📰 Local News & Civic Updates
🏛️ This Week’s Big Moves Around the Valley
🏠 Pasadena – Affordable Housing on the Agenda
Pasadena is advancing new affordable housing measures with incentives for developers who include low-income units. Key projects include Pasadena Studios (micro-units), Ramona Senior Housing, and Abbey Road Youth Housing. Backing of Measure A could bring more funding for future projects, expanding options for families, seniors, and young professionals.
Pomona – Rezoning for a New Downtown Vision
Pomona’s Downtown Specific Plan is reshaping the city’s historic core into a more walkable, mixed-use hub with restaurants, housing, retail, and cultural spaces. The rezoning introduces flexible design standards, streamlines approvals, and focuses growth near the Pomona Transit Center.
With new incentives and higher residential densities (up to 540 units per acre in some areas), the plan aims to bring fresh energy, new housing options, and economic revival while aligning with sustainability goals.
Arcadia – Schools Shine in State Rankings
Arcadia Unified School District has once again ranked in the top 1% of U.S. school districts for the third year in a row, according to Niche’s 2025 rankings. AUSD placed #9 in California and was named the #1 Best Place to Teach in Los Angeles County, highlighting both student success and teacher satisfaction.
Altadena – Wildfire Preparedness Takes Priority
After January’s Eaton Fire, which burned over 14,000 acres and destroyed thousands of structures, Altadena is tightening fire safety measures. Updated Cal Fire maps now place much of the area in high or very high fire hazard zones, with stricter defensible space rules requiring brush clearance within 100 feet of homes. LA County Fire has ramped up inspections, and residents can access home-hardening assessments, grants, and recovery resources to better prepare for future wildfire risks.
West Covina – Parks Set for Major Upgrades
West Covina is developing a Parks & Recreation Master Plan with completion expected in November 2025. Community workshops and surveys have highlighted priorities like safer, well-maintained parks, expanded amenities such as pickleball courts, and better restroom and parking access. The plan will serve as a roadmap for upgrading and modernizing parks to meet the needs of residents for years to come.
Monterey Park – Downtown Revitalization in Motion
What’s Happening Now…
General Plan Update in Progress: Monterey Park is actively updating key portions of its General Plan, including the Housing, Safety, and Environmental Justice elements, to reflect current needs and state mandates.
Comprehensive Vision: The updated plan consists of multiple elements—Land Use, Circulation, Housing, Economic Development, Environmental Justice, and more—forming a blueprint for the city’s long-term growth and community well-being.
Community Engagement Ongoing: Residents are invited to participate in workshops, surveys, and public hearings to shape policies on housing affordability, land use, safety, and equity-focused goals. The project, branded “Monterey 2031,” emphasizes inclusive civic participation to build a city that works for all.
Why It Matters
Strategic & Equitable Growth: The inclusion of an Environmental Justice Element ensures that historically marginalized communities receive fair treatment and meaningful involvement in environmental planning, an essential step toward inclusive development.
State Compliance & Funding: California requires cities to update the Housing and Safety Elements every 8 years. Monterey Park’s work ensures state compliance and keeps the city eligible for critical housing and resilience funding.
Forward-Looking Priorities: The update also addresses pressing issues like emergency preparedness, fire safety, and infrastructure resilience, guiding Monterey Park toward a safer, more sustainable future.
☕ Coffee Spotlight
Kamden Coffee (Glendora)
On Route 66 in Glendora, Kamden Coffee blends specialty beans with a love of film—handcrafted, movie-inspired drinks served in a bright, modern space. The concept began as a coffee cart and has now found a permanent home, staying true to its mission: “Speciality Coffee Brewed to Connect Artists.”
Sip this: Blue Velvet Matcha; The Brûlée (a crowd favorite); Vanilla Sky; or the Sleepaway Camp latte—clever names, balanced flavors.
Good to know: Order ahead online to skip the wait; pastries (including gluten-free options) rotate and sell out. Kamden Coffee
Address: 440 E Route 66, Glendora, CA 91740.
Hours: Wed–Sun, 7:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. (closed Mon–Tue). Instagram+1
Vibe: Clean, welcoming, artist-friendly; small lot out front, with curbside pickup spots.
Why we love it: Thoughtful drinks, a creative theme, and community-first energy, perfect for your next caffeinated scene.
🎉 Events & Community Activities
This Week's Can't-Miss Events:
📅 Thursday, Sept 18
Pasadena – Mindful Looking: Paul Klee at Norton Simon Museum (1 PM)
A guided gallery experience that blends art appreciation with mindfulness. Perfect midweek reset.NAMI Greater LA Advocacy Day
NAMI GLAC Advocacy Day – In-personThis is NAMI GLAC’s first-ever LA County Advocacy Day with the Board of Supervisors, featuring advocacy training, talking points, panels, and resources for mental health supporters.
