About This Blog

I created this as a way to place all news tips for the Citizen Journalism workshop at the Pasadena Community Network. We meet every Tuesday night 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Bring these or other story ideas and learn the new exciting world of citizen based collaborative journalism. Visit http://pasadenan.com/ for more information.

Location: Pasadena Community Network - Studio G
Street: 2057 N. Los Robles Ave.
City/Town: Pasadena, CA
http://www.pasadenacommunitynetwork.com/

Friday, March 25, 2011

Work Stopped on Alternative Cameras for Mars Rover


The image shows Curiosity on a tilt table in the Spacecraft Assembly Facility at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California.The image shows Curiosity on a tilt table in the Spacecraft Assembly Facility at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California. Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech 

March 25, 2011
The NASA rover to be launched to Mars this year will carry the Mast Camera (Mastcam) instrument already on the vehicle, providing the capability to meet the mission's science goals.

Work has stopped on an alternative version of the instrument, with a pair of zoom-lens cameras, which would have provided additional capabilities for improved three-dimensional video. The installed Mastcam on the Mars Science Laboratory mission's Curiosity rover uses two fixed-focal-length cameras: a telephoto for one eye and wider angle for the other. Malin Space Science Systems, San Diego, built the Mastcam and was funded by NASA last year to see whether a zoom version could be developed in time for testing on Curiosity.

"With the Mastcam that was installed last year and the rover's other instruments, Curiosity can accomplish its ambitious research goals," said Mars Science Laboratory Project Scientist John Grotzinger, of the California Institute of Technology, Pasadena. "Malin Space Science Systems has provided excellent, unprecedented science cameras for this mission. The possibility for a zoom-camera upgrade was very much worth pursuing, but time became too short for the levels of testing that would be needed for them to confidently replace the existing cameras. We applaud Malin Space Science Systems for their tremendous effort to deliver the zooms, and also the Mars Science Laboratory Project's investment in supporting this effort."

Malin Space Science Systems has also provided the Mars Hand Lens Imager and the Mars Descent Imager instruments on Curiosity. The company will continue to pursue development of the zoom system, both to prove out the design and to make the hardware available for possible use on future missions.

"While Curiosity won't benefit from the 3D motion imaging that the zooms enable, I'm certain that this technology will play an important role in future missions," said Mastcam Co-Investigator James Cameron. "In the meantime, we're certainly going to make the most of our cameras that are working so well on Curiosity right now."

Mastcam Principal Investigator Michael Malin said, "Although we are very disappointed that the zoom cameras will not fly, we expect the fixed-focal-length cameras to achieve all of the primary science objectives of the Mastcam investigation."

The rover and other parts of the Mars Science Laboratory spacecraft are in testing at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif., which manages the project for the NASA Science Mission Directorate, Washington. The spacecraft will be delivered to NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida in coming months for launch late this year. In August 2012, Curiosity will land on Mars for a two-year mission to examine whether conditions in the landing area have been favorable for microbial life and for preserving evidence about whether life has existed there.

For more information about work on the zoom version of Mastcam, see http://www.msss.com/news/index.php?id=22 . For more information about the mission, see http://www.nasa.gov/msl .

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

City of Pasadena Highlights - March 18 to 26

UPCOMING EVENTS
All events are free.

Friday, March 18
* Today the first day of a 10-day prohibition on outdoor watering in Pasadena ! http://bit.ly/h4gKrQ

Saturday, March 19
* 9 a.m. to noon – If you change the oil in your car by yourself, bring your used oil and oil filters to Kragen, 1860 E. Colorado Blvd. and receive a new oil filter for free as well as information about City of Pasadena recycling programs.  Be sure to stop by our booth and say hello to some of our dedicated Public Works Department staff.  (626) 744-7168.
* 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Bring the kids for a double-feature at Villa-Parke Community Center , 363 E. Villa St.: “Shrek Forever After” followed by “The Karate Kid.”  Please note:  It’s free, but tickets are required and seating is limited to 200.  Tickets will be distributed beginning at 9:30 a.m.  (626) 744-6530.

Wednesday, March 23
1 p.m. – This week’s film in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Pasadena Central Library is “A Soldier’s Story” (1984, PG) starring Howard Rollins, Adolph Caesar and Denzel Washington in the tale of an African American officer who investigates a murder in a racially charged situation during World War II.  (626) 744-4066.

