What's behind the hedges?

Home of Sarah Noble Ives, Altadena's first historian

Ever wondered what stories there are behind the hedges and walls of some of the beautiful old homes in Altadena? Altadena Historical Society had a tour of some of the historic places on and near the spur of East Mariposa just east of Lake Avenue.

Altadenablog assigned me to cover the story.  There were lots of surprises and new discoveries. Read about them in "History, mystery and scandal on Historical Society's tour of Mariposa".  I especially liked the miniature golf course and revisiting the home of my old friends from Westminster Presbyterian, Herb and Betty Herr.

It was also inspiring to see the artwork of Sarah Noble Ives, whose picture-book illustrations were, I think, among the first in full color and established a style that lasted for decades.

Community gardens and community characters

Richard Carlos from Theodore Payne Foundation

When I was an editor at a weekly paper, an aspiring writer turned in a review of a band she liked. She wrote that they were on stage, each doing their own thing.  "If they were each 'doing their own thing,'" I said, "it wouldn't be music." I explained how musicians have to listen to each other, and play together.

Three decades later, I take that back. If music gives joy--and the joyful color pink on the stoles and hoods of academes reflect that--then perhaps it can be joyful even when each musician is "doing his own thing".

And that's why I took this video.

As for the rest of the story, it's posted on Altadena Patch.  The event was the Fifth Annual Gathering of Community Gardens, held at Loma Alta Park in Altadena, and the purpose was to educate beginners and master gardeners alike.

2012 Rose Queen just announced!

Drew Washington, center,  Kimberly Ostiller and Cynthia Louie on either side.

Drew Helen Washington, the youngest girl on the Tournament of Roses Royal Court, was named as Rose Queen this morning at Tournament House.  She is 16, lives in Pasadena, and attends Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy in La Cañada Flintridge.

She is the 94th Rose Queen and will reign over the 123rd Rose Parade and 98th Rose Bowl Game.  Read all about it in my Tournament of Roses column.  I will be posting stories frequently.  This morning's entry,
DrewWashington named as 94th Rose Parade Queen today at Tournament House, covers the announcement.

2012 Royal Court: Pictures & Profiles

It's that time of year when most of my writing centers around the Tournament of Roses. It's a job I really enjoy, and I find myself meeting new people every week.

In addition to following the Los Angeles/Natural History Museum float from start to finish, I will be covering all the Tournament events between now and January 3, 2012.

On Monday, the 2012 Royal Court was announced, and I was there to get photos and talk to the girls.  Here are the links to all my stories--all 10 of them!

Tournament of Roses announces Royal Court to reign at 2012 Rose Parade
Photo gallery: 2012 Tournament of Roses Royal Court
Rose Parade 101: How will the 2012 Rose Queen be chosen?

Profiles of the Rose Princesses (in order of photo, left to right): 
Sarah Zuno
Cynthia Louie
Morgan Devaud
Kimberly Ostiller
Drew Washington
Hanan Worku
Stephanie Hynes

That should be enough reading to keep you busy until the Rose Queen is announced on October 18!

On the way to royalty--5 finalists talk about their TOR experience

Kimberly Ostiller, Teni Jebian, Lois Gordon, Hanan Worku, Erin Green

I spoke with five of the Tournament of Roses Royal Court finalists on Thursday and posted a story in my TOR column.  They all looked like Rose Princess material to me!  Outgoing, articulate, poised, funny, girl-next-door types.

Next Monday, we will all find out who made the cut--which seven young women will ride the Royal Float along the Rose Parade route.  I have to say, I have a couple favorites.  But I won't say who.

For a picture of all 34 finalists, take a look at "34 finalists named" on Examiner.com.