Pasadena City Councilmember for District 1 Tyron Hampton joins the podcast for an engaging conversation about his experiences as a fifth-generation Pasadena resident, small business owner, and elected official.

Councilmember Hampton shares personal stories about his background, offering listeners a glimpse into his deep-rooted connections with the city. He recounts his upbringing, schooling, and loyalty to his alma mater, John Muir High School. He discusses his mentors and significant influences, notably his father, and how these figures shaped his commitment to community and civic engagement. Councilmember Hampton shares insights from his time in public service, beginning with the Pasadena Unified School District Board and leading to his eventual role on the Pasadena City Council.

The conversation delves into Pasadena’s sense of community, touching on the city’s challenges and Councilmember Hampton’s efforts to address them, such as reducing bureaucracy for small businesses, improving infrastructure, and tackling housing affordability and homelessness. Councilmember Hampton emphasizes the significance of maintaining Pasadena’s interconnectedness and small-town feel while navigating national and international issues that impact local governance.

The episode can be viewed on Pasadena Media’s Arroyo Channel and YouTube.

The featured music on the podcast is courtesy of Pasadena’s own The Nextdoors. Please visit nextdoorsmusic.com and follow them on social media for more information on their next live shows.

The Crown City Podcast is produced in partnership with Pasadena Media. For more information about this incredible non-profit serving the Pasadena community, please visit www.pasadenamedia.org.

For more information and to support The Crown City Podcast, please visit us at www.thecrowncitypodcast.com.

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

Award-winning author Naomi Hirahara joins the podcast to talk about her journey from growing up in the Pasadena area to her career as a reporter and mystery writer. Reflecting on her Japanese American heritage, she shares how her background and rich experiences have shaped her acclaimed works.

Naomi discusses her transition from reporting to fiction writing, providing keen insights into her creative process and the significance of her characters. She talks about her numerous novels, which often feature compelling themes of resilience, justice, and multiculturalism, and dive into complex historical contexts, from the internment camps at Manzanar to post-war Japanese American communities. She also opens up about her love for sports, diving into her personal experiences as an athlete and sports enthusiast.

Naomi’s latest project, a historical mystery set in 1903 Pasadena titled “Crown City,” will be published in 2025.

The featured music on the podcast is courtesy of Pasadena’s own The Nextdoors. Please visit nextdoorsmusic.com and follow them on social media for more information on their next live shows.

The Crown City Podcast is produced in partnership with Pasadena Media. For more information about this incredible non-profit serving the Pasadena community, please visit www.pasadenamedia.org.

For more information and to support The Crown City Podcast, please visit us at www.thecrowncitypodcast.com.

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

Episode 54: President and CEO of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and Civic Association Paul Little joins the podcast and dives deep into the unique history and mission of the Chamber, from its beginnings as the Board of Trade in 1888 to its modern-day role in supporting and growing the local economy. Paul shares invaluable insights into his multifaceted career, highlighting key moments from working as a steelworker building submarines to his extensive public service career on the Pasadena City Council. He also brings to light the Chamber's agile response to COVID-19, detailing how the organization has evolved to help local businesses thrive in challenging times.

Listeners will learn about Pasadena's diverse economic landscape, the importance of community engagement, and the Chamber's efforts to provide tailored support to its members. The episode wraps up with Paul Little sharing his perfect day in Pasadena, offering a local perspective on the best spots to eat, drink, and explore this vibrant city.

The featured music on the podcast is courtesy of Pasadena’s own The Nextdoors. Please visit nextdoorsmusic.com and follow them on social media for more information on their next live shows.

The Crown City Podcast is produced in partnership with Pasadena Media. For more information about this incredible non-profit serving the Pasadena community, please visit www.pasadenamedia.org.

For more information and to support The Crown City Podcast, please visit us at www.thecrowncitypodcast.com.

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