VERY BAD NEWS THIS YEAR
Hi Cherry Pickers,

I am so sad to have to tell everyone — VILLA DEL SOL SWEET CHERRY FARMS HAS NO CHERRIES this year! Our winter was too warm this year. Cherries need a lot of cold hours in the winter and we just didn’t have them.

Gary and I both walked the orchard in every section to see if there were any pockets of Cherries anywhere in the orchard. THERE ARE NONE. SO WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO OPEN AT ALL FOR CHERRY PICKING IN 2026. We hope for a cold winter next year.

We would like to open One Weekend to sell Honey. We have not yet figured that out but I will keep you posted.

I guess the only good thing about No Cherries is that it will give the trees one year to rest. The trees all look very healthy now. We will continue watering and fertilizing to get them ready for 2027.

We have never had a year like this. But we can’t control mother nature. We will miss seeing our “old” and faithful Cherry Pickers. Hope you all are well and have a good summer.

Gary and Maxi

Navigating the Estate Sale Maze: Top Issues, Crucial Questions, and SGV’s Best

Whether you are downsizing, managing a loved one’s passing, or simply liquidating assets, an estate sale can feel like a mountain to climb. It is an emotionally heavy and logistically complex process. However, you do not have to do it alone. Hiring the right estate liquidator can turn a stressful ordeal into a smooth, respectful transition. Before you hand over the keys, here is what you need to know about common pitfalls, the questions you absolutely must ask, and who to call in the San Gabriel Valley.

The Top Issues in Estate Sales

Estate sales are rarely as simple as throwing a price tag on a sofa and opening the front door. Several common issues can derail the process if you aren’t prepared:

• Pricing Pitfalls: Accurately pricing vintage, antique, or highly niche items requires deep market knowledge. Overprice an item, and you are left with a house full of unsold goods. Underprice it, and you lose significant financial value.

• The Emotional Toll: Letting go of family belongings is tough. Disputes often arise over what to sell, what to keep, and how much things are “worth” based on sentimental value rather than secondary market reality.

• Hidden Fees and Vague Contracts: Some liquidators have complex fee structures, charging extra for advertising, staging, security, or trash removal. Without a transparent contract, your profits can quickly vanish into administrative costs.

• The Leftover Dilemma: No estate sale sells 100% of its inventory. A major hurdle is figuring out what happens to the remaining items—whether they are donated, auctioned, or hauled away—and who pays for that final clean-out.

Crucial Questions to Ask an Estate Liquidator

To protect yourself and your family’s assets, never hire an estate sale company without having a candid conversation. Start with these straightforward questions:

1. “What is your commission rate, and are there any hidden fees?” Find out exactly what their cut is (industry standard is usually between 35% and 50%) and if they charge separately for setup, appraisals, or credit card processing fees.

2. “How do you handle pricing and appraisals?” Ask if they have certified appraisers on staff or if they bring in outside experts for high-value items like fine jewelry, art, or coin collections.

3. “Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?” This is a non-negotiable reality check. If a shopper gets hurt on your property during the sale, or if valuable items are broken, you need to know their insurance policy will cover the liabilities.

4. “What is your policy for unsold items?” A reliable liquidator will have a clear buyout, donation, or clean-out plan written into the contract so you are not left with a messy house when the weekend ends.

Top Estate Sale Companies in the San Gabriel Valley

If you are looking for professional help in the San Gabriel Valley, here are some of the top-rated liquidators serving the area:

• Saturday Vintage: Based in Pasadena, this company specializes in highly personalized estate sales, downsizing, and liquidation. They are known for their modern staging, high sell-through rates, and making the process enjoyable for both clients and shoppers.

• Estate Vintage: Located right in San Gabriel, they are a dedicated local company known for straightforward, community-focused liquidation services tailored to the specific needs of SGV residents.

• Gold Standard Estate Sales L.A.: Serving the wider Los Angeles and SGV area, they are highly rated for comprehensive, stress-free solutions. They offer on-site sales, complete buyouts, property clear-outs, and professional jewelry appraisals.

