Here is a sampling of things to do in the San Gabriel Valley and Whittier, May 19-26.

Raging Waters celebrates its 40th season on May 20, with the debut of “Bombs Away,” its newest 300-foot plunge ride. Riders can choose from two drop tubes to either fly straight down at 26 feet per second or loop around to splashdown. The largest water park in California will also offer its Father’s Day Flop on June 18 and an all-new Pirates Day Treasure Hunt in September. Season passes start at $99. For more information, ragingwaters.com/buy-tickets/tickets

Forest Lawn Museum – Glendale: New: “Grand Views: The Immersive World of Panoramas,” through Sept. 10. The exhibit is in partnership with the Velaslavasay Panorama in Los Angeles (www.panoramaonview.org). Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Free admission. Location, 1712 S. Glendale Ave. forestlawn.com/events/grand-views/

An Evening with David Sedaris: Purchase presale tickets for the author’s talk, to be held at 8 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. The general sale begins at 10 a.m. May 19. The one-night-only event follows the release of Sedaris’ newest book “Happy Go Lucky.” For more information, go to visitpasadena.com and click on “Pasadena Events.”

Los Angeles County Fair: The fair’s theme this year is “Spring into Fair,” through May 29. Admission is available online now for discount. Hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Thursday-Sunday and Memorial Day (May 29). Admission online $15/$18/$21 (depending on date); ages 60 and older and ages 6-12 admission online $10/$12 (depending on date). Admission at the gate $30; $15 ages 60 and older and ages 6-12. Parking in advance online $17; $22 at the gate. Also, Fairplex is a cashless venue. Some concessionaires and vendors may accept cash, but credit or debit card is preferred. Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona. www.lacountyfair.com

Covina Woman’s Club’s Bunco Afternoon: Join the fun at 2 p.m. May 19. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Admission $20. Tickets will be sold at the door but come early to ensure a seat. Finger foods and drinks will be served after the games. Clubhouse, 128 S. San Jose Ave. (off of Badillo Street), Covina. covinawomansclub.org

Car show: Ruby’s Cruise car show starring American Streetrodders happens at 5 p.m. Fridays, through October. 10109 Whittwood Drive, Whittier. Come for food, family fun, trophies and prizes. Location, 10109 Whittwood Drive, Whittier. For more information,  SoCalCarCulture.com. Flyer: bit.ly/44MQ9D8

Vroman’s Bookstore: Holly Goldberg Sloan discusses her novel “Pieces of Blue,” 7 p.m. May 19. Local Author Day: Clarence Irwin (“The Fourth Canton: Adventures of the Rhett Family and Co.”), Anthony J. Mohr (“Every Other Weekend – Coming of Age with Two Different Dads”) and Melina Maria Morry (“The Manhattan Mishap”) discuss their books, 4 p.m. May 21. Héctor Tobar discusses “Our Migrant Souls: A Meditation on Race and the Meanings and Myths of ‘Latino,’” 7 p.m. May 22. Louise Penny signs “A World of Curiosities,” 4 p.m. May 23. Joe Ide discusses “Fixit – An IQ Novel,” 7 p.m. May 24. T.J. Newman discusses “Drowning: The Rescue of Flight 1421,” 7 p.m. May 31. Location, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 626-449-5320. vromans.com

The Dance and the Railroad: The play by David Henry Hwang, set in 1867, follows two Chinese artists and their fellow railroad workers as they hold a strike to protest inhuman conditions suffered by Chinese laborers in the American West, opening night, 8 p.m. May 19. Show runs 8 p.m.  May 20; 2 p.m. May 21 and 7 p.m. May 22. Tickets are pay-what-you-choose with options, $30 or $50. A Noise Within, 3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. 626-356-3100. anoisewithin.org/noise-now. www.anoisewithin.org/play/dance-and-the-railroad

Wheel fun time: The Los Angeles Invitational features three gravel ride options kicking off at 7:30 a.m. May 20 and followed by the sixth annual bike/car show and swap meet, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. May 21. The Cub House, 2510 Mission St., San Marino. 626-755-3003. losangelesinvitational.com

Farmers market at Mount San Antonio College Farm fresh everything is available, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. May 20 at Parking Lot B, 1100 N. Grand Ave., Walnut. Aside from fruits and vegetables, find all kinds of nuts, breads, desserts, snacks, juices and ready-to-eat dishes such as dumplings. Vendors also sell handmade items and plants. 909-869-0701. Email: info@regionalchambersgv.com. Regional Chamber of Commerce – San Gabriel Valley: bit.ly/3WK4ZFj. www.facebook.com/MTSacFarmersMarket

West Covina Farmers Market: Shop for in-season fruits and vegetables, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. May 20 (and also on most Saturdays). The market also offers prepared foods and artisan crafts. EBT is accepted. Location, 195 Glendora Ave., West Covina. For more information, email: Fmlcevendor@gmail.com. Check here for updates: www.facebook.com/westcovinafarmersmarket

Handcraft heaven: Artazan, a springtime market inspired by the Arts & Crafts movement, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 20 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. May 21. Check out more than 200 exhibits, artist demos, food and live music. The exhibits celebrate handmade artisanship. Admission $8 online; $10 at the door; admission is good for both days. Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E. Green St. Artazan.com

Repair Café: A free, all-purpose repair party, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. May 20. Learn how fix household appliances. Bring your torn jeans, dull knife or faulty lamp. Arrive early to ensure your item is looked at. Bring your own replacement parts (no replacement parts for items will be available. This event will be indoors. There will also be plant-sharing and a free market. Park across the library at 120 Artsakh Ave. The library validates for three hours parking. Glendale Central Library, 222 E. Harvard St., Glendale. For questions, 818-548-2021 or email at LibraryInfo@GlendaleCA.gov. Details, and to see what can’t be repaired: bit.ly/44NRSIs

Renaissance Pleasure Faire: Immerse yourself in the time of Queen Elizabeth I’s reign and have some fun with cosplay of the time period, speaking the lingo, shopping in the marketplace, listening to music and laughing at performances, May 20-21. Fun dress code: period “faire” costume (optional). Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Admission $42; $21 ages 5-12; $225 season pass. There is a mandatory entry fee $12 to the Santa Fe Dam Recreation area. Parking is free, first-come, first served; VIP parking $25 (must be purchased in advance online). Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area, 15501 E. Arrow Highway, Irwindale. 626-969-4750. renfair.com/socal

Glendora Genealogical Society: Penny Walters, speaking on Zoom from England, gives a talk at the society’s next meeting, noon May 20. Walters discusses ethical dilemmas in genealogy and considering ethical issues with empathy and diplomacy. For more information and to get the Zoom link, email lorman1237@gmail.com or call 909-592-4030.

Crown City Symphony: The program includes Pelleas et Melisande Suite by Faure, L’Arlesienne Suite by Bizet and Concertina for Flute by Chaminade, with flute soloist Debbie MacMurray, 2 p.m. May 20. Free admission. First Baptist Church, 75 N. Marengo Ave., Pasadena. 626-797-1994.

Third@First Concert Series: Women composers are in the spotlight for “Joy of Chamber Music,” 4 p.m. May 20. The program includes Clara Schumann’s Piano Trio in G Minor and Amy Beach’s Piano Quintet in F-sharp Minor. Free admission. First United Methodist Church of Pasadena, 500 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. thirdatfirst.org

Storied science: TechLit, Caltech’s creative writing club, invites the public to an author reading and Q&A at 7 p.m. May 20. Delve into “Inner Space and Outer Thoughts: Speculative Fiction from Caltech and JPL Authors,” the group’s first science fiction anthology. Award-winning alumni and sci-fi legends S. B. Divya, Larry Niven and David Brin will read and Caltech and JPL research scientists will talk about the science behind their stories. Free admission, but make a reservation on the Eventbrite link. Caltech’s Beckman Auditorium, 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena. bit.ly/Caltech-reading-tickets

Life in the Past Lane: “Museums of the Arroyo Day” returns, noon to 5 p.m. May 21. MOTA is the one day that five museums in Los Angeles and Pasadena open their doors to show off great architecture, historical discoveries, family fun and entertainment. Free shuttles will connect the museums: Gamble House; Heritage Square; Los Angeles Police Museum; Lummis Home and Garden;  Pasadena Museum of History. The best plan would be to pick no more than three museums to visit. For more information, visit MuseumsOfTheArroyo.com

Civil War talk: The Pasadena Civil War Round Table presents a talk by author Mark Cannon at its next meeting,7:15 p.m. May 23. Cannon discusses his book “Lincoln’s Scout: The Diary of Horatio Cooke, Soldier, Spy, Escape Artist.” Free admission/donations appreciated. Enter the parking lot at the driveway at 165 N. Madison Ave. (second driveway south of Walnut Street). Use rear door entrance to the Blinn House, 160 N. Oakland Ave., Pasadena. For more information, PasadenaCWRT.org

Music on Main: The city of El Monte brings music to its farmers market, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 25 with 4 The People. Main Street between Santa Anita and Tyler avenues, El Monte.  For more information, 626-580-2200. ci.el-monte.ca.us

