Danny’s Song

Daniel Pearl’s parents promote peace and education at interfaith music event in Pasadena

By Justin Chapman, Pasadena Weekly, 10/31/2013

Students from Jewish, Episcopal, Muslim and Mennonite schools came together recently for the 11th annual Daniel Pearl “Harmony for Humanity” concert, part of the Daniel Pearl Foundation’s World Music Days series aimed at using music to spread messages of hope and peace.
 
The foundation and the concert series were started in response to the kidnapping, murder and beheading of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl in 2002 in Pakistan by al Qaeda forces. Pearl’s parents, Dr. Judea and Ruth Pearl, who began the foundation in their son’s memory, were in attendance at Weizmann Day School for the Oct. 18 event, as were Democratic Congresswoman Judy Chu and Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard.
“This is our way of taking revenge,” Judea Pearl told the Pasadena Weekly. “We have an enemy, and the target of our revenge is the ideology that took Danny’s life. But we know where our power lies and we know that we must be effective in whatever we do. So we don’t drive drones or tanks. We’re using the weapons that we do have, the legacy of our son, which resonates with many communities and can energize them to action that they wouldn’t have taken otherwise. There’s no other way but to fight it in the most effective way, which is with a smile.”
Weizmann Day School hosted the event and joined voices with students from St. Mark’s School, New Horizon School and the Peace and Justice School in performing songs intended to promote peace and understanding 
among different cultures and religions. 
In his 2009 essay “Daniel Pearl and the Normalization of Evil,” Judea Pearl wrote that he and others “genuinely hoped that Danny’s murder would be a turning point in the history of man’s inhumanity to man,” but that that did not come to pass in a way he had hoped.
“People did take notice, but I expected it to be much more drastic,” he said. “What did happen is relative morality died with Daniel Pearl. It’s not true that for every side of the conflict there’s another side and they’re equally meritorious. It’s no longer true. There is an absolute evil in the world, and people realize it.”
Ruth Pearl said that the way to end the mentality that leads to terrorism is through education and awareness. “Education for humanity, for tolerance, for loving their own self, their own life,” she said. “You don’t strap yourself with a bomb if you love life. Danny loved life. You have to love life to appreciate the life of others, to give them value. If you don’t love your own self, then there’s no value to other people.”
Among other things, the Daniel Pearl Foundation provides fellowships for Muslim journalists. For six months fellows are brought to the US to work at the Wall Street Journal or the New York Times. The idea is that they will then bring the ideas and practices of a free press back to their countries in the Middle East. Ruth Pearl said that the biggest eye opener for students is when they work at a Jewish paper for one week.
 
“Most of them never met a Jew in their life,” she said. “They realize we have so much in common.”
“This is our way of penetrating the Muslim world,” added Judea Pearl, “through journalism.”

‘Fresh blood’

Three candidates vie for PCC board seat left vacant by longtime trustee 

By Justin Chapman, Pasadena Weekly, 10/31/2013

On Tuesday, voters in La Cañada Flintridge, southwest Pasadena and northwest Altadena will decide among three candidates for the Pasadena Area Community College District Board of Trustees seat left vacant by Geoffrey Baum. 
Ross Selvidge, Dianne Philibosian and Alex Keledjian are running to represent Area 1 at a time when the community college is facing dramatic fiscal challenges, ever-increasing enrollment, limited classes and a hostile relationship between the school’s administration and faculty and students.
Keledjian, 19, is studying political science at PCC. He served as a student trustee on the La Cañada Unified Board of Education and has a long list of endorsements, including members of that school board, former Gov. George Deukmejian, LA County Supervisor Mike Antonovich and members of the state Assembly.
Philibosian also lists Antonovich and Deukmejian as endorsers, as well as state Sen. Carol Liu, Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard and many others.
“That shows I have done something right,” Keledjian said. “The work I have been doing these many years has been effective. My age is a positive thing, because no one on that board has the perspective that I have. The average age on the board, and not to be rude, is 65. There needs to be continuity, fresh blood and new ideas.”
The college’s financial situation is exactly where Selvidge says his skills and expertise can be the most effective. He is a retired financial consultant, received a PhD in finance from USC in 1984 and served on the faculty there for more than 15 years. He also served on the Pasadena Public Library Financing Task Force, the City Charter Reform Task Force, the Rose Bowl Operating Co. board of directors, the Pasadena Planning Commission, the city Recreation and Parks Commission, the West Pasadena Residents Association and the City Hall Renovation Financing Task Force.
“It’s important to have someone like me on the board who can really scrutinize the budget proposals and ask the right follow-up questions,” he said. “They have to make sure they’ve made all necessary adjustments in budgeting so they can live within their means. They have to be much better at budgeting, and very astute at how they do that.”
Philibosian, who served as chair of the Board of Regents of the University of the Pacific, wants to address the “crisis of communication” and improve the collegial atmosphere on campus.
 
