PASADENA LIFESTYLE AND HOMES FOR SALE
Pasadena, California was founded in 1874 and became an incorporated city to Los Angeles County in 1886.Like a fine aged wine, Pasadena is a mature city that keeps getting better with time. Pasadena has put constant efforts to preserve, yet update, it’s historic centers of commerce and has allowed for urban residential developments, therefore it’s becoming a more chic and trendy place to live.
Restaurants
From fast casual restaurants and cafes, to five star fine dining, Pasadena has no limits when it comes to the cuisine that is offered within the city. You could eat at a different restaurant in Pasadena everyday within a year and still not experience the culinary variety that is available. With 500 restaurants, Pasadena is more than equipped to delight the food-savvy crowd, serving up a diverse array of food categories and international cuisines.
Aside from restaurants, Pasadena also offers quite the nightlife. In addition to the restaurants with adjacent lounges, there are countless sports pubs, chic wine bars, and trendy clubs, many which offer live music and dancing.
With several movie theatres, stylish Bowling lanes, and the Brookside Golf club offering an 18 hold course, Pasadena offers a variety of entertainment options for people of all ages.
Culture and education
Many people come to Pasadena for private and public college and adult education including the California Institute of Technology, Pasadena City College, Art Center College of Design, and the fast growing California School of Culinary Arts.
In 2008 Pasadena hosted the first full marathon and with a growing number of registrants each year, thousands of people compete to run the 26 mile course through the various streets of the city.
Established in 1892 – the newly expanded Huntington Memorial Hospital is a non-profit 636 bed hospital and is home to the only trauma center in the region.
Transportation
The Del Mar station has been converted from the old, historic Santa Fe train depot and is surrounding by many new construction apartments and condos, including the Archstone Apartments.
Pasadena is known for it’s recent improvements in mass transportation with the Metro Gold Line, a light rail that travels from the Union Station in Downtown LA. The Metro Gold line cuts through the central sections of Pasadena and ends at the sierra madre villa station. To ease the rush hour traffic on the 210 freeway for commuters heading to and from the city, the Gold line has been extended eastbound all the way to San Bernardino County, ending at the Ontario International Airport.
Neighborhoods
Pasadena has two main urban centers, Old Town Pasadena and the South Lake Business district. Old Town is the oldest commercial center of Pasadena and today is known as the cities hotspot for its retail clothing stores, upscale restaurants, and lounges. With over 48,000 business executives employed in The South Lake Business District, it’s is predominantly a corporate environment, with a unique blend of shopping and dining, shadowed by South Lakes tall modern buildings. Recent developments in the South Lake district also include new, high end condos, including the Prado and the Pasadena Collection.
In addition to it’s urban centers, Pasadena has a high number of landmark districts within the residential suburbs of the city.
Located in Northeast Pasadena, the Bungalow Heaven Landmark District is a rare and mostly intact collection of over 800 homes built from 1900 through the 1930s and gets its name from the Craftsman style bungalows that predominate the neighborhood. Although the many fine residences of significant historic design include Spanish Colonial Revival and Tudor Revival, it’s the Craftsman bungalow that Pasadena is most well known for. Other historic landmark neighborhoods in Pasadena known for its well preserved Craftsman homes are the adjacent Garfield Heights and the upper scale Historic Highlands.
The majority of Pasadena’s most expensive homes are located in the neighborhoods known as Oak Knoll and San Rafael. The majority of the estates in the Oak Knoll neighborhood are historic homes built from the turn of the century through the 1930’s. Aside from large estates, also located in the Oak knoll neighborhood is The Langham Huntington Hotel and Spa, which attracts not just out of town visitors, but locals residents that enjoy the hotels three restaurants, high end lounge, and its newly renovated resort spa. The San Rafael neighborhood is located in the far southwest section of Pasadena, with homes that start at the $1million price range.
