Bobadilla confirmed in a Tuesday telephone interview his resignation, and a joint statement drafted by the city and Bobadilla’s legal representatives, and released Wednesday, stated that the terms of the separation were approved by the Montebello City Council.

His last day was Friday, May 12, according to the statement.

“The City of Montebello expresses its thanks to Mr. Bobadilla for his contributions during his tenure as City Manager and wishes him well in his future endeavors,” the statement said.

The terms of the separation were not released.

Due to undisclosed health problems, Bobadilla hasn’t attended a council meeting since the first one this year in January.

Michael Chee, city spokesman, said that Bobadilla’s absence has been conspicuous.

“From my perspective his leadership has been missed, but the work of the city has continued through our leadership team,” Chee said.

In lieu of Bobadilla, the joint statement stated that under the direction of the mayor and City Council, day-to-day operations have been managed by Assistant City Manager Arlene Salazar.

Bobadilla, who previously worked for Huntington Park, El Monte and Pico Rivera, came to Montebello in June 2019.

Nearly a year ago, Montebello City Council gave him a $68,500 annual raise plus some other perks as part of a five-year contract to convince him to turn down an offer from the Santa Monica City Council to become its city manager.

But since then, Bobadilla has had problems with then-Councilman David Torres, who is now the city’s mayor.

Bobadilla; Chee, director of public affairs; and Nicholas Razo, director of human resources, filed claims for undisclosed damages against the city, accusing Torres of verbally attacking him and creating a “hostile work environment.”

“These claims are the result of a long and documented history of sustained and repeated harassment committed by Mr. Torres, resulting in the creation of a hostile work environment for these employees,” Jamon Hicks said in an emailed statement back in September.

At the time, Torres said he did nothing wrong.

“I have been an advocate for the needs and requests of Montebello residents,” Torres said in an emailed statement at the time.

The council on a 3-2 vote in August 2022 voted to admonish Torres for what it called “constant adverse behavior” and creation of a “hostile work environment.”

Salazar, the assistant city manager, will continue in the role while the city seeks options for a new city manager, according to the joint statement.

This is the land of many platters of peppery grilled shrimp, found at an abundance of fish houses with names like Mariscos Linda, Pez Cantina, Ximapa, Mariscos Choix and La Paloma Grill.

I was heading for what I thought was Las Islas Marias. The name on the restaurant clearly said “Las Islas Marias Mariscos Estilo Nayarit.” The large groups of diners were gobbling shrimp and whole fried fish. I had no doubt I was in Las Islas Marias. And then, I was handed a menu.

The menu was for Rincon de Guayabitos #3, also “Mariscos Estilo Nayarit.” Feeling a tad confused, I asked the several employees – all of whom were working at a run from kitchen to table, and table to kitchen – what was up.

I was told that Las Islas Marias was gone, and Rincon de Guayabitos had taken over. Which was fine in terms of the food, since Rincon is a well-established seafood house with branches in East Los Angeles, La Puente – and nearby on Whittier Boulevard in Montebello. It had a following. It had a reputation.

Though the menu said #3, this was actually #4. And it had enough seafood dishes to keep me well fed that night.

It also had oversized speakers playing loud Norteno music. And bottles of beer served in ice-filled buckets. Which went down fast at tables of family groups who – as at the zillions of Chinese seafood restaurants to the north of Montebello, showed up to bond through food.

The sight of three, and maybe four generations, all gathered around a table piled high with cazuela, cocteles, caldos and comida Mexicana, with buckets of Modelo nearby, warmed the room. Food has long brought families together – it’s a tradition as old as time. And seafood seems to work especially well. Especially when it’s good and messy.

And so, my table confronted the shrimp in abundance – and in a sundry of ways. We confronted shrimp in oversized cocktail glasses – thick and heavy glass – packed variously with small pinkish shrimp, with a shrimp and octopus combination; a shrimp, octopus, clam meat and artificial crab and abalone; and the same, but also with oysters, the elegantly named “Vuelve a la Vida” – “Return to Life.”) The cócteles are served both cold and hot. Cold I understand. Hot … not so much.

There are eight cazuelas – which translates as “casseroles” – which aren’t so much casseroles, as they are (most often) plates of ceviches of shrimp, scallops and octopus, various fish, and a bit of everything all together. Of course there are shrimp tacos – it’s the law, I do believe – but also fish tacos and marlin tacos.

You’ll find shrimp and much more seafood in the caldos, which might be defined as a soup in the same way that a bouillabaisse is a soup; they’re really jumbo stews with some extra tasty liquid tossed in.

