Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses—the newsletter that starts off your day, joined with a cup of coffee. Or a tooth brush in hand. You should brush before drinking coffee by the way. My dentist said so.
In Today’s News N’ Roses:
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Pasadena Awards Nearly $200K in Arts Grants
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El Cholo Pasadena Says Adiós After 25 Years
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Events This Monday & Tuesday
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Dine LA Restaurant Week
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Live Music Lowdown
Let’s get to it.
—Matthew Ramirez
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Happy Birthday Wijdan! 🎂🎉
THE DIGEST
Pasadena Awards Nearly $200K in Arts Grants
Pasadena just greenlit $191,490 in city arts grants for the upcoming fiscal year, supporting 35 projects across theater, dance, music, and visual arts. From major players like the Pasadena Playhouse and A Noise Within, to deeply personal works by individual artists, this year’s lineup is both bold and diverse.
Some of the Highlights include:
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A symphonic rock opera about modern Pasadena
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Dance honoring dementia patients’ “silent voices”
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A project putting musical instruments in the hands of 550 schoolkids
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Chalk art commemorating Route 66’s 100th anniversary and Colorado Blvd’s 150th
Local orgs like the Pasadena Conservatory of Music, Light Bringer Project, and Armory Center for the Arts will spearhead major educational and community-based programs. Expect new performances, field trips, workshops, and more. It’s nice to know that Pasadena is putting real dollars into creative impact where it counts most.
El Cholo Pasadena Says Adiós After 25 Years
After nearly a quarter-century of margaritas, burritos, tamales, and old-school charm, El Cholo Café in Pasadena will sadly close its doors on Sunday, August 3. Restaurateur Blair Salisbury confirmed the team is shifting focus to catering, which will now operate out of the original El Cholo location on Western Avenue in LA, alongside his father, Ron Salisbury. El Cholo brought comforting classics and a lively bar scene to Pasadena, becoming a favorite for those craving timeless Mexican dishes and strong margaritas. El Cholo, you’ll be missed. Good luck on your next venture!
@NEWSN_ROSES
RBAC Annual Masters Long Course Swim Meet
📷@therbac📍Rose Bowl Aquatic Center, Pasadena
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WHAT’S HAPPENING
Monday
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🎺 Brass Camp: Young brass players can sharpen their skills, build confidence, and jam with fellow musicians at this weeklong camp at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music. Monday, July 28 at 10:00AM. A great tune-up before the school year kicks off.
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👟 Run With Us: Monday Fun Run: Start your week with a casual 4- or 6-mile run through Pasadena. All paces (and pups) welcome. Monday, July 28 at 6:00PM. Meet behind the store—there’s always good company, gear giveaways, and a relaxed vibe.
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🍄 4th Anniversary Mycoverse Celebration – Learning Collaboration with Fungi: Celebrate four years of fungi-inspired community with a guided walk and creative activities at Arlington Garden. Explore how mushrooms can teach us about connection, mindfulness, and collective living. Monday, July 28 from 7:00PM–9:00PM. Thoughtful, immersive, and unlike anything else.
Tuesday
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🍑 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Villa Parke: Pick up fresh fruits, veggies, and farm goods straight from the source at this midweek market. No middlemen—just local growers, real flavor, and good vibes. Tuesday, July 29 from 8:30AM–12:30PM.
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🎼 PCC Performance Ensembles in Concert: Enjoy an afternoon of chamber music and jazz performed by Pasadena City College’s small ensemble students. Tuesday, July 29 from 4:00PM–6:00PM. A showcase of talent directed by Jamie Pedrini.
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🌊 Science Tuesdays at Kerckhoff Marine Lab: Each week, dive into a new ocean-themed topic with Caltech scientists, plus hands-on activities for all ages. Tuesday, July 29 from 4:30PM–6:00PM. Held at the Kerckhoff Marine Lab—come curious!
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🧶 Stitch ‘n’ Bitch: Bring your latest project—or just your curiosity—to this weekly crafting hang at Octavia’s Bookshelf. Knitting, crocheting, chatting, and good vibes all around. Tuesday, July 29 from 6:00PM–7:00PM.
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🌮 Taco Tuesday New Member Orientation: Thinking about joining the Junior League of Pasadena? This women-led nonprofit empowers local women to develop civic leadership skills and turn them into real, community-driven action. Learn how they’re making a difference in Pasadena through social activism-focused projects—all over tacos, of course. Tuesday, July 29 from 6:30PM–8:30PM. Open to new and prospective members.
