Hello, Pasadena

Ah, the culture, the food, the bustle, the food, the shopping, did I mention the food?

It's good to be back in Pas. My name is Fred Ortega, and I am taking over the daunting task of running Todd Ruiz's Under the Dome blog. Not to worry, Todd is only a phone call and e-mail (and a few blocks) away, and I will be consulting with him liberally as I make the transition to Pasadena City Hall reporter.

In addition, Mr. Ruiz will soon be starting up a blog of his own, and as soon as it is up and running we will link to it from Under the Dome.

A little bit about myself: I was raised in north Alhambra, attended St. Francis High School in La Canada Flintridge and spent many a formative night on the streets of Pasadena, from Marilyn's Backstreet as a teen to the 35er in my 20s to Pasadena Library in my college days. I started my journalism career as a reporter and later editor-in-chief of the Pasadena City College Courier, and after eight years of reporting -- including city editor for the La Canada Flintridge Outlook, covering City Hall in Glendale for the Glendale News-Press and later city governments like Rosemead, El Monte and West Covina for the San Gabriel Valley Tribune -- I'm back in the Crown City.

Please do not hesitate to write in your comments or e-mails about local happenings at fred.ortega@sgvn.com. Phone calls are also welcome at (626) 578-6300, ext. 4444.