Saturday, March 26
* 10 a.m. – Come to a community meeting to learn more about about the next two phases of the Robinson Park Master Plan and provide your comments and suggestions. http://bit.ly/dIwwDZ

ONE CITY, ONE STORY

This year’s One   City , One Story novel in  Pasadena is Mudbound by Hillary Jordan, which takes place in the deep south after World War II. Related events are planned through March 31. Here are events taking place next week:

Saturday, March 19
* 10 a.m.  A panel of Pasadena residents, moderated by Larry Wilson, will share their experiences during World War II and the post-war period of the late ‘40s and early ‘50s.  Pasadena Senior Center , 85 E. Holly St . 
* 2 p.m.  Mudbound book discussion group at Linda Vista Branch Library, 1281 Bryant St .
* 2 to 3 p.m. – Learn how to find information about gardening and plants during a special event titled “Knowing and Growing the Land: Mudbound” at the Los Angeles County Arboretum Library, 301 N. Baldwin Ave. in Arcadia, presented by Arboretum Librarian Susan Eubank. Call (626) 821-3213 to reserve your spot.

Tuesday, March 22
1 to 2:30 p.m. – A panel of neighborhood eyewitnesses will  World War II-era racial issues in this event titled “Race in Los Angeles : The Forties.”  Topics will include the Zoot Suit riots, African Americans in the military and the incarceration of Japanese Americans.  Creveling Lounge ( Campus Center ) at Pasadena City College , 1570 E. Colorado Blvd.  

Wednesday, March 23
* 4 p.m. – Mudbound book discussion group at Hill Avenue Branch Library, 55 S. Hill Ave.
* 6:45 p.m. – Michelle Alexander will discuss her new book “The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness” at Pasadena Central Library.  This event is co-sponsored by Flintridge Center .

Thursday, March 24
4 p.m. – Mudbound book discussion group at San Rafael Branch Library, 1240 Nithsdale Rd.

Friday, March 25
* 10 a.m. to noon – Mudbound author Hillary Jordan will share her experiences with students in the Creveling Lounge at PCC.  The public is welcome to attend.
* 3:30 to 5 p.m. – Dr. Morgan Kousser, Caltech professor of history and social science, and Dr. Christopher Hunter, Caltech assistant professor of English, will join author Hillary Jordan in a conversation titled “Mudbound: Freedom and Entrapment in Rural Mississippi” about the state and the state of mind after World War II.  Baxter Lecture Hall (Building 77) at Caltech, 1200 E. California Blvd.  

Saturday, March 26
* 3 to 5:30 p.m. – Hillary Jordan will join Pasadena Public Libraries Director Jan Sanders in the ballroom at the Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E. Green St., in a discussion about the author’s experiences envisioning and writing Mudbound. A question-and-answer session with the community will follow.  Bring your copy of the book for the author to sign!

Get more information about Mudbound and related events at www.cityofpasadena.net/library/OCOS and (626) 744-7270.

See more community events (and add your own) at www.cityofpasadena.net/calendar.    

CITY COUNCIL

The Pasadena City Council will meet Monday, March 21, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber (S249) at Pasadena City Hall , 100 N. Garfield Ave.  

Renewable Energy – In 2009 the council adopted the Power Integrated Resources Plan (IRP), a 20-year roadmap for how Pasadena Water and Power will increase renewable energy supply to 40 percent of retail sales by 2020 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent of 2008 levels by 2020. On Monday night the council will receive an update on PWP’s renewable energy procurement status, requirements and estimated rate impacts.

Urgent Care – The Pasadena Urgent Care Center and Primary Care Clinic at 3160 E. Del Mar Blvd. , owned by the City of Pasadena and operated by the Huntington Medical Foundation and the Community Health Alliance of Pasadena (CHAP), opened in October.  The council will receive an update on community access.

Pedestrian Safety – The council will receive an update on pedestrian safety enhancements at signalized intersections.

The agendas, including downloadable reports, are available at www.cityofpasadena.net/councilagendas/council_agenda.asp

The meeting will be televised live on KPAS (channel 3 on the Charter Communications system and channel 99 on AT&T U-Verse) and via streaming video atwww.cityofpasadena.net/publicaffairs (click on the KPAS icon).

COMMISSIONS, COMMITTEES AND BOARDS

The Core Group of City Commissioners and the General Plan Update Advisory Committee will meet Saturday, March 19, at 9 a.m. in the Fair Oaks Community Room at  Renaissance Plaza , 649 N. Fair Oaks Ave., second floor room 203 (next door to Vons). Agenda items include a workshop/follow-up to the November 2010 General Plan charrette, including review of maps and computer modeling data, and finalizing alternatives.

The City Council Public Safety Committee will meet Monday, March 21, at 4:15 p.m. in the Council Chamber (S249) at Pasadena City Hall , 100 N. Garfield Ave.   Agenda items include proposed Pasadena Municipal Code amendments to reduce drifting tobacco smoke at multiunit housing; analysis of Los Angeles County sex offender ordinance; and public safety concerns in the Block 5 area.