The platillos offer shrimp eight ways – and lots of shrimp. The platillo of camarones al mojo de ajo – with garlic – was big enough for two. Though admittedly, the salad and rice that came with the shrimp felt a lot like an afterthought. They were just kind of … dull. Though with all that shrimp, they didn’t have much of a chance.

The chips with the salsa, by contrast, had an impressive crunch to them. I like crunch – for me, it’s a taste as much as a texture. Crunchy always satisfies.

Here and there around the restaurant, I could see diners busy with tilapia – whole with skin and bones – busily dissecting the meat from the critter. There were other tables where raw oysters and clams were served from the “Pura Vida” column of the menu. There were preps of aguachile – good and spicy. There were tostadas, and seafood salads.

And toward the end of the menu, there was a section headed “Comida Mexicana” – carne asada, bistek enceboliado (with onions) and ranchero, and quesadilla de carne asada. Fishless dishes for those who go to a seafood restaurant … and don’t order seafood.

As an adjunct, the kid menu included chicken nuggets and hamburgers. Kids don’t know what they’re missing, passing on the shrimp. Maybe they should offer shrimp nuggets as well.

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

Rincon de Guayabitos #3

• Rating: 2 stars
• Address: 1418 W. Beverly Blvd., Montebello
• Information: 323-530-0388
• Cuisine: Mexican Seafood
• When: Lunch and dinner, every day
• Details: Beer and soft drinks; reservations not needed
• Atmosphere: In a space that was last Las Islas Maria – and during a recent visit that name still appeared on a large sign and in the window – one Mexican seafood house replaces another Mexican seafood, in a space that’s large, has loud music, and walls without much décor. It’s all about the food.
• Prices: About $25 per person
• On the menu: 4 Seafood Cocktails ($20-$22), 8 Cazuelas ($20-$45), 3 Tacos ($6), 11 Tostadas ($6-$18), 5 Caldos ($20-$22), 10 Platillos ($18-$30), 7 Pescado ($15-$30), 14 Chef’s Specials ($5-$40)
• 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.)

They called her tough as nails, fearless, salty and a role model for women and especially women of color seeking elected office.

Certainly, the memories from those who knew her go hand-in-hand with her political “firsts.” In 1982, first Latina elected to the state Assembly; in 1987, first Latina elected to the Los Angeles City Council; in 1991, first Latina elected to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

The Montebello-born Mexican American brought more than a tough exterior to her longest-held position, as a county supervisor from 1991 until 2014. The journey of Jesús Gloria Molina is really one of a multi-layered individual, who would grill county bureaucrats one day, and another day would host a food fair with homemade tamales.

“There were many layers to Gloria,” said Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who Molina endorsed for supervisor. “Her layers were very complicated, as a woman, a mother — and as a feminist before she even realized she was a feminist.”

In her later years, she could be found near Olvera Street, knitting and quilting with ladies in the group she founded, The East LA Stitchers (or TELAS). She also founded the historical museum LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, and the Eastside Arts Initiative.

Someone who saw Molina as a role model is First District Supervisor Hilda Solis, who started her career by getting elected to the Rio Hondo Community College Board of Trustees in 1985. “She was one of the few role models. I think of Gloria Molina and (labor activist) Dolores Huerta. That’s where it ends,” Solis said on Monday, May 15.

Solis remembers Molina winning seats by beating male Latino candidates and defying those in the party who told her not to run. She met her at a meeting of the Comisión Femenil, a group Molina helped found.

“One time, I remember she sponsored an event on Whittier Boulevard. It was a big fiesta. I’ll never forget her wearing her apron,” Solis said.

She was also invited to Molina’s house during Christmas for homemade tamales and baked goods. “She liked to share her culture. I feel honored to have known her and the good work she did that we’ve carried on.”

Molina passed away at her home in Mt. Washington, surrounded by her family and close friends. A week before she died, Solis visited her and told her that the L.A. County Board of Supervisors had renamed Grand Park as Gloria Molina Grand Park in recognition of her efforts to complete the now-popular green space in downtown Los Angeles. Solis also told her that the Metro board, on which Molina served for 23 years, recently dedicated the East LA Civic Center Station of the L (Gold) Line in her honor.

Opening political doors

When Molina ran for state Assembly, she was told by the older, male Latino politicians to wait her turn. Molina ran anyway and won. Later, she beat the powerful Art Torres for the supervisorial seat in the newly drawn Latino district which was created due to a judge’s ruling.