“I bring a wealth of background and the ability to be a consensus builder and collaborator,” she said. “That’s absolutely critical for PCC right now. We need to ensure PCC’s continued financial strength, build reserves for the future and make sure students can access classes and finish their programs in a timely manner.”

‘Evolving’ art

Pasadena Photography Arts uses galleries and grants to help support local emerging photographers

By Justin Chapman, Pasadena Weekly, 10/31/2013

Whether for its beautiful natural scenery, fantastic events or colorful people, Pasadena over the years has drawn countless photographers who have turned everyday moments into works of art. 
Local schools like Art Center College of Design and Pasadena City College are churning out new photographers every year. However, there is a curious lack of gallery space and other opportunities for these budding photographers. Bill Wishner saw this void and decided to fill it, forming Pasadena Photography Arts.
Sponsored by the nonprofit Pasadena Arts Council’s EMERGE program, Pasadena Photography Arts seeks to support photographers by encouraging more exhibits at local galleries, creating pop-up galleries in local businesses, providing financial support and grants for photographic projects, holding educational workshops, mentoring emerging photographers and providing portfolio reviews and working with local college-level photography programs, among other things.
Tough gig
Wishner, a retired physician who serves as a volunteer faculty member at USC as well as on the Five Acres’ board of directors, came up with the idea for Pasadena Photography Arts in 2012, when his wife and he were attending a photographic exhibit at Bergamot Station in Santa Monica.
“I asked my wife why we were always going to exhibits on the West Side, never Pasadena,” said Wishner. “She said because there’s nothing in Pasadena. That wasn’t quite true. We had a lot of resources here, though we were certainly short of gallery space and photographers that were identified on the east side of town. I told her I’m going to go back and start something for emerging photographers who are looking for help, who need that extra boost to get to their next step. She said, ‘You’re crazy.’ I said, ‘I know, but if not me, then who?’”
Danny Liao, a freelance photographer based in Alhambra who takes pictures for the Pasadena Weekly and other publications, agreed that Pasadena is lacking in gallery space.
“I don’t even know if there’s one gallery in Pasadena, except maybe at Art Center,” said Liao, who studied photography there. “There are tons of photographers in Pasadena, but not really that much space or opportunity. I think there’s always a need for organizations to help out photographers. It’s so hard to get into that industry. I’ve been freelancing for eight years and honestly I’ve barely started getting gigs like two years ago. It’s hard to build a career.”
And building an organization that aims to help photographers hasn’t been easy, either, according to Wishner. He said his group is making progress by developing databases of galleries and photographers, engaging with the community and building relationships with local art schools, but acknowledged that it’s hard work.
“You have to find where these people are, because they’re pretty much hidden,” he said. “They come out of art school and they move back with their parents or they move out of the area. They find little hovels to live in and they’re isolated. There’s no meeting place for them to come to, they have no group to associate with. It’s a struggle for these folks.”
Wishner said his group has met with officials from Art Center and PCC, and plans to meet with leaders at East LA College and others in the coming months to begin finding ways that they can collaborate.
