September is Here

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. It’s September now, and although it’s not quite Fall yet, it’s a little more acceptable to order pumpkin spiced lattes.

In Today’s News N’ Roses:

• Pasadena Rally for Workers’ Rights on Labor Day

• Should Colorado Blvd Have Its Own Bus Lane?

• Events This Wednesday & Thursday

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

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Happy Birthday Cassian! 🎂🐈

THE DIGEST

Pasadena Rally for Workers’ Rights on Labor Day

Pasadena’s Labor Day was more march than picnic this year, as hundreds filled the streets from City Hall to Paseo Pasadena in a rally calling to “put workers over billionaires.”

The crowd stretched four blocks down Colorado Boulevard, chanting, waving placards, and singing protest songs led by Pasadena-based duo The NextDoors (Russell Mark and Mika Larson).

Speakers included U.S. Rep. Judy Chu, Assemblymember John Harabedian, PUSD Board Member Patrice Marshall McKenzie, and State Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez, all urging stronger worker protections and fairer wages.

Organizers tied the rally to the upcoming Proposition 50 ballot measure, which they say is crucial for protecting labor rights and California’s democratic process. Organizers promised to keep momentum alive through voter drives and town halls leading into November.

Should Colorado Blvd Have Its Own Bus Lane?

If you’ve ever taken the bus down Colorado through Old Pas, you know the drill: stuck behind cars, stopping at every light, crawling along at walking speed. Not exactly the “rapid” part of transit.

Now Metro’s new BRT line is coming soon, connecting Pasadena to North Hollywood, Glendale, and beyond. Every city along the route is getting dedicated bus lanes… except Pasadena. Yep, we’re the gap in the chain.

That’s why the Pasadena Complete Streets Coalition is calling for a bus-only lane through Old Pas. Picture this: buses gliding past gridlock while cars still have their lanes, plus most parking stays (just switched back to parallel). Oh, and emergency vehicles could use the lane too.

The upside? Faster rides for thousands of daily bus riders, less stop-and-go for drivers, and more people hopping off buses to shop and eat on Colorado. Win-win-win.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Wednesday

• 🤝 Pasadena Chamber Luncheon Alliance: Connect with local professionals over lunch at Fogo de Chão. The Chamber’s monthly luncheon is all about networking, conversation, and community building. Wednesday, September 3 at 11:30AM.

• 🌟 Pasadena Rotary Weekly Meeting: This week’s guest speaker is Joy Chen, Co-Founder and CEO of the Eaton Fire Survivors Network. She’ll share how a casual pickleball chat grew into one of the nation’s largest survivor communities. Wednesday, September 3 at 12:00PM.

• 🎬 Ciné Club: Taxi (1998): Alliance Française de Pasadena brings its film club back in person with a screening of the French cult classic Taxi. The fast-paced comedy-action film set in Marseille will be followed by a lively discussion in French, open to all levels. Wednesday, September 3 at 1:00PM.

• 🎶 Centering Sounds: 20s, 30s & 40s: Pasadena Village kicks off its new outdoor concert series at Washington Park with Art Deco Entertainment, bringing the music of the roaring 20s through the swing era. A twilight performance focused on community, connection, and a little vintage flair. Wednesday, September 3 at 5:30PM.

• 🍻 Game Night Live Trivia at Stone Brewing Tap Room: Trivia night with a twist—think word jumbles, picture rounds, and game show–style challenges instead of the usual Q&A. Free to play, prizes on the line, and plenty of craft beer to go around. Wednesday, September 3 from 6:00PM–8:00PM.

• 🎭 One Man, Two Guvnors: At A Noise Within, this award-winning farce follows a hapless man secretly juggling two bosses in 1960s Brighton. Expect slapstick, sharp wit, and a live skiffle band in a night of comic chaos. Wednesday, September 3 at 7:30PM.

Thursday

• 🌺 Free Day at The Huntington: Explore gardens, galleries, and historic collections at no cost during The Huntington’s monthly Free Day. Advance reservations are required, and tickets go fast, so set your reminder early. Thursday, September 4.

• 🥬 South Pasadena Farmers’ Market: Every Thursday evening, Mission Street fills with the sights, sounds, and flavors of one of the region’s most beloved markets. Shop fresh produce, grab dinner from local food vendors, and enjoy live music under the trees. Thursday, September 4 from 4:00PM–7:00PM.

• 🐾 Rockstar Recalls: If “come!” doesn’t always work with your pup, this 45-minute Pasadena Humane workshop will help turn recall into a rockstar skill. Using positive reinforcement, trainers guide you and your dog toward reliable responses (even with squirrels around). Thursday, September 4 at 5:30PM.

• 🗣️ Toastmasters: Talk of the Town: Want to get more comfortable speaking in front of others? This free session at Crowell Library lets you practice short speeches with supportive coaching from experienced Toastmasters leaders. Thursday, September 4 at 6:15PM.