Water safety fundraiser: The award-winning Rose Bowl Aquatics Center hosts “Water Safety for All,” a fundraiser featuring a paella-themed cocktail reception and documentary screening of “Drowning in Silence” on May 25. Tickets $100; $75 ages 55 and older. Reservations required. Garland Auditorium on the grounds of Polytechnic School, 1070 Cornell Road, Pasadena. Tickets: rosebowlaquatics.org/water-safety-for-all. See May 4 posting on Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheRBAC/

Save the theater dates: Whittier Community Theatre is back at the newly refurbished Whittier Center Theatre. Celebrate 100 years with a new season, including “The Importance of Being Earnest (A Wilde New Musical)” opening in September. “The Ghost Train” follows in November, Neil Simon’s “California Suite” in February and “Moon Over Buffalo” in May. For more information about the plays and tickets, 562-696-0600. www.whittiercommunitytheatre.org

Ongoing

Pasadena Showcase House of Design: The 58th showcase highlights the talents of 32 interior and exterior designers who have transformed the Stewart House, a 1933 Pasadena colonial estate designed by Marston & Maybury. The estate is open for tours through May 21. Explore more than 30 design spaces and check out 20 boutique shops vendors, two restaurants, a wine bar and more than two-acres of gardens. Tour hours: 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Friday; 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Tour tickets are by a timed entry: $40 (1:30-4 p.m.); $50 (9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.); $35 (“Happy Hour,” 4 p.m. to closing). Parking and shuttles depart from Santa Anita Race Track, Gate 6 Lot on Colorado Place. Proceeds from the tours of the house go to fund three music programs. For more information, pasadenashowcase.org

Pasadena Tournament of Roses House: The Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association offers free guided tours, 2 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 31. The Tournament House tours reveals little-known facts and trivia and also includes the Wrigley Gardens. Explore the house that has served as headquarters for the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game. Reservations are required for the hour-long tours. For groups of 10 or more, call 626-449-4100 or email membership@tournamentofroses.com. Book a tour here: tournamentofroses.com/house-tours

Book a castle visit: Rubel Castle is an elaborate folk-art medieval castle in the foothills of Glendora, with five-story tall towers solidly built out of junk and river rocks by the late Michael Rubel and his friends. The castle offers eight scheduled tours each month. Tours are two hours long. Admission is $20 for adults; $10 ages 8-18. The property is not Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible; see website for details. Rubel Castle, 844 N. Live Oak Ave., Glendora. Glendora Historical Society voicemail, 626-963-0419. rubeltours.org

Descanso Gardens: Ongoing special art exhibit: “Shiki: The Four Seasons in Japanese Art,” in the Sturt Haaga Gallery and runs through May 21. Gardens hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. The gallery is open, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission $15; $11 ages 65 and older and student with valid ID; $5 ages 5-12. Location, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintidge. 818-949-4200. descansogardens.org

Kidspace Children’s Museum: The 27th annual “Butterfly Season” at the museum is open with children’s activities including going on a big safari, playing dress-up, viewing live caterpillars, moths and honeybees, through May 14. Also, learn from “Los Trompos,” an interactive art installation that honors the monarch butterfly’s cultural and ecological ties to Mexico. Tickets are by time and date: $14.95 ages 1-61; $12.95 ages 62 and older (purchase here: bit.ly/3mJOFoh). Location, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena. 626-449-9144. kidspacemuseum.org

Los Angeles Arboretum and Botanic Garden: Hours: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. Purchase tickets online and in advance. Admission $15; $11 ages 62 and older and students with ID; $5 ages 5-12. Due to construction of a new visitor entrance, entrance is temporarily at the south parking lot and north of Ayres Hall. The arboretum is at 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia. 626-821-3222. arboretum.org

Monrovia Historical Museum: Explore the museum, 1-4 p.m. Thursday and Sunday. Docent-led tours are available. Free admission/donation. The museum is at 742 E. Lemon Ave., Monrovia. 626-357-9537. monroviahistoricalmuseum.org

Norton Simon Museum: Ongoing special exhibits: “Saint Sebastian: Anatomy of a Sculpture,” learn about the 15th-century Italian painted sculpture from the Norton Simon collections, through July 3. “All Consuming: Art and the Essence of Food,” through Aug. 14. An online exhibit: “Representing Women: Gender and Portraiture in 17th Century Europe” (view here bit.ly/3zLRR9p). Hours: noon-5 p.m. Monday and Thursday-Sunday. Admission $15; $12 ages 62 and older; free for ages 18 and younger and students with a valid ID. Location, 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 626-449-6840. nortonsimon.org

USC Pacific Asia Museum: Ongoing special exhibit: “Global Asias: Contemporary Asian and Asian American Art — From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation,” through June 25. Also, explore the Sunkal Ceramics Gallery and the specific galleries for art of South and Southeast Asia, China, Himalaya, Pacific Island, Japan, Korea and Silk Road. Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. Admission is by advance timed purchase, $10; $7 ages 65 and older and students with valid ID; free for ages 17 and under. Also, free admission from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursdays and on the second Sunday of the month. 46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena. 626-787-2680. pacificasiamuseum.usc.edu

Whittier Museum: Exhibits on aspects of Whittier history including agriculture and Quaker settlers. Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 1-4 p.m. Saturday. Free admission/donations. Location, 6755 Newlin Ave., Whittier. 562-945-3871. Email: info@whittiermuseum.org. whittiermuseum.org/visit

Send calendar items to Anissa V. Rivera at sgvncalendar@gmail.com. Please send items at least three weeks before the event. Please list phone, email and/or website for additional information.

Here is a sampling of things to do in the San Gabriel Valley and Whittier, May 12-19.

There are as many activities to do on Sunday, Mother’s Day, as there are kinds of moms. Whether you go for brunch, a hike or the theater, here’s hoping this holiday make all the mothers of the San Gabriel Valley happy.

Jazz on Hill: Returns after three years with a celebration of Roy McCurdy at 10 a.m. for a history class, 4 p.m. for a master class, and 7 p.m. concert on May 12. Free admission. Reservations required: pasadenaconservatory.org/event/jazz-on-hill-2. Pasadena Conservatory of Music, 100 N. Hill Ave., Pasadena. 626-683-3355. pasadenaconservatory.org

Los Angeles County Fair: The fair’s theme this year is “Spring into Fair,” through May 29. Admission is available online now for discount. Hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Thursday-Sunday and Memorial Day on May 29. Admission online $15/$18/$21 (depending on date); ages 60 and older and ages 6-12 admission online $10/$12 (depending on date). Admission at the gate $30; $15 ages 60 and older and ages 6-12. Parking in advance online $17; $22 at the gate. Also, Fairplex is a cashless venue. Some concessionaires and vendors may accept cash, but credit or debit card is preferred. Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona. www.lacountyfair.com

Car show: Ruby’s Cruise car show starring American Streetrodders happens at 5 p.m. Fridays, through October. 10109 Whittwood Drive, Whittier. Come for food, family fun, trophies and prizes. Location, 10109 Whittwood Drive, Whittier. For more information,  SoCalCarCulture.com. Flyer: bit.ly/44MQ9D8

Open house: Discover young artists at Glendora Art Academy’s open house, 7 p.m. May 12. Pick up students’ work and enjoy light refreshments. Free admission. First Christian Church of Glendora, 300 N. Glendora Ave. 626-335-2240. Email: fccgfaa@gmail.com.

Farmers market at Mount San Antonio College: Farm fresh everything is available, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. May 13 at Parking Lot B, 1100 N. Grand Ave., Walnut. Aside from fruits and vegetables, find all kinds of nuts, breads, desserts, snacks, juices and ready-to-eat dishes such as dumplings. Vendors also sell handmade items and plants. 909-869-0701. Email: info@regionalchambersgv.com. Regional Chamber of Commerce – San Gabriel Valley: bit.ly/3WK4ZFj. www.facebook.com/MTSacFarmersMarket

Whittier’s Founders Day Community Picnic: The Whittier Historical Society and city of Whittier present the picnic, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. May 13. The event includes living history performers, live music, vintage car display, crafts, lawn games, a slam poetry contest and vendors. There will also be a beard and mustache competition. The city of Whittier was incorporated in 1898 and was named in honor of the Quaker poet, John Greenleaf Whittier. Fun dress code: 1890s period attire. Central Park, 6532 Friends Ave., Whittier. 562-945-3871. Details: bit.ly/42daz6Z

West Covina Farmers Market: Shop for in-season fruits and vegetables, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. May 13 (and also on most Saturdays). The market also offers prepared foods and artisan crafts. EBT is accepted. Location, 195 Glendora Ave., West Covina. For more information, email: Fmlcevendor@gmail.com. Check here for updates: www.facebook.com/westcovinafarmersmarket

San Gabriel Fire Department’s Fire Service Day: Event includes tours, mock firefighting demonstrations, paramedics demonstrations and fire safety information, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. May 13. Station 51, 1303 S. Del Mar Ave., San Gabriel. SanGabrielCity.com

