Publisher’s Note: July/August 2024

Twenty years ago, my husband and I were newlyweds living in a townhouse in West Hollywood. We felt like we lived in the center of the world. But then we had a child and realized we wanted something less chic and more chill.

Having grown up in the leafy Chicago suburb of Oak Park, I wanted a small-town vibe. So, we chose Pasadena. We moved our small family into what was, for us, the unknown. But over time, I met folks from all walks of Pasadena’s life. Our house, and our city, quickly became a home.

We now have two children in college and a third entering high school in the fall. The college kids are always excited to come home, and while we like to think it’s because they love their parents, we realize it’s largely because they love Pasadena. It’s a town we’ve all come to love.

Pasadena is full of small blessings. Some of my favorites include strolling around Huntington Gardens on a spring morning, lazily wandering through the galleries at the Norton Simon Museum, and going to football games, concerts, and kids’ sporting events at the iconic Rose Bowl as the majestic San Gabriel mountains watch over us.

On my birthday, I treat myself to the butter cake from Nick’s, while my kids devour “bundtinis” from Nothing Bundt Cakes. Friday dinner is dumplings from Dan’s Chinese or Lunasia. A good Saturday ends with the guacamole and some churro ice cream at Mercado, or the cucumbers at Din Tai Fung. We celebrate special events at the incredible Smith Brothers restaurants — Arroyo Chop House, Smitty’s, and the Parkway Grill.

Because Pasadena is essentially a small town, I get to frequent amazing places owned by friends, like Harmony Nails and Bravo Salon. My kids have all had their teeth straightened by Hambleton & MacFarlane Orthodontics. Magnolia House, Gus’s BBQ, and Pez Cantina are owned and operated by some of the nicest people in town. And if I ever want to sell or buy a house, we have so many amazing real estate firms to choose from.

It’s an honor to work at Pasadena Magazine. I get to interact with and promote this small, cozy, friendly city right outside Los Angeles that I love so much. What else could anyone ask for?

Jennifer Gunn

Associate Publisher