On Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 7 p.m, the South Pasadena Public Library and the Friends of the South Pasadena Public Library will host an Author Night and book signing event featuring South Pasadena resident William J. Kelly and Chip Jacobs. Their book, “Smogtown: The Lung Burning History of Pollution in Los Angeles,” chronicles the history and impact of smog in Los Angeles, the world’s original air pollution laboratory.
The free event, also featuring live music by the Elliott Caine Trio, will be held in the Library Community Room at 1115 El Centro Street. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends. Books will be available for purchase and no tickets or reservations are necessary.
Kelly and Jacobs are veteran journalists and observers of the environmental scene. William J. Kelly has written for L. A. Weekly, the Los Angeles Times, Alternet, and California Journal. He was chief spokesman for more than 13 years of South Coast Air Quality Management District, the smog control agency for greater Los Angeles. Chip Jacobs has written for theLos Angeles Times, Daily News of Los Angeles, and L. A. Weekly.
From the Library Journal review of “Smogtown”: “Starting with the notorious cloud bank that first engulfed the city on July 26, 1943, Los Angeles writers Jacobs and Kelly chronicle six decades of smog and human attempts to destroy it, control it, and live with it in the City of Angels. Writing in a hip, lively style, they recount the efforts of city and state officials, governing boards, scientists, and citizen groups to rid L. A. of the smog with a can-do spirit and an unlimited faith in science, technology, and human technology. This has included mass transportation, electric cars, and huge smoke stacks to carry the smog high above the city…This intriguing social history of an environmental problem that won’t go away is recommended…”
The Elliott Caine Trio will open the evening with a set of “Blue Note” style jazz. South Pasadena resident Elliott Caine has performed and/or recorded with Teddy Edwards, Ernie Andrews, O. C. Smith, Wycliff Jean, Beck, and The Beastie Boys, among many others. He was also an integral part of the renowned Latin-ska group, Jump With Joey, for three tours of Japan and the U.S.A, as well as a performance at Capitol Records’ 50th Anniversary celebration. Caine also received a Platinum Record for his work with the rock group, Filter.
For more news about other upcoming library programs, visit the Library at 1100 Oxley Street in South Pasadena or call (626) 403-7350. Information is also always available on the library’s website at www.cityofsouthpasadena.us/library. |
