Special appearances for local author

Yana Ungermann-Marshall, author and longtime La Cañada Flintridge resident, held a signing recently at Flintridge Bookstore & Coffeehouse for her latest book, “Flintridge,” published a few weeks ago by Arcadia Publishing.

“I had been asked originally by Arcadia Publishing to do a book on La Cañada and Flintridge combined, but thought it would be better to do one on La Cañada first, as its history goes back farther,” said Ungermann-Marshall. “At the time I was teaching local history of Glendale but was having a hard time finding information.”

Once Ungermann-Marshall completed the book on La Cañada, she was asked to begin work on the Flintridge book. “Flintridge” is a gem filled with historic photographs, many gleaned from the archived files of the La Cañada Valley Sun, as well facts as they relate to the Flintridge area and its development.

Ungermann-Marshall read portions of the new book to those attending and shared some humorous and even the occasional scandalous moments in Flintridge history.

Ungermann-Marshall was born Mary Susan Ungermann at Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena, in 1950. She attended La Cañada Elementary School and it was then she began honing her writing skills.

“During elementary school, rather than writing book reports, I wrote my own books and then reported on them,” Ungermann-Marshall said.

She received a bachelor’s degree in art and English at Immaculate Heart College, a California elementary teaching credential through UCLA and Cal State Northridge, and a master’s degree in humanities from Cal State Dominguez Hills. She also earned a degree in information science through San Jose State University. She taught at Glendale Community College for eight years. She is also the author of “Terra Cognita,” as well as “Gilda Gets Wise,” a children’s storybook.

Those who missed her signing last week will have the opportunity to meet her on Saturday, March 15, at 1 p.m. at Around the World Books, 643 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada, or at a special event titled, “Celebrate La Cañada: Past and Present,” to be held on April 27 from 5-7 p.m.

The April wine and cheese event will be held at the Flintridge Bookstore & Coffeehouse, 964 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada, and will benefit the Lanterman House Historical Museum Foundation.

Cost is $27. For more information on this special event call (818) 790-1421.