San Marino News, CA Local News

Things to do in the greater San Gabriel Valley area, Nov. 24-Dec. 1

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 06:01:08 +0000

Kia EV9 on display during media day at the LA Auto show Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, Los Angeles, CA/USA. The LA Auto show opened to the public on Nov. 17 and runs daily through Nov 26 at the LA Convention Center. (Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)

Here is a sampling of things to do in the greater San Gabriel Valley area, Nov. 24-Dec. 1.

Los Angeles Auto Show: Enjoy hours of comparison shopping, the opportunity for test drives and rides, plus check out automotive brands, Kevin Hart Kollection, the Garage aftermarket showcase, Galpin’s Hall of Customs, Electric Vehicles Discovery Center and USA Street Foods. Hours: 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Nov. 24-25; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 26. Admission: the “Any Day” tickets $27 (ages 13-64); $15 ages 65 and older; $10 ages 6-12 (also, check for early entry admission, VIP guided tours, and other special admission tickets). No tickets sold at the door. All tickets must be purchased online. Facts: laautoshow.com/know-before-you-go/#faq. Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles. laautoshow.com

Season packed with fun: One Colorado offers a holiday full of family-friendly activities from Nov. 24 to Dec. 24. Stop by to enjoy the annual tree lighting celebration, holiday party, gingerbread house kits and photos with Santa Claus. Location, 41 Hugus Alley, Pasadena. onecolorado.com

Vroman’s Bookstore: Illenana Douglas discusses “Connecticut in the Movies – From Dream House to Dark Suburbia,” 7 p.m. Nov. 24.Storytime: Sonoko Sakai reads “Mai and the Missing Melon,” 11 a.m. Nov. 25. Local Author Day: Genevieve Huffman presents “Time and Soul,” 6 p.m. Nov. 27. David Kipen discusses “Dear California – The Golden State in Diaries and Letters,” 7 p.m. Nov. 28. Lien Shutt discusses “Home Is Here,” 7 p.m. Nov. 30. Brooke Wentz discusses “Transfigured New York: Interviews with Experimental Artists and Musicians, 1980-1990,” 7 p.m. Dec. 5. Ron C. White discusses “On Great Fields – The Life and Unlikely Heroism of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain,” 7 p.m. Dec. 6. Location, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 626-449-5320. vromansbookstore.com

Laugh Factory – Covina: Comedy fun with Carlos Mencia, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Nov. 24-25 (minimum age: 18; $25; $35 VIP). Helen Hong, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 26 (minimum age: 18; $25; $35 VIP). Two-item minimum for all shows. Location, 104 N. Citrus Ave., Covina. www.tixr.com/groups

Hollywood Christmas Parade: The 91st annual parade kicks off, 6 p.m. Nov. 26. Parade participants include celebrities from movies and television, equestrian teams, marching bands and Santa Claus. Grand marshal is retired United States Army Col. Paris D. Davis. Davis, who served in the U.S. Army from 1959-1985, received the Medal of Honor on March 3, 2023 in a ceremony at the White House. Bleacher seats, $120 (thehollywoodchristmasparade.org/ticket-pricing/). Parade route: Hollywood Boulevard at Orange Drive, east on Hollywood to Vine Street, south on Vine to Sunset Boulevard, west on Sunset to Orange. 866-727-2331. www.thehollywoodchristmasparade.org

Glendora Genealogical Group: Guest speaker Kate Townsend discusses “Beyond the Basics: Effectively Using Ancestry.com,” 6 p.m. Nov. 28. The program covers the best research practices possible while using the site. Learn how to efficiently gather as much information as possible about your ancestors and prevent yourself from climbing up the wrong branch of your family tree. Kate Townsend is a researcher, investigator and genealogist who turned her passion for family history into a business. Free admission. La Fetra Senior Center, 333 East Foothill Blvd., Glendora. 909-592-4030.

