South Pas Blogs

We've Moved

2007-10-21T10:57:00.000-07:00

Please visit us at our new location.

Streets of South Pas

2007-08-05T16:30:00.000-07:00

In light of these two stories, I wonder how the statistics for pedestrian fatalities in South Pas compare to those of similarly-sized towns?

So. Pasadena Man Killed by SoCal Edison Vehicle
Woman struck, killed by car after exiting bus

Completely off the topic, but did anyone go to the Clean-Air Car Show?

Pasadena ArtWalk

2007-06-24T08:41:00.000-07:00

From the Pasadena Playhouse District:

All artists are welcome to apply to exhibit in the second annual ArtWalk. Artists submitting work must fall in one of the following categories:

drawing/prints/digital, mixed media, new media, painting, photography, and sculpture. Artists must also meet the following criteria to participate:
Current resident of Pasadena
Current/active member of at least one Pasadena based organization
Exhibited in Pasadena
Current affiliation with Pasadena

The deadline for submission is July 31, 2007. An independent panel of screeners will determine eligibility based upon quality, originality, and presentation of artwork. Chosen artist will be notified by August 20, 2007.

ArtWalk is a free multi-faceted celebration of the arts in the Playhouse District. The festival offers an eclectic selection of art ranging from visual, written and spoken word, to performance, and culinary art. View hundreds of innovative and acclaimed artist’s work as you stroll along El Molino between Colorado and Green St. in the heart of the Playhouse District. Enjoy some great food at one of 42 cafes and restaurants, visit District art galleries, participate in hands on activities, and more.

ArtWalk is being presented in conjunction with Pasadena ’s Art Weekend. Art Weekend is a three-day event that includes ArtNight, ArtWalk, and ArtWeekend. ArtWalk is joint venture with the City of Pasadena Cultural Affairs , Pasadena Convention Center & Visitors Bureau, One Colorado, Pasadena Playhouse District, and Cultural Pasadena.
To find out more information on how you can participate in this years ArtWalk or questions visit www.playhousedistrict.org or call 626.744.0430

You Don't See This Every Day, or Only in California

2007-06-04T19:24:00.000-07:00

On my way home from work, I was walking down Columbia and noticed a squirrel a few yards away from me gnawing on something that looked like a muddy, oversized tennis ball. Either that, or the squirrel was feasting upon some small creature it had just vanquished. As I got closer, I realized that Mr. Squirrel had an avocado between his paws. And he had already polished off about a quarter of it. I walked toward the squirrel, and he actually tried to scurry up the tree for a moment until he slid to the ground, pulled down by the weight of the avocado.

My camera phone does not do the little guy justice.

Grevelia

2007-05-29T09:06:00.001-07:00

Quiet, Please

2007-05-21T13:09:00.000-07:00

Shhh!

Use Both Hands

2007-05-09T19:15:00.000-07:00

I haven't been able to find out anything else about the fenced off section of road on the southbound side of the 110 at the Fair Oaks intersection, but I did find this. I'm not advocating driving and taking pictures at the same time.

End of the Road

2007-05-09T00:27:00.000-07:00

Does anyone know why you have to exit Arroyo Parkway (northbound) onto State St. to get to Fair Oaks? Yesterday, while I was walking across the overpass (on the north side of Fair Oaks), I noticed that there is a fenced-off section of road between the parkway and Fair Oaks. It looks like it was intended to be an exit off the parkway that would feed right into Fair Oaks. I've noticed this before, but it got me wondering why they built it in the first place and why they stopped the project. Did funds run out? Did the city kill it? Did the state kill it? Anyone have any background on this?

City Council Election Winners

2007-03-07T22:31:00.000-08:00

The city website has posted the city council election winners. Congratulations to Richard Schneider, Mike Ten, and David Sifuentes.

South Pas Musician in CityBeat

2007-02-22T19:33:00.000-08:00

David Serby, a country musician who lives in South Pasadena, has a write up in Los Angeles CityBeat magazine. Go here to check out some of his warbly twang.

More Candidate Information

2007-02-19T21:24:00.000-08:00

Michael from cruftbox.com has collected a list of Web sites and e-mail addresses for candidates in the city council election:

Ernest "Ernie" Arnold
http://www.electerniearnold.com
Ernie@ElectErnieArnold.com

Robert F. Conte
http://www.conteforcouncil.com/
information@conteforcouncil.com

David L. Margrave
http://www.margravesforum.com
David@margravesforum.com

Richard D. Schneider
http://electdrrick.com/
drrick@electdrrick.com

David Sifuentes
http://sifuentes4spcouncil.com/
david@sifuentes4spcouncil.com

Mike Ten
http://www.miketen.com/
Mike@MikeTen.com

Get Your Vote On

2007-02-17T09:08:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine told me he has heard that the city council election is effectively won at the time of absentee ballot submission. Does anyone else know anything about this? One would hope that the ballots from election day would be counted to verify any projected victories from tallying absentee ballots.

Here is a page on the city website about the election. Here are a couple of facts taken from the page:

If you're not already a registered voter, the last day to register to vote is February 19th.
The last day to apply for an absentee ballot is February 27th.

Finally, I'd like to interject an opinion. I personally would like to see the plans to redevelop the downtown area progress. What candidates do you feel are the friendliest to this issue? In my estimation, the candidate who has seemed the least friendly to the current redevelopment plans is Robert Conte. Anyone agree/disagree?

Wherefore My Shawarma?

2007-02-05T18:37:00.000-08:00

It's probably not news to most of you by now, but Yasmeen's doors have closed as a full-service restaurant. (I believe they're operating as a catering outfit now.) Where to go for a good shawarma now?

Who is David Margrave?

2007-02-04T13:46:00.000-08:00

I'm trying out this new web service called Trailfire. You can string together a series of links to pages that you've visited, as well as comment on the pages, creating a "trail" of websites that you have visited. To test it out, I thought I would see what I could find online about David Margrave. I've read articles here and there about controversy surrounding his plan to build in South Pas while serving as a member of the council. Whether he has engaged in conflicts of interest is still not clear to me, as everything I read about him seems to be slanted completely against him or for him. Any additional links to add to my trail would be appreciated.

Click here to tour my trail. (You're automatically prompted to download the Trailfire plug-in. It's easy.)