The Rose Bowl The Rose Bowl, a National Historic Landmark, is host of the first, oldest, and most famous college football post-season game, the Tournament of Roses. The game is every New Year’s Day, immediately following the
Tournament of Roses Parade. Pasadena is also well know for it’s historic estates that were built by some of the cities original wealthy residents. A few of these magnificient homes that still stand include the home of the Wrigley Gum founder, William Wrigley’s former home. The Gamble house, which was built by the architects Green and Greene was the home of David Gamble of the Procter & Gamble company. Built in 1930, The Cravens Estate is now headquarters for the American Red Cross.
Since Pasadena knows how to keep it fresh, without bulldozing the wonderful historic character of the city, it’s become a modern city, while maintaining the charm of a bygone time. Pasadena is a well planned city that offers modern, urban centers with endless entertainment and employment, charming and historic residential suburbs, and the San Gabriel mountains that serve as a beautiful backdrop and a retreat for those that want to explore the cities natural elements. A richly cultured city, with a colorful past, targeted to serve community needs and enhance the quality of life, Pasadena is a California community at its best.
THE WILD PARROTS OF PASADENA, CALIFORNIA
Pasadena, California has a large, non-indigenous population of naturalized parrots. According to the “Parrot Project of Los Angeles”, the parrots are of at least five species. Residents have come to enjoy the birds as part of their unique city’s culture, and like other SoCal residents they have become “local icons” to the citizens there. Many theories surround the mystery of how the parrots landed in Pasadena and claimed the area as their own. A widely accepted story is that they were part of the stock that were set free for their survival from the large pet emporium at Simpson’s Garden Town on East Colorado Boulevard, which burned down in 1959.Condos for Lease at the Raymond Renaissance: 125 N. Raymond Avenue, Pasadena
Anchored by the historic Raymond Theatre, Raymond Renaissance is a community of 42 homes offering condominiums, lofts, and live/work spaces. The spacious, contemporary floor plans range from 950 to 2,000 square feet and provide an unparalleled value.
Experience front-door access to a beloved community, a vibrant culture, and a building with its own dramatic history
The Raymond Renaissance. 125 N. Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, California 91103
Below is a list of any condos that may be currently available for lease at the Raymond Renaissance. Contact us if you are interested in viewing leases in this building or other leases in the Pasadena area.
Erica & Ramiro Rivas | 818-257-1054 | Info@RamiroAndErica.com
PASADENA STUDIO CONDO FOR SALE: 156 S. OAK KNOLL AVENUE #105
156 S Oak Knoll Avenue #105, Pasadena, CA 91101 | Baths: 1 Sq Ft: 390 and large outdoor patio | $215,000This ground floor unit is located close to dining, shopping, entertainment, and everything else that the South Lake District has to offer! The open floor plan is inviting, light and bright. The outdoor patio is spacious and can be enjoyed for lounging or dining al fresco in the great Southern California weather. Additional features include a full bathroom, a walkin closet, and association survaillance cameras.
Listed with Ramiro and Erica Rivas | John Aaroe Group
818-257-1054 Info@RamiroAndErica.com
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Ramiro Cervantes | Pasadena and LA Fashion Editorial, Wedding & Event Photographer
Ramiro Cervantes is a professional Pasadena photographer whose passion for photography is rendered into brilliantly dynamic photos.As a specialist in promotional, fashion editorial, and wedding/special event photography, his subject matter are animated and vibrant, and the settings are epic.
Quoted as creating “Hip, Modern Wedding Photography of Today’s Times”, his innovative talents go beyond the typical photoshoot. Event and wedding photography has a tendency to fall into certain trends to where wedding photos start to all look the same, and because most wedding photographers follow a trend those photos will look outdated over time. Ramiro breaks out of the cliché in his resourcefulness with the location he is shooting, combined with his technical skills, and an ability to manipulate lighting, creating high quality images.
Why have images that look like they belong in a wedding album when you can have images that look like they belong in a magazine?
