Latest Events in Altadena(August Updated)

To coincide with Fulcrum Arts’ exhibition Between the Noise , artist Ian Wellman will lead two field recording workshops in August. Participants will explore select areas along the Arroyo Seco, collect sounds, share recording techniques, and discuss the sonic properties unique to the watershed. As the local landscape recovers from the Eaton and Palisades fires, and threats of selling off public land are on the rise, the moment to celebrate our neighborhood ecosystems could not be more urgent. These workshops offer new perspectives on the local environment, with an eye—and an ear—toward heightened respect for the more-than-human world. With local mycologist Aaron Tupac , this workshop will begin at Pasadena’s Upper Arroyo Park and will explore the sounds of secret worlds along the watershed. Following the activity, participants will gather at the Fulcrum Arts HQ for a short lecture by Aaron, who will discuss their work and provide an introduction to lifeforms of Arroyo Seco, such as fungi and insects. Additionally, workshop leaders will discuss techniques for recording sounds the human auditory system cannot perceive, such as electromagnetic fields. All are welcome! Please join us whether you're interested in working with field recordings or simply wanting a closer experience of the landscape. No previous experience is required. Participants are asked to bring a pair of headphones and any kind of recording device—e.g., a digital recorder or a smartphone. Participants will also need to dress appropriately for warm weather, bring plenty of water, and be prepared for low-impact hiking. Aaron Tupac (they/them) is a community organizer, educator, and mycologist based in Los Angeles. Aaron is the founder and organizer of the values-based community inspired by fungi, Exploring the Mycoverse, sponsored by Arlington Gardens in Pasadena, CA. Aaron works as a fungi collector for the California Fungal Diversity Survey Project, the first government-funded state-wide project to map California’s fungal diversity. Aaron is also chair and co-founder of the North American Mycological Association’s Conservation and Stewardship Committee. Information Source: Fulcrum Arts | eventbrite

Join us for a nature walk! This month's walk will be co-led by Nina Raj, founder of Altadena Seed Library. Altadena Seed Library is a growing network of seed exchange boxes, educational resources, and conservation initiatives. Through the distribution of free seeds and seed education, they are working to expand equitable access to shade and green spaces, increase food sovereignty, connect neighbors, and restore local ecosystems. Attendees will observe and engage with native plants and their seeds, and learn about the incredible power of these often overlooked living beings. No equipment is needed, but handheld lenses are helpful for observing these tiny miracles. Information Source: Pasadena Humane | eventbrite

About Immersive Tech for the Culture What if immersive technology wasn’t just about the future—but about reclaiming our past and designing a more liberated present? Join us for a 4-part workshop series exploring how immersive technologies—like VR, AR, AI, and spatial design—can empower community storytelling, healing, and co-designed futures. Grounded in the principle of Sankofa (“go back and fetch it”), this series invites participants of all experience levels to engage with tech as tools for cultural preservation, collective memory, and visionary world-building. We’ll explore how ancestral wisdom and futurist thought across cultures—Afrofuturism, Indigenous futurism, Latinx futurism, queer futurism, and beyond—offers powerful frameworks for imagining and building just, inclusive, and imaginative worlds. Each session blends storytelling, interactive learning, and hands-on experimentation. You’ll leave with both foundational tech skills and a deeper sense of how to use technology to serve people—not platforms. Whether you’re a creative, an educator, an organizer, technologist, a student ,or just curious, this space is designed to stretch your imagination, connect you with others, and equip you with tools for building the future you want to see. Schedule & Modules All workshops are on Wednesdays at 7PM, accessible in-person and online: May 21 – Session 1: Foundations of Immersive Tech & Sankofa as a Framework June 4 – Session 2: Community Infrastructure: Urban Planning & Cultural Transit June 18 – Session 3: Food Sovereignty, Climate Resilience & Land Back July 2 – Session 4: Where Do We Go From Here? (Co-Designing Our Futures) About Raegan Brown As an innovative Creative Technologist at Magnopus, she is dedicated to designing and developing immersive experiences that blend digital and physical realms, leveraging VR, AR, AI, and game engines such as Unreal Engine and Unity. An alumna and a former instructor of the GRX Immersive Labs Unreal Engine and Virtual Production Fellowship, she is passionate about empowering diverse communities through education in real-time and virtual production, and motion capture. She holds dual B.S. degrees in Computer Science and Computer Engineering from Spelman College and North Carolina A&T, and an M.S. in Computer Science Multimedia and Creative Technologies from the University of Southern California. RSVP Please RSVP via Eventbrite. Sign up for one or stay for the whole journey. Either way, you’re helping build a world we can all belong to. Registration options include: Early Bird Full Series (4 sessions, $10 per session plus discount, ends 5/20): $35 Regular Full Series (4 sessions, $15 per session plus discount, after 5/20): $55 Regular Drop-in (after 5/20): $15 What You’ll Get Hands-on use of Meta Quest VR headsets and augmented reality tools Foundational knowledge in AR/VR, AI for cultural storytelling, and ethical design An high level introduction to Unreal Engine 5.2 and other 3D spatial tools optional; ideal for those exploring spatial design) Space to collaborate across generations and identities Access to working packets and creative activities for continued learning A hybrid learning space designed to be culturally rooted and beginner-friendly What to Bring & Tech Notes Yourself, with a curious mind and a willingness to explore. Something to take notes with (notebook, tablet, laptop) Optional: Bring a laptop if you’d like to explore Unreal Engine 5.2 during or after the session. Recommended specs: 16GB RAM minimum, modern GPU (e.g., NVIDIA RTX 3060+), Windows or macOS compatible with UE 5.2 Information Source: Trade School | eventbrite

