SPHS Stages Triumphant Return of ‘Spamalot’ Musical

South Pasadena High School’s drama department staged its spring musical “Spamalot” this past weekend, delighting audiences with a spirited and comedic performance. The production ran from April 25-27 at Anderson Auditorium.

“Spamalot,” with a book and lyrics by original Monty Python member Eric Idle and music by John Du Prez and Idle, offers a satirical twist on the Arthurian legend and Broadway musicals.

The SPHS production was directed by Nick Hoffa, with musical direction by Wylder Reinman, choreography by Courtney Cheyne and technical direction by James Jontz.

“Every year, the drama department puts on a production and I firmly believe it can’t possibly get any better than this,” SPHS Principal John Eldred said. “Then something like ‘Spamalot’ comes along and demonstrates to me that it absolutely can. Drama teacher Nick Hoffa and our students continue to amaze our audiences year after year. I can’t wait to see what he’s got up his sleeve for the upcoming school year.”

This show held particular significance for the SPHS drama community, as “Spamalot” was the musical canceled mid-rehearsal five years ago due to outset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We had just finished the best Act One run-through I’ve ever had — in any production — when everyone had to go home. Some of those students have never stepped foot back on campus since that day. It was heartbreaking,” said Hoffa, the musical director and head of the SPHS drama department. “I think about that 2020 cast all the time and what a phenomenal show they would have put on. This 2025 cast is creating their own version, but we are using some of the older group’s ideas and we are definitely following the generous spirit that they brought. We hope to honor them with this production.”

For the full length article, visit https://outlooknewspapers.com/southpasadenareview/sphs-stages-triumphant-return-of-spamalot-musical/article_a24cccda-70e3-4167-8c0f-2166d2acc2e2.html

Ruff Resort Offers High-End Retreat for Local Dogs

Ruff Resort, a new dog boarding and day care facility, has opened its doors in Montrose, offering a fear-free and enrichment-based environment for local dogs.

Founded by La Cañada Flintridge residents Matt and Jeanette Ruffalo, two lifelong dog lovers who grew up locally, the facility was inspired by the couple’s shared passion for dogs and a desire to elevate traditional dog care. What started as an in-home dog sitting service evolved into a full-scale business aimed at giving pets the kind of treatment their own dogs receive.

“Fostering a positive environment for dogs has always been really important to Jeanette and I,” Matt said. “We’ve loved our pets like our own families and Ruff Resort is an ongoing tribute to them.”​

Now, the couple operates Ruff Resort alongside a team of ten highly trained employees.

All staff members undergo additional, hands-on training before working directly with the dogs, ensuring a consistently safe and supportive environment for every guest.

The facility emphasizes a cage-free, open-concept space where dogs are separated by size and temperament. Smaller or more relaxed dogs have one side, while bigger and more active dogs enjoy a larger space to run and play.

Before any dog is admitted, Ruff Resort conducts a thorough vetting process that includes a meet-and-greet session with other dogs and a leash test to assess social behavior and leash manners.

All dogs must be up to date on vaccinations and spayed or neutered if over 6 months old.

Additional accommodations are made for dogs with special needs, providing tailored care and extra attention.

For the full length article, visit https://outlooknewspapers.com/lacanadaoutlook/ruff-resort-offers-high-end-retreat-for-local-dogs/article_d1522b55-b886-4be0-87f4-2fdc7e2cb091.html

Partnership for Success Commemorates 35 Years of Education Impact

Partnership for Success, a program which provides academic enrichment programs for Pasadena Unified School District students, marked its 35th anniversary with a community gathering at Westridge School’s campus.

Sparking a new tradition within the local community, the event welcomed new and current PFS students and families while also serving as a show of support for those affected by the recent Eaton Fire.

Approximately 400 guests attended the celebration, which began with a continental breakfast and music at the entrance before a formal program took place in Westridge’s Performing Arts Center, featuring speeches from PFS leadership and local officials.

“As we’ve seen in recent weeks following the devastating Eaton Fire, family, friends and community are precious gifts that we cannot take for granted,” said PFS Executive Director Jessica Pérez del Toro.

Founded in 1990, PFS offers PUSD students free summer programs over nine consecutive years, beginning in fourth grade, to prepare them for higher education.

