counter where they can view Gordon and her staff making chocolate.

Valerie Gordon shows off displays at Valerie Confections.

Packaged chocolate bars are available at the Glendale location.

Marina Pasadena gathers the community to honor Italian cuisine

By Kateri Wozny Contributing Writer

Owners Nader Kaiser and Gustavo Landgrebe had a vision when opening their Italian restaurant, Marina Pasadena, in September: to create a neighborhood gathering place where customers can enjoy good wine and flavorful food.

“It’s not just the simplicity of ingredients, but the quality of the ingredients,” Kaiser said. “We are honoring the beauty of Italian food.”

Kaiser, who was once the beverage director at Mi Piace, is also the owner of Republik Coffee Lounge, while Landgrebe once owned 1810 Argentine Restaurant and Tasca Wine Bar in Los Angeles.

“Him and I were foodies for years,” Kaiser said. “We’re good at it and love it. We are picky about what we do.”

Kaiser also holds a diploma from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust and is certified as a sommelier by the North American Sommelier Association and the Italian Sommelier Association. At Marina, there are 120 wine labels from California, France, Italy and Spain to pair with a meal. There is also a Wednesday special with 30% off any bottle of wine.

“I have traveled to 20 regions throughout Italy and worked in the vineyards,” Kaiser said. “You fall in love with the different regions and their cuisine. That’s why wine plays a

Seafood linguini made by chef Dylan Stage.

role.”

The interior design of the restaurant aimed for a comfortable, yet stylish vibe, with a high ceiling, classic chandeliers, murals representing Pasadena, an open kitchen and a wine room.

“We are accommodating and love to make friends with our guests,” Kaiser said.

Menu items have a rustic Italian foundation prepared by chef Dylan Stage. For starters ($17 to $22), customers can order items such as the octopus marinated with market peppers, shallots, sherry vinaigrette, sea salt and extra virgin olive oil; salt cod brandade with semi dried heirloom cherry tomatoes and black olive grilled country bread; fried calamari and artichoke with parsley aioli and lemon; and the most popular dish, the market salad, currently with delicata squash, persimmon, ginger, orange segments, whipped goat cheese and orange vinaigrette.

“Dylan uses what’s in season from the farmer’s market, “Kaiser said. “It’s like an explosion of flavors.”

Pizzas ($21 to $25) are also a favorite, including the mortadella and pistachios with bechamel sauce, mozzarella and wild arugula; prosciutto San Danielle with heirloom cherry tomato, mozzarella, wild arugula, shaved parmesan and crushed red pepper; margherita with tomato sauce, mozzarella, caciocavallo, burrata, basil and extra virgin olive oil; and the house Italian sausage with tomato sauce, mozzarella, caramelized onions, agrodolce and shishito peppers.

“We make the sausage in house by grinding and cooking it with flavors that complement the sausage,” Kaiser said. “We also use a soft white Sonoma wheat flour.”

Pasta lovers ($19 to $38) can order the seafood linguini with little neck clams, Mexican blue shrimp, black cod and calamari cooked in saffron seafood broth; ricotta and squash tortelloni with lemon beurre blanc, oyster mushrooms, spigarello and pecorino; tagliatelle rabbit bolognese with tomato sauce, basil and parmesan, and the best-selling bucatini carbonara with house pancetta, 140 F sous vide egg and parmesan.

“In the Verona region (of Italy), they eat a lot of rabbit, fowl and duck,” Kaiser said. “(For the carbonara), we make the pancetta in house, and it cures for 40 days.”

Main courses ($31 to $58) include the cider glazed black cod with parsnip quinoa, roasted turnips, fermented apples and turnip greens; sautéed veal liver with parsnip purée, caramelized onions, house pancetta, capers and sage; the 12 oz. Wanderer wagyu New York steak with watercress purée, grilled eggplant, pickled pepper and vermouth sauce, and the 16 oz. Duroc pork chop with cranberry and romano beans, grilled shishito peppers, radicchio and kombucha sauce.

“The quality of the pork chop is out of this world, it’s so tender and flavorful,” Kaiser said.

