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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

Mar 22, 2026

Parolee with Prior Double-Murder Conviction Sentenced to Life Without Parole in Killing of South Los Angeles Woman

LOS ANGELES—A man previously convicted of two murders in 1998 was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole …

Mar 16, 2026

Study: Cannabis Ineffective for Most Mental Disorders

A major review of past studies has delivered a clear verdict on the role of cannabis-based medicines in treating mental health and…

Mar 16, 2026

Investigator Exposes $170M Fraud in California

Investigator Nick Shirley has brought to light a massive $170 million fraud scheme operating within California, representing a sig…

Mar 15, 2026

NYPD Captain Arrested for Assaulting Alleged Child Predator

NYPD Captain Kai Bowen is now facing serious legal repercussions following an off-duty incident that escalated into violence. Repo…

Mar 13, 2026

What’s Behind Trump’s Push to Revive California Oil?

The Trump administration’s directive to Sable Offshore Corp. to restore the Santa Ynez oil unit in California represents a s…

Mar 10, 2026

CBS Investigation Reveals Hospice Fraud Hotspot in Los Angeles

CBS News has exposed a troubling epicenter of hospice fraud in Los Angeles, California, shedding light on a systemic issue that ha…

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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