Ramiro Cervantes | Pasadena and Los Angeles Fashion Editorial, Wedding and Event Photography
http://xcellence.zenfolio.com | 323-282-1475
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All photographs are copyright © 2013 Ramiro Cervantes
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The Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA Animal Care Campus
Established in 1903, the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to protecting the welfare of all domestic and non-domestic animals. Some of the services that the Humane Society provides include animal control, investigation of animal neglect and cruelty, adoptions, pet behavior training classes, and humane education.
The kennels and administration building for the Pasadena Humane society’s location on Raymond was originally built in 1920’s and 1930’s. With donation support the facility was rebuilt in 1994, making it a very pleasant and positive environment for visitors and staff. The clean and modern facilities allow the shelter animals to live stress free so they may easily recover from the circumstances from which they came, or to remain adorable and adoptable.
Future goals for the humane society include zero euthanasia for population control. Although not perfect, The Pasadena Humane society has a high success rate for their shelter animals, with 95-98% of adoptable animals finding a home.
For more information about the Pasadena humane society and spca visit: www.pasadenahumane.org
PASADENA MACY’S AT PASEO COLORADO CLOSING DOWN AFTER 30 YEARS
The Macy’s department store will close its Paseo Colorado location this spring, roughly around early March, and has already begun liquidating its merchandise.
The Macy’s at Paseo predates construction of the 565,000-square-foot outdoor retail and residential complex in 2001. The Paseo Colorado had been constructed in the early 2000′s in place of an indoor mall that was known as Plaza Pasadena. The Macy’s at Paseo, which had originally opened in 1980 and employs 116 people, is closing this department store location due to low sales.
Macy’s already operates a larger store within a mile from the Paseo, at 401 S. Lake Avenue, in the prestigous South Lake Business District, which could in part pull away shoppers from the company’s other Pasadena location.
The Paseo Macy’s 158,000-square-foot space has already been put on the commercial market as an available lease, and is most likely suited for another department store to take it’s place.
Article by Erica Rivas | John Aaroe Group | Info@RamiroAndErica.com | 818-257-1054
OREAN THE HEALTH EXPRESS: VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN FAST FOOD RESTAURANT IN PASADENA
Orean’s the Health Express has a wide selection of vegetarian fast food menu items, ranging from vegetarian cheese burgers to chili cheese fries made with a soy-based vegan ground beef. The pricing of the menu items is very reasonable, with breakfast items starting at $1.79, and burgers starting at the $3.50 price range.
It is a unique fast food restaurant specializing in meatless, sugarless, items created for optimum nutrituion and without chemical additives. lt is the first vegetarian fast-food take-out restaurant in the nation, and features a menu approved by the American Heart Association.
It was founded in 1979 by Orean C. Thomas who after working in food related professions and serving various industries and private companies throughout the Los Angeles area, decided to open the first Vegetarian Fast-Food restaurant.
Orean Health Express Vegetarian Fast Food Restaurant. 817 N. Lake Avenue, Pasadena 626-794-0861
BLAZE PIZZA PASADENA
The new franchise known as Blaze Pizza, which is owned by Wetzel’s Pretzels, has a new location on Colorado Blvd. next to Vroman’s Bookstore, they pride themselves on quality food brought out fast.
Head food guy, Executive Chef Bradford Kent created their menu of pizza made of Fresh, made-from-scratch dough. Healthful, artisanal ingredients on the assembly line. Inventive to classic. You decide. Blazing hot oven + dedicated pizzasmith + 120 seconds = fast-fire’d, perfectly crisp pizza.
Blaze Pizza Pasadena | 667 East Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91101 626-440-7358 www.Blaze-Pizza.com
SLATER’S 50/50 OPENING IN OLD TOWN PASADENA
Orange County based restaurant, Slater’s 50/50, will be opening it’s first Los Angeles location in Old Town Pasadena, at a location that was formerly Vive. Slater’s 50/50 is known for it’s unique burgers made from 50% ground beef and 50% ground bacon. The current three Slater’s 50/50 restaurants collectively go through 16,000 pounds of bacon a month.
