Pasadena Weekly 12.08.22

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski christina@timespublications.com

DEPUTY EDITOR Luke Netzley lnetzley@timespublications.com

CONTRIBUTORS Summer Aguirre, Luke Hertel, Ellen Snortland

ART ART DIRECTOR Stephanie Torres storres@timespublications.com

PHOTOGRAPHER Chris Mortenson ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

ZAC REYNOLDS Zac@TimesPublications.com (626) 360-2811

The viking goddess

By Ellen Snortland Pasadena Weekly Columnist

In 1963, I was in third grade at Wilson Elementary School in the tiny South Dakota town of Huron. My classroom had green chalkboards, and I could always smell the chalk dust. The portraits of white male presidents surrounded the room; no wonder we grew up with the idea that only white men could be the President of the United States. I could walk to school from my home.

“Ellen, your artwork is on the table next to the door. Take it home with you,” Miss Erickson says.

“No, I’ll leave it here,” I say.

“Why don’t you take it home?” Miss Erickson asks.

I shrug my shoulders; I blush. “My mom throws it away.” Miss Erick son hid her shock.

Sonja Erickson was a Nordic Viking Goddess. Tall and blonde, she emanated warmth. Before her, I was an underachiever at school. My parents had concerns that I might be “slow.” When I met Miss Erickson, she looked at me and said, “I bet you’re above average, aren’t you, Ellen?” She talked to me differently than any other grown-up I’d known. She looked straight at me, and I felt seen for the first time in my short life. I liked that. From that day forward, I made my life about living up to Miss Erickson’s estimation of me, which continues to this day.

One day, I got called to the principal’s office. I reviewed in my tow-headed noggin what I might have done. Nothing, it turns out. The principal simply wanted to congratulate me on my last report card. Up to that point, the cards had been a constant litany of “below average” and “needs improvement.” I got called out for talking to other kids too much. Now my card said I was a star pupil!

My best friend in grade school, Jane Baum, told me years later that Sonja had asked the principal to call me out of the room because Miss Erickson wanted to talk to the class without me. “When you snort and make fun of Ellen’s last name, it hurts her feelings. She doesn’t show it, but she cries. Please don’t do that.” I came back to the class, and everyone stared straight ahead. I never heard another “Snorty, snorty, pig, pig, pig!” taunt again on her watch.

Sonja married Jim Staley that school year, and I was invited to their wedding. Their daughter, Wendy Colbert, told me Jim proposed to Sonja after Kennedy’s assassination. We were a nation mired in profound heart ache. Kennedy’s murder was the first adult news I remember hearing. Their wedding was the first wedding invitation of my life. We all needed an event that celebrated living. I again appreciated this Goddess, who came into my life right when I needed her most.

I have carried Sonja in my heart ever since third grade. She’s in the acknowledgments of my book, in my play, “Now That She’s Gone” and in the credits of my documentary. She impacted me in so many ways. When I meet or teach children, I make sure I don’t speak down to them and I treat them like real people. Many people in my parents’ generation unconsciously put kids in “seen but not heard” mode, which is funda mentally dehumanizing. My folks didn’t know better. Because I had Sonja in my life, I know what a profound difference one adult can make to a short person.

Years ago, I participated in a Landmark Worldwide class called “The Wisdom Course,” which consists of five weekends spread over a year. The focus was on generating fun, grace, and ease as adults. One of the topics was our often unexamined relationships with art. For example, we ex plored whether an adult had told us not to sing so loud or complimented our elephant artwork when it was actually a tractor. The result? Our young self decided that we were no good at music or art from then on. I

hadn’t remembered that my mother would take one look at my art and then throw it in the trash. She didn’t have a mean bone in her body; she merely hated clutter and didn’t “grok” how much it hurt me. She would take one look at my art, appreciate it, and then out it went.

In timing that defies logic, in 1993, I was between weekends of the Wisdom Course. I went to my mailbox and pulled out a manila envelope from Sonja Staley, whom I had stayed in touch with ever since my school days. Inside, I discovered my art that Sonja had saved for thirty years. There was also a terrible poem in my raggedy yet earnest cursive writing. I cried. Who does something like that? Sonja Erickson Staley, that’s who. When I discovered she had died this Thanksgiving, I cried again. I’m going to her memorial in Edmonds, Washington, in January. Thank you, Sonja; I love you. You changed my life.

5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, please attend a free, staged reading of my award-winning solo show, “Now That She’s Gone,” at All Saints Episcopal of Pasadena. It’s an encore, as many people wanted to see it. The perfor mance will be followed by a reception.

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

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!

Pasadena Community Police Academy is waiting for you

Igraduated from the fall session of the Pasadena Community Police Academy on Nov. 2. It is a bi-annual, eight-week program that gives you an “up close and per sonal” view of every unit within the Pasadena Police Department. You might ask, “Why would anyone want to sign up for that?”

Let me tell you why you need to get on their waitlist for their Spring 2023 Academy.

I was surprised to meet so many officers in every department/unit who are so dedicated, brave and passionate about what they do. They all want to keep you, your families, your businesses and your property safe. They work tirelessly together and sometimes alone to cover every possible thing that can go wrong in this city. You would be surprised to hear just how many things do go wrong in a day in Pasadena — some more dangerous than others.

These officers are away from their families for long hours, risking their own safety, working on shifts that are unpredictable from day to day.

I did a four-plus-hour ride along with one of the officers. Before we left, I thought I was going to throw up. The first place we went was to the scene of a murder that had taken place the night before. I heard about it in the shift briefing before my “ride along” and was glad that the officers already had discovered surveillance footage. It would only be a matter of time before the killer was behind bars. By the time I did my ride along, I had already heard from the homicide unit officers during class and I knew how efficient they were at using every possible resource, including your tips, to appre hend killers. Their success rate is over 90% due to their dedication and unrelenting efforts to comb through information to get to the truth and locate their perpetrators.