Kaiser said he appreciates the support of the community and plans on being in the area for years to come.

“Our passion and love for the business in uncompromised,” Kaiser said. “We celebrate good occasions, and we plan on being here for the next 30 years.”

WHERE: 841 Cordova Street, Pasadena

HOURS: Closed Monday and Tuesday; Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday from 5 to 9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m.

INFO: marinapasadena.com

Marina Pasadena’s tagliatelle and rabbit bolognese.

Marina Pasadena

American-style food truck feeding the city of Pasadena

By Morgan Owen Pasadena Weekly Staff Writer

For Michael Gray, owner of Fat Boys food truck, cooking is about connection. The highlight of his day is watching his customers’ faces light up when he passes their food through the window.

“I grew up with food as a way to nurture the soul. … I love that connection. You get to (see) the look on their faces when they eat (it). Everyone in the truck loves that moment,” Gray said.

Fat Boys, a Pasadena-based food truck and catering service, specializes in comfort food of all kinds, from lumpia to burgers and late-night nachos. Gray said Fat Boys’ menu reflects the food he would want to curl up with and eat on a cozy night. But catering is where Gray said Fat Boys shines.

“I’m a trained chef. Burgers are not the only thing I can do. … For catering, we’ve done shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and buttermilk biscuits. … I have an event coming up where we are (making) mashed potatoes, green, green bean casserole, sauteed and roasted asparagus, and carrots, and we are going to make croissants,” Gray explains.

Gray’s love of the culinary arts began as a child cooking with his grandmother, whom he said is the person who made him the man he is today. Although Gray’s grandmother died before he opened Fat Boys, he said he believes she would be proud of what he’s done. Many of the recipes he uses at Fat Boys are from her.

“She was my world,” Gray said. “The kitchen, that was our bonding place. We talked about everything in that kitchen — what she wanted to do, what I wanted to do. That was where she told me, ‘Don’t lose sight of your dream. Always go for what you want.’”

Gray didn’t realize becoming a professional chef was his dream until he was in his 20s after he recovered from an addiction. The kitchen was a place for Gray to “touch base with those people that really had meaning in (his) life.”

That was when Gray started to pay more attention to the Food Network and even started catering some events on his own.

“We were going to Vegas one day for a friend’s birthday. On the way, we stopped by (the California Culinary Academy). I did my interview with them,

Michael Gray, owner of Fat Boys, outside his food truck.

Michael Gray/Fat Boys

and fell in love with it…” Gray remembers. Then he found out how much the application cost. “Dream crushed.”

But as he celebrated with his friends, Gray said he had a revelation. “I’m going to get into culinary school. I’m going to that school. And that’s when I won the exact amount I (needed) to submit the application. It’s been history from there.”

Gray said there were several hurdles he had to overcome to find success, especially obstacles of identity. Unfortunately, he said, race played a part in the direction Gray was to take his new business.

“Whether we like to admit it, there are still hurdles for a Black, gay man to be the face of a business,” he said.

“I not only had to face the push back from my own LGBTQ community for not … looking a certain way, but I had to also push through my own demons of not feeling as if I desired this amazing opportunity. But with Black Lives Matter and so much love and support pouring out … I felt like I belonged here as a business owner.”

To give back to the community, Gray works with local alcohol rehabilitation centers, LGBTQ organizations and mental health nonprofits to help people realize their dreams. In Pasadena, Gray brings the food truck to as many outreach events as possible. At each event, Gray donates a portion of his profits to the charity hosting the event.

“I’m a Black, gay business owner, standing on my own. I am proud to go to every gay event. … I try to reach out to my community (as a) mentor (to say), ‘You can do this too. It may not look like what you want, but you can follow your dream,’” Gray said.

National fitness brand Solidcore to launch studio in Pasadena

By Luke Netzley Pasadena Weekly Deputy Editor

After nine years of expansion to over 90 locations in 24 states, national fitness studio Solidcore will launch in Pasadena in early January. Solidcore is widely known for its strength training-based, full-body workouts, and will occupy its first Pasadena studio at 127 N Fair Oaks Avenue.

