Originally part of the Rancho San Pascual, which gives the unincorporated community area its name, San Pasqual experienced earlier development of infrastructure compared to other communities in the West San Gabriel Valley (WSGV) Planning Area due to its proximity to Pasadena. Historically, San Pasqual largely mirrors the development patterns of southern portions of Pasadena and South Pasadena.
San Pasqual was originally zoned only for single family housing. Many of the large houses in San Pasqual were constructed between 1910 and 1920. Smaller lots, developed with builder-designed homes that mimic the style and design of the more elaborate estates along San Pasqual Street, date back to the late 1910s and 1920s west of Sierra Madre Boulevard.
The area east of Sierra Madre Boulevard had similar improvements during the 1920s, in addition to early subdivided lots and cul-de-sacs designed with 1940s and 1950s development patterns. Infill residential development occurred from the 1950s to the present. Three notable subdivisions located near its eastern boundary represent the only group of uniformly designed houses within the community. Builders and designers associated with San Pasqual include Oscar Lee, Clarence P. Day, Frederick Edward Chapman, and Martin P. Zielinksy.
Location
San Pasqual is a 0.26 square mile unincorporated community located in the center portion of the WSGV Planning Area. The community shares boundaries with the cities of Pasadena to the north, east, and west, and San Marino to the south. Slightly farther east of San Pasqual is the unincorporated community of East Pasadena-East San Gabriel, also in the WSGV Planning Area.
Current Development Pattern
San Pasqual has a generally flat topography throughout the community. The main corridor, Sierra Madre Boulevard, runs through the community from north to south. Sierra Madre Boulevard is lined with commercial uses and community amenities, including a pharmacy, a deli, a dry cleaner, a dance studio, a Montessori school, a medical office, and a medical lab. Beyond these commercial uses and community amenities, San Pasqual is developed primarily with housing. Along and near Sierra Madre Boulevard, there are a few multifamily residences ranging from one to three stories in height. To the east and west of Sierra Madre Boulevard there are primarily one- and two-story single-family residences. The community includes a handful of neighborhood blocks and is arranged primarily in a grid layout, with a few cul-de-sacs mixed in.
Land Use and Zoning
Land uses in San Pasqual are dedicated almost exclusively to housing. Most of the land in San Pasqual is classified as residential (99%), with a small percentage to commercial (1%), per the land use policy map.
Housing Data
San Pasqual has a total of 907 housing units. Approximately 60% are owner-occupied, while 40% are renter occupied. However, with increasing housing costs, many in the community are facing additional financial burdens. Approximately 46% of residents do not earn enough income to affordably rent a median value rental unit, based on current median housing costs and median income.
Demographics
The community of San Pasqual has a population of 1,919 as of 2021. San Pasqual makes up approximately 3% of the WSGV Planning Area population.
Race and Ethnicity
San Pasqual is a diverse community made up of residents identifying as Asian (34%), Hispanic/Latinx (13.2%), White (46%), African American (3%), and Multiple Races (3.3%).
Opportunities
- Community Amenities: Leveraging the existing community amenities in San Pasqual along Sierra Madre Boulevard, such as the school, pharmacy, and healthcare service establishments, presents an opportunity to further diversify existing land uses and housing types that build off of and connect to existing amenities.
- Income and Education: The high levels of educational attainment and above-average median household income in San Pasqual offer a strong foundation for future planning efforts geared toward promoting economic stability. Allocating resources to support residents who fall below the income and education averages will advance equity and foster an inclusive community.
- Diversity: The diversity in San Pasqual, including both a substantial Asian American population and a significant population of residents over the age of 55, provides an opportunity for the community to promote cultural exchange and inclusivity, fostering a more vibrant and united environment for all residents.
- Pedestrian and Transit Connectivity: The existing street tree canopy and adequate shade cover promotes a safe, comfortable pedestrian experience and provides an opportunity for the creation of green spaces, small parks, or recreational facilities within the community. Exploration of partnerships with rideshare services or community shuttle programs provides an opportunity for improved mobility for residents who do not drive.
Parks Needs Assessment
In 2016, the Department of Parks and Recreation analyzed the park needs countywide, and in 2022, the Department of Parks and Recreation released a focused update to the 2016 park needs analysis. Below is the link for the assessment for San Pasqual.
Next Steps
Want more information or have insider knowledge about San Pasqual?
We would love to hear about it! Contact us at esensibile@planning.lacounty.gov or give us a call at (213) 974-6425.
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