First published in the Oct. 1 print issue of the South Pasadena Review. Annalee Pearson is a social studies teacher at South Pasadena High School and her students might do well to listen to her life story.Her father is from…
John August Swanson | Obituary
To Save a Date With Kate
First published in the Sept. 24 print issue of the South Pasadena Review. I’ve done the same thing.I met a woman, struck up a great conversation, and then said goodbye without asking her full name or any way through which…
Tiger Bingo Back at South Pasadena High School
First published in the Sept. 17 print issue of the South Pasadena Review. English poet Robert Browning wrote in 1843, “Oh, to be in England, now that April’s there.”Today, I write — with a bow to Mr. Browning and tongue…
Police to Kick Off Citizen Academy
First published in the Sept. 17 print issue of the South Pasadena Review. The South Pasadena Police Department is taking applications for its annual Citizen Police Academy, which will begin meetings on Oct. 11 and continue every Monday evening through…
Columnist Reflects on Jewish High Holidays
First published in the Sept. 10 print issue of the South Pasadena Review. I spent the Jewish High Holidays last year in Dearborn, Michigan.I don’t have family in Michigan nor do I know anyone in Dearborn. I don’t even remember…
New Holy Family Pastor Encourages ‘Dreaming Big’
Everyone has turning points in their life.Some turning points happen without us realizing they are there. Others stick out in our minds.Father Albert Bahhuth will reach a turning point when, on Sunday, Sept. 12, he is formally installed as pastor…
Local Women Entrepreneurs Brave the Pandemic to Start Anew
Sandy Olivas was wearing a necklace that read “fearless” the day I met her.That should be the slogan for the four women who have opened their own businesses in South Pasadena over the past year or so.They have taken a…
Revered Artist Celebrated for Life’s Work, Kindness
This column is a tribute to a humble man whose art and spirit has touched people like me and many of his friends and admirers in South Pasadena and around the world.John August Swanson is 83 and is getting hospice…
Volunteer Will Read for a ‘Woof’ at Pasadena Humane
Betsy Kraft doesn’t ask much when she reads to her audience.A little quiet or a simple “woof” will suffice. Kraft reads to the dogs at Pasadena Humane — which serves South Pasadena.New rules have forced the kennel to be closed…