The Crown City Podcast

James De Pietro

A podcast about the people and places that make our neighborhoods our home. Hosted by James De Pietro.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episodes

Episode 58: Alhambra Mayor Sasha Renée Pérez
18-09-2024
Episode 58: Alhambra Mayor Sasha Renée Pérez
Episode 58: Alhambra Mayor Sasha Renée Pérez joins the podcast for this special election episode. The Democratic candidate for California’s State Senate, District 25, Mayor Pérez discusses her journey growing up in Alhambra and her background in community activism and policy making.  Mayor Pérez shares stories of her family’s deep roots in the community and the pivotal moments that inspired her to run for the Alhambra City Council and champion issues like education, homelessness, and small business support. This conversation highlights Mayor Pérez’s legislative priorities and policy models, which she aims to take to Sacramento if elected to the California State Senate. Whether it's tackling the homelessness crisis with innovative local partnerships or advocating for affordable public education, Mayor Pérez discusses her commitment to collective action. For more information, please visit https://www.sashareneeperez.com/. This episode can be viewed on Pasadena Media’s Arroyo Channel and YouTube. The featured music on the podcast is courtesy of Pasadena’s own The Nextdoors. Please visit www.nextdoorsmusic.com and follow them on social media for more information on their next live shows.  The Crown City Podcast is produced in partnership with Pasadena Media. For more information about this incredible non-profit serving the Pasadena community, please visit www.pasadenamedia.org. For more information and to support The Crown City Podcast, please visit us at www.thecrowncitypodcast.comSpecial Note: The Crown City Podcast is dedicated to amplifying the voices of our diverse community, ensuring that every story is heard and valued. Our mission is to foster open dialogue and create a platform where people from all walks of life can share their experiences, perspectives, and ideas. In line with this commitment to inclusivity and fairness, The Crown City Podcast remains politically neutral and does not endorse any political candidate. By focusing on the voices of the people rather than political agendas, we can build a stronger, more united community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 57: Betty and Rob Poquez of Bricks & Minifigs Pasadena
04-09-2024
Episode 57: Betty and Rob Poquez of Bricks & Minifigs Pasadena
Betty and Rob Poquez of Bricks & Minifigs Pasadena join the podcast to share their fascinating journey from established careers in industrial-organizational psychology and media production to becoming proud owners of a one-of-a-kind LEGO store. Betty and Rob share the serendipitous way LEGO entered their lives during the pandemic, igniting a passion that led to creating a community hub for LEGO enthusiasts of all ages. The conversation delves into their unique store offerings, from vintage sets and rare minifigures to bulk LEGO pieces perfect for sparking creativity. Additionally, Betty and Rob discuss the importance of sustainability, the community response, and their exciting plans for future events and growth. Join us for an inspiring conversation filled with insights on entrepreneurship, community building, and the timeless joy of LEGO. Whether you're a lifelong LEGO fan or new to the brick-building world, this episode is sure to captivate and inspire.This episode is part of a unique collaboration with the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce to tell the stories of the small businesses that make Pasadena such an incredible place to live, work, and visit.The episode can be viewed on Pasadena Media’s Arroyo Channel and YouTube. The featured music on the podcast is courtesy of Pasadena’s own The Nextdoors. Please visit nextdoorsmusic.com and follow them on social media for more information on their next live shows.  The Crown City Podcast is produced in partnership with Pasadena Media. For more information about this incredible non-profit serving the Pasadena community, please visitwww.pasadenamedia.org. For more information and to support The Crown City Podcast, please visit us atwww.thecrowncitypodcast.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 56: Pasadena City Councilmember Tyron Hampton
17-07-2024
Episode 56: Pasadena City Councilmember Tyron Hampton
Pasadena City Councilmember for District 1 Tyron Hampton joins the podcast for an engaging conversation about his experiences as a fifth-generation Pasadena resident, small business owner, and elected official. Councilmember Hampton shares personal stories about his background, offering listeners a glimpse into his deep-rooted connections with the city. He recounts his upbringing, schooling, and loyalty to his alma mater, John Muir High School. He discusses his mentors and significant influences, notably his father, and how these figures shaped his commitment to community and civic engagement. Councilmember Hampton shares insights from his time in public service, beginning with the Pasadena Unified School District Board and leading to his eventual role on the Pasadena City Council. The conversation delves into Pasadena’s sense of community, touching on the city’s challenges and Councilmember Hampton’s efforts to address them, such as reducing bureaucracy for small businesses, improving infrastructure, and tackling housing affordability and homelessness. Councilmember Hampton emphasizes the significance of maintaining Pasadena’s interconnectedness and small-town feel while navigating national and international issues that impact local governance. The episode can be viewed on Pasadena Media’s Arroyo Channel and YouTube. The featured music on the podcast is courtesy of Pasadena’s own The Nextdoors. Please visit nextdoorsmusic.com and follow them on social media for more information on their next live shows.  The Crown City Podcast is produced in partnership with Pasadena Media. For more information about this incredible non-profit serving the Pasadena community, please visit www.pasadenamedia.org. For more information and to support The Crown City Podcast, please visit us at www.thecrowncitypodcast.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 55: Award-Winning Author Naomi Hirahara
