I came across your web site and wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed it!

I live in San Gabriel, right on the border of Alhambra near the Bean Tract. My home was built in 1940 and luckily still retains a good amount of it's original features...keep up the good fight, and don't give up! You are providing an invaluable resource to Alhambra and it's residents.

Jennifer W.

I've lived in the Bean Tract since 1962, in a 1938-39 house. I am appalled at how the City of Alhambra allows trees to be cut down...and [am] disgusted by the shopping carts stolen from markets ...Usually, my e-mails to various folk in city hall, or phone calls to same are pretty polite -- I never even receive an acknowledgment of their receipt of messages. This is just plain rude, as well as ignorant and arrogant. It obvious that those who run Alhambra's city government, and have run it for decades, are responsible for the overcrowding and lack of open green space and other messes we have now. More dwelling units on a given number of square feet of land = more tax revenue.

A major mistake was made around 1960 by not encouraging people to maintain and improve their old houses, by low-interest financing, if necessary. I saw the houses on North Stoneman disappear, one by one. Why could these have not been adapted and made into professional offices - MD, lawyers, architects? The concept of adaptive re-use has never occurred in our strange little town. Why could South Pasadena preserve its good old houses and Alhambra not do the same?

Alhambra apparently needs a council majority with a different outlook than we have had. I've never paid too much attention to the council members, but what attention I have paid has made me wonder if we aren't led by anti-intellectuals with very poor cultural values, little background, and low-class taste. Their prime value seems to be rounding up dollars; As far as ignorance and lack of background, here's an example: many years ago one of our city fathers, my neighbor two doors down the street...was running for yet another of his many terms on the city council. At my door, he made this statement: "We don't need those PYRO-MEDICS in this town; we can already get an ambulance in 3 minutes." Pyro-medics??? Did he mean paramedics? What other holes did he have in his knowledge? ... Several years ago I attended a party where a singularly ignorant, loud-mouthed person was holding forth at great volume about nothing except showing off "presence". This person was a social fool! Intelligent conversation was impossible. I heard later that this person was highly involved in Alhambra politics.

— Marilyn B.

Alhambra is losing all its green spaces…to sardine-like living…and then they complain about the traffic!!

— Sandy W., Alhambra

Hi — my name is Paul and I was born there in Alhambra, it's my home town. Or should I say was.

I came upon this sight while doing research on the history of Alhambra, and the only thing that I can say is that I'm SICK. A neighborhood that was simply beautiful and a great place to raise kids has been, what I can only describe as [having been] destroyed. I'm only sorry that I took it for granted. I guess I thought it would be there forever...It was the home of my childhood where I grew up playing with my Radio Flyer (you remember the little red wagons?)

When I was born, my mother Dolores A. Bowen, (maiden name) resident of Alhambra since 1943 (whose parents Harold and Dorothy Bowen lived at 1411 Edgewood Dr.) met Arnold V. Jimenez ...from looking at the [web] site, tells me it's not standing any longer.

I remember the old Shopping Bag on the corner of Edgewood Dr. and Valley...my father was a photographer and had our family studio there on Main Street, across from where, I understand, they're going to tear down yet another old building...he used to take photos for everyone in town and was well known by everyone...

I used to live on El Molino south of St. Teresa'a Church...can you tell me if the houses are still standing? Now THAT was the neighborhood to live in, I could sit here all day and [then] some -- and still not be able to convey into words the memories I have of that sleepy little town...everyone knew everyone. Those days are gone.

Now I live in a little town in Texas in a 100-yr old house with a wrap-around porch. I suppose that at the least I can sit and recall my childhood for the rest of my time here. Do you all still celebrate the Hi Neighbor! Parade?

I have history of what was and is no more. I can't believe it. I went to AHS and left Alhambra in 1989 and if I had to do over (having seen what has happened to the once charming little town), I'd have done the same thing and left. I guess one can really never go back.

Is there anything I can do to help as far as the history of Alhambra?

— Paul J., Texas

Hi folks. — I found your website when I was looking for sources for old Spanish plaster fireplaces.  Although I now live in Whittier, I grew up in Alhambra and it will always be "home" to me. 

