Walking History of Arroyo Advocacy and Activism

TheCity of Pasadena Department of Transportationis committed to achieving the safe, efficient and convenient movement of people and goods within Pasadena, while concurrently ensuring a balance between land use and transportation to maintain a livable community in which cars are not necessary to travel within the city.Day Oneis a community-based nonprofit organization with more than a 30-year history of providing effective, high quality and culturally-sensitive public health education, intervention, and policy development in the San Gabriel Valley. We believe In building vibrant, healthy cities by advancing public health, empowering youth, and igniting change.Pasadena Complete Streets Coalitionis an all-volunteer group working for cleaner, healthier, sustainable, and more inclusive transportation and planning solutions in Pasadena.

Day One, PasadenaCSC, Pasadena DOT

Marcus Renner PhD will take you in and around Pasadena's scenic Lower Arroyo with stops to tell a story of conservation and controversy.

368 Arroyo Terrace

Walktober Pasadena 2025

Walktober is a month-long series of walking events in Pasadena, sponsored by the City of Pasadena Department of Transportation. Day One and the Pasadena Complete Streets Coalition are the primary organizers with numerous partner groups and volunteers.

The Arroyo Seco is one of the most well-loved green spaces in Los Angeles County, but how did it become one of the region's premiere parks and what is its relationship to the civil rights struggles in Pasadena, the city’s economic history and artistic heritage, and the Historic Arroyo Seco Parkway (aka The Pasadena Freeway) that runs down its center? Join Marcus Renner, who recently completed his PhD dissertation on Pasadena’s Arroyo, for a walk through the Arroyo's past, recounting the history of advocacy that led to the Arroyo we have today and the Arroyo we could have tomorrow.This walk will weave in and around Pasadena's scenic Lower Arroyo with stops to tell a story of conservation and controversy. Did you know that the Rose Bowl was once a garbage dump or that the State of California almost took over management of the Arroyo? Marcus will also provide background on current projects and debates involving Pasadena’s Arroyo. This walk will feature locations and stories everyone who appreciates the Arroyo should know.The walk will travel approximately 3.5 miles and requires crossing rough and rocky ground. Please wear sturdy and comfortable shoes and consider bringing a hat, sunscreen, water, and a snack so you can fully enjoy the experience. Participants will receive online access to a 200-page timeline and historic images marking changes in Pasadena’s Arroyo through time. <ul><li>Total distance will be approximately 3.5 miles.</li><li>We recommend wearing sturdy and comfortable walking shoes, sunblock, and a hat.</li><li>We also recommend bringing water and a snack.</li></ul>Please register in advance to help us anticipate the number of attendees. <ul><li>We encourage walking, biking or taking transit to all Walktober events. Check the <a href="https://www.cityofpasadena.net/pasadena-transit/" title="https://www.cityofpasadena.net/pasadena-transit/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Pasadena Transit </a>and <a href="https://www.metro.net/" title="https://www.metro.net/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Metro</a> websites for transit options. <a href="http://google.com/maps" title="http://google.com/maps" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Google maps</a> walking and biking directions can also be helpful.</li><li>City installed bike racks are not available at or near the start location.</li><li>Street parking is available at or near the start location. Check the parking signs for restrictions or pay options.</li><li>Paid off-street parking is not available in the area.</li></ul>For accessibility information and requests, contact (626) 744-7311 or <a href="mailto:CSC@cityofpasadena.net" title="mailto:CSC@cityofpasadena.net" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">CSC@cityofpasadena.net</a>.​Providing at least 72 hours advance notice will help ensure availability. This event is part of Walktober Pasadena 2025, made possible by the<a href="https://www.cityofpasadena.net/transportation/" title="https://www.cityofpasadena.net/transportation/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer"> City of Pasadena Department of Transportation</a>, <a href="http://godayone.org" title="http://godayone.org" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Day One</a>, and the <a href="https://www.pasadenacsc.org/" title="https://www.pasadenacsc.org/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Pasadena Complete Streets Coalition</a>.

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