The Dude Abides

2007-01-23T07:39:00.000-08:00

Saturday night was interesting. Thena performed a couple of songs at a benefit for an organization called the Torch Foundation in one of the buildings at Heritage Square (the Perry residence). We were able to take a tour of one of the other buildings in the museum, a residence called the Hale House (a little surreal considering it was dark, the house was dimly lit, and our guides were two people in Victorian garb).

An hour later, we were sitting iniside the Rialto watching the midnight showing of The Big Lebowski. It's one of my favorite movies (if not the favorite), but I had never seen it on the big screen. It was definitely worth not getting to bed until 3 (although, the next morning I could feel each one of my thirty-one years in all its glory).

Here's a link to someone else who blogged about seeing the Dude in South Pas.

Daddy Highway

2007-01-21T13:33:00.000-08:00

I generally don't give glowing reviews when it comes to anything government-related. This, however, is pretty cool.

Makin' Bread

2007-01-20T11:07:00.000-08:00

If you shop at any of the grocery stores in South Pasadena, you are probably familiar with the lady who peddles homemade bread (it may be cake) in the parking lots. I have mostly seen her in the Von's parking lot, but most recently I spotted her (or she spotted me, rather) outside of Trader Joe's. She says that she's selling her wares for rent, and I always wonder how she sells enough bakery goods to make rent each month. I really want to respond compassionately, but I have to admit that it's alarming when someone comes running at you, emerging from your blind spot, yelling, "Excuse me! Excuse me!" (And if I am honest, I must confess: I have pretended not to hear her.)

Do any of you loyal readers know this person or her story?

At the Theatre

2007-01-15T19:22:00.000-08:00

The Animation Show 2007 will be making a stop at the Rialto on February 15.

Oh, yeah. That reminds me. The Big Lebowski is playing at the Rialto this Saturday night at midnight. E-mail me if you're going. My wife and I will be there.

I Did Not Know That

2007-01-13T00:01:00.000-08:00

I read the following on the City of South Pasadena web site:

A short unsigned freeway stub [of the planned 710] exists in Pasadena, heading south from the interchange of Interstate 210 and State Route 134 to California Boulevard. The section in-between has not been built. The original plans for that section ran parallel to Atlantic Boulevard in Alhambra and Los Robles Avenue in San Marino and Pasadena. Opposition to this route by Alhambra and San Marino resulted in a routing that skirted Alhambra to the west and bisected South Pasadena. Subsequent opposition to the rerouted project by residents of South Pasadena and the Los Angeles district of El Sereno, and the resulting litigation have prevented Caltrans from completing the northernmost leg of the route.

I didn't know that about the history of the 710. I've only heard complaints from people in Alhambra and other neighboring hamlets about the selfishness of South Pasadena for opposing the 710 passing through the city. Sounds like Alhambra had that idea first.

Sirens in the Distance (and Moving Away?)

2007-01-10T20:53:00.000-08:00

Thank you, anonymous, for the tip and gentle kick in the pants.

I haven't kept a real close eye on this story, but I have heard the issue of outsourcing the police force raised before. I'm not sure what the likelihood is that this will actually happen. I know that most of the community is against it; I can understand the frustration of the officers with the fact that they can't live in the community. However, that describes the majority of people living in Los Angeles. I also understand the concerns of residents about having the community patrolled by LAPD officers (sharing those concerns myself). However, I am not a homeowner, so I wouldn't be hit by any tax raise in order to compensate police officers at a higher rate.

To completely change the subject, would anyone like a username to post to South Pas Blogs? I really did not want this blog to be a personal forum, and I would love to hear any suggestions for making the site a better facilitator of community discussion and participation.

Gnome News is Good News

2006-12-06T22:01:00.000-08:00

I've been sitting hunched over the computer for the last thirty minutes, trying to find something of interest on the Internet regarding South Pasadena. No luck.

Other than that, I don't have too much else to report. My wife and I returned a week and a half ago from a trip to Santa Fe. Fun times with green chiles.

I'm not feeling particularly expressive right now, but I thought I'd write something, lest the faithful (two) people who still visit here on a semi-regular basis begin to think I don't care.

Where Did November Go?

2006-11-26T21:49:00.000-08:00

Well, there's still a few things to announce for November:

2006 Old-Fashioned Tree Lighting
Thuesday, November 30th
4:00 to 7:00 pm / Tree Lighting at 6:15pm
At Heritage Park
by the Meridian Ironworks Museum
901 Meridian Ave.
South Pasadena

The SouthPas Chamber has announced An Old Fashioned Christmas Tree Lighting . The Ceremony will include entertainment by local musicians and the Master of Ceremonies will be the Honorable Philip Putnam, Mayor of South Pasadena

4:00 pm Various local artists
5:30 pm The Arroyo Seco Ensemble from South Pasadena High School will lead carolling
5:50 pm Thena Dare special appearance
6:00 pm The South Pasadena Strings Children's Choir
6:15 pm Mayor Philip Putnam lights the tree 6:30 pm The Maestros Jazz Quintet

Amy's Playground Holiday Shopping Bazaar Born out of a desire to support the community’s local talents and "mom-preneurs" like themselves as well as to showcase products that as parents they personally like, Amy’s Playground holds its first holiday boutique shopping bazaar. For a half-day, Amy’s Playground is providing outside vendors - local artists and businesses - access to their customer base of local parents. Thursday, November 30, 2006, 2 – 6 p.m.

Motel Chronicles

2006-10-24T21:27:00.000-07:00

I've been on a Sam Shepard kick recently. In the last few months, I've seen The Right Stuff and Don't Come Knocking (a collaboration with Wim Wenders that was released earlier this year). Paris, TX and Curse of the Starving Class are next on my list. I'm also currently reading Motel Chronicles, a collection of journal entries and poems by Shepard. Some of the entries are vignettes from his childhood, which he spent in Duarte. In fact, I was surprised to see South Pasadena mentioned twice in the book.

The first is a story about a time when he stole a bike and cut school with a couple of older boys:

The first time I ran away from school I was ten. Two older guys talked me into it. They were brothers and they'd both been in and out of Juvenile Hall five times. They told me it would just be like taking a short vacation. So I went. We stole three bikes out of a back yard and took off for the Arroyo Seco. The bike I stole was too big for me so I could never sit up on the seat all the way. I pedaled standing.[...]
We were finally caught later that night by a squad car on a bridge in South Pasadena. The cops acted like we were adults. They had that kind of serious tone: "Where did you get these bikes? What are your names? Where do you live? Do you know what time it is?" Stuff like that. They radioed our parents and confiscated the bikes. My mother showed up and drove me back, explaining how my Dad was so pissed off that he wouldn't come because he was afraid he'd kill me. She kept saying, "Now you've got a Police Record. You'll have that for the rest of your life."