On my ride along, we went to one call after another, each one completely different from the call before. My officer was always calm and cool and assessed each situation quickly. He responded with admirable de-escalation techniques. I knew this was no small feat as one of our academy classes was dedicated to role playing. The entire role playing evening, my classmates, including myself, hand cuffed and shot up innocent “actors” as we all got overwhelmed with scenarios that played out quickly, often dan gerously with out of control emotions causing people to behave in unpredictable ways. After that evening, my respect for officers skyrocketed. Their ability to read a situation quickly, determine who is who, respond with the correct amount of force at the right time while keeping their own emotions in check is nothing short of amaz ing. This does not come naturally. The level of training these officers go through (in a variety of areas) would surprise you.

Another class was at the shooting range, where not only did we get to shoot a variety of guns, but we got to act out electronic scenarios with electronic guns (think

life-size video games) on a big screen. My classmate “partner” and I were shot so many times that we were glad we still had our real jobs. Our inability to assess potentially dangerous situations quickly and accurately cost us. Then we started shooting inno cent “electronic” people while trying to keep from getting ourselves killed. We started overcompensating in our attempts to not get killed. Our anxiety got the best of us.

I’d love to go into all of the interesting details that every department shared with my class, but this article would never end. Some of my favorites, The Air Ops Unit — with their infrared lights, cameras and 3-minute response time — made me proud.

The special investigation unit is working bravely, tirelessly to get drugs off the streets and away from our kids. Fentanyl is pernicious and now comes in candy-col ored tablets, which they work hard to eradicate. I was proud to hear of their brave successes.

The defensive tactics unit has focused on jujitsu training for more than 15 years. It means the “gentle art” in Japanese. This style of martial arts enables officers to appre hend suspects with minimal injury to the suspect while improving the time it takes to get the suspect under control.

The fraud/stolen identity unit never ceased to amaze me. Perpetrators purchase inexpensive machines off Amazon that enable them to recreate credit cards. The suc cess rate with which perpetrators persuade Pasadena citizens to relinquish thousands of dollars to expunge nonexistent warrant(s). To this I say, “Don’t send money/crypto currency to anyone without checking with the police first.”

Records, admin services, communications, special victims unit, forensics, neigh borhood services, burglary, dispatch, PAL, traffic (motorbikes), jail, Crimestoppers, event planning/security, counterterrorism and the K9 units all deserve a big shout out as well. Each unit has a lot to share about its progressive policies, dedicated officers and its individual strategies for working together to make an overall organization that works efficiently for you and this city. This is all done with a shortage of officers on a tight budget.

I encourage you to sign up for this program and get to know the people who are working tirelessly to keep you and those dear to you safe. You won’t regret it. Apart from it being incredibly informative, they also make it a lot of fun. Their good-hearted banter and camaraderie are infectious. If anything, you will walk away highly in formed about this great city, and proud to know that you are protected by a fine group of officers dedicated to you and your safety.

By Kellie Strubinski

The Pasadena Community Police Academy is a bi-annual, eight-week program.

Trust and transparency: Speaking with Police Chief Gene Harris

By Luke Netzley Pasadena Weekly Deputy Editor

Since he was a child, Pasadena’s new chief of police Eugene Harris felt that he was born to live a life of service. His father, Eugene Sr., was a Marine and his mother, Ruby, worked as a civilian contractor with the Air Force.

Harris went on to follow in his father’s footsteps and joined the U.S. Marine Corps at 17 years old before becoming a Los Angeles County deputy sheriff. He served for over 23 years in the Monterey Park Police Department, where he was promoted through the ranks to captain, and was named police chief of the city of San Gabriel in 2016.

On Nov. 21, City Manager Miguel Márquez appointed Harris to serve as Pasadena’s police chief, effective Jan. 3.

“I think that this was the move that I was designed for,” Harris said. “Over the years, I got an opportunity to work with Pasadena through mutual aid agreements that we have, worked with them on major events … got to meet a lot of the folks like the former chief John Perez. … I had an opportunity to really get an insight from several people on what Pasadena was about. And then reading about it, understanding that it is a world class city with world class challenges, just really sparked in me a need to test my skills.”

Harris joins the Pasadena Police Department with over 30 years of law enforcement and leadership experience. He also serves as president of the Los Angeles County Police Chiefs’ Association.

“I heard the city manager call it the ‘chief of chiefs,’” Harris recalled with a laugh. “One of the things that I really enjoyed was the interaction with 44 other independent police department police chiefs and picking the brain of people from agencies as small as Sierra Madre to as large as LAPD. It really expedited my experience, my training and my development. I’m learning from some of the most accomplished law enforce ment professionals anywhere in the world, and that means at the local, state, and federal levels.

“I want to continue to develop. … Anything that can help me become a better po lice chief and better serve the community, I’m all in.”

During his two-decade spell in Monterey Park and six years in San Gabriel, Harris

Chris Mortenson/staff photographer

The son of a U.S. Marine and an Air Force Civilian Contractor, incoming Pasadena Police Chief Eugene Harris feels that he was born to live a life of service.

said that he helped combat many of the same public safety issues that plague Pasadena today, namely homelessness and the fentanyl crisis, through deploying the “three E’s” of education, engineering and enforcement.

“Enforcement is a last resort and education and engineering solutions are our go-to,” Harris explained. “If we can do that, we might be able to solve some of these problems without having to have the enforcement contact that has become kind of the norm when dealing with this segment of our society.”

Regarding homelessness, Harris expressed that it should not be viewed as a crime, but as a plight that impacts people. He pointed to his experience in San Gabriel, where the police department created a Community Engagement Bureau that sent out a “blitz” of people in plain clothes backed by Measure H funding to provide information and connect those impacted by homelessness to the services they need.

Regarding the fentanyl crisis, Harris recounted a recent press conference with District Attorney George Gascón, who announced that a task force was going to be formed involving the LA County police chiefs, the sheriff’s department and school dis tricts across the county to help educate people on the dangers of fentanyl use and what services are available throughout LA.