Renaissance Pleasure Faire: Immerse yourself in the time of Queen Elizabeth I’s reign and have some fun with cosplay of the time period, speaking the lingo, shopping in the marketplace, listening to music and laughing at performances, Saturday-Sunday, May 13-14 and 20-21. Fun dress code: period “faire” costume (optional). Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Admission $42; $21 ages 5-12; $225 season pass. There is a mandatory entry fee $12 to the Santa Fe Dam Recreation area. Parking is free, first-come, first served; VIP parking $25 (must be purchased in advance online). Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area, 15501 E. Arrow Highway, Irwindale. 626-969-4750. renfair.com/socal

Community expo: The Shops at Montebello host a community expo, “Peace, Love and Good Vibes,” with games for children, live performances, demos and raffles, noon-4 p.m. May 13. Shoppers may receive coupons, freebies and samples. Event is “mall-wide” at 2134 Montebello Town Center Drive. montebellochamber.org/expo

Noise Now: A Noise Within and TheatreWorkers Project present “Unmasked,” an interactive theater piece written and performed by 11 members of Cal State Los Angeles’ Project Rebound, at 4 and 7 p.m. May 13. Admission is pay-what-you-choose among these price options: $5, $15 and $25. Location, 3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. 626-356-3100. anoisewithin.org/noise-now

Rose Bowl Flea Market: Find what you’ve been searching for or discover a new collectible, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. May 14. Admission $12; ages 11 and younger are free with an adult; $20 for early admission between 5 and 8:45 a.m. (purchase all admissions online). The flea market is held on the second Sunday of the month. Location, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena. 626-577-3100. rgcshows.com/rose-bowl

Forest Lawn Museum – Glendale: May 14: “Grand Views: The Immersive World of Panoramas,” through Sept. 10. The exhibit is in partnership with the Velaslavasay Panorama in Los Angeles (www.panoramaonview.org). Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Free admission. Location, 1712 S. Glendale Ave. forestlawn.com/events/grand-views/

Mount Wilson Observatory’s Concerts in the Dome: The Lounge Art Ensemble of Peter Erskine on drums, Bob Sheppard on saxophone and Darek Oles on bass takes the stage, so to speak, within the 100-inch dome at 3 and 5 p.m. May 14. Tickets $55. Notes on attending the concerts: Access to the dome performance level is by a 53-step staircase. Mount Wilson Observatory is a mile high in elevation so the air is noticeably thinner. There is no ADA-compliant access. No children ages 12 and younger are permitted. Angeles Crest Highway (CA Highway 2) from the 210 Freeway at La Cañada Flintridge (use the map here: www.mtwilson.edu/1map). For more information, mtwilson.edu. Details and purchase tickets: www.mtwilson.edu/events/sunday-afternoon-concert-in-the-dome-may-14-tbd/

Camerata Pacifica: Sopranista Samuel Mariño makes his United States debut performance, 7:30 p.m. May 16. Tickets $68. Rothenberg Hall at the Huntington, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino. 626-405-2100. huntington.org. Details and to purchase tickets: huntington.org/event/camerata-pacifica-sopranista-samuel-marino

Vroman’s Bookstore: Erica Baurmeister discusses her novel “No Two Persons,” 7 p.m. May 15. Dean King discusses “Guardians of the Valley: John Muir and the Friendship that Saved Yosemite,” 7 p.m. May 16. Connie Wang discusses “Oh My Mother! A Memoir in Nine Adventures,” 7 p.m. May 17. Andrew McCarthy discusses “Walking with Sam: A Father, A Son and Five Hundred Miles Across Spain,” 7 p.m. May 18. Holly Goldberg Sloan discusses her novel “Pieces of Blue,” 7 p.m. May 19. Location, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 626-449-5320. vromans.com

An Evening with David Sedaris: Purchase presale tickets for the author’s talk, to be held at 8 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium: use offer code “David” to access the presale price through 10 p.m. May 18. The general sale begins at 10 a.m. May 19. The one-night-only event follows the release of Sedaris’ newest book “Happy Go Lucky.” For more information, go to visitpasadena.com and click on “Pasadena Events.”

The Dance and the Railroad: The play by David Henry Hwang, set in 1867, follows two Chinese artists and their fellow railroad workers as they hold a strike to protest inhuman conditions suffered by Chinese laborers in the American West, opens 8 p.m. May 19. Show runs 8 p.m.  May 20; 2 p.m. May 21 and 7 p.m. May 22. Tickets are pay-what-you-choose with options, $30 or $50. A Noise Within, 3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. 626-356-3100. anoisewithin.org/noise-now. www.anoisewithin.org/play/dance-and-the-railroad

Repair Café: A free, all-purpose repair party, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. May 20. Learn how fix household appliances. Bring your torn jeans, dull knife or faulty lamp. Arrive early to ensure your item is looked at. Bring your own replacement parts (no replacement parts for items will be available. This event will be indoors. There will also be plant-sharing and a free market. Park across the library at 120 Artsakh Ave. The library validates for three hours parking. Glendale Central Library, 222 E. Harvard St., Glendale. For questions, 818-548-2021 or email at LibraryInfo@GlendaleCA.gov. Details, and to see what can’t be repaired: bit.ly/44NRSIs

Glendora Genealogical Society: Penny Walters, speaking on Zoom from England, gives a talk at the society’s next meeting, noon May 20. Walters discusses ethical dilemmas in genealogy and considering ethical issues with empathy and diplomacy. For more information and to get the Zoom link, email lorman1237@gmail.com or call 909-592-4030.

Third@First Concert Series: Women composers are in the spotlight for “Joy of Chamber Music,” 4 p.m. May 20. The program includes Clara Schumann’s Piano Trio in G Minor and Amy Beach’s Piano Quintet in F-sharp Minor. Free admission. First United Methodist Church of Pasadena, 500 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. thirdatfirst.org

Civil War talk: The Pasadena Civil War Round Table presents a talk by author Mark Cannon at its next meeting,7:15 p.m. May 23. Cannon discusses his book “Lincoln’s Scout: The Diary of Horatio Cooke, Soldier, Spy, Escape Artist.” Free admission/donations appreciated. Enter the parking lot at the driveway at 165 N. Madison Ave. (second driveway south of Walnut Street). Use rear door entrance to the Blinn House, 160 N. Oakland Ave., Pasadena. For more information, PasadenaCWRT.org

Music on Main: The city of El Monte brings music to its farmers market, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 25 with 4 The People. Main Street between Santa Anita and Tyler avenues, El Monte.  For more information, 626-580-2200. ci.el-monte.ca.us

Ongoing

Pasadena Showcase House of Design: The 58th showcase highlights the talents of 32 interior and exterior designers who have transformed the Stewart House, a 1933 Pasadena colonial estate designed by Marston & Maybury. The estate is open for tours through May 21. Explore more than 30 design spaces and check out 20 boutique shops vendors, two restaurants, a wine bar and more than two-acres of gardens. Tour hours: 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Friday; 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Tour tickets are by a timed entry: $40 (1:30-4 p.m.); $50 (9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.); $35 (“Happy Hour,” 4 p.m. to closing). Parking and shuttles depart from Santa Anita Race Track, Gate 6 Lot on Colorado Place. Proceeds from the tours of the house go to fund three music programs. For more information, pasadenashowcase.org

Pasadena Tournament of Roses House: The Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association offers free guided tours, 2 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 31. The Tournament House tours reveals little-known facts and trivia and also includes the Wrigley Gardens. Explore the house that has served as headquarters for the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game. Reservations are required for the hour-long tours. For groups of 10 or more, call 626-449-4100 or email membership@tournamentofroses.com. Book a tour here: tournamentofroses.com/house-tours

Book a castle visit: Rubel Castle is an elaborate folk-art medieval castle in the foothills of Glendora, with five-story tall towers solidly built out of junk and river rocks by the late Michael Rubel and his friends. The castle offers eight scheduled tours each month. Tours are two hours long. Admission is $20 for adults; $10 ages 8-18. The property is not Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible; see website for details. Rubel Castle, 844 N. Live Oak Ave., Glendora. Glendora Historical Society voicemail, 626-963-0419. rubeltours.org

Descanso Gardens: Ongoing special art exhibit: “Shiki: The Four Seasons in Japanese Art,” in the Sturt Haaga Gallery and runs through May 21. Gardens hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. The gallery is open, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission $15; $11 ages 65 and older and student with valid ID; $5 ages 5-12. Location, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintidge. 818-949-4200. descansogardens.org

Kidspace Children’s Museum: The 27th annual “Butterfly Season” at the museum is open with children’s activities including going on a big safari, playing dress-up, viewing live caterpillars, moths and honeybees, through May 14. Also, learn from “Los Trompos,” an interactive art installation that honors the monarch butterfly’s cultural and ecological ties to Mexico. Tickets are by time and date: $14.95 ages 1-61; $12.95 ages 62 and older (purchase here: bit.ly/3mJOFoh). Location, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena. 626-449-9144. kidspacemuseum.org

Los Angeles Arboretum and Botanic Garden: Hours: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. Purchase tickets online and in advance. Admission $15; $11 ages 62 and older and students with ID; $5 ages 5-12. Due to construction of a new visitor entrance, entrance is temporarily at the south parking lot and north of Ayres Hall. The arboretum is at 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia. 626-821-3222. arboretum.org

Monrovia Historical Museum: Explore the museum, 1-4 p.m. Thursday and Sunday. Docent-led tours are available. Free admission/donation. The museum is at 742 E. Lemon Ave., Monrovia. 626-357-9537. monroviahistoricalmuseum.org