The March 21 meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission has been canceled.

The City Council Municipal Services Committee will meet Tuesday, March 22, at 4 p.m. in the Council Chamber at Pasadena City Hall .  Agenda items include update on National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES); water infrastructure prioritization and master plan update; and MWD water curtailment update.

The Hahamongna Watershed Park Advisory Committee will meet Tuesday, March 22, at 6 p.m. in room 117 at the Flintridge Retreat Center , 236 W. Mountain St .  Agenda items include update on JPL employee parking lots at Hahamongna; update on L.A. County Department of Public Works sediment removal project; update on grants; and Hahamongna Annex and Environmental Education Center planning.

The Pasadena Center Operating Company Board of Directors will meet Wednesday, March 23, at 4 p.m. in room 211 at Pasadena Convention Center , 300 E. Green St .  Agenda items include update on ice rink; update on Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon; and Los Angeles County lodging trends.

The Arts & Culture Commission’s Public Art Subcommittee will meet Wednesday, March 23, at 5 p.m. in the first floor conference room at the Permit Center , 175 N. Garfield Ave.   Agenda items include Rotating Public Art Exhibition Program; and Public Art Master Plan.

The Planning Commission will meet Wednesday, March 23, at 6:15 p.m.  Agenda items include recommended Capital Improvement Program for Fiscal Years 2012 to 2016; and public hearing on annual review of Fuller Theological Seminary development agreement.

The March 23 meeting of the City Council Legislative Policy Committee has been canceled.

The Transportation Advisory Commission will meet Thursday, March 24, at 4 p.m. at the Transportation Department, Room 210 at 221 E. Walnut St .  Agenda items include memorandum of understanding with Metro regarding Pasadena ARTS bus service; and transportation impact review guidelines.

The Northwest Commission will meet Thursday, March 24, at 6:30 p.m. at Jackie Robinson Center , 1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave.   Agenda items include presentation by Pasadena Police Officer Victor Cass about Pasadena Mental Health Day 2011; and funding recommendations and preliminary deliberations on Community Development Block Grants (CDBG).

More information about commissions, including downloadable agendas, is at www.cityofpasadena.net/commissions.

COMMUNITY INVITED TO COMMENT ON ROBINSON PARK MASTER PLAN AT MARCH 26 PUBLIC MEETING

The Pasadena community is invited to a public meeting Saturday, March 26, at 10 a.m. in the Multipurpose Room at Robinson Park Center , 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave. , to learn about the second and third phases of the Robinson Park Master Plan and provide their comments.

Phases two and three will include renovation and expansion of the recreation and gymnasium building. 

During the community meeting, presentations will be made about proposed funding for the project, timeline for initiation and completion, and conceptual design. Following the presentations the community will be invited to make comments and suggestions.

Staff in the Pasadena Public Works Department and the Pasadena Human Services and Recreation Department have been working with local residents to implement the master plan.

The first phase of the plan included the first regulation-size football field in any Pasadena park (with synthetic turf and a soccer overlay), enlarged and reconfigured baseball diamonds, new restrooms, a concession stand, field lighting, electronic scoreboards, bleachers and a storage building.

Robinson Park was named in honor of the entire Robinson family, including Jackie, Mack, their three other siblings and their mother Mallie.

For more information about the meeting call (626) 744-7333.

Pacific Asia Museum Announces Press Day

Pasadena, CA - March 21, 2011- You are cordially invited to Press Day at Pacific Asia Museum on Thursday, March 31, 2011 any time between 10am to 5pm. Concurrently on view are three stunning exhibitions, Visions of the Orient: Western Women Artists in Asia 1900-1940, Meiji: Japan Rediscovered andThrough the Colonial Lens: Photographs of 19th and 20th Century India, that speak to the history of globalization. On Press Day, you will be able to speak with curators and staff about the details of the exhibitions and explore our permanent galleries. Light refreshment will be provided.
These three exhibitions are on view concurrently from March 31 through May 29, 2011. Each of these exhibitions speaks to the shared theme of the intersection of Asia and the West during the period of 1875 - 1925. While in dialogue with each other about the developing aesthetic and cultural appreciation that Asia and the West had for each other, these exhibitions also examine the rapid changes and modernization in Asia during this time, facilitated by the introduction of Western influences. Specifically, the experiences of Americans and Europeans in Asia during this period form a focus of the exhibitions. Today, the cultural diversity of the southern California region and its connection to Asia is rooted in the first steps of this modern globalization evidenced by the art exhibited in Visions of the Orient, Meiji and Through the Colonial Lens. This grouping of exhibitions is part of Pacific Asia Museum's 40th Anniversary year initiative to reaffirm its mission to further intercultural understanding through the arts of Asia and the Pacific Islands.

