Expert: Steve Summers - 11/21/2001

Question
We will be visiting friends in LA,and I am interested in the 20's architecture of Pasedena. Do you know anything about it?  Also,is Catalina worth visiting in late Dec.or will the weather spoil our visit? Anything else you'd comment on as far as Catalina Island.(Could it be seen in a half a day on a tour perhaps?)thanks

Answer
Check out the following link for some good info on Pasadena architecture of the period:
http://www.pasadenacal.com/pk5.htm

Another source is http://www.ci.pasadena.ca.us/landmarks/heritage.asp

If you go to the BATCHELDER HOUSE at 626 South Arroyo, knock on the door and say hello to Dr. Robert Winter. He is probably the foremost authority on architecture in Southern California, and a great guy.

As for Catalina, you should be able to book an island tour through Catalina Cruises www.catalinacruises.com. Weather in late December is usually very mild. Many times, it can be rather balmy. Check the weather forecast for the week you want to take a tour, then go if the weather is nice. I'd say you have a 75% chance of having mild enough weather to make the trip worthwhile. However, I'd plan on taking a whole day. It takes about 2 hours by boat each way, then add any driving time it takes to get to San Pedro or Long Beach. That leaves you with a few hours to look around and take a tour.

Have fun,

Steve