Slater’s 50/50 | 61 N. Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, California www.slaters5050.com
BJ’S RESTAURANT AND BREWHOUSE IN PASADENA
BJ’S Restaurant and Brewhouse will be opening up shortly in November into a large 14,500 square foot space at the Paseo Colorado, a location that was formerly the Premier Jewlery Mall.
BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. currently owns and operates 120 casual dining restaurants brand names and offer a broad menu featuring their signature deep-dish pizza as well as salads, appetizers, sandwiches, soups, pastas, entrees and desserts. Their prices are moderate and they serve rather large portions. The Company operates several microbreweries in addition to using qualified contract brewers to produce and distribute BJ’s critically acclaimed proprietary handcrafted beers.
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse Pasadena | 234 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, California
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A TASTE OF OLD PASADENA 2012
Tuesday, September 18th, 2012 5:30-9:00pm
Sample your way through Old Pasadena’s finest restaurants on a self-guided walking taste tour. Tickets are $30 and are available at the Pasadena-Foothills Association of REALTORS® at 1060 E. Green Street #100, Pasadena, 626-795-2455 or sold the day of the event in front of select restaurants.
List of participating restaurants: 1810 Argentinean Restaurant 21 Choices All India Café Bar Celona Beyond the Olive Bird Pick Tea Brothers’ Pies n Fries Café Bizou Café Santorini Choza Mama Crème de la Crepe Equator Haven Gastropub + Brewery Himalayan Café Hot Wings Café Il Fornaio IX-Tapa Cantina Jake’s of Pasadena La Luna Negra The Melting Pot Mezbaan Indian Cuisine Mi Piace Mignon Chocolate Pappa Rich Pita Jungle Racion Sugar Fix Temptations Three Dog Bakery Tibet Nepal House Vertical Wine Bistro Villa SORRISO Wokcano
The proceeds support local community based charitites.
http://www.pfarcf.org 626-795-2455
PASADENA WATER SUPPLY AND WATER QUALITY REPORT
Where does Pasadena’s water come from?
In 2011, Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) produced 30,490 acre-feet of water,
or 9.9 billion gallons, to serve 161,300 customers in Pasadena, parts of Altadena,
and other surrounding areas of Los Angeles County. Approximately 41 percent of the
water supply was pumped from our local groundwater, 58 percent was imported surface
water purchased from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD),
and the remaining 1 percent was purchased from neighboring water agencies that
combine surface water and groundwater.
PWP’s groundwater is pumped from the Raymond Groundwater Basin, a natural water-
bearing zone underlying Pasadena, Altadena, La Canada-Flintridge, and portions of
San Marino and Arcadia. Surface water from stream, rivers, lakes, and precipitation
enters the basin area through the natural water cycle. As surface water slowly
percolates through the ground to the basin, the ground acts as a natural filter to
strip the water of most contaminants. PWP disinfects the water with chlorine prior
to pumping the water into the distribution system. MWD is a consortium of 26 cities
and water agencies that import wholesale water from the Colorado River and from the
Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers in Northern California to serve nearly 19 million
people in Southern California. MWD supplies PWP with water treated at the Weymouth
Filtration Plant in La Verne. Last year, Weymouth Plant received about 54 percent
of its water from Northern California; the remaining 46 percent came from the Colorado
River.
Pasadena’s Water Quality
Pasadena Water and Power performs nearly 30,000 analytical tests every year to safeguard water quality.
In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) prescribe regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. Department regulations also establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that provide the same protection for public health.
Pasadena Water Quality Test Data
UNDERSTANDING THE WATER QUALITY CHART
As in previous years, the Water Quality Report compares the quality of your tap water to state drinking water standards. The report includes information on all regulated and unregulated drinking water contaminants that were detected during calendar year 2011. More than 100 regulated contaminants that were tested for, but not detected, are not included in this report. A number of regulated chemicals and other compounds do not require annual monitoring. Their most recent test results and corresponding test year are footnoted, if applicable.
CDPH allows us to monitor for some contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants do not change frequently. Some of our data, though representative, are more than one year old.
