Angry Flyer Venting

photo: EV Grieve

Yeah, I know how this guy (or gal) feels...

Pink Benches

photo: Curbed

So, downtown LA's Grand Park opens...they call the color of the benches magenta...I call them pink...a few people like them...I cant stand them.  Please, Pasadena, let's not ever do this.

What's the Buzz?

photo: Honeylove.org

So much has been written lately on the die-offs and collapse of honeybee colonies that grassroots organizations have sprung up in the Los Angeles county area touting and promoting the benefits of allowing colonies to thrive within the urban landscape.  The local geography and the abundance of plants that attract honeybees in Pasadena (especially the northern part including Altadena and Sierra Madre) make our region ripe for encouraging backyard beekeeping.  I checked Pasadena's ordinances regarding beekeeping, and sure enough there is a prohibition on maintaining hives unless you're a beekeeper registered with the county's agricultural commission AND if it's not prohibited under the city's zoning code.  I still have to check where in Pasadena this is allowed.  Regardless, I'm encouraged by LA Councilman Bill Rosendahl's efforts to change the rules and educate the public about the benefits of bees and why they're of such importance to our environment.  Time for Pasadenans to do the same.

• Backyard Beekeepers [video]
• Abuzz About Beekeeping in Los Angeles [LA Times]
• Honeylove [website]
• Bee Fans [LA Times]

Marion Cunningham, 1922-2012

photo: NY Times

If anyone has read 'The Fannie Farmer Cookbook" they quickly discover that it is one of the quintessential American cookbooks.  Writer Marion Cunningham was a huge proponent of simple, basic foods that can be prepared by anyone.  But more than that she stressed the sense of family and community that food brings together.  Upon reading about her death this morning I couldn't help but think about the new South Lake Farmers market and how it represents so much more than just a place to buy fresh food and produce.  A Farmers market is about community.  It's a place where people share new ideas, brings the small farmer and local merchant directly to the consumer and opens our eyes to regional specialties grown at (or near) our own backyards.  It brings inspiration as to what we can create for the table and to better families and communities.  Marion Cunningham reminded us what a true home-cooked mean was all about.  We Pasadenans needn't look far in getting started.

Rustic Pasadena

courtesy Los Angeles Times

The LA Times this past weekend featured a wonderful Pasadena Craftsman house that was restored to its original specs.  Includes details of how people of different backgrounds contributed to restoring this jewel.

• American Craftsman Meets Swiss Chalet in Pasadena [LA Times]