News

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

Aion Training collects over 200 donated toys

By Luke Netzley Pasadena Weekly Deputy Editor

Pasadena fitness facility Aion Training collected over 200 toys for its annual toy drive from Nov. 17 to Dec. 4 in support of Chapcare.

“My goal is always to use the gym as a medium to do a little bit more,” said Marcus McDuffie, founder of Aion Training. “Especially after the rough year that everyone’s had, it just seems right to be able to give back in some way.”

McDuffie started Aion Training in 2019, and it remains the state’s only personal training gym whose customized program is designed for people older than 40 years old.

“It’s just been awesome to help this group of people to extend their life, be able to become better parents because they’re taking better care of themselves, or become those grandparents that can play around with their grandkids,” McDuffie said.

McDuffie created the business to address two types of pain that he felt: the physical pain from playing football at Occidental College and the emotional pain from the loneliness that ensued after he quit football.

“The gym became my solace, my community,” McDuffie described. “It became the only place I could really go to take care of both of those pains, and I just want to be able to share that with everyone. We’re huge on community, we’re huge on mobility, and we’re huge on just getting people out of whatever kind of pain they’re currently in.”

McDuffie was born in Bellflower and raised in Glendale. He explains that the annual toy drive at Aion Training was inspired by a childhood memory.

“I remember when I was a kid, my dad had a toy drive at his work,” McDuffie said. “It was just so awesome to go up there and get a toy, and I still remember how special that felt to this day.”

For this year’s toy drive, McDuffie encouraged the community to participate by offering a free month of personal training in exchange for donations. The only caveat was that the donor must not have already been a member.

“Last year we had people bringing in one toy,” McDuffie explained. “This year we had people bringing in like three, four or five toys all at once. It ended up taking up half a section of our gym.”

The donations from Aion Training’s toy drive will go to Chapcare, whose mission is to provide accessible, quality health care to the communities of the San Gabriel Valley. They make 90,000 visits to over 16,000 patients annually.

“There are a lot of people struggling even here in Pasadena that, you know, really need that help,” McDuffie said. “So, it’s pretty awesome. Like, ‘Hey, this thing that I bought that may not have a big impact on my life will be able to go to someone else and make this time of the year pretty special for them.’”

Helping others has been a core piece of McDuffie and Aion Training’s mission for the past three years, as the gym has raised over $25,000 for charities alongside the yearly toy drives. This year, McDuffie is instituting a “charity of the month” program, where every one to two months the gym will hold a charity workout with the chosen organization to help raise funds for its cause.

Aion Training hosts an annual toy drive during the holidays to raise funds for local charities.

In addition to giving back to the Pasadena community through charitable work, Aion Training also stands as a welcoming home for people over 40 years of age looking for a supportive personal training experience.

“We’re going to use the things inside the gym to prove how awesome we are, so it carries over to things outside of the gym,” McDuffie said. “We have a chance to change like the whole dogma, the whole nonsense in the fitness industry around, ‘You’re not supposed to eat carbs. You should always be hard on yourself.’ We can work to reshape those beliefs in people’s minds and reshape the beliefs that people have about themselves.”

To learn more about Aion Training and to get involved in the gym, visit aiontraining.com or call 626-382-7600.

Aion Training 1774 E Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena 626-382-7600, aiontraining.com

Pasadena Councilmember Jess Rivas has been endorsed by local elected officials ahead of the 2022 City Council District 5 election.

Elected officials endorse Jess Rivas for District 5 seat

By Luke Netzley Pasadena Weekly Deputy Editor

Pasadena Councilmember Jess Rivas is building momentum in her campaign to be elected to the full-term District 5 seat in the 2022 City Council District 5 election, gaining endorsements from Rep. Judy Chu, Sen. paired with a sweeping change in leadership. “We’re seeing a lot of folks retire, who we’re happy for and we’re grateful for all the service we’ve seen from our leadership team and our executive staff,” Anthony Portantino, Assembymember Chris Holden, Pasadena City College Trustee Sandra Chen Lau, Pasadena School board members Tina Fredericks and Patrick Cahalan, and former Pasadena Mayors Rick Cole and Bill Paparian. The announced group of elected officials joins Mayor Victor Gordo in endorsing her campaign.

“I’m flattered and honored because these are elected officials that I really admire and respect,” Rivas said. “They’re doing great work representing our city at all levels of government, which is what I want to do as well.”

In December 2020, Pasadena City Council unanimously voted to tap Rivas to fill the District 5 council seat vacated by Victor Gordo when he started his term as mayor. She previously worked as a deputy attorney general for the California Department of Justice, as a judge advocate in the Army Reserves, and served on the Commission on the Status of Women, where she encouraged the Pasadena City Council to adopt a resolution acknowledging the principles of CEDAW, the only international human rights treaty that specifically addresses the rights of women, during Women’s History Month.

