The Pasadena Bicycle Craze...in 1900

The California Cycleway passes over the Los Angeles Terminal Railroad near Glenarm Street in Pasadena. Circa 1900. (Photo via Pasadena Museum of History, and many thanks to 90042)

Author and blogger, Taras Grescoe, reminded me of a wonderful article from a couple of years ago in the blog 90042 on The Great California Cycleway.  Hard to imagine that at one time we had a dedicated bicycle pathway (and an elevated one!!) that ran through our fair city.  It was an ambitious project back then, and with today's rise of bicycle advocacy, CicLAvia, and the incorporation of cycling as part of the overall sustainable transportation strategy I can't help but think what could have been if things were built around this.  This is a fun read and be sure to click on the accompanying interactive map.

• Remembering the The Great California Cycleway [90042]
• Taras Grescoe [website]
• CicLAvia [website]

It's Better Fried

It's National Fried Chicken Day!  Which begs the question: where in Pasadena is the best fried chicken served?  I'll venture to guess that many will say (in unison): Roscoe's House of Chicken & Waffles.  What about the chicken at Big Mama's Rib Shack?  Bills Chicken in Altadena?  Though, I don't want to include chains like KFC and Church's I do have to suggest Louisiana Fried Chicken which has, I believe 2 locations in Pasadena.  And for a more upscale version everyone seems to ooh and aah over La Grande Orange's Dixie fried chicken.  I consider myself a pretty healthy eater but it looks like I'm gonna have to do serious eating...all in the name of research, of course.

Party on the Bridge!

The preservation group, Pasadena Heritage, will be holding their 35th birthday on the Colorado St. Bridge on Saturday July 14.  For many years Pasadena Heritage has worked tirelessly to preserve historically and architecturally significant buildings, landmarks and neighborhoods in Pasadena.  Recently, they've worked hard on the city's acquisition and future plans for the Julia Morgan building and the ongoing reviews for the All Saints Church property. 

There will be lots of food, a variety of entertainment and partying on one of the most beautiful bridges in America!  Should be a fun event for all!  Tickets can be purchased on their website.

• Pasadena heritage 35th Birthday Party on the Bridge [website]

Happy Independence Day!

I hope everyone has a happy and safe 4th of July!  Remember our soldiers and veterans!

San Pedro's Crafted

This past weekend marks the opening of San Pedro's highly anticipated arts and crafts marketplace, Crafted.  The city of Los Angeles and San Pedro in particular have a lot riding on this and could pave the way for future rehab and development in the area, including Ports O'Call.  I'm hoping to make a trip down there in the next few weeks and pick up on some ideas Pasadena might be able to use to enhance its existing visitor and shopping experience.

• Crafted at the Post of Los Angeles [website]