About Immersive Tech for the Culture What if immersive technology wasn’t just about the future—but about reclaiming our past and designing a more liberated present? Join us for a 4-part workshop series exploring how immersive technologies—like VR, AR, AI, and spatial design—can empower community storytelling, healing, and co-designed futures. Grounded in the principle of Sankofa (“go back and fetch it”), this series invites participants of all experience levels to engage with tech as tools for cultural preservation, collective memory, and visionary world-building. We’ll explore how ancestral wisdom and futurist thought across cultures—Afrofuturism, Indigenous futurism, Latinx futurism, queer futurism, and beyond—offers powerful frameworks for imagining and building just, inclusive, and imaginative worlds. Each session blends storytelling, interactive learning, and hands-on experimentation. You’ll leave with both foundational tech skills and a deeper sense of how to use technology to serve people—not platforms. Whether you’re a creative, an educator, an organizer, technologist, a student ,or just curious, this space is designed to stretch your imagination, connect you with others, and equip you with tools for building the future you want to see. Schedule & Modules All workshops are on Wednesdays at 7PM, accessible in-person and online: May 21 – Session 1: Foundations of Immersive Tech & Sankofa as a Framework June 4 – Session 2: Community Infrastructure: Urban Planning & Cultural Transit June 18 – Session 3: Food Sovereignty, Climate Resilience & Land Back July 2 – Session 4: Where Do We Go From Here? (Co-Designing Our Futures) About Raegan Brown As an innovative Creative Technologist at Magnopus, she is dedicated to designing and developing immersive experiences that blend digital and physical realms, leveraging VR, AR, AI, and game engines such as Unreal Engine and Unity. An alumna and an instructor of the GRX Immersive Labs Unreal Engine and Virtual Production Fellowship, she is passionate about empowering diverse communities through education in real-time and virtual production, and motion capture. She holds dual B.S. degrees in Computer Science and Computer Engineering from Spelman College and North Carolina A&T, and an M.S. in Computer Science Multimedia and Creative Technologies from the University of Southern California. RSVP Please RSVP via Eventbrite. Sign up for one or stay for the whole journey. Either way, you’re helping build a world we can all belong to. Registration options include: Early Bird Full Series (4 sessions, $10 per session plus discount, ends 5/20): $35 Regular Full Series (4 sessions, $15 per session plus discount, after 5/20): $55 Regular Drop-in (after 5/20): $15 What You’ll Get Hands-on use of Meta Quest VR headsets and augmented reality tools Foundational knowledge in AR/VR, AI for cultural storytelling, and ethical design An high level introduction to Unreal Engine 5.2 and other 3D spatial tools optional; ideal for those exploring spatial design) Space to collaborate across generations and identities Access to working packets and creative activities for continued learning A hybrid learning space designed to be culturally rooted and beginner-friendly What to Bring & Tech Notes Yourself, with a curious mind and a willingness to explore. Something to take notes with (notebook, tablet, laptop) Optional: Bring a laptop if you’d like to explore Unreal Engine 5.2 during or after the session. Recommended specs: 16GB RAM minimum, modern GPU (e.g., NVIDIA RTX 3060+), Windows or macOS compatible with UE 5.2 Information Source: Trade School | eventbrite

This month’s walk will be co-led by William Hallstrom, a California naturalist, gardener, and educator. He works at Arlington Garden in Pasadena, as well as lending help to a variety of San Gabriel Valley plant-related organizations. During this walk, we’ll discuss some of the plants found in our riparian, sage scrub, and oak woodland communities represented around the Hahamongna Watershed Park. We’ll also discuss how they relate to the San Gabriel Mountains and the climate and ecology of Los Angeles County. Information Source: Pasadena Humane | eventbrite