“Sometimes you lead by example. She actually set the model in not agreeing to wait her turn,” said Raphael Sonenshein, executive director of the Pat Brown Institute of Government Affairs at Cal State L.A. “Waiting your turn causes disadvantages for women candidates. Now women will run when they want to run.”

Sonenshein said by the time she ran for supervisor, she had stopped asking for permission.

“It takes courage to be the first woman in the room, and Gloria was the first woman and first Latina in nearly every room she was in,” said Fourth District Supervisor and Board Chair Janice Hahn in a prepared statement.  “She didn’t just make space for herself — she opened the door to the rest of us. Women in politics in LA County owe a debt of gratitude to Gloria Molina.”

Digging in her heels

A seminal moment came in the early 1980s when she led the opposition to a state prison proposed in East Los Angeles. She rallied the mostly Latino residents against the project, “digging in her heels,” Sonenshein said. In turn, then-Gov. George Deukmejian said he would veto her future bills. But the prison never got built.

“This was distinctive about her,” Sonenshein said. “She said the traditional way is not going to stop us. She kept her ears close to the ground. She was in touch with highly sensitive issues that could get overlooked by even traditional Democratic politics. That was her hallmark.”

Younger politicians followed her career. L.A. City Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez called Molina a trailblazer for Latina women in local and state politics, noting that “Gloria Molina paved the way for many to follow after her. She was unapologetic in her efforts to give voice to her community, and worked tirelessly to hold government accountable.”

Some say she would go overboard when dressing-down county department heads in public during board meetings if something wasn’t right and she wasn’t getting straight answers.

“She held bureaucrats accountable,” said Jaime Regaldo, professor emeritus of political science at Cal State L.A. and former director of the Pat Brown Institute of Public Affairs. “If she felt they deserved a dressing-down, boy, they were in for it. If she didn’t like the response, well, there was the threat that you would lose your job.

“She made people cower under her persistent questioning,” he added. “And a lot saw it as an abuse of power. But she was fearless for the right reasons, going after those who were not doing their jobs.”

Higher connections

What many don’t know is that Molina had connections in Washington D.C. that came in handy. Before being elected to office, she worked for President Jimmy Carter and later was involved in President Bill Clinton’s campaigns, and was vice chair of the Democratic National Committee.

In 1995, L.A. County’s government was going bankrupt and needed funding for its hospitals and healthcare operations. She used her connections with the Clinton Administration. President Bill Clinton flew to Southern California and helped bail out the county, said Zev Yaroslavsky, director of the Los Angeles Initiative at UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, who sat on the county supervisor board dais with Molina for 20 years.

“She was at as home in the West Wing of the White House as she was in a home in El Monte,” he said.

Irene Tovar, a resident of Mission Hills, met Molina during meetings of Comisión Femenil in the 1970s. She always appreciated Molina’s support of Latino issues, even in the San Fernando Valley, which was not in her district.

“She understood the realities of politics and the needs of the community. That worked for her. She was a fighter,” she said.

Staff writer Linh Tat contributed to this article.

May 31, 1948: Jesús Gloria Molina is born in Montebello. Parents Leonardo Castillo Molina and Concepción Molina immigrated to Los Angeles area from Mexico. She is named for her paternal grandmother.

Related: Gloria Molina, groundbreaking LA lawmaker, dies at 74

Childhood: Gloria was raised as one of 10 Molina children, mostly in Pico Rivera. She attends elementary school in the city and goes on to graduate from El Rancho High.

Education: Molina attended Rio Hondo College, East Los Angeles College and Cal State L.A.

Early career: Molina worked full time as a legal secretary while attending college. Then later, she earned her certificate as an adult education instructor and taught clerical skills at the East Los Angeles Skills Center.

Early activism: Molina was engaged in Southern California’s Chicano movement and fought to expand women’s health access. Amid a local shortage of nurses, she initiated a nurse mentoring program that teamed up with Los Angeles area community colleges to recruit and assist Latina students on track for nursing degrees. Served as a member of the Comisión Femenil Mexicana Nacional de Los Angeles. She helped establish the Chicana Action Service Center, which advocated for the rights of all Chicanas.

1976: Molina becomes administrative assistant for Assemblyman Art Torres.

1977: Molina serves in President Jimmy Carter’s administration as a deputy for presidential personnel.

1979: Molina moves up to director of Intergovernmental and Congressional Affairs in the Department of Health and Human Services, Region IX office, in San Francisco.

Early 1980s: Molina named to El Rancho High Hall of Fame.

1981: Molina becomes the Southern California chief deputy to Assembly Speaker Willie Brown, Jr.

