Pasadena, California

Pasadena, California
David Wakely · CC BY-SA 2.5 · source
Name	Pasadena, California
Settlement type	City

Pasadena, California is a city located in the San Gabriel Valley region of Los Angeles County, California, near the San Gabriel Mountains and the Arroyo Seco (canyon). The city is home to many notable institutions, including the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), and the Pasadena Playhouse. Pasadena is also known for its beautiful architecture, including the Gamble House, a National Historic Landmark designed by Greene and Greene. The city hosts the annual Tournament of Roses Parade and the Rose Bowl, a stadium that has hosted numerous high-profile events, including Super Bowl games and the 1984 Summer Olympics.

Geography

Pasadena is situated in the San Gabriel Valley region of Los Angeles County, California, approximately 11 miles northeast of Los Angeles. The city is bordered by the San Gabriel Mountains to the north, the Arroyo Seco (canyon) to the south, and the cities of Sierra Madre, California and South Pasadena, California to the east and west, respectively. The Rose Bowl stadium is located in the Arroyo Seco (canyon), which also features the Brookside Park and the Kidspace Children's Museum. The city's terrain is characterized by the San Rafael Hills and the Eaton Canyon, which offer opportunities for hiking and outdoor recreation. Nearby cities include Altadena, California, La Cañada Flintridge, California, and Glendale, California, which are all connected to Pasadena by the Foothill Freeway and the Ventura Freeway.

History

The area that is now Pasadena was originally inhabited by the Tongva people, who were later displaced by Spanish settlers. The city was founded in 1874 by Thomas Elliott and was named after the Chippewa word for "crown of the valley". During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Pasadena experienced significant growth and development, driven by the arrival of the Santa Fe Railway and the construction of the Hotel Green. The city became a popular destination for winter tourism, attracting visitors from across the United States who came to enjoy the mild climate and scenic beauty of the San Gabriel Valley. Notable figures who have lived in Pasadena include Eugene Wigner, Linus Pauling, and Richard Feynman, all of whom were affiliated with the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). The city has also been home to numerous notable events, including the 1919 Rose Bowl and the 1932 Summer Olympics.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Pasadena was approximately 138,644 people, with a diverse range of ethnic and racial groups, including African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic and Latino Americans, and Native Americans. The city has a high percentage of residents with a Bachelor's degree or higher, with many attending institutions such as the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), the Art Center College of Design, and the Pasadena City College. Notable residents of Pasadena have included William F. Buckley Jr., Upton Sinclair, and Octavia Butler, among others. The city is also home to a number of community organizations, including the Pasadena NAACP and the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce.

Economy

The economy of Pasadena is driven by a diverse range of industries, including technology, healthcare, and tourism. The city is home to many major companies, including AeroVironment, Tetra Tech, and Jacobs Engineering Group. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is also located in Pasadena, and is a major employer in the city. Additionally, the city has a thriving arts and culture scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and performance venues, including the Norton Simon Museum, the Pasadena Playhouse, and the Ambassador Auditorium. The city hosts several major events throughout the year, including the Tournament of Roses Parade and the Make Music Pasadena festival.

Culture

Pasadena has a rich cultural scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and performance venues. The city is home to the Norton Simon Museum, which features a collection of European art and Asian art, as well as the Pasadena Museum of California Art, which showcases the work of California artists. The Pasadena Playhouse is a renowned regional theater company that has hosted productions featuring Helen Hayes, Angela Lansbury, and Neil Simon, among others. The city also hosts several major events throughout the year, including the Tournament of Roses Parade, the Rose Bowl, and the Doo Dah Parade. Notable cultural figures from Pasadena include Eddie Van Halen, David Lee Roth, and John Cage.

Education

Pasadena is served by the Pasadena Unified School District, which operates several high schools, including Pasadena High School and John Muir High School. The city is also home to several institutions of higher education, including the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), the Art Center College of Design, and the Pasadena City College. Additionally, the city has a number of private schools, including Polytechnic School and Westridge School. Notable educators from Pasadena include Robert A. Millikan, Linus Pauling, and Richard Feynman, all of whom were affiliated with Caltech.

Transportation

Pasadena has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses operated by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro) and the Pasadena Transit. The city is also served by the Gold Line (Los Angeles Metro), which connects Pasadena to Los Angeles and other cities in the San Gabriel Valley. The Foothill Freeway and the Ventura Freeway also pass through the city, providing access to nearby cities and destinations. Additionally, the city has a number of bicycle paths and pedestrian walkways, including the Arroyo Seco Bike Path and the Pasadena Walking Trail. Nearby airports include the Bob Hope Airport and the Los Angeles International Airport.