THE GAMBLE HOUSE
The Gamble House built by architects Greene & Greene. I took this photo earlier today. Love Pasadena Craftsman Bungalows!!!Contact us if you are thinking about buying in Pasadena:
RAMIRO & ERICA RIVAS ~ JOHN AAROE GROUP
Pasadena Real Estate Agents
Ramiro: 626-497-4606 | Erica: 818-257-1054
Info@PasadenaHomesAndLifestyle.com 
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY

RAMIRO RIVAS & ERICA SWANSON ~ JOHN AAROE GROUPPasadena Real Estate Agents
Call/Text us at: 626-497-4606
Info@PasadenaHomesAndLifestyle.com
Client Testimonial
Erica & Ramiro,Thank you so much for your hard work and dedication to not only finding us a house, but OUR house! We couldn’t have done it without you both and you guys make a kick ass Rock Star Team. Be on the look out for an invite to see the place when it’s ready to be shown off.
Paul & Amy M.

RAMIRO RIVAS & ERICA SWANSON ~ JOHN AAROE GROUP
Pasadena Real Estate Agents
Call/Text us at: 626-497-4606
Info@PasadenaHomesAndLifestyle.com
PASADENA CINEMA LOFTS – LA MODERN CONDO TOUR
217 S Marengo Ave, Pasadena California
Centrally located amongst Pasadena’s urban center, the Cinema lofts offer an excellent location if you prefer to live in close proximity to many of the cities restaurants, shops, and mass transportation.
Ramiro & Erica Rivas | John Aaroe Group
626-497-4606 Info@RivasEstates.com
www.LAHomesAndLifestyle.com
PASADENA CITY HALL – PHOTO SHOOT
Here are photos of a night time photo shoot I did at Pasadena City Hall. To buy or sell Pasadena Real Estate, Contact me:
RAMIRO RIVAS ~ JOHN AAROE GROUP
Pasadena Real Estate Agent
Call/Text me at: 626-497-4606
Info@PasadenaHomesAndLifestyle.com
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JOHN AAROE GROUP PASADENA
John Aaroe Group is a locally-owned and operated real estate brokerage with strategic locations in Beverly Hills, Sunset Strip, Sherman Oaks, Pasadena and Downtown Los Angeles. Because the greater Los Angeles area has varying neighborhood personalities, John Aaroe has established these core offices to practice localized real estate. The real estate company believes neighborhood knowledge is a top factor in solid sales, and the agents know their communities well.Just like the other offices, the Pasadena office offers the location, support and facilities that real estate professionals need to be successful. Located in Old Town, John Aaroe Pasadena is right in the center of the hustle and bustle of the city. The agents at John Aaroe know that Pasadena is an ever evolving city that is richly cultured and filled with wonderful history and take pride in selling real estate with a forward thinking company, in such a wonderful part of Los Angeles County.
The agents at John Aaroe Pasadena are fortunate to be led by Gus Ruelas, who has a history as one of the San Gabriel Valley’s top producing real estate agents. He now brings his extensive experience to John Aaroe Group as branch manager of the new Pasadena office.
Ramiro & Erica Rivas | John Aaroe Group | 42 S. Pasadena Avenue, Pasadena, California 91105
626-497-4606 | Info@RivasEstates.com
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TERRA BELLA PASADENA, NEW CONSTRUCTION LUXURY CONDOMINIUMS

The Terra Bella are Pasadena new construction luxury condos at Cordova Street and Marengo Avenue. With a completion date scheduled for October of 2010, the Terra Bella new construction project will offer 28 single level luxury condominiums, built by developer, Legendary Developments LLC, and currently listed with The Ratliff Team of Podley Realtors. Another local high end condominium complex built by Legendary Developments is Sabine, which is located on South Lake Avenue.
ERICA SWANSON-RIVAS & ASSOCIATES
818-257-1054
Erica@RivasEstates.com
The Terra Bella condos will primarily range around 2,200 square feet per unit, with the penthouse unit at 3400 square feet, with one commercial unit at ground level. Each unit will offer hardwood floors and Viking appliances in addition to many other high quality interior finishings.