1982: Molina becomes the first Latina woman to be elected to the California state Legislature. Art Torres had vacated his seat in the 56th state Assembly district due to redistricting. Molina ran – and won – defeating former state Senate Majority leader Richard Polanco.

1982-86: During her Assembly term, Molina serves on the committees of Revenue and Taxation, Labor and Employment, Utilities and Commerce. She chairs the Subcommittee on Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities. She serves as vice chair of the Committee on Public Employment and Retirement.

1986: Molina becomes the first Latina woman to be elected to the Los Angeles City Council. The council’s 1st District opens after the death of incumbent Howard Finn. The council subsequently moved the district from the San Fernando Valley to Eastside Los Angeles, making it majority Latino. In a lopsided victory, Molina defeats Larry Gonzalez, a member of the Los Angeles Board of Education, and two other candidates.

1987: Molina is succeeded in the State Assembly by Lucille Roybal-Allard.

1990: Molina becomes the first Latina woman to be elected to the L.A. County Board of Supervisors. That year, Peter F. Schabarum decided not to run for re-election, but served an extra three months while the board redistricted under court orders. The result left the 1st District a majority-Latino zone. Molina defeats Rep. Matthew G. Martínez and longtime state lawmaker Art Torres, facing Torres again in a runoff. Torres’ fundraising dwarfed Molina’s.

Early 2000s: Molina buoys Mothers of East Los Angeles, a group opposing a plan to build a prison in East L.A.

2006: Molina chosen “Hispanic Business Woman of the Year” by Hispanic Business magazine

2008: Molina created an effort to improve the high school graduation rates of students in the foster care system. It became known as the Gloria Molina Foster Youth Education Program.

2008: Molina champions efforts to increase penalties on food vendors in unincorporated areas the county. The new rules would punish parking of a food truck for more than one hour with a $1,000 fine and/or six months in jail.

2010: Molina supports a move to boycott Arizona because of SB 1070, then the nation’s strictest anti-illegal immigration law.

2014: Molina retires from her supervisor position in 2014 because of term limits.

2014: Molina receives honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Whittier College.

2014: Molina challenges 14th district incumbent José Huizar for his seat on the City Council, but loses her bid.

2014: Molina founds the “East L.A. Stitchers” quilting and knitting group. An avid seamstress, Gloria would knit and quilt with the group until her death.

March 14, 2023: Molina announces that she has terminal cancer. Her social media post triggers myriad tributes around the region.

March 21, 2023: L.A.’s Grand Park is renamed Gloria Molina Grand Park by the L.A. County Board of Supervisors and the L.A. City Council.

March 21, 2023: Pedestrian crosswalks near L.A. City Hall are renamed “Gloria Molina Legacy Pathway.”

March 23, 2023: Metro Board of Directors dedicates the East L.A. Civic Center station to Molina.

March 31, 2023: The L.A. County Fair announces that it will present the Gloria Molina Quilting Award each year. Molina made many trips to the fair, officials said, to admire the quilting entries — and even submitted her own work.

May 14, 2023: Molina dies at age 74, setting off mourning in Southern California.

Source: UCLA oral history archives, Wikipedia, L.A. Daily News archives, Molina’s biography.

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.

California hospitals in financial trouble will soon be able to apply for interest-free state loans, although key questions about the selection process aren’t yet resolved.

The Legislature on Thursday approved a bill that will allocate a one-time sum of $150 million from the general fund to aid hospitals that are facing severe financial distress and are at risk of closure, or that have closed but have a plan to reopen. The loans would have to be paid back within six years, although loans may be forgiven for hospitals that meet certain requirements. Gov. Gavin Newsom needs to sign the bill to enact the program.

Legislators and hospital administrators have acknowledged a loan program is only a stop-gap for a number of hospitals that for months have warned of their precarious fiscal situations. Legislators fast-tracked action following the closure of Madera Community Hospital at the start of this year, which left this San Joaquin Valley county of 160,000 people without a local emergency room.

Since then, another hospital, Beverly Hospital in the city of Montebello, has filed for bankruptcy.

“This bill, this money, will keep them (Beverly Hospital) open long enough to be able to perhaps sell, regroup, whatever, but they will keep their doors open,” Sen. Bob Archuleta, a Cerritos Democrat whose district includes Montebello, said on the Senate floor.

Loans under the new program would be available to nonprofit and public hospitals. Those that most likely need and could benefit are independent and rural hospitals, some of which were struggling even prior to the pandemic, and have had a difficult time managing cash flow after they stopped receiving federal COVID relief funds. Hospitals that apply will have to demonstrate need and viability to the California Department of Health Care Access and Information, which will oversee the program in conjunction with the state’s health department and the California Health Facilities Finance Authority, a financing program within the State Treasurer’s Office.