Norton Simon Museum: Ongoing special exhibits: “Saint Sebastian: Anatomy of a Sculpture,” learn about the 15th-century Italian painted sculpture from the Norton Simon collections, through July 3. “All Consuming: Art and the Essence of Food,” through Aug. 14. An online exhibit: “Representing Women: Gender and Portraiture in 17th Century Europe” (view here bit.ly/3zLRR9p). Hours: noon-5 p.m. Monday and Thursday-Sunday. Admission $15; $12 ages 62 and older; free for ages 18 and younger and students with a valid ID. Location, 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 626-449-6840. nortonsimon.org

USC Pacific Asia Museum: Ongoing special exhibit: “Global Asias: Contemporary Asian and Asian American Art — From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation,” through June 25. Also, explore the Sunkal Ceramics Gallery and the specific galleries for art of South and Southeast Asia, China, Himalaya, Pacific Island, Japan, Korea and Silk Road. Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. Admission is by advance timed purchase, $10; $7 ages 65 and older and students with valid ID; free for ages 17 and under. Also, free admission from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursdays and on the second Sunday of the month. 46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena. 626-787-2680. pacificasiamuseum.usc.edu

Whittier Museum: Exhibits on aspects of Whittier history including agriculture and Quaker settlers. Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 1-4 p.m. Saturday. Free admission/donations. Location, 6755 Newlin Ave., Whittier. 562-945-3871. Email: info@whittiermuseum.org. whittiermuseum.org/visit

Send calendar items to Anissa V. Rivera at sgvncalendar@gmail.com. Please send items at least three weeks before the event. Please list phone, email and/or website for additional information.

The film stars the late KGEM journalist and Monrovia resident Ralph Walker. Before passing away in October 2022, Walker was dedicated to telling local stories for local listeners for more than 30 years on Monrovia’s public access channel.

The film will have two time slots at LOOK Dine-In Cinemas Monrovia on South Myrtle Avenue.

According to KGEM board member Rena Delgado, the film highlights Walker’s activism and journalism while volunteering at KGEM.

She remembered him as an energetic reporter, despite being an unpaid volunteer for the nonprofit, public access organization. She pointed to the efforts Walker put into covering COVID-19 during the onset of the pandemic.

“He was fearless,” Delgado said. “All of us were kind of cowering in the background, but he was out there, because he knew it was important.”

She added that knowing Walker was inspiring and in his memory she continues to serve the community.

Walker hosted and co-produced a local public access broadcast show, “Conversations with Ralph Walker” as well as “Conversations in Monrovia” and “Beyond the Headlines.”

Throughout his career, he was able to speak with an immense scope of leaders, including Rosa Parks, Mohammad Ali and Bill Clinton.

A former Black Panther of 1960s Chicago, Walker is remembered as an impactful reporter who focused on underserved voices.

A resident since 1988, his coverage focused on the history and public affairs of the city of Monrovia and a deep passion for civil liberties in a city that is 57% White and only 6% Black.

In 2020, the Monrovia ChangeMakers honored his commitment and contributions to marginalized communities.

“He asked the hard questions about humanity,” Delgado recalled. “So the film itself is talking about the breadth and depth of his shows … when he interviewed people you never really know knew what his personal opinion was. You get an idea if you look at the body of work, yeah, but he was more focused on the person that he was interviewing to find out what their thoughts were, what their beliefs were and then also everything there was always a call to action with him — which is the part about his social activism.”

In 2009, Walker was honored by Monrovia City Council for his outstanding contribution to local journalism. His awards included the1999 Community of the Foothills Producer of the Year, the 2000 Members Choice Award from the viewers, the 2001 Members Choice Award from the viewers, the 2001 W.A.V.E. – Western Access Video Excellence, Meet the Mayor, and the Lara Laramendi Blakely 2009 Monrovia City Council Award for 15 Years of Service to the community through KGEM.

On April 14, the city unveiled a bench in front of the Monrovia Public Library was dedicated to Walker.  

In Walker’s honor, KGEM created a fundraiser to create the Ralph Walker Paid Internship. All proceeds raised from the two movie screenings on Sunday will be put into the internship fundraiser.

“The paid internship will offer juniors and seniors at Monrovia and Duarte schools the opportunity to learn about how a public access studio functions and why it is vital to have a media access center available to amplify noncommercial community voices,” the GoFundMe states.

Chris Loos was mentored by Walker and personally contrinuted toward the fundraiser. He said that the internship is exactly what he believes Walker would want to see of his legacy.

“He pushed me to be better — to really ask ‘why are we doing what we are doing,’”  said Loos.

Loo attributes his own passion for civic engagement to his time spent with Walker. Under his encouragement, in 2016 Loos started the iDream Society, a nonprofit with the purpose of teaching, and enabling underserved young people to engage in local government and journalism. One of his proudest moments, he said, was interviewing Walker about his life and legacy. 

“Young people, he really believed that they should be involved and have a seat,” Loos said. “We shared that. He was just excited about and our org is really based around the mission of empowering young people …  . He just laid out a beautiful blueprint to be followed and that allows plenty of space for young people to add their their sprinkle to it.”

“The Godfather of KGEM” will have a 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. showing on Sunday. Tickets for the premier can be bought on www.eventbrite.com. To contribute to the Walker internship, visit www.gofund.me/6d1743be.

Here is a sampling of things to do in the San Gabriel Valley and Whittier, May 5-12.

Raise a glass to the 1862 Mexican victory over French troops and celebrate Mexican culture at the many Cinco de Mayo parties in the San Gabriel Valley.

Have fun at the Cinco de Mayo Festival in South El Monte with live performances, a boxing show and food vendors, 6-9 p.m. May 5. Free admission. South El Monte Community Center, 1530 Central Ave. 626-579-2043.

Cinco de Mayo at the Rose Bowl, the second-annual event, 1-7 p.m. May 6. The family-friendly event includes family fitness activities, live music, a youth soccer tournament, a marketplace and screenings of  “Coco” (2017) and “Encanto” (2021). Free but reservations are requested on the website. Rose Bowl Stadium, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena. Details on the website: bit.ly/41ZzXwp

Los Angeles County Fair: The fair’s theme this year is “Spring into Fair,” May 5-29. Admission is available online now for discount. Hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Admission online $15/$18/$21 (depending on date); ages 60 and older and ages 6-12 admission online $10/$12 (depending on date). Admission at the gate $30; $15 ages 60 and older and ages 6-12. Parking in advance online $17; $22 at the gate. Also, Fairplex is a cashless venue. Some concessionaires and vendors may accept cash, but credit or debit card is preferred. Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona. www.lacountyfair.com

West Covina Farmers Market: Shop for in-season fruits and vegetables, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. May 6 (and also on most Saturdays). The market also offers prepared foods and artisan crafts. EBT is accepted. Location, 195 Glendora Ave., West Covina. For more information, email: Fmlcevendor@gmail.com. Check here for updates: www.facebook.com/westcovinafarmersmarket

Family art workshop at the Huntington: Get inspired at a collage art workshop, 9:30 a.m.-noon May 6. Start at the gallery with a talk about Los Angeles-based artist Njideka Crosby’s collage-based paintings and end with a workshop where children can create their own self-portrait collage. All materials provided. This program is for children ages 7-11. Fee $45, for one child plus an accompanying adult, as well as admission to The Huntington. The Huntington, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino. For more information, email mahverdyan@huntington.org. huntington.org. Reservations: huntington.org/event/family-workshop-collage-creation

Renaissance Pleasure Faire: Immerse yourself in the time of Queen Elizabeth I’s reign and have some fun with cosplay of the time period, speaking the lingo, shopping in the marketplace, listening to music and laughing at performances, Saturday-Sunday, to May 21. Fun dress code: period “faire” costume (optional). Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Admission $42; $21 ages 5-12; $225 season pass. There is a mandatory entry fee $12 to the Santa Fe Dam Recreation area. Parking is free, first-come, first served; VIP parking $25 (must be purchased in advance online). Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area, 15501 E. Arrow Highway, Irwindale. 626-969-4750. renfair.com/socal

Vroman’s Bookstore: Stephen Buoro discusses “The Five Sorrowful Mysteries of Andy Africa,” 1 p.m. May 6 (on Crowdcast; register for the link: bit.ly/41Xl51g). Mona Gable discusses “Searching for Savanna — The Murder of One Native American Woman and the violence Against the Many,” 7 p.m. May 9. Vanessa Wilkie discusses “A Woman of Influence: The Spectacular Rise of Alice Spencer in Tudor England,” 7 p.m. May 11. Location, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 626-449-5320. vromans.com

The Pasadena Chorale: “Brahms and Beyond,” at 7:30 p.m. May 6. Enjoy some of Brahms’ most beloved choral works and explore the music of living composers influenced and inspired by the German composer. Admission is free but ticket reservations are required. First United Methodist Church, 500 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. pasadenachorale.org