I wonder if the bridge he mentions is the Oaklawn Bridge? The second South Pasadena reference features the Rialto:

King Solomon's Mines was the movie that most haunted me as a kid. I've never seen it since then but images from it still remain. Watusi warriors with red clay stripes down their noses. Raised black welts studding their chests. Teeth filed down to needle points. Lions ripping someone's arm off. Flies landing on someone's lip and the lip not moving. Torches in caves. Blue jewels surrounded by skulls. That English actor guy half scared to death.

The Rialto Theatre was dark and musky in the middle of the day and I entered the world of the movie so completely that the theatre became a part of its landscape. The trip to get popcorn up the black aisle with the sound track booming and the kids squealing in their seats was all part of the plot. I was in the cave of King Solomon at the candy counter. The "Ju-Ju-Bees" were jewels. The ushers were jungle trees. Cheetahs roamed through the bathroom.

I breathed African dust for days afterwards in a town of solid white folk.

beans @ bent

2006-10-19T22:44:00.000-07:00

Tristan and the Pork Bean Club
Saturday Oct. 21
7 pm @ bent
1011b Mission St.

CD Release Party

2006-10-19T22:28:00.000-07:00

The guitar and flute duo Almanova, featuring South Pasadena Music Center instructors Almer Imamovic (guitar) and Jessica Pierce (flute), will be performing at the Fremont Theater this Sunday evening.

Almanova Duo

October 22, 2006 7pm
Fremont Theater
1000 Fremont Ave
Tickets $15/wine and cheese reception to follow
Contact almanova@almanova.us for ticket reservations

Attempted Kidnapping Press Release

2006-10-17T20:59:00.000-07:00

I don't have a television, so I don't know what the t.v. coverage has been like on this story. I'm sure most people have heard about it. I thought I'd post the South Pasadena Police Department press release just in case it contains a few possibly helpful details that you may have missed.

Dumpster Day Derby

2006-10-15T21:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Dumpster Day. I successfully unloaded a nonfunctioning refrigerator that had been sitting in our garage for the past year--but not without a few obstacles to overcome first. Below is a video chronicling my quest to push the refrigerator down Magnolia Avenue to Arroyo. (Be forewarned: the video's a good 16 minutes long.)

Videos by vMix Member:Bizarcane

Tagged: Blog, History

Stabbing in South Pas

2006-10-12T20:51:00.000-07:00

Has anyone heard any details about the man who was stabbed near Fremont and Hope?

[Sidebar: I think that the "Stabbing Death" graphic on the CBS article is a bit too much.]

Tagged: Current Events

History Lesson

2006-10-12T00:04:00.001-07:00

I'm going to be the high school teacher who photocopies reading assignments and then makes you spend the whole class period reading silently at your seat.

Enjoy!

Tagged: History, Local Flavor

Honk if You Want People to Stop Honking

2006-10-09T08:14:00.000-07:00

Somehow I missed this post over at cruftbox.com. I like his style.

Even if there is merit to what is being protested by the protesters who show up at the corner of Fair Oaks and Mission and at the South Pas Farmer's Market, I have to wonder how honking furthers any cause. Honking, as far as I know, does not cause anyone to speak out against injustice or to go out and vote or to care for those who are neglected.

Wild Oats has put up a sign near the entrance walkway at their Pasadena store letting customers know that they do not endorse solicitors. It also encourages people not to give donations to solicitors. I have no problem with someone who is respectful and courteous collecting donations or signatures, but I do have a problem with being badgered. I was actually at Wild Oats when the guy who, according to one of the store managers, was the cause of the sign being put up was present. And he was rude to us when we told him we weren't interested. He has also been pushy and rude with my wife and me at the Farmer's Market.

It seems to me that these people actually hinder people who legitimately want to protest something in a way that is non-confrontational and respectful of other people's opinions.

Tagged: Vent, Local Flavor

Construction Malfunction

2006-10-04T22:42:00.000-07:00

My wife had an accident in front of our apartment last Friday. I know that it is easy to point fingers when something bad happens. And I should say as a point of disclosure that the accident was ruled as my wife's fault. Still, as I've thought about it more, I've been disappointed by how infrequently I have seen police officers at the intersection of Orange Grove and the 110 while the construction has been happening. A pedestrian who stopped and spoke with Thena after the accident said he heard that there have been 28 accidents on Orange Grove since construction has begun.

Tagged: Construction, Vent

The Fremont Fig

2006-09-26T12:48:00.000-07:00

I think that would make a lovely name for a cafe in town.

Tagged: Pictures, Ideas

For Appearances' Sake

2006-09-21T07:06:00.000-07:00

I just looked at the blog in Internet Explorer for Mac 5.2. It's a sad sight to behold. It looks like a Web page from 1993. I think it may look differently in other versions of Explorer. It's decent in Firefox, but it's still missing a few bells and whistles. It looks like it's supposed to in Safari. Hopefully, it's not detestable in your browser.

Tagged: Blog

A New Season, A New Look

2006-09-19T22:29:00.000-07:00

Maybe I've been living in Southern California for too long, but I thought it was time for a face lift. I'm hoping this is just an interim look. There are a few other features that I would love to add to the blog, but that's going to take a little more time and some tools I haven't found yet.

I'm interested in creating a collaborative mind map online. You may be familiar with the type of graphic organizers called word webs, in which you write down the subject of your brainstorm or classification in a circle in the center of a piece of paper. From there you branch outward, recording words and ideas related to the original subject. This process continues with more and more details, until you have what looks like a three-dimensional molecular model. There are computer programs designed to create mind maps that you can download for free, and there may be an application out there that would allow you to create one interactively with other people online.

The average blog is still very linear. It is basically an electronic version of a newspaper or a book. Hypertext links obviously add another level of depth, but you're still going from one page to another. What I'm envisioning is something more along the lines of this: Someone draws a word on a chalkboard. Another person writes down what first comes to mind (maybe an anecdote, a fact, or a question) on a sticky note, walks up to the chalkboard, and sticks it next to the word. And another person draws a picture and tapes it up next to the sticky note. Someone else may be moved to create a sculpture, write a song, or knit a sweater. I am an extremely visual person, and I get tired of the whole directory/file cabinet approach to organizing data with computers.