It’s not clear exactly how many hospitals could qualify and how much each will get, according to officials from the state Department of Finance who testified in a budget committee hearing earlier this week. That will be determined by the agencies in charge, who will have to create eligibility criteria for these loans.

In hearings leading to Thursday’s vote, lawmakers asked why the state wasn’t conducting its own analysis of hospitals’ current situation so that the Legislature knows exactly which hospitals are in immediate need of relief.

“We don’t know how many hospitals, we don’t know which hospitals. We don’t know which areas those hospitals are (in), we don’t know anything. And now we’re asked to approve $150 million to be doled out without access to plans, without access to the finances that would give us the evidence to feel comfortable with this,” said Sen. Maria Elena Durazo, a Los Angeles Democrat, during a Senate budget committee hearing on Tuesday.

Much of the information available to legislators has come from the California Hospital Association, whose job is to lobby on behalf of hospitals. According to a report commissioned by the association, 1 in 5 hospitals is at risk of closure, and half of California’s hospitals are losing money. The report did not list which hospitals are in immediate danger. The association has also not identified facilities, noting that when a hospital announces its financial troubles it can prematurely begin to lose workers and patients.

But aside from the now-defunct Madera Community Hospital, at least seven other hospitals have publicly spoken about their financial troubles, either through Op-Ed pieces, news reports, notices on their website or communication to their staff. These include Kaweah Health Medical Center in Visalia, El Centro Regional Medical Center in Imperial County, Beverly Hospital in Montebello, MLK Jr. Community Hospital in Los Angeles, Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital in Hollister, Sierra View Medical Center in Porterville and Mad River Community Hospital in Humboldt County.

During this week’s hearings, legislators also questioned how the state came up with the $150 million figure, given that the state does not yet know how many hospitals need a loan or would qualify.

“One hundred fifty million is something that we believe we can absorb at this time,” said Erika Li, with the state’s Department of Finance, during Tuesday’s budget hearing. “Trying to address an issue during fiscal constraints is always difficult because you’re always balancing lots of priorities.”

With eyes on the upcoming fiscal year, the California Hospital Association has asked the state for $1.5 billion in one-time relief, a tough request in a deficit year. But Senate Democrats are in support, proposing that hospitals get $400 million annually for four years that would come with requirements and conditions, according to their budget proposal that is to be finalized this summer.

A spokesperson for the California Hospital Association said the loan program is welcome news and promising for hospitals on the financial brink, but more state support is necessary. Specifically, the association has been advocating to increase reimbursements for services provided to patients covered by Medi-Cal, the health insurance program for low-income people, which covers about 15 million people in the state.

“Beyond this short-term relief, a sustainable and systemic solution will be needed to protect care for Medi-Cal patients throughout the state for years to come,” said Jan Emerson-Shea, a spokesperson for the California Hospital Association. “As California continues to reel from the long-lasting and negative impacts COVID-19 has wrought on the state’s health care system, the work must continue if we are to preserve critical hospital services in all communities.

Seeking longer-term relief, Sen. Anna Caballero, a Merced Democrat whose district includes Madera, is also pushing separate legislation that calls for the state to renew a tax on managed care organizations that expired last year. That money would be used to increase Medi-Cal payments to hospitals and other providers, helping hospitals that disproportionately serve low-income patients.

“Ensuring that our hospitals remain open and able to serve patients has been priority number one for me this year. The hospital closure in Madera and other looming closures would be catastrophic in both rural and urban communities,” Caballero said in a statement following Thursday’s vote. “To ensure proper oversight of public funds, I will continue to seek more transparency and frankly more accountability on hospital operations to ensure California preserves health care access for all.”

California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) on Monday, April 24, awarded the Eastside Transit Corridor Phase 2, which will eventually extend the Metro L (Gold) Line in phases from East Los Angeles to Whittier, $35 million for the next phase to Montebello.

The segment approved as the preferred route by the LA Metro board last December would extend the light-rail line 4.6 miles east from the current terminus at Atlantic Station in unincorporated East Los Angeles to a new Greenwood Avenue Station in Montebello.

The cost of the segment to Montebello is estimated to cost about $7.5 billion, according to Metro. In December based on funding available by 2029, the segment was short $3.5 billion. The project will build four new train stations, giving access to more stations from unincorporated East Los Angeles.