• 🧵🎨 Beginner Sewing & Watercolor Art Flow Cards: Remainders Creative Reuse hosts two beginner-friendly workshops side by side. Learn the basics of using a sewing machine while making a simple project, or dive into watercolor and mixed media to create handcrafted cards with a personal touch. Materials are provided for both classes. Thursday, September 4 at 6:00PM.

Save the Date

• 🧸 Free First Fridays at Kidspace Children’s Museum: An afternoon of play and discovery awaits with free admission to Kidspace. Families can explore interactive exhibits and outdoor spaces designed to spark creativity and curiosity. Friday, September 5 from 2:00PM–5:00PM.

• 🖼️ Free First Fridays at Norton Simon Museum: Stroll the galleries and garden without the price tag—Norton Simon opens its doors for free on the first Friday evening of the month. A perfect way to end the week surrounded by world-class art. Friday, September 5 from 4:00PM–7:00PM.

• 🎸 Oasis Live ’25 North American Tour: The Rose Bowl hosts one of the biggest comebacks in music as Oasis takes the stage with special guest Cage The Elephant. Both nights are already sold out, marking Pasadena as part of this historic return. Saturday, September 6 at Rose Bowl Stadium.

• 🎶 Pasadena POPS Summer Concert Series: Michael Feinstein steps out from behind the conductor’s podium to sing his way through the Great American Songbook—from Gershwin classics to Billy Joel favorites, with a moving tribute to lyricist Alan Bergman. Saturday, September 6 at 7:30PM.

• 🎷 Live Rooftop Jazz with the Karolyn Dudro Quartet: Soak up the South Pasadena night sky with Karolyn Dudro’s soulful vocals backed by a top-tier quartet. Expect smooth jazz, bossa nova, and fresh spins on pop favorites—all from a rooftop setting made for music lovers. Saturday, September 13 from 7:00PM–9:30PM.

• 🎨 Pasadena ARTWalk: Playhouse Village comes alive with over 180 artisans showcasing fine art, photography, fashion, jewelry, home goods, and more. A vibrant outdoor weekend market that celebrates creativity and handmade artistry. Saturday & Sunday, September 20–21 from 11:00AM–6:00PM.

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

Pasadena Greenlights 17 Hydrogen-Powered Buses

Pasadena Transit is taking a big step toward a zero-emission future. The City Council has approved the purchase of 17 hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric buses, set to roll out by spring 2027.

Once in service, nearly 46% of the fleet will run on clean energy — Pasadena’s first multi-vehicle zero-emission transit order. The $150.7 million project, backed by over $100 million in grants, also includes a new operations facility and hydrogen fueling station.

“This is a huge accomplishment, especially for an agency of our size,” said DOT Director Joaquin Siques, noting the transition is part of the city’s Zero Emission Bus Rollout Plan adopted in 2023.

Commission on the Status of Women Meeting

The City’s Commission on the Status of Women meets monthly to advise City Council on issues affecting women across Pasadena. Open to the public at the Jackie Robinson Community Center. Wednesday, September 3 at 6:00PM.

NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Wednesday

93 🌡️ 69 |☀️| 💨 SE 1 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 36 (Good)

Thursday

92 🌡️ 70 |☀️| 💨 SW 7 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

• 🎵 Music in the Chinese Garden: Stroll through The Huntington’s Garden of Flowing Fragrance as live traditional Chinese music drifts through the air. Each week features a soloist on classical instruments like the dizi, pipa, or erhu, creating a serene midweek escape. Wednesday, September 3 from 1:00PM–3:00PM.

• 🎶 Centering Sounds: 20s, 30s & 40s: Pasadena Village kicks off its new outdoor concert series at Washington Park with Art Deco Entertainment, bringing the music of the roaring 20s through the swing era. A twilight performance focused on community, connection, and a little vintage flair. Wednesday, September 3 at 5:30PM.

• 🎶 The David Eastlee Trio at Edwin Mills: Settle in for an evening of jazz standards with guitarist David Eastlee, joined by saxophonist Doug Webb and trio. Expect masterful playing, original compositions, and a nod to jazz greats. Wednesday, September 3 from 6:00PM–10:00PM.

• 🎸 Doug MacDonald at Edwin Mills: Jazz journeyman guitarist Doug MacDonald brings warmth, swing, and a timeless love for standards to the stage. With a career spanning collaborations from Ray Charles to Rosemary Clooney, his playing carries both mastery and joy. Thursday, September 4 from 6:00PM–10:00PM.

• 🎸 Sons of Hermon at Old Town Pub: Pasadena’s own blues band brings raw, soulful energy to the stage for a night of live music in Old Town. Wednesday, September 3 at 8:00PM.

• 🎤 Gagik Badalyan Live in Concert: Eden Garden Pasadena hosts an intimate evening with acclaimed vocalist Gagik Badalyan. Just one night, one voice, and one stage for a powerful live performance. Friday, September 5 at 7:30PM.

THANKS!

Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, share it with someone who takes public transportation to work. 🚌

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