Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses—the newsletter that’s never on time or late. It arrives precisely when it means to.
In Today’s News N’ Roses:
Doo Dah Parade Canceled—Blame Fire & Funding 😢
Design Commission Signs Off on New East Colorado Porsche Dealership
Events This Weekend
Civil News
Live Music Lowdown
Let’s get to it.
—Matthew Ramirez
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THE DIGEST
Doo Dah Parade Canceled—Blame Fire & Funding
The Doo Dah Parade, the delightfully absurd cousin of the Rose Parade, sadly won’t be hitting Colorado Boulevard this year. Between the Eaton wildfires displacing thousands and some shaky funding, the Light Bringer Project says the 2025 edition is postponed.
It’s a tough call, but they want to give the community time to recover. In case you don’t know what the Doo Dah Parade is, it’s Pasadena’s way of gently poking fun at the Rose Parade while giving everyone a day to let loose and be delightfully ridiculous. When Doo Dah first rolled in 1978, it was a love letter from Pasadena’s creative misfits: artists, musicians, and all-around screwballs marching with synchronized briefcase teams, John Malkovich look-alikes, and more papier-mâché heads than you could count. As last year’s Queen Dena put it: “It’s a way for people to express themselves… and I think art is a very important form of expression.” Couldn’t have said it better.
It’s a bummer that this year’s parade was canceled, but if there’s any consolation, at least now you’ve got until November 2026 to upgrade your jester costume or finally build that giant sandwich float you’ve been talking about. Last year’s roster included Count Smokula, the Radioactive Chickenheads, and the World’s Tallest Girl Scout—so the bar is high (literally).
Design Commission Signs Off on New East Colorado Porsche Dealership
The city’s Design Commission unanimously approved the final design for a new Rusnak Porsche dealership at 2915 E. Colorado Blvd., a 61,370-square-foot sales and service facility with a 4,864-square-foot automated carwash. The project spans multiple parcels, includes a public art plaza, and will replace Nina Street with pedestrian space.
Commissioners added four conditions: a unified accessible entrance for all abilities, dark-sky–compliant lighting, lighter brick to avoid a monolithic look, and a sustainability review of the proposed synthetic turf. Architect Goree Whitfield and Rusnak/Pasadena now move to plan check and permits.
I can’t afford a Porsche — but who knows, maybe one day they’ll sponsor this newsletter.
@NEWSN_ROSES
📷@pasadenaplayhouse📍Pasadena Playhouse
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WHAT’S HAPPENING
Friday
🥦 Free Produce Distribution & Monthly Health Fair at Pasadena Senior Center: Stop by the Pasadena Senior Center patio for fresh vegetables from The Order of Malta Mobile Ministries, plus free health screenings, blood pressure and glucose checks, and hearing tests. Friday, August 15 from 9:00AM–11:00AM.
🎨 Portraits in Watercolor: Artist Robert Sherrill leads an eight-part series at The Huntington on capturing expressive, lifelike portraits with watercolor, open to all skill levels. Friday, August 15 from 9:00AM–12:00PM.
🖼️ Tour: Images of Summer: A guided look at artworks that capture the colors, light, and energy of summer at the Norton Simon Museum. Friday, August 15 from 1:00PM–2:00PM.
🎬 Film: Nosferatu (1922) Meets Radiohead: The iconic silent horror film gets a jolt of modern edge as Nosferatu’s haunting visuals collide with the atmospheric, unsettling sounds of Radiohead’s Kid A and Amnesiac. A bold, hypnotic mashup of past and present you won’t forget. Friday, August 15 at 7:30PM.
🌙 Summer Movie Nights: Robin Hood: Watch Disney’s animated Robin Hood under the stars at The Huntington—bring a picnic, relax on the lawn, and enjoy a summer night with this classic adventure. Friday, August 15 from 7:00PM–10:00PM.