“Our big thing is helping our members create the strongest version of themselves, whether that’s manifested in a physical or a mental way, or both, which usually it is,” said Shannon Greer, VP of studio operations at Solidcore. “We like to be able to give them a strength training workout, whether it’s their primary workout or you’re supplementing something else, but it’s designed to make our clients stronger or resilient.”

Greer explained that people often come across Solidcore for the first time by searching for a Pilates studio, but that one of the only similarities between the two types of workouts is the custom-built machine, which she referred to as “sweatlana.” The machine is used in each of the six different classes, which are held in a room lit by blue lights and led by a coach offering personalized instructions.

“What’s pretty unique about our strength training is it’s really using your own body weight and doing slow and controlled movements to build muscle mass and to build strength with some resistance training in mind,” Greer said. “It’s great for your joints. It’s easy on your knees and on your ankles if you feel like you’re even doing rehab or recovery from injuries too.”

The Solidcore workout lasts 50 minutes and uses differing levels of intensity and efficiency in its movements to help break down slow-twitch muscle fibers and build them back stronger. It’s a methodology that Greer said “produces results twice as fast as a traditional

Michael Gray with his loaded steak fries.

Solidcore provides a 50-minute, full-body workout that specializes in breaking down and building back slow-twich muscle fibers.

Solidcore/Submitted

workout, but without having to strain on your joints like doing free weightlifting.”

In the wake of the pandemic, Greer also stressed the importance of bringing people together and building a community around fitness.

“Strength training is for everyone,” she said. “We totally believe in really setting ourselves apart and having a very inclusive and welcoming environment.

“When you come in, you have a door code that you’re going to put in, so we make sure that everybody feels safe and secure. You can’t get into the studio unless you’ve booked a class and you have a code to get in. We’ll have someone at the desk to greet and check you in. … At that point, we’ll walk you through a little bit about what the class will look like and introduce you to your coach, who will demonstrate some of the moves that you’ll be taking during class.

“I think what also is unique is because we’re in a smaller format, I believe we have 18 machines in Pasadena, you’re really able to start to build that relationship with a coach who’s there to coach you personally, keep you motivated during class, offering hands-on corrections, and to make sure that we’re keeping everyone safe in class.”

At the Pasadena studio, located in the city’s business district, head coach and community manager Zoe Martin will lead the team.

“We are just excited to welcome in each and every single person,” Greer said. “We hope we can build a strong membership base out in Pasadena. … We’re looking to build a lot of friends and neighbors out there.

“We feel like we have an opportunity to really be able to bring something different and unique to the city of Pasadena.”

WHERE: 127 N Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena

INFO: solidcore.co

ARTS & CULTURE

Alliance to present award-winning writers

By Pasadena Weekly Staff

The Pasadena Literary Alliance will host the 15th annual Pasadena Festival of Women Authors on Saturday, March 11, at the Pasadena Hilton.

The festival will feature New York Times bestselling author Karen Joy Fowler, along with six other acclaimed writers: Lan Samantha Chang, Tess Gunty, Jean Hanff Korelitz, Dolen Perkins-Valdez, Tara Stringfellow and Belinda Huijuan Tang.

Fowler’s current book, “Booth,” has been longlisted for the Booker Prize. “We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves” was shortlisted for the Booker Prize, and “The Jane Austen Book Club” was on the New York Times bestseller list for 13 weeks.

Gunty’s debut novel, “The Rabbit Hutch,” has been longlisted for the National Book Award.

The Pasadena Festival of Women Authors provides a setting where authors and guests can interact. The day begins with coffee and light refreshments, features presentations from a panel of authors, includes a luncheon, and offers opportunities for questions and answers. Books will be available for purchase and for author signing.

The mission of the Pasadena Festival of Women Authors is to celebrate the accomplishments of women authors and to raise money for literary programs at community nonprofits.

Proceeds from the festival have funded over $500,000 in grants. The 2022 grantees were: Pasadena City College (writer-in-residence and summer creative writing academy), Pasadena Public Library (One City, One Story program), Pasadena Senior Center (Masters in Learning Series), PEN Center Los Angeles (You are a Writer workshops), and WriteGirl (creative writing workshops and mentoring for high school girls).