“I am excited to see us move one step closer to breaking ground on delivering this transportation option for our residents, as it will vastly increase access to opportunities to learn, earn, and grow,” said Los Angeles County First District Supervisor Hilda Solis in a prepared statement.

By receiving the state grant, the project may be in a position to receive Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Capital Investment Grant (CIG) funding.

Project completion for this phase is expected in 2025, CalSTA reported.

“Our state is placing a high priority on investing in public transportation projects that aim to shift away from fossil fuels while making public travel more rider friendly,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom in a prepared statement.

The award was part of $690 million given to 28 new public transportation projects in disadvantaged communities. The money closes out the first wave of state funding to expand transit and passenger rail service throughout the state and was included in the state’s Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP). It followed $2.54 billion released in January for a total state investment of more than $3.2 billion in public transportation in the first four months of 2023, Newsom’s office reported.

Other local grants included:

• The city of Pasadena will receive $14.4 million to buy 40 zero-emission buses

• The city of Simi Valley will receive about $7 million to build a new transit center

• LA Metro will receive $95 million for rehabilitation and expansion of the K (Crenshaw/LAX) Line and C (Green) light rail lines that are necessary to allow the operation of three-car trains. Also, the grant will pay for two new traction power substations and the replacement of 30-year-old overhead catenary systems on the C Line.

The hospital has secured debtor-in-possession financing of up to $13 million from Hilco Real Estate, which will enable the hospital to continue operations during the process, said Alice Cheng, president and CEO of Beverly Hospital.

The hospital serves primarily low- to no-income patients.

Through the sale process, Beverly will focus on working with potential buyers who can ensure the longevity of the hospital so that it can continue to serve the communities that need it the most, Cheng said.

The bankruptcy filing in Los Angeles follows Beverly’s announcement last month that it would be suspending certain services, including labor and delivery, postpartum care and inpatient pediatric care, effective June 11.

“The need to restructure is regrettable, but to save the hospital we were forced to take these necessary steps,” Cheng said in a statement.

“It’s a sad situation, but it’s essential for us to continue to provide healthcare for the people of our community.”

The organization evaluates 285 of the most populous school districts based on the performance of their economically disadvantaged Hispanic/Latino students on the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress third-grade English language arts test.

Serving the communities of San Dimas and La Verne, and part of Glendora, Bonita Unified boasted 64% of it’s high-needs students exceeded their grade level in reading.

“Today, half of California’s students do not read at grade level,” cited the California Reading Coalition in its report. “What’s worse, among low-income students of color, over 65% read below grade level.  Few ever catch up.”

Despite the odds, the San Gabriel Valley is continues to make strides as Covina-Valley Unified was recognized as fifth in state and third in LA County — 53% out of 69% of students. This marks the second year in a row the campus has been recognized for top-performing elementary schools. Of the 22 LA County districts listed in the top 50 — 10 serve the San Gabriel Valley.

“Covina-Valley Unified’s California Reading Report Card ranking is a validation of the dedication and commitment of our outstanding elementary and preschool teachers and the terrific programming across our District,” Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Eminhizer said in a statement. “Reading is fundamental to the academic success of any student, and we have always been committed to providing a high-quality reading program.”

Founded in 2021, the California Reading Coaltion is composed of a group of educators, advocates, researchers and policymakers committed to improving reading outcomes for all California students. The organization hosts teacher workshops and an annual California Reading Summit to invite California state leadership to help chart the course to improving reading results.

“The clear message is that it is not the students themselves, or the level of resources, that drive student reading achievement – the primary drivers are district focus on reading, management practices, and curriculum and instruction choices,” cited the California Reading Coalition.

Art Crawl: The South Pasadena Eclectic Music Festival and Arts Crawl returns from 3-10 p.m. April 29 but you can get a preview and help support the free festival at the “Electric Preview Party and Creative Community Awards,” from 4:30-8 p.m. April 2. Help keep the family-friendly music and arts festival free. Tickets $70. Location, 815 Fremont Ave., South Pasadena. For more information, go to TheEclectic.Rocks

Tour the Rose Bowl: Guided public tours of the Rose Bowl are available at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. March 31. Walk through a National Historic Landmark and see an original 1922 locker room, the Terry Donahue Pavilion, the Press Box and more areas. Tickets $20; $17 ages 65 and older and ages 5-12. VIP group tours are available at other times (check the website). Location, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena. 626-437-8558. rosebowlstadium.com/tours