“We have to negotiate with each of them,” he said. “They’re all different. They want something and we want to help. A lot of these institutions are used to not having people come in and say we want to work with you. You have to build something with each of them and it’s a little different. All those things are things we’re doing now. We’ve been successful to this point but we’re still a young organization. However, we’re not going away. We’ve all committed to it. This is a long haul thing. We know it’s going to take us several years before we engage fully with the community.”
All things photography
Since he retired five years ago, Wishner has devoted himself to his full-time passion: photography. He was a jazz photographer for 20 years, but said the industry has changed. He’s no longer interested in music photography.
“There was no money in it,” he said. “It was very expensive to go do. Everybody expects free pictures. Everybody has a camera. In the end, I found I was spending tons of money and it wasn’t fulfilling anymore. As I retired I started up some other photography projects.”
In 2007 he started a local photography discussion group called F8 Pasadena Salon. He and 13 other enthusiasts meet every Saturday morning at a local coffee shop to talk about the art and aesthetics of photography.
“Everybody loves talking about the art of photography,” he said. “But we’re not a camera club. We don’t give a shit how you take a picture or what camera you use, although people always want to know, but basically we’re not interested. We bring guests in, too. We had a guy come over from Caltech to talk about light. That’s what we search for all the time, some kind of light. He spent his whole career in light. We have another person who comes to talk about the ethics of street photography. Whatever it is, as long as it’s related to the art and aesthetics.”
Wishner also donated cameras to Five Acres in Altadena, which uses the photography program as a way to help build self-esteem and social communication, and developed “Through My Eyes” for at-risk children.
“The kids could do one of two things,” he said. “They work with a therapist using photography as a way to better understand their environment. We also took the kids on expeditions in the LA area, to Watts Towers, a baseball game downtown, museums, whatever it was, and they took pictures and that became the art that’s around Five Acres. We gave the kids books with their work in it.”
Filling a niche
Terry LeMonchek, executive director of the Pasadena Arts Council, has been working with Pasadena Photography Arts and offering the new organization assistance to help them gain momentum. EMERGE is a fiscal sponsorship program and offers its organizations fundraising consulting, referral services, workshops, marketing and other services.
“The photography community is a very vibrant group of people,” said LeMonchek. “Pasadena Photography Arts is giving them a forum and a place to network and showcasing what’s really going on in Pasadena in terms of photography. It really is the only organization that’s filling that niche on the east side.”
Another challenge that Pasadena Photography Arts faces is matching the right photographer with the right gallery or space. As Wishner pointed out, just because you’re an emerging photographer doesn’t mean your work is ready to be shown.
“It’s content that means something,” said Wishner. “It’s the story, the narrative that goes with it and the scope of work, and then it becomes quite different. What is our visual aesthetic in this day and age? What is the art? The art’s being redefined as we speak. Life is changing for the photographer; life is changing for the viewer. The whole thing is evolving.” 
Pasadena Photography Arts will be holding its next workshop, “Getting Creative with LED Lighting & Filtration,” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Keystone Fine Arts Studio, 2558 N. San Fernando Road, Glassell Park. Email doughill@pasadenaphotographyarts.org for reservations and more information.