Building amenities at Terra Bella Pasadena include a rooftop pool, spa, cabanas, outdoor fireplaces, a bbq area, and a fitness center. The Terra Bella condos are centrally located to shopping, dining, and nightlife entertainment, in close proximity to Old Town Pasadena, The Paseo Colorado, and the Pasadena Convention Center.
Terra Bella. 155 Cordova Street, Pasadena, California 91101
The 28 unit project of luxury condos in Pasadena is nearing it’s completions date, with it’s grand opening planned for late March. No expense was spared at the new construction project. All of the finishings in each unit are of the finest quality materials, with marble countertops in the bathrooms and kitchens, travertine floors, rich, dark wood cabinetry, spa tubs in each master bathroom, and Viking Appliances in each kitchen.
14 of the interior of the units are finished with a tradional design in a style called transitional, and the other half having finishings that are modern in design, with streamline cabinetry and fixtures. Eight of the units are equipped with a steam room/shower, and the entire building has access to the impressive roof top, which offers outdoor fireplaces, pergolas, a built-in outdoor kitchen with Viking Barbeque, pool, spa, and modern fitness room. Listed with Podley Realtors and built by Legendary Developers LLC.
The Terra Bella Pasadena. 155 Cordova Street, Pasadena 91101
| BEDS | BATHS | UNIT SIZE | PRICE |
| 2 | 2 | 1569-2081 | $895,000-$1,269,000 |
| 3 | 2.5 | 2126-2344 | $1,299,000-$1,525,000 |
| 3 | 3.5 | 3949 | $2,850,000 Penthouse |
ERICA SWANSON – RIVAS & ASSOCIATES
818-257-1054
SITAR INDIAN CUISINE, PASADENA
If you are seeking Indian cuisine in the Crown City, Sitar Indian cuisine is a great Pasadena Indian restaurant to go to dine, featuring authentic Northern Indian dishes. With an affordable lunch and dinner menu, Sitar offers a weekly lunch buffet Monday-Friday from 11:00am-4:30pm and a Champagne brunch on Saturdays and Sundays that are also from 11-4:30pm.
Sitar Indian Cuisine offers a richly-varied menu of fresh, natural ingredients, traditional, whole-some sauces and flavorful spices. In a vibrant setting, it is one of the Pasadena restaurants that serves food that is natural and freshly-prepared daily on the premises with no additives or preservatives.
If you are looking for Pasadena banquet halls, Sitar also offers a full service banquet facilty that seats approximately 250 guests. The hall, which is adjacent to the restaurant, accomodates events such as wedding receptions, birthday parties, business conferences, etc. If needed Sitar provides full, extensive planning options to personalize any event, from valet parking, to in-house lighting, djs, red carpet set up, dance performances, live music, furniture rentals, and much more.
Sitar Indian Cuisine. 618 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA (626) 449-5954
www.sitarindiancuisine.com Hours: Sunday-Thurs. 11am-10pm. Fri & Sat. 11am-11pm.
Pasadena Tournament of Roses
The Tournament of Roses was started in 1890 as a way to advertise Southern California’s sunny, year-round weather. Pasadena began booming at the turn into the 20th century. The idea of having a flower festival in the middle of winter shows outsiders that Pasadena offers such a temperate climate.The first Tournament of Roses was attended by 2,000 people. Estimates conducted by The Tournament of Roses and the Pasadena Police Department showed an attendance of 700,000, with 1 million visitors to Pasadena during the week of the parade, for 2009.
The 121st Tournament of Roses will take place on Friday, January 1st. This years Rose Queen is Natalie Innocenzi from Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy. Following the Pasadena Rose Parade will be the 96th Rose Bowl game; a match-up of the two top college football teams in the nation. Starting at 8am at Orange Grove Blvd, the 23 groups of assembled bands, horse units, and floats will take approximately 2.5 hrs to pass across the 5 1/2 route.





