Let it snow: Dig out the winter jackets and mittens because snow is coming to West Covina, 6-9 p.m. Dec. 1. Play holiday games, listen to music and stay for the tree lighting. West Covina Civic Center Courtyard, 1444 W. Garvey Ave. South, West Covina. For more information, call 626-919-6966 or email westcovinarec@westcovina.org. Flyer: tinyurl.com/6r297vt5

Azusa Pacific University’s Celebrate Christmas concert: The annual presentation includes more than 200 students from university’s School of Music and performing pieces from historical to contemporary, sacred and traditional. The 39th annual “Celebrate Christmas,” is presented at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2. Performers include Bel Canto Women’s Choir; Men’s Chorale; Chamber Singers; University Choir; Gospel Choir; East End Vocal Jazz; Jazz Ensemble; the Symphony Orchestra. Tickets $20 and up (check the website for how to purchase tickets; purchasing tickets in advance is recommended). Concert is held at Lake Avenue Church, 393 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena. www.apu.edu/music/concerts/celebratechristmas/

Workman and Temple Family Homestead Museum’s holiday open house: Explore the museum in all its holiday splendor, noon-4 p.m. Dec. 10. The museum’s historic homes will be decked out for the third annual holiday event. There will be live music and performances, the museum store will be open, guests can make a seasonal craft or two and picnics will be allowed. Santa Claus will also be on hand for photos. Workman and Temple Family Homestead Museum, 15415 Don Julian Road, City of Industry. 626-968-8492. homesteadmuseum.org

Ongoing special events

Lightscape at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden: Step into an after-dark light-up world at “Lightscape,” a one-mile trail of art installations that celebrates the sparkle of the holiday season on selected dates through Jan. 2. Timed entry begins at 5:30 p.m. and last entry time is 8:30 p.m. Santa Claus makes an appearance on selected dates. Tickets $29 and up (timed entry tickets). Parking is $20 (purchase in advance; match parking with the date of your admission ticket; parking is not sold on-site; arboretum.ticketapp.org/portal/product/257). Location, 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia. arboretum.org/lightscape

Enchanted – Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens: An interactive walk-through display of lights including an area of stained glass creations, through Jan. 7. Purchase of a timed-ticket in advance on the website is required for admission (time frame, 5:30-8:30 p.m.; no tickets sold at the door). Admission $45; $30 children (children under age two are free but must also have a ticket). Tickets are not refundable and cannot be rescheduled. Location, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge. Details and purchase tickets: www.descansogardens.org/enchanted-tickets

L.A. Zoo Lights – Animals Aglow: The self-guided walking tour returns with dazzling wildlife lantern displays through different landscapes, various dates through Jan. 7. New additions this year include “Winter Wildlands,” with snow-loving animals, and “Dazzling Desertscape,” with live roaming entertainment. Hours: 6-10 p.m. Rain does not cancel. Tickets $29 and up for ages 13 and older; $18 and up for ages 2-12 (higher admission on “premium” nights; purchasing in advance online is recommended). Check the website for details on special event nights including “Family New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31 ($90 ages 18 and older; $75 ages 2-17). Location, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles. www.lazoo.org/plan-your-visit/special-experiences/zoolights/

Bubble World: The Experience: Fun meets science as you wander through 10 plus rooms and immerse yourself into a world of bubbles. Tickets are by time; extended through Jan. 14. Tickets $31.90; $27.90 for age 65 and older; $23.90 for age 4-14. VIP tickets, group bundles and family passes are also available. Location, 1345 N. Montebello Blvd., Montebello. For more information, feverup.com/m/127769

Van Gogh – The Immersive Experience: Drop-in to a 360-degree, two-story high projection show to experience the Dutch artist’s drawings, paintings and sketches. Hours: timed admission on various dates; extended through Jan. 14. Admission $34.90 ages 13 and older; $29.90 ages 65 and older; $20.90 ages 4-12; VIP admission is also available. Location, 1345 N. Montebello Blvd., Montebello. vangoghexpo.com/los-angeles/#

Ongoing

Altadena Neighborhood Farmers Market: The market is open 4-8 p.m. Fridays. (Winter hours: 3-7 p.m.) The nonprofit Raw Inspiration offers the market as a way for children to learn the value of organic gardening and healthy eating. Loma Alta Park, 3330 N. Lincoln Ave., Altadena. For more information, email info@rawinspiration.org. rawinspiration.org

Farmers Market at Mt. SAC: Shop for fruits and vegetables and also breads, desserts, juices, nuts, snacks and ready-to-eat dishes such as dumplings, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. Vendors also sell handmade items and plants. The market is sponsored by the Regional Chamber of Commerce-San Gabriel Valley. Mount San Antonio College, Parking Lot B, 1100 N. Grand Ave., Walnut. For more information, 909-869-0701. regionalchambersgv.com

West Covina Farmers Market: Spend a leisurely morning at the West Covina Farmers Market, open from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays. The market is open rain or shine. Location, 195 Glendora Ave., West Covina. 626-484-1296. www.facebook.com/westcovinafarmersmarket. Details: tinyurl.com/yc8zbua4