“We’re bringing people together in the solution process. That’s the education piece,” Harris said. “For the engineering piece, there are opportunities … If you’ve seen bus benches that have rails in the middle so that they can’t be laid upon, or the little metal pieces that they put on the side of brick walls so that people don’t tear it up with skate boards … If you can make some of the engineering changes and create safe spaces and services for these folks, I think that’s half the battle.”

Ahead of Harris’ appointment, the Community Police Oversight Commission voiced concerns about the lack of CPOC involvement in the police chief selection pro cess and about whether the new chief would work collaboratively with the commission or not.

Harris insisted that his plan is to not only work with whoever wishes to collabo rate with the department, but to actively seek out collaboration with members of the community.

“I will be active in communicating with the Oversight Commission,” he said. “I’ll be upfront and honest with them about what I can and can’t do, what I will and won’t do.

“There’re obviously times that, based on circumstances, confidentiality and things like that, we have to manage information. But when it comes to working with groups that are designed to make policing better, I’d be a fool not to actively participate. … We represent the community, and I want to make sure that we’re providing for that quality of life and ridding the community of fear.”

In recent history, the Pasadena Police Department has seen incidents like police shootings and complaints against officers that have damaged the reputation of the department in the eyes of some members of the community. Harris hopes to foster a better relationship with the community from day one by building trust through trans parency.

“We have to be open and honest about what it is that we’re doing, and I plan on being every bit of that,” he declared. “You’ve got to get out and talk to the people in the community, and you have to educate them. Everybody’s got a perspective. My son was killed back in 2005 out in the Inland Empire, and I look at things differently since that event because I can understand how victims of crimes or, in the case of interactions with police, people who may have lost a loved one … I want to make sure that I’m approaching it in a way that is sensitive to that, but certainly observing of what needs to be done and all the legal ramifications and legal restrictions that we have.

“The idea is to educate everybody and to get educated as to what the needs of the community are. There are going to be times when there’re controversies where the police department has to take certain actions within the community in the spirit of ridding the community of a crime and preventing fear … and it’s not always a pretty thing. But we want to make sure that we’re being legal, moral, ethical, safe and within policy so that way we’re providing the strongest service. But it’s certainly making sure that we can account for the perspectives of others.”

One of the events that Harris held in San Gabriel to help build relationships was a meet-and-greet-style gathering once a month at City Hall where community mem bers could enjoy refreshments and ask the chief any questions that they have or raise pertinent issues. He found that, while delving into complex problems was sometimes a difficult pursuit, the gatherings provided necessary clarity and opened up new lines of communication.

“Law enforcement is a necessary component of any community,” Harris said. “What I’m hoping is that that necessity breeds brotherhood, and it breeds a collective push towards quality of life and certainly dismantling whatever criminal elements may be impacting our community members.

“I want to absolutely incorporate education, engineering and enforcement. I want to make sure that we are aligning ourselves with the community to the extent that we’re providing service in the best manner possible … legal, moral, ethical, safe and within policy. And if we do that, we can provide some really strong relationships and become an integral part of the community.”

One Colorado bustling with holiday events

By Summer Aguirre Pasadena Weekly Staff Writer

It’s the busiest time of year, and One Colorado is spreading holiday cheer all month.

“There really is something for everyone throughout the year, but especially this month — we have a lot of different activities, events,” said Melisa Lopez, regional marketing manager for ShopCore Properties, owners and managing entity for One Colorado. “I just hope that the community is able to get involved how they feel comfortable, enjoy the holiday spirit, take opportunities back where they can and really just enjoy the season.”

The highlight of this year’s event lineup is the new 12 Days of Holiday, which will feature activities in One Colorado’s courtyard beginning Saturday, Dec. 10. From creating gingerbread houses, to crafting holiday cocktails, to listening to stories with Santa, there will be something for all ages to enjoy each day.

“I think we’re already seeing a lot of excitement around those (events), which will definitely bring a lot of people to the property enjoying and getting into the holiday spirit. That’s what it’s all about,” Lopez said.

12 Days of Holiday

• Saturday, Dec. 10: Holiday wreath crafting from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

• Sunday, Dec. 11: Santa snacks and stories from 1 to 3 p.m.

• Monday, Dec. 12: Gift wrapping master class from 1 to 3 p.m.

• Tuesday, Dec. 13: Letters to Santa and holiday crafts from 4 to 6 p.m.

• Wednesday, Dec. 14: Vintage holiday card and calligraphy gift tag workshop from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

• Thursday, Dec. 15: Popcorn garland making from 4 to 6 p.m.

• Friday, Dec. 16: Adult gingerbread house crafting from 6 to 8 p.m.

• Saturday, Dec. 17: Kids gingerbread house crafting from 1 to 3 p.m.

• Sunday, Dec. 18: Santa snacks and stories from 1 to 3 p.m.

• Monday, Dec. 19: Holiday cocktail and mocktail crafting from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

• Tuesday, Dec. 20: Holiday ornament decorating from 4 to 6 p.m.

• Wednesday, Dec. 21: Holiday cookie decorating from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

In addition to the 12 Days of Holiday, young ones can meet Santa and take photos with him through Dec. 24 before he must prepare for Christmas Eve night.

They can also write Santa letters and receive a personalized response. Holi day messages with return addresses can be dropped off in Santa’s Mailbox near IPIC Theater and Sage Vegan Bistro until Dec. 15.

Carolers singing holiday songs to enhance the joy of the season from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 10 and 17. Participating retailers and restaurants will be handing out complimentary gingerbread kits as a gift with purchases until Dec. 24.

Alongside One Colorado’s permanent tenants will be a variety of vendors popped up in an outdoor holiday market throughout the block.

“It’s a great opportunity to just add another dimension to the community, for the guests to just enhance their shopping experience and expose them to some thing new,” Lopez said. “A lot of these are local vendors and very one-of-a-kind gifts, but I think that really adds a special touch to shopping and also gifting.”

In support of local charity, One Colorado is partnering with Union Station Homeless Services. The center, which has collaborated with the organization in the past, will be collecting new and unwrapped toys next to Santa near IPIC Theater and Sage Vegan Bistro through Dec. 15.

