Pasadena, which means “Crown of the Valley” is a name derived from the Chippewa Indians, its earliest inhabitants. The San Gabriel Mountains formed the impressive backdrop, while Pasadena was founded on the banks of the Arroyo, by some of its earliest settlers who mainly hailed from the Mid-West. The City became incorporated in June of 1886. It soon became a winter haven for wealthy Midwesterners, who wanted and needed to escape the harsh weather at home. When building their “second homes away from home” the tendency was one of opulence and unique architecture. Quickly, the overall tone of the City of Pasadena became one of upper class, leisurely refinement, and overall grandeur. Beautiful architecture, a very strong feeling and sense of history, and an overall goal and movement to preserve the City’s many unique art and academic institutions are still very evident today. They still continue to draw people, not only from the Mid-West but from all over the country and the world to the “City of Roses,” or the “Crown of the Valley.”

Pasadena is located approximately 17 miles Northeast of downtown Los Angeles. The City is easily accessible via several freeways, among which the Pasadena Freeway. Most recently the completion of the Metro Gold Line makes public transportation even easier. Nearby Bob Hope Airport facilitates travel nationally and internationally to and from Pasadena.