26-06-2024
Episode 55: Award-Winning Author Naomi Hirahara
Award-winning author Naomi Hirahara joins the podcast to talk about her journey from growing up in the Pasadena area to her career as a reporter and mystery writer. Reflecting on her Japanese American heritage, she shares how her background and rich experiences have shaped her acclaimed works. Naomi discusses her transition from reporting to fiction writing, providing keen insights into her creative process and the significance of her characters. She talks about her numerous novels, which often feature compelling themes of resilience, justice, and multiculturalism, and dive into complex historical contexts, from the internment camps at Manzanar to post-war Japanese American communities. She also opens up about her love for sports, diving into her personal experiences as an athlete and sports enthusiast. Naomi’s latest project, a historical mystery set in 1903 Pasadena titled “Crown City,” will be published in 2025. The featured music on the podcast is courtesy of Pasadena’s own The Nextdoors. Please visit nextdoorsmusic.com and follow them on social media for more information on their next live shows.  The Crown City Podcast is produced in partnership with Pasadena Media. For more information about this incredible non-profit serving the Pasadena community, please visit www.pasadenamedia.org. For more information and to support The Crown City Podcast, please visit us at www.thecrowncitypodcast.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 54: President and CEO of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and Civic Association Paul Little
12-06-2024
Episode 54: President and CEO of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and Civic Association Paul Little
Episode 54: President and CEO of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and Civic Association Paul Little joins the podcast and dives deep into the unique history and mission of the Chamber, from its beginnings as the Board of Trade in 1888 to its modern-day role in supporting and growing the local economy. Paul shares invaluable insights into his multifaceted career, highlighting key moments from working as a steelworker building submarines to his extensive public service career on the Pasadena City Council. He also brings to light the Chamber's agile response to COVID-19, detailing how the organization has evolved to help local businesses thrive in challenging times. Listeners will learn about Pasadena's diverse economic landscape, the importance of community engagement, and the Chamber's efforts to provide tailored support to its members. The episode wraps up with Paul Little sharing his perfect day in Pasadena, offering a local perspective on the best spots to eat, drink, and explore this vibrant city. The featured music on the podcast is courtesy of Pasadena’s own The Nextdoors. Please visit nextdoorsmusic.com and follow them on social media for more information on their next live shows.  The Crown City Podcast is produced in partnership with Pasadena Media. For more information about this incredible non-profit serving the Pasadena community, please visit www.pasadenamedia.org. For more information and to support The Crown City Podcast, please visit us at www.thecrowncitypodcast.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 53: L.A. History Girl Malia Miglino
22-05-2024
Episode 53: L.A. History Girl Malia Miglino
Episode 53: Actor, producer, writer, and much-loved content creator Malia Miglino, known affectionately as LA History Girl, shares fascinating tales from her life, weaving together stories from her eerie childhood home in Seattle to her brave move to Los Angeles at 18. She opens up about her journey from working in makeup on film sets to embracing her passion for history and content creation during the pandemic, leading to her striking success on platforms like YouTube and TikTok. Malia's insight into the Victorian era in Los Angeles and her role as a historical researcher on 'Haunted Discoveries' offers a glimpse into her deep love and respect for history. With a touch of humor and sincerity, Malia discusses the evolution of her comfort in front of the camera, her groundbreaking work in making history accessible to younger generations, and her recent collaboration with Visit Pasadena. This episode explores Malia's personal and professional growth and delves into broader topics such as the importance of storytelling in history, the challenge of preserving historic sites, and the unique, often untold stories of Los Angeles that captivate both natives and newcomers alike.The featured music on the podcast is courtesy of Pasadena’s own The Nextdoors. Please visit nextdoorsmusic.com and follow them on social media for more information on their next live shows.  The Crown City Podcast is produced in partnership with Pasadena Media. For more information about this incredible non-profit serving the Pasadena community, please visit www.pasadenamedia.org. For more information and to support The Crown City Podcast, please visit us at www.thecrowncitypodcast.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 49: Author and Publisher Pamela McColl
20-12-2023
Episode 49: Author and Publisher Pamela McColl