This event sells out quickly. More information and ticket sales can be found at pfwa2023. org. Reserved seating patron tables of 10 ($1,500) and individual patron tickets ($250) are available. Individual open seating tickets ($100) will go on sale on Sunday, Jan. 15.

Solidcore will launch its Pasadena studio in early January.

Solidcore/Submitted

Solidcore

Pasadena Chorale opens ‘Listening to the Future’ application process

By Luke Netzley Pasadena Weekly Deputy Editor

Pasadena Chorale’s “Listening to the Future” program was founded to give student composers from Pasadena area high schools a chance to hone their musical skills and fuel their passion for the arts.

“There’re very few opportunities for young composers, pre-college, to have a chance to hear their music performed by people,” Pasadena Chorale founding artistic and executive director Jeffrey Bernstein said. “It’s such an important part of learning to write music, and so we wanted to create that opportunity for young people.”

The five-month student-mentor composition program, now in its seventh year, gives participants the chance to meet twice a month for music writing sessions with a composition mentor, where they will share work, receive feedback and make revisions.

This year’s mentor will be LA-based composer, arranger, songwriter and vocalist Amy Gordon, who has won multiple awards, including the first annual Jim MacMillan Prize in Composition, and has been commissioned to write and arrange pieces for Choral Arts Initiative, Loyola Marymount University Concert Choir, Nova Vocal Ensemble, The Los Angeles Belles, The South Bay Chamber Singers, Ramona Convent Secondary School Chamber Choir, Graham Middle School Vocal Ensemble, and more.

“She’s fantastic,” Bernstein described. “She has a really beautiful sense of how to write for a choir. … She’s also a very, very gifted and empathetic educator. She really has a gift for meeting the students where they are and being encouraging and being sensitive to their challenges and their successes … a perfect fit for this program.”

Throughout “Listening to the Future,” each of the student composers will write two pieces of music for the chorale: an arrangement of an existing work and an original composition.

By the end of March, the students will present their drafts to the chorale during a rehearsal, where they will hear their work performed and receive personalized feedback notes from each of the 75 singers.

“The composers go home with a stack of 75 copies of their piece with notes from the singers, ‘Hey, I love this. Thanks for writing this. This is beautiful, but really hard. I don’t get what you were after here.’ Things like this,” Bernstein explained. “They then take all of that and they revise. And by the beginning of May, they have the finished version of their pieces.”

The program culminates with the Pasadena Chorale performing the student composers’ new work at its “Listening to the Future” concert on Saturday, June 17.

2021/2022 student composers from Pasadena Chorale’s “Listening to the Future” program with Pasadena Chorale founding artistic and executive director Jeffrey Bernstein.

“It’s one of our favorite concerts every year, and it’s incredibly exciting to hear what these young people come up with,” Bernstein said. “We’re very careful in the program. Of course, there are things that work well for voices and things that are hard for voices. And we try to teach that to the students so that they know what’s going to be suitable for a choir. But we try very hard not to put expectations on them because we really want there to be space for us to discover what’s in their musical imagination.”

In line with the Pasadena Chorale’s mission to create music that educates, uplifts and inspires all members of the community, both the program and concert are free of charge. After the performance, the student composers will also receive video and audio recordings of their finished work for their personal portfolios or college applications.

“The concert will probably be about an hour, maybe 75 minutes long,” Bernstein said. “There’s a great unknown here because we don’t know at the moment how many students we’re going to have in the program because that application process is ongoing, and we don’t know how prolific they’re going to be.

“Some years we’ve had a lot of pieces, some years we’ve had fewer pieces. When we have fewer, let’s say in a year when we only have eight pieces that were written, we might perform each one twice, which is really exciting both for the audience and for the students.

“Usually the students will all be there at the performance. Often they will speak a little bit about their experience as composers, so it really humanizes it for the audience.”

The “Listening to the Future” program application process for 2023 has now been opened to any students Pasadena area high school students from ninth through 12th grade to enroll, and applications must be submitted by Saturday, Dec. 31. The students will be selected based on their music experience, level of readiness and teacher recommendation, which is required to apply.

