August 16th, 2005

Not only was this girl born in Pasadena, California… She never left! As a graduate of their schools, an occassional volunteer, a former docent, local newspaper employee, and performer - I may be uniquely qualified to respond to this week’s topic:

Ten Things I Love About My City

1. Caltech - It’s nice being home to so many brilliant minds, and the California Institute of Technology brings them in by the truckload every semester. When we’re lucky, they stay on to work at JPL.

2. Art Center - Not just any college of design, but arguably one of the best in the world. Art Center continues to churn out stunning works in everything from automobile design to filmmaking.

3. Restaurants - Maybe what’s nourishing all this young talent is nothing more than the amazing food! What else do you expect when the US campus of the famous Le Cordon Bleu is right here in town?

4. City Hall - We have the most beautiful civic building I’ve ever seen. Built in 1927 by Bakewell & Brown, this elegant feature of our local skyline is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

5. Kidspace - Newly redesigned, this children’s museum is unique. Every exhibit is a functioning work of art with lessons for kids to learn by the best of all possible methods… Play!

6. Architecture - We’re fortunate to live in an adorable little home in the historic area of Bungalow Heaven. Craftsman homes are the rage right now, and we take them for granted because they’re everywhere!

7. Huntington - Library, art collections, and botanical gardens… It’s a wonderful place to take the ladies for afternoon tea. Or go by yourself for some quiet contemplation amidst your pick of lovely surroundings.

8. Tournament of Roses - Forgive me for putting it so low on the list, but it’s not as big a deal for the locals as it is for the rest of the world when they invade on New Year’s Day for the Rose Bowl game and parade.

9. Mountains - Living at the foothills of the San Gabriel mountain range makes great hiking adventures easy. Of course, if you’re a clutz like me you might want to make your expeditions less frequent.

10. People - Compared to most of Los Angeles we’re pretty laid back. I knew a guy who moved from out of state to the west side. He grew homesick until he found a place that felt more like home in Pasadena.

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