Radiation Monitors Continue to Confirm That No Radiation Levels of Concern Have Reached the United States

WASHINGTON – During a detailed analysis of four west coast RadNet air monitor filters, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identified trace amounts of radioactive iodine, cesium, and tellurium consistent with the Japanese nuclear incident. These levels are consistent with the levels found by a Department of Energy monitor last week and are to be expected in the coming days. 

EPA’s samples were captured by three monitors in California and one in Washington State on Friday, March 18 and sent to EPA scientists for detailed laboratory analysis. The data was reviewed over the weekend and the analysis was completed Monday night.  The radiation levels detected on the filters from California and Washington monitors are millions of times below levels of concern. 

In addition, last night preliminary monitor results in Hawaii detected minuscule levels of an isotope that is also consistent with the Japanese nuclear incident. This detection varies from background and historical data in Hawaii. This isotope was detected at our fixed monitor in Hawaii, and it is far below any level of concern for human health.  The sampling filter from this monitor is being sent to our national radiation lab for further analysis.  

In a typical day, Americans receive doses of radiation from natural sources like rocks, bricks and the sun that are about 100,000 times higher than what we have detected coming from Japan. For example, the levels we’re seeing coming from Japan are 100,000 times lower than what you get from taking a roundtrip international flight. 

EPA is in the process of conducting detailed filter analyses for fixed monitors located in Oregon. 

EPA’s RadNet filter results for San Francisco, Seattle, Riverside and Anaheim, California detected minuscule quantities of iodine isotopes and other radioactive particles that pose no health concern at the detected levels. Below are the results of the detailed filter analysis. All of the radiation levels detected during the detailed filter analysis are millions of times below levels of concern. 

All units are in Picocuries per meter cubed. 

- Filter results for Anaheim, Calif. found: 
    Cesium-137: 0.0017 
    Tellurium-132: 0.012 
    Iodine-132: 0.0095 
    Iodine-131: 0.046 

- Filter results for Riverside, Calif. found: 
    Cesium-137: 0.00024 
    Tellurium-132: 0.0014 
    Iodine-132: 0.0015 
    Iodine-131: 0.011 
- Filter results for Seattle, Wash. found: 
    Cesium-137: 0.00045 
    Tellurium-132: 0.0034 
    Iodine-132: 0.0029 
    Iodine-131: 0.013 

- Filter results for San Francisco, Calif. found: 
    Cesium-137: 0.0013 
    Tellurium-132: 0.0075 
    Iodine-132: 0.0066 
    Iodine-131: 0.068 

EPA’s RadNet system is designed to protect the public by notifying scientists, in near real time, of elevated levels of radiation so they can determine whether protective action is required. In addition, an analysis of the filters in the monitors can identify even the smallest trace amounts of specific radioactive isotopes. 

As part of the federal government’s continuing effort to make our activities and science transparent and available to the public, EPA will continue to keep RadNet data available at: http://www.epa.gov/japan2011/ 

Community Meeting To Focus on Public Safety In East Pasadena


 Pasadena Police Chief Phillip Sanchez will update the community on public safety issues during a District 4 community meeting Thursday, March 24, at 7 p.m. in Gilmore Hall at First Church of the Nazarene of Pasadena, 3700 E. Sierra Madre Blvd.
 Residents will also meet police officers who are assigned to the eastern portion of Pasadena, participate in a discussion about recent crime in the area, learn about actions the Pasadena Police Department is taking to keep neighborhoods safe and discuss how residents can help.
 “I encourage residents to attend,” said Pasadena City Councilman Steve Haderlein, who represents District 4. “This will be an opportunity to talk with Pasadena Police Department representatives and leave with action steps to ensure we have a safe, friendly and connected community.”
 For more information call (626) 744-4740.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR THE NEXT “BIG ONE”?


Are You Prepared for the Next “Big One”?
The earthquakes in Japan are an important reminder that the next major earthquake in Southern California could happen at any time.

The Pasadena Fire Department urges all local residents, businesses, schools, government agencies, institutions and community-based organizations to be as prepared as possible by following these tips:

* Pick safe places in each room of your home, such as under sturdy tables or desks or against interior walls – away from windows, bookcases and tall furniture that could fall on you.

* Practice “Drop, Cover and Hold On” in each safe place. Drop under a sturdy desk or table and hold on to one leg of the table or desk. Protect your eyes by keeping your head down. If you are physically unable to bend down, practice leaning or sitting against a wall away from windows.