That’s Entertainment!

Few communities compare with Greater Pasadena when it comes to theater, live music, nightclubs, film and radio

By Justin Chapman, Pasadena Weekly, 10/24/2013

Pasadena has long been a little sister to Hollywood, growing in its own right but also in the shadow of the world’s entertainment capital. Far enough away to enjoy some respite from the spotlight but close enough to bask in Hollywood’s glow, Pasadena has served as an ideal location for celebrities, movie stars and entertainers to work, live, play and recover for nearly a century.
It hasn’t been a one-way street, either. Indeed, Hollywood and Pasadena have influenced each other. Just look at the Pasadena Playhouse, which produced some of the greatest actors of a generation in Dustin Hoffman and Gene Hackman, as well as a slew of others. Just about every great comedian has performed at the legendary Ice House Comedy Club. And several celebrities call themselves Pasadena residents — from John C. Reilly to Sally Field and Tim Roth. Who can forget Kevin Costner’s former restaurant, Twin Palms?
The city of Pasadena itself, the Paris of the Pacific, as it is known in certain circles, has served as the location for countless films, television shows and commercials over the years, going all the way back to the Golden Age of Hollywood. The old Busch Gardens, which no longer exists as it once did, has appeared in several films, including 1931’s “Frankenstein” and 1938’s “The Adventures of Robin Hood,” where Errol Flynn as Robin Hood was arrested during an archery tournament.
Parts of the classics “Gone With the Wind” and “Citizen Kane” were also filmed in Pasadena, including the site of the infamous Xanadu, which was inspired by Hearst Castle in San Simeon. And Bruce Wayne’s Manor in the 1966 Adam West “Batman” movie and television show is located on San Rafael Avenue.
Today, the city has just about everything you can think of in the way of entertainment; from massive music concerts and flowery parades (silly and serious) to nightlife that’s second to none. Sports, music, art and all things fun are just a day in the life of this cultured burg.
Of course, once you’ve partied too hard, you can always join a long list of celebrities for a rehabilitation stint at Impact or a number of other rehab centers.
So kick back and listen to relaxing live jazz every night of the week at redwhite+bluezz, enjoy a riveting theatrical performance at the Pasadena Playhouse, shoot some pool at Jake’s Burgers and Billiards, dance the night away at Ix Tapa, or see the stars in action at ArcLight Cinemas while sipping a cocktail. If you’re bored in this town, you’re just not paying attention.
BEST BAR
Lucky Baldwin’s Pub
17 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena
(626) 795-0652 | luckybaldwins.com
Lucky Baldwin’s Trappiste
1770 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 844-0447
Lucky Baldwin’s Delirium Café
21 Kersting Court, Sierra Madre
(626) 355-1440
This venerable Pasadena institution has been serving locals and tourists alike for nearly 20 years. English owners David Farnworth and Peggy Simonian opened the first Baldwin’s in 1996 in the heart of Old Pasadena. With 63 global beers on tap, it specializes in Belgian beers and celebrates European drinking festivals throughout the year, including the Belgian Beer Festival, IPA festivals and Octoberfest. Farnworth and Simonian eventually expanded Lucky Baldwin’s to East Pasadena and Sierra Madre.
Reader Recommended
Dog Haus Biergarten
93 E. Green St., Pasadena
(626) 683-0808 | doghausdogs.com
T. Boyle’s Tavern
37 N. Catalina Ave., Pasadena 
(626) 578-0957 | tboylestavern.com
 
