WHERE ROOTS RUN DEEP
A Guide to The ’Dena & the San Gabriel Valley by Cassandra Giraldo
SANCTUARIES LA EXPLORES THE QUIETER SIDE OF LOS ANGELES THROUGH DESIGN.
ROOTED IN THE BELIEF THAT SANCTUARY EXISTS EVERYWHERE, OFTEN HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT.
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I asked Cassandra Giraldo to create this guide because she’s one of my favorite people and someone whose perspective I deeply trust. As a cinematographer and photographer, Cassie has a gift for noticing the details that make a place feel like home. Though her Altadena home survived the Eaton Fire, it sits just blocks from the burn line, and the experience profoundly shaped her connection to the community she loves. What follows is her version of The ’Dena: a collection of favorite restaurants, neighborhood institutions, weekend rituals, and San Gabriel Valley gems that together capture the spirit of this remarkable corner of Los Angeles County.
- Shelby Nico Diamond
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHELBY NICO DIAMOND
Hi my name is Cassandra Giraldo, commonly known as Cassie by my friends and neighbors. I’m a cinematographer based in Los Angeles. I’m actually a born and bred Angeleno, hailing from the San Fernando Valley to be precise (818 for life!). After a decade-long stint in NYC, I decided to move back home three years ago, and have been a proud resident of Pasadena-Altadena ever since.
SUPPORTING ALTADENA
Many of these places on this list were either spared by the fires or are working hard to rebuild in their aftermath. Supporting them is a meaningful way to help Altadena preserve the character, resilience, and sense of community that make it so special.
NATURAL SPACES
EATON CANYON
I live walking distance to Eaton Canyon. Before the fires, it was a weekly pilgrimage my dog Scout and I made. There are so many trails to discover inside, the most famous and popular being the hike up to the famous waterfall.
I hate its association with the devastating fires earlier this year because it is such a sacred and special place. Sadly the park is closed until further notice but you can follow for updates here and/or donate and support the ENCA which is working to restore and reopen the park. My dog and I still walk past it and have been thrilled to see all the regrowth.ARROYO SECO TRAIL + ROSE BOWL LOOP
The Arroyo Seco trail walk has become a ritual every Saturday morning. The loop is just south of the Rose Bowl. Our favorite way to enter is via the pathways behind the Rose Bowl Aquatic Center. For a really ambitious hike you can walk a portion of the Rose Bowl loop and take the back pathways behind the golf course all the way up to Hahamonga Watershed Park which has epic views of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab.
MT. WILSON TRAIL
You can catch this historic trail from the foothills of beautiful Sierra Madre, a town just adjacent to us here in Northeast Pasadena/Altadena. Sadly many parts of the trail were affected by the fires but restoration efforts are underway. If you’d like to donate or support, check out the folks behind the annual Mt. Wilson Trail Recovery Race.
MT. WILSON OBSERVATORY
Perched high above the city, this historic observatory offers breathtaking views and fascinating insight into the astronomical discoveries that transformed our understanding of the universe. The scenic drive through the Angeles National Forest is reason enough to visit. While you’re there, consider booking a tour of the observatory itself — and, if your timing aligns, don’t miss the beloved summer concert series held among the telescopes, which is on my own list to experience this year.
ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST
A fun day trip to take your dog for an epic hike on a weekend. Notable trails include Grizzly Flats and Switzer Falls.
MILLARD FALLS
Unfortunately road access is still closed due to the fires, but worth monitoring for future visits.
HUNTINGTON LIBRARY & GARDENS
One of Southern California’s crown jewels. Spend an afternoon wandering through Japanese gardens, desert landscapes, and rose collections, then duck into the galleries or library exhibitions. A membership is well worth it if you live nearby.
LACY PARK
A beloved green space in neighboring San Marino that feels worlds away from the city. It’s perfect for picnics, stroller walks, reading under a shady tree, or simply slowing down for a few hours. Admission is free on weekdays, while non-residents pay a modest fee of $4 per person on weekends.
DINING & DRINKING
One of the best things about living in this pocket of Los Angeles is the food. From neighborhood institutions to newer favorites, Pasadena and Altadena reward curiosity — and are perfect for everything from casual lunches to celebratory dinners.