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🍿 The Wizard of Oz on the Big Screen: Head to Regency Academy 6 for a classic movie night with Dorothy, Toto, and the whole crew. Follow the yellow brick road back to the magic of the original 1939 film—on the big screen where it belongs. Tuesday, July 29 at 7:30PM.
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🧠 Geeks Who Drink Trivia: Grab a team and flex your brainpower at T. Boyle’s Tavern during this fast-paced, pub-style trivia night. Tuesday, July 29 at 8:00PM. Fun questions, good drinks, and bragging rights on the line.
Save the Date
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🐱 CatCon: If you’re a cat person (or just cat-curious), this one’s for you. CatCon returns for its 10th anniversary with 150+ vendors, celeb meet & greets, giveaways, and the biggest feline adoption lounge around. It’s like Comic-Con—just fluffier. Saturday, August 2 from 10:00AM–5:00PM.
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🛍️ Rose Bowl Flea Market: Mark your calendars—the second Sunday of the month means vintage heaven at the Rose Bowl. With over 2,500 vendors offering antiques, clothing, art, and more, it’s a goldmine for treasure hunters and bargain lovers. Interested in selling? Call R.G. Canning at (323) 560-7469 to learn how to become a vendor. Sunday, August 10 (VIP entry at 5:00AM, general admission at 9:00AM).
Nothing in this section is sponsored. These are just the things you need to know. I’ll always let you know if something is sponsored!
CIVIL NEWS
City Hall opens its doors for the weekly council meeting, where local leaders make decisions that shape Pasadena’s future. Monday, July 28 at 6:00PM in the Council Chambers at Pasadena City Hall. A good chance to stay in the loop on city priorities.
Judy Chu’s Disaster Tax Relief Bill Becomes Law
A tax relief bill originally introduced by Pasadena Congresswoman Judy Chu is now federal law. The Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act gives the IRS and Treasury the power to extend tax deadlines as soon as a state-level emergency is declared, instead of waiting for a federal disaster declaration.
Under the new law, people in disaster zones will now get at least 120 days to file taxes—double the previous minimum. It’s a big win for families and small businesses trying to recover without added stress from tax penalties. Chu, who represents parts of Pasadena, called it a “commonsense change” to help people focus on what matters most in a crisis: rebuilding.
DINE LA RESTAURANT WEEK
🍽️ Dine LA Is Here— 31 Pasadena Restaurants Are In
Dine LA Restaurant Week runs now through August 8, and 31 Pasadena restaurants are offering special prix fixe lunch and dinner menus. No tickets needed—just make a reservation and ask for the Dine LA menu. Prices range from $15 to $65+.
Here’s who’s participating in Pasadena:
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Check menus and plan your food tour: discoverlosangeles.com/dinela
NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER
Monday
81 🌡️ 62 |☀️| 💨 SW 6 mph
🌆 Air Quality Index: 49 (Good)
Tuesday
85 🌡️ 64 |☀️| 💨 S 7 mph
Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar.
LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
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🎹 Triple Shot Jazz Trio: Ease into your Monday with live jazz at Jones Coffee Roasters. Triple Shot brings smooth improvisation and original tunes with a hint of gospel and funk. Monday, July 28 at 9:00AM. Get there early—seats fill up fast.
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🎸 The Riner Scivally Trio at Edwin Mills: Settle in for an evening of jazz standards, Brazilian rhythms, and original compositions with local guitar legend Riner Scivally and his trio. Monday, July 28 from 6:00PM–10:00PM. Smooth, skillful, and seriously cool.
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🎶 The Coffee Shop Jazz Trio: Ease into your Tuesday with modern jazz and Latin fusion, led by pianist Matt Politano and his trio at Jones Coffee Roasters. Tuesday, July 29 at 8:30AM. A mellow morning soundtrack worth showing up early for.
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🎼 PCC Performance Ensembles in Concert: Enjoy an afternoon of chamber music and jazz performed by Pasadena City College’s small ensemble students. Tuesday, July 29 from 4:00PM–6:00PM. A showcase of talent directed by Jamie Pedrini.
THANKS!
Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, share it with someone who eats all of the popcorn during the previews before the movie starts. 🍿
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