Yes, what has happened to the city's beautiful old houses is truly sickening. I would love to see every one of these houses remain standing, but should they ultimately be slated for demolition, what information - if any - could you pass on about purchasing the property and moving it to another lot?  I have a strong desire to do so, if possible. Any information you have in this regard, any link or resource, would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you...and bless you for your work.

— Anita H. Whittier, CA

I am interested in two old Alhambra homes that I remember as a teenager.  One was, I think, at 1121 Atlantic Boulevard. It was a two-story Craftsman style home on the corner, probably built early century.  I remember it had bird's eye maple stairway. I think we were just north of Valley...it would be the northwest corner.  I remember a Richfield Station across the street or maybe down a block. I lived there for about six months right after the war started.  My mother and a friend turned  the home into a rooming house.  They did rent out rooms at that time, just after the war started.  I think the house had five bedrooms [and] a carriage house on the back of the property.  We may have moved in about January of 1942...but the other lady stayed for some years and then moved  to the old "Eagle Brand Mansion" on Garfield. 

The Atlantic Blvd house we lived in looks exactly like the McLean & Stoneman 1910 house (on your web site)...I thought for sure that was it.  Everything looks identical from my memory. I was wondering if either of these homes have survived?

I am living in Ramona, CA now and lived in Julian Ca for 30 years.  I am 77 and retired.

Thank you for your interest and good luck in saving those lovely homes.

— Lalia (Pat) B., Ramona, CA

Dear Mr. Amaro,

We received your wonderful letter and invitation in the mail today in regards to [the home on] West Glendon Way. I have to tell you, it what was more a undertaking then we initally thought —but it has transformed into a beauty and we are very proud of that!!! We would be honored to have you feature photographs of the home on your web site.

Over the course of the rehabilitation we have been in contact with numerous neighbors in the area and experienced what a fantastic city Alhambra is. Also, your building department and inspectors, especially "Mr. Eddy" have been professional and very helpful. We would also be interested if there were any benefits to be had, possibly the Mills Act, etc. Thank you for your support and interest.

— John & Patrice J. (owners)

Hi — I was just wondering if there will be a home tour this year?  I really enjoyed the tour last year and had hoped this would be an annual event.  Please let me know. Thank you so much!

— Lynnette R. Irvine, CA

..where is the charm in all the modernization? The thing that makes Pasadena so successful is its incorporation of old and new!!! It's frustrating!

— E.R., Alhambra

...we have a wonderful lot in Eagle Rock and want to move an old house onto it. How do we find out about acquiring one of the endangered homes in Alhambra?

— Anita B., Los Angeles, CA

I am a former Alhambra resident, and recently learned about the Alhambra Preservation Group. I support your efforts and am interested in joining and making a contribution. I would like to share a few personal thoughts about my impression of Alhambra over the years. If you wish you may call me directly...

— William M., New York

I used to live at 519 S. Marguerita. I'm trying to locate any info I can about the home and its history. When we first moved there in the 1970's the house was a brown shingled wood, but is now covered with blue/grey aluminum siding. The inside had many handcrafted wood built in's as well as the original gas light fixtures. There was also a barn in the back yard, and the adjoining lot had a fruit orchard with gazebo. There is now a set of 3 condos next door.

— Deanna P.

You guys might as well give up. The whole city will eventually be one large...mini-mall. I had a nice house up on Almansor just below Huntington. Nice web site...

— Dave, Ventura, CA

What city officials do I contact to voice my plea in favor of Alhambra historic preservation? Keep up the good work!

— Ms. Marie Z.

...[your] Preservation Group has brought great energy and focus to this matter. The fact that they are "watchdogs" on projects is a very good thing for our community....Having a group concerned about the projects character and dignity, in related to the community, is very helpful. Thank you for your concern for Alhambra. It is people like yourself that makes Alhambra a better place to live.

— Sincerely,
Paul Talbot
(former Alhambra Councilman)

I have never received an email from the Alhambra Preservation Group on anything positive in the City of Alhambra. It seems the group relishes in promoting negative information. In my mind that diminishes all credibility.

— (former Alhambra Councilman) Mark R. Paulson

Hi — I have enjoyed your home tour the last two years and was wondering if you were having one this year? Thanks!

— Bob S.

I own 1910 craftsman home in Alhambra and would very much like to list it as a historical home.  How do I go about doing this?

— Ivon R.