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Pasadena, California

Welcome to Pasadena, a city where rich history meets vibrant innovation under the Southern California sun. We're proud to be home to the world-famous Tournament of Roses Parade and Rose Bowl Game, a tradition that brings joy to millions each New Year's Day. From the historic architecture of Old Pasadena to the scientific brilliance of Caltech and JPL, our city truly offers a unique blend of heritage and future-forward thinking that makes residents beam with pride.

Founded 1886 | Population 139,731 | Peak 139,731 (2024) | County Los Angeles County

Top Events in Pasadena, California

1886 City Incorporated: Pasadena officially became an incorporated city, marking its formal establishment.

1890 First Rose Parade: The inaugural Tournament of Roses Parade delighted crowds, starting a beloved annual tradition.

1927 City Hall Completed: Pasadena's iconic City Hall, a stunning example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, was dedicated.

1944 JPL Begins Space Work: The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, under Caltech, began its pioneering work in rocket science and space exploration.

2003 Gold Line Opens: The Metro Gold Line (now L Line) connected Pasadena to downtown Los Angeles, enhancing transit.

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Latest News in Pasadena

Jan 1, 1970

Wheel of Fortune Contestant Misses Out On $61,000 Over This Tough Puzzle

A Wheel of Fortune contestant saw $61,000 slip away in the Bonus Round last week, leaving fans stunned over what many called one o…

Jan 1, 1970

Dead or Missing Scientists Pose “National Security Threat,” Top House Republican Warns as Oversight Committee Launches Probe

House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) has declared a series of deaths and disappearances involving at least 11 Am…

Jan 1, 1970

Trump’s Psychedelic Pivot: Executive Order Accelerates Review of Mind-Altering Drugs for Mental Health Crisis

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Saturday directing federal agencies to fast-track the review and potential app…

Jan 1, 1970

White House Signals Review of Mysterious Deaths and Disappearances Among U.S. Scientists in Sensitive Fields

The Trump administration has indicated it will examine a cluster of unexplained deaths and disappearances involving at least 10 Am…

Jan 1, 1970

California’s “Stop Nick Shirley Act”: Privacy Measure or Assault on Investigative Journalism?

California lawmakers advanced a controversial bill Monday that critics have dubbed the “Stop Nick Shirley Act,” raising sharp …

Jan 1, 1970

Sexual Assault Probe and Staff Revolt Threaten to End Congressman’s California Gubernatorial Bid

Rep. Eric Swalwell’s once-promising campaign for California governor has unraveled with breathtaking speed. In little more than …

Historical Timeline of Pasadena

1886 Government

City Incorporated

1890 Culture

First Tournament of Roses Parade

1927 Culture

Pasadena City Hall Completed

1944 Science

JPL's Space Exploration Begins

1950 Economy

Post-War Growth Spurt

1970 Culture

Old Pasadena Redevelopment Starts

2003 Transport

Metro Gold Line Extension

2018 Heritage

Arroyo Seco Parkway Preservation

Did You Know? — Pasadena

Pasadena was originally founded as the 'Indiana Colony' in 1874 by a group of individuals seeking a warmer climate.

The city is home to the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), a private research university consistently ranked among the world's best.

The iconic Rose Bowl Stadium, a National Historic Landmark, has hosted not only the Rose Bowl Game but also Super Bowls, World Cup finals, and Olympic events.

Pasadena boasts an exceptional collection of Craftsman-style homes, including the renowned Gamble House, designed by architects Greene & Greene.

The Arroyo Seco Parkway, connecting Pasadena to Downtown Los Angeles, was the first freeway in the Western United States, completed in 1940.

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