Pasadena City College Flea Market: Find antiques, vintage collectibles, new treasures or vinyl records, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. May 7. Free admission. Upcoming dates: June 4; July 2. Use the parking structure #5 on Bonnie Avenue ($2). The market is in outdoor parking lots 1, 3 (on Hill Avenue) and also in parking lot structure #4 (levels 2 and 3; Del Mar Boulevard). The college is located at 1570 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 626-585-7906. Email: fleamarket@pasadena.edu. pasadena.edu/community/flea-market. Updates, www.facebook.com/pccfleamarket

Home Sweet Monrovia: Save the date for the 39th annual tour of vintage homes curated by the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group. Explore Monrovia’s rich architectural heritage, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 7. Houses include: an 1887 Queen Anne; 1900s Craftsman homes; a 1931 Spanish Colonial Revival; an 1885 Eastlake Victorian. The Monrovia Historical Museum and Anderson House Museum will also be open for viewing. Tickets are $25 advance; $30 on event day (purchase on the website or at Charlie’s House, 430 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia). mohpg.org

For little gardeners: Get an inspiring view seated in front of Diego Rivera’s “The Flower Vendor” as you listen to “The Little Gardener” by Emily Hughes, during “Stories in the Afternoon,” 3 p.m. May 7. Ideal for ages 4-8. Storytime is limited to 15 participants on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up at the Information Desk when the museum opens. Free with museum admission. Norton Simon Museum, 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 626-449-6840. nortonsimon.org

Octavia’s Bookshelf: Denise Crittendon discusses “Where It Rains in Color,” 6 p.m. May 9. Location, 1361 N. Hill Ave., Pasadena. 626-421-6222. octaviasbookshelf.com

Duarte Farmers Market: is open from 4 to 7:30 p.m. May 10 (and most other Wednesdays). Southeast corner of the Santa Teresita Assisted Living parking lot, 819 Buena Vista St., Duarte. duartechamber.com/duarte-farmers-market. Updates on Facebook: bit.ly/41OI0wJ

Music on Main: The city of El Monte brings music to its farmers market, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Mariachi Divas celebrates Mother’s Day on May 11 and 4 The People takes the stage on May 25. Main Street between Santa Anita and Tyler avenues, El Monte.  For more information, 626-580-2200. ci.el-monte.ca.us

Just Like Heaven Fest: The lineup includes Yeah Yeah Yeahs, MGMT, Azealia Banks, Future Islands, Empire of the Sun, M83, Hot Chip, Caribou and the Walkmen, noon-11 p.m. May 13. Tickets $369 or $389 VIP (plus fees); $649 Clubhouse (all general admission tickets are sold out). No refunds. Brookside at the Rose Bowl, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena. justlikeheavenfest.com

Whittier’s Founders Day Community Picnic: The Whittier Historical Society and city of Whittier present the picnic, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. May 13. The event includes living history performers, live music, vintage car display, crafts, lawn games, a slam poetry contest and vendors. There will also be a beard and mustache competition. The city of Whittier was incorporated in 1898 and was named in honor of the Quaker poet, John Greenleaf Whittier. Fun dress code: 1890s period attire. Central Park, 6532 Friends Ave. 562-945-3871. Details: bit.ly/42daz6Z

San Gabriel Fire Department’s Fire Service Day: Event includes tours, mock firefighting demonstrations, paramedics demonstrations and fire safety information, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. May 13. Station 51, 1303 S. Del Mar Ave., San Gabriel. SanGabrielCity.com

Mount Wilson Observatory’s Concerts in the Dome: The Lounge Art Ensemble of Peter Erskine on drums, Bob Sheppard on saxophone and Darek Oles on bass takes the stage, so to speak, within the 100-inch dome at 3 and 5 p.m. May 14. Tickets $55. Notes on attending the concerts: Access to the dome performance level is by a 53-step staircase. Mount Wilson Observatory is a mile high in elevation so the air is noticeably thinner. There is no ADA-compliant access. No children ages 12 and younger are permitted. Angeles Crest Highway (CA Highway 2) from the 210 Freeway at La Cañada Flintridge (use the map here: www.mtwilson.edu/1map). For more information, mtwilson.edu. Details and purchase tickets: www.mtwilson.edu/events/sunday-afternoon-concert-in-the-dome-may-14-tbd/

Ongoing

Pasadena Showcase House of Design: The 58th showcase highlights the talents of 32 interior and exterior designers who have transformed the Stewart House, a 1933 Pasadena colonial estate designed by Marston & Maybury. The estate is open for tours through May 21. Explore more than 30 design spaces and check out 20 boutique shops vendors, two restaurants, a wine bar and more than two-acres of gardens. Tour hours: 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Friday; 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Tour tickets are by a timed entry: $40 (1:30-4 p.m.); $50 (9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.); $35 (“Happy Hour,” 4 p.m. to closing). Parking and shuttles depart from Santa Anita Race Track, Gate 6 Lot on Colorado Place. Proceeds from the tours of the house go to fund three music programs. For more information, pasadenashowcase.org

Pasadena Tournament of Roses House: The Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association offers free guided tours, 2 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 31. The Tournament House tours reveals little-known facts and trivia and also includes the Wrigley Gardens. Explore the house that has served as headquarters for the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game. Reservations are required for the hour-long tours. For groups of 10 or more, call 626-449-4100 or email membership@tournamentofroses.com. Book a tour here: tournamentofroses.com/house-tours

Book a castle visit: Rubel Castle is an elaborate folk-art medieval castle in the foothills of Glendora, with five-story tall towers solidly built out of junk and river rocks by the late Michael Rubel and his friends. The castle offers eight scheduled tours each month. Tours are two hours long. Admission is $20 for adults; $10 ages 8-18. The property is not Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible; see website for details. Rubel Castle, 844 N. Live Oak Ave., Glendora. Glendora Historical Society voicemail, 626-963-0419. rubeltours.org

Descanso Gardens: Ongoing special art exhibit: “Shiki: The Four Seasons in Japanese Art,” in the Sturt Haaga Gallery and runs through May 21. Gardens hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. The gallery is open, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission $15; $11 ages 65 and older and student with valid ID; $5 ages 5-12. Location, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintidge. 818-949-4200. descansogardens.org

Kidspace Children’s Museum: The 27th annual “Butterfly Season” at the museum is open with children’s activities including going on a big safari, playing dress-up, viewing live caterpillars, moths and honeybees, through May 14. Also, learn from “Los Trompos,” an interactive art installation that honors the monarch butterfly’s cultural and ecological ties to Mexico. Tickets are by time and date: $14.95 ages 1-61; $12.95 ages 62 and older (purchase here: bit.ly/3mJOFoh). Location, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena. 626-449-9144. kidspacemuseum.org

Los Angeles Arboretum and Botanic Garden: Hours: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. Purchase tickets online and in advance. Admission $15; $11 ages 62 and older and students with ID; $5 ages 5-12. Due to construction of a new visitor entrance, entrance is temporarily at the south parking lot and north of Ayres Hall. The arboretum is at 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia. 626-821-3222. arboretum.org

Monrovia Historical Museum: Explore the museum, 1-4 p.m. Thursday and Sunday. Docent-led tours are available. Free admission/donation. The museum is at 742 E. Lemon Ave., Monrovia. 626-357-9537. monroviahistoricalmuseum.org

Norton Simon Museum: New exhibit: “All Consuming: Art and the Essence of Food,” through Aug. 14. Ongoing special exhibit: “Saint Sebastian: Anatomy of a Sculpture,” learn about the 15th-century Italian painted sculpture from the Norton Simon collections, through July 3. An online exhibit: “Representing Women: Gender and Portraiture in 17th Century Europe” (view here bit.ly/3zLRR9p). Hours: noon-5 p.m. Monday and Thursday-Sunday. Admission $15; $12 ages 62 and older; free for ages 18 and younger and students with a valid ID. Location, 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 626-449-6840. nortonsimon.org

USC Pacific Asia Museum: Ongoing special exhibit: “Global Asias: Contemporary Asian and Asian American Art — From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation,” through June 25. Also, explore the Sunkal Ceramics Gallery and the specific galleries for art of South and Southeast Asia, China, Himalaya, Pacific Island, Japan, Korea and Silk Road. Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. Admission is by advance timed purchase, $10; $7 ages 65 and older and students with valid ID; free for ages 17 and under. Also, free admission from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursdays and on the second Sunday of the month. 46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena. 626-787-2680. pacificasiamuseum.usc.edu

Whittier Museum: Exhibits on aspects of Whittier history including agriculture and Quaker settlers. Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 1-4 p.m. Saturday. Free admission/donations. Location, 6755 Newlin Ave., Whittier. 562-945-3871. Email: info@whittiermuseum.org. whittiermuseum.org/visit

Send calendar items to Anissa V. Rivera at sgvncalendar@gmail.com. Please send items at least three weeks before the event. Please list phone, email and/or website for additional information.

All of those are fine, no doubt. But when I go to Mikomi, I do what most of the diners do – I order the sushi … specifically, the sushi rolls, which range from the familiar to the exotic, with names to match.

Ordering mixed tempura at a sushi bar like Mikomi strikes me as being a bit like getting the fish at Lawry’s The Prime Rib. It’s on the menu. It’s well prepared. And yet, it isn’t the point of the place.