If anyone knows of anything or uncovers anything that is remotely close to what I'm attempting to describe, please let me know. If I sound like a crazy person, well, that's probably because I am.

Tagged: Blog, Ideas

And the Winner Is

2006-09-19T00:34:00.000-07:00

Thena and I attended the South Pas Chamber's Ossie Awards on Friday night. (Thanks, Scott.) Even though I'm not presently a business owner, I enjoyed being around people who know something of the history of the town. Peter Tripodes of Gus's Barbecue accepted the Essence of SouthPas Lifetime Achievement Award and spoke about Gus's closure due to an earthquake in 1987, which I had not known about. He also reminisced about a time when it looked like the restaurant was in danger of losing their neon sign, and the whole town rallied at a city council meeting to save the sign.

I love living in a small community, but it sometimes has its Waiting for Guffman moments.

Tagged: Business

For the Chitlins

2006-09-12T13:07:00.001-07:00

My wife and I don't have any wee ones yet, but I'm intrigued every time I walk by Amy's Indoor Playground. I've thought about walking in, taking off my shoes, and playing with the toys, but some people might find that a bit odd.

Here's a Halloween event at Amy's Playground:

HALLOWEEN SHOP & PLAY EVENT
Amy’s Playground hosts a special boutique event at their South Pasadena location (1115 Mission Street) on Tuesday, October 3rd at 3 p.m. While children enjoy the one-of-a-kind indoor playground facility and fun activities including Spooky Storytime readings and Halloween Sing-a-Longs, parents can browse the boutique shop and PrissyPoofs Trunk Show – a line of chic and adorable Halloween tutu costumes. Complimentary “treats” and refreshments. Unique to Amy’s Indoor Playground, the admission fee is good for all-day with no time limit.

Tagged: Business

Civic Disobedience

2006-09-11T23:26:00.000-07:00

I've heard a rumor that David Lee Roth lives in our neck of the woods. While sniffing around the Intraweb for something that might substantiate this, I found a bootleg Van Halen album which is a recording of a Van Halen show from May 29, 1976 at the Pasadena Civic Center. As you can see, the cover features the South Pasadena Police seal, and the back has a picture of a South Pasadena Police patch. I wonder if this is alluding to some incident in particular...

Tagged: Arts & Entertainment, History

Don't Forget Dumpster Day

2006-09-08T07:54:00.000-07:00

Every time I post something like this, I feel like I should be forty years older, a woman, and standing on my front porch--replete with curlers, muumuu, and house shoes. Maybe gossiping with Myrtle next door. And I'm probably living in some place like Dubuque. Well, perhaps South Pas is the Dubuque of Southern California. Point is, Dumpster Day is 'round the corner, and I can't wait to unload the old refrigerator moldering in our garage. What are you going to throw away?

Straight from the City's newsletter:

Clean out your back yard and empty your closets and garages — Dumpster Day will be here soon! The City of South Pasadena, Athens Services and Out Of The Closet will sponsor this citywide cleanup day. On Saturday, October 14, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., residents are invited to bring items to the corner of Mission Street and Arroyo Drive.

Athens Services will provide the dumpsters for all disposable items that are too bulky or heavy to place into regular trash containers such old furniture and appliances. This event is not for the disposal of green waste and loose materials, such as debris generated by yard clearing or construction materials. Examples of items that will be accepted include refrigerators, ovens, couches, tables, chairs, etc. This service is offered at no charge to South Pasadena residents with proof of residency.

Tagged: PSA

Primal Scream

2006-09-06T22:06:00.000-07:00

If you live anywhere in a mile radius of the intersection of Magnolia and Prospect, you have likely heard a clangor that sounds like the death shrieks of the fell beast. I don't know if it's a macaw with an anguished poet-soul or some angst-ridden bird living in captivity, but it sounds like something I've heard in a nightmare. Please comment if you have also heard this horrifying sound.

Categories: Local Flavor

Old Mr. Cawston is Turning Over in His Grave

2006-08-31T23:35:00.000-07:00

A goodly number of the people visiting this humble page recently have come here after googling Ostrich Farm Lofts. Here is the official Web page. The background music is quite soothing, I must say. I imagine a lot of people with that just-rolled-out-of-bed-but-my-hair-still-has-gel-in-it look are going to be moving in. Just a hunch.

In On a Technicality

2006-08-31T23:13:00.000-07:00

I wanted to make sure I posted today. Here is a picture of a narwhal for your viewing pleasure:

Checking In

2006-08-30T20:34:00.000-07:00

I don't have anything to say. I just noticed that I wrote posts on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of last week--wanted to see if I could repeat that feat two weeks in a row.

The Golden Years

2006-08-25T22:55:00.000-07:00

Does anyone have any first-hand knowledge of the turmoil at the Golden Oaks Senior Apartments? The following is from an August 24th article in the Star-News:

Residents living in South Pasadena's only senior housing complex are demanding the city put a stop to a new owner's plans to turn their modest units into luxury apartments.
Eviction papers have already been sent out to a handful of occupants at the Golden Oaks Apartments at 1000 El Centro St. — including all who receive federal Section 8 housing assistance — explaining they will have to leave their homes by Oct. 1.

Those remaining, such as 86-year-old Peggy O'Neil, have received notice of rental increases of up to 33 percent.

O'Neil's rent would climb to $1,250 a month. On a Social Security budget, “It means I can't do anything foolish — like take a vacation,” she said.

But while residents have said the new prices could force them from their units, the rents are expected to hit $2,200 per month when the building is renovated and a gym, library, movie theater and beauty salon are added.

Residents said the new amenities prove the building is no longer for them. “Some of the people here are 90 years old,” said resident Jean Ackerman. “What do we need with a gym?” As for books, she noted that the city library is right across the street.

I like the fact that I live in a neighborhood with a sizeable number of older people. In all honesty, I don't have any close relationships with senior citizens in South Pasadena. Thena and I have played music for residents at Prospect Manor on a couple of occasions. Perhaps I should try a little harder to strike up a conversation with the older people around me. I can definitely tell you that the people at Prospect Manor seemed delighted that younger people were spending time with them.

I'll leave you with another exerpt from the article:

The owners, who did not return calls by press time, have until Oct. 4 to respond to the requests.

