OCTOBER 2008

One Huge Cultural Weekend

Invite your friends and relatives into town for Pasadena ArtWeekend Oct. 10 to 12 when three full days and five events are sure to please every taste.

The fun begins with an electrifying Friday night including free admission to 11 cultural institutions, followed that weekend by a cultural parade, live music and two distinct outdoor fairs.

• ArtNight Pasadena, with free admission to the Norton Simon Museum, Pacific Asia Museum and 10 other arts and culture venues Friday, Oct. 10, from 6 to 10 p.m.

• ArtWalk in the Playhouse District Saturday, Oct. 11, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., including art show and sale, live entertainment and free museum day.

• ArtHeritage, Latino Heritage Parade and Jamaica (pronounced ha-mai-ka) Saturday, Oct. 11, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The parade begins at Los Robles Avenue north of Washington Boulevard and ends at La Pintoresca Park for all of the other festivities.

• ArtMarket in One Colorado’s courtyard on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. featuring works by students, faculty and alumni from Art Center College of Design and Pasadena City College.

• ArtPerformance, with live music outdoors in Old Pasadena on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. showcasing emerging and nationally recognized talent.

Everything’s close by, so try bicycling, carpooling, walking or hopping on a Pasadena ARTS bus!

The city of Pasadena collaborates with cultural institutions, business districts, the Pasadena Convention and Visitors Bureau and Latino Heritage Association in hosting this popular weekend so thousands of residents and visitors can immerse themselves in our rich cultural scene.

For more information visit www.pasadenaartweekend.com or call (800) 307-7977.

Be a Part of History: Register to Vote

During the March 10, 2009, consolidated City of Pasadena and Pasadena Unified School District election, voters will choose representatives for City Council Districts 3, 5 and 7, and Board of Education Seats 1, 3, 5 and 7. If necessary, a runoff election will be scheduled on April 21. You may participate if you’re registered to vote.

You must be at least 18 years old by the date of the election and a United States citizen. You should re-register if you have moved, changed your name or want to change your political party.

Register in minutes at www.sos.ca.gov/elections or pick up a registration form at the City Clerk’s Office at Pasadena City Hall, 100 N. Garfield Ave., Room S228.

If you would like to run for city council and school board this spring, submit nominating papers to the City Clerk’s Office from Nov. 17 through Dec. 12.

Find complete election details at www.cityofpasadena.net/cityclerk/election or
call 744-4124.

Commissions Follow City Issues

Pasadena is fortunate to have 20 active commissions, committees and advisory boards that focus their attention on our community’s biggest challenges. Agendas are posted at www.cityofpasadena.net/commissions and all meetings are open to the public.

Here’s a look at three of our commissions.

Northwest Commission
Since 1985 the Northwest Commission has been working to improve the quality of life for Pasadena’s Northwest community. This fall, the commission is creating five new committees focused on specific goals. A Healthy Communities group will work on creating safe, clean and healthy neighborhoods; the Economic Development team will work on business retention and expansion plus employment opportunities; the Housing team will advocate for affordable and workforce housing plus improvements to existing homes; a Land Use and Zoning group will plan out a harmonious blend of residential, commercial and industrial areas; and the Parks and Open Space committee will champion safe parks and open space, including full use of the Hahamongna Watershed Park.

To participate in the conversation, attend a commission meeting the second and fourth Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at Jackie Robinson Center, 1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave. Call 744-4791 for more information.

Human Relations Commission
With the goal of eliminating prejudice, intolerance and discrimination throughout Pasadena, the Human Relations Commission meets the first Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at Jackie Robinson Center.

The commission’s annual essay contest is a great way to engage the next generation: All students and teachers from public and private high school in Pasadena are invited to write about “How Can I Improve Human Relations in Pasadena?” Cash prizes are awarded to the top three entries and 10 honorable mention winners. Call 744-4234 for an information packet.

You can also lend your voice to an important dialogue on immigration. The commission is planning a series of films, forums, discussions and creative events aimed at humanizing immigration and helping us get to know each other. Call 744-4234.

Accessibility and Disability Commission
Sidewalk curb ramps, accessible park restrooms, assistive listening machines at Pasadena Central Library, accessible pedestrian signals throughout the community and room labels in Braille at City Hall: The Accessibility and Disability Commission has been working steadily for 18 years to help everyone fully enjoy Pasadena. The commission meets the first Tuesday of every month at 3 p.m. in the Grand Conference Room at City Hall (basement room S038) to identify access problems and recommend solutions to the City Council. Most recently, the commission pushed for more readable signs along Metro Gold Line platforms and training for cab drivers in serving people with guide dogs.

There may be a spot for you on one of the commission’s active subcommittees. Call 744-4782 to volunteer.

Big Read Celebrates a Jack London Classic

Follow “The Call of the Wild” to your neighborhood library. 

With a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens, a Big Read celebration of Jack London’s classic novel will feature discussions, films and special events throughout the community. Pasadena Public Library is pleased to partner with The Huntington in this effort.

Published in 1903 and considered London’s masterpiece, The Call of the Wild is the story of a pampered suburban dog named Buck that is kidnapped and sold to pull sleds during the Klondike gold rush. Forced to survive in the frozen wilderness, his primitive instincts return.

Group discussions are scheduled through Oct. 25 at all Pasadena libraries; visit your nearest branch for details or order a book club kit with 12 copies and discussion guidelines for you and your friends, neighbors or coworkers.

Once you’ve finished the novel, stop by the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Pasadena Central Library every Wednesday at 1 p.m. for the Jack London Film Series featuring Clark Gable in 1935’s “The Call of the Wild” on Oct. 8, Ethan Hawke in 1991’s “White Fang” on Oct. 22, Charlie Chaplin in 1925’s “The Gold Rush” on Oct. 29 and more.

Storyteller Jim Cogan will reenact London’s exciting tales Thursday, Oct. 9, at 9:30 a.m. at Pasadena Central Library, 11 a.m. at La Pintoresca Branch Library, 1 p.m. at Santa Catalina Branch Library and 3:30 p.m. at Hastings Branch Library.

During a special Jack London Myth & Maverick celebration Friday, Oct. 10, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Pasadena Central Library, enjoy a Jack London impersonator, games, crafts, music, exhibits and sled dogs from Adventure Quest Institute and an award ceremony for the Jack London short story contest that was held in September.

Alaska’s Fiddling Poet Ken Waldman will wrap up the celebration Wednesday, Oct. 29, at 10:30 a.m. at San Rafael Branch Library, noon at Allendale Branch Library, 1:30 p.m. at Hill Avenue Branch Library and 3:30 p.m. at Lamanda Park Branch Library.

For more information visit www.cityofpasadena.net/library or call 744-4066.