* Build a preparedness kit that will fit in a standard backpack. What you have on hand when an earthquake strikes can make a big difference. Plan to store enough supplies for everyone in your household for at least three days, including bottled or boxed water, non-perishable food, flashlight with extra batteries, first aid kit, battery-operated radio with extra batteries, tools, plastic bags, personal hygiene items, insurance policies and personal ID, comfort items for children such as plush animals or family photographs, extra prescription medication, small denominations of cash since ATMS and gas pumps won’t work if the power is out, and contact information for family members out of the area.

* Make a plan. Planning ahead is the first step to a calmer and more assured disaster response. Develop your earthquake preparedness plan and evacuation plan with your family. Inform guests, babysitters and caregivers of the plan.

* Get training. Call (626) 744-7276 to arrange for your neighborhood, business or institution to receive free Pasadena Emergency Response Team (PERT) training offered by the Pasadena Fire Department. You’ll learn disaster preparedness, first aid, fire suppression and light search and rescue, all of which will be vitally important during and after a major earthquake or other disaster.

* Talk to your insurance agent. Different areas have different requirements for earthquake protection.

* Additional tips, including for during an earthquake and after an earthquake, are available atwww.cityofpasadena.net/disaster or by calling (626) 744-7276.

* Please note that the local American Red Cross will collect monetary donations Monday, March 14, from 5 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Lot B at the Rose Bowl Stadium to assist with relief efforts for the Japan earthquakes and Pacific tsunami. More about response to these incidents can be found at www.redcross.org.  

POST-ELECTION BALLOT COUNT RESCHEDULED


Post-election Ballot Count Rescheduled
Pasadena City Clerk Mark Jomsky announced today that due to the large number of vote-by-mail and provisional ballots received prior to the closure of polls on election day Tuesday, March 8, for the consolidated City of Pasadena and Pasadena Unified School District Primary Nominating Election, the post-election machine count of the second batch of vote by mail and provisional ballots has been rescheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. (or thereafter) Wednesday, March 16, in Room S228 at Pasadena City Hall, 100 N. Garfield Ave. The required manual tally of ballots for one percent of the precincts will begin at 3 p.m. (or thereafter).

For more information call the City Clerk’s Office at (626) 744-4124. 

UPCOMING CITY OF PASADENA EVENTS - MARCH 13 TO 19


Upcoming City of Pasadena Events - March 13 to 19
All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Sunday, March 13 Change your clocks -- and smoke detector batteries -- for Daylight Saving Time: http://bit.ly/fa7cbH 

Tuesday, March 15 10 a.m. – Come to the dedication of Pasadena's only pocket park, named for former City Councilman Sid Tyler: http://bit.ly/hb2rTZ  

Wednesday, March 16 * 1 p.m. – This week’s film in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Pasadena Central Library, 285 E. Walnut St., is “The Color Purple” (1985, PG-13) starring Danny Glover, Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey in the story of an abused and uneducated African American woman’s struggle for empowerment. (626) 744-4066.
* 1:30 p.m. – The 1,600 remaining vote-by-mail and provisional ballots will be counted: http://bit.ly/hOei7J  
* 6 p.m. – The Golden Badge Awards Dinner in the ballroom of the Westin Hotel, 191 N. Los Robles Ave., benefits the Pasadena Police Department’s Police Activities League (PAL), which provides educational, athletic and other activities to develop and maintain a bond between police officers and at-risk youths. Tickets are $175 and there are still several slots left! jill@mhpevents.com, (626) 791-1225 or http://bit.ly/gWKatH 

Thursday, March 17 * 3:30 p.m. – Children will create stretchy, slimy, green goo for St. Patrick’s Day at La Pintoresca Branch Library, 1355 N. Raymond Ave. (626) 744-7268.
* 4 p.m. – Kids will embark on an enchanted afternoon of St. Patrick’s Day crafts at Hastings Branch Library, 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd. (626) 744-7262.

Through March 17 Give your plants and lawn as much water as they’ll tolerate so they’ll be well-saturated before the 10-day ban on outdoor watering! And be sure to cover your flower beds with mulch to prevent soil from drying out.http://bit.ly/dEh2ys 

Friday, March 18 This is the first day of a 10-day prohibition on outdoor watering in Pasadena. http://bit.ly/dEh2ys 

Saturday, March 19 Noon to 2 p.m. – Teens will watch anime on a big screen at Pasadena Central Library and see the new manga we’re adding to the collection. (626) 744-4066.