Mikomi, like so many sushi bars, is all about the rolls. And during a recent visit, the rolls filled every table and every spot at the bar. They come on long narrow plates – some so large you can’t imagine actually finishing them. But, of course, you will. Somehow, we always do.

Chewing on a massive Lemon Cilantro Roll, I considered the logistics by which this oversized creation of spicy crab meat, shrimp tempura, avocado, salmon, tuna, lemon slices, masago roe, eel sauce and a wasabi cilantro sauce could be traced back to the seemingly modest, decidedly understated California Roll – an “inside-out” roll created either in Vancouver, Hollywood or Little Tokyo, depending on which legend you prefer to believe.

The California Roll, as you probably know, consists of cucumber, imitation crab and avocado, wrapped in seafood, with rice on the outside (hence, an inside-out roll). It may have been created by Chef Hidekazu Tojo in Vancouver in 1971. Or, by Chef Ken Seusa at Kinjo in Hollywood. Or, perhaps, by Chef Ichiro Mashita at Tokyo Kaikan in Little Tokyo. Or, it may have been invented by all three, each adding a small variation; it was Chef Mashita who finally turned it from a standard roll, to an inside-out roll.

Whatever the genesis, the result is pure culinary madness, with restaurants around town offering north of 100 exotic rolls, many (too many!) involving deep-fried ingredients, cream cheese and mayonnaise, which definitely undermine the pure simplicity of sushi. And that’s seemingly how things go; we just can’t leave well enough alone.

So, there’s really nothing much to do … but enjoy. And with some 67 rolls on the menu at Mikomi, enjoyment comes with the territory.

Following the evolution of the rolls at Mikomi is a pleasure for those of us with a penchant for culinary archaeology. The oldest rolls are found under the heading “Classic Rolls.” There’s the California Roll, of course, along with the Spicy Tuna Roll, the Crunch Roll, the Eel & Avocado Roll, and the Salmon Skin Roll. Within memory, those were all on the edge, the new wave of sushi rolls. Now, they’re ready for retirement. As are the vegetable rolls – cucumber, avocado, asparagus and the like. Those are the foods of yesteryear.

More Merrill Shindler: As a sports bar, Copper Still Grill scores big in Monrovia

As we move closer to the current time, we come first upon the 18 Fresh Rolls, a curious euphemism for the rolls that are neither made with crunchy tempura, nor baked. This is where we encounter such exotica as the Pink Panther Roll (salmon, spicy tuna and spicy mayo; no panthers harmed in the making!); the Marilyn Mon Roll (spicy tuna, spicy albacore, spicy scallop); and the Cajun Seared Ahi Tuna Roll (tuna with Cajun spice and spicy tuna with avocado).

Good luck telling the ingredients apart; one of the quandaries of the mega rolls is that everything seems to meld together.

There are 19 Tempura Rolls, including a Yummy Crispy Tempura Roll with both cream cheese and spicy mayo … and the Ghost Tuna Spicy Crunch Roll, where it isn’t the tuna that haunts the critter, but rather the seriously spicy ghost peppers in the sauce. Which for many is a step too far into the world of alternative rolls.

And that leads us, finally, to the 13 Baked Rolls, where a curious amalgam between cuisines is found. A Pizza Roll? Seriously? Yup. There it is with imitation crab, avocado, baked scallop, baked crawfish, smelt eggs and eel sauce. Sadly, no tomato sauce, no pepperoni, no melted cheese. It’s a pizza roll in name … not in ingredients.

That said, there is chicken teriyaki in the Chicken Teriyaki Roll, and marinated barbecue short ribs in the Galbi Roll. And though one can live on rolls alone, some shishito peppers and garlic edamame never hurt. On the other hand, seared tuna sashimi topped with sizzling garlic does put the understatement of the fish into conflict with the overstatement of the sizzling garlic.

The good news is, there are choices – and lots of them. Which is why the sashimi salad always works, when your mouth needs a break.

Merrill Shindler is a Los Angeles-based freelance dining critic. Email mreats@aol.com.

Mikomi Sushi

• Rating: 2.5 stars
• Address: 601 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia; Plaza West Covina, 1465 Plaza Drive, West Covina
• Information: 626-359-1058 (Monrovia), 626-337-7874 (West Covina); mikomisushi.com
• Cuisine: Japanese
• When: Lunch and dinner, every day
• Details: Beer and sake; reservations helpful
• Atmosphere: This pair of lively sushi bars – spacious with outlandishly large menus – serves an abundance of wacky rolls with names like the Ghost Tuna Spicy Crunch Roll and the Yo Sexy Sexy Roll.
• Prices: About $35 per person
• On the menu: 16 Appetizers ($6.50-$15.95), 12 Classic Rolls ($6.95-$13.95), 5 Vegetable Rolls ($5.50-$11.95), 18 “Fresh” Rolls ($14.50-$19.50), 19 Tempura Rolls ($11.95-$18.95), 13 Baked Rolls ($14.50-$18.50), 9 Entree Specials ($17.50-$29.95), 4 Donburi ($21.95-$30.95), 6 Salads ($8.95-$20.50), 4 Tempura ($12.95-$14.50), 10 Signature Sashimi ($18.50-$20.95), 3 Sashimi Combos ($29.50-$68.50), 2 Ramen ($13.95), 2 Udon ($10.95-$12.95), 5 Small Bites ($11.50-$19.95)
• Credit cards: MC, V
• What the stars mean: 4 (World class! Worth a trip from anywhere!), 3 (Most excellent, even exceptional. Worth a trip from anywhere in Southern California.), 2 (A good place to go for a meal. Worth a trip from anywhere in the neighborhood.) 1 (If you’re hungry, and it’s nearby, but don’t get stuck in traffic going.) 0 (Honestly, not worth writing about.)

Salvador “Chavita” Esparza III of Monrovia was shot about 10:40 p.m. July 5, 2016, at 384 W. Figueroa Drive. The kindergarten-bound boy had been visiting family friends when he was shot, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. He died at a hospital.

A 27-year-old man was also wounded in the shooting, officials said.

The county had originally offered a $20,000 reward in the case, and increased that to $50,000, but the shooting remains unsolved.

“Six years ago, little Salvador’s life was violently and tragically ended,” Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who introduced the reward motion, said in a statement. “I am extending and increasing the reward amount because I have faith that there’s someone out there who can help bring justice for the Esparza family. Every bit of information helps, so don’t hesitate to reach out. Help us identify the perpetrator who robbed Salvador of his future and left an unfillable void in his family’s heart.”

At the time of the shooting, then-sheriff’s Lt. John Corina said a person of interest had gotten into a heated alcohol-fueled argument in the street with the live-in boyfriend of the boy’s mother an hour or two before the shooting.

The boyfriend and his brother were the shooter’s intended targets, Corina said.

Several other young children were asleep inside when the gunfire broke out, Corina said.

The gunman walked up to the home, located just east of the Foothill (210) Freeway, and fired at least 13 rounds, striking the victims as they sat on a porch, according to the sheriff’s department.

Both were taken to Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena, where the boy was pronounced dead.

The wounded man was a family friend not related to the child, according to the sheriff’s department.

The gunman, who Corina said is possibly a gang member who lives in the neighborhood, got into a dark car and fled the scene. The attack was initially described as a drive-by shooting but investigators later determined the gunman walked toward the victims from the direction of Olive Avenue.

Anyone with information about the shooting was urged to contact sheriff’s Sgt. Dominick Recchia at 323-890-5500. Tips can be made anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

“Little Chavita Esparza would have been 11 years old this year,” Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo said in a statement. “Instead, he was shot and killed when he was just 4 years old in July 2016. He has not been forgotten and we are appealing to the public, once again, to step up and provide needed information to help us solve the horrific killing of this innocent little boy.”

The festival stretches back decades and is meant to celebrate the 137-year-old city’s birthday.

“Monrovia Days is such a special event to me because it brings people together — Every activity, performance and event is planned with that in mind,” Monrovia’s city manager Dylan Feik said. “I am so grateful to Centre Stage, the School District, and the hundreds of businesses, countless community partners and sponsors who all pitch in to make our celebration so special.”

Visitors can expect a performance from the Monrovia Unified School District and Centre Stage (a nonprofit performing arts center), a parade, professional live music, a beer garden, Merengue’s Pie Eating Contest and a carnival with games, rides and food trucks.

Growing up as a kid in Monrovia, I looked forward every year to the Monrovia Days Parade,” said Mayor Pro Tem Larry J. Spicer who remembered marching with his Cub and Boys Scout troops. “After the parade, my family and I would then head off to the carnival for a fun filled day. Those were exciting times for me!”

While the event is from Friday, May 19, to Sunday, May 21, the Monrovia Days Parade will take place on Saturday, May 20 at 10 a.m. on Myrtle Avenue at Olive Avenue. It will head north on Myrtle Avenue to Library Park. Applications to join in the parade will be accepted through by Friday, May 12.

To compete in the pie-eating contest, complete the application and return to the Monrovia Community Center (119 W Palm Ave). The contest allows teams of 5 members to participate, 1st place will win $300, 2nd place will win $150, and third place will win $50.

Today, Spicer serves on the planning commission for the annual event and said he hopes to bring the same joy to visitors that he has felt all these years.