Rubel Castle: The Rubel Castle is an elaborate folk-art medieval castle in the foothills of Glendora, with five-story tall towers solidly built out of junk and river rocks by the late Michael Rubel and his friends. The castle offers eight scheduled tours each month. Tours are two hours long. Admission is $20 for adults; $10 ages 8-18. The property is not Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible; see website for details. Location, 844 N. Live Oak Ave., Glendora. Glendora Historical Society voicemail, 626-963-0419. rubeltours.org

Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens: Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Monday (closed on Tuesday). Weekend reservations required. Admission $25/$29; $21/$24 ages 65 and older and students with ID; $13 ages 4-11. Location, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino. huntington.org

Kidspace Children’s Museum: Children will enjoy “Winter Frolic,” a “winter wonderland” with a no-ice sock skating rink, ice fishing, ice block sculptures and life-sized no-ice snowman dress-up. The special-playtime runs through Jan. 7. Timed tickets are required. Admission $15.50 ages 1-61; $13.50 ages 62 and older. Location, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena. 626-449-9144. kidspacemuseum.org

Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden: Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Purchase tickets online and in advance. Admission $15; $11 ages 62 and older and students with ID; $5 ages 5-12. Location, 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia. 626-821-3222. arboretum.org

Monrovia Historical Museum: Explore the museum, 1-4 p.m. Thursday and Sunday. Docent-led tours are available. Free admission/donation. Location, 742 E. Lemon Ave., Monrovia. 626-357-9537. monroviahistoricalmuseum.org

Norton Simon Museum: Ongoing special exhibits: “Word as Image,” through Jan. 8; “Benevolent Beings: Buddhas and Bodhisattvas from South and Southeast Asia,” through Feb. 19 (www.nortonsimon.org/exhibitions/future); “Paul Gauguin’s ‘The Swineherd,’” 1888, on loan from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, extended through April 30. Hours: noon-5 p.m. Monday, Thursday and Sunday; noon-7 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Admission $20; $15 ages 62 and older; free for ages 18 and younger and students with a valid ID. Location, 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 626-449-6840. nortonsimon.org

USC Pacific Asia Museum: Ongoing special exhibits: “Imprinting in Time — Chinese Printmaking at the Beginning of a New Era,” through Nov. 12. “The Painted Poetry of Agnes Lee,” through Jan. 28, 2024. Also, explore the Sunkal Ceramics Gallery and the specific galleries for art of South and Southeast Asia, China, Himalaya, Pacific Island, Japan, Korea and Silk Road. Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. Admission $10; $7 ages 65 and older and students with valid ID; free for ages 17 and younger. Location, 46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena. 626-787-2680. pacificasiamuseum.usc.edu

Whittier Museum: The museum is closed through mid-November. Ongoing exhibits: Whittier history including agriculture and Quaker settlers. Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 1-4 p.m. Saturday. Free admission/donations welcomed. Location, 6755 Newlin Ave., Whittier. 562-945-3871. Email: info@whittiermuseum.org. whittiermuseum.org/visit

Send calendar items to Anissa V. Rivera at sgvncalendar@gmail.com. Please send items at least three weeks before the event. Please list phone, email and/or website for additional information.

The Huntington is adding a major attraction to its Japanese Garden

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 13:51:34 +0000

The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens has a new attraction that will bring the essence of a 17th century farming village to San Marino.

It is called the Japanese Heritage Shōya House, and it will open to the public on Saturday, Oct. 21.

The house was built around 1700 in Marugame, a city in Japan’s western Kagawa Prefecture. A shōya was a village leader, according to Robert Hori, gardens cultural curator and program director for The Huntington.

“The Japanese Heritage Shōya House will take the visitor back in time,” he said in a phone interview. “What we have created is a rural village setting, which includes the house, walls, a gatehouse and terraced rice fields that would have surrounded it when it was originally built.”

