Weekly WISPAA Newsletter | Week of May 2, 2018

Calendar of events brought to you by WISPAA

Next WISPPA Meeting: This Saturday, May 5th at 9:00. Come and celebrate Cinco de Mayo. with “South Pasadena’s Hispanic Heritage and Its Influences Upon Local Architecture and Art.”Judith M. Harris, WISPPA secretary, will be moderating our panel:
  • John Lesak, a well-known local architect who has served our city as both a member of the “Cultural Heritage Commission,” and who currently serves on the “Planning Commission,” will talk about Rancho San Pasqual, the Garfias Hacienda, and the Flores Adobe.
  • Jolino Beserra, widely known muralist, whose works South Pasadena has commissioned and installed in the South Pasadena Library, will be providing a 30 minute talk about the Hispanic influences upon his art, and about the reflections of this along with other influences in his murals. For those who are interested, Mr. Bessera will also lead tour of library at the end of the meeting.
Be sure to join us for our social half hour with food and music from 8:30 to 9AM.  In keeping with our celebration of Cinco de Mayo, WISPPA will provide pastries from La Monarca to eat with coffee and tea and jazz musicians from the South Pasadena High School will be entertaining us!
 
INFORMATION OF INTEREST: Please note that all events listed in this newsletter are for informational purposes only. ​It does not imply endorsement or specific support by WISPPA, unless stated otherwise. To the best of our knowledge, the information contained in the newsletter is accurate and reliable as of the date of publication; however, we do not assume any liability whatsoever for the accuracy and completeness of the information. Please let us know if any corrections need to be made. Thank you!
  • Congratulations to James Reynolds Who Won Best Actor at 2018 Daytime Emmys. (James is the husband of WISPPA member Lissa Reynolds.) After portraying steady and loyal police commissioner and Mayor of Salem, Abe Carver, on “Days of Our Lives” for 37 years, actor James Reynolds was awarded the Emmy for Lead Actor in a Drama Series. Go to https://southpasadenan.com/at-last-james-reynolds-wins-best-actor-at-2018-daytime-emmys/ to read the article in the SouthPasadenan.
LIST OF EVENTS: Go to http://www.wisppa.org/upcoming-events.htmfor the latest info and to access links to the various South Pas calendars: Chamber of Commerce, The City of South Pas, and The Senior Center classes and programs.
 
Wine and Song Series Wednesdays at 7pm – $15 table seating, $10 general admission. Arroyo Seco Grill has food, wine, and full bar. Or bring your own bottle for a $10 corkage fee. Kitchen is open until 8:30. For more info, go to wineandsong.com/schedule Arroyo Seco Golf Course – 1055 Lohman Lane, South Pasadena
League Day – “Campaign Finance Reform After Citizens United: What Can Be Done; What Should Be Done?”Thursday, May 3 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM Bob Stern, “the godfather of modern political reform in California”, will give us some insight into how money influences elections, how we can advocate for greater transparency in political campaigns, and how technology will affect future politics. More details about Stern and online registration are available here. Deadline for registration – April 27.
Jazz at the Blue Guitar – Thursdays at 7:30pm $15 table seating, $10 general admission. Arroyo Seco Grill has food, wine, and full bar. Or bring your own bottle for a $10 corkage fee. Kitchen is open until 8:30. For more info, go to www.blueguitar.club Arroyo Seco Golf Course – 1055 Lohman Lane, South Pasadena
Chinese American Film Series on Friday, May 4th at 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in the Library Community Room. The South Pasadena Public Library is pleased to partner with the South Pasadena Chinese American Club to host its Chinese American Film Series. Director Yimou Zhang’s Golden Globe and Academy Award nominated film “Hero” (2002) will be screened. The recipient of many international awards for Christopher Doyle’s hauntingly beautiful cinematography, this action-adventure film was described by Tim Appelo in the L.A. Weekly as “an epic, evocative of another epoch and of landscapes beyond time.” The film stars the incomparable Jet Li, Ziyi Zhang
(“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”, “House of Flying Daggers”), and Tony Chiu-Wai Leung, winner of a best actor prize at the Cannes Film Festival for “In the Mood for Love” (2000). The event is free and open to the public. The PG-13 rated film will be shown in Mandarin with English subtitles, and runs 1 hour 47 minutes. The South Pasadena Public Library is located at 1100 Oxley Street,
​Into The Woods, Jr. Presented by Young Stars Theatre May 4 – May 27, 2018 Friday, May 4 & Saturday, May 5 @ 7pm GALA ~ Includes after party Tickets $30 Friday, May 11, 18 & 25 @ 7pm Saturday, May 12, 19 & 26 @ 7pm Sunday, May 6, 13, 20 & 27 @ 2pm & 6pm Into the Woods Jr. features all of your favorite characters – Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk) and the Witch in this lyrically rich retelling of classic Brothers Grimm fables. The musical centers on a baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse and wind up changed forever. Tickets $25 www.fremontcentretheatre.com If you have a question regarding Into the Woods Jr. or Young Stars Theatre’s Summer Drama Camp, please call 626-269-3609.
