Old Pasadena Blog

On Friday, January 1, 2010 at 8:00am, millions of spectators around the world celebrated the New Year with the 121st Rose Parade, themed 2010: A Cut above the Rest. With nearly a half mile of the 5.5-mile parade route and the greatest concentration of spectators along the route running through the heart of Old Pasadena, the volume of trash left behind is enormous. Yet before noon on New Year’s Day, less than two hours after the last float passed through Old Pasadena, the District was completely clean. With a team of less than 20 people, Anna Addis, VP of Operations for Old Pasadena Management District (OPMD) had the streets and sidewalks spic and span. By noon, merchants were able to open for business without their patrons having to step over trash and debris.

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As part of our Holiday Celebration which kicked off the holiday shopping season on Friday, November 27, we initiated our $1,000 Shopping Spree Sweepstakes for shoppers spending $50 or more in Old Pasadena. We received hundreds of entrees from local and visiting shoppers. An entry was awarded to every $50 spent over that weekend; so many people had several opportunities to win.

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Our wonderful Old Pasadena Holiday Celebration kicks off this Friday, November 27 with Santa’s Arrival and Tree Lighting in One Colorado Courtyard.  Saturday and Sunday, more than 50 merchants and restaurants are participating in our Holiday Open House by offering special in-store promotions, treats and events. Every $50 you spend in Old Pasadena on Saturday and Sunday qualifies you to enter our drawing for a $1,000 Old Pasadena shopping spree.  More details here.

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Indiana Colony 1874 - Stereoscopic picture

1.     Present day Pasadena was settled by a group of Indianans seeking fairer weather following the exceptionally cold winter of 1872-73. The Indiana Colony was incorporated on January 31, 1874, and was later renamed Pasadena because the name “Indiana Colony” was rejected by the Postmaster General.

2.     The official paint color for all street furniture in Old Pasadena is “Tavern Square Green“, as stipulated in the Streetscapes and Alley Walkways Plan.

Original Schoolhouse

3.     The Schoolhouse parking garage is named for the Fair Oaks schoolhouse, which was relocated shortly after the turn of the century when it became exposed to the bustling activity of the developing center of town and potential danger to the children.

4.     The Old Pasadena Property-based Business Improvement District (PBID) was renewed by petition vote in 2005 for another five year term, by an overwhelming 94% approval by the property owners.  The Continuation Campaign is getting underway for the 2010 renewal.

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This year’s edition of the Old Pasadena Film Festival included a very special occasion.  We were offered the opportunity to present a recently restored version of the Mary Pickford silent film Daddy Long-Legs (1919), her 226th film appearance at the age of 27, with a newly commissioned score composed by Maria Newman.  This particular film coined Mary Pickford as “America’s Sweetheart” and one of the most beloved actresses in history.

The composer Maria Newman was born into one of the most famous and influential musical families in Hollywood. The youngest daughter of the nine-time Academy Award-winning composer/conductor, Alfred Newman (The King and I), she grew up in a family of renowned musicians and composers, including Randy Newman (Toy Story).  Ms. Newman has received numerous commissions from the Mary Pickford Foundation to compose original music for newly restored vintage classic films of the silent era.

So it was that on a balmy Saturday evening in Old Pasadena, members of the Malibu Coast Chamber Orchestra performed the exhilarating musical score to the silent film under the direction of Maria Newman.  On July 11th, the film was screened for  a capacity crowd in the Courtyard at One Colorado and the musicians received a warm standing ovation at the end of their performance.

We have received wonderfully enthusiastic praise for this event and heard from many people who treasured this magical evening. Don’t miss the last weekend of the 2009 Old Pasadena Film Festival featuring An American in Paris and Gypsy on Friday, July 24th, West Side Story and Twilight on Saturday, July 25th.

Due to the success of this first time event, Old Pasadena Restaurant Week has been extended another week until Monday, June 15th.  Don’t miss this chance to try a favorite locale or experience something new.  Either way, our restauranteurs have put together some very enticing prix fixe menu selections for you to choose.  Just check our online directory of participating restaurants and menus.  Best of all, 10% of event proceeds will go to Union Station Homeless Services.

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While it is our mission to support the businesses of Old Pasadena, a very important part of this event is the partnership with Union Station Foundation Homeless Services, located right here in Pasadena. They are celebrating 35 years of assisting the homeless community through numerous programs that address hunger, housing, and job training and placement. Their facilities are extraordinary and if you aren’t familiar with what they do, they are very worthy of your attention and support. You can begin very easily, by eating well yourself this coming week and letting Old Pasadena restaurants make the donation for you. Ten percent of the proceeds from Old Pasadena Restaurant Week will go to Union Station and the incredible work they do.

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With the weather warming up and the date drawing nearer, many of you are considering what you might do for Earth Day this year. We have some suggestions of how you can educate yourself on the issues, do your part to improve the environment, and make a fun family outing of it all! Here’s a list of Earth Day activities and eco-friendly services in Old Pasadena.

EARTH DAY FESTIVAL TO BE GREENER THAN EVER

More exhibitions, a new trail map, a nature walk, a bicycle tour and a chance to sponsor a water filter for a refugee camp are some of the new features added to this year’s FREE Greening the Earth Day and Armory Family Arts Festival, Saturday, April 25, 10am-4pm.

Exhibitors will display information on green lifestyles, composting, organic foods, hybrid and electric vehicles, alternative energy and green building design.

The annual festival is an opportunity to learn more about Pasadena’s resources and plans for waste reduction, recycling, water and energy conservation, and other Green City initiatives.

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Culture… as appealing and vital as it is, you don’t always find the time to take advantage of all the local opportunities.  So twice a year Pasadena ArtWeekend provides just the incentive to become a tourist in your own backyard.  They couldn’t make it any easier:  On Friday night March 13th the cultural institutions of Pasadena open their doors from 6:00-10:00pm at no charge; free shuttles take you to and from participating venues; and this year some of the city’s restaurants are joining in by staying open later and offering special promotions in honor of ArtNight.

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