The Japanese Heritage Shoya House at The Huntington is seen on Friday, October 13, 2023 in San Marino. The 320-year-old historic family home from a small farming community was donated by Los Angeles residents Yohko and Akira Yokoi and since 2019 was rebuilt by Japanese artisans and local construction crews. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Japanese Heritage Shoya House at The Huntington is seen on Friday, October 13, 2023 in San Marino. The 320-year-old historic family home from a small farming community was donated by Los Angeles residents Yohko and Akira Yokoi and since 2019 was rebuilt by Japanese artisans and local construction crews. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Japanese Heritage Shoya House at The Huntington is seen on Friday, October 13, 2023 in San Marino. The 320-year-old historic family home from a small farming community was donated by Los Angeles residents Yohko and Akira Yokoi and since 2019 was rebuilt by Japanese artisans and local construction crews. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Japanese Heritage Shoya House at The Huntington is seen on Friday, October 13, 2023 in San Marino. The 320-year-old historic family home from a small farming community was donated by Los Angeles residents Yohko and Akira Yokoi and since 2019 was rebuilt by Japanese artisans and local construction crews. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
A recreated water canal is seen at the Japanese Heritage Shoya House at The Huntington on Friday, October 13, 2023 in San Marino. The 320-year-old historic family home from a small farming community was donated by Los Angeles residents Yohko and Akira Yokoi and since 2019 was rebuilt by Japanese artisans and local construction crews. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
A woman leaves a recreated gatehouse at The Huntington’s Shoya House on Friday, October 13, 2023 in San Marino where a cover crop of Cosmos blooms. The 320-year-old historic family home from a small farming community was donated by Los Angeles residents Yohko and Akira Yokoi and since 2019 was rebuilt by Japanese artisans and local construction crews. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Japanese planes used to shape and smooth wood are seen in The Japanese Heritage Shoya House at The Huntington on Friday, October 13, 2023 in San Marino. The 320-year-old historic family home from a small farming community was donated by Los Angeles residents Yohko and Akira Yokoi and since 2019 was rebuilt by Japanese artisans and local construction crews. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Japanese Heritage Shoya House at The Huntington is seen on Friday, October 13, 2023 in San Marino. The 320-year-old historic family home from a small farming community was donated by Los Angeles residents Yohko and Akira Yokoi and since 2019 was rebuilt by Japanese artisans and local construction crews. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Japanese farmers use composting toilets as part of their sustainable living village as seen at the Japanese Heritage Shoya House at The Huntington on Friday, October 13, 2023 in San Marino. The 320-year-old historic family home from a small farming community was donated by Los Angeles residents Yohko and Akira Yokoi and since 2019 was rebuilt by Japanese artisans and local construction crews. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
A woman checks out the Japanese Heritage Shoya House at The Huntington on Friday, October 13, 2023 in San Marino. The 320-year-old historic family home from a small farming community was donated by Los Angeles residents Yohko and Akira Yokoi and since 2019 was rebuilt by Japanese artisans and local construction crews. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Japanese Heritage Shoya House at The Huntington is seen on Friday, October 13, 2023 in San Marino. The 320-year-old historic family home from a small farming community was donated by Los Angeles residents Yohko and Akira Yokoi and since 2019 was rebuilt by Japanese artisans and local construction crews. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Jana Monji, of Torrance, walks in the Japanese Heritage Shoya House at The Huntington on Friday, October 13, 2023 in San Marino. The 320-year-old historic family home from a small farming community was donated by Los Angeles residents Yohko and Akira Yokoi and since 2019 was rebuilt by Japanese artisans and local construction crews. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Japanese Heritage Shoya House at The Huntington is seen on Friday, October 13, 2023 in San Marino. The 320-year-old historic family home from a small farming community was donated by Los Angeles residents Yohko and Akira Yokoi and since 2019 was rebuilt by Japanese artisans and local construction crews. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Expand

The project is an addition to the nine-acre Japanese Garden that railroad magnate Henry E. Huntington created on his estate in 1912.

With its tea house and moon bridge, the Japanese Garden is one of the Huntington’s major attractions, along with the paintings “Pinkie” and “The Blue Boy,” a Gutenberg Bible and a Shakespeare first folio.

The Japanese Garden has always had a Japanese house, but the structure Henry Huntington installed, while built in Japan, was never a residence, Karen R. Lawrence, president of the Huntington, said at a press preview of the Shōya House.

“This is completely different. This the real deal.”

The Shōya House literally takes the Japanese Garden in a new direction. It opens a new 2-

The Huntington is adding a major attraction to its Japanese Garden

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 13:51:34 +0000

The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens has a new attraction that will bring the essence of a 17th century farming village to San Marino.

It is called the Japanese Heritage Shōya House, and it will open to the public on Saturday, Oct. 21.