• California Estate Liquidators & Auctioneers: With decades of experience in Southern California, they offer everything from traditional on-site sales to online auctions. They bring deep expertise in identifying and pricing fine art, antiques, and mid-century modern furniture.

Selling an estate is a massive undertaking, but armed with the right questions and a reputable local professional, you can ensure a profitable and dignified liquidation.

Ideas That Ignite: Why You Need to Be at TEDx Pasadena on May 9, 2026

The wait is finally over, and the intellectual electricity in the air is palpable. On Saturday, May 9, 2026, the brightest minds, boldest creators, and most passionate community advocates will converge at Boston Court Pasadena for an unforgettable day of inspiration. TEDx Pasadena is back, and this year’s event promises to be a transformative experience for anyone who cares about the future of our city and the broader world. For those of us who prioritize community-centered local governance and transparency within our city-managed spaces, this event is a goldmine of fresh perspectives. This isn’t just another conference; it is a gathering of changemakers, a celebration of innovation, and a powerful reminder of what happens when diverse voices come together under one roof.

The theme for this year’s highly anticipated gathering is “Growth Through Resilience,” a concept that deeply resonates with the current landscape of our bustling, ever-evolving Southern California community. Whether you are deeply embedded in the tech world, an advocate for sustainable living, or someone who simply loves the thrill of a well-told story, the TEDx Pasadena stage is set to deliver “ideas worth spreading” that will challenge your preconceptions and ignite your imagination.

The Venue and the Vibe

There is no better backdrop for this exchange of groundbreaking ideas than Boston Court Pasadena. Tucked into the heart of our vibrant city, the venue offers an intimate yet dynamic atmosphere that bridges Pasadena’s rich historic roots with its modern, forward-thinking identity. As you walk through the doors on May 9th, you’ll immediately sense the incredible vibe of being in a room full of curious, engaged neighbors and industry leaders. It’s the kind of environment where a casual conversation over a morning coffee can spark a revolutionary idea, or where a shared moment of awe during a presentation can forge a lifelong connection.

Pasadena has always been a city that champions both artistic expression and rigorous intellectual inquiry—from its world-class institutions to the bustling civic life that keeps our neighborhoods thriving. TEDx Pasadena captures that unique local spirit perfectly. Throughout the day, attendees will have the chance to step away from their daily routines, disconnect from the endless scroll, and immerse themselves in a curated journey of human potential.

Exploring the Theme: Growth Through Resilience

Resilience is more than just a buzzword; it is the fundamental bedrock of any thriving community. Over the past few years, our local neighborhoods have navigated profound shifts, adapting to everything from economic fluctuations to the changing dynamics of how we live, work, and interact with our environment. “Growth Through Resilience” explores the idea that our greatest breakthroughs often emerge from our most challenging moments.

The speakers taking the stage will dissect this theme from every conceivable angle. They will delve into the mechanics of personal transformation, the future of digital ecosystems, the importance of inclusive design, and the vital role of civic engagement in shaping the spaces we share. This theme is an invitation to look inward at our own capacity for adaptation, and outward at how we can collectively build more robust, supportive, and innovative communities right here in our own backyard.

The Featured Speakers

This year’s lineup is a masterclass in diversity of thought and experience. The organizers have curated a phenomenal roster of individuals who are not just talking about change, but actively living it. Below, we are thrilled to introduce the featured speakers who will be taking the iconic red dot stage. In strict keeping with the curated focus of the event, this extraordinary group of thought leaders represents the only featured speakers for the day:

• Andrew Cornelius: A dynamic storyteller and comedic talent who uses humor to dissect the human experience and bring people closer together. His insights into the power of shared laughter offer a refreshing, necessary take on modern community building.

• Damon Garrison: An innovative thinker dedicated to challenging the status quo in leadership and organizational design. He brings a wealth of hands-on experience in helping teams navigate complex, rapidly changing environments with agility.