Free Mulch and Compost Giveaway Event on Saturday, May 5th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The City of South Pasadena will be hosting a FREE mulch and compost giveaway event at the School District parking lot – 1020 El Centro Street. South Pasadena residents are welcome to scoop up to a maximum of 100 gallons of compost or mulch into their truck or car at no charge. Residents must bring their own containers. The City will supply shovels. Giveaway will be on a first come first served basis. For more information, visit the City’s website or contact the Public Works Department at 626-403-7240 or ldewitt@southpasadenaca.gov
“Most Likely to Succeed” Documentary Screening & Discussion Saturday, May 5 12:00 PM – 2:00 P.M. The East Meets West Parenting Education Club (EMWPEC), in collaboration with South Pasadena Public Library and the South Pasadena Chinese American Club will host a screening of the award winning documentary, “Most Likely To Succeed”, directed by Greg Whiteley and produced by Ted Dintersmith. The documentary presents a different perspective of what schools could be and a new approach on transforming an outdated American education system to prepare the next generation to face a high-tech society and innovative economy. A panel discussion will follow the discussion, featuring Ron Gunnoe, M.A. Education and Dr. Lawrence Fritz, Dean of Graduate Studies & Research Professor of Biology at Cal State LA. This event is free to the public, but we ask that you please RSVP at www.tinyurl.com/EMWPEC-film. For more info about the film, click here.
The NWPC of Greater Pasadena is pleased to announce that its upcoming 39th annual Spring Champagne Brunch will honor Delaine Eastin, former California Superintendent of Public Schools, who is a candidate for Governor. The Brunch will be held on Saturday, May 5, 2018 from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM. This event is our Political Action Committee fundraiser and allows NWPC of Greater Pasadena to support women candidates. Please help women candidates by sponsoring our Brunch as follows: Benefactor — $500.00—4 tickets to the Brunch Patron — $250,00—2 tickets
Sponsor — $100.00– 1 ticket. Contact jeanne.register@charter.net or call her at 626 798-8109.
The 2018 United State of Women Summit will be held in Los Angeles May 5-6. Find more information and tickets here. The United State of Women Summit isn’t just a conference — it’s a powerful gathering of women and allies from across the country who know their energy and power will break down barriers that stand between women and full equality. On May 5th and 6th, thousands of women will convene in Los Angeles to inspire and be inspired, to motivate and be motivated, to teach and to learn. Attendees will connect with leading organizations to channel their energy into action, leaving with new ideas and partners, hands-on training, and the tools and resources they need to make change at all levels.
Series of music concerts produced by the Pascale Music Institute (formerly the South Pasadena Strings Program) sponsored by the Woman’s Club of South Pasadena. The concerts will include a variety of music from Classical to Jazz and will be held the first Sunday of the month (2017-2018) at the Clubhouse. Professional musicians from the LA Philharmonic and students and faculty of the Institute will perform. Proceeds benefit the Club’s historic Building Restoration Fund. Admission donation requested ($10 adults; $5 students)
Volunteer Tree Outreach Kickoff Sunday, May 6 at 9:00 AM 12:30 PM Sponsored by South Pasadena Beautiful. Our city’s trees are in danger. Due to the current drought and climate conditions, we are expected to lose nearly 40% of our trees in the next decade. With your help, we can change this. Join us in our volunteer effort. Eddie Park 2017 Edgewood Dr. So.Pasadena
Hello Poets! Vave Studios has an opportunity to host a poetry reading at their studio in South Pasadena. The date is set for Thursday, May 10th starting at 8:30 pm. They are looking for a few volunteers to come a little early to help them set up. For the reading, they have 17 available spots for performers (poetry or music). If you are interested in performing, please reply to this email ASAP to reserve your spot. The set list will fill up fast, so don’t wait too long to let them know! For more information: https://www.pspoets.org
League of Women Voters Pasadena Area spring luncheon featuring award-winning journalist and executive producer Val Zavala. Friday, May 11, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Her topic is, “The Changing Media Landscape: From Walter Cronkite to Fake News – Where Are We Headed?” For more information and to make your reservation for what will be a sold-out event, visit the LWV-PA website. Mijares Restaurant 145 Palmetto Drive, Pasadena.
CERT Refresher Training – Registration Open – May 12, 8:00am to 12:00 pm This 4-hour course reviews the CERT Basics including Fire Safety, Disaster Medical Operations, Search and Rescue, Hazardous Material, and other Incidents. To attend this class, you must have completed CERT training MORE than one year ago, and bring your CERT graduation certificate from your previous training location.- South Pasadena Fire Department (817 Mound Avenue, South Pasadena) – Please wear comfortable clothes (shorts OK) and sturdy shoes. Register here.