Date: Thursday, September 18, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
Location: Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration, 500 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Cost: Free, but registration is required.
📅 Friday, Sept 19
La Verne – Senior Seminar Series at Community Center (10:30 AM)
Workshops with resources for seniors on health, finance, and community engagement.Temple City – Movies in the Park at Temple City Park (7:15 PM)
Family-friendly outdoor screening under the stars — bring chairs, blankets, and snacks.El Monte – Back-to-School Resource Fair (4 PM–7 PM)
Supplies, community booths, and family activities are hosted by local schools and nonprofits.Summer Movie Nights at The Huntington
📍 Library Lawn, 1151 Oxford Road, San MarinoEnjoy an outdoor screening of The Wild Robot (2024) under the stars. Pre-show activities begin at 6:30 p.m., with the movie starting at 7:15 p.m.
🎟️ Tickets: $20 (ages 18+), $10 (ages 4–17). Please note: no tickets sold at the door and no refunds.
Bring a picnic dinner, blanket, or low-back beach chair for a cozy evening on the lawn.
More info: huntington.org/summer-movie-nights
📅 Saturday, Sept 20
Monterey Park – Mid-Autumn Festival on Ramona Ave (All Day)
Lanterns, food vendors, music, and cultural performances celebrating one of Asia’s most beloved traditions.Baldwin Park – Fall Family Fair at Morgan Park (10 AM–6 PM)
Carnival rides, food trucks, and live entertainment — great for kids and families.Azusa – Community Clean-Up Day (8 AM–12 PM)
Join neighbors in beautifying local streets and parks; supplies provided by the city.Glendora – Live Music in the Village (6 PM)
Local musicians perform outdoors in Glendora Village — a casual way to enjoy small-town charm.Pasadena Folk Music Society
📍 Knox Presbyterian Church, 225 S. Hill Ave., PasadenaEnjoy an evening of live folk music featuring two duos: Joselyn & Don and The Odd Birds. Doors open at 6:45 p.m., with the concert beginning at 7:30 p.m.
🎟️ Tickets: $28.52 general admission, $12.51 students. Advance purchase required via Eventbrite. More info: pasadenafolkmusicsociety.org
📅 Sunday, Sept 21
South Pasadena – Farmers Market Special Music Day (8 AM–1 PM, Meridian & El Centro)
Fresh produce plus local bands to set a lively weekend tone.San Dimas – Outdoor Yoga in the Park (9 AM)
Free community yoga session open to all ages and experience levels.
📅 Wednesday, Sept 24
San Gabriel – Talk of the Town at City Hall (6 PM–7 PM)
City officials meet directly with residents to answer questions and discuss upcoming initiatives.Covina – High School Football Rivalry Game (7 PM, Covina District Field)
Rival schools face off in a classic SGV matchup — Friday Night Lights energy on a Wednesday!
Ongoing / Multi-Day
Pasadena – Playhouse Presents Eureka Day (Through Oct 5)
A sharp and funny play exploring public health, personal freedom, and community tensions.Altadena – Eaton Canyon Docent Hikes (Weekends, 9 AM)
Guided hikes exploring local wildlife and natural history in one of SGV’s most beloved trails.Claremont – Art Walk in the Village (Saturday evening, recurring monthly)
Local galleries, shops, and street performers bring art to life in the heart of Claremont.
👉 Do you know a local neighbor, community group, or business making an impact in the SGV? Reply to this email, we’d love to spotlight them in a future issue!
👥 Community Voices: Neighbor Spotlight
Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena
Immerse yourself in one of the most prestigious private art collections in the world, spanning Renaissance masters to Southeast Asian sculptures. Located at 411 W. Colorado Blvd (at Colorado & Orange Grove), this cultural gem is easily accessible by car or transit.