“I think a lot of the students who are in the program come to it with at least some interest or curiosity about composing, and many of them come to it with a real passion for it,” Bernstein described. “The arts are really also about self-discovery and being a creative artist. … Even if that’s not their career path, I hope that they carry with them that sense of discovery, that sense of empowerment as a creative artist and, of course, a love of choral music.”

Since the founding of “Listening to the Future” six years ago, the Pasadena Chorale has had six professional composers mentor 24 students, creating 62 compositions within the program, whose alumni have gone on to study at Stanford, Columbia, Yale, Chapman University, University of Michigan and others.

“It’s exciting to see where they’ve gone and what they’ve gone on to do,” Bernstein said. “We love just being here and offering this and seeing it build year upon year and generation upon generation.

“This idea of empowering people to create music is so central to what choral music is. The human voice is something we all have, and singing is a very natural thing. It’s the original human instrument, and there’s nothing magical about writing music. It’s a natural thing to do, and we want to encourage people who have an interest in it to find that voice in themselves.”

Pasadena Chorale’s “Listening to the Future” program

WHEN: Applications are due by Saturday, Dec. 31.

COST: The program runs free of charge.

INFO: pasadenachorale.org

Derek Day says Classless Act thrives on energy

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Pasadena Weekly Executive Editor

Classless Act frontman Derek Day bounces with energy first thing in the morning.

He’s feeling great and strives to always have fun, whether it’s on or off the stage. Day said he’s here to make people happy.

“We like to have fun,” said the Eagle Rock resident, calling from snowy Syracuse, New York. “That’s pretty much all we do.”

Fans can get a taste of it themselves when Classless Act plays the Knitting Factory North Hollywood on Friday, Dec. 30.

“It’s rock ‘n’ roll,” he said. “You’ll hear a little bit of something fresh going on. If you hate every single song on our album, you might like a 2-second piece of music. That’s what I tell people: we have 2 seconds for everyone. When you see the live show, you’ll get it. The vibe is always great on stage.”

Day honed his skills busking on the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica. He admitted it was a little daunting at first, but when he loosened up, he found his calling.

“The first year or so was really tricky,” he said. “But it was something I was looking at since I was a kid. I would go visit there. At 13, I already had so many ideas. It was hard to break out of my shell, but that’s how I learned to break out of my shell.”

Influenced by Queen, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Guns N’ Roses and Bowie, the LA-based five-piece Classless Act brings a fresh, young take on a golden age of music.

“I have a little disco in my blood, too,” Day said. “My mom bumped disco in our living room. That got me into my true passion, which is melodies and what

Classless Act is, from left, guitarist Griffin Tucker, drummer Chuck McKissock, vocalist Derek Day, guitarist Dane Pieper and bassist Franco Gravante.

makes a song really groove and sing.”

They’ve been applauded by the likes of Jane’s Addiction and only released its debut single, “Give It to Me,” in 2021.

“It’s humbling,” Day said about the compliments. “You just want to make these guys proud. We’ve had the chance to work with some of these people like (Metallica producer) Bob Rock and (The Darkness singer/guitarist) Justin Hawkins, who’s a real clever dude; very artistic and awesome. At the end of the day, you can only speak with your work.”

Classless Act’s debut, “Welcome to the Show,” quickly racked up 2 million streams, which led them to The Stadium Tour with Motley Crue, Def Leppard, Joan Jett and Poison. Motley Crue’s Vince Neil appears on Classless Act’s album.

While the music tells its own story, so do the members of the band, hailing from around the globe. The band — which also features guitarists Dane Pieper and Griffin Tucker, bassist Franco Gravante and drummer Chuck McKissock — formed in 2018 when they met through friends via social media.

They quickly bonded over anthemic rhythms, shreddy guitars, soaring vocals and clever arrangements. For Day, writing lyrics wasn’t the easiest thing at first.

“Lyrics are daunting,” he said with a laugh. “It has to sound good. It has to have voice. It has to sound fresh. You don’t want to write about what other people are writing. Now, I really love lyrics. Once you start journaling for yourself, it’s not bad.”

