Trivia Question❓
Which San Gabriel Valley city is known for its annual "Dumpling and Beer Festival," featuring a variety of dumplings from different cultures and craft beers from local breweries?
Answer at the bottom of the newsletter
📰 Local News & Civic Updates
A Taste of Arcadia 2025 Delights Attendees with Food, Music, and Fun.
The Taste of Arcadia 2025 event was a sold-out success, with attendees enjoying delicious food and drinks from local restaurants and vendors.
The event featured live music, raffle prizes, and a silent auction, with proceeds going towards supporting local businesses and community organizations.
Overall, it was a fun and enjoyable evening for all who attended.
IMAGINE: Collaborative Real-Time Musical Creation at Sierra Madre Playhouse
(Left to right) Andrew Toll, violin; Vicki Ray, piano; Marlon Martinez, bass; and Brian Walsh, clarinet and saxophone. | Photo courtesy of Sierra Madre Playhouse
The Sierra Madre Playhouse will host a unique event where four musicians will co-create new work in real-time.
The event, titled "IMAGINE: Four Musicians Creating Music in Real-Time," will feature the musicians improvising and composing music together based on the audience's input and suggestions.
The event aims to showcase the power of collaboration and creativity in music, offering a one-of-a-kind experience for music lovers and artists alike.
Monterey Park Installs New Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem
(Photo – Office of Elizabeth Yang)
Elizabeth Yang was recently sworn in as the mayor of Monterey Park, making history as the first Chinese American woman to hold the position.
Yang, who has a background in law and real estate, brings her experience and dedication to serving the community to her new role.
She emphasized the importance of unity, transparency, and inclusion in her speech, promising to work collaboratively with the city council and residents to address the city's challenges and promote growth and prosperity.
Yang's historic appointment marks a significant milestone for diversity and representation in Monterey Park.
Architect Martin Schmidt Redesigns Altadena Home for Style and Sustainability Post-Fire
Architect Martin Schmidt is rebuilding his Altadena home after it was destroyed in the Eaton Canyon fire.
The new design incorporates sustainability features like solar panels and efficient heating and cooling systems.
Schmidt aims to make the home more resilient to future wildfires while preserving the original architecture and incorporating new elements like a rooftop terrace.
The project serves as a model for rebuilding with both style and sustainability in mind.
Newsletter Sponsored by:
☕ Coffee Spotlight
☕ Jones Coffee Roasters
📍 693 S. Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105
When you talk Pasadena coffee, Jones Coffee Roasters is always top of mind. Since the early ’90s, they’ve grown from a humble shop into a community hub known for direct trade beans from Guatemala, Sumatra, Tanzania, Burundi, and Rwanda.
Step inside their Raymond Avenue location and you’ll find a lively mix of laptops, conversations, and the unmistakable aroma of fresh roasts. With its industrial-meets-cozy vibe, Jones has become the go-to spot for students, professionals, and neighbors alike.
More than a café, it’s a gathering place, where friendships spark, creativity flows, and every cup carries a story worth sharing.
🎶 Live Music at Jones Coffee Roasters
Larry Garf Performs
📅 Friday, September 26, 2025
⏰ 9:00 a.m. | 💲 Free
📍 Sponsored by Jones Coffee Roasters
📞 Info: 626-564-9291 | 🌐 Event Details
Enjoy a morning of jazz, ragtime, blues, and timeless standards with pianist Larry Garf. From Gershwin and Berlin classics to Beatles favorites, Larry’s eclectic repertoire celebrates the roots and soul of jazz.
📧 Contact: [email protected]
🎉 Events & Community Activities
🎭 Eureka Day — Pasadena Playhouse
Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Pasadena Playhouse, 39 South El Molino Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101
Description: A satirical play by Jonathan Spector about what happens when a progressive private school faces a mumps outbreak and struggles to align inclusive ideals with urgent health needs. The comedy highlights how well-intentioned communities can become paralyzed by their own principles.
Duration: Approximately 1 hour, 45 minutes, no intermission.
Ticket Price: Starts around $42, depending on seating.
Notes: This performance is at 7:00 PM (not 8:00 PM). The play runs through October 5, 2025, with multiple showtimes.