Admission: $20 for adults; $15 for seniors (62+)
Always Free for students with valid ID and any visitor aged 18 and under
Free First Fridays: First Friday of each month, 4:00–7:00 p.m., free for all visitors — no reservations needed
Location & Accessibility
It’s located at 411 W. Colorado Blvd, at the corner of Orange Grove Blvd., near major freeways (210 and 134), with both free parking (though limited) and convenient public transit options
With rotating exhibitions, a tranquil sculpture garden, and family-friendly programming, including art workshops, public performances, and guided tours. The Museum is ideal for a weekday cultural outing. Pair your visit with a stroll and dinner in Old Pasadena, where dining options range from café fare to upscale bites, a seamless way to blend art and local flavor
📅 Key National Days in September that Reinforce Safety
National Preparedness Month (Sept 1–30, 2025)
FEMA and local governments encourage families and communities to review emergency plans, stock up on supplies, and stay ready for disasters.National Voter Registration Day (Sept 16, 2025) 🗳️
A nationwide effort to ensure every eligible voter is registered ahead of Election Day. Check your registration or help a neighbor register.National Child Passenger Safety Week (Sept 15–21, 2025) 🚗
Fire departments, police, and hospitals offer free car seat inspections to ensure children are riding safely.National Fall Prevention Awareness Week (Sept 22–26, 2025) 🏠
Dedicated to reducing fall risks for older adults with home safety tips, balance workshops, and wellness checks.
👉 Tip: Communities across the San Gabriel Valley often host pop-up events during these dates — from emergency preparedness fairs to free safety checks. Keep an eye out for local opportunities to get involved.
🛡️ Community Resources & Safety Updates
Important Reminders for Our Neighbors
🔥 Fire Safety Check – September is Preparedness Month
With dry conditions persisting across the San Gabriel Valley, fire prevention and emergency readiness are more important than ever. Take these simple but powerful steps to protect your home and loved ones:
Defensible Space: Clear dry brush, weeds, and debris within 100 feet of all structures to create a safe perimeter.
Supply Kit Refresh: Replace expired food, rotate fresh water, and check flashlights, radios, and batteries.
Family Plan: Review evacuation routes and meeting points with all household members—practice makes confidence in an emergency.
Community Support: The LA County Fire Department offers free home safety assessments to help you identify risks and prepare effectively.
Do you have an emergency kit at home?
Pro Tip: Store important documents in a waterproof/fireproof container and keep a “go bag” ready near your front door.
🚸 Back-to-School Traffic Safety
As schools across the SGV are back in session, let’s all do our part to keep students safe on their daily commute:
Slow Down: Observe the 25 mph speed limit in all school zones when children are present.
Crosswalk Courtesy: Always stop for student crossing guards and respect crosswalk signals. Children may enter the road unexpectedly—stay alert.
Plan Ahead: Allow for extra travel time during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up hours when traffic is heaviest.
Eyes Up, Phones Down: Avoid distractions while driving near schools, buses, or playgrounds.
Community Reminder: A few extra minutes of patience can prevent accidents and protect our kids.
📸 Visual Highlights & Community Memories
Monterey Park – Mid-Autumn Festival Lantern Workshop
📅 Saturday, Sept 20 | ⏰ 12:30–1:30 PM | 📍 Bruggemeyer Library
Families will gather to hand-craft colorful lanterns, a tradition that symbolizes light and togetherness. Alongside lantern-making, attendees can taste traditional mooncakes, making this a vibrant, cultural moment perfect for festive photos of children and grandparents working side-by-side.
Temple City – Movies in the Park: Abominable
📅 Saturday, Sept 20 | ⏰ Pre-movie fun 7:15 PM, Movie at 8:00 PM | 📍 Temple City Park
Families spread blankets across the grass, kids line up for popcorn, and the glow of lanterns sets a cozy stage. The animated film Abominable ties in perfectly with the Mid-Autumn theme of adventure and family bonds. This is a classic “community under the stars” shot, perfect to capture joyful expressions and a packed park.
San Gabriel – Talk of the Town
📅 Wednesday, Sept 24 | ⏰ 6:00–7:00 PM | 📍 City Hall Council Chambers
Residents will sit face-to-face with Police Chief Elizalde to discuss public safety and community issues. Expect candid exchanges, handshakes, and neighborly engagement, ideal for photos of civic participation, open dialogue, and trust-building moments between leaders and locals.
Pasadena – “Eureka Day” at Pasadena Playhouse
📅 Sept 18, 20, & 24 | ⏰ Evenings, 7:00–8:00 PM | 📍 Pasadena Playhouse
The iconic neon marquee will be glowing as crowds arrive for this witty, sharp satire. The Playhouse itself, with its historic façade, offers striking visuals. Inside, audiences connect over laughter and reflection — outside, streetlights and posters create a buzzing arts-district scene perfect for wide-angle crowd shots.
South Pasadena – Farmers Market (Weekly)
📅 Thursday, Sept 18 & Sept 25 | ⏰ 4:00–8:00 PM | 📍 913 Meridian Ave (near Metro A Line)
Brightly lit produce stalls, children sampling fruit, and the occasional live guitarist strumming in the background. This market has an authentic “small-town with city access” vibe, and photos here highlight abundance, sustainability, and community togetherness.