BEST BARTENDER
Joyce Roque 
Dog Haus Biergarten
93 E. Green St., Pasadena
(626) 683-0808 | doghausdogs.com
Winning this year’s Best Bartender category is a nice sendoff to Joyce Roque, who left Dog Haus last week to attend nursing school, according to manager Raz Nahrouk. “We’re sad that she’s not here anymore, because we were hoping to capitalize on her Best Bartender win,” he joked. It’s no surprise to Nahrouk that she won, because “she’s got a great personality and understands what people want. She’s very friendly, has a great smile and treats everyone equally. That goes a long way for customers looking for a good time or to be appreciated.”
Reader Recommended
Mike Anderson
Plate 38
2361 E. Colorado Blvd.  Pasadena
(626) 793-7100 | plate38.com
Phil Wills
Dog Haus Biergarten
93 E. Green St., Pasadena
(626) 683-0808 | doghausdogs.com
BEST BEER SELECTION 
Yard House
330 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena 
(626) 577-9273 | yardhouse.com
Draft beer reigns supreme at the Yard House: ales, lagers, hybrids, ciders, bottled, blends and floats. With more than 100 different beers from all over the world, it’s an understatement to say there’s something for everyone. After first opening in Long Beach in the early 1990s, the popular restaurant and bar quickly spread across the country. You can find the one in Pasadena at Paseo Colorado.
Reader Recommended
Congregation Ale House
300 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena
(626) 578-0166 | congregationalehouse.com 
Lucky Baldwin’s Pub
17 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena
(626) 795-0652 | luckybaldwins.com
Lucky Baldwin’s Trappiste
1770 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 844-0447
Lucky Baldwin’s Delirium Café
21 Kersting Court, Sierra Madre
(626) 355-1440
BEST COCKTAILS
1886 Bar at the Raymond 
The Raymond Restaurant
1250 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena
(626) 441-3136 | theraymond.com 
The Raymond Restaurant’s resident bar has won Best Cocktails as long as we can remember, and it probably didn’t help that the bar’s spring line of cocktails included bottled cocktail sodas. What makes 1886 so special is that it rolls out a new cocktail menu each season. It’s hard to beat a beverage maker that puts real craftsmanship into the process.
Reader Recommended
Blind Donkey
53 E. Union St., Pasadena
(626) 792-1833 | theblinddonkey.com
Trattoria Neapolis
336 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena
(626) 792-3000 | trattorianeapolis.com
Vertical Wine Bistro
70 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena
(626) 795-3999 | verticalwinebistro.com
BEST COMEDY CLUB
Ice House
24 N. Mentor Ave., Pasadena
(626) 577-1894 | icehousecomedy.com
Gelotologists say that laughter evolved between 2 and 4 million years ago, before the development of language, and was used to signal safety and facilitate group interaction. The Ice House has exemplified that spirit of social play and fun since 1960. It’s hard to name a major comedian who hasn’t performed at the legendary comedy club. The Ice House’s tradition of quality comedy at an affordable price is still going strong today.
BEST DIVE BAR
The Colorado Bar
2640 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 449-3485
Sometimes you just want to hide from the world in a dimly lit, no nonsense neighborhood bar with pool tables, darts and an old jukebox. The Colorado has come a long way since smoking was allowed indoors, but you can still count on it to deliver that dive vibe. It’s a great place for a relaxing rendezvous with a friend and a beer.
Reader Recommended
Freddie’s 35er Bar
12 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 356-9315 | 35erbar.com
Old Towne Pub
66 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena 
(626) 577-6583 | theoldtownepub.com
BEST GENTLEMAN’S CLUB
Knockout’s Gentleman’s Club
1580 Clark St., Arcadia 
(626) 303-3003 | knockoutsla.com
Knockout’s combines a topless strip club with a sports bar, complete with a late night menu, premiere bottle service and giant plasma televisions. Its Web site claims it is changing the Los Angeles strip club game. With two Best Gentleman’s Club wins in a row, they just may be right.
BEST HAPPY HOUR
Kabuki Japanese Restaurant
88 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 568-9310 | kabukirestaurants.com 
3539 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 351-8963 
Kabuki has tons of great deals during Happy Hour, with regular prices next to Happy Hour prices so you can see what you’re saving. Get a mug of Sapporo on tap for just $1.95, a glass of Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon for $3.50 or a serving of hot house sake for $1.95. Kabuki’s celebrated Happy Hour also includes great deals on appetizers, salads and their delicious sushi rolls.
Reader Recommended
Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine
641 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 356-4066 | roysrestaurant.com 
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
369 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 583-8122 | ruthchris.com 
BEST LIVE MUSIC/BAR/CLUB
redwhite+bluezz
37 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena
(626) 792-4441 | redwhitebluezz.com
This respected jazz club is now located at the historic Pasadena Playhouse after seven fun years in Old Pasadena. It now boasts a larger stage and a 40-seat bar area. That comes in handy with live jazz music every night. Can’t get enough jazz? Join redwhite+bluezz for their award-winning jazz brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every Sunday.
Reader Recommended
Kings Row Gastropub
20 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena 
(626) 793-3010 | kingsrowpub.com 
Old Towne Pub
66 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena
(626) 577-6583 | theoldtownepub.com
BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE
Levitt Pavilion 
85 E. Holly St., Pasadena
(626) 683-3230 | levittpavilionpasadena.org 
Ever since the Mortimer Levitt Foundation funded the transformation of the Memorial Park band shell in 2002, Pasadena has reveled in its free eclectic annual summer concert series. The venue saw its golden years in the 1930s and 40s, coinciding with the Golden Age of Old Hollywood, but was out of commission as a professional venue since the 1970s. This summer marked the Levitt Pavilion’s 11th anniversary season. 
Reader Recommended
The Rose Bowl
1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena
(626) 577-3100 | rosebowlstadium.com
Santa Anita Park
285 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia
(626) 574-7223 | santaanita.com
BEST LIVE THEATER VENUE
Pasadena Playhouse
39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena
(626) 792-8672 | pasadenaplayhouse.org
Dubbed California’s State Theater in 1937, the Pasadena Playhouse has delighted audiences with world-class performances since 1924. Known for performing Shakespeare’s entire canon as well as experimental work, such as theater-in-the-round, the Playhouse produced such notable actors as Dustin Hoffman, Gene Hackman, Raymond Burr and Sally Struthers. It also premiered the works by playwrights such as Tennessee Williams, Eugene O’Neill and Noel Coward.
Reader Recommended
A Noise Within
3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena 
(626) 356-3100 | anoisewithin.org 
Boston Court Performing Arts Center
70 N. Mentor Ave., Pasadena
(626) 683-6883 | bostoncourt.org
BEST LOCAL MUSICIAN
Victor Vener
California Philharmonic
1120 Huntington Dr., San Marino
(626) 300-8200 | calphil.org
As Maestro Victor Vener begins his 15th season as music director for California Philharmonic, it is clear to anyone who attends a performance that his knowledge and passion for classical music makes the genre instantly accessible and enjoyable to both first-timers and aficionado alike. His inspired concerts attract and captivate large audiences of all ages, cultures and personalities.
BEST MARGARITAS
Mijares Mexican Restaurant
145 Palmetto Drive, Pasadena 
(626) 792-2763 | mijaresrestaurant.com
1806 e. washington blvd., Pasadena 
(626) 794-6674 | mijaresrestaurant.com
“Inexpensive, generous proportions and good quality tequila” is what makes Mijares’ margaritas the best in Pasadena, wrote David G. Hallstrom Sr. of ArticleTime in 2005. And his assessment remains true today. Known for its authentic Mexican food and festive atmosphere, Mijares’ main draw continues to be its delicious and buzz-inducing margaritas.
Reader Recommended
Amigo’s
1076 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 577-1307
El Cholo Café
260 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena 
(626) 795-5800 | elcholopasadena.com
El Portal
695 E. Green St., Pasadena
(626) 795-8553 | elportalrestaurant.com 
BEST MOVIE THEATER
ArcLight Cinemas
336 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 568-8888 | arclightcinemas.com
ArcLight has been transforming the cinema-going experience for years. Along with a café, bar and retail space inside the lobby, the theater features reserved seating and unique programming, including a mix of newly released blockbusters as well as specialty and retrospective films. ArcLight Pasadena also features 21-plus screenings, where moviegoers can sip on their favorite alcoholic drink as they enjoy the show.
Reader Recommended
iPic Theaters
42 Miller Alley, Pasadena
One Colorado
(626) 639-2260 | ipictheaters.com 
Laemmle Playhouse 7
673 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 844-6500 | laemmle.com
BEST PLACE TO DANCE
Ix Tapa
119 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 304-1000 | cantinaixtapa.com
With a different theme every night — from salsa, merengue, bachata and cha cha on Tuesdays to Free Fun Fridays with resident disc jockey DJ Juice — there’s plenty to shake your booty to at Ix Tapa. Check out their special birthday deals and bottle service. If you’re trying to stretch your dollar but still have a good time, swing by for Filthy Broke Wednesdays for $3 beers and $5 shots.
Reader Recommended
Club 54
54 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 793-0608 | clubmenage.net
Live Mixx
115 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 793-6544 | livemixxlounge.com
BEST PLACE TO PLAY BILLIARDS
Jake’s of Pasadena
38 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena 
(626) 568-1602 | jakespasadena.com