🥕 Covina — Friday Farmer’s Market & Family Night
Date: Friday, September 26, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Heritage Park, Covina (near Downtown)
Details: Local growers and vendors offer produce, prepared foods, crafts, and entertainment. The “Family Night” component often includes games, community booths, and live music. Admission is free; food and vendor items are available for purchase.
🎬 Temple City — Movies in the Park (Free)
Date: Friday, September 26, 2025
Time: Pre-show entertainment at 7:15 PM; movie begins at approximately 8:00 PM
Location: Temple City Park, 9701 Las Tunas Drive, Temple City
Details: Free outdoor movie screening for the community. Families are encouraged to bring blankets, low-back chairs, and picnic snacks. Pre-show often includes trivia, giveaways, or performances.
🚛 Pomona — Grand National Truck Show (Day 1)
Date: Friday, September 26, 2025 (continues Saturday, September 27)
Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Fairplex, Expo Hall 4, 1101 W. McKinley Avenue, Pomona
Details: One of the largest custom truck shows in the nation, featuring vintage and modern trucks, lifted and lowered builds, off-road rigs, and specialty commercial trucks. Includes indoor exhibits and the “Truck-In” outdoor showcase. Food vendors and merchandise booths on site. Tickets required; children under 5 free.
🎉 Celebrate Duarte’s 68th Anniversary with Us!
Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Encanto Park, 751 Encanto Parkway, Duarte
Details: We’re turning 68, and you're invited to the party! Join your neighbors for a lively, all-ages celebration featuring:
Live music by The Company Band — get ready for Funk, Motown, Latin, Pop & Dance tunes
Delicious eats & a beer garden (yes, there’ll be something for the grown-ups)
Games, inflatables, family fun — perfect for the kiddos
Vendor booths & boutique finds
Classic & custom car show — check out some real eye candy
Bring your family, bring some friends, and come ready for good vibes and community spirit. If you want to know more, hit up Duarte Parks & Recreation at (626) 357-7931.
🤠 Pasadena — Fall Rodeo: Boots, Bites & Western Beats
Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: One Colorado Courtyard, Old Pasadena (41 Hugus Alley, Pasadena, CA)
Details: A Western-themed evening with live country music performances, line dancing, food booths, games, and interactive activities. Each guest receives a themed bandana upon entry. Perfect for families and groups looking for a lively night in Old Pasadena.
Admission: $10 per person, children under 12 typically free.
🍻 Pasadena — Oktoberfest Bar Crawl
Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Time: Begins around 4:00 PM and continues into the night (~11:00 PM)
Location: Multiple venues across Old Pasadena (participating bars and pubs)
Details: An annual bar crawl celebrating Oktoberfest with German beer specials, food pairings, live DJs, and themed giveaways. Participants check in at a designated venue to receive a wristband granting access and specials at all participating locations. Costumes (lederhosen, dirndls) encouraged.
Admission: Wristbands required, prices vary by package (early bird discounts often available).
🚛 Pomona — Grand National Truck Show (Day 2)
Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Fairplex, Expo Hall 4, Pomona (1101 W. McKinley Avenue)
Details: Second day of the nation’s largest custom truck showcase. Features lifted, lowered, vintage, and off-road trucks, plus special exhibits, vendor booths, and the outdoor “Truck-In” gathering. Food trucks and merchandise areas are available.
Admission: Adult tickets ~ $25, youth 6–12 ~ $10, children under 5 free. Parking ~$20.
🌿 San Marino — Forest Bathing at The Huntington
Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Time: 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Location: The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens (1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA)
Details: A guided mindfulness experience inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku (“forest bathing”). Participants slowly walk through the gardens, engaging their senses and connecting with nature. Sessions are led by certified guides.
Admission: Ticketed program (advance purchase required). General admission fee plus program cost (approx. $40–$50). Space is limited to keep groups small and reflective.
🎼 Sierra Madre — Darshan Trio (Classical Concert)
Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre, CA 91024
Details: The Darshan Trio — pianist Dominic Cheli, violinist Vijay Gupta, and cellist Yoshika Masuda — present a visionary program that blends classical works with multimedia storytelling. Their performance style bridges music across centuries and cultures, creating an immersive concert experience.