Lopez said it’s important for the community to give back, even in small ways. She is happy to have another opportunity to partner with Union Station.

“We’re very excited. Everything that we do, we really take a thoughtful approach to ways to incorporate the local community and really give back to charity,” Lopez said. “I think that’s woven in really throughout pretty much everything that we do in general, but especially in this holiday season. It’s the season to give back and incorporate the community, the tenants and a number of local nonprofits, as well.”

For more information about One Colorado’s holiday events this month, visit onecolorado.com/events.

One Colorado’s “12 Days of Holiday” begins with wreath crafting on Saturday, Dec. 10.

Friends host South Pas holiday book sale

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Pasadena Weekly Executive Editor

The Friends of the South Pasadena Public Library are sponsoring a holiday book sale from Friday, Dec. 9, to Sunday, Dec. 1, at the South Pasadena Library Community Room, 1115 El Centro Street.

Public hours are 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 9; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 10; and 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 11. Friends’ members are admitted at 5 p.m. Dec. 9.

The Friends of the South Pasadena Public Library Bookstore co-chair Karen Weinstock said the sale features hundreds of books in “pristine condition” and all proceeds go to the library. On Sunday, marketplace artisans will sell their wares.

The sale is an extension of the bookstore, which is open 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays to Thursdays; 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fridays; and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Satur days. However for the holidays, the store will have extended hours on Sunday, Dec. 18, and Monday, Dec. 19.

“We receive donations from a very generous community,” Weinstock said. “We’re always putting out new books for sale in the bookstore. We save the best of the donations for our annual holiday sale.”

Besides early entry for members, opening night will feature a silent auction of books. They will be listed in advance on the Friends’ website, friendsofso paslibrary.org/and bidding closes at 7:30 p.m. that night.

The highlights

include:

• “The First Folio of Shakespeare” by Charlton Hinman, W.W. Norton & Co., 1996. Second edition, The Norton Facsimile. “The Norton Facsimile is consid ered to be an indispensable volume for readers and collectors of Shakespeare, prepared by scholar Charlton Hinman,” Weinstock said. “It is a full-size photo graphic facsimile that has won the admiration of actors and scholars through out the world.”

• “MAD’s Greatest Artists – The Completely MAD Don Martin,” edited by Greg Jones, forward by Gary Larson. Running Press Publishers, 2007. Two-volume set in a slip case, first edition.

• “25 Cats Name Sam and One Blue Pussy” and “Holy Cats by Andy Warhol’s Mother,” by the estate of Andy Warhol, 1987. Warhol had these two books privately printed as gifts for his friends in the 1950s. “25 Cats” features 19 cats drawn and hand-colored by Warhol in electric hues. “Holy Cats,” which he drew in black ink on colored papers, shows the characters that surround his own cat, Hester. This is a facsimile set of two in a slipcase.

• “A Darkness More Than Night,” by Michael Connelly, B.E. Trice Publishing, 2001. No. 191/400, signed by the author. “A Darkness More Than Night” is the 10th novel by American crime author Michael Connelly; it is the seventh fea turing the LA detective Hieronymus Bosch. This is a limited edition, specially bound with a slip case.

• “The Medieval Haggadah,” by Marc Michael Epstein, Yale University Press, 2011. “In this beautifully illustrated book, historian Marc Michael Epstein explores four magnificent illuminated haggadot manuscripts created for use at home services on Passover,” she said. “In addition, he uses these treasured vol umes as a springboard to address broader issues in the study of Jewish thought and culture.”

Sunday features an artisan marketplace, with items like ceramics, art created with upcycled goods, photo carts and gemstone jewelry.

“I’m really excited to add the marketplace,” she said. “It opens the library up to their contacts and people interested in buying gifts besides books. There will still be plenty of books left on Sunday.”

Friends of the South Pasadena Public Library’s Holiday Book Sale

WHEN: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10; and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11; members admitted at 5 p.m. Dec. 9

WHERE: South Pasadena Library Community Room, 1115 El Centro Street, South Pasadena

COST: Free admission

INFO: friendsofsopaslibrary.org, spplfriends@yahoo.com

Ski Dazzle brings flurry of activities to DTLA

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Pasadena Weekly Executive Editor

Ski Dazzle is returning to the Los Angeles Convention Center Friday, Dec. 9, to Sunday, Dec. 11, with more than $6 million in ski and snowboard gear, clothing and accesso ries at up to 70% off.

Attendees will receive a two free lift ticket offer or an on-mountain beginner ski or snowboard lesson package (valued at over $218) with the purchase of a regular admission. Winter sports enthusiasts are invited to shop deals and talk to experts.

This year’s show will also feature:

• Free beginner ski lessons on the Ski Dazzle ramp. Friendly instructors and equipment will be provided by Snow Valley Mountain Resort to help make it easy and fun for you to make your first turns, right at the show, said Judy Gray, the show’s co-producer. “We have a learn-to-ski deck where we take anybody of any age or any ability and let them try skiing,” she said. “It’s a beginner slope, 12 feet high and 60 feet long. We have instructors from Snow Valley. We can take down to 7 years old on sizes. We can’t take too young because we don’t have the boots and equipment for that young. But we can get people right on the skis.”

• Tire chain installation contest. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) returns to mod erate this event. CHP officers will be on site to answer questions and offer winter driving tips. $300 cash awarded for best show time.

• Free climbing wall: Attendees can test their fitness or challenge a friend in a speed climbing contest for a chance to win prizes. No experience needed. All ages welcome. $300 cash awarded for fastest show time.

New this year, attendees are invited to check out the new Van Life Exhibit Area, where all-season road warriors can find or create their new home-away-from-home from an array of Sprinter and conversion van fabricators.

Celebrating 59 years, this annual event will also feature a beer garden with street tacos and family entertainment. The Ski Dazzle “Fireside Chats” seminars will return with a chance to answer ski and snowboard resort trivia questions and win lift tickets, ski gear or cash.