Vroman’s Bookstore: Tara Ison discusses “At the Hour Between Dog and Wolf,” 7 p.m. March 31. Jess Row discusses “The New Earth,” 7 p.m. April 3. Mary Otis discusses “Burst,” 7 p.m. April 4. Clancy Martin discusses “How Not to Kill Yourself – A Portrait of the Suicidal Mind,” 7 p.m. April 6. Emily Tesh discusses “Some Desperate Glory,” 7 p.m. April 11. Location, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 626-449-5320. vromans.com

Kiss of the Spider Woman: A two-person drama by Manuel Puig, with English translation by Allan Baker, about danger and love in a prison cell, preview 8 p.m. March 31. Minimum age: 16. Opening night, 8 p.m. April 1. Show runs 2 p.m. April 2; 7:30 p.m. April 6; 8 p.m. April 7; 2 and 8 p.m. April 8; 2 p.m. April 9; other dates through April 23. Tickets $25 and up. Location, 3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. 626-356-3100. www.anoisewithin.org/play/kiss-of-the-spider-woman/

It’s a Barbie world: The 2023 Barbie Malibu Tour stops in Pasadena from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. April 1. Get retro-inspired merchandise and 70s beach vibes. Location, the courtyard of One Colorado Old Pasadena (by Il Fornaio and iPic Theaters), 41 Bonham Alley, Pasadena. www.facebook.com/BarbieTruckTour/

Whittier Women’s Club’s Spring Fling Boutique: More than 30 vendors will be on hand offering baked goods, handmade crafts, Easter and Mother’s Day items, jewelry, beauty items and plants, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 1. East Whittier United Methodist Church, 10005 Cole Road, Whittier. 562-857-0955. Email: princessberta@msn.com.

A Victorian afternoon: Bring the family to spend an afternoon at the Huntington, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. April 1. Experience Victorian Britain pastimes through art, hobbies and leisure activities such as country dancing. Free with admission: $29; $24 ages 65 and older and students; $13 ages 4-11; huntington.org/plan-your-visit. Location, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino. huntington.org. Details on the event: bit.ly/40CWNsS

America’s Got Talent: Fans 8 and older can be part of the audience at the latest season of “America’s Got Talent” with Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel and Terry Crews. Fans get an chance to take photos at the judges’ desk, win prizes and influence judges through their cheers. Filming for the show is various times per day on April 1-2 and 4-6. Sign up for free tickets on the website: on-camera-audiences.com/shows/Americas_Got_Talent. Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E. Green St. www.visitpasadena.com/events/americas-got-talent

You Can Face the Future with Confidence: All 118,000 congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses will offer two free programs on the theme, April 1-2. A 30-minute presentation will be held at the Whittier Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 11690 Slauson Ave., Whittier, with a videoconferencing option available. For more information, 562-332-0369. jw.org

Unrivaled: A world premiere of a play by Rosie Narasaki about friendship, rivalry and being a female artist. Show runs 8 p.m. April 1; 2 p.m. April 2; 8 p.m. April 3; 8 p.m. April 6; 2 and 8 p.m. April 8; 2 p.m. April 9; other dates to April 23. Tickets $47; $42 ages 65 and older; $37 students. Boston Court, 70 N. Mentor Ave., Pasadena. 626-683-6801. bostoncourt2.wpengine.com/upcoming-events/

Holy Week preparation: Palm Sunday, April 2, is the beginning of Holy Week. Check local churches for service schedules. At Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Covina, highlights include Palm Sunday services, in English and Spanish, 8, 9, 10:15 and 12:15 p.m., plus a spring craft and bake sale in the parish hall. A Tenebrae service of shadow and light, 6 p.m. April 5; with Taize-style music featured for a Maundy Thursday service at 6 p.m. April 6. Good Friday services, noon and 6 p.m. April 7 and an Easter Vigil service, 7:30 p.m. completes the week. Easter Sunday services, 8, 9 and 10:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. April 9. 626-967-3939. Holy Trinity,100 N. Third Ave., Covina. holytrinitycovina.com. www.holytrinitycovina.com/events/announcements/

Palm Sunday: Fr. Greg Boyle, SJ, celebrates the beginning of Holy Week with the congregation of First United Methodist Church at 9:30 a.m. April 2. Meet in front of the church, collect palm fronds and process into the sanctuary to celebrate as a community. Location, 500 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 626-796-0157. fumcpasadena.org

Pasadena Senior Games: Registration is open for registration for the “Senior Games,” for adults 50 and older who are welcome to compete in 14 athletic events from archery to tennis. The games run from May 21 to July 15. Previous competition experience not required. Volunteers are also needed for many tasks. Volunteer by calling 626-685-6755 or email sports@pasadenaseniorcenter.org. For more information, 626-795-4331. To register, click on “Activities and Events” and then “Senior Games” on the website,   www.pasadenaseniorcenter.org