She serves as a deputy county counsel for Los Angeles County.

“I grew up in Santa Clarita and then I went to school back east, but I always knew I wanted to come back home. My husband is also from out here, so both of us always admired Pasadena,” Rivas explained.

“It’s always been a place that we both wanted to live with its beautiful neighborhoods, the history, the culture. We’ve got Caltech, JPL, the Rose Bowl, Rose Parade… everything is here. We always hoped that one day we’d be able to live here. Luckily we were able to make it happen back in early 2016.”

Rivas’ campaign comes during a difficult time, though, as the city faces unprecedented issues surrounding the budget due to the onset of the pandemic Rivas said. “But those are challenges, and so I want to continue serving because I want to provide that steady leadership through all these challenges that our city faces, especially centering around the needs of residents for my district and particularly people who historically in our society haven’t had a voice or haven’t had a seat at the table. “District 5 is incredibly diverse, and I want to make sure that as we’re facing these challenges that we’re making our city a place that works for everyone.” Rivas’ priorities alongside leadership and economic stability are to address the issue of homelessness by breaking ground on a number of interim supportive housing projects to provide shelter for those in need, as well as address public safety by collaborating with the police department to make Pasadena a safer place. “I’ve been really impressed that, given everything that our city, our country, and the world really has gone through the last two years now with the pandemic, people still really care and are engaged in wanting to make our community better,” Rivas explained. “It’s so easy when you’re faced with all this overwhelming bad news to kind of turn within, not want to contribute, and instead focus on yourself. But I’ve just been so inspired by the folks throughout my district and the city as a whole who continue to show up to meetings and events and are constantly pushing the city, pushing council members, and pushing staff to do what’s right and make as big of a positive impact as we can.”

Pasadena’s Bunny World Foundation Inc. received a $5,000 check after college graduate Hannah Manikowski’s adoption story was selected in the Petco Love Stories campaign.

Petco Love gives $13,000 in grants to local nonprofits

By Luke Netzley Pasadena Weekly Deputy Editor

After two years in a global pandemic that has seen many people and communities around the world isolated from one another, the importance of love and companionship has gained a new vitality.

As part of its Love Stories campaign, Petco Love has partnered with BOBS from Skechers to invite adopters to share how their pets have changed their lives during the pandemic. The grants go to the organizations from which they adoped their pets.

“We really want to give back to these hardworking animal welfare organizations that do so much every day to save pet lives, so this is our way of giving back and not just celebrating pet adoption, but the spirit of giving during this holiday too,” said Petco Love Public Relations & Internal Communications Manager Jennifer Perez.

On Dec. 8, Los Angeles animal welfare organizations I Stand with My Pack of Studio City, and Pasadena-based Bunny World Foundation Inc. were surprised with checks from Petco Love during a ceremony at Petco, thanks to stories from area residents.

“We choose stories that really focus on how a pet has changed a person’s life, and these stories really capture that,” Perez explained. “We have a range of stories like these, for example, where the pets inspire the adopters and truly make their lives better.”

I Stand with My Pack, which received a $6,000 check, is a nonprofit that focuses on the removal of dogs from high-risk kill shelters across California and assists them through the rehabilitative process so that they can find a home.

“Petco Love’s reinvestment in rescue operations means completing the cycle by reenforcing our frontline efforts to save the life of amazing companions and complete families in our neighborhood with their dream pet,” said Aleksandra Schiffer, founder and president of I Stand with My Pack.

Bunny World Foundation was the second grant recipient, receiving a $5,000 check in support of the all-volunteer nonprofit’s mission to use public education, media attention, rescue efforts, and legislation to combat animal cruelty, illegal animal sales, exploitation, and neglect.

The love story for Bunny World Foundation was submitted by recent college graduate Hannah Manikowski, who wrote a story about how her adopted rabbit changed her life by being a companion to her when she moved to a new city.

“Our goal is really to change lives by making communities and pet families closer, stronger, and healthier with this campaign in particular,” Perez said. “It’s about celebrating how the love of pets can change everything.”

In addition to I Stand with My Pack and Bunny World Foundation, Petco Love granted $1,000 each to LA-based organizations Kitty Bungalow and the Little Lion Foundation, giving an overall total of $1 million in Love Stories awards. It celebrates 100 love stories between adopters and their pets across the country this year.

“These heartwarming love stories really reflect the importance of pets in our lives,” Perez said. “I think these past two years with COVID-19 really showed that. And so, we at Petco Love, hope that by others reading these touching stories, they can join our mission to create a world where every shelter pet can find a loving family.”

