Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses—the newsletter that sticks to the beat of Pasadena’s drum.
In Today’s News N’ Roses:
Vote for Free Concerts at Memorial Park
Goodwill Opens Fourth Pasadena Store Near PCC
Events This Wednesday & Thursday
Civil News
Live Music Lowdown
Let’s get to it.
—Matthew Ramirez
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Happy Birthday Eric Tomlinson! 🎂
THE DIGEST
Vote for Free Concerts at Memorial Park
We all love live music and concerts in the park during the summertime, and they’re one of the most popular events. Pasadena has a shot at landing up to $120,000 for free outdoor concerts in Memorial Park…but it all comes down to resident votes.
The city is in the running for a Levitt Music Series Grant, which would fund seven to ten professional concerts a year from 2026 through 2028. If Pasadena is chosen, the concerts would kick off in 2026 and run for three years, bringing live music to the park and turning it into what the organizers call “a vibrant, inclusive community destination.”
Voting begins on September 5th and is open until September 15 (I’ll remind you again when the time comes). You can cast your vote at Levitt.org or by texting PASADENA to (877) 409-5525. Each person gets up to five votes for proposals nationwide. Winners will be announced November 18.
Goodwill Opens Fourth Pasadena Store Near PCC
Pasadena is getting another Goodwill! The nonprofit is cutting the ribbon on its fourth local spot this Friday, Aug. 22, at 1720 E. Colorado Blvd. right by PCC. Doors open at 10AM, and they’re rolling out some fun grand opening perks all weekend. The first 50 people in line get a $10 voucher, shoppers spending $20 or more get free gifts while supplies last, and there’ll be drawings for prizes like a 65-inch TV. On top of that, daily tag sales are running: purple tags drop to $2.49 Friday and $1.99 Saturday, and yellow tags go half off Sunday.
This new location joins three others already in Pasadena, and like all Goodwill stores, proceeds go back into job training and employment programs. They’re open 7 days a week, 10AM to 9PM, if you want to check it out.
@NEWSN_ROSES
📷@cityofpasadena📍Memorial Park, Pasadena
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WHAT’S HAPPENING
Wednesday
🎹 Music at Noon: Makiko Hirata, piano: Take a midweek pause with the artistry of Dr. Makiko Hirata, a world-class pianist known as “Dr. Pianist” for her work blending music with healing and social impact. From Carnegie Hall to Pasadena, her performances bring both brilliance and heart. Wednesday, August 20 at 12PM.
🎨 Linocut Printing: Try your hand at the timeless art of linocut printmaking. From sketching and carving to inking and pressing, you’ll learn the full process and leave with your own set of prints to keep or build on later. Wednesday, August 20 at 6:00PM.
📚 The President’s Table on Education: The NAACP Pasadena Branch hosts a timely discussion on how federal policies ripple down to local schools. With voices from PUSD and PCC leadership, the conversation will spotlight equity, access, and the future of education in our community. Wednesday, August 20 at 6:30PM.
😂 Wednesdays at the DL with DL Hughley & Friends: Comedy legend DL Hughley takes over the Ice House with a weekly night of sharp wit and surprise guests. Expect a mix of big-name acts and rising stars, all bringing the laughs to Pasadena’s legendary stage. Wednesday, August 20 at 8:00PM.
Thursday
🏈 Rose Bowl Quarterback Club Season Kickoff Breakfast: Start the season inside the Rose Bowl Stadium with a breakfast that blends Bruin pride and big-picture college football talk. Hear from UCLA greats John Sciarra, Chase Griffin, and Jonathan Franklin as they share stories and insights on the game’s past, present, and future. Thursday, August 21 from 8:00AM–9:30AM.
🌹 Tournament House Tour: Step into Pasadena history with a guided tour of the Wrigley Mansion, longtime headquarters of the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game. From hidden details to stories of the Wrigley family and Tournament traditions, it’s a chance to see one of the city’s most iconic landmarks up close. Thursday, August 21 at 2:00PM.
🥕 South Pasadena Farmers’ Market: Every Thursday, Mission Street comes alive with farm-fresh produce, local bites, and live music under the trees. Grab dinner, browse the stalls, and soak in the neighborhood energy just steps from the Gold Line station. Thursday, August 21 from 4:00PM–7:00PM.
✨ YWCA of San Gabriel Valley’s 90th Anniversary Legacy Gala: Nine decades of impact deserve a night to remember. The YWCA San Gabriel Valley marks its 90th year with a gala at the Hilton San Gabriel, celebrating its history while rallying support for the programs that continue to serve the region’s most vulnerable. Thursday, August 21 from 5:00PM–9:00PM.
🗣️ Toastmasters Talk of the Town: Looking to sharpen your speaking skills? This welcoming session at Crowell Library offers a chance to practice short speeches, get helpful coaching, and build confidence in a supportive setting. Thursday, August 21 at 6:15PM.
✍️ Writer’s Block: Creative Writing & Meaningful Connection: Settle in at Octavia’s Bookshelf for an hour of creative flow and community. Whether you’re working on poetry, stories, or screenplays, this welcoming space invites writers of all levels to free-write, share, and connect. Thursday, August 21 from 6:00PM–7:00PM.