But not everyone has that long. Jesus Arellano's 90-year-old mother, Maria, must be out by Oct. 1. She receives less than $800 per month in Social Security, and Section 8 funding pays two-thirds of her housing costs.

The new owners will not accept her vouchers, and Arellano said trying to find a new place for his mother has been heartbreaking.

He said she was hit by a moving bus last year and is now unable to prepare meals for herself.

Arellano, his brother and daughter visit Maria three times a day in shifts and she must be relocated to somewhere near his Alhambra home. So far, he's found nothing in surrounding cities.

I sure hope the owners treated their kids well...

Penny for Your Thoughts

2006-08-24T07:49:00.000-07:00

We Must Eat has recently posted about the Farmer's Market.

I am reminded of a joke:

Why did the farmer receive an award?
He was out standing in his field.

I didn't say it was a good one.

Now for an informal survey. Does anyone have any opinions about using your blog to make a few extra clams through advertising? Is that an odious thought?

I Walk to Work

2006-08-23T20:33:00.000-07:00

How many times does one hear that in Los Angeles?

I'm finally getting to the place in life where I can accurately predict some things about myself. One of those things is that I will inevitably become nostalgic about certain things that I either paid little attention to in the moment or that seemed downright unpleasant when they were happening. I walk to work, on average, three or four days a week. I'll take Meridian or Fremont north, crossing over the 110 and making my way through the back streets of South Pasadena. In the heat of the summer, this can be a tiring and sweaty trek, but never unbearable. For a period of maybe five minutes, some time between when the noise of the freeway vanishes out of earshot and a couple blocks before I reach Columbia, I traipse through a little pocket of serenity and can almost forget that I'm walking to work.

But not quite. I often find myself caught up in thinking about how much I don't want to go to work. Or how tired I am. Or how I wished I was doing something more creative. And all the time, I'm surrounded by these beautiful trees: oaks and willows, ginkos, eucalyptus, maples, and the ubiquitous palms that bend over slightly like old men a hundred feet in the air. Who would think that on my route, I see not one, but two gardens planted in the front of somebody's property, right next to the sidewalk? Pumpkins hang down over manicured Bermuda grass; stalks of corn grows mere blocks from one of South Pas' busiest intersections, Mission at Meridian.

And for all the affluence that has accumulated in our fair town, there are these wonderfully decrepit sidewalks that hurl their bony backs into the air, as though they are giving up their last breath. One day, I will miss these sorry sidewalks, and curse the fact that I'm in a car trying to cover ten miles in under sixty minutes. Or maybe I won't. Perhaps my next ten jobs will be somewhere close by, and I'll become the grizzled guy with leathery orange skin and crazy white hair who hangs out at Heirloom and whiles whole days away on the park bench next to the Mission Gold Line Stop.

If I do become that person, make sure to stop and say hello.

1230 Holland St., 91030

2006-08-19T23:48:00.000-07:00

An SPB reader writes:

Here's an interesting bit of South Pasadena trivia for you: I just discovered through a Wikipedia link that the house used in the opening titles of the 1970's TV drama "Family" (the fictitious 1230 Holland St.) is actually 1230 Milan St. in South Pasadena.

I also read that some episodes of "Family" will be coming out on DVD this September. Maybe some locals would like to screen it to see how well the Lawrence family's advantures approximate the real thing.

I am not familiar with the series, but I would be interested in seeing footage of South Pas in the 70s. (Although, it's probably not that different from how it looks now. ;) )

A Hidden Passage

2006-08-16T09:24:00.000-07:00

Here is another alley. It's on the east side of Meridian, just south of where Meridian dead ends into Oliver.

Hobbiton Alley

2006-06-30T09:34:00.000-07:00

Here we have what is probably my favorite alley in South Pasadena. When I walk through it, I feel as though I've been transported to the mountains of Kingsport, Tennessee - or even more so, the hills of The Shire.

Calling All Botanists, Part II

2006-06-29T09:08:00.000-07:00

Does anyone know the name of these flowers, which are ubiquitous in South Pas?

Calling All Botanists

2006-06-29T08:59:00.000-07:00

Does anyone know the name of these flowers that line the freeways of southern California?

Watch for this Face

2006-06-22T23:32:00.000-07:00

We ran into some very good friends at the market tonight. That's Malcolm on the right, and Alan on the left (with Miles in tow). Watch for Miles in an upcoming issue of Fit Pregnancy.

Mind Your Ps and Qs

2006-06-22T19:50:00.000-07:00

The gas company is telling us not to pay too much for gas? Are they making fun of us now, to0??

Mobile at the Market

2006-06-22T18:40:00.000-07:00

Alley...Oops!

2006-06-22T09:11:00.000-07:00

At first, I thought this was an alley, but I believe I was mistaken. I think it's actually a driveway because it doesn't seem to feed out onto another street. It's on Fremont near Columbia in case you care to look for yourself.

Here's a Question for You

2006-06-21T23:32:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I've posed a question to you faithful readers out there. Here's one: have you ever rent out your house or property to be used in the filming of a movie?

Does anyone have any interesting stories about filming in South Pas? My downstairs neighbor was taking a walk with his parents (and their poodles) and they ran into Anthony Hopkins who was filming at Kaldi. I guess he was quite personable and even complimented the poodles on being such fine specimens of their breed.

That's So Last Century

2006-06-21T23:28:00.000-07:00

Did you know that in 1908 pool halls were outlawed in South Pasadena? In fact, a resident submitted a complaint against the law that went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Now there's someone who loves his billiards.

Here's a passage from the decision linked to above:

In 1908 the city of South Pasadena, California, in pursuance of police power conferred by general law, passed an ordinance which prohibited any person from keeping or maintaining any hall or room in which billiard or pool tables were kept for hire or public use, provided it should not be construed to prevent the proprietor of a hotel using a general register for guests, and having twenty-five bedrooms and upwards, from maintaining billiard tables for the use of regular guests only of such hotel, in a room provided for that purpose.

Alleys

2006-06-21T10:24:00.000-07:00

I'm going to start a photo series on the alleys of South Pas. This alleyway is perpendicular to Grevelia. I'll have to check on the name later.

Their Grass is Never Greener

2006-06-19T18:33:00.000-07:00

This lawn looks like it belongs in Tucson more than it does in South Pasadena. (I'll bet their neighbors have that thought every time they look out their window.)

No Louies

2006-06-18T15:12:00.000-07:00

It's true. You can't (legally) hang a Louie coming out of my driveway. That means my options for exiting have been reduced by 50%.