Alongside its Love Stories campaign, Petco Love has awarded the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation and Los Angeles Animal Services with $25,000 each as part of its holiday special initiative with Petco.

“They do such great work in the Los Angeles area to help pets find loving homes,” Perez said. “Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation is going to use those funds for their rehoming program to help keep more pets together with their families, and Los Angeles Animal Services will use that for their enrichment programs for their pets.”

Marchers from the Temecula Carriage Company march in the Rose Parade.

2022 Rose Parade rules and regulations

By Luke Netzley Pasadena Weekly Deputy Editor

The Rose Parade is one of the most anticipated and beloved annual events in Pasadena.

Renowned across the nation as America’s New Year’s Day celebration, approved it. No items may be sold along the parade route without a city permit. In addition, fireworks, bonfires, tents, sofas and ladders or any form of scaffolding used as elevation for viewing the parade are prohibited. Any unauthorized the parade draws a crowd of over 700,000 people each year.

On the day of a Rose Parade, the Pasadena Fire Department responds to more than twice the number of calls than any other day, typically regarding reports of hypothermia, illegal burning, miscellaneous medical issues, assaults, and alcohol-driven incidents.

As the 133rd Rose Parade approaches, the city’s fire and police departments have shared a guide for parade attendees so they can safely enjoy the event.

For those who wish to brave the cold night air and camp along the parade route on New Year’s Eve, the city has declared that overnight camping is permitted only on the night of Dec. 31. A position on the sidewalk may be maintained along the route beginning at noon, and all campers and property, such as blankets, chairs and personal items, must remain on the curb until 11 p.m.

Small, professionally manufactured barbecues elevated at least 1 foot off the ground are allowed on the parade route as long as they are 25 feet from buildings and other combustibles and if a fire extinguisher is readily available.

Minors younger than the age of 18 may be on the parade route from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. only if they are supervised by an adult.

The departments also recommend attendees eat and drink well, and dress for cold weather. Children and seniors should especially wear extra layers of clothing to avoid hypothermia.

To address the ongoing COVID-19 situation, the city recommends that all attendees protect themselves and others by getting fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu. They recommend masks if they are unable to maintain a 6-foot distance from attendees who live outside their household.

Parade appearances are prohibited unless the Pasadena Tournament of Roses vehicle obstructing an emergency travel lane or parked in a restricted area will be towed at the owner’s expense, and all unoccupied chairs will be removed from the parade route. A temporary flight restriction, including drones, will be in place for the parade and bowl game. All federal drone regulations can be found on the Federal Aviation Administration’s website, faa.gov. Enhanced security measures will be in effect, and Pasadena police officers will be stationed on the parade route to resolve any problem that may arise or remove anyone from the scene who violates the law or disturbs the peace. Police canine teams will also be patrolling Colorado Boulevard. For those attending the parade who may still have any questions regarding the event and personal safety, visit tournamentofroses.com or cityofpasadena. net. The Pasadena Convention and Visitors Bureau will also staff its visitor hotline at 1-877-793-9911 on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 28, until Friday, Dec. 31.

133rd Rose Parade WHEN: 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 1

WHERE: Begins at the corner of Green Street and Orange Grove Boulevard. The parade travels north on Orange Grove at a 2.5-mile-per-hour pace and then turns east onto Colorado Boulevard. Near the end of the route, the parade turns north onto Sierra Madre Boulevard and concludes at Villa Street. COST: Reserved tickets start at $60 INFO: tournamentofroses.com

Pasadena cancer nonprofit receives unrestricted grant

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Pasadena Weekly Executive Editor

Cancer Support Community Pasadena received an unrestricted $50,000 grant from the S. Mark Taper Foundation.

Founded in 1989, the foundation is a private family organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of people’s lives by supporting nonprofits and their work in Southern California communities.

“In light of the continuing pandemic, the S. Mark Taper Foundation’s generous grant is more crucial than ever for people impacted by cancer,” said Patricia Ostiller, Cancer Support Community Pasadena’s executive director.

“This grant will help CSCP to maintain and expand virtual and in-person psychosocial services for cancer patients and their loved ones, especially the Black and Hispanic communities who experience cancer disparities. It will also help CSCP to boost strategic marketing and outreach to potential participants, to narrow the digital divide in community access to our services, and to maintain a digital library of videos that are helpful to children and teens who have a loved one with cancer. We are honored to have earned the S. Mark Taper Foundation’s support.”

Founded in 1990, Cancer Support Community Pasadena is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides professionally facilitated support groups, educational workshops, and healthy lifestyle classes for cancer patients and their families, survivors and those bereaved by having lost someone to cancer. All its programs are offered for free.

For more information on Cancer Support Community Pasadena, call 626-796-1083 or visit cscpasadena.org.