The Japanese Heritage Shoya House at The Huntington is seen on Friday, October 13, 2023 in San Marino. The 320-year-old historic family home from a small farming community was donated by Los Angeles residents Yohko and Akira Yokoi and since 2019 was rebuilt by Japanese artisans and local construction crews. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Japanese Heritage Shoya House at The Huntington is seen on Friday, October 13, 2023 in San Marino. The 320-year-old historic family home from a small farming community was donated by Los Angeles residents Yohko and Akira Yokoi and since 2019 was rebuilt by Japanese artisans and local construction crews. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Japanese Heritage Shoya House at The Huntington is seen on Friday, October 13, 2023 in San Marino. The 320-year-old historic family home from a small farming community was donated by Los Angeles residents Yohko and Akira Yokoi and since 2019 was rebuilt by Japanese artisans and local construction crews. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Japanese Heritage Shoya House at The Huntington is seen on Friday, October 13, 2023 in San Marino. The 320-year-old historic family home from a small farming community was donated by Los Angeles residents Yohko and Akira Yokoi and since 2019 was rebuilt by Japanese artisans and local construction crews. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
A recreated water canal is seen at the Japanese Heritage Shoya House at The Huntington on Friday, October 13, 2023 in San Marino. The 320-year-old historic family home from a small farming community was donated by Los Angeles residents Yohko and Akira Yokoi and since 2019 was rebuilt by Japanese artisans and local construction crews. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
A woman leaves a recreated gatehouse at The Huntington’s Shoya House on Friday, October 13, 2023 in San Marino where a cover crop of Cosmos blooms. The 320-year-old historic family home from a small farming community was donated by Los Angeles residents Yohko and Akira Yokoi and since 2019 was rebuilt by Japanese artisans and local construction crews. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Japanese planes used to shape and smooth wood are seen in The Japanese Heritage Shoya House at The Huntington on Friday, October 13, 2023 in San Marino. The 320-year-old historic family home from a small farming community was donated by Los Angeles residents Yohko and Akira Yokoi and since 2019 was rebuilt by Japanese artisans and local construction crews. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Japanese Heritage Shoya House at The Huntington is seen on Friday, October 13, 2023 in San Marino. The 320-year-old historic family home from a small farming community was donated by Los Angeles residents Yohko and Akira Yokoi and since 2019 was rebuilt by Japanese artisans and local construction crews. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Japanese farmers use composting toilets as part of their sustainable living village as seen at the Japanese Heritage Shoya House at The Huntington on Friday, October 13, 2023 in San Marino. The 320-year-old historic family home from a small farming community was donated by Los Angeles residents Yohko and Akira Yokoi and since 2019 was rebuilt by Japanese artisans and local construction crews. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
A woman checks out the Japanese Heritage Shoya House at The Huntington on Friday, October 13, 2023 in San Marino. The 320-year-old historic family home from a small farming community was donated by Los Angeles residents Yohko and Akira Yokoi and since 2019 was rebuilt by Japanese artisans and local construction crews. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Japanese Heritage Shoya House at The Huntington is seen on Friday, October 13, 2023 in San Marino. The 320-year-old historic family home from a small farming community was donated by Los Angeles residents Yohko and Akira Yokoi and since 2019 was rebuilt by Japanese artisans and local construction crews. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Jana Monji, of Torrance, walks in the Japanese Heritage Shoya House at The Huntington on Friday, October 13, 2023 in San Marino. The 320-year-old historic family home from a small farming community was donated by Los Angeles residents Yohko and Akira Yokoi and since 2019 was rebuilt by Japanese artisans and local construction crews. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Japanese Heritage Shoya House at The Huntington is seen on Friday, October 13, 2023 in San Marino. The 320-year-old historic family home from a small farming community was donated by Los Angeles residents Yohko and Akira Yokoi and since 2019 was rebuilt by Japanese artisans and local construction crews. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Expand

The project is an addition to the nine-acre Japanese Garden that railroad magnate Henry E. Huntington created on his estate in 1912.

“This is completely different. This the real deal.”

The Shōya House literally takes the Japanese Garden in a new direction. It opens a new 2-acre section of the 207-acre property to visitors between the original Japanese Garden and a Chinese Garden that was enlarged as part of a major expa

A certain trip to Huntington Library ended in a $40 million gift – and a new vision for its future

Sat, 07 Oct 2023 16:07:37 +0000

It was about a year ago when a special visitor showed up at The Huntington.