ONE CITY, ONE STORY EVENTS

This year’s One City, One Story novel in Pasadena is Mudbound by Hillary Jordan, which takes place in the deep south after World War II. Related events are planned through March 31. Here are events taking place next week:

Wednesday, March 16 Noon to 1 p.m. – Bring a sack lunch to a Mudbound book discussion group in the Research Conference Hall at Huntington Hospital, 734 Fairmount Ave. (across from the Outpatient Center). Beverages and cookies will be provided. Park in the east parking structure just north of the Research Conference Hall. (626) 744-7270.

Thursday, March 17 4:30 p.m. – Mudbound book discussion group at Santa Catalina Branch Library, 999 E. Washington Blvd. (626) 744-7272.

Friday, March 18 2 p.m. – Mudbound book discussion group at Villa Parke Branch Library, 363 E. Villa St. (626) 744-6510.

Saturday, March 19 * 10 a.m. – A panel of Pasadena residents, moderated by Larry Wilson, will share their experiences during World War II and the post-war period of the late ‘40s and early ‘50s. Pasadena Senior Center, 85 E. Holly St. (626) 744-7270.
* 2 p.m. – Mudbound book discussion group at Linda Vista Branch Library, 1281 Bryant St. (626) 744-7278.

More information about Mudbound is at www.cityofpasadena.net/library/OCOS.

See more community events (and add your own) at www.cityofpasadena.net/calendar.

CITY COUNCIL

The Pasadena City Council will meet Monday, March 14, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber (S249) at Pasadena City Hall, 100 N. Garfield Ave. They will also conduct a special meeting at the same time, serving as the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan Trustees.

The agendas, including downloadable reports, are available atwww.cityofpasadena.net/councilagendas/council_agenda.asp.

The meeting will be televised live on KPAS (channel 3 on the Charter Communications system and channel 99 on AT&T U-Verse) and via streaming video at www.cityofpasadena.net/publicaffairs (click on the KPAS icon).

COMMISSIONS, COMMITTEES AND BOARDS

The Burbank/Glendale/Pasadena Airport Authority Legal, Government and Environmental Affairs Committee will meet Monday, March 14, at 8:30 a.m. in the Burbank Room at Bob Hope Airport, 2627 Hollywood Way in Burbank. Agenda items include project labor agreement for the Regional Intermodal Transportation Center.

The City Council Finance Committee will meet Monday, March 14, at 4 p.m. in the Council Chamber (S249) at Pasadena City Hall, 100 N. Garfield Ave. Agenda items include Fiscal Year 2010-2011 midyear budget amendments; proposed resolution authorizing solicitation and/or negotiation of and entry into one or more interest rate swaps; recognition and appropriation of $135,900 in California Homeland Security Grant Program funds; Department of Information Technology FY 2011 operating budget, computing and communications fund; acceptance of California Gang Reduction, Intervention and Prevention (CalGRIP) grant and authorization to enter into a contract with Flintridge Center for related services; quarterly investment report; and follow-up on Feb. 28 Finance Committee meeting regarding street lighting and electric undergrounding Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects.

The Commission on the Status of Women will meet Monday, March 14, at 7 p.m. at Jackie Robinson Center, 1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave. Agenda items include further recommendations to the Pasadena City Council regarding ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women; update on Vision 20/20 February meeting; update on second annual International Women’s Day March 9; update on Pasadena Conference on Aging; continued discussion regarding response to council request on employment of women in non-traditional positions and outreach efforts to attract women to these positions; presentation by Delta Sigma Theta Pasadena Alumnae Chapter requesting collaboration on domestic violence event in April; update on U.S. Department of Labor national dialog on workplace flexibility; update on Young African American Women’s Conference; and update on Adelante Mujer Conference.

The March 14 meeting of the Open Space/Conservation Element Committee has been canceled.

The March 15 meeting of the Environmental Advisory Commission has been canceled.

The Board of Zoning Appeals will meet Wednesday, March 16, at 6 p.m. in the Hearing Room at the Permit Center, 175 N. Garfield Ave. Agenda items include (1) hillside development permit to add a new second floor and additions to the first floor of an existing one-story single-family residence, (2) variance to supply only one covered parking space where two are required and (3) variance to allow the new second story to be located within the encroachment plane at 1493 Scenic Dr.

The Zoning Hearing Officer will conduct public hearings Wednesday, March 16, at 6 p.m. in the Hearing Room at the Permit Center. Agenda items include recommended approval with conditions of a minor conditional use permit (CUP) to allow installation of an unmanned wireless telecommunications facility that consists of six panel antennas at 600 S. Lake Ave.; and recommended approval with conditions of (1) minor CUP to allow the operation of a neighborhood garden to be maintained and operated at 136 W. Howard St. by the Harambee Christian Family Center and (2) minor variance to install a six-foot fence with gates along Navarro Avenue and Howard Street.

