Taxco Mexico

A statuette of an Aztec warrior, a set of sterling silver pitchers with colorful birds perched on the rims and a watercolor painting of the cathedral that is the centerpiece of the small city of Taxco, Mexico, are highlights of a monthlong exhibition at the Platt Library.

A statuette of an Aztec warrior, a set of sterling silver pitchers with colorful birds perched on the rims and a watercolor painting of the cathedral that is the centerpiece of the small city of Taxco, Mexico, are highlights of a monthlong exhibition at the Platt Library.

The Friends of Taxco will hold a mixer tonight to celebrate Canoga Park's Mexican sister city and to introduce local residents to the West Valley Sister City Assn. The mixer will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. at at the Canoga Park Women's Club, 7401 Jordan Ave. The group will display native costumes and jewelry from Taxco, as well as a pictorial history of the Sister City program. Founded in 1963, Friends of Taxco has helped build and equip more than 20 schools in Taxco, Guerraro, Mexico.

The Friends of Taxco will hold a mixer tonight to celebrate Canoga Park's Mexican sister city and to introduce local residents to the West Valley Sister City Assn. The mixer will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. at at the Canoga Park Women's Club, 7401 Jordan Ave. The group will display native costumes and jewelry from Taxco, as well as a pictorial history of the Sister City program. Founded in 1963, Friends of Taxco has helped build and equip more than 20 schools in Taxco, Guerraro, Mexico.

In this country's fabled "Silver City," every moment of the day centers on the precious metal--beginning at 6 a.m., when a fire siren blares a wake-up call to miners across the city. Forty-five minutes later, a second siren sounds, one that reminds the workers it is time to be out the door. And a third blast--persistent enough to wake the most resolutely restful tourist--marks the start of the shift at 7 a.m.

Tonight, the late Millicent Rogers will have a moment, as they say in fashion circles. The famed style-setter, socialite and media star of the '30s and '40s, best known for the Taos, N.M., museum named after her, will be the center of attention in Santa Monica. Antique dealer Federico Jimenez is hosting a preview of silver jewelry reproduced from Rogers' designs and newly available at his Montana Avenue shop.

Antonio Pineda, the internationally renowned Mexican modernist silversmith who was praised for his bold, striking jewelry designs and ingenious use of gemstones, has died. He was 90. Pineda died of kidney failure Monday at his ranch home in Taxco, Mexico, said his daughter Veronica Falzone. A Taxco native, Pineda was among the most prominent of the many silversmiths to emerge from the mountain mining town beginning in the 1930s. He was the subject of a 2008-09 exhibition at UCLA's Fowler Museum, "Silver Seduction: The Art of Mexican Modernist Antonio Pineda," which traced the evolution of his work through the 1970s.

Although he hasn't made a movie in nearly 40 years, Francis Lederer, Canoga Park resident and former matinee idol, still has plenty to keep himself busy. Lederer, longtime honorary mayor of Canoga Park, was born in Prague in November 1906. After becoming a well-established film star in Berlin and Vienna, Lederer moved to Hollywood in 1934 and over the next 20 years played a series of leading-man roles, usually the continental lover with an occasional mean streak.

Francis Lederer of West Hills, a former matinee idol who will celebrate his 100th birthday this week, was recognized by the Los Angeles City Council on Wednesday. Councilwoman Laura Chick presented Lederer with a resolution citing his acting credits in stage, film and television roles and his civic activism as a commissioner for the departments of Parks and Recreation and Cultural Affairs. With wit and wisdom, Lederer said the secret of longevity "is to live a long time."

In this country's fabled "Silver City," every moment of the day centers on the precious metal--beginning at 6 a.m., when a fire siren blares a wake-up call to miners across the city. Forty-five minutes later, a second siren sounds, one that reminds the workers it is time to be out the door. And a third blast--persistent enough to wake the most resolutely restful tourist--marks the start of the shift at 7 a.m.

Toasting the new year? These designs make a statement of their own, whether you're serving Champagne from a magnum or Coors from a keg. Here's a range of styles to suit any occasion. -- David A. Keeps and Craig Nakano -- BAND OF GOLD Last year West Elm made a splash with an affordable set of platinum-colored banded barware. This year the store's metal of the moment is gold.