Young veteran

Before joining Classless Act, Day recorded a few EPs and one full length by his first year of community college. After releasing his first solo-experimental EP in the summer of 2016, he opened for Steve Vai’s 25th anniversary tour of the “Passion and Warfare” album.

From there, he hit up NAMM and then opening slots for Ted Nugent for his “Rockin’ America Again” jaunt. His resume also includes stints with Living Co-

lour’s Vernon Reid and Corey Glover for the Chuck Berry tribute at the Lincoln Center. The Fender-endorsed musician joined Living Colour on its “Shade in the USA” tour, and Steel Panther in Fort Lauderdale.

In 2018, he and Reid collaborated on music and that March, Classless Act asked him to join. Their sixth show as a band was a gig opening for Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators at the Palladium.

Classless Act is filled with young veterans, if the two words can be used together. Day said he’s been in the business for 15 years and everyone has released records.

“We’re all in love with each other. We’re all brothers,” he said. “It’s crazy to say our first album dropped this year. It’s like, ‘Whoa. This is crazy.’ This weird social media thing has been intertwined with beautiful synchronicity and good timing. We went through different members. They had two other singers before me. Once we got this right combination, it was like the Power Rangers.”

When he’s home in Eagle Rock, he writes music and works around town as a session artist. He loves his German shepherd, Stella, to death, even though she’s the “clumsiest thing ever.”

He’s looking forward to his hometown show.

“It’s just the most electrifying kick ass, you can’t take your eyes off it spectacle,” he said with a laugh. “We love to have so much fun on stage. I learned how to move around from the streets, from busking. I love having a good old time. We’re a little funny, a little jokey, a little classless — it’s all in the name.”

Classless Act and Satellite Citi

WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30

WHERE: Knitting Factory, 5303 Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood COST: $15 in advance; all ages

INFO: noho.knittingfactory.com

Classless Act is, from left, guitarist Griffin Tucker, bassist Franco Gravante, vocalist Derek Day, guitarist Dane Pieper and drummer Chuck McKissock.

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

Celebrate the holidays at the senior center

By Pasadena Weekly Staff

The Pasadena Senior Center at 85 E. Holly Street is offering a Christmas Eve brunch and party, as well as an early New Year’s Eve celebration.

For the first time in two years, the center will celebrate Christmas Eve onsite at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 24. Weather and temperature permitting, the Christmas Eve brunch and party will take place on the spacious outdoor patio; in the event of inclement weather, it will take place indoors in the Scott Pavilion.

Pianist Steve Ormond will provide entertainment, and Santa will stop by with Christmas cheer and gifts for everyone.

The cost is $15 for members of the Pasadena Senior Center and $20 for nonmembers of all ages.

Ring in the New Year early for free at the center. Slated for those 50 and older, the event will feature a performance by the Tap Chicks at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 29.

Members of the Pasadena Senior Center and nonmembers 50 and older are invited to register on a first-come, first-served basis. Residency in Pasadena is not required.

The Tap Chicks are known for their stylish dancing, fun music and jokes. Their versatile dance styles, from Broadway and country to jazz and popular music, have contributed to their success at engagements throughout Southern California.

A reception with dessert, coffee and champagne will follow the performance. Party hats and noisemakers will be provided.

Other upcoming events include:

401(k)

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.

Clear Vision: The Key to Aging Well at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 22, via Zoom. Poor vision can lead to social isolation, falls and accidents, depression and chronic health conditions. Optician Timothy Henning will discuss common age-related vision issues and how early detection and lifestyle choices can help prevent progression of vision loss and deter some vision issues as people age. He also will cover important preventive tips and key care essentials for maintaining healthy eyes.

Mediation and Dispute Resolution: 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Dec. 22, at Pasadena Senior Center. Learn how to resolve conflicts with the help of a trained mediator, including property ownership, landlord/tenant disputes, workplace/ employment issues, family disagreements and more. Presented by Loyola Center for Conflict Resolution. To make an appointment, call 626-795-4331.

To register or for more information, call 626-795-4331 or visit pasadenaseniorcenter.org.