The Fire & Police Retirement System Board of Directors will meet Thursday, March 17, at 2:15 p.m. in the Council Chamber at Pasadena City Hall. Agenda items include fourth quarter 2010 investment performance report; and December 2010 and January 2011 budget report.

The March 17 meeting of the General Plan Update Advisory Committee has been canceled.

The Core Group of City Commissioners and the General Plan Update Advisory Committee will meet Saturday, March 19, at 9 a.m. in the Fair Oaks Community Room at Renaissance Plaza, 649 N. Fair Oaks Ave., second floor room 203 (next door to Vons). Agenda items include a workshop/follow-up to the November 2010 General Plan charrette, including review of maps and computer modeling data, and finalizing alternatives.

More information about commissions, including downloadable agendas, is atwww.cityofpasadena.net/commissions.

Ann Erdman
Public Information Officer
City of Pasadena
Public Affairs Office
100 N. Garfield Ave., Room S228
Pasadena CA 91109
(626) 744-4755
Cell: (626) 375-2742
www.cityofpasadena.net/publicaffairs 
Blog: www.pasadenapio.blogspot.com 
Facebook: Pasadena PIO
Twitter: pasadenapio
 

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

PSN Our View: Keep investing in public news

OUR local NPR affiliate, KPCC-FM out of Pasadena, would probably be OK if Congress guts public broadcasting support from the federal budget. Increasingly sophisticated in its outreach and fundraising, with a growing urban and suburban audience, the station and the other Southern California Public Radio affiliates it is amassing get only small amounts of their funding from taxpayers.


Full Opinion http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/ci_17504319?IADID=Search-www.pasadenastarnews.com-www.pasadenastarnews.com

Kidspace to honor police, firefighters

Kidspace Children's Museum, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., is presenting "Civic Heroes and Safety Day" on March 5, featuring Pasadena Fire Department trucks and Pasadena Police Department cars that kids can see up close.


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Greg Boyle, Founder of Homeboy Industries, at La Salle March 16

Pasadena, CA – Fr. Greg Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries, will make a presentation at 7:00 pm in the La Salle Dining Hall on March 16. Fr. Boyle was ordained as a Jesuit priest in 1984, and his mission since has been been to address unmet needs of gang-related youth. As an alternative to the danger and destruction of the streets, Fr. Greg has advocated for “Jobs Not Jails” in his ministry. To this day, thousands of youth who were at risk of living lives of crime and violence now give credit to Fr. Greg that they are now able to live productive and meaningful lives.

Homeboy Industries provides social services, education, job training, and tattoo removal for those who wish to separate from gang life. Today Homeboy Industries comprises Homeboy Bakery, Homeboy Silkscreen, Homeboy/Homegirl merchandise, and Homegirl Café.

Fr. Greg will also be available to sign copies of his latest book, Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion , which will also be available for purchase.

For more information about the event please call 626.696.4313.  There is no charge for admission. The School is located in north-east Pasadena at 3880 East Sierra Madre Boulevard. Ample free parking is available on campus.

Pacific Asia Museum Announces New Exhibition: Visions of the Orient: Western Women Artists in Asia 1900-1940