🎉 Fun & Unique Days to Celebrate This Week
📅 Thursday, Sep 18
Locate An Old Friend Day
Call or text that friend you’ve been meaning to reconnect with.National Cheeseburger Day
Fire up the grill or try a new burger spot in town. 🍔U.S. Air Force Day
Honoring the strength and courage of the Air Force. ✈️
📅 Friday, Sep 19
Day of the Glories of the Army
A day to recognize military valor.National Tradesmen Day
Shout out to the builders, makers, and fixers in our communities. 🔧Talk Like a Pirate Day
Arrr, matey! Time to annoy your coworkers with pirate slang. ☠️
📅 Saturday, Sep 20
Batman Day
Time to channel your inner superhero (cape optional). 🦇National Queso Day
Cheese lovers unite, it’s queso o’clock! 🧀International Week of Happiness at Work
Kick off with positivity in the office.
📅 Sunday, Sep 21
International Day of Peace
Pause, breathe, and embrace calm. ☮️National Chai Day
Warm spices, cozy vibes. What’s your chai style? ☕Wife Appreciation Day
Surprise her with flowers, a note, or just extra hugs. 💐
📅 Monday, Sep 22
First Day of Autumn
Sweaters, pumpkins, crisp air. 🍂National White Chocolate Day
Sweet tooth alert! 🍫Family Week
A week dedicated to family bonding, plan something special.
📅 Tuesday, Sep 23
International Day of Sign Languages
Celebrate communication without words. 🤟National Baker Day
Bake a loaf, a pie, or just some cookies to share. 👩🍳National Voter Registration Day
If you’re not registered, today’s the day! 🗳️
📅 Wednesday, Sep 24
National Horchata Day
Refreshing, sweet, and perfect over ice. 🥛National Mofongo Day
Celebrate Puerto Rican flavors with this tasty dish. 🍲National Punctuation Day
Celebrate the humble comma, period, properly. ✍️
👉 Which one of these quirky days are you most excited to celebrate this week?
🏟️ LA Sports This Week: Sept 18–24
Get your game-day fix with all the action from Los Angeles teams, pro and college.
This Week’s Games (Sept 18–24)
⚾ Angels (MLB)
Thu, Sept 18 – @ Brewers — 6:40 PM PT
Fri, Sept 19 – @ Rockies — 6:10 PM PT
Sat, Sept 20 – @ Rockies — 6:10 PM PT
Sun, Sept 21 – @ Rockies — 1:10 PM PT
⚾ Dodgers (MLB)
Thu, Sept 18 – Giants @ Dodgers — 7:10 PM PT
Fri, Sept 19 – Giants @ Dodgers — 7:10 PM PT
Sat, Sept 20 – Giants @ Dodgers — 6:10 PM PT
Sun, Sept 21 – Giants @ Dodgers — 1:10 PM PT
Tue, Sept 23 – Dodgers @ Diamondbacks — 6:40 PM PT
Wed, Sept 24 – Dodgers @ Diamondbacks — 6:40 PM PT
🏈 NFL – Rams & Chargers
Sun, Sept 21 – Rams @ Eagles — 10:00 AM PT
Sun, Sept 21 – Chargers vs Broncos — 1:05 PM PT
🏈 USC Trojans (College Football)
Sat, Sept 20 – USC vs Michigan State — 8:00 PM PT
🐻 UCLA Bruins
No games this week.
🤝 Stay Connected & Get Involved
Thank you for making the San Gabriel Valley the vibrant, caring community we all love to call home. Your participation, stories, and neighbor-to-neighbor connections are what make us strong.
How to Connect: 📧 Share Your Story: Have community news or events? Email [email protected]
📱 Daily Updates: Follow @TheSGVDigest on social media for breaking news and photo features
🗞️ Spread the Word: Forward this newsletter to friends, neighbors, and coworkers who love the SGV
🎯 Get Featured: Submit business spotlights, event listings, or neighbor nominations
Submission Deadlines:
Community Events: Mondays by 12:00 PM
Business Features: Tuesdays by 12:00 PM
Neighbor Spotlights & Stories: Rolling submissions welcome anytime
The SGV Digest is published weekly with one goal: to connect neighbors and celebrate what makes the San Gabriel Valley extraordinary. From its diversity to its creativity to its unshakable spirit, this is home, and it’s worth celebrating every week.
So keep exploring. Keep connecting. Continue to be the amazing SGV community we’re proud to be part of.
And above all, always be kind. 💛