“Those are fun seminars. They’re not just talking heads,” said Gray, who attended Arca dia High School and Pasadena City College.

“We bring people on stage. We have resort wars, where two resorts take part in this tit-for-tat come-to-my-resort contest, then we give away tickets to the audience who asks questions during the Q&A. They can be loud and have a great time. We love getting the kids up there and have them ask questions. Their questions are really thoughtful.”

Ski Dazzle

WHEN: 3 to 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10; and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11

WHERE: Los Angeles Convention Center’s South Hall (Kentia), 1201 S. Figueroa LA

COST: $22 general admission and includes a free lift ticket offer or an on-moun tain beginner ski or snowboard lesson; free for children 12 and younger—but no lift ticket—when accompanied by an adult

INFO: skidazzle.com

A Ski Dazzle attendee receives his free lift ticket.

Guests peruse the snowboards at Ski Dazzle.

Guests shop for ski attire and equipment at Ski Dazzle.

• ARTS & CULTURE

Supergroup brings legendary songs — and more — to the stage

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Pasadena Weekly Executive Editor

The Immediate Family is steeped in musical history. The supergroup features guitarist, singer-songwriter Steve Postell, who owns Katonah Studios in Marina Del Rey; guitarist/vocalist Danny Kortchmar; gui tarist/vocalist Waddy Wachtel; percussionist Russ Kunkel and bassist Leland Sklar of Pasadena.

The Immediate Family — who has written songs for the likes of Linda Ronstadt, Stevie Nicks, James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Bryan Ferry, Keith Richards, Don Henley and the Bee Gees — plays The Mint at 6010 W. Pico Boulevard in Los Angeles on Saturday, Dec. 10.

The Immediate Family is, from left, Steve Postell, Russ Kunkel, Leland Sklar, Waddy Wachtel and Danny Kortchmar.

Rob Shanahan/Contributor

“Fans can expect good old rock ‘n’ roll,” Postell said. “We have some of the most legendary rock ‘n’ roll sidemen in the world. Half of the set are hits that the guys have written for people like Don Henley, Jackson Browne, James Taylor and Warren Zevon, and half of the set is new material that we’ve been writing.

“There are a few all-star bands where they play their old hits. We’re a real band. We’re writing and making music, and making videos, yet we have the legacy.”

Recently, it released the single “The Toughest Girl in Town,” a compelling version of the Sparks song. It’s the first single from The Immediate Family’s forthcoming sophomore effort, “Skin in the Game,” arriving in early 2023 via Quarto Valley Records.

The band is also the subject of the documentary “Immediate Family” by director Denny Tedesco (“The Wrecking Crew!”) and took home the 2022 Audience Awards at the Woodstock and Tallgrass film festivals.

“Denny did such a great job,” Postell said.

“We’ve seen it a lot of times now. I was nervous about it the first time, but I’m pleasantly pleased with how it flows. It’s a great story of the four other guys. I’m the newcomer — I’m the young guy.”

The film tracks the rise and collaborations of the musicians through the 1970s and onward, spotlighting their partnerships and their mark that helped define the sound of a generation.

“When I started out, it was all analog,” he said. “If you want ed to find out who was playing, for me it was the Village Voice in New York. It was a much different world.

“You had to go to a record store and go through record bins to find out what was happening. I watched the massive shift in the way music is made. I think we feel very indebted to and connected to the really great traditions of songwriting and rock ‘n’ roll. You won’t find us playing with tracks.”

Postell was bitten by the music bug early in his life. His par ents let him stay up late to watch “The Ed Sullivan Show” when The Beatles made their first appearance.

“It took me over,” he said. “It’s just a real love affair. I love all kinds of music. I love getting to play it. It’s a never-ending jour ney, if you want it to be, in terms of growth and exploration.”

The Immediate Family is a modern iteration of a legendary studio ensemble known as The Section, who played for James Taylor and Jackson Browne.

“Jump ahead to six or seven years ago, and a Japanese label wanted to re-release The Section records,” he said. “They got in touch with Danny and said, ‘Why don’t you put the band together, come here and tour?’

“They thought about it and it didn’t materialize. The feeling was, ‘We did that, and it was good in its time.’ They didn’t feel it was necessary to revisit.”

Postell suggested they get together but do something else. They assembled a band, but it wasn’t The Immediate Family.

Kortchmar was approached about releasing an album of his hits with him singing. They went to Jackson Browne’s studio and, in the middle of making Kortchmar’s record, it “felt like a band.”

“It was extremely organic,” Postell said. “We didn’t have dis cussions about it. It was a very effortless and organic process.”

The Immediate Family plays songs like Kortchmar’s “Dirty Laundry” and “Somebody’s Baby,” by Henley and Browne, respectively, and new tunes. Postell said there hasn’t been any change in response.

“It’s the same writers, the same players, the same energy,” he added. “There’s not a big difference from one to the other. They hold up just as well. They’re really well-written songs and they fit. We have a sound at this point.”

The Immediate Family w/Angela Petrilli and Resurrection Road

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 WHERE: The Mint, 6010 W. Pico Boulevard, LA COST: Tickets start at $30 INFO: themintla.com

Known for her song, “I

Shanice, Gay Men’s Chorus put Motown spin on traditions

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Pasadena Weekly Executive Editor

Christmas makes R&B/pop singer Shanice Wilson-Knox smile, and she said she’s definitely excit ed about her collaborative concert with the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles.

Kicking off the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles season, “A Motown Holiday” hits the stage on Saturday, Dec. 17, and Sunday, Dec. 18, at Glendale’s Alex Theatre.

“This is my first time I’ve ever been to any of their events,” she said. “I’ve heard nothing but great things, that their music is beautiful. We’re going to have a great time.”

They will sing Christmas songs and Wilson-Knox will perform her 1993 Grammy-nominated hit “I Love Your Smile.” Ironically, at first, she didn’t think the song was right as a first single.