SPARC Gallery: “Frame Story” – Carolie Parker Through May 14 South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce 1121 Mission Street South Pasadena For more info, go to www.sopasartscouncil.org/sparc-gallery
​SPEF Parti Gras 2018 May 19 from 6:00-11:30 pm at the Arroyo Seco Golf Course. Parti Gras is a great opportunity to spend an evening with friends and neighbors – and with your help, this year will be better than ever! Working together, we look forward to a wonderful, fun evening with the added benefit of giving our South Pasadena schools much-needed support. This year’s event features none other than local DJ icon RICHARD BLADE spinning tunes all night, in addition to a vintage arcade and other 80s themed fun. If you would like to participate in this event by either volunteering or donating items to our silent or live auction please contact PJ Lutz at plutz@spef4kids.org. To purchase tickets, click here.
Operation Cookie Wednesday, Wednesday, May 23 at 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (alternate: May 22 at 4:00 to 7:00 p.m) Many of you have generously supported “Operation Cookie” in the past and we would be most grateful if you would consider contributing cookies as part of this year’s event. The veterans really enjoy home-made cookies, but donations of local bakery and pre-packaged cookies are welcome. We always need sugar free cookies, too. We also welcome financial support to help defray expenses. This year we will again deliver decorative containers of cookies to patients in Veteran’s Hospitals, to the Wounded Warriors Battalion at Camp Pendleton, Military Women in Need, and other groups serving special needs veterans. We remember our homeless veterans as well. You may deliver your cookies (minimum of two dozen) to the Clubhouse at 1424 Fremont Avenue. Convenient curbside service is available both days. We also hope you will be able to volunteer some time with us helping on the cookie “assembly line,” or packing the cookie boxes in cartons, or helping to transport cookies to the various hospitals and veterans groups. For information or to volunteer, call or text: 213-300-9305 / Email: spwc1899@aol.com.
Jaz Sawyer Group – special SPARC event (South Pasadena Arts Council) Thursday, – May 24 at 7:30pm Jaz possesses an eclectic and refined personal style of drumming that stems from his deep roots in his Classical, Jazz, West-African and Afro-Caribbean musical training. He has worked with many notable artists, including Wynton Marsalis, Abbey Lincoln, George Benson, Bobby Hutcherson, Jacky Terrasson and Dee Dee Bridgewater in some of the world’s premier concert venues, including The Blue Note, The Village Vanguard, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center and the Sydney Opera House. Adjacent to the Blue Guitar room is the Arroyo Seco Grill which has food, wine, and full bar. Or you can bring your own bottle for a $10 corkage fee. Showtime is 7:30 pm, doors open 30 minutes prior. For tickets, click here.
ShopTalk Breakfast! Tuesday, June 5 at 8:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m Come by for a delicious breakfast and a chance to meet some other local business people. Mike & Anne’s Restaurant RSV: 626.441.2339 $13 for Chamber members/$18 for non-members, breakfast included
Community Baseball Night on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at 7:10 pm. Get a group together and join your community for a night of baseball!
The Community Services Department and the Parks & Recreation Commission are happy to announce the return of the Community Baseball Night.
Your Los Angeles Dodgers will be playing against the Texas Rangers. Tickets are $36 each for the Preferred Loge Box and $41 each for the
All You Can Eat Pavilion. The first 40,000 fans will receive 60th Anniversary Collector’s Card Set: The 90’s! Tickets can be purchased on our website, www.southpasadenaca.gov/events or at the Recreation office, 815 Mission St. Our ticket sale ends on Friday, May 25th. **Tip: Take the Gold Line to Union Station to get on the Dodger Stadium Express Shuttle.
SPARC’s Kickoff to Summer Dance Party Saturday, June 16, from 6:30 – 10 pm, Come celebrate with us and support SPARC and the arts in South Pasadena.featuring acclaimed DJ Black Rabbit. The Dance Party takes place at the War Memorial Building, 435 Fair Oaks Ave in South Pasadena. There will be food, drinks and a raffle of wonderful gifts from our local businesses. DJ Black Rabbit has been DJing professionally for 10 years. Originally hailing from Philadelphia Pa and now residing in Los Angeles he brings a unique style of blends and mixes that has been shaped by providing music for clubs, lounges, and private events all over the east coast. He will be setting up video projections of the era that sync up with the music he plays. It should be a fun, exciting evening.Bring your dancing shoes and prepare to boogie down!!! Get your exercise in for the week!! Tickets: $40 Single Admission $75 Couple Admission Each admission includes a drink ticket and food by To purchase tickets: click here.
SAVE THE DATE: WISPPA COCKTAIL PARTY Monday, June 18 at 6:00 p.m. Honored guest and speaker: Stephanie DeWolfe, new South Pasadena City Manager
CERT Basic Training  Registration Open – Oct 6, 13, 20, 8:00am to 1:00pm each day This 12 hour course teaches the CERT Basics including Fire Safety, Disaster Medical Operations, Search and Rescue, & Hazardous Materials. Must complete all 3 classes to graduate. In 95% of all emergencies, a neighbor, co-worker, or bystander is the first person at the scene of an emergency. Would you know what to do? – South Pasadena Fire Department (817 Mound Avenue, South Pasadena) – Please wear comfortable clothes (shorts OK) and sturdy shoes Register Here.