Admission: Tickets range from $12 to $35, with discounts for students and seniors. Reserved seating recommended.
🚔 Alhambra — Community Safety Fair + Farmers’ Market
Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Alhambra Farmers Market, 100 S. 2nd Street, Alhambra, CA 91801
Details: A special edition of Alhambra’s weekly farmers market featuring local law enforcement, fire, and emergency services. Includes safety demonstrations, children’s activities, giveaways, and opportunities to meet first responders. In addition, visitors can shop for fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, and prepared foods from regional vendors.
Admission: Free to attend; items available for purchase from vendors.
🌳 La Cañada Flintridge — “Roots of Cool” Exhibit at Descanso Gardens
Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025 (also showing September 29 – October 1, 2025)
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (gardens open 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
Location: Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
Details: “Roots of Cool” is a multi-site art and environmental exhibit exploring the cultural and ecological significance of trees and shade in a warming world. Installations are featured in the Sturt Haaga Gallery, the historic Boddy House, and throughout the Descanso Gardens landscape.
Admission: Included with general garden admission (Adults $15, Seniors/Students $11, Children 5–12 $5, Members free).
🎭 Pasadena — Eureka Day (Evening Performance)
Date: Monday, September 29, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101
Details: Eureka Day is a satirical comedy by Jonathan Spector that tackles the clash between progressive ideals and public health realities. Set at a private school in Berkeley, the play follows the school’s Board of Directors as they attempt to manage a mumps outbreak while balancing inclusivity, freedom of choice, and the urgency of community health. Known for its sharp humor and timely themes, the play has been praised for blending laughter with thought-provoking commentary.
Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes with no intermission.
Admission: Tickets start around $42, depending on seating section.
Notes: The show runs through October 5, 2025, with multiple performances throughout the week.
🌳 La Cañada Flintridge — Roots of Cool (Exhibit)
Date: Monday, September 29, 2025 (also showing daily through October 12, 2025)
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Descanso Gardens open 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
Location: Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
Details: Roots of Cool: A Celebration of Trees and Shade in a Warming World is a multi-site art and science exhibition spread across the Sturt Haaga Gallery, Boddy House, and garden grounds. It explores the cultural, artistic, and ecological role of trees, especially in addressing climate challenges. Visitors can view art installations, archival materials, and outdoor displays that highlight the importance of shade and urban forestry.
Admission: Included with general garden entry (Adults $15, Seniors/Students $11, Children 5–12 $5, Members free).
Notes: Admission tickets may be purchased online or at the gate.
🌳 La Cañada Flintridge — Roots of Cool (Exhibit)
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Descanso Gardens open 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
Location: Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
Details: Roots of Cool: A Celebration of Trees and Shade in a Warming World is a special exhibit showcasing the ecological and cultural importance of trees in urban life and climate adaptation. Visitors explore indoor and outdoor installations, photography, and archival displays across the Sturt Haaga Gallery, Boddy House, and the garden grounds.
Admission: General garden admission (Adults $15, Seniors/Students $11, Children 5–12 $5, Members free).
🎭 Pasadena — Eureka Day (Evening Performance)
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101
Details: Jonathan Spector’s biting comedy continues its Pasadena Playhouse run. The story follows a well-meaning school board whose attempt to handle a viral outbreak is derailed by community division and conflicting values. Expect fast-paced dialogue, laugh-out-loud moments, and a sharp critique of modern decision-making.
Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes with no intermission.
Admission: Tickets start around $42.
🌳 La Cañada Flintridge — Roots of Cool (Exhibit)
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Descanso Gardens open 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
Location: Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
Details: Continuing exhibition highlighting the role of trees and shade as both a cultural inspiration and a climate solution. Blends art, science, and nature in a serene garden setting. Visitors can enjoy the exhibit alongside Descanso’s seasonal blooms.
Admission: Included with garden entry (Adults $15, Seniors/Students $11, Children 5–12 $5, Members free).
Monrovia - Friday Night Street Fair & Market
📅 Date: Friday, September 26, 2025
🕒 Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Location: Old Town Monrovia, Myrtle Avenue between Olive and Palm Avenues
🎟️ Admission: Free
📄 Details: A weekly tradition in Old Town Monrovia featuring fresh produce, flowers, artisan goods, live music, children’s rides, and food vendors. Family-friendly with a festive community atmosphere. Free to attend.
