• Pasadena Spotlight
  • Posts
  • 🚔Pasadena's Anti-Gang Funding Surge! & Office Complex Crisis🏢

🚔Pasadena's Anti-Gang Funding Surge! & Office Complex Crisis🏢

Issue #030

❤️ In this issue of Pasadena Spotlight 

🌤️ Pasadena, CA Weather

🏢 Pasadena's Largest Office Complex Faces Foreclosure Auction

🚨 Pasadena Intensifies Efforts against Gang Violence with Increased Funding

🌟 Grilling Greatness: Pasadena's 5-Star Outdoor Oasis – LA Custom Grill Islands!

🎄 Pasadena Brightens December With Two Christmas Tree Lightings

🧠 Craving Salt? Your Brain's Neurons Are to Blame, Says Caltech Study

😃 Viral Meme

 We Want To Spotlight Your Business!

🗓️ Upcoming Local Events

Good morning, Pasadena Spotlight community! Let's dive right into your weather forecast for today - Wednesday, December 6.

A clear and sunny day awaits Pasadena residents. The morning starts with a crisp 57°, gradually warming up to 70° by 10am.

A light sweater is recommended. The midday sun brings temperatures up to 74° with a gentle breeze. Light layers are advised.

The afternoon sees a bit more cloud cover with comfortable temperatures around 70° -73°, perfect for outdoor activities.

As the evening rolls in, temperatures drop to a cool 56° by 11pm. Remember to bring your jacket and perhaps a scarf for your evening activities.

Enjoy the day!

Pasadena's Largest Office Complex Faces Foreclosure Auction

A child outside an abandoned shop.

Pasadena's largest office complex, Pasarroyo, is heading to a foreclosure auction. The complex, owned by Coretrust Capital Partners, is being sold to pay off $271 million in debt.

The company had purchased Pasarroyo in 2018 and invested in extensive improvements, aiming to modernize the complex while maintaining its LEED Gold certification.

However, due to difficulties in refinancing the property, the complex is now facing foreclosure due to nearly three years of unpaid taxes.

Pasadena Intensifies Efforts against Gang Violence with Increased Funding

In response to escalating gang tensions, the Pasadena City Council has authorized an $85,000 increase to Ricky Pickens' contract for gang violence outreach and interruption services, totaling $343,000 for fiscal year 2024.

This decision followed the success of two additional interventionists in reducing gang tensions, particularly among recently released individuals and young people.

The initial engagement with Pickens in 2021 led to a 58% decrease in gang-related shootings in 2022.

Grilling Greatness: Pasadena's 5-Star Outdoor Oasis – LA Custom Grill Islands!

In this issue of 'Local Business Spotlight', we're featuring an exceptional local enterprise that's been enhancing our community's backyards for nearly two decades: LA Custom Grill Islands.

Started in a humble garage on Hill Avenue 17 years ago, LA Custom Grill Islands has now grown to five times its original size.

The brainchild of Brock Lorentzen, a Minneapolis native who fell in love with the charm of Pasadena, initiated this venture when his daughter was born, aiming to create a flexible work environment that allowed him to be close to his family.

The business has been offering custom-designed outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, island and patio furniture covers, grill parts, and cleaning services.

What sets LA Custom Grill Islands apart is their commitment to customization and quality. They offer hundreds of finishing colors, materials, appliances, and features.

The process starts with a 3D design of the client's space, and the final product is built in their shop to minimize noise and disruption at the customer's location.

This attention to detail and dedication to customer satisfaction has earned them a 5-star reputation across various review platforms.

In addition to providing top-tier outdoor living solutions, LA Custom Grill Islands is also deeply involved in the community.

Over the years, they have provided sponsorship for local schools such as Tavlian Armenian School, Blair Middle School, and Pasadena High School.

Looking to the future, LA Custom Grill Islands is excited to announce the grand opening of their new location at 1802 Chico Ave in South El Monte.

In the new year, they plan to start offering unique patio furniture and accessories.

LA Custom Grill Islands is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit and community engagement that we value in Pasadena.

This issue, we shine our spotlight on them, celebrating their journey from a Pasadena garage to a thriving business that continues to give back to the community.

❤️ Please visit LA Custom Grill Islands Website for more information and to view their ongoing specials.

Pasadena Brightens December With Two Christmas Tree Lightings

Pasadena is gearing up to spread the holiday cheer with two separate Christmas tree lighting events.

These community-centered celebrations, filled with a variety of family-friendly activities such as crafts and carols, are aimed at fostering a sense of togetherness and holiday spirit.

The first event will be held at the Allendale Branch on December 7, from 4 to 6 p.m. Similarly, the second event is scheduled at the Hastings Branch on December 12, from 4 to 6 p.m.

Both these events promise to go beyond the traditional tree lighting, offering a chance to revel in the festive atmosphere with fellow community members.

Craving Salt? Your Brain's Neurons Are to Blame, Says Caltech Study

Tiled salt field in Tainan, southern Taiwan

Researchers at Caltech have discovered that our brain uses two different sets of neurons to control our salt craving and salt tolerance.

Conducted on mice, the study showed that when salt levels in the body are critically low, the brain adjusts to increase both craving and tolerance for salt.

This finding could have significant health implications, particularly in countries like the U.S, where excessive salt intake is a common issue.

The research also contributes to the understanding of interoception and the role of prostaglandins in salt tolerance.

The findings could facilitate the creation of a drug to reduce salt intake and the development of a palatable salt substitute.

1 Click Poll: ☕️ How Much Coffee Fuels Your Day?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

We Want To Spotlight Your Business

Would you like us to spotlight your local business in front of thousands of Pasadena area residents in an upcoming issue of Pasadena Spotlight & on our social media?



We ❤️ Local Businesses!



We know our community is brimming with businesses that fascinating stories and big hearts.



If you’re a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you!



“Pasadena Spotlight” is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town.

Let’s collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special. 

Send us a message, and let’s celebrate the spirit of Pasadena together

👇 Select an option below:

Upcoming Local Events

Coffee with a Cop: Pasadena Police's Innovative Approach to Community Engagement

The Pasadena Police Department's initiative, "Coffee with a Cop," is a community engagement event set to take place at Hello You're Welcome.

The event is designed to encourage direct dialogue between residents and everyday officers, fostering unity and understanding.

By focusing on ordinary officers instead of high-ranking officials, the event promotes personal interaction and open conversation, aiming to bridge communication gaps and build trust within the community.

Attendees will also enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee.

Wednesday, December 6

Coffee with a Cop - 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Imagined Wests - 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Music in the Chinese Garden - 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Thursday, December 7

Friday, December 8

A Christmas Carol - 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 9

Hill Avenue Winter Craft Festival - 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 10

Santa Snacks & Stories - 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Holiday Community Open House - 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

We could use your help

We’ve got big plans as we get up to speed! But we need your help!

One huge way that you can help us is to spread the word for us.

Know somebody who lives in Pasadena and would benefit from being kept in the know?

Please share Pasadena Spotlight with them! It’s simple! 👇👇👇