Amid the sprawling San Marino library, its museum and botanical gardens was finance giant Charlie Munger, getting a tour around the San Marino property led by the longtime institution’s president Karen R. Lawrence.

Nothing like a nice tour of such a bountiful and historic site, and if you’ve got some pull a personalized one doesn’t hurt.

There’s the art museum and its 45,000 pieces spanning centuries of art. There’s the library itself, with more than 11 million items spanning from the 11th century. There’s botanical gardens — all 130 acres — even its smelly corpse flower.

It turns out, Munger — the storied onetime Berkshire Hathaway billionaire known for giving much of his fortune to causes he cares about — has a little pull.

Make that a lot a lot of pull. But more on that later.

While the 99-year-old, who lives not from from the library in Pasadena, was hanging out with Lawrence that day, something struck him. It wasn’t something he saw. It was a vision for the future of the library grounds.

Charlie Munger (AP Photo/Nati Harnik, FileAssociated Press)

Lawrence told him about a long-sought goal to provide more affordable housing for the more than two dozen scholars from around the country and the world who each year earn fellowships to study their field for several months based at The Huntington.

There was only one problem, Munger learned.

In an era when housing around San Marino and Pasadena is getting pricier and pricier, it’s harder and harder for these scholars — 30 each year all told — to take the fellowships.

They often can’t afford to because it’s too expensive to live nearby. (By the way, average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Pasadena is $3,306, according to rent.com, and if you’re scholar looking for a home the median price of one in San Marino is $2.5 million. Thankfully, that’s down almost 4% from last year, according to Redfin. But you’d need to be a scholar with some dollars.)

Many months after Munger’s visit, The Huntington this week got a robust share of Munger’s goodwill — 77 shares of it to be exact.

Munger gave 77 Class A Berkshire Hathaway shares to the San Marino museum, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. At Thursday’s closing price of $523,545.06 a share, that made the gift worth more than $40.3 million, assuming they were cashed in immediately.

And just like that, a vision that was more of a dream is in the pipeline to become reality.

“This is like huge for us,” said Huntington spokeswoman Susan Turner-Lowe, reflecting on what is not the first time The Huntington has been the beneficiary of Munger family gifts. “None of this would be possible unless we received this gift. He saw the need.”

A decade ago, Munger, who lived in Pasadena, gave the Huntington museum nearly $33 million worth of Berkshire stock to help pay for a new education and visitors center.

Turner-Lowe said the tradition of giving to The Huntington is rooted with Munger’s late wife Nancy, a philanthropist born in Los Angeles and who served as a trustee of the Huntington Library, a legacy that continued with daughter Wendy Munger, who is among trustees emeriti there.

“She was the most passionate of trustees and supporters of the place,” Turner-Lowe said. “She believed in what it was doing and its capacity to do more, and he began to feel similarly.”

People walk throughThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino Friday, Oct 6, 2023. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

As an Associated Press story reporting the donation noted, once a billionaire, Munger’s fortune never rivaled his best friend Warren Buffett’s, who controls Berkshire Hathaway, the Omaha, Neb.-based conglomerate that owns dozens of companies, including BNSF railroad, Geico insurance and several utilities. There’s also the well-known brands such as See’s Candy and Dairy Queen.

But Munger lost his billionaire status long ago as he steadily gave away his fortune, and roughly $1 billion of his stock went into a charitable trust in 2010 after his wife died, according to AP.

After his latest donation, Munger still held 4,033 Class A Berkshire shares. But back in 2000 he held 15,911 shares, which would be worth more than $8.3 billion today if he’d hung onto it all.

Instead, much of that wealth has gone to an array of places, including UC Santa Barbara, the University of Michigan Law School, Standford University.

As for the donation, it doesn’t hurt that Munger is a local resident, so taking in The Huntington that day many months ago was really about something right in his own backyard, the same region where some of his own children live.

It also doesn’t hurt that such a financial force – who turns 100 years old in January — is looking at a world beyond him, and saw a glimpse of it in the scholars who each day use the library to research and write books, to study history and art. Already, the library is beginning the planning for what still will take at least a couple of years to come to fruition as The Huntington works out plans for the living quarters. Cost so far is expected to be somewhere in the ballpark of Munger’s gift.

Turner-Lowe called his, his wife’s and the family’s philanthropy prescient.

“We are so grateful to be on the receiving end of that,” she said.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

A certain trip to Huntington Library ended in a $40 million gift – and a new vision for its future

Sat, 07 Oct 2023 16:07:36 +0000