• EJ Egghart: A visionary founder and strategist who translates personal and professional resilience into scaling impactful digital solutions. Her work masterfully bridges the gap between technological innovation and human-centered design.

• Elizabeth Yang: An interdisciplinary thinker applying deep cultural insight to complex, adaptive systems. She explores how embracing our diverse backgrounds can serve as a powerful catalyst for systemic, long-lasting change.

• Gaylynn Baker: A seasoned creative who explores the profound impact of eternal awe and joyful expression at any stage of life. Her unique perspective boldly challenges societal norms around aging and digital media engagement.

• Irel Del Valle: A passionate community advocate whose relentless work centers on creating inclusive spaces and amplifying marginalized voices. She will share actionable strategies for fostering genuine equity in our local neighborhoods.

• Jani McGuire: A forward-thinking leader who leverages her expertise to inspire actionable change in both personal and professional spheres. Her approach to problem-solving places a heavy emphasis on empathy, collaboration, and sustainable growth.

• Jennalyn Ponraj: A dedicated professional whose insights shed crucial light on the intersection of modern wellness and community health. She brings a fresh, holistic perspective to living well and bouncing back from adversity.

• Marcus K. Wilson: A compelling speaker who dives deep into the intricate mechanics of personal transformation and self-discovery. His methodologies empower individuals to unlock their highest potential and redefine their own success.

• Paulina Amador: A creative force who uses visual and narrative arts to connect people across wildly diverse cultural landscapes. Her talk will beautifully explore the unifying, universal power of authentic storytelling.

• Sneha Villalva: An inspiring voice in the realm of sustainable innovation and conscious, ethical leadership. She challenges audiences to fundamentally rethink their relationship with both their local communities and the broader environment.

• Teena Marie Jackson: A dynamic educator and mentor deeply dedicated to empowering the next generation of thinkers and doers. She provides a compelling, optimistic look at the evolving future of experiential learning.

• Wendi McKenna: A visionary who successfully merges practical strategies with deep empathy to foster stronger, more resilient communities. Her work highlights the profound, lasting impact of dedicated grassroots engagement.

• Dr. Jewel Jackson: A respected expert whose vital research and clinical practice focus on mental health, trauma recovery, and holistic well-being. She offers invaluable, science-backed insights into the true nature of human resilience.

Why You Can’t Afford to Miss It

Attending TEDx Pasadena is about much more than just sitting in an auditorium and listening to presentations; it is a highly active, participatory experience. Between the thought-provoking sessions, you will have the unparalleled opportunity to engage directly with fellow attendees—people who share your passion for civic engagement, technological advancement, and community wellness. It’s the perfect setting to discuss how we can apply these bold ideas to our own lives, whether that means rethinking how we manage local resources, finding new ways to integrate smart technology into our workflows, or simply discovering a renewed sense of purpose.

Furthermore, drawing on Pasadena’s incredible local culinary scene, the breaks will offer a fantastic opportunity to network over great food and coffee, turning brief encounters into lasting, meaningful collaborations. It is moments like these, shared over a quick bite, where the seeds of the next great local initiative are often planted.

Looking Ahead to a Day of Inspiration

As we gear up for May 9, 2026, the anticipation continues to build at an incredible pace. The stories that will be shared on the Boston Court Pasadena stage are guaranteed to linger in your mind long after the final applause fades. They will spark passionate conversations at dinner tables, inspire ambitious new projects in local boardrooms, and perhaps even change the way you view your own untapped potential. “Growth Through Resilience” is not just a passing theme for a single Saturday; it is a powerful blueprint for our shared future.

Make sure you secure your tickets early, as this event is known to sell out quickly to an eager, intellectually hungry local audience. Come with an open mind, a willingness to be challenged, and a readiness to connect with the very heartbeat of Pasadena’s community. We look forward to seeing you there, ready to embrace the ideas that will shape our tomorrow. Let the countdown to TEDx Pasadena officially begin!