Join us for a rejuvenating Forest Therapy Walk at Gould Mesa Trailhead on the Gabrielino Trail in Altadena. Immerse yourself in the healing power of nature as we wander in the lush greenery, breathing in the fresh air and listening to the soothing sounds of the forest. This in-person event is an opportunity to unwind, de-stress, and connect with nature in community. Less of a walk, and more of a wander, this guided experience offers opportunities to connect with self, the more than human world, and community. It is friendly to those who may otherwise feel discomfort with movement in nature, as our focus is gentle ways of engaging with the environment. After the forest therapy walk, guests will enjoy a relaxing sound bath under the trees. A Sound Bath is like a deep tissue massage for your mind, body, and spirit! In this healing experience, Sophie will guide you through a healing meditation to set positive intentions before you lie back and unwind to embark on a journey within. Guided by Sophie's voice and the healing sounds of her Crystal Alchemy bowls, you'll soon find yourself floating into a state of deep relaxation as your tension and stress melts away. Your Guides: Mary Tobon, LCSW is a certified Forest Therapy Guide from the Association for Nature and Forest Therapy. Forest Therapy is based on the Japanese practice of Shrinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. Mary will offer invitations to participants to mindfully connect with their senses in nature. There is sigificant research that supports the physical, mental, and emotional health benefits of having these sensory experiences. If you are nature curious, desiring community connection, experiencing stress, or looking for another way to practice self care, this is for you! Sophie Pyne is a Los Angeles-based holistic therapist, coach and healer. As someone who experienced an incredible transformation from addiction and anxiety through reconnecting with the healing powers of sound and mother nature, she has created holistic healing programs and experiences that are a custom blend of modalities designed to inspire connection and empowerment for people like you who are ready to own their struggles and reignite their inner spark! Sophie is known for her loving nature and ability to connect people towards authentic, joyful and empowered lives. Information Source: Sophie Pyne | eventbrite

About Immersive Tech for the Culture What if immersive technology wasn’t just about the future—but about reclaiming our past and designing a more liberated present? Join us for a 4-part workshop series exploring how immersive technologies—like VR, AR, AI, and spatial design—can empower community storytelling, healing, and co-designed futures. Grounded in the principle of Sankofa (“go back and fetch it”), this series invites participants of all experience levels to engage with tech as tools for cultural preservation, collective memory, and visionary world-building. We’ll explore how ancestral wisdom and futurist thought across cultures—Afrofuturism, Indigenous futurism, Latinx futurism, queer futurism, and beyond—offers powerful frameworks for imagining and building just, inclusive, and imaginative worlds. Each session blends storytelling, interactive learning, and hands-on experimentation. You’ll leave with both foundational tech skills and a deeper sense of how to use technology to serve people—not platforms. Whether you’re a creative, an educator, an organizer, technologist, a student ,or just curious, this space is designed to stretch your imagination, connect you with others, and equip you with tools for building the future you want to see. Schedule & Modules All workshops are on Wednesdays at 7PM, accessible in-person and online: May 21 – Session 1: Foundations of Immersive Tech & Sankofa as a Framework June 4 – Session 2: Community Infrastructure: Urban Planning & Cultural Transit June 18 – Session 3: Food Sovereignty, Climate Resilience & Land Back July 2 – Session 4: Where Do We Go From Here? (Co-Designing Our Futures) What You’ll Get Hands-on use of Meta Quest VR headsets and augmented reality tools Foundational knowledge in AR/VR, AI for cultural storytelling, and ethical design An high level introduction to Unreal Engine 5.2 and other 3D spatial tools optional; ideal for those exploring spatial design) Space to collaborate across generations and identities Access to working packets and creative activities for continued learning A hybrid learning space designed to be culturally rooted and beginner-friendly What to Bring & Tech Notes Yourself, with a curious mind and a willingness to explore. Something to take notes with (notebook, tablet, laptop) Optional: Bring a laptop if you’d like to explore Unreal Engine 5.2 during or after the session. Recommended specs: 16GB RAM minimum, modern GPU (e.g., NVIDIA RTX 3060+), Windows or macOS compatible with UE 5.2 Information Source: Trade School | eventbrite

This month's walk will be focused on learning about avian species. During this walk, we will discuss common birds seen in LA County, practice identifying species, and talk about the many reasons birds are admitted to the Pasadena Humane Wildlife Center for rehabilitation and how we can help mitigate those injuries and illnesses. Bring your cameras, scopes, and binoculars – we will have a limited number available to borrow. Information Source: Pasadena Humane | eventbrite