“Fast forward over 50 plus years later, I still get excited about Monrovia Day Parade and weekend festivities,” he said. “We try to create an exciting event that brings the community together and to make lasting memories for everyone.”

Carnival Ticket Information:

• One-Day Ticket – Pre-Sale: $15 | Day Of : $20
• Two-Day Ticket – Pre-Sale: $25 | Day Of : $30
• Three-Day Ticket – Pre-Sale: $35 | Day Of: $40
• Pre-Sale tickets can be purchase online or in person at the Monrovia Community Center.

Visit www.monroviadays.org for more information.

One Chick-fil-A opened April 20 at 820 W. Huntington Drive, in Monrovia under operator Lamar Turner.

And another was set to open on April 13 at 200 S. Vincent Ave, West Covina, near the I-10 Freeway and Barranca Street, under the leadership of operator Daniel Hernandez, a spokesperson for the company said.

The Atlanta-based fast food franchise, known for its chicken sandwiches and nuggets, and a menu that also includes milkshakes, an array of beverage options, a breakfast menu, among other offerings, has been riding a kind of high, topping the American Customer Satisfaction Index Restaurant Study for the eighth consecutive year last year.

Locally, yet another restaurant is under construction in Pasadena, at 790 N. Lake Ave., the site of what was once a Carl’s Jr.

A representative said the company was not yet ready to announce the opening date.

That site has been in the works for years, as it received the required city approvals.

The site will accommodate more than 70 customers between its patio and dining room at any given time, plus more than two dozen cars in a two-lane drive-thru.

Early on, the indoor seating was considered a new addition. Initially, it was proposed as a drive-thru only location until there was significant push back from the community.

The new restaurant will join an already existing Chick-fil-A  on East Colorado Boulevard, near Pasadena City College. That restaurant opened in 2014.

As a volunteer and former president, he tapped local sports — football, swimming, wrestling — and broadcast them on the public access channel — known as a PEG channel (public, educational and government access) — for residents to watch.

“I used to climb a crow’s nest with a ladder and a pole before people noticed and provided me a lift,” Heller chuckled.

It was a kind of golden moment for the local public access scene – long before the YouTube and TikTok era, when home video studios were far from normal, the way they are now, just a cellphone lens away.

The realities of time have caught up with the channel, which has closed its doors after more than 30 years.

But the legacy, and the memories of the station live on in Heller.

He looks fondly on a platform that was truly public. Anyone could participate and film cable content — gardening, cooking, music, political debate, religious programming — anything one could want to put out to the public.

Eventually, the city provided DCTV with a studio and equipment room on 3rd Street.

Yet as the years passed, DCTV’s equipment aged and so did the few volunteers. Funding remained sparse and the nonprofit struggled to find participants.

The city sold the studio to build new housing.

“When that sold, we became homeless,” said Minoj Patel, DCTV’s last president.

Then the pandemic hit and the city of Duarte formerly severed ties with DCTV. When the dust settled, after 30-plus years, Duarte’s public-access television station formerly closed the books.

As for the “G” in the PEG channel, the city of Duarte renewed and edited a version of its 2020 communication contract with Trepepi Smith — a provider of marketing, technology and public affairs consulting services — in the Fall of 2022. According to city officials, the public access side of things — the aspect provided to community members to use independently  —  is still under review.

According to the Alliance for Community Media, in 1980 there were 2,500 access centers across the country. As of 2022, there were only around 1,600, and most of them were small operations with just one to three employees.

DCTV had only one part-time employee, a station manager – Levon “Mr. Y” Yotnakhparian. He did everything from producer, director, video engineer, lighting director, boom operater — you name it, Mr. Y did it.

The Duarte High School TV, video and photography teacher brought in his students to gain a hands-on experience. He made sure his young people had a meal, providing pizza at every production out of his own pocket.

“He is an unsung hero,” Patel said. “He was there for his love of the kids and the love of the art itself … everytime things got worse and it meant he had to make bigger sacrifices — he did it.”

Mr. Y’s students would participate by filming the Route 66 parade or summertime concerts in the park. Some have gone on to work in video and photography, from weddings to producing on “Dr. Phil.”

“Even when some of them are hesitant or scared — I would push them to do it,” Yotnakhparian said. “And then I would just watch them see how easy it is. The best kick out of it — that I taught them how to do it and they are moving and they’re doing it without further instructions.”

Patel hopes that the city of Duarte will find a new way to embrace the “diamond in the rough,” that is public access programming to inspire civil engagement and community in a younger generation.

“We had a gem and a real platform to do things,” Heller said.

Here is a sampling of things to do in the San Gabriel Valley and Whittier, April 28-May 5.

Go beyond margaritas at San Gabriel’s celebration of Cinco de Mayo, 6-9 p.m. May 3. The annual Cinco de Mayo Mercado event in the Mission Playhouse plaza is a free outdoor event with local artisans, live music, crafts, food trucks and a cocktail and beer garden.

Performers include Sol de Fuego Ballet Folkorico, Soto Band, and Roosevelt Elementary School’s Music Immersion Experience Mariachi Ensemble. Mission District, 320 S. Mission Drive, San Gabriel. 626-308-2875. SanGabrielCity.com/Cinco

Vroman’s Bookstore: Maggie Smith discusses her memoir “You Could Make This Place Beautiful,” 7 p.m. April 28 (ticketed event; $28 plus fees, includes hardcover book and admission; register here: bit.ly/3KM2n78). Angela Tucker discusses “You Should Be Grateful: Stories of Race, Identity and Trans-racial Adoption,” 7 p.m. May 1. Lan P. Duong (“Nothing Follows”) and Diana Khoi Nguyen (“Ghost of”), discusses their books, 7 p.m. May 2. Ava Chin discusses “Mott Street: A Chinese American Family’s Exclusion and Homecoming,” 7 p.m. May 4. Stephen Buoro discusses “The Five Sorrowful Mysteries of Andy Africa,” 1 p.m. May 6 (on Crowdcast; register for the link: bit.ly/41Xl51g). Mona Gable discusses “Searching for Savanna — The Murder of One Native American Woman and the violence Against the Many,” 7 p.m. May 9. Vanessa Wilkie discusses “A Woman of Influence: The Spectacular Rise of Alice Spencer in Tudor England,” 7 p.m. May 11. Location, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 626-449-5320. vromans.com

Underdog Bookstore: Check out the newest indie bookstore that is whimsical, dog-themed and focused on diverse authors. Underdog Bookstore is also Queer, Latine, AAPI and Indigenous-owned. Store hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 29; noon-5 p.m. April 30. Location, 312 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia. For more information, including weekday hours, 626-415-1031. Follow “Underdog Bookstore” on Instagram.

Independent Bookstore Day – April 29: Indie bookstores have specials events and deals to celebrate the day including a performance by The Ukulele Orchestra of the Western Hemisphere, 1 p.m. April 29 at Vroman’s Bookstore (695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena). Learn more about the day and type in a zip code to find participating Indie Bookstore Day shops: www.bookweb.org/independent-bookstore-day

West Covina Farmers Market: Shop for in-season fruits and vegetables, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. April 29 (and also on most Saturdays). The market also offers prepared foods and artisan crafts. EBT is accepted. Location, 195 Glendora Ave., West Covina. For more information, email: Fmlcevendor@gmail.com. Check here for updates: www.facebook.com/westcovinafarmersmarket

Renaissance Pleasure Faire: Immerse yourself in the time of Queen Elizabeth I’s reign and have some fun with cosplay of the time period, speaking the lingo, shopping in the marketplace, listening to music and laughing at performances, Saturday-Sunday, to May 21. Fun dress code: period “faire” costume (optional). This weekend’s special theme: “Renncon,” with a “Time Traveler Costume Contest,” April 29-30). Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Admission $42; $21 ages 5-12; $225 season pass. There is a mandatory entry fee $12 to the Santa Fe Dam Recreation area. Parking is free, first-come, first served; VIP parking $25 (must be purchased in advance online). Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area, 15501 E. Arrow Highway, Irwindale. 626-969-4750. renfair.com/socal

Jackalope Pasadena: Shop the artisan market of more than 200 local vendors selling indie goods, clothing, jewelry, home décor, housewares, art and food. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 29-30. Free admission. Central Park, 275 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena.  jackalopeartfair.com/visitpasadena

Eclectic Music Festival and Arts Crawl: Explore the sounds and sights at the 13th annual event, 3-10 p.m. April 29. The event includes 15 music stages, an Artisans’ Alley with 80 vendors, a children’s activity zone, three beer gardens and a vintage flea market. Free admission. Central business district, 1121 Mission St., South Pasadena. www.instagram.com/sopaseclectic. TheEclectic.Rocks

The Drowsy Chaperone: Catch the closing night performance of the 1998 musical by Lisa Lambert, Bob Martin, Dan McKellar and Greg Morrison, 8 p.m. April 29. The play is presented by the Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys. Tickets $25; $35. Porticos Art Space, 2033 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena. jewishsgpv.org. www.jewishsgpv.org/our-work/cultural-arts/jfedplayers