Tuesday Musicale of Pasadena: A program of music by Borodin, Dvorak, Godoyan and Mozart, 12:30 p.m. April 4. Performers: soprano Helen Harboyan; pianists Sharon Chan and Anna Ching; Carlos Robles will perform Horn Concerto No. 3 in E Flat. Also, a string quartet with Ellen Buczo, Katie Boyle, Tammy Cognetta and Kim Ruys de Perez. Free admission. Altadena Baptist Church, 791 E. Calaveras St., Altadena. 626-797-1994. tmpasca.org

Whittier Reads: Whittier Public Library and the Whittier Public Library Foundation present a series of programs based on Javier Zamora’s memoir, “Solito.” Erick Galindo discusses “How to Prove You’re Undocumented,” at 6 p.m. April 4. Central Library, 7344 Washington Ave., Whittier. 562-567-9900. whittierlibrary.org. For upcoming speakers in the series: whittierlibrary.org/events/whittier-reads

For cheese heads: Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery presents the return of “Cheese 101” class, 6 p.m. April 4. Reservations required. Tickets are $95 per person on Resy; wine pairing extra (bit.ly/3Thgion). Also, see reservations for a class on April 18. Agnes, 40 W. Green St., Pasadena. 626-389-3839. agnesla.com

Duarte Farmers Market: is open from 4 to 7:30 p.m. April 5 (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

Pasadena Senior Center: A virtual program on music appreciation, 10 a.m. April 6, on Zoom. Explore music from different eras and share your favorites. Register for the link here: bit.ly/3KfgrG5. The center also offers monthly food distribution, 8:30-10:30 a.m. April 7, in the parking lot, 85 E. Holly St., Pasadena (if you are 60 years or older and have your ID, you may be eligible to receive food the same day; contact 626-685-6732). The center, 626-795-4331. For other activities, click on “Lectures and Classes,”  pasadenaseniorcenter.org

Spring Fling at the Arboretum: Activities include egg races, crafts, scavenger hunts and bunny photos, 5-8 p.m. April 7, at 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia. Activities include egg races, crafts, scavenger hunts, and bunny photos. Picnic boxes will be available for purchase from Peacock Café. Bring your own blanket or lawn chairs for seating. Registration is required in advance and tickets are limited. Tickets are $15; $10 children. Event is rain or shine. No outside food or drinks allowed. Location, 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia. 626-821-3233. arboretum.org/events/egg-ceptional-celebration-2/2023-04-07

Easter planning: The city of San Gabriel and the San Gabriel Kiwanis Club invites everyone to the 78th annual “Egg’Straordinary Pancake Breakfast and Egg Hunt,” from 7-11 a.m. April 8. The event also includes a pancake race, bubble zone, coloring contest and photo opportunity with Mr. Bunny. Free admission. Pancake breakfast $5. Smith Park, 232 W. Broadway, San Gabriel. For more information, 626-308-2875. SanGabrielCity.com/Easter

Monsters are coming: Monster Truck Wars with two shows, 1 and 7 p.m. on April 8. Each show has a pre-show, meet-and-greet pit party with a Kids Zone (11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for the 1 p.m. show; 5:30-6:30 p.m. for the 7 p.m. show; $10 add-on purchase). Tickets in advance online: $30; $10 ages 3-12; $40 VIP (day of show tickets are more expensive at the gate and cash only). Grand Arena of Industry Hills Expo Center, 16200 Temple Ave., City of Industry. monstertrucks.fun

Ongoing

Dinos Alive Exhibit – An Immersive Experience: For all ages who love finding out about dinosaurs. The experience runs various times and dates: March 31; April 1-2, 6-9, 13-16, 20-23, 27-30; May 4-7, 11-14. Timed tickets are required. Admission $20 and up. 1345 N. Montebello Blvd., Montebello. dinosalivelosangeles.com

Stranger Things – The Experience: The 45-minute immersion in all things based on the iconic Netflix show. Dates: March 31; April 1-2, 7-9, 14-16. Unlock your power in the Hawkins Lab, enjoy an 80s-style medley of locations and fan-favorite moments, including photo ops, food and drink, and interact with performers. If you’ve still got that MTV jacket and shoulder pads, dress like it’s the 80s. Minimum recommended age: 13. Tickets $39 and up. Location, 1345 N. Montebello Blvd., Montebello. strangerthings-experience.com/los-angeles/#faqs; feverup.com

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

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 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.