Looking ahead, Streetsblog’s next event will be a little different than what you’re used to from us.

First, it’s going to be held at the Crawford Family Forum run by our friends at KPCC in Pasadena on January 18h at 7:00 P.M.  Second, it’s not a fundraiser, but is free an open to the public.  Third, instead of a food and drink mixer, we’re programming an interactive public forum envisioning and planning for a livable and sustainable San Garbriel Valley, Pasadena included.

Co-sponsoring the event with Streetsblog is Pasadena Magazine and KPCC; both of whom are helping with the program itself and spreading the word.

The event will be in three parts.  First, UCLA Urban Planning Professor (and Pasadena resident) Anastasia Loukaitou-Sideris will discuss the importance of sidewalks, their design, and how they fit into making a street a great street.  Loukaitou-Sideris has written several books about this and related subjects. Her most recent book is Sidewalks: Conflict and Negotiation Over Public Space.  You can read about it here.

Next, LA Streetsblog Board Member James Rojas will lead one of his interactive planning programs helping participants envision what they’re perfect street would look like.  Rojas has completed these workshops around the world, recently completing one at Occidental College as part of their event with Los Angeles City Planning General Manager Michael LoGrande.  If you’re not familiar with Rojas’ work, you should watch this video or just join us on January 18th.

Following the workshop, a panel of local luminaries will lead a discussion on what we’ve just learned.  Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard, Mark Gangi of Gangi Architects, Felicia Williams of C.I.C.L.E. and Erlinda Romo with the Pasadena Playhouse District will all discuss how what we’ve learned earlier matters to Pasadena and the greater San Gabriel Valley.  The panel will be moderated by Linda Immediato, the editor-in-chief of Pasadena Magazine.

More details are to come, but mark the date on your calendar now.  And if you know anyone in Pasadena who might be interested, make sure to spread the word.  On January 18, Streetsblog puts down roots in Pasadena.