Treat yourself and help a cause: As if you need a reason to get shaved ice. Meet Fresh and Michelin-starred chef Jon Yao is raising funds for the Downtown Women’s Center Los Angeles by collaborating on a special dessert through April 30. The shaved ice specialty features grass jelly, potaro balls, mini taro balls, boba, condensed milk and infused with a creamy milk tea sauce. Pick some up at the Meet Fresh stores in Arcadia, Hacienda Heights or Temple City. More on the product and the fundraiser: meetfresh.us/chef-jon-yao-collab. For more information, meetfresh.us

Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery: The restaurant launches its “Agnes Cheese Club” on May 1, just in time for American Cheese Month. Join a cheese club giveaway on Cheesery Instagram and an in-store launch party from 2-4 p.m. Location, Old Town Pasadena, 40 W. Green St., Pasadena. 626-389-3839. agnesla.com

Duarte Farmers Market: is open from 4 to 7:30 p.m. May 3 (and most other Wednesdays). Southeast corner of the Santa Teresita Assisted Living parking lot, 819 Buena Vista St., Duarte. duartechamber.com/duarte-farmers-market. Updates on Facebook: bit.ly/41OI0wJ

National Day of Prayer in South El Monte: The city of South El Monte invites everyone to its National Day of Prayer breakfast, 10 a.m.-noon May 4. South El Monte Community Center, 1530 Central Ave. 626-579-2043. www.cityofsouthelmonte.org/250/Special-Events

National Day of Prayer service: Arcadia Interfaith Council holds an event with the theme “Together Under One Roof,” 7 p.m. May 4. Temple Beth David, 9677 Longden Ave., Temple City. 626-287-9994. www.templebethdavidsgv.org/events/calendar

Los Angeles County Fair: The fair’s theme this year is “Spring into Fair,” May 5-29. Admission is available online now for discount. Hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Admission online $15/$18/$21 (depending on date); ages 60 and older and ages 6-12 admission online $10/$12 (depending on date). Admission at the gate $30; $15 ages 60 and older and ages 6-12. Parking in advance online $17; $22 at the gate. Also, Fairplex is a cashless venue. Some concessionaires and vendors may accept cash, but credit or debit card is preferred. Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona. www.lacountyfair.com

Cinco de Mayo Festival: The event in South El Monte includes live performances, a boxing show and food vendors, 6-9 p.m. May 5. Free admission. South El Monte Community Center, 1530 Central Ave. 626-579-2043.

Cinco de Mayo at the Rose Bowl: The second annual event, 1-7 p.m. May 6. The family-friendly event includes family fitness activities, live music, a youth soccer tournament, a marketplace and screenings of  “Coco” (2017) and “Encanto” (2021). Reservations are requested on the website. Rose Bowl Stadium, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena. Details on the website: bit.ly/41ZzXwp

The Pasadena Chorale: “Brahms and Beyond,” at 7:30 p.m. May 6. Enjoy some of Brahms’ most beloved choral works and explore the music of living composers influenced and inspired by the German composer. Admission is free but ticket reservations are required. First United Methodist Church, 500 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. pasadenachorale.org

Home Sweet Monrovia: Save the date for the 39th annual tour of vintage homes curated by the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group. Explore Monrovia’s rich architectural heritage, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 7. Houses include: an 1887 Queen Anne; 1900s Craftsman homes; a 1931 Spanish Colonial Revival; an 1885 Eastlake Victorian. The Monrovia Historical Museum and Anderson House Museum will also be open for viewing. Tickets are $25 advance; $30 on event day (purchase on the website or at Charlie’s House, 430 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia). mohpg.org

Mount Wilson Observatory’s Concerts in the Dome: The Lounge Art Ensemble of Peter Erskine on drums, Bob Sheppard on saxophone and Darek Oles on bass takes the stage, so to speak, within the 100-inch dome at 3 and 5 p.m. May 14. Tickets $55. Notes on attending the concerts: Access to the dome performance level is by a 53-step staircase. Mount Wilson Observatory is a mile high in elevation so the air is noticeably thinner. There is no ADA-compliant access. No children ages 12 and younger are permitted. Angeles Crest Highway (CA Highway 2) from the 210 Freeway at La Cañada Flintridge (use the map here: www.mtwilson.edu/1map). For more information, mtwilson.edu. Details and purchase tickets: www.mtwilson.edu/events/sunday-afternoon-concert-in-the-dome-may-14-tbd/

Ongoing

Pasadena Showcase House of Design: The 58th showcase highlights the talents of 32 interior and exterior designers who have transformed the Stewart House, a 1933 Pasadena colonial estate designed by Marston & Maybury. The estate is open for tours through May 21. Explore more than 30 design spaces and check out 20 boutique shops vendors, two restaurants, a wine bar and more than two-acres of gardens. Tour hours: 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Friday; 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Tour tickets are by a timed entry: $40 (1:30-4 p.m.); $50 (9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.); $35 (“Happy Hour,” 4 p.m. to closing). Parking and shuttles depart from Santa Anita Race Track, Gate 6 Lot on Colorado Place. Proceeds from the tours of the house go to fund three music programs. For more information, pasadenashowcase.org

Pasadena Tournament of Roses House: The Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association offers free guided tours, 2 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 31. The Tournament House tours reveals little-known facts and trivia and also includes the Wrigley Gardens. Explore the house that has served as headquarters for the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game. Reservations are required for the hour-long tours. For groups of 10 or more, call 626-449-4100 or email membership@tournamentofroses.com. Book a tour here: tournamentofroses.com/house-tours

Book a castle visit: Rubel Castle is an elaborate folk-art medieval castle in the foothills of Glendora, with five-story tall towers solidly built out of junk and river rocks by the late Michael Rubel and his friends. The castle offers eight scheduled tours each month. Tours are two hours long. Admission is $20 for adults; $10 ages 8-18. The property is not Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible; see website for details. Rubel Castle, 844 N. Live Oak Ave., Glendora. Glendora Historical Society voicemail, 626-963-0419. rubeltours.org

Descanso Gardens: Ongoing special art exhibit: “Shiki: The Four Seasons in Japanese Art,” in the Sturt Haaga Gallery and runs through May 21. Gardens hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. The gallery is open, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission $15; $11 ages 65 and older and student with valid ID; $5 ages 5-12. Location, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintidge. 818-949-4200. descansogardens.org

Duarte Historical Museum: Closed for remodeling. Scheduled re-opening May 6. Hours: 1-3 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of the month, and 1-4 p.m. Saturdays. Admission is free/donation. Encanto Park, 777 Encanto Parkway. 626-357-9419. www.ranchodeduarte.org

Kidspace Children’s Museum: The 27th annual “Butterfly Season” at the museum is open with children’s activities including going on a big safari, playing dress-up, viewing live caterpillars, moths and honeybees, through May 14. Also, learn from “Los Trompos,” an interactive art installation that honors the monarch butterfly’s cultural and ecological ties to Mexico. Tickets are by time and date: $14.95 ages 1-61; $12.95 ages 62 and older (purchase here: bit.ly/3mJOFoh). Location, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena. 626-449-9144. kidspacemuseum.org

Los Angeles Arboretum and Botanic Garden: Hours: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. Purchase tickets online and in advance. Admission $15; $11 ages 62 and older and students with ID; $5 ages 5-12. Due to construction of a new visitor entrance, entrance is temporarily at the south parking lot and north of Ayres Hall. The arboretum is at 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia. 626-821-3222. arboretum.org

Monrovia Historical Museum: Explore the museum, 1-4 p.m. Thursday and Sunday. Docent-led tours are available. Free admission/donation. The museum is at 742 E. Lemon Ave., Monrovia. 626-357-9537. monroviahistoricalmuseum.org

Norton Simon Museum: New exhibit: “All Consuming: Art and the Essence of Food,” through Aug. 14. Ongoing special exhibit: “Saint Sebastian: Anatomy of a Sculpture,” learn about the 15th-century Italian painted sculpture from the Norton Simon collections, through July 3. An online exhibit: “Representing Women: Gender and Portraiture in 17th Century Europe” (view here bit.ly/3zLRR9p). Hours: noon-5 p.m. Monday and Thursday-Sunday. Admission $15; $12 ages 62 and older; free for ages 18 and younger and students with a valid ID. Location, 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 626-449-6840. nortonsimon.org

USC Pacific Asia Museum: Ongoing special exhibit: “Global Asias: Contemporary Asian and Asian American Art — From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation,” through June 25. Also, explore the Sunkal Ceramics Gallery and the specific galleries for art of South and Southeast Asia, China, Himalaya, Pacific Island, Japan, Korea and Silk Road. Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. Admission is by advance timed purchase, $10; $7 ages 65 and older and students with valid ID; free for ages 17 and under. Also, free admission from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursdays and on the second Sunday of the month. 46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena. 626-787-2680. pacificasiamuseum.usc.edu

Whittier Museum: Exhibits on aspects of Whittier history including agriculture and Quaker settlers. Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 1-4 p.m. Saturday. Free admission/donations. Location, 6755 Newlin Ave., Whittier. 562-945-3871. Email: info@whittiermuseum.org. whittiermuseum.org/visit

Send calendar items to Anissa V. Rivera at sgvncalendar@gmail.com. Please send items at least three weeks before the event. Please list phone, email and/or website for additional information.