🎭 Rumors: A High Tea, Immersive Theatre Experience: I’ve been to one of these high-tea immersive shows at Madeline Garden Bistro before and really loved it—the atmosphere, the food, and the way the performance unfolds right around you. This time, it’s Neil Simon’s razor-sharp farce Rumors, where a dinner party unravels into scandal and hilarity. The full English high tea includes cream scones with clotted cream and jam, a summer salad, assorted tea sandwiches and savories, and desserts like crème brûlée, tiramisu, and chocolate strawberries. Friday, August 15 & Saturday, August 16 at 7PM.
🎥 Altadena Library’s Movie Night & Free Backpack Giveaway: Wrap up summer with an outdoor screening of Jumanji at the Altadena Library on August 15, then stop by Bob Lucas Memorial Library between August 18–22 for a free backpack (ages 6–12, while supplies last), courtesy of GitHub. Friday, August 15 at 8:00PM.
Saturday
🥕 Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Victory Park: Fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and other farm products straight from the people who grow them—plus small-batch jams, jellies, and more. Saturday, August 16 from 8:30AM–12:30PM.
👕 Young & Healthy Clothing Sale: Pick up back-to-school clothing, shoes, and accessories for all ages while supporting healthcare services for underserved kids and families in Pasadena. Saturday, August 16 from 8:30AM–1:30PM.
🧘 Yoga at Remainders Creative Reuse: A grounding class focused on strength, flexibility, and calm—combining movement, breathwork, and relaxation in a welcoming space. Saturday, August 16 at 9:30AM.
🥦 Altadena Farmers’ Free Community Market: Farm-fresh produce is available at no cost for fire-impacted residents through a voucher system—register online, then pick up at Fair Oaks Burger in Altadena. Saturday, August 16 from 9:00AM–12:00PM.
🎶 Pasadena Conservatory of Music Open House: Tour the new Learning Center, meet faculty, sit in on sample classes, and enjoy live performances before fall registration. Saturday, August 16 from 10:00AM–2:00PM.
🖼️ Opening: Scenic Route – A Half-Century of California Discovery, 1900–1950: Nearly 30 early 20th-century landscape paintings capture California’s deserts, valleys, mountains, and iconic sites during a transformative era. Opens Saturday, August 16 at American Legacy Fine Arts (by appointment).
📖 Musical Storytime at the Gamble House: On the Gamble House lawn, children’s books meet live music in an interactive storytime led by Pasadena Conservatory of Music’s Rachael Denny. Saturday, August 16 from 11:00AM–12:00PM.
🎭 Friends of the Pasadena Playhouse: Learn how to get involved as a volunteer with Pasadena’s historic regional theater at this info session at Tender Greens. Saturday, August 16 at 11:00AM.
🎶 Summer Park Concert Series at Memorial Park: Live music in the park on a summer evening—bring a blanket or chair and enjoy the latest performance in this season-long concert series. Saturday, August 16 at 5:00PM.
🪩 Saturday Night Swing: Hollywood & Vinyl – Retro 70’s Night: Dance the night away to live swing with a 1970s twist at Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association. Complimentary lesson at 7:30PM, music from 8:00–11:00PM. Saturday, August 16 at 7:30PM.
Sunday
🎧 Listening to Secret Worlds with Aaron Tupac (Session 2): Explore the Arroyo Seco’s hidden soundscapes with mycologist Aaron Tupac, from the quiet of fungi to the hum of insects, in this immersive field recording workshop. Sunday, August 17 from 9:00AM–12:30PM.
🧘 The Courtyard Series | Wellness Activities: A free Sunday morning session at One Colorado with guided movement and mindfulness activities to recharge for the week ahead. Sunday, August 17 from 10:00AM–11:00AM.
🎼 Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome at Mount Wilson Observatory: Experience chamber music inside the historic 100-inch telescope dome—an architectural and acoustic marvel where science meets art. Performances at 3:00PM and 5:00PM, with a 4:00PM reception under the pines. Sunday, August 17.
🌅 Twilight Garden Strolls at The Huntington: Wander the gardens in the soft light of early evening, with most areas open and dining spots serving until dusk. Sunday, August 17 from 4:30PM–7:30PM.