In addition to online classes, onsite events and other activities, members and nonmembers of the Pasadena Senior Center are encouraged to visit the website regularly for a quarterly online magazine, free food delivery for older adults in need, COVID-19 updates specifically for older adults.

The center is an independent, donor-supported nonprofit organization that has served older adults for more than 60 years. During the pandemic, doors are open Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for social services as well as the library, Sy Graff Fitness Center, computer lab and limited occupancy for events. Rooms are sanitized after each use.

In accordance with Pasadena Public Health Department guidelines, proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required for everyone who uses the fitness center or attends onsite activities indoors. Masks are optional.

CALENDAR

Upcoming Events

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

Linda Vista Arts Display Exhibit

DECEMBER

Support local artists and their work with Linda Vista’s exhibit of watercolor and oil paintings. Each artist brings their own unique style and flavor to their piece, meant to invoke nature, man or the abstract.

Linda Vista Branch Library, 1281 Bryant Street, Pasadena, free, cityofpasadena.net/library/

Ricky Martin Birthday Celebration and Tribute Night

DEC. 22

Celebrate the birthday of one of the greatest Puerto Rican singers and songwriters of all time with a crazy dance tribute night. Enjoy two-for-one drink specials and, of course, a selection of all the best hits by Martin and Menudo. The Mixx, 443 E. Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, free admission, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., themixxclub.com

Christmas Eve Brunch and Party DEC. 24

Enjoy a delicious brunch with Santa Claus and celebrate the season for one last day before Christmas comes. If weather permits, the event will be held on the patio with music, presents, Santa and plenty of brunch food. COVID-19 vaccination cards are required at the door, and reservations are needed to attend.

Pasadena Senior Center, 85 E. Holly Street, Pasadena, $20, 11 a.m., pasadenaseniorcenter.org

34th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration

DEC. 27

Celebrate the festive occasion of Kwanzaa with music, stories and the company of others. Learn more about the holiday and share the magic with friends. Presented via Zoom, free, 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., cityofpasadena.net/library/

The Light the World Parade

DEC. 29

Check out the dazzling lights and colors of the Light the World Parade as it comes to Pasadena. The parade is meant to invoke feelings of joy and hope in those who see it, as well as demonstrate world culture. The floats have been featured all over the world, including Athens, as well as the 2008 and 2012 Olympic games. While the parade is free for anyone to come and see, donations are appreciated.

Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E. Green Street, Pasadena, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free, https://bit.ly/LighttheWorldParade

Play and Learn DEC. 30

Take the kids out to play with educational games, puzzles, a wide variety of music, coloring and fun with friends.

Villa Parke Community Center Branch Library, 363 E. Villa Street, Pasadena, 10:30 a.m. to noon, free, cityofpasadena.net/library

Back to the ’80s End-of-Year Live Show and Dance Party DEC. 30

Celebrate the coming of 2023 by taking a trip back to the 1980s. Listen to The Krows and DJ Speedy as they play the likes of rock Español, Cumbia and classic ’80s-era pop.

The Mixx, 443 E. Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, free admission, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., themixxclub.com Bandfest DEC. 30 TO DEC. 31

Get a sneak peek at the Rose Parade bands and the award-winning shows that led to their selection. Check out talented musicians, dancers, and auxiliary performers as they perform their 5.5-mile march down Colorado Boulevard. Robinson Stadium at Pasadena City College, 1570 E. Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, check website for times, $20 admission, https://bit.ly/BandfestPasadena

Noon Year’s Eve Celebration DEC. 31

If midnight’s too late for the kids, celebrate at 11:30 a.m. with “Noon Year’s Eve” celebration. The little ones will have plenty of crafts and activities to do as they count down and celebrate 2023 in an exciting and bedtime-friendly way.

Santa Catalina Branch Library, 999 E. Washington Boulevard, Pasadena, 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., free, cityofpasadena.net/library

Pasadena City College Flea Market JAN. 1

With more than 400 collectors and countless intermingling shoppers, the College Flea Market promises a little something for everyone, ranging from high-end antiques to typical rummage sale items.

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