Pasadena Farmers Market
📅 Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
🕒 Time: 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM
📍 Location: Victory Park, Pasadena
🎟️ Admission: Free
📄 Details: Regular Saturday market with fresh produce, cut flowers, artisanal foods. Great for morning strolls.
San Gabriel Farmers Market
📅 Date: Saturday (weekly) — September 27, 2025
🕒 Time: ~8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
📍 Location: Park & Ride Lot, 257 South Mission Drive, San Gabriel
🎟️ Admission: Free
📄 Details: Vendors with farm‑fresh produce, hot food, and artisan goods.
🛡️ Community Resources & Safety Updates
Alert San Gabriel: this is San Gabriel’s emergency communications system (SMS / email / voice / social media) for things like weather emergencies, critical incidents, road closures & public safety notices. Encouraging residents to sign up is useful. sangabrielcity.com
• LAIT911: tracks real-time incidents (fire, police, safety) across Los Angeles. Good for people wanting situational awareness. app.lait911.org
📸 Visual Highlights & Community Memories
🕰️ Recent SGV Community Memories (September 2025)
San Gabriel Valley Civic Alliance 90th Anniversary Gala
A recent gathering celebrating 90 years of civic leadership in the region. Community leaders, local businesses, and residents came together to mark the long‐standing work of the Civic Alliance in supporting the SGV. InstagramSan Gabriel’s Largest Fundraiser – “Cherishing San Gabriel’s History”
The San Gabriel Historical Association held its biggest fundraising event of the year in September, themed “Cherishing San Gabriel’s History.” The event highlighted local stories, preservation efforts, and raised awareness (and funds) for keeping San Gabriel’s heritage vibrant. InstagramMonrovia City Council Proclaims September as Childhood Cancer & Blood Cancer Awareness Month
On September 5, 2025, Monrovia officially recognized the month for childhood cancer and blood cancer awareness, also acknowledging the Volunteer Center of San Gabriel. A small but meaningful act of community solidarity and recognition. Monrovia City Gover
🎉 Fun & Unique Days to Celebrate This Week
📚 September 25 (Thu) – National Comic Book Day
Celebrate comic culture! Host a swap, showcase local artists, or highlight library graphic novels.🍏 September 26 (Fri) – National Pancake Day
Great excuse to enjoy flapjacks! Feature a local breakfast spot or share favorite recipes.🍇 September 27 (Sat) – Crush a Can Day
Promote recycling awareness. Try an aluminum art contest or neighborhood cleanup.🧺 September 28 (Sun) – National Good Neighbor Day
Encourage small acts of kindness—bake for a neighbor, host a block hangout, or post a local appreciation shoutout.📱 September 29 (Mon) – National Coffee Day
Spotlight local cafés, give away coffee gift cards, or host a “mug selfie” challenge.🐾 September 30 (Tue) – National Love People Day
A feel-good day focused on compassion and connection. Encourage random acts of kindness or community volunteering.🌍 October 1 (Wed) – World Vegetarian Day
Support plant-based dining! Share local veggie eats or host a vegetarian potluck.
🏟️ LA Sports This Week
Thu Sep 25 — Dodgers @ Arizona Diamondbacks, 12:40 PM PDT
Fri Sep 26 — Dodgers @ Seattle Mariners, 6:40 PM PDT
Sat Sep 27 — Dodgers @ Mariners, 6:40 PM PDT
Sun Sep 28 — Dodgers @ Mariners, 12:10 PM PDT
Thu Sep 25 — Angels vs. Kansas City Royals at Angel Stadium, 6:38 PM PDT
Fri Sep 26 to Sun Sep 28 — Angels hosting Houston Astros during that span.
Sun Sep 28 — Indianapolis Colts @ Los Angeles Rams — 1:05 PM PDT
Sun Sep 28 — Los Angeles Chargers @ New York Giants — 10:00 AM PDT
🏈 College Football
Sat Sep 27 — UCLA Bruins vs. Northwestern (location & time per UCLA’s schedule)
Sat Sep 27 — USC Trojans at Illinois
💡 Answer to Trivia Question:
Alhambra
🤝 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. 💛