🎤 Concerts in the Park: Live from Earth – Pat Benatar & Beyond: The summer concert series wraps up at Garfield Park with a tribute to Pat Benatar and more—perfect for picnics, dancing, and a summer night outdoors. Sunday, August 17 at 5:00PM.
🚗 Cruising Colorado: Route 66 & Pasadena’s Car Scene: Stroll a stretch of Colorado Boulevard and explore Pasadena’s deep ties to Route 66 and car culture, from classic cruisers to local automotive history. Sunday, August 17 from 5:30PM–7:30PM.
🎼 Richard An with House on Fire + Friends: An inventive evening at Sierra Madre Playhouse with music for toy pianos, wooden frogs, twigs, and more—plus a world premiere by Carolyn Chen. Sunday, August 17 at 7:30PM.
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
Proposed Green Street Development Draws Pushback
A big development proposal is stirring up conversation in the neighborhood around Caltech. Trammell Crow Company wants to put up a three- to four-story research and development building at the southeast corner of Green Street and Holliston Avenue — right next to St. Philip the Apostle Church and school.
The 93,500-square-foot project would have three underground parking levels and, according to reports, mark the first time Caltech has ever subleased its land. The location has raised concerns from the St. Philip’s community, especially with its proximity to the school’s transitional kindergarten classrooms and playgrounds.
A public meeting to go over the project is set for Thursday, August 14, from 5:30–7:00PM at the Hameetman Center Multipurpose Room on Caltech’s campus (1200 E. California Blvd.). Parking is available at 370 S. Holliston Avenue.
NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER
Friday
81 🌡️ 62 |☀️| 💨 S 7 mph
🌆 Air Quality Index: 52 (Moderate)
Saturday
80 🌡️ 62 |☀️| 💨 S 9 mph
Sunday
83 🌡️ 62 |☀️| 💨 SW 7 mph
Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar.
LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
🎹 Larry Garf at Jones Coffee Roasters: Morning coffee with a side of ragtime, early jazz, blues, and a few Beatles tunes from pianist Larry Garf. Friday, August 15 at 9:00AM.
🎼 Stanley Oropesa at Jones Coffee Roasters: Local accordionist Stanley Oropesa plays everything from Bach and Chopin to Irish tunes, ragtime, and film scores. Friday, August 15 at 11:00AM.
🎷 Jenny & The Jazz Birds at Jones Coffee Roasters: Local favorites bringing blues, funk, and classic jazz to the Raymond Avenue café—a weekend staple for over five years. Saturday, August 16 at 10:00AM.
🎶 Summer Park Concert Series at Memorial Park: Live music in the park on a summer evening—bring a blanket or chair and enjoy the latest performance in this season-long concert series. Saturday, August 16 at 5:00PM.
🎵 RÜFÜS DU SOL – Inhale / Exhale World Tour: The Grammy-winning trio brings their immersive live show and stunning visuals to the Rose Bowl, performing tracks from their latest album alongside fan favorites. Saturday, August 16 at 7:30PM.
🎷 The Gold Line Jazz Collective at Jones Coffee Roasters: Pianist Hank Mehren leads a rotating lineup of local talent for a morning set blending cool jazz, hard bop, and Latin fusion. Sunday, August 17 at 10:00AM.
🎶 Jazz Sundays with Catlin & Rosser: Barb Catlin and Ken Rosser bring their long-running jazz duo to Jones Coffee Roasters, mixing originals with works by Carla Bley, Billy Strayhorn, Steve Swallow, and Wayne Shorter. Sunday, August 17 at 2:00PM.
🎤 Concerts in the Park: Live from Earth – Pat Benatar & Beyond: The summer concert series wraps up at Garfield Park with a tribute to Pat Benatar and more—perfect for picnics, dancing, and a summer night outdoors. Sunday, August 17 at 5:00PM.
🎶 Music in the Park: The Laurel Canyon Band: Spend the evening at La Canada Memorial Park with classic SoCal sounds from the ’60s and ’70s, performed by The Laurel Canyon Band. Sunday, August 17 from 6:00PM–8:00PM.
THANKS!
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