Tucked away beneath the bustling street life of Old Pasadena, where McCormick Alley meets Mills Place, you’ll find the underground sports bar and billiards club section of Jake’s. The popular downstairs hangout features a full bar, 12 flat screen televisions and 14 professional Gold Crown Billiards tables. The high energy vibe makes it a great place to meet friends, grab a beer and shoot some pool.
Reader Recommended
Q’s Billiard Club
99 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 
(626) 405-9777 | barneysbeanery.com
BEST PUB GRUB
Kings Row Gastropub
20 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena 
(626) 793-3010 | kingsrowpub.com
Old Pasadena’s first gastropub offers the best pub nosh in town, from Highland Park Pulled Pork to Tandoori Chicken Pizza to Proper Fish N’ Chips. Nearly all their food comes right from California, adding to their mission of being an integral part of the local community. Don’t miss their monthly pig roasts this fall!
Reader Recommended
Congregation Ale House
300 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena
(626) 578-0166 | congregationalehouse.com
Lucky Baldwin’s Pub
17 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena
(626) 795-0652 | luckybaldwins.com
Lucky Baldwins Trappiste
1770 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 844-0447 
Lucky Baldwins Delirium Café
17 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena 
(626) 795-0652 
BEST RADIO STATION
89.3 KPCC
474 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena
(626) 583-5100 | scpr.org
KPCC has engaged regional audiences for decades with insightful news discussions, cultural reflections, enlightening interviews and much more. By putting events into context, exploring daily issues in our society and engaging in an ongoing dialogue with its audience, KPCC leaves its listeners better informed and intellectually stimulated on a level unmatched by anyone else.
Reader Recommended
KROQ
5901 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles
(323) 930-1067 | kroq.radio.com
BEST SPORTS BAR
Barney’s Beanery
99 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
(626) 405-9777 | barneysbeanery.com
This popular Old Pasadena watering hole has plenty to keep you occupied while you drink: pool tables, arcade games, two floors, two outdoor patio areas, two full bars, a restaurant and more. But the big draw here is its countless big screen televisions playing sports games 24/7. So if you’re a sports fan, this is the place to be on game day.
Reader Recommended
Slater’s 50/50
61 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena
(626) 765-9700 | slaters5050.com
T. Boyle’s Tavern
37 N. Catalina Ave., Pasadena
(626) 578-0957 | tboylestavern.com
BEST THEATER PRODUCTION
“The Tavern Keeper’s 
Daughter”
Pasadena Musical Theater Program
3579 E. Foothill Blvd., #464, Pasadena
(323) 250-3150 | pasadenamusicaltheater.org
This original musical by Brett Ryback was produced in July by the Pasadena Musical Theatre Program, a community funded venture. The play is a tale of self-discovery and romance following World War II. A young Polish Marine coming home to Milwaukee from the war finds himself arranged to marry the tavern keeper’s daughter from the bar across the street. Wanting more, he flees to New York City, where he meets a young woman trying to make her way in the big city. Almost every performance was sold out this summer.
Reader Recommended
“Legally Blonde”
Theatre 360
75 N. Marengo Ave., Pasadena
(626) 577-5922 | theatre360.org
“One Night with Janis Joplin”
Pasadena Playhouse
39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena
(626) 356-7529 | pasadenaplayhouse.org 
BEST WEDDING/BANQUET HALL
Noor
260 E. Colorado Blvd., A209, Pasadena
(626) 793-4518 | noorevents.com
Noor has won this category three years in a row, and for good reason. Situated in historic downtown Pasadena, it features two beautiful ballrooms and two outdoor areas. The art nouveau-inspired Sofia Ballroom has great views of the city, with a backdrop of iconic City Hall. The art deco Ella Ballroom recalls the elegance and glamour of Old Hollywood. It is the perfect spot for any classy event.
Reader Recommended
The Langham Huntington
1401 S. Oak Knoll Ave., Pasadena
(626) 568-3900 | pasadena.langhamhotels.com
Castle Green
99 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena 
(626) 793-0359 | castlegreen.com
BEST WINE SELECTION
Vertical Wine Bistro
70 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena
(626) 795-3999 | verticalwinebistro.com
Along with a full service bar, this Old Pasadena upstairs lounge’s obvious specialty is wine. It offers more than 300 different wines from around the world, with 70 of those available by the glass. Couple that with a wide selection of cheeses, entrées and a relaxing lounge area, that makes Vertical Wine Bistro the perfect choice for a romantic first date or a memorable rendezvous with wine savvy friends.
Reader Recommended
Bodega Wine Bar
260 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena 
(626) 793-4300 | bodegawinebar.com 
Everson Royce
155 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena
(626) 765-9334 | eversonroyce.com