🥾 Thursday Evening Conditioning Hike: Get your heart rate up on a 5-mile round trip up Earl Canyon Motorway, with 1,300 feet of elevation gain and sweeping views of the LA basin and night sky. A perfect mix of workout and scenery to cap off the day. Thursday, August 21 at 6:45PM.
💡 Pasadena Tech Happy Hour: Pasadena’s tech crowd comes together every third Thursday to trade ideas, make connections, and spark collaborations. From founders and investors to designers and developers, it’s a relaxed space to meet people shaping the city’s growing innovation scene. Thursday, August 21 from 6:00PM–9:00PM.
🎬 Movies in the Park: The Wild Robot: Loma Alta Park turns into an open-air theater for a screening of The Wild Robot. Bring a blanket, settle in under the evening sky, and enjoy this family-friendly summer favorite with neighbors and friends. Thursday, August 21 at 6:00PM.
🏛️ Inventing the Southwest: The Architectural Significance of El Alisal: Step into the story of Charles F. Lummis and his hand-built home, El Alisal—an early Arts and Crafts landmark that helped shape Southwest architecture. Pasadena Museum of History’s Christian Rodriguez shares insights into its design, legacy, and preservation. Thursday, August 21 from 7:00PM–8:00PM.
Upcoming Events
🍰 Rumors: A High Tea, Immersive Theatre Experience: Settle in for an evening where fine dining meets farcical comedy. As you enjoy tiers of scones, sandwiches, and sweets, Neil Simon’s Rumors unfolds around you—an upscale dinner party gone hilariously wrong, complete with chaos, cover-ups, and razor-sharp wit. Friday, August 22.
🏡 Friday Nights at The Gamble House: Wind down the week on the Gamble House lawn with live music, wine flights from West Altadena Wine & Spirits, and plenty of room to picnic. Afterward, step inside the historic home’s first floor, where docents will be on hand to share stories about this Pasadena treasure. Friday, August 22 from 5:30PM–7:30PM.
🥊 Centennial Square Boxing Show: The gloves are coming out at Pasadena City Hall for the 10th Annual Centennial Square Boxing Show. Expect an electrifying night of Olympic-style bouts as young athletes from across Southern California step into the ring under the lights of this iconic setting. Friday, August 22 from 7:00PM–10:00PM.
🎶 Summer Park Concert Series: Memorial Park fills with music as the Michael Haggins Band takes the stage. Bring a blanket, spread out on the lawn, and enjoy an evening of live music. Saturday, August 23 at 5:00PM.
🎶 Pasadena POPS Summer Concert Series: The Arboretum sets the stage for a night of nostalgia as the Pasadena POPS bring Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to The Beatles to life. Expect all the timeless hits, reimagined with full orchestral power under the stars. Saturday, August 23 at 7:30PM.
🎥 Matinees on the Mountain: Head up to Mt. Wilson for Envisioning the Skies: A Short History of Astronomical Films, a special screening with LA Filmforum. Between the Observatory views, the historic auditorium, and a lineup of vintage cosmic cinema, it’s an afternoon that blends science, history, and a touch of Hollywood magic. Saturday, August 23 from 3:00PM–5:30PM.
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
Fall & Winter Recreation Programs Registration
Pasadena residents can still sign up for the city’s fall and winter recreation programs, running 15 weeks and offering something for all ages. The lineup includes $2 lap swimming at John J. Kennedy and Robinson Park Pools, after-school Adventures programs at Don Benito, Hamilton, and McKinley schools, plus arts and crafts like ceramics, collage, and jewelry-making. Dance options range from Ballet Folklórico to line dancing and aerobic fitness. Free enrichment includes Parks After Dark events, bridge and Bid Whist clubs, and Spanish citizenship prep. Fees run free–$75, with waivers available for PUSD students. Registration is online at pasadena.civicrec.com, and questions can be directed to (626) 744-7500 or [email protected].
NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER
Wednesday
95 🌡️ 65 |☀️| 💨 E 1 mph
🌆 Air Quality Index: 32 (Good)
Thursday
99 🌡️ 74 |☀️| 💨 S 6 mph
⚠️Extreme Heat Warning
Dangerously hot conditions with temperatures of 95 to 110 degrees expected from 11AM Wednesday to 9PM Saturday. (Issued by the National Weather Service).
Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar.
LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
🎹 Music at Noon: Makiko Hirata, piano: Take a midweek pause with the artistry of Dr. Makiko Hirata, a world-class pianist known as “Dr. Pianist” for her work blending music with healing and social impact. From Carnegie Hall to Pasadena, her performances bring both brilliance and heart. Wednesday, August 20 at 12PM.
🌿 Music in the Chinese Garden: Stroll the Garden of Flowing Fragrance while classical instruments like the pipa, erhu, and dizi fill the air with unamplified melodies. Each week brings a different musician, making every visit its own calming escape. Wednesday, August 20 at 1:00PM.
🎵 Music For Hope America: An evening of music, food, and community spirit honoring 25 years of Children of One Planet. Local musicians and singers will take the stage for a heartfelt fundraiser supporting programs that bring music, dance, and healing to kids across LA County—especially those impacted by the Eaton Fire. Thursday, August 21 from 6:00PM–9:00PM.
THANKS!
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