“I thought it was a great song,” she said. “I just didn’t think it was right for the first single. I was at Motown Records crying, saying, ‘It’s not the right song. It’s not the right single.’ Of course, they didn’t listen to me — and it went up the charts overnight.

Wilson-Knox wanted to release “Silent Prayer,” a duet with Johnny Gill.

“At the time, the Persian Gulf War was going on and I felt like we needed prayer right then,” she recalled.

She said she certainly doesn’t regret any of it. She’s incredibly proud of “I Love Your Smile,” which is sampled in Chris Brown’s song “Undecided.” That introduced the track to a “whole new genera tion.”

“My kids are listening to ‘I Love Your Smile,’” she said. “I didn’t expect any of this. I’m so grateful and so thankful that the label didn’t listen to me.”

“A Motown Holiday” is a massive choral tribute to Motown’s beloved hits and holiday music. The chorus will sing and dance the season’s greatest from the greats of Motown and beyond: The Tempta tions, The Supremes, The Ronettes, Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robin son, The Jackson 5, The Weather Girls, Martha and the Vandellas.

“A Motown Holiday” also features The Motown Quartet, including Thomas Hobson (Nickelode on’s “That Girl Lay Lay,” La Mirada’s Ain’t Misbehavin’ – Ob vation Award), Stu James (Kirk Douglas Theatre’s Recorded in Hollywood, Hulu’s “Good Trouble”), Frank Lawson (Las Vegas’ “Marilyn! The

Love Your Smile,” Shanice Wilson-Knox is recording new music.

New Musical,” The Hollywood Bowl’s “Mamma Mia!”) and Dedrick Bonner (vocalist to artists such as Beyoncé, BTS, Dolly Parton and Kanye West, among others).

“Over the years, GMCLA’s holiday concerts have become a beloved tradition in the Los Angeles area because of this chorus’ signature blend of verve and first-rate talent,” said Lou Spisto, chorus executive director and producer.

“This year we’re bringing the original Motown arrangements to holiday classics, pop hits that were made famous, plus a host of special surprises with ‘A Motown Hol iday.’ So far, the response has been fantastic — we’re selling so well, and we’re thrilled. Adding the incredible Shanice, whom we just adore, and our Motown Quartet will add even more music, variety and great singing to the production.”

This has been a busy year for Wilson-Knox. On November 12, she hit the stage with Charlie Wilson, Keith Sweat, Jodeci and Teddy Riley for RnB Rewind at the Toyota Arena – Ontario.

She played Michelle Obama to TJ Wilkins’ Barack Obama in the musical “44: The Unofficial, Unsanctioned Obama Musical” at the Bourbon Room in Hollywood.

“TJ Wilkins is my cousin through marriage,” she said. “It was an honor to play Mi chelle Obama, though. When they called me, I was done. I was so excited. I couldn’t believe my name and Michelle Obama were within the same conversation.

“There was a lot of comedy in it. It makes you want to cry and laugh. It was really nice. The music was beautiful. I was telling her story through songs. I didn’t try to imitate her or anything.”

Now, the former Pasadena resident may release a Christmas single before the holiday. She’s been in the studio working on new music and she acted in the Hallmark film “To Her with Love.” Wilson-Knox calls her new music more mature.

“I’m married with two kids now,” she adds. “When I came out with ‘I Love Your Smile,’ I was a teenager. Now I’m a grown woman and I’ve experienced things in my life just growing up and having a family and children.

“I have more to talk about now — about being a wife and mother. I also like to write songs that will empower women. I love to speak to women and encourage them not to give up and to believe in themselves. It’s so needed — especially with the world today. There’s so much hate and sadness going on in the world. I like to do music that would uplift people’s spirits.”

“A Motown Holiday” with the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles and Shanice Wilson-Knox

WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18

WHERE: Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Boulevard, Glendale

COST: Tickets start at $29

INFO: gmcla.org, alextheatre.org

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles will sing Christmas songs at its holiday concert.

Little Hurt strips down to the bare necessities

By Luke Hertel Pasadena Weekly Staff Writer

Onetime Mowgli’s singer Colin Dieden said with his solo project, Little Hurt, he doesn’t have to hide his “depression pop” tendencies.

While in The Mowgli’s, he had nine bandmates to an swer to. This time around, he’s satisfied making his own music, which he describes as happy-sounding melodies melded with incredibly sad lyrics.

“That’s always been my style, even in The Mowgli’s,” Dieden said. “If you get into those songs, they all sound happy but often, you’ll find they’re pretty sad. I’ve always liked the dichotomy between really sad lyrics and happy melodies. It’s like sending someone a really bad Christ mas present, but it’s wrapped nicely. It’s like, ‘Here’s this horrible thing,’ but I’m going to make it something …

Colin Dieden will bring his solo project, Little Hurt, to The Peppermint Club in West Hollywood on Friday, Dec. 9.

Kay Kay Blaisdell/Submitted

Photo by Eric Pargac. Trisha Miller.

palatable.”

He will bring this sound to The Peppermint Club in West Hollywood on Friday, Dec. 9.

“I hope that it will not be bad, most of all,” Die den said. “I’ve always put on a high-energy show. I try to involve the audience and, you know, people are paying money, so let’s make them have a good time.”

The alt-rock band The Mowgli’s formed in 2010 in Calabasas. In the decade he was with the band, Dieden said he learned to live in the moment — no matter how cliché that sounds.

“The exciting stuff that you think you’re building up to in life is actually happening right now,” Dieden said thoughtfully. “These are the cool things that are happening right now and (meanwhile) I’m just waiting for the next (thing). I kind of blew through it like on a motorcycle when I wish I would have kind of leaned back.”

Dieden said he decided to pursue a solo career after seeing the response to his 2020 song “Better Drugs.” If it wasn’t well received, Little Hurt may not exist.

“I guess I’d probably still be The Mowgli’s,” he said. “That song definitely changed my trajectory, for sure. Or I’d be working at a CVS or something. I have no clue.”

Dieden said he just wants to write about sadness.