For the full length article, visit https://outlooknewspapers.com/pasadenaoutlook/news/partnership-for-success-commemorates-35-years-of-education-impact/article_cf1ba2be-f2b2-4446-92a6-5a4a9b9f8942.html

Annual Smart-A-Thon Raises Funds for Local Education

The Glendale community gathered at the USC Verdugo Hills Hospital on Friday, March 14, for the 33rd annual Smart-A-Thon, a cherished fundraiser organized by the Mary Pinola & Crescenta Valley Chamber Education Fund.

Being a community staple since 1990, the Smart-A-Thon aims to support educational programs throughout the Crescenta-Cañada Valley.

Over the years, the Education Fund has donated over $410,000 to various educational initiatives, enriching the lives of residents by supporting creative and exceptional programs.

“It’s amazing seeing such a diverse group of individuals at this event every year,” event coordinator Mary Pinola said. “You see our local sheriffs, veterans, school faculty, and community members all coming out to support and raise money for the Education Fund.”

The Smart-A-Thon serves as the primary fundraising event, bringing together community members, local businesses and nonprofit organizations in a spirited display of unity and generosity.

The event commenced with a Boggle competition from 11:00 to 11:30 a.m., offering early attendees a chance to showcase their wordsmith skills. In honor of St. Patrick’s Day weekend, guests were seen dressed in their best green and gold attire. Participants were greeted with an assortment of buffet treats, as they mingled and found their assigned tables.

For the full length article, visit https://outlooknewspapers.com/glendalenewspress/annual-smart-a-thon-raises-funds-for-local-education/article_671a4891-2f1b-4ad6-b4b8-16df912b2625.html

Rose Bowl Transforms Into Emergency Hub for Frontline Workers

The iconic Rose Bowl Stadium, known for its New Year’s Day football games and superstar-headlined concerts, has transformed into a lifeline for thousands of first responders and displaced families in the wake of the devastating Eaton Fire.

More than 4,000 first responders are on-site, including 3,400 firefighters and 600 additional personnel, as the stadium has become the heart of the firefighting effort. Teams from across California and as far as South America have worked tirelessly to combat the fire, whose devastation has been staggering. Nearly 10,000 structures in Altadena and 170 in Pasadena are destroyed or severely damaged.

“This has become a small city,” Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation President Dedan Brozino said of the stadium’s grounds, including its many parking lots and tailgating areas. “It’s pretty incredible that six days after arguably the biggest college football game in the country [on Jan. 1], this place turns into an emergency response incident command.”

Cal Fire, which was among the first to arrive when the fires began, has set up camp alongside local and international crews.

The site also houses paramedics, search-and-rescue teams, National Guard members, FEMA personnel, FBI agents, therapists and support crews to create a robust and multi-faceted response network. It even has its own temporary McDonald’s.

For the full length article, visit https://outlooknewspapers.com/pasadenaoutlook/rose-bowl-transforms-into-emergency-hub-for-firefighters-frontline-workers/article_7254ba5e-d78e-11ef-9be1-6ff2da25b592.html

YMCA of the Foothills Opens Doors to Fire Victims

In the wake of the devastating Eaton Canyon fires, the YMCA of the Foothills is stepping up to support affected families and educators with a no-cost emergency childcare program.

Open to La Cañada Unified School District teachers, staff and families, as well as surrounding communities like Altadena, the program aims to provide relief during this challenging time.

The YMCA planned to host 75 students from all three LCUSD elementary schools between Jan. 13-17. Operating Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., the program offers a variety of enrichment activities, including STEM workshops, fitness sessions, arts and crafts, and an e-sports lab. Special on-site events such as puppy playdates, magic shows, and collaborative art projects add a touch of joy to the children’s experience. 

This initiative comes at a time when 23 LCUSD teachers and staff, including six YMCA members, have been displaced or lost their homes. In Altadena alone, 196 YMCA members face similar hardships, with two staff members losing their homes and three others displaced.

“For the past 66 years, the YMCA of the Foothills and the La Cañada Unified School District have shared a special partnership of mutual aid and program support in times of great need,” said Vince Iuculano, Chief Executive Officer. “Our focus was to provide meaningful support, in real time, to the teachers, staff, and parents of the district by providing free childcare to students in need.”

For the full length article, visit https://outlooknewspapers.com/lacanadaoutlook/news/ymca-of-the-foothills-opens-doors-to-fire-victims/article_d7168c7e-d374-11ef-9e05-972779b5bbf4.html