The Old Woman and her Horse

2006-06-18T14:31:00.000-07:00

The horse prohibition on the sign at Orange Grove Park reminds me of the time my wife and I went walking at Arroyo Seco Woodland and Wildlife Park. We saw this sweet, older woman with gray hair pulled back into a ~~pony tail~~ bun [Editor's Note: My wife corrected me.] walking a horse through the park. She said something about the elderberries growing there and how she used to make elderberry pie--nothing in the world was more delicioius. I would assume that she was walking her horse from San Pascual Stables. I like to imagine what would have happened if she had kept on walking her horse up onto Pasadena Ave. and onto Arroyo Dr. I can see her taking a right onto Mission where she would wave at all the people in the parking lot at Trader Joe's and then continue galloping down Mission until she respectfully stopped at the light at Orange Grove. She would guide the horse up onto the the sidewalk and steer her steed through the gate into the park. She would ride around the softball diamond, with her fist raised high, in sheer defiance of the sign. Then, after she had had her fun, she would turn around and go back the way she came. Maybe she would decide that instead of going back to the stables, she would travel southward along the arroyo. The sun would set as she made her way through Los Angeles, navigating the concrete corridors until she found herself on the beach in Santa Monica. She would ride out into the waves never to be seen again.

The Wild Tomatoes of South Pasadena

2006-06-17T14:07:00.000-07:00

I mentioned the tomato plant growing in front of Heirloom awhile back. Now I have a picture of it. I just asked Sally, the owner of Heirloom, if she planted it. She said that she didn't, but said that when she first moved in she noticed tomato plants growing wild in the alley next to the restaurant.

More Signage

2006-06-17T12:29:00.000-07:00

Another interesting sign. Take note, the following are not allowed in city parks:

dogs (I guess this has been unofficially amended since the pooper scooper box has been installed)
horses (I bet some folks on the hill own a few horses)
moonbounces :(

Don't Mess with South Pas

2006-06-16T12:26:00.000-07:00

If there is one thing I applaud about our fair city, it is our appreciation of the subtle intricacies of the English language. In South Pas, it is unlawful to dispose of either litter or rubbish on city property. It does beg the question, though: what about plain old trash?

Here's the Scoop

2006-06-16T09:13:00.000-07:00

One of the topics of my numerous unwritten blog posts is the mess sometimes left by dogs at Orange Grove Park. Don't get me wrong. I love dogs--I just don't like having to watch my every step while running. Fortunately, no longer (hopefully) will I need to post such a complaint. Some wise and generous soul at the City has seen fit to install a dog waste disposal station.

Purple is the New Green

2006-06-15T09:03:00.000-07:00

Due to the posting drought that has devestated much of the first half of this year, I have resolved to post a picture every morning that I walk to work. Here are some jacarandas on Fairview Avenue.

A Glimpse of My Day

2006-06-14T15:43:00.000-07:00

Okay, I think I've finally figured out how to post a photo and text to my blog from my phone . (I cheated with the picture at the Gold Line stop; I snapped the pic with my phone and uploaded it to my computer.) This is a picture of where I spend a good portion of my day. The monitor shows where I really want to be.

The Solution?

2006-06-12T09:16:00.000-07:00

Click to view this article about a tunnel.

Peacocks on Fair Oaks

2006-06-07T19:38:00.000-07:00

This happened about two weeks ago, and I didn't have my camera with me, but I definitely think it's worth blogging about. Thena and I were driving southward on Fair Oaks. While stopped at the light right before the 110, Thena screamed and I was suddenly worried that something had gone horribly wrong. I looked around to see what she was looking at and was amazed to see three female peacocks and one male walking from the east side of the street, clear across traffic, to the west side of the street. There was a young fellow on a mobile phone walking behind them. I couldn't tell whether he was just ogling or whether he was making sure that they didn't get run over.

On the Go

2006-06-03T17:02:00.000-07:00

After using a clunky Nokia Model-T for the past three years, I have finally switched carriers and upgraded to a phone that can take photos. Hopefully, that will translate to some blogging on the go? I'm on the Gold Line right now...

Orange Grove Construction

2006-03-01T19:22:00.000-08:00

I purloined the following notice about the construction going on at Orange Grove and the 110 from the city website:

Project Description: This project's three main goals are to 1). eliminate back-up on the 110 Freeway at the Orange Grove off-ramp 2). improve traffic safety on southbound Orange Grove Avenue as it approaches the freeway, and 3). improve pedestrian safety along Orange Grove Avenue. The improvements include the installation of a landscaped median that will greatly increase traffic safety. Traffic signals will be installed at Orange Grove Avenue on-and-off ramps on the south-side of the 110 freeway. As a result, congestion will be reduced on both the 110 freeway ramps and Orange Grove Avenue. Sidewalks along Orange Grove Avenue (from the 110 freeway to Columbia Street) will be improved and vintage street lights will be installed to provide greater pedestrian safety.

Morning Show Picture

2006-03-01T07:27:00.000-08:00

From KTLA's Morning Show broadcast from South Pas last Thursday

Heirloom Reviewed

2006-02-28T22:17:00.000-08:00

I found this review of Heirloom while nosing around the Internet. I noticed several weeks ago that there was a tomato plant growing in front of the building where the Mission Meridian Village office used to be. Could it be an heirloom variety?

Now that's a good night!

2006-02-25T09:06:00.000-08:00

Thena and I went down to Old Town last night and set up a portable stage across the street from 21 Flavors. She played songs from her most recent album for about an hour. A couple of people bought cds, and several people gave generous donations. But the thing that made the evening worth it for me was when this kid (he couldn't have been older than his late teens or early twenties) came over with three of his friends. His hands were dirty, and they were dressed like punks--which, admittedly, made his later generosity startling. One of his friends held out a bottle of Gatorade, which by the look of his bleary eyes, was clearly not Gatorade. I politely declined. The first kid told me that he had just arrived in California from Ohio three days ago. Then he said, "You know, I usually don't do this, but I was walking across the street and I heard your music, and it touched me." Then he pulled out a checkbook and wrote Thena a check for $1300. He must be on the Julian calendar, though, because he said that he had to postdate it for the 23rd. (Yesterday was the 24th.)

KTLA Morning Show in South Pas

2006-02-22T21:18:00.000-08:00

Better late than never, right?

For Your Perusal

2006-02-22T20:27:00.000-08:00

An article here.