“I’ve always have had that in me,” he said. “With The Mowgli’s, I almost, like, contractually had to be happy, so I snuck it in there. I don’t think people realize how sad a lot of those songs were, but now I can be more open about that.”

In the end, Dieden said this sound is the only sound he knows. He said he doesn’t know if he learned it, was taught it or even if he was just born with it.

“I’ve always been super into the idea of like, ‘This song is so depressing, but you want to listen to it in your car while you’re like driving.’ I don’t really know, where I learned (it). I think it’s just like, ev eryone has their style. That’s my sound.”

While the dichotomy between sad and happy fuels Dieden’s songwriting, it’s actually where Die den grew up, in Kansas City, that truly makes Little Hurt, Little Hurt.

“I think that I’m definitely without a doubt a Midwest guy,” Dieden said. “I think Kansas City is why I’m who I am. I think in this game with all these kids in LA who are (concerned with) how they look and that’s the whole thing and I’m just a kid from Kansas.

“I don’t sound like it, but I just have no interest in any of that. I think that that’s like a Midwest thing for sure. Also, I never like grew up wanting to be famous or be big or anything at all. I was like, skate boarding my friends in Kansas and like, somehow things happened to me. But I think that the Midwest culture definitely like, permeates through everything I’ve always done like, I’m not an LA guy. I don’t think LA has had any positive effects on me. I would say, if anything, that it has been negative, but I have to live here for my job, but like if I could move back to Kansas tomorrow, I would.”

WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9

WHERE: The Peppermint Club, 8713 Beverly Boulevard, West Hollywood

COST: $15 in advance

INFO: ticketmaster.com

As a singer for alt-rock band The Mowgli’s, Dieden decided to begin pursuing a solo career after the response to his 2020 song “Better Drugs.”

Little Hurt and Hembree w/Kenzo Cregan

Kay Kay Blaisdell/Submitted

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Mayor Gordo hosts Tree Lighting Ceremony

By Luke Netzley Pasadena Weekly Deputy Editor

Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo welcomed families and friends throughout the city to the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at City Hall on Dec. 2. The event included crafts for children provided by Armory Center for the Arts as well as live performances from local singers, dancers and groups like Pasadena’s Afterschool Adventures Program, Rosebud Academy choir, Willard Elementary’s Rising Stars, Pasadena LEARNs and Elements Dance Space.

The Pasadena Fire Department was also in attendance, col lecting donations of new, unwrapped toys, sports equipment and gift cards for the annual Spark of Love Toy Drive, which seeks to provide a present-filled holiday experience for local underserved children.

“This is an annual tradition where we celebrate togetherness, where we celebrate one another and our backgrounds, our families, our friends, and look forward to a great holiday season as we enter 2023,” Mayor Gordo said. “This is the beginning of a series of com munity events that, year after year, bring us together as residents of Pasadena.”

Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo flips the switch at the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Pasadena City Hall.

Retired police lieutenant Rodney D Wallace was the emcee for this year’s tree lighting ceremony.

Chris Mortenson/Staff photographer

Rosebud Elementary Students sing Christmas songs for the guests of the tree lighting ceremony at Pasadena City Hall.

Santa Claus came to town to help celebrate the lighting of the Christmas tree. Firefighter Daiyo Ito shows off some of the tools to Adrien Morens.

CALENDAR

Bookstore boasts stellar lineup for December

By Pasadena Weekly Staff

The renowned bookstore Vroman’s is hosting more top-notch virtual and in-per son programs throughout December.

All in-person events will all be held at Vroman’s located at 695 E. Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, unless otherwise noted.

Register through vromansbookstore.com. Anyone with questions is asked to email email@vromansbookstore.com.

Z.R. Ellor and Alexandra Overy present their latest, “Acting the Part” and “This Cursed Crown” 7 p.m. Monday, December 12

“Acting the Part”: Queer actor Lily Ashton has found fame playing lesbian warrior Morgantha on the hit TV show “Galaxy Spark.” Lily knows how little representation queer girls have, so when the showrunners reveal that Morgantha’s on-screen love interest, Alietta, is going to be killed off, Lily orchestrates an elaborate fake-dating scheme with the standoffish actress who plays her, to generate press and ensure a hap py ending for the #Morganetta ship.

But while playing a doting girlfriend on- and off-screen, Lily struggles with wheth er a word like “girl” applies to them at all.

Lily’s always been good at playing a part. But are they ready to share their real self, even if it means throwing everything they’ve fought for away? (Harperteen)

“This Cursed Crown”: In the sequel to “These Feathered Flames,” twin sisters Izave

ta and Asya find themselves separated once again, but discovering a way back to each other may be their most perilous challenge yet.

Awakening to find herself trapped in a strange tower, Izaveta knows she must find her way back to the Tóurensi palace and claim the throne. But even with an unexpect ed ally’s help, she worries she might not be able to get news of her survival to her sister and escape this frozen land. Back at home, Asya enlists Nikov’s help to prove Izaveta is still alive, even as she finds herself forced to navigate the political world, she always sought to avoid to save her queendom, her loved ones, and herself. But as the sisters work independently to reunite, a dangerous force lies in wait, trying to regain power to overthrow the monarchy. (Inkyard Press)

py practice and shows the reader how to do the real work that creates lasting change.

“Beep Beep” shares some of the stories of participants who were able to manifest what their heart deeply desired that had been elusive for years, even when the odds seemed impossible.

Cuneo’s “Little Morwenna’s Horror Alphabet Primer” features illustrator Juno Abreu. Together, they present the alphabet as taught by a new, gothic heroine for the age. She’s dead, but that won’t stop her from trying to make friends by sharing a few of her favorite things-like her axe, your burial, a good lament, and her dog Shivers, who seems to have picked up an odor under the floorboards. No matter-sit back, relax, ig nore the screams from the marsh, and allow Little Morwenna to unburden you of that annoying obligation you’ve been feeling to look on the bright side.

