Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Pasadena's Thriving Farmer's Markets!


Enjoy Fresh Local Fruits, Vegetables and Farm Products!
Close up of yellow flower

If you have never been to a Farmers' Market, you are in for a real treat. You'll love the experience of buying directly from the farmer that grows the food. What you'll love even more is the fresh, delicious taste of locally grown, nutritious fruits, vegetables and farm products.

Pasadena's Farmer's Markets have certified vendors who only sell what they grow--or, to say it another way, they won't sell you anything that they did not grow. You know where your food came from, and who grew it for you!

The markets' other vendors offering jams, jellies, fish, and more, but we do not permit craft vendors. There are usually about 13 vendors on Tuesdays at Villa Parke Center, and as many as 40 at Victory Park on Saturdays. Most markets accept cash only, and  accept EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer). Markets are open rain or shine.

Check out the link to the City web site for a complete listing of markets: locations, times, vendors, seasonal fruits and vegetables, etc! http://pasadenafarmersmarket.org/index.html 

Tuesday, May 21, 2013



How-To: Take Stock of Your Home

This spring, as many homeowners are cleaning, there is no better time to take stock of your belongings. Putting together a home inventory can help individuals and families track important items in the event of a future loss.
"Unfortunately, you never know when a disaster may strike and you might suffer the loss of a home," says Mitchell H. Jawitz , vice president, personal lines marketing at The Hanover. "In that time of need, it's difficult to recall all of the personal items one may have lost. Having a home inventory can help you to replace everything in your home in a fast and efficient way if you have a covered loss."
Tips for creating a home inventory:
  • List Everything: First, go through each room, listing major items. Include purchase date and price, if known. Save, store and make copies of receipts –keeping them outside of your home. Include serial numbers for appliances, electronics, and cameras.
  • Take Photos or Videos: Open all closet and cabinet doors. Stand in the center of each room and take one picture of each wall or scan the room with a video camera.
  • Let Technology Help You: Visit Hanover.com to find a link to the Insurance Information Institute (III)'s program, Know Your Stuff, which allows you to use your computer or smartphone to inventory your possessions and store it in a safe online account. 
Once the home inventory is created, it is best to keep it up to date. List and photograph new purchases and gifts as they arrive in your home. Delete items you no longer own.  Make it a habit in the spring and the fall. And, it is good practice to check in with an insurance agent about whether items on the list are insured. Some homeowners' policies will have limited coverage on jewelry, collectibles, or other expensive valuables. These items need to be insured separately. An independent insurance agent can offer valuable advice and help you distinguish between what is covered and what is not.

Monday, May 20, 2013

Family Fun Day at La Pintoresca Park


FAMILY FUN DAY LA PINTORESCA PARK MAY 25, 2013

Family Fun Day La Pintoresca Park May 25, 2013
 CITY’S 19th ANNUAL FAMILY FUN DAY AT LA PINTORESCA MAY 25, 2013 
PASADENA, Calif.—Join us for an exciting fun day at La Pintoresca Park, 45 E. Washington Blvd., from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, May 25, 2013, during Pasadena’s 19th Annual Family Fun Day and Resource Fair.
 Free entertainment, face painting, arts and crafts, balloon bounces, and tasty food for sale are some of the many activities planned!  Families can also participate in our Fitness Zone activities to help them move toward an active and healthier lifestyle with fitness zone challenges, basketball tournament, skating, water splash park, and a “Move Your Body” dance-off.
This year’s festivities have a special emphasis supporting First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign which advocates for communities and families to engage in physical activities and live a healthier lifestyle.
The annual resource fair will bring together more than 20 agencies to showcase some of Pasadena’s best resources including information on recreation, library, health, and non-profit services offered at low or no cost to residents.
“Family Fun Day is an opportunity for Pasadena residents to come together as neighbors and friends to reinforce community connections, enjoy the day’s festivities and experience how parks, libraries and non-profit organizations come together to make life better,” Pasadena Human Services Director Mercy Santoro said.
This popular and free event is sponsored by the Pasadena Human Services and Recreation Department, the Pasadena Public Library, the Armory Center for the Arts, Alkebu-lan Cultural Center and the Northwest Programs Division of the City Manager’s Office.
For more information regarding this event please contact Yuriko Montes at (626) 345-0708 or ymontes@cityofpasadena.net.  For more information about the City of Pasadena, go online to www.cityofpasadena.net.