List of Prohibitions

2006-02-15T07:50:00.000-08:00

The following things are posted as prohibited at Orange Grove Park:
*Horses
*Moonbounces
*Defacing buildings and property.

And if you want to take your horse on the moonbounce, forget it. That's practically a felony.

CSI: South Pasadena

2006-02-13T22:57:00.000-08:00

The issue of crime rears its head again on ye humble blog. I read this article today in the Star-News. I believe the person the author is referring to when he mentions someone being home during a burglary is one of our next-door neighbors. Apparently, this neighbor was in the shower when the intruder broke in and looted her place. Our downstairs neighbor told us that she was home when the police came to take the report. The article lists the description of the suspect as "a Hispanic man, about 5 feet 9 inches tall and 180 pounds." Both of my downstairs neighbors say that they remember seeing a man that fit the description walking by the apartment earlier that same day, but that they didn't think anything unusual because he was dressed well and wasn't acting suspiciously. I hope they catch whomever it is. I wonder if he's already sold my bike.

Monday in the Park with South Pas Blogs

2006-02-06T19:02:00.000-08:00

Apparently, Orange Grove Park is where it's at for my little blogosphere. While jogging this morning, I noticed a disheveled man walking across the park. As I passed him, he said that he used to run, but due to tendonitis and the fact that he doesn't have a bed, he can't do it anymore. My second time passing him, he told me that most people don't realize it, but it's a lot smarter to run on grass instead of concrete.

There are actually a number of homeless people who live in/near South Pasadena. There's a guy named Stephen who has a bushy white beard and speaks with a Russian accent. There's another woman who spends a lot of time at the bus stop near Oaklawn Bridge on Fair Oaks. Today when walking on my lunch break, I said hi to her and asked her how she was doing. She responded, "I'm not sure," and then asked me if I had a cigarette. These are the two that I see the most frequently, but I also see others.

What do you think the role of the community is in caring for the homeless? I realize that sometimes homelessness is the result of decisions a person makes. On the other hand, South Pasadena as a whole is fairly affluent and so small; it amazes me to think that there are people who are without homes in town. I wonder what their stories are, where they come from.

Police Line: Do Not Cross

2006-01-30T22:02:00.000-08:00

Once again, I was running at Orange Grove Park. This morning I noticed that there was a yellow police tape wrapped around the entirety of the playground area at the park.

Bird of Prey

2006-01-17T18:40:00.001-08:00

This morning I went running at Orange Grove Park. About halfway through my first lap around the field, I looked up to see a hawk about ten feet away from me. He cocked his head, looked me straight in the eye, and then flew off. As he took off, I noticed that he was carrying some sort of prey in his talons; the unlucky creature had gray and white markings and looked like it could have been a large pigeon or a cat. But I didn't get a look at its head. I think it may have been a cat, because the body looked soft and droopy. I think a pigeon would have seemed more rigid. In the blink of an eye, the hawk was already on the other side of the offices just west of the park. Probably starting in on breakfast.

Time Crunch

2006-01-13T07:44:00.000-08:00

I know that my posting has been paltry the last few months. My best time to write is in the morning or during the day, and there is very little downtime at my current job. After a day of doing menial computer tasks and staring at the screen for hours, my mind is not much better than a bowl of rice pudding. I don't want my original idea of helping to foster an online community in South Pasadena to slip away. Not that the website has done anything monumental in that regard, but sometimes a few people gathering together can have a ripple effect.

I'm not sure how many people will actually read this post. Our lives are so busy. I would actually like to meet everyone who has ever stopped by and read a post or posted a comment. What's the fun of only engaging in virtual community? I'm usually at the Farmer's Market between 6 and 6:30 if anyone would ever care to meet up.

I thought I was going to squeeze out an end-of-the-year post reflecting on what I have observed in South Pas in 2005, but due to yada-yada-yada....What I can say is this: even though South Pasadena has been talking about revitalizing the Main St. area for 20+ years, I believe that the planning and discussions which came out of the TownTalks is actually going to result in some fairly big changes in the next few years, perhaps even beginning some time this year. Only time will tell, I suppose.

If you actually have read this post, I'd be interested in knowing: what takes up most of your time?

O Tannenbaum

2005-12-14T22:57:00.000-08:00

Has anyone bought a Christmas tree from Delancey Street Christmas Trees on Mission?

The Old West

2005-11-26T20:18:00.000-08:00

Thena and I drove to Griffith Park on Thursday night to see the light show. It was kind of an anemic Disneyland ride, but I guess the fact that it's an LA tradition makes it worth it? Actually, what made the trip worth it was seeing three coyotes scampering near the 134 exit and Los Feliz. It's easy to forget that Los Angeles is part of "the West," as in "The Old West"-- or "The Old, Old West" if you get right down to it. I think The Big Lebowski did a great job of conveying the connection between present day LA and the frontier west. Somehow I could sense that the same streets that The Dude drove his old beater down were once dusty paths cut through the wilds of California. Much of this town is entranced by the spell of Hollywood, but if you went back a bit further in the history of this town, you'd find stories of a hardier stock of survivors. Maybe if people identified less with the Samuel Goldwyns and Marilyn Monroes of the past and more with the pioneers of earlier generations, the culture of the town would not be so disposable.

The Smells of South Pas

2005-11-10T07:55:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago when it rained for a couple days straight, I noticed the fragrance of the eucalyptus trees really popped out.

And much to my delight, people have started burning wood in their fireplaces on a regular basis. It almost helps me forget that I'm biking to work where I will be inside for eight hours. I wish our apartment had a fire place. Are there any public buildings here where I could set myself down and camp in front of a fireplace? Maybe I should start lobbying for a fireplace to be put in at the library. Of course, a fire in close proximity to thousands of dusty old books perhaps isn't a very good idea. Then again, everything is going to digital, right?

Until then, I guess I'll just pull out the old oil drum and have me a hobo's Christmas. Somethin to warm me hands by. Get me a tin can a beans and a pile a kindlin. Aww, yeah, the good life.

Have ye a green thumb?

2005-11-08T08:12:00.000-08:00

Is there anyone else out there who is a backyard/backporch gardener/farmer? This year we've grown swiss chard, summer squash and corn in what used to be a garden full of mostly succulents. We haven't yet tried the corn--though it looks about ready to eat--but the chard and the squash has been amazing. The squash was much bigger than what is normally sold in the stores. The same goes for the chard. I've never seen such vibrant, naturally waxy chard leaves before. And we're also growing herbs on our balcony: sage, basil and cilantro. Not to mention the roma tomato plants that hopefully will produce before it gets too cold for anything to grow. It looks like we'll get at least one tomato before we start approaching freezing temperatures.

