Sunday: Uniquely Pasadena Series Celebrates Entertainment and Trader Joe’s

Left: B. Harlan Böll at the Daytime Emmys with Drew Barrymore at Pasadena’s historic Civic Auditorium, courtesy of NATAS/the Daytime Emmys Right: “Becoming Trader” Joe book cover

In their second summer series program, to be held on Sunday from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m., Pasadena Heritage looks at entertainment and food that are unique to Pasadena. From the first movie filming in Pasadena 100 years ago, the ‘City of Roses’ has been the site of various entertainment venues. In the 20th century, Pasadena was the home of the renowned Busch Gardens, the ‘Disneyland’ of its day, a theme park that spanned over 14 miles of pathways in the Arroyo Seco and the filming site of many scenes from classic 20th century films such as ‘Gone with the Wind.’

City Hall also served as a film and television site with one notable example being its presence in Charlie Chaplin’s film ‘The Great Dictator.’ Other historic buildings such as Mayfield Senior School, The Gamble House, and The Blacker House have been the film sites of modern favorites such as ‘Jurassic Park: The Lost World’ and ‘Back to the Future.’

Pasadena also has a rich tradition of culinary accomplishment as well. Some of Pasadena’s most beloved restaurants (such as Panda Express, In-N-Out, and See’s Candy) have been here for generations. In 1973, the founders of Panda Express opened their first restaurant in Pasadena which still stands today. Another long lasting restaurant, Mijares Mexican Restaurant, has been operating in Pasadena for more than 100 years and is the oldest restaurant in the city.

Even our chefs have left tangible legacies as well. Although Julia Child is no longer with us, her legacy is still evident in Pasadena. Born in Pasadena in 1912, Julia Child lived in Pasadena during some part of her childhood years at her family’s home on South Pasadena Avenue that still stands today. Pasadena Heritage has worked hard to preserve this and other historic homes that were purchased by Caltrans to build the proposed 710 extension.

Although Pasadena Heritage is delighted to share their knowledge about Pasadena’s entertainment and food history, they are also thrilled to have two very special guest speakers, so pull up a chair and they’ll provide the popcorn as you hear some entertaining stories! The first speaker is independent publicist, B. Harlan Böll. A very small sample list of his clients includes a who’s who of classic Hollywood such as Tippi Hedren, Julie Newmar, and Carolyn Hennesy. He also represents the estates of late actors and serves as a special PR advisor to various organizations.

While watching your favorite movie you are most likely snacking on some uniquely Pasadena snacks from Trader Joe’s, so you won’t want to miss this book discussion by the second guest speaker, Patty Civalleri, co-author of “Becoming Trader Joe”, which focuses on the life of Joe Coulombe, who was the founder of Trader Joe’s. Patty will share Joe’s stories from the book in her lively and entertaining style, and will be available to sign books afterwards.

Guests may attend in person or virtually via Zoom. Tickets are $18.00/members and $22.00/non-members. The talk takes place at the Pasadena Heritage Blinn House, 160 N. Oakland Avenue. For tickets or more information visit www.pasadenaheritage.org or call (626) 441-6333.