7 p.m. Tuesday, December 13

DeBellis’ “The Music We Make”: Surviv ing an accident that takes his mother’s life, 22-year-old songwriter Santiago DeAngelo is consumed by grief, guilt, and the opiates he is prescribed for his injuries. Nearing rock bottom, he receives inspiration for a song from his late mother. As he struggles to write it, he falls in love with Kitty Holladay, a music producer who offers a rare shot at fame with a hidden agenda. Kitty seduces him into the fast-paced world of pop music where he records a hit album while fighting his opiate addiction to write the one song that will help him make peace with his mother’s death. But when their relationship ends over the betrayal of that song, Santiago must decide the real value of his life in a moment that nearly ends it.

DeMonte’s “Beep Beep Get Out of My Way: Seven Tools for Powerful Creation and Living Your Unstoppable Life” is based on the seven transformative tools from the Abundance Circle groups created by psychotherapist Catherine DeMonte. This is the process which shifted her clients into manifesting mavens. It is a practi cal self-help book grounded in the author’s more than 25 years of clinical psychothera

Kate Baer, in conversation with Elizabeth Holmes, discusses “And Yet: Poems” 7 p.m. Thursday, December 15

The author of “What Kind of Woman,” Kate Baer recently penned a second full-length book of poetry, “And Yet.” It dives deeper into the themes that are the hallmarks of her writing: motherhood, friendship, love and loss. Taken together, these poems demonstrate the remark able evolution of a writer and an artist working at the height of her craft, pushing herself and her poetry in a beautiful and impressive way.

Holiday entertainment

Vroman’s is hosting music this holiday season, outside on the Vroman’s Paseo

Holiday Brass Quintet from Pasadena Conservatory of Music

1 p.m. Saturday, December 10

Vocielesti Choir

1 p.m. Saturday, December 17

Vroman’s Local Author Night featuring Michelle Rene DeBellis, Catherine DeMonte and Paul Cuneo

Linda Vista Arts Display Exhibit DECEMBER

Support local artists and their work with Linda Vista’s exhibit of watercolor and oil paintings. The artists bring their own creative style and flavor to their pieces, meant to invoke nature, man or the abstract.

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

Free Health Screening DEC. 8

Get a free health check and make sure everything is in good shape with a free health screening by the registered nurses at Huntington Health. Blood pressure tests, blood glucose screen ings, referrals and health education are all available for free. A two-hour fast minimum is required for blood glucose testing.

La Pintoresca Branch Library, 1355 N. Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, noon to 1 p.m., free, cityofpasadena.net/library

Latin Thursday Holiday Special DEC. 8

As a holiday gift to the community, The Mixx is throwing a Latin dance par ty with cumbia music and Spanish hits. Drink and food specials all night long. The Mixx, 443 E. Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, free admission, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., themixxclub.com

South Orange Grove Boulevard: His tory of a Pasadena Institution DEC. 8

Join the Pasadena Museum for an

Upcoming Events

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

illustrated presentation on the history of Orange Grove Boulevard. Discover the street’s history from its beginnings in 1874 as the main avenue of Pasadena, all the way up to its modern roots and usage.

Pasadena Museum of History, 470 W. Walnut Street, Pasadena, 7 p.m., $15 general admission, pasadenahistory.org

Holiday Book Sale

DEC. 9 to DEC. 11

Hundreds of books in pristine con dition offered during the Friends of the South Pasadena Public Library’s Holiday Book Sale. All proceeds from books go to the library. On Sunday, marketplace artisans will sell their wares.

South Pasadena Library Community Room, 1115 El Centro Street, South Pasadena, 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 9; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 10; and 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 11, spplfriends@yahoo.com.

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

DEC. 10

Gather with family, friends and neighbors to celebrate the annual light ing of the tree. Enjoy holiday music, arts, crafts, face painting, story time and a ride through the park on a trackless train as guests await the arrival of Santa Claus for free pictures.

La Pintoresca Branch Library, 1355 N. Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, 4 to 7 p.m., free, cityofpasadena.net/library

Saturday Night Fever: Boogie Won derland Dance Party DEC. 10

Disco lives on at The Mixx with a

selection of ’70s and ’80s hits from dis co, Italo disco, nu-disco and funk. The performance features two DJs, go-go dancers, and a wall-sized screen chock full of fun disco visuals.

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

Prem Rawat Birthday Event DEC. 10

Author, international speaker and peace ambassador Prem Rawat will cel ebrate his 65th birthday with a presenta tion at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Listen to his thoughts on inner strength, choice, appreciation and hope. The Pasadena Civic, 300 E. Green Street, Pasadena, 11 a.m., ticket prices vary, ticketmaster.com

Rose Bowl Flea Market DEC. 11

For over 50 years, the Rose Bowl Flea Market has been the most well-attended and vendor-profitable flea market in the country. The market is known all over the world because of its quality of ven dors, and great shoppers of all ages.

Rose Bowl Stadium, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, $20 for VIP early admission from 5 to 8:30 a.m., $10 for general admission from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. rosebowlstadium.com

Homework Help (K-Middle School) DEC. 14

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 to 5:30 p.m., free, cityofpasadena.net/library

Video Game Club DEC. 15

Join fellow teenagers for games on the Nintendo Switch. Drop by any time with no registration required.

Hastings Branch Library, 3325 E. Or ange Grove Boulevard, Pasadena, free, 4 to 6 p.m., cityofpasadena.net/library

Cumbia Posada Navideña w/DJs Man do Fever & DJ Sloepoke DEC. 15

Enjoy a free crazy dance party with two-for-one drink specials and festive Latin hits all night long. Resident DJ Sloepoke and special guest Mando Fever play classic rock hits, cumbia and merengue.

The Mixx, 443 E. Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, free admission, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., themixxclub.com

A Christmas Carol DEC. 17

Join the Christmas Matters Holi day Carolers Quartet as they serenade and delight with their melodic voices, singing classic Christmas carols for all to hear. Each of the quartet is dressed in traditional Victorian-era outfits, and will be taking requests from the audience.

Linda Vista Branch Library, 1281 Bry ant Street, Pasadena, free, 4 to 5 p.m., cityofpasadena.net/library/