Pasadena, California was founded in 1872 when a group from Indiana moved to the warmer climate of Southern California. Pasadena has a population of around 148,000, with over half identifying as white and over a third as Latino. Popular tourist destinations in Pasadena include the San Gabriel Mountains, Knott's Berry Farm, art galleries, beaches, and Chinese and Mexican food. The document provides details on a planned 10-day trip to Pasadena, California, where the writer will stay with the Ayala family and visit various local attractions.

1. Pasadena, California A trip to…

2. About Pasadena Pasadena was founded when a severe Indiana winter in 1872 prompted a group of friends from Indianapolis to form an investment group with the purpose of moving to the warmer climate of Southern California. Sent to scout the area, D. M. Berry recommended purchasing a portion of the Rancho San Pasqual, which later became Pasadena. Red-crowned parrots are frequently seen/heard in the area. Pasadena adopted the rose as its official flower on September 22, 1961.

3. Pasadena Facts Population: est. 148,128 (CA Finance Dept 2008) Median age: 37 Ethnicity: 55.8% white, 33.0% Latino, 13.4% 12.7% Asian, 0.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.0% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, and 17.5% other. (Percentages may add to more than 100% because individuals may report more than one race.) Language: 55.1% English, 28.1% Spanish Education: 85.5% high school graduates and 45.6% a bachelor degree or higher (Age 25+). Crime Rate: Rated #281 on a list of 393 popular cites, after Camden (#1), Newark (#28), Trenton (#32), Philadelphia (#21), and NYC #251) ( http://os.cqpress.com/citycrime/2009/CityCrime2009_Rank_Rev.pdf) Location: San Gabriel mountains to the north, and seven cities surround http://cityofpasadena.net/Pasadena_Statisitcs /

4. Surrounding Areas Arcadia San Marino South Pasadena San Gabriel Pacific Ocean

5. Flight Information Trip will be 10 days (2 of which are travel days) Cost of flight is as low as $433 round trip (including taxes) Virgin-Atlantic Airways offers non-stop, roundtrip from JFK to LAX and back for this rate Every other airway option is more expensive (at least $490) and with transfers made in TN, MI, OH, or UT

6. Trip Information From LAX, the Ayala’s will pick me up and bring me to their home I will be housed in the Ayala household for the duration of my trip. During my 8 days in California, Allie has made plans to show me around. Knott’s Berry Farm, Art Galleries, Comedy Shows, Beaches, Chinese Food, Mexican Food, LA and other tourist destinations, as well as a road trip to San Francisco.

7. The Ayala Family Father: Damon Ayala Mother: Cynthia Cordova-Ayala 1 st daughter: Jessica Ayala (UCLA graduate; currently engaged and pregnant with a baby girl) 2 nd daughter: Alexandria Ayala (St. Bonaventure University) 3 rd daughter: Danielle Ayala 1 st son: Jacob Ayala

8. Ayala House 2940 Thorndike Rd Pasadena, CA 91107-5359

9. The Magic Word Sure, I could put it off until next year, or the year after that, or even the year after that, but the fact is this: I am both young enough and old enough. I can walk fine, think fine, be fine. I have few responsibilities other than school at this point in life. I am fortunate enough to have a flexible job. Our house can survive without me. The eight months I was at school are evident of this. Who knows how things will change over this upcoming year. Truth is, this good of an opportunity might not exist in 10 months. This is an opportunity of a lifetime. I have a friend there now. I won’t have to spend money on a hotel room. I can stay with a wonderful family, and I can experience the west coast. “ Opportunity ”

10. Thank You for Your Time Please help yourself to some complimentary tea and homemade cupcakes!