Episode 49: Author and Publisher Pamela McColl joins the podcast for a special Holiday Episode to discuss her book Twas The Night - The Art and History of the Classic Christmas Poem in celebration of the bicentennial of the iconic poem “Account of A Visit From St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore on December 23, 1823.During our conversation, Pamela discusses her journey in art and history and how it led to a personal ten-year project researching and curating a book on “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Expanding on the poem’s theme, we talk about its impact on the spirit of the Holiday Season and how its message of kindness and generosity has stood the test of time. For more information, please visit twasthenightbook.com and follow Pamela on Instagram at twasthenight_artandhistory for the latest news and updates. This marks the 49th episode of The Crown City Podcast and the last for 2023. Thank you all for your love and support and I will see you next year! The featured music on the podcast is courtesy of Pasadena’s own The Nextdoors. As a special gift for Hannakuah, Mika and Russell released the beautiful original Hebrew version of their featured song “All the Right Here” - “Tamid K’Rovim.” Please visit nextdoorsmusic.com and follow them on social media for more information and updates on their live shows.  Finally, a special thank you to Christine Johnson from San Marino Toy & Book Shoppe. Please support them and all small businesses this holiday season. To support the podcast, please subscribe, leave a review on your favorite podcasting app or sponsor us at www.thecrowncitypodcast.com or www.patreon.com/thecrowncitypodcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 44: Esotouric’s Kim Cooper and Richard Schave
30-08-2023
Episode 44: Esotouric’s Kim Cooper and Richard Schave
Episode 44: Esotouric’s Kim Cooper and Richard Schave come on the podcast to talk about their journey as guides and preservationists dedicated to keeping the stories and places of old Los Angeles alive. In a far-reaching conversation, we talk about the responsibility of storytelling, the return of their famous bus tours after COVID-19, and an ongoing preservation battle over the B’nai B’rith Lodge on South Union Avenue in Downtown. This special episode was recorded at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, and we discuss its role as one of the world’s great independent research libraries. On Saturday, September 9th, Kim and Richard will host their Pasadena Confidential Crime Bus Tour. For more information, please visit https://esotouric.com/ and follow them on Instagram and subscribe to their incredible Substack newsletter. The featured music on the podcast is courtesy of Pasadena’s own The Nextdoors. Please visit nextdoorsmusic.com and follow them on social media for more information and updates on their live shows. The Crown City Podcast can be found on most platforms, as I recently joined Acast.To support the podcast, please subscribe, leave a review on your favorite podcasting app or sponsor us at www.thecrowncitypodcast.com or www.patreon.com/thecrowncitypodcast. I am also experimenting with Substack and you can subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 37: Filmmaker Pablo Miralles
08-03-2023
Episode 37: Filmmaker Pablo Miralles
Episode 37: Pablo Miralles joins the podcast to discuss growing up in Altadena and attending Pasadena’s iconic John Muir High School. After a college professor submitted a music video he filmed to a student film festival and he won, Pablo embarked on a career in filmmaking and storytelling.In 2008, Pablo founded Arroyo Seco Films to create films, TV, and digital media productions that entertain and challenge. He co-wrote, co-directed, and co-produced “Gringos at the Gate” - a film about the soccer rivalry between Mexico and the US and his most recent film is the award-winning documentary "Can We All Get Along? The Segregation of John Muir High School.” It is a powerful film about Pasadena's history, California's public education, and community diversity.You can stream “Can We All Get Along?” at www.pbs.org/video/can-we-all-get-along-ssbdcv  and purchase it on Vimeo.For more information on Pablo and Arroyo Seco Film’s current projects, including the upcoming “The Owen Brown Story,” please visit their website at https://arroyosecofilms.com/.Special Guest: Pablo MirallesThe Crown City Podcast can be found on most platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Audible, iHeart and many others.To support the podcast, please subscribe, leave a review on your favorite podcasting app or sponsor us at www.thecrowncitypodcast.com or www.patreon.com/thecrowncitypodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 36: Councilmember-Elect Jason Lyon
26-10-2022
Episode 36: Councilmember-Elect Jason Lyon
Jason Lyon joins the show to discuss his life in public service and how he went from growing up in North Carolina and wanting to make documentary films to pursuing a law career in California.Since moving to Pasadena with his family, Jason has served on several critically important city commissions and boards, including the Historic Preservation and Planning Commissions and the Board of Zoning Appeals. These experiences, along with his non-profit work, provided Jason with invaluable knowledge and reinforced his passion for public service. In June of 2022, Jason was elected to the Pasadena City Council for District 7 and will take office in December. Jason shares why he choose to run for public office, his views on creating a unified city, his priorities on the City Council, and we close our conversation with his perfect day in District 7.Special Guest: Jason LyonThe Crown City Podcast can be found on most platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Audible, iHeart and many others.To support the podcast, please subscribe, leave a review on your favorite podcasting app or sponsor us at www.thecrowncitypodcast.com or www.patreon.com/thecrowncitypodcastThe Crown City Podcast is proud to be sponsored by Zencastr, an all-in-one podcast production suite that gives podcasters studio-quality audio and video without needing all the technical know-how.Go to zencastr.com/pricing and enter promo code thecrowncitypod to get 30% off your first three months with a PRO account along with a 14-day free trial. Zencastr is the modern web-based solution for both the everyday and professional podcaster. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.