ROSE FLOAT SNEAK PEEK: Aficionados of Pasadena’s...

ROSE FLOAT SNEAK PEEK: Aficionados of Pasadena’s Tournament of Roses Parade can preview beginning Tuesday some of the floats set to glide down Colorado Boulevard on New Year’s Day. Volunteers will be decorating the floats at two sites in Pasadena: the Rosemont Pavilion, 700 Seco St., and the Rose Palace, 835 S. Raymond Ave. Both are open from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Sunday.

HOUSING: Homeless families will begin moving into three new units of permanent low-income housing in Gentry Village today. The project was constructed by the Los Angeles Family Housing Corp. to show that quality housing for the homeless can be built in a speedy fashion. Gentry Village is built on land under long-term lease from the CRA with rents set at approximately $350 per unit.

DINNER: The Los Angeles and Fred Jordan Missions will serve their traditional holiday dinners starting at noon today. The Fred Jordan Mission also will offer Christmas carols from church groups and gifts of blankets and socks will be distributed.

WHALE WATCH: Whale-lovers will get a closer look at migrating California gray whales starting on Tuesday when the American Cetacean Society and Cabrillo Marine Museum begin their annual Cabrillo Whale Watch boat trips. Boats depart daily from the 22nd Street Landing in San Pedro, Catalina Cruises in Catalina, Star Party Cruises in Long Beach and Redondo Sport Fishing in Redondo Beach. Trips last 2 1/2 hours and cost from $7.50 and up, with some discounts for children and senior citizens. For information: 832-4444.