Pasadena, CA - February 21, 2011-Pacific Asia Museum announces a new exhibition, Visions of the Orient: Western Women Artists in Asia 1900-1940, openingMarch 4th and will be on view until May 29, 2011. This exhibition is one of our featured exhibitions as we celebrate our 40th anniversary. Visions of the Orient explores the intersection of Euro-American art, thewoodblock print movement, women, and East Asia to explore the various ways "the orient" served as a liberating professional space for women artists and as a place of diverse creative inspiration. Visions of the Orientfocuses on the work of four Western women artists: Helen Hyde (1868-1919), Bertha Lum (1869-1954), Elizabeth Keith (1887-1956), and Lilian Miller ((1895-1942), all of whom trained initially as painters but, while living in Japan, also designed woodblock prints.
Focusing on the phenomenon of Western female artists in East Asia during theearly 20th century, this exhibition is transformative both for the study of Western art and for trans-Pacific international studies. It presents a fuller biographical study of these four pioneer artists of the Orientalist tradition while giving a more balanced presentation of the artists, who have been associated almost exclusively with prints. The exhibition demonstrates the impressive breadth of Hyde, Lum, Miller and Keith in creating prints (woodblock and etching),watercolor painting, and book illustration - artistic media and formats associated with women during an era when men worked in "high art" traditions of oil painting and sculpture. Each of these artists, while born in the West, was deeply engaged with the art of Asia. With the exception of Paul Jacoulet, these Western women artists were the only Euro-American artists of either sex during the pre-WWII era who made their homes in Asia, made Asian subjects their primary thematic focus, and made the East Asian technique of woodblock printing their primary mode of production.
The exhibition features over 125 compelling works that share the theme of Asia, yet these works reveal considerable variation in their interpretation. In their paintings and prints we see Asia as a garden inhabited by women and children (Hyde), a land of mystery populated by goddesses (Lum), a living museum of peoples and customs (Keith), and a nurturing poetic landscape (Miller). The exhibition utilizes and challenges the Orientalist theses developed by academics over the past 25 years. Visions of the Orient also explores the Western, largely American, engagement with Japan and Asia at a time when relations shifted from paternalistic exoticism at the turn of the century to growing friction in the 1930's.
This project also looks at the international collaboration between these Western artists and their Japanese teachers and colleagues, including the artisans who produced their works as well as their Japanese publishers and dealers. The woodblock prints are the direct result of this collaboration, having been executed by Japanese artisans (block cutters and printers).
Although these images of Japan, Korea, China and even Pacific Island cultures were intended largely for Western audiences, they also found some audience among Asians. Thus, the Asian response to the Western view of Asia constitutes a related area of focus.
The exhibition is divided into four sections by artist with an introductory section to establish the historical era and key themes and suggest the status of woodblock prints in Japan and America in the early 20th century. More familiar woodblock prints are mixed with rare paintings and drawings, and approximately 55 related objects. Sketches, key block prints and proof prints with artist's notes, as well as carving and printing tools, blocks, and demonstration prints help bring the process of woodblock printing to life. Examples of the travel books they produced and their illustrations are also on display.
Visions of the Orient draws from the Pacific Asia Museum permanent collection, several private collections and numerous institutions including Scripps College, Claremont: Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, University of Oregon: and the Achenbach Foundation of Graphic Art, San Francisco. The exhibition is organized by Pacific Asia Museum with the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art.
Image: Bertha Lum, Tanabata, 1912. Pacific Asia Museum Collection, Gift of Evelyn E. Olson. 1999.11.4
About Pacific Asia Museum
Pacific Asia Museum is one of only four institutions in the United States dedicated exclusively to the arts and culture of Asia and the Pacific Islands. The museum's mission is to further cultural understanding through the arts. Since 1971, Pacific Asia Museum has served a broad audience of students, families, adults and scholars though its education and outreach programs.
Pacific Asia Museum is located at 46 North Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101. Museum opens Wednesday through Sunday 10 am to 6 pm. Admission is $9 general, $7 students/seniors, and free for children ages 11 and younger. Admission is free every 4th Friday of the month.

Pacific Asia Museum Announces Family Discount to Silk Road Story Time

Pasadena, CA - February 21, 2011-Beginning March 5, 2011, Pacific Asia Museum will offer a special family rate of just $10 (includes 2 adults and their children) to their on-going seriesSilk Road Story Time.
Presented the first Saturday of each month at 10:30 am, Silk Road Story Timefeatures popular local storyteller and former teacher Sunny Stevenson sharing Asian children's stories based on a monthly theme in the cozy and imaginative setting of the "travelers' tent" in the museum's family gallery. Following the stories in the travelers' tent, is a craft time in the museum's beautiful outdoor courtyard (weather permitting) featuring a story-themed craft with an instructor and Asian snacks.
The Silk Road Story Time family discount also includes all day admission to the museum (featuring Journeys: The Silk Road, the interactive family-friendly exhibition where children can explore the legendary trade route through hands-on play), all special exhibitions (Visions of the Orient: Western Women Artists in Asia 1900-1940 andThrough the Colonial Lens: Photographs of 19th and 20th Century India) and the Museum Tour of collection highlights.
Upcoming Story Time Themes:
March 5: India, April 2: Japan, May 7: Birthdays and Celebrations (in honor of PacificAsia Museum's 40th anniversary), June 4: China, July 9: Pakistan, August 6: Philippines.
About Pacific Asia Museum
Pacific Asia Museum is one of only four institutions in the United States dedicated exclusively to the arts and culture of Asia and the Pacific Islands. The museum's mission is to further cultural understanding through the arts. Since 1971, Pacific Asia Museum has served a broad audience of students, families, adults and scholars though its education and outreach programs.
Pacific Asia Museum is located at 46 North Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101. Museum opens Wednesday through Sunday 10 am to 6 pm. Admission is $9 general, $7 students/seniors, and free for children ages 11 and younger. Admission is free every 4th Friday of the month.