Do Over!

2005-11-03T08:02:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm going to have to restart my Seven Day Challenge. We've been without internet access for the last few days. At least I can check off Day 1.

Seven Day Challenge

2005-10-29T11:21:00.000-07:00

OK. So I have narrowly escaped passing the one-month-of-no-blogging mark. I could blame my absence on work, which I suppose is partly true; when I get home I'm often tired and don't feel like writing. But it's also due to feeling like I don't have that much to say. Haven't had much time to be philosophical about ol' South Pas. Being in that same spot as I sit here, I'm not sure where to start. It did occur to me when I sat down that I should see if anyone was interested in going over to the South Pasadena Tournament of Roses float building and helping out. If you're interested in meeting at the float some time next Saturday, please leave a comment.

I did play at the Vintage Clothing and Antiques festival about a month ago. That was fun. Half of the people who listened to me were under the age of five, which is a compliment if you ask me. I was happy for the most part with how things went. My drummer and I weren't able to practice with the guy who played bass with us until the night before. All things considered, it went well. The only gig in LA I've ever done that I could walk to.

So, my title is alluding to a personal challenge I have made to post at least once each day for the next week. We'll see.

Published

2005-10-03T08:14:00.000-07:00

I thought I would post again, even if it was just a few sentences. So I could say that I am posting on a weekly basis.

Random Question: How many of you have taken precautions for the aftermath of an earthquake or some other disaster? I know I want to go out and get 10 of those 2 2/2 gallon containers of water. Maybe some cereal and canned food.

Can you imagine what the freeways would be like if there was a mass exodus from the city?

Work

2005-09-27T22:29:00.000-07:00

I am a jester posing as a page boy.

Is there any other way for an artist in the work world?

Is that oversimplification?

Please Accept My

2005-09-26T07:55:00.000-07:00

Apology. I have neglected the site for the last few weeks as I have tried to adapt to a new work schedule. I am an exempt employee now which means that overtime is expected.

I hope to write more extensively this evening, but I had to get a few words down this morning lest the silence continue. I might as well also use these few seconds to self-promote. My band will be playing on Oct. 8 at the South Pas Antiques Festival. More details to follow...

Erratic & Sporadic

2005-08-29T21:37:00.000-07:00

Well, my posting may be a little erratic for a while. I have a new job in South Pas, but I can't putz around on the internet like I could do from time to time at my old job. Hopefully, I'll find a rhythm.

My commute is three minutes all told; although, that's by car. My wife's father came down from Sacramento to pick up the car that he let us borrow while our car (the one that broke down in Redding) was being worked on. So, for now I will either walk or, if I find a bike on the cheap, ride a bike. If anyone knows of a bike (preferably vintage) that someone wants to let go for a song, please let me know. And if you make a low enough offer, I will literally sing a song for you. Heck, if you have a bike you want to give away, I'll write you a song.

The Mouse in South Pas

2005-08-23T21:54:00.000-07:00

Valerio Ventura brings Mickey to South Pasadena:
New art work//Food and Drinks

Magical Mischief

2005-08-18T08:59:00.000-07:00

The theme for the 2006 South Pasadena Tournament of Roses float is Magical Mischief. The dates listed on the website are still from last year; the date given for the beginning of ongoing construction last year is October 1. I imagine that the date this year will be close to that, which means it's just a little over a month away.

The deadline for the design contest comes early on in the year. This year's deadline was January 25. So if you want to throw your hat in the ring, you don't have much time once the new year is ushered in.

Meet me at Heirloom

2005-08-15T12:20:00.000-07:00

On Saturday and Sunday, I hung out at Heirloom Cafe, the new eatery at Mission Meridian. I am extremely happy to report that they use high-quality espresso beans, and appear to have employees who actually know how to correctly coax espresso out of said beans. I can also happily say that the cafe is not a chain and that the owners actually live in South Pasadena. I hope that their presence will stir some friendly competion with a couple of other unnamed coffee shops in the area...

I ran into Tommy (who I met at one of the TownTalks) on Saturday at Heirloom. We had a good discussion about writing which meandered through a number of enjoyable topics (and inevitably found its way to LA traffic, like all good SoCal conversations).

Home Sweet Home

2005-08-09T10:20:00.000-07:00

I realize that I have been remiss in my posting responsibilities; my wife and I attempted to take a vacation in Northern California this past week only to break down in Redding. When I am in a more emotionally stable spot, I'll have to fill you in on the details.

On Top of Ol' South Pas

2005-07-25T22:12:00.000-07:00

I walked up Raymond Hill today and was surprised by how much you can see at the top. The view isn't as impressive as the vista from the water tower, but I could see clear to Colorado Blvd. I was easily able to make out the new lofts going up near the Del Mar Gold Line station. I wonder what it would have been like to stand in the same exact place 120 years ago. Maybe I would have been a cowboy watching my cattle make their way down Fair Oaks.

Cineast's Calendar

2005-07-22T10:38:00.000-07:00

Here are the movies that videotheque and Chouinard are showing through September as part of their World Film Series.

South Pas Forum

2005-07-19T16:33:00.000-07:00

I started a South Pas forum at forumer.com, and Thor has added a number of interesting categories. Feel free to stop by and introduce yourself.

drips slithers art show

2005-07-19T16:20:00.000-07:00

If you haven't had a chance to visit bent on Mission St. and you want to check out some new art and music made by local artists, then you should drop by this Saturday night between 7 and 11. And if parties ain't yo thang, you should stop by some time during the week and support a local business owner. She is open 11 to 7 and is closed on Mondays, I believe.

Gettin' Wiki

2005-07-15T12:24:00.000-07:00

When I first started this blog, I envisioned it as a forum for South Pasadena residents to congregate online and perhaps even as a jumping-off point for offline community. There have been a few interesting discussions stirred by posts, but I feel like it's still my blog rather than a shared venture.

So I started a South Pas Wiki at Wikicities.com. If you're new to wikis, the idea is that the wiki is a site that is built together by the community. So please feel free to hop on over and add anything you think the community might appreciate. If you're not that familiar with html, feel free to email me any questions--although, I must say, I'm a novice myself.