The Little Old Podcast From Pasadena

Alyse and Victor talk about the history of their favorite Pasadena burrito joint, Burrito Express. Then Alyse confesses to many (but not all) of her teenage shenanigans on East Washington Boulevard.

Victor and Alyse discuss the start of college football, Notre Dame and the Fighting Irish origin story, as well as the founding of the Rose Bowl and Pasadena. 

Alyse and Victor discuss Pasadenan Mack Robinson (brother of Jackie) and his achievements at the 1936 Berlin ("Nazi") Olympics, Jesse Owens (and whether he was really snubbed by Hitler), and why the Pasadena City College campus police officers are unarmed (to the detriment of public safety). 

Victor and Alyse discuss an infamous tongue-in-cheek poll that once ranked Pasadena as America's snobbiest city, as well as all the reasons (including lush gardens and antique stores) why Pasadena's the best city in the world!  

Did one alcohol-loving, saloon-starting rascal from 1884 cause Pasadena to incorporate as a city? Pour a glass of wine and listen to Victor and Alyse discuss the complicated history of booze in Pasadena. 

Alyse and Victor rant about the destruction of a beloved restaurant to make way for what Alyse deems a "concrete monstrosity." Then, Alyse tells us about the Pasadena Wine Basket Scandal of 1910 while Victor cracks jokes.

This week, Alyse and Victor talk about how the Klan tried to infiltrate Pasadena during the 1920s, and how the police department tried to stop them. Then, we learn how the Pasadena Police Department also paid for the Brookside Golf Course.

Victor and Alyse discuss Adam C. Vroman, John Muir, and other local naturalists to answer the question: Why the hell did Vroman's bookstore used to have a swastika as part of its logo? Then you'll hear the bizarre story of minister-turned-Pasadena- booster George Wharton James and his heated rivalry with Charles Fletcher Lummis. And, of course, we talk about internet sensation Jimothy.

Today, Alyse and Victor talk about the oldest watering hole in Pasadena, the 1881 Club. Was it really built way back before Washington Boulevard was paved? Alyse rants about trees and the school district, and Victor talks about a historic hotel caught price gouging. Then, Alyse tells everyone about a spooky, historic mansion in her old neighborhood that was the filming location for many blockbuster movies.

In this episode, Victor and Alyse discuss their recent visit to Glendale’s Museum of Neon Art, where a few of Pasadena’s iconic neon signs ended up, then segue to the oldest structure in Pasadena (it’s older than you think!), and close with a haunting overview of some creepy Pasadena legends and lore! 

Alyse goes on her "Coalition Against Coalitions" rant, and Victor gives us the surprising history of the Pasadena Police vs. Caltech football rivalry. They discuss the history of Tournament Park and its infamous animal races, as well as Caltech's "Battling Beavers." Then, Victor finally gets to give his Patton speech!

In this inaugural episode of The Little Old Podcast From Pasadena, Historian Alyse and Retired Pasadena Police Sergeant Victor Cass introduce themselves. Discussions include their ranting plans, hints at coalitions to end coalitions, WTF happened at St. Luke's the other week, and Alyse begs you not to play with fireworks. Plus, we set the stage for our 710-stub debate episode.