BETSY
A new restaurant that survived the Eaton fires and is bringing Angelenos out to Altadena. At the corner of Mariposa Ave where a lot of businesses were lost, the restaurant has revitalized the corner along with neighboring restaurant Miya. The restaurant features live fire cooking, reclaiming fire’s positive connotations. It’s been great to see how locals have been rebuilding in the community and this is just one of many examples. They recently opened a wine bar, Bar Betsy, right next to the restaurant which is a delightful meet up spot at sunset to catch up with a friend and to appreciate and commemorate the beauty of the Dena.
GOOD NEIGHBOR BAR & ALTADENA WINE AND SPIRITS
A hip bar that opened up before the fires, this welcoming spot has gained even more popularity, becoming another community hub for neighbors affected by the fires. A map of the fire’s devastation sits in front of the bar to act as a reminder that the community remains and to allow neighbors and fire victims to feel seen. The patio is both dog and kid friendly and hosts nightly pop ups with local food haunts.
WOON
One of my favorite homestyle Chinese restaurants is now walking distance — and delivery distance — from my house! Beautiful space, friendly service, fun pop-up events and a very popular brunch on weekends.
BEVEL COFFEE
Bevel Coffee started as a pop up in Prime Pizza’s front courtyard but they’re now officially a brick and mortar on the same block as Altadena Bev. Huge news for the neighborhood! Delicious brews, friendly staff, and a true neighborhood gem.
HIGHLIGHT COFFEE
A neighborhood favorite serving excellent coffee with a strong sense of community. A wonderful spot to grab your morning drink while supporting a beloved Altadena small business.
MIYA
Homestyle Thai food in the heart of Altadena. Support the old neighborhood while enjoying some Thai is this very cute restaurant. This year they made LA Time’s best Thai restaurants in Los Angeles.
SEED BAKERY
My favorite local bakery. If you’re headed to a dinner party and need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, pick up a few pastries or a loaf of bread from Seed. Everything is thoughtfully made, seasonal, and somehow feels both elevated and comforting.
ROMA MARKET
Home of Pasadena’s legendary Italian sandwich. The hype is absolutely real. Order “The Sandwich” exactly as it comes and thank me later.
CLUB 1881
Don’t let its unassuming location fool you: Pasadena’s oldest continuously operating cocktail bar is also one of its best. A longtime local favorite, 1881 pairs classic cocktails and European aperitifs with some of the finest live jazz in LA County.
OLD SASOON BAKERY
An institution serving Armenian and Middle Eastern specialties. The khachapuri is a must-order, but honestly, it’s hard to go wrong here. The lahmajoun, manaeesh, and savory pastries have earned this family-run bakery a devoted following.
LAVENDER & HONEY ESPRESSO BAR
A cozy neighborhood café ideal for a casual breakfast meeting, working remotely for an hour, or catching up with a friend over excellent coffee and fresh toasts.
LUNASIA DIM SUM HOUSE
Some of the best dim sum in the San Gabriel Valley. Go with a group, order liberally, and don’t skip the shrimp dumplings or baked barbecue pork buns.
SICHUAN STREET FOOD
A go-to for bold, spicy flavors and comforting noodle dishes. Perfect when you’re craving something warming, flavorful, and unfussy.
CANNONBALL
One of South Pasadena’s standout newer additions. The food is excellent, but even if you’re not staying for dinner, it’s worth stopping in for a cocktail at the bar. A wonderful choice for a special occasion or date night.
PRIME PIZZA
On the same corner as Armen Market and Altadena Bev, Prime has become a wonderful community hub since the fires. The restaurant has hosted a lot of neighborhood potlucks and fundraisers, and flyers and resources posted outside the restaurant make it feel like a community center. Prime is a chain but the pizza is delicious — I prefer the square pizza — and there’s a great courtyard to mingle with your fellow neighbors and catch a Dodger Game on their big screen TV.
OLD PASADENA
More generally, don’t overlook Downtown Pasadena itself. It’s one of the most underrated food neighborhoods in Los Angeles, with everything from destination restaurants to cozy cafés tucked between historic architecture and independent shops.
SHOPS
Pasadena and Altadena are full of independently owned shops that reflect the creativity, warmth, and slightly eccentric spirit of the neighborhood. These are the places I find myself returning to again and again.
ELEMENTI
A beautifully curated shop specializing in one-of-a-kind furniture, handmade home goods, and vintage finds. They also have an incredible selection of secondhand clothing. It’s the kind of place you pop into “just to look” and inevitably leave with something special. I’ve been a fan of owners Frank and Rihanna for years — their eye for design and commitment to craftsmanship shines through in every corner of the shop.
REMAINDERS CREATIVE REUSE
A nonprofit treasure trove for artists, teachers, and anyone who loves to make things. Filled with donated craft supplies, fabrics, art materials, and unexpected odds and ends, it’s equal parts art supply store and scavenger hunt. A genuinely fun stop, even if you don’t consider yourself particularly crafty.
SAMY’S CAMERA
An institution for photographers and filmmakers in Los Angeles. Whether you need a last-minute memory card, want to browse gear, or just enjoy talking shop with people who truly know their equipment, Samy’s is worth the visit. A rite of passage for anyone working in visual storytelling.
OCTAVIA’S BOOKSHELF
A thoughtfully curated independent bookstore dedicated to centering BIPOC voices and building community through literature. Named in honor of science fiction author Octavia E. Butler, the shop hosts events, book clubs, and conversations that extend well beyond its shelves.
SIBYLLINE RECORDS
A small but mighty record store with an excellent selection of new and used vinyl. The curation leans eclectic and intentional, making it easy to discover something unexpected. Even if you don’t collect records, it’s worth stopping in for the atmosphere alone.
VROMAN’S BOOKSTORE
Southern California’s oldest independent bookstore, and one of Pasadena’s true institutions. Family-owned since 1894, Vroman’s offers an extensive selection of books, gifts, stationery, and frequent author events. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why independent bookstores matter. Plan to linger.
ALTADENA BEVERAGE & MARKET
Just a short walking distance from my house, I love this woman-owned neighborhood shop which curates delicious and eclectic wines, spirits, foods, and home goods. Join the wine club or visit on the weekends for the rotating pop up events hosting local eateries and food vendors. Their homegoods shop Zinnie’s is also my go-to spot for gifts.
ARMEN MARKET
Across the street from Altadena Wine & Bev, Armen Market is another local grocery with an amazing selection of produce, Mediterranean spices and dips, as well as imported goods from outside the U.S. I love getting imported beers, baclava, dried fruits, and obscure snacks, candies and carbonated water from Europe.
ARTS & CULTURE
EATON CANYON ALTADENA LIBRARY
I have a passion for libraries so it’s quite convenient that Pasadena & Altadena have some of the most beautiful libraries you want to spend time in. The main library in Altadena was spared from the fires and hosts wonderful community events for the public. It’s also an incredibly beautiful building.
PASADENA PLAYHOUSE
California’s official State Theater and one of Pasadena’s cultural anchors. The Playhouse stages everything from new works to acclaimed revivals, often before productions move on to larger venues. Even if you’re not a regular theatergoer, it’s worth keeping an eye on their calendar.
NORTON SIMON MUSEUM
One of Los Angeles’ most underrated museums. Its collection spans European masters, Asian sculpture, and modern art, all within an intimate setting that never feels crowded. The sculpture garden alone is worth the visit.
SID THE CAT PRESENTS AT THE DAILY
Indie promoter Sid the Cat has transformed a historic South Pasadena elementary school into one of the area’s most charming live music venues. We saw an unforgettable Jonathan Richman show in the former school gymnasium. There’s also a great bar space that regularly hosts DJs, making it a fun destination even on nights without a concert.
LANDMARK PASADENA CINEMA
Quite possibly the most comfortable movie theater in Los Angeles. Spacious reclining seats, a thoughtfully curated mix of independent and mainstream films, and a location that makes pairing a movie with dinner easy.
COMMUNITY & EVENTS
SOUTH PASADENA FARMER’S MARKET
A local favorite that manages to feel genuinely neighborly. Come for seasonal produce and flowers, stay for breakfast, live music, and people-watching.
ROSE BOWL FLEA MARKET
First Sunday of every month. One of the most famous flea markets in the country. Whether you’re hunting for vintage furniture, antique jewelry, artwork, or simply looking for inspiration, it’s worth dedicating a morning to exploring.
FIRST FRIDAY WINE TASTINGS AT THE GAMBLE HOUSE
One of the area’s most magical recurring events. Enjoy thoughtfully selected wines while spending an evening on the grounds of the iconic Gamble House, one of the finest examples of American Arts and Crafts architecture.
HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURE & WALKING TOURS
Pasadena is a dream for architecture lovers. From Craftsman masterpieces and grand Victorian homes to Art Deco gems, there are countless opportunities to explore the city’s design history on foot.
JET PROPULSION LAB TOURS
Few places capture Pasadena’s unique blend of intellect and imagination quite like NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Public tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at the science and engineering behind space exploration. Reservations are required and tend to book up well in advance.
ROSE BOWL AQUATIC CENTER
A fantastic community resource offering swimming lessons, lap swim, water fitness classes, and recreational programming for all ages. Particularly wonderful for families.
EATON CANYON CHRISTMAS TREE LANE FESTIVAL
Mark your calendars for my favorite time of year. Grab some mulled wine or hot cocoa and walk through the Christmas market and admire the beautiful 100+ year-old cedar trees lit up with Christmas lights.
SAN GABRIEL VALLEY EXCURSIONS
One of Pasadena’s greatest perks is its proximity to the wider San Gabriel Valley. Within a 10–20 minute drive, you’ll find charming small-town main streets, world-class Chinese food, and some of Southern California’s most beloved institutions.
DOWNTOWN SIERRA MADRE
A picturesque foothill town with a wonderfully old-fashioned feel. Spend an afternoon browsing local shops, grabbing a coffee, or having brunch before wandering the quiet residential streets lined with historic homes.
SANTA ANITA PARK
One of America’s most beautiful racetracks, set against the backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains. Whether you’re a devoted horse racing fan or simply there for the atmosphere, it’s a uniquely Southern California experience.
LA COUNTY ARBORETUM & BOTANIC GARDEN
Located in Arcadia, this sprawling 127-acre garden offers peacocks roaming freely, historic architecture, and miles of walking paths through diverse landscapes. It’s especially lovely in the spring.
THE SHOPS AT SANTA ANITA
A surprisingly useful stop for errands, shopping, or escaping the heat. Beyond the typical mall offerings, it also serves as a gateway to many of Arcadia’s excellent restaurants.
CHINESE FOOD IN THE SGV
If you love food, this deserves its own category. The San Gabriel Valley is home to one of the most celebrated Chinese dining scenes outside of China, with extraordinary regional specialties spanning Sichuan, Cantonese, Shanghainese, Taiwanese, and beyond. Don’t be afraid to venture beyond familiar dishes — some of the area’s most memorable meals are found in modest strip malls.
BUILDING BACK ALTADENA
The Eaton Fire left a profound mark on Altadena, and several of the community’s most beloved gathering places and cultural institutions were lost. While buildings can be rebuilt, the spirit of these places lives on through the people who created them and the neighbors who cherished them. If you’re able, consider supporting their rebuilding efforts and helping ensure that Altadena’s unique character endures.
RANCHO BAR
A favorite neighborhood watering hole known for its welcoming atmosphere, strong drinks, and unpretentious charm. More than just a bar, it was a gathering place where locals became regulars and regulars became friends.
SIDE PIE
A beloved pizza spot around the corner from Rancho Bar that brought people together over great food and community spirit. Whether you came for a quick slice or lingered over dinner with friends, Side Pie represented the kind of independently owned neighborhood business that gives Altadena its soul.
THE BUNNY MUSEUM
One of Altadena’s most delightfully eccentric treasures. Home to an astonishing collection dedicated entirely to rabbits, the museum embodied the creativity and whimsy that make Altadena so special. Its loss was deeply felt by residents and visitors alike.
ALTADENA PHOTOGRAPHERS
A longstanding photography studio and local institution that documented generations of families, milestones, and community history. Supporting their recovery means helping preserve a piece of Altadena’s collective memory.
ZORTHIAN RANCH
An extraordinary artist enclave tucked into the hills of Altadena, known for its eclectic architecture, creative gatherings, and decades-long legacy as a haven for artists, musicians, and free thinkers. Few places captured Altadena’s unconventional spirit quite like Zorthian Ranch.
If these places speak to you, consider learning more about their rebuilding efforts and contributing if you’re able. Recovery is a long process, and community support — whether financial, through advocacy, or simply by sharing their stories — can help ensure that Altadena emerges from this chapter with its identity intact.
Altadena has always been defined by its creativity, resilience, and deep sense of neighborliness. Rebuilding isn’t just about restoring structures; it’s about preserving the people and places that make this community feel like home.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length.