Share: In the early morning hours of Monday, September 17, 2001 my life began at the Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena, California. My parents were super excited to be parents again and had their personal happy moment with the birth of their youngest daughter, especially just 6 days following the aftermath of a terrorist attack on the country. From my parents and family’s world, the moment that I was born proved to them that beautiful moments can still happen, even in the wake of a …
Come along for a spooky stroll with Pasadena’s ghosts
Share: A tour group stood in the shadow of the old, abandoned YWCA building in the middle of Old Town Pasadena. The guide, Jenny Goodwin, pointed to the dark, empty windows. “I came across a thoroughly depressing word of the day,” she said. “The word is kenopsia. It’s the eerie, forlorn atmosphere of a place that’s usually bustling with people, but is now abandoned and quiet. It makes it seem not just empty, but hyper empty.” This was the Haunted Pasadena Walking Tour, a 2-hour …
Cowboys, country and community: One Colorado turns into Western town square
Share: Down the brick paths of Hugus Alley, between the historic buildings of Old Town, rests a small community of businesses. “Historic beauty and modern style make One Colorado a unique and unforgettable place in the heart of Old Pasadena,” remarks One Pasadena’s website. Even if its name isn’t well known, most residents of Pasadena have stumbled across this famous area. Throughout the year, One Colorado hosts themed events in their square. To celebrate the start of fall, the group of stores hosted a western-themed …
Metal, graffiti, and ceramics: Student artists debut their ‘Genetically Modified’ exhibit
Share: Bright colors and textures of blue, gold, yellow, and red surround everyone within the gallery walls. The tone is one of excitement and expression as three artists passionately explain their creations to observers. Ceramics, metal, and graffiti are the central focuses of the night; each room featuring its own medium. Each and every piece in the gallery is diverse and represents a different inspiration, but as each artist shares their inspiration for their art, a common theme of memories emerges. On Friday, March 28, …
PCC celebrates Lunar New Year with culture, calligraphy and confetti
Share: Red and gold paper lanterns and streamers could be seen strewn across campus quad while passersby joined the growing crowd to see two lions sprang to life, each puppeteers by two dancers. Streaked with pinks, greens, reds and blues, the lions danced along to the crashes of cymbals and the steady poundings of the drum. The necks of the lions stretched and their mouths opened wide to take envelopes from the hands of onlookers. Last Thursday, PCC held their annual Lunar New Year Event. …
‘Motown Vibes’ celebrates Black joy at Moonlight Rollerway
Share: The line outside the building wrapped around the parking lot, the music spilling out the doors with every new person that entered. From 8:00 to 10:30 p.m. on the Friday night of February 21, Moonlight Rollerway’s roller-skating rink buzzed with excited PCC skaters as well as members of the general public, all gliding in tandem to the smooth grooves of Motown music. Douglas Smith, a specialist for the Black Student Success Center, handed out free food and drink tickets, while appearing to be in …
From the ground up: Seeds for our future, climate, culture, and survival
Share: A steady rhythm of tribal sounds resonates throughout the gallery, blending with the faint, earthy aroma of dried amaranth and natural materials, evoking a time before the land was touched by metal and machine. Under the glow of gallery lights, a delicate web of indigo-dyed thread is displayed alongside tea bag filters and dried plants, shifting slightly as visitors walk past. A steel sculpture cradles ancient seeds, floating above as visitors look up at the airborne piece, with its curved metal appendages seeming to …
My Territory: A Glendale church where I connect with my past (and future) self
Share: On Sunday morning, I wake up from my bed, pick up a long-sleeved shirt and jeans, and drive down to Glendale Presbyterian Church (GPC) off of Louise and Harvard Street. GPC is home to many communities in the Glendale area. It is also home to a Korean worship service that begins afterward. Because of Glendale’s inherent diversity, the church accommodates the Christian faith to as many backgrounds as possible. One feature of the church I like is the stained glass inside the church. What …
My Territory: Where two communities found safety from an unlikely source
Share: Sunset Junction, bordering the neighborhoods of Silverlake and Echo Park, is one of the oldest and most vibrant neighborhoods in Los Angeles. It is known for its Victorian-style homes, its vibrant food scene, and its incredibly diverse historic neighborhoods. People from all walks intermingle with one another, drawn to its welcoming community. However, the prime location in the heart of the city has made it a center for gang activity. Growing up and attending junior high just down the street from Sunset Junction, I …
My Territory: Little Tokyo reaches for a handful of stars
Share: The roar of Godzilla will greet you when you disembark the train to Little Tokyo. The iconic kaiju’s voice was built into the train station to celebrate a special screening of the original 1954 film at the Aratani Theatre in Los Angeles on November 2. Pop-up shops in the neighborhood celebrated the city’s favorite atomic dinosaur, and were scheduled to end by Nov. 17. But as of today, Dec. 